The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making $10.8 million in grant funding available to support workforce development across the water sector, with an emphasis on recruiting and training workers as utilities face anticipated retirements, aging infrastructure and evolving technical demands.

The funding is available through EPA’s Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant program. Eligible projects can focus on internships and apprenticeships for water utility trades, water-sector education programs, regional workforce collaborations and training for decentralized wastewater workers serving communities that rely on private wells and septic systems.

EPA said the need for skilled workers is increasing as drinking water, wastewater and stormwater utilities modernize infrastructure and respond to emerging challenges, including cybersecurity risks.

The grants are intended to support partnerships among federal, state and local governments, higher education institutions, apprenticeship programs, labor organizations, schools and community organizations to build career pathways into the water sector.

The funding follows an EPA roundtable focused on recruiting and retaining water-sector workers and is part of the agency’s effort to revitalize its 2020 Water Workforce Initiative.

Applications are due through Grants.gov by October 5, 2026.