NRWA points to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data showing there are 49,413 community water systems nationwide, which is 4,651 fewer than in 2000, illustrating the continued evolution of the utility landscape through consolidation. The association reports that many community water systems are NRWA members and that some have expanded through these efforts. It further stresses that communities’ rights to make local decisions must be protected, given past attempts to compel consolidation that created confusion and mistrust.
What the white paper emphasizes
The white paper, titled “Regional Partnership Program: A Community-Led Approach,” calls for federal policy that supports voluntary, community-driven regionalization. It recommends ensuring communities have access to planning resources, technical assistance, and investment strategies that allow them to evaluate partnership opportunities while protecting local autonomy. According to NRWA’s analysis, pressures facing rural utilities—aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, regulatory requirements, and rising operating costs—make collaboration an important option to consider.
Drawing on years of field experience and system data, the analysis describes how trusted technical assistance providers can help communities assess and implement right-sized partnerships. It emphasizes that voluntary, community-led regional collaboration can strengthen long-term sustainability while preserving local governance, community identity, and public accountability.
Resources available to utilities
NRWA’s page compiles references intended to guide utilities exploring consolidation or partnership models. It includes the new white paper and a set of guiding principles for voluntary consolidation, along with multiple EPA resources that summarize partnership options and implementation approaches.
- Regional Partnership Program: A Community-Led Approach white paper
- NRWA consolidation guiding principles
- Article on guiding principles for voluntary water system consolidation
- EPA Water System Partnerships FAQ
- EPA How to Support Water System Partnerships handbook
- EPA Water System Partnerships case studies
- EPA Water System Partnerships implementation tools and resources
The page also cites EPA “Factoids Drinking Water and Ground Water Statistics for 2000” and the Enforcement and Compliance History Online database as sources for national system counts and context. NRWA’s core message is that communities should be equipped to make informed, voluntary decisions about regional partnerships that fit local needs while safeguarding autonomy and accountability.