Guam Waterworks Authority gains $7.8 million for infrastructure improvements

The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced nearly $8 million in funding for the Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) to provide loans to local communities for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure improvements.

The combined $7.8 million in funding, through the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, will allow the GWA to assist communities in funding projects like designing and constructing infrastructure to improve wastewater and drinking water management. The EPA has provided more than $65 million in funding to the GWA over the past six years, which has gone toward projects such as improving the wastewater collection system along Route 1 in Asan, Route 2 in the War in the Pacific National Park and Route 4 in Agana and the Agat/Santa Rita area.

This year’s funding will go toward projects that include developing a monitoring and control system that will allow GWA to remotely manage drinking water distribution and wastewater collection networks. The funding will also allow the authority to improve water booster stations and maintain its own facilities and leak-detection program.

“This much-needed funding will help Guam provide cleaner, safer drinking water, while protecting its coral reefs,” EPA Acting Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest Alexis Strauss said. “We will continue to support Guam Waterworks Authority’s efforts to ensure safe drinking water and adequate sanitation for the residents of Guam.”