AQUARIUS Recognition Program
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) is a $71.4 billion federal-state partnership dedicated to protecting America’s public health. The program finances the construction and rehabilitation of critical drinking water infrastructure, along with public health-focused programs and activities across our nation. The DWSRF AQUARIUS program nationally recognizes DWSRF-funded projects for exceptional focus on five main areas. These projects are examples of the high level of innovation possible with the DWSRF.
States participating in this voluntary recognition program can nominate one DWSRF project during the 2026 round. All DWSRF projects are eligible for nomination, as long as the project (or a distinct project phase) is complete. The project must meet three criteria to be eligible:
- Address the most serious risk to human health;
- Necessary to ensure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act; and
- Assist systems most in need, on a per household basis, according to state-determined affordability criteria
Each year, one “Exceptional Project” will be selected for each of the five categories below:
- Excellence in Innovative Financing: project utilizes a variety of techniques to provide the best deal to the assistance recipient, including additional subsidy and co-financing with other state and federal agencies.
- Excellence in System Partnerships: project involves several stakeholders who work together and utilize DWSRF funding to solve various drinking water system challenges. Solutions include consolidation for public health reasons or creation of a regional drinking water system.
- Excellence in Community Engagement: project occurs because of active community participation, and the community is engaged in all aspects of the project.
- Excellence in Environmental and Public Health Protection: project addresses health-based violations with primary drinking water standards, emerging contaminants of concern, or public health threats to a non-regulated community (e.g., community on private wells).
- Excellence in Infrastructure Designed for the Future: project addresses hazards by strategically planning and integrating innovative infrastructure and technology; increases resiliency to cyber-attacks or natural disasters; improves emergency preparedness and response; conservation-based and nature-based solutions; water and energy efficiency.
2026 Winners
On April 8, 2026, EPA recognized state and community representatives for excellent and innovative projects within the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs at the Council of Water Infrastructure Financing Authorities (CIFA). These exemplary projects demonstrate leadership in innovative financing, partnership and problem solving while improving water quality and public health protection. Below are the Exceptional Project winners.
- Excellence in Innovative Financing: Nassau County - American Beach Water and Sewer District, Florida - American Beach Water and Sewer District Well and Septic Tank Phase Out
- Excellence in System Partnerships: Scituate Housing Authority, Rhode Island - Rockland Oaks Water System Consolidation and Integrated Infrastructure improvements
- Excellence in Community Engagement: City of Baltimore, Maryland - Baltimore City Lead and Copper Rule Revisions Compliance Program Inventory
- Excellence in Environmental and Public Health Protection: City of Westbrook, Minnesota - New Reverse Osmosis Plant for Nitrite
- Excellence in Infrastructure Designed for the Future; City of Antioch, California - Antioch Brackish Water Desalination Project
EPA also recognized state SRF programs through the new State Excellence Recognition Program, which celebrates high-performing state SRF programs that demonstrate outstanding financial and program management and effective delivery of assistance across both the CWSRF and DWSRF. One state DWSRF program was recognized this year for exceptional overall program performance to protect public health and the environment.
- DWSRF State Excellence Award: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
More information can be found in the attached compendium.
2026 AQUARIUS Recognition Program Compendium (pdf)
PREVIOUS YEARS
2025 AQUARIUS Project Compendium (pdf)
2022 AQUARIUS Project Compendium (pdf)
2021 AQUARIUS Recognition Program Compendium (pdf)
2020 AQUARIUS Program Compendium (pdf)
2019 AQUARIUS Recognition Program Compendium (EPA 816-K-17001) (pdf)