About Us


Our Mission is to be known as the leading provider
of quality training and technical assistance.


Maine Rural Water Association is a member-based organization created in 1979 with the goal of providing
technical assistance and training to small water and wastewater utilities. As a non-profit trade association,
we also advocate for our members' interests at the local, state, and federal levels.

We are unique among trade associations in that we provide hands-on technical assistance. Our Water and
Wastewater Circuit Riders, Training Specialist and Sourcewater Protection Specialist are federally funded. We
also have 2 small water system circuit riders that are funded by the State of Maine.

We have a 12-member board of Directors that represents over 400 entities in our industry from the very smallest
water systems to the very largest water and wastewater utilities, as well as associated industry businesses.

We were busy in 2022!

Our Services

Consumer Confidence Reports

The 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments require you to prepare a CCR each year, no later than July 1st. A CCR describes the quality of your water, your source of supply, testing results, and violations.
  
Grant Writing & Loan Assistance

While grants and loans are still available in the State, the grants are getting fewer and more competitive and the low-interest loans require additional information for eligibility. MRWA has working relationships with the Maine Municipal Bond Bank and USDA Rural Development. In addition, the MRWA has a proven track record with successful Community Development Block Grants applications. MRWA is also able to assist utilities with federal appropriations. Call us for assistance with your funding project.
Vulnerability Assessments & Emergency Response Planning

As a result of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, EPA required water suppliers with populations of 3,300 to 49,999 to certify and submit Vulnerability Assessments by June 30, 2004. Additionally, systems must certify the completion of the Emergency Response Plans by December 31, 2004.

USDA Rural Development has recently issued a directive that requires existing borrowers and applicants seeking program funding who are public systems (both water and wastewater) to complete a Vulnerability Assessment/Emergency Response Plan. Still haven’t completed your system’s VA/ERP? Call MRWA for help.
Leak Detection & Line Location

MRWA's Circuit Riders can assist your system with leak detection. Using the latest technology, our Circuit Riders save systems hundreds of thousands of dollars each year by locating leaks. The Circuit Riders are your source for compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. In addition, the Circuit Riders can assist you in understanding the rules and regulations of the Public Utility Commission. Ask one of MRWA’s Circuit Riders questions about methods of dealing with Lead/Copper problems, disinfection byproducts issues, as well as corrosion control. We are here to help you!
Income Surveys

Through the use of income surveys, MRWA has been successful in assisting utilities and communities alike in qualifying for low-interest loans and grants. Income surveys can be an enormous undertaking and are time-consuming, contact MRWA for our assistance.
Compliance

Any Very Small Water Systems (VSWS) needing technical assistance are encouraged to contact MWRA for the services provided by the water quality specialist, such as assisting public water systems with compliance issues, rule education, public notification, sampling plans/schedules, system maintenance, leak detection, valve locating, and on-site training.
Rate Cases

With the barrage of new regulations and the shortage of grant dollars, many systems are realizing that the only option is an analysis and increase in their rate structure. MRWA recommends scheduling a rate increase every three to five years. In doing so, this avoids the public outcry of rate increases that are in the 30%, 60%, and even 100% range. MRWA is leading the industry in the number of rate cases prepared per year. We are currently performing over a dozen cases each year. Have you found that your rate structure is not sufficient? Call MRWA for help.
Source Protection Planning

Only about 1% of all the water in the world can be used for drinking. It is such a basic part of our lives for bathing, cooking, cleaning, and many other non-drinking purposes, we sometimes take water quality for granted. But what would you do if you couldn’t just turn the tap and get a nice fresh glass of water? Cleaning up your drinking water is more expensive than keeping it safe to begin with. Understanding the benefits of source protection will improve water quality. In Maine alone, the average cost of protection ranges from $500– $150,000, while the average cost of remediation ranges from $5,000 – $2 million. When protecting your drinking water, it’s best to remember what Benjamin Franklin once said: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Contract Operations

MRWA operates several small water systems across the state. We collect samples, write reports and represent your interests with regulatory agencies.
Onsite Contract Training

Get the training you need, at your facility. No need to tie up vehicles and leave the shop shorthanded. Any training that we normally do in a centralized classroom setting can be tailored to your specific needs. You can even invite your neighbor utilities to join you and make little money on the side. Call us today to find out how we can help you with your training needs.