As water utilities continue to be essential lifelines for communities, keeping infrastructure resilient and prepared for risks is a top priority. The America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018 set out to strengthen the resilience of these systems by requiring Risk and Resilience Assessments (RRAs) every five years for water utilities serving more than 3,300 people. With the first wave of recertification deadlines rapidly approaching in 2025 and 2026, now is the time for municipalities across Texas to begin preparations.
If you are involved in managing a water utility that serves more than 3,300 residents, read on for a breakdown of what’s required, key deadlines, and how LSPS Solutions can support your municipality’s RRA recertification.
Why RRA Compliance Matters for Your Municipality
Under AWIA, RRAs are critical tools that ensure water systems can withstand various threats, from natural disasters to human-caused hazards. These assessments help water utilities identify vulnerabilities in physical infrastructure, cybersecurity defenses, and emergency response protocols, which are essential for community resilience.
The AWIA mandates that utilities must not only perform these assessments but also revisit and update them every five years to reflect evolving risks and new regulatory standards. The purpose is simple: to keep water infrastructure protected, efficient, and in compliance with federal regulations. Failing to meet these standards can lead to penalties and, more importantly, compromise the safety of water supply systems.
Upcoming Deadlines for RRA Recertification
The America’s Water Infrastructure Act established different deadlines for re-certification based on the size of the population served. To ensure compliance, municipalities should mark the following dates on their calendars:
- March 31, 2025 – For water utilities serving 100,000 or more people
- December 31, 2025 – For water utilities serving 50,000 to 99,999 people
- June 30, 2026 – For water utilities serving 3,301 to 49,999 people
Each of these deadlines represents the five-year anniversary of the original certification submissions, and compliance hinges on completing the RRA recertification on time. For municipalities of all sizes, this process includes updating assessments on key areas such as:
- Physical security: Assessing and strengthening protections against vandalism, terrorism, and natural disasters.
- Cybersecurity: Identifying digital vulnerabilities and implementing defenses against cyberattacks on essential systems.
- Contamination risks: Evaluating potential points of contamination and improving monitoring capabilities.
- System resilience: Reviewing infrastructure durability and preparing for recovery in the event of a disruption.
Staying on top of these components is crucial, as they directly impact public health, water quality, and regulatory compliance. By preparing early, your municipality can avoid last-minute stress and ensure all requirements are met.
How LSPS Solutions Can Help With AWIA Compliance
At LSPS Solutions, we understand the intricacies involved in meeting AWIA RRA requirements. Our team of experts has experience working with municipalities across Texas to conduct Risk and Resilience Assessments that are thorough, efficient, and fully compliant with EPA standards. Whether your utility completed its initial AWIA compliance independently or with outside help, LSPS Solutions is ready to step in and support your recertification needs.
Our RRA services include:
- Comprehensive risk assessments that cover physical security, cybersecurity, contamination threats, and other EPA-mandated areas.
- Customized solutions that reflect the unique challenges and requirements of your municipality.
- Efficient project management to ensure every step—from assessment to certification—is handled smoothly and on schedule.
With LSPS Solutions, you don’t have to worry about the complexities of America’s Water Infrastructure Act compliance. Our team will manage the entire process, so your utility’s staff can stay focused on day-to-day operations. For Texas municipalities, this means peace of mind knowing that your community’s water infrastructure is secure and compliant.
Why Prepare Early?
Meeting AWIA standards is a continual process that relies on careful planning, detailed assessment, and timely action. Re-certification is more than a box to check off; it’s a valuable opportunity to update your systems and protect your community. Starting the Risk and Resilience Assessments process early not only ensures compliance but also gives your municipality time to address any vulnerabilities that may arise during the assessment.
The countdown to the first 2025 recertification deadlines is on, and municipalities should consider beginning preparations now to avoid last-minute stress. By working with an experienced partner like LSPS Solutions, you can streamline the process and be fully prepared for recertification.
Let’s Keep Your Community’s Water System Resilient and Compliant
If your municipality is ready to start the AWIA RRA recertification process, or if you simply want to discuss the requirements and how LSPS Solutions can help, please reach out to us today. Whether we handled your initial AWIA compliance work or you’re working with us for the first time, we are here to ensure your recertification is seamless, comprehensive, and cost-effective.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can support your municipality’s compliance needs. Together, we’ll keep your community’s water safe, resilient, and compliant.
Maintaining AWIA compliance is essential to protecting your municipality’s water resources and the community’s well being. With LSPS Solutions as your partner, you can face the upcoming recertification deadlines with confidence and ensure that your water systems are ready for any challenge.