Illinois Rural Water Association

Remember the IPWSOA conference is just over a month away! Register for the conference today!
https://www.ilrwa.org/IPWSOA/IPWSOA%20Conference.html

Are you looking to hire someone new for your water/wastewater department? Why not hire someone already approved to be an apprentice? We have several people throughout the state just waiting on their chance to learn about a career in water or wastewater. Follow this link to see the areas they are in: https://www.ilrwa.org/Job%20Referrals/Job%20Board.html

IRWA Wastewater Technician Shawn Dakin recently assisted the Village of Thebes when their main lift station pump went down. On site assistance included C and C Pumps & Supply, Illinois EPA and State Representative for District 118 Scott Doody.

The Senate Agriculture Committee is scheduled to mark up the Agricultural Act of 2026, known as “Farm Bill 2.0,” on Thursday.

“The Farm Bill contains transformational, bipartisan legislation, including a Cybersecurity Circuit Rider Program, modernization of USDA water financing programs, and providing financial incentives to assist voluntary consolidation, all of which will protect public health, preserve economic vitality, and ensure affordability of water services in rural America,” said NRWA Chief Executive Officer Matthew Holmes. “NRWA has advocated for these provisions, which will directly impact Rural Water's 31,000 utility members nationwide, and strengthen water and wastewater infrastructure in rural America.”

We encourage the Senate to pass this vital piece of legislation that provides additional resources and expands authorities for rural water and wastewater utilities to address current challenges, including recent cyberattacks and threats in rural America.

Welcome to our new member for July! WaterWorksPro . 1,087 of the 1,212 members have renewed so far, so we also welcome those renewing members back. August is the last month to renew membership dues before cancellations. Last but not least, help us give a warm welcome to our new Training Specialist, Matt King.

Happy 8 year work anniversary to our State Circuit Rider, Clark Cameron!

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Today is another bittersweet moment at IRWA as we say Happy Retirement to 3 more friends. We all wish you the best Dave McMillan, Steve Vance and Jeff McCready!

IRWA Encourages Water and Wastewater Utilities to be Vigilant:

It has come to IRWA’s attention, that multiple public water systems, including small utilities across several states, have experienced elevated cyber-attacks this week.

Illinois Rural Water Association advises ALL water and wastewater systems in the state to be aware, and to step up their existing cyber-security measures to combat electronic intrusion into their operational and managerial processes; and also, to pass along to all their employees, board/council members, and customers as well, about the importance of implementing continued safeguards.