Texas wins $63.5 Million EPA grant to upgrade water quality

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week granted the Texas Water Development Board more than $63.5 million for its Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund (CWRLF), which helps communities repair and replace water infrastructure and improve water quality.

The CWSRF works by giving communities and state agencies low-interest, flexible loans and other financial assistance for wastewater improvements. Created in 1987, it has become the largest source of funding for clean-water projects, contributing to better water quality, wildlife protection, safeguarding and restoration of drinking water and preservation of waters for recreational uses. In the past 28 years, it has provided 34,900 loans totalling more $105.4 billion.

The Texas Water Development Board funding will improve public health through reduction of issues like raw sewage discharges and other hazards. It will also promote healthier environments, improving the water quality of streams, lakes, rivers, bays and sources of drinking water, as well as benefiting aquatic life.