The sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) was released on June 26, 2026. UCMR 6 proposes sample collection for 30 chemical contaminants between 2028 and 2030 using analytical methods developed by the EPA. This monitoring provides a basis for future actions to protect public health."

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Illinois Section Spotlight Series

"The Illinois Section has developed a Spotlight Series to showcase some of the outstanding Water Leaders in their Section. Attached is a little more about some of their recent spotlights. These highlight a wide range of people and organizations that support the Water Sector in Illinois. How are you recognizing your outstanding water leaders?"

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If you are looking for our upcoming Mission Mondays, you can find them on our calendar or checkout the archived webinars.

Iran-affiliated advanced persistent threat (APT) actors are conducting exploitation 
activity targeting internet-facing operational technology (OT) devices, including 
programmable logic controllers (PLCs) manufactured by Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley.

This activity has led to PLC disruptions across several U.S. critical infrastructure sectors through malicious interactions with the project file and manipulation of data on human machine interface (HMI) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) displays, resulting in operational disruption and financial loss. 

U.S. organizations should urgently review the tactics, techniques, and procedures 
(TTPs) and indicators of compromise (IOCs) in this advisory for indications of 
current or historical activity on their networks, and apply the recommendations 
listed in the Mitigations section of this advisory to reduce the risk of compromise.

READ MORE HERE

For more information, click HERE

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $30 million in grant funding, as part of the agency’s RealWaterTA Initiative. This newly available funding supports technical assistance and training to benefit small drinking water and wastewater systems and to help private well owners improve drinking water quality. RealWaterTA funding helps connect small and rural drinking water and wastewater systems with tried-and-true services, such as engineering and design expertise, operational support, workforce development, and financial management. This funding will benefit Americans nationwide, especially in rural areas where small systems face challenges operating and maintaining vital water infrastructure. 

Learn more HERE

The ISAWWA Board of Trustees and Executive Search Task Force have officially launched the search for the Section's next Executive Director, and we want to keep you informed as the process moves forward.

We are looking for a relationship builder and servant leader—someone who is member-focused, collaborative, transparent, and deeply invested in the people who make this Section work. Our next Executive Director will understand that ISAWWA is a volunteer-driven association and that the ED's most important work is empowering volunteers and staff to do theirs.

The role will be based at our Naperville office, reporting to the Board of Trustees., Top priorities for the incoming ED include executing our 2025–2028 strategic plan, growing and retaining membership across Illinois' geographically diverse districts, deepening volunteer engagement, delivering WATERCON and our signature events at a consistently high standard, and supporting workforce development and next-generation pipeline efforts.

We are partnering with Brewer Pratt Solutions, LLC (BPS) to lead the search. If you know someone who would be a strong fit—or if you are that someone—please encourage them to reach out to BPS directly at elisa@brewerprattsolutions.com for the full position description. Referrals from our own membership are among the most valuable sources of candidates in any association search, and we are counting on you to help us spread the word.

We will share updates as the search progresses. The future of ISAWWA depends on finding the right leader for this moment, and we are grateful for your partnership in that effort.

To view the safety notice, click here. If you need additional resources or support on rail safety education, please contact:

Aisha K. Jackson

Rail Safety Specialist Education & Outreach

Illinois Commerce Commission-Rail Safety

773-762-9535

Read more HERE

The State of Illinois issued the following press release on Thursday, January 22:

State of Illinois Urges Readiness Ahead of Major Weekend Winter Storm and Extreme Cold

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) are advising residents to prepare for a multi-wave winter storm and dangerously low temperatures expected to impact the state starting Friday, January 23 through Sunday, with Southern Illinois expected to be the most heavily impacted by significant snow accumulations.

 A major weather system is expected to bring extreme cold across most of Illinois this weekend, alongside two rounds of heavy snow in the southern region. Simultaneously, northern and central Illinois face an Extreme Cold Warning, with wind chills forecasted to plumet as low as -34°F. These conditions pose a significant risk for frostbite, hypothermia, and infrastructure disruptions.

 “We are preparing for extreme weather conditions statewide and urging all Illinoisians to take precautions throughout the weekend to stay safe and warm,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As we brace for freezing temperatures across the state and heavy snow in Southern Illinois, I have directed IEMA-OHS to deploy resources to ensure local authorities have the support they need to keep roads clear and residents safe. I encourage everyone to avoid any unnecessary travel, follow safety recommendations, and visit Ready.Illinois.Gov for winter storm updates.”

 Regional Breakdown of Impacts

• Central Illinois: 2–6 inches of snow expected over a 36-hour period, with dangerously low wind chills.

• Southern Illinois (Heaviest Impact): 6–12 inches of accumulating snow expected through Sunday evening. Wind chills as low as -16°F will accompany the snow, creating a risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

• Northern Illinois: Facing life-threatening extreme cold with wind chills as low as -34°F through Saturday morning. 

 “Illinois weather can shift at any moment, and the best time to prepare for this weekend’s unpredictable conditions is right now,” said IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore “Ted” Berger. “We are tracking two distinct waves of snow and extreme wind chills that will make travel hazardous. If you must be outdoors, dress in layers and limit your exposure. Our teams are in constant contact with local emergency managers to coordinate a swift response for any weather-related disruptions.”

 Safety Recommendations for Residents

IEMA-OHS recommends the following actions to stay safe during this event:

• Travel Safety: Avoid travel during peak snow hours. If you must drive, keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, a flashlight, and water.

• Home Care: Insulate exposed pipes and ensure you have a three-day supply of food and medication.

• Personal Health: Cover all exposed skin when outdoors to prevent frostbite, which can occur in minutes at -34°F.

• Check on Others: Reach out to elderly neighbors or those with disabilities who may need assistance with heating or snow removal.

 If you or someone you know needs a warm place to stay, please visit the Illinois Warming Center Dashboard immediately. Comprehensive winter weather guidance is available at Ready.Illinois.gov.

These grants support hands-on projects that help people better understand environmental challenges in their own communities and take practical steps to address them. Funded projects will focus on environmental education efforts that use modern tools, including artificial intelligence, to help identify problems early, monitor water quality, and prevent future water contamination before it affects families and neighborhoods. Funded projects will also provide participants the skills necessary to make informed decisions to take responsible actions toward environment stewardship. 

Applications are due on March 3, 2026.   

Interested in learning more? 

• Review EE Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) 
• Visit the Environmental Education Grant homepage