The EPA is proposing a Water System Restructuring Rule, which outlines a framework for states, public water systems, and the communities they serve to evaluate options for restructuring to help ensure safe, reliable drinking water.  Water system restructuring changes may include operational changes, upgrades to or replacement of water system infrastructure, interconnection with another system, consolidation, or transfer of ownership.

The proposed rule also would allow states to require an assessment of a water system and would establish incentives for water systems to identify options and submit restructuring plans, particularly systems that regularly fail to meet the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

EPA is requesting public comment on the proposed regulation. The public comment period will be open until July 29th, 2024. Public comments can be provided at www.regulations.gov under Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0678.  Information on submitting comments to EPA dockets can be found here.

Find out more information, including the proposed rule, on the EPA's Water System Restructuring Assessment Rule webpage.