For a sneak peak of what is in store, click on the video below.

This year was a record-breaking year for the 30 years of FRWA and the Department of Environmental Protection partnering to bring you the Focus on Change. The opportunity FDEP gives the attendee to hear the latest information is so important to our systems and operators. FRWA would like to thank this year's speakers that delivered interesting and informative presentations at each of the FOC locations.  

This year there were over 1200 attendees from all over the state. Many attendees say that this is a "can't miss" training for them each year.  The topics covered each year are essential to keeping up with regulatory guidelines to keep your system in compliance. If you missed the sessions this year, you can access the information on our website by clicking here. 

We congratulate all the systems receiving Plant Excellence Awards. GREAT JOB!!

Again, thank you to each and everyone of you for your participation for making this year's Focus on Change a success. Make plans to attend next year as our journey continues in our partnership with the DEP.

The Florida Forests and Water Forum brings together partners from across the state to discuss the connection between healthy, managed forests and clean, reliable drinking water. You can join forest landowners, utilities, conservation groups, state agencies, and others as they plan for a safe, secure future for all Floridians.

At the forum you will learn about some of the history of the forest, its purpose, and some of the ongoing projects taking place on site. Topics will include forest genetics, prescribed fire regimes, forest carbon and water dynamics, forest hydrology, forest products, and more.

For information on this year's Forum and to register to attend, click here.

Yesterday, April 23, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Senior Advisor Jessica Kramer recognized 38 water infrastructure projects for excellence and innovation. These projects were funded by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs that have provided a foundation of federal investment in water infrastructure for decades. The SRF programs directly support EPA’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, which emphasizes the need for clean air, land, and water for every American and the importance of cooperative federalism.

“Funding for water infrastructure is vital to healthy Americans and economic opportunity. These federal dollars, which are invested by states, bring down costs and make needed water infrastructure upgrades attainable,” said EPA Senior Advisor Jessica Kramer. “As a result, more people can rely on safe drinking water and reliable wastewater management. At the same time, these investments help keep water bills affordable while construction creates local jobs. Congratulations to these award winners for the outstanding work.”

These exemplary projects were recognized as part of EPA’s AQUARIUS and PISCES national recognition programs at the at the 2025 Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities (CIFA) Summit on Water Infrastructure.

EPA’s AQUARIUS program celebrates DWSRF projects that are innovative, sustainable, and protect public health. Sixteen projects carried out by state or local governments and drinking water utilities were recognized by the 2025 AQUARIUS program, including these exceptional projects:

• Excellence in Innovative Financing: Merrimack Village District, New Hampshire — Wells 2, 3, 7, 8 PFAS and Iron/Manganese Treatment
• Excellence in System Partnerships: Stanislaus Regional Water Authority, California — Regional Surface Water Supply Project
• Excellence in Community Engagement: Bloomfield Township, New Jersey — Lead Service Replacement Phases
• Excellence in Environmental and Public Health Protection: City of Pineville, Missouri — Water Improvement Projects
• Excellence in Creative Solutions: Ellinger Sewer and Water Supply Corporation, Texas — Water Plant Improvements Project more

April 16, 1914 Municipal Journal article. Would Condemn All Wells. “Bridgeport, Conn.-“Condemn every well within the city limits.” is the way in which Commissioners E. A. Lambert and Frank W. Stevens of the Board of Health expressed their views of one means whereby the illness and death rate of the city can be reduced. At a special meeting of the Board of Health the two commissioners, one a sanitary engineer and the other a physician, declared that from their studies of the subject, every well in Bridgeport should be condemned. “The danger of an epidemic is great,” they declared, and in neighborhoods where contagious diseases exist a nearby well would prove the breeding place for millions of germs. This action may take place before the present board goes out of existence. Already all four members are prejudiced against wells and are taking steps to get rid of the more dangerous ones.”

Reference: “Would Condemn All Wells.” 1914. Municipal Journal article 36:16(April 16, 1914): 542.

Commentary This story is part of the broad movement away from shallow, contaminated urban wells towards central water supplies that had been going on in the US for 20 years. If Bridgeport had added chlorine to their new water supply, death rates would have plummeted.

FLORIDA RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION http://www.frwa.net

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