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Needs Assessment

The CWFAP leads the data collection and reporting of clean water project needs for state and federal needs assessments. See sub-sections below for more information about each effort.

Commonwealth Wastewater Needs Assessment

The purpose of the Commonwealth Wastewater Needs Assessment is to determine an estimate of the amount of wastewater infrastructure funding necessary to provide universal access to wastewater treatment that is not eligible for grant funding from the Water Quality Improvement Fund. This needs assessment is conducted every four years.

Data collection for the 2023 Commonwealth Wastewater Needs Assessment concluded in spring 2023.

The 2023 Commonwealth Wastewater Needs Assessment was submitted to the General Assembly.

EPA Clean Watersheds Needs Survey

Clean Watersheds Needs Survey

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is mandated by Congress to perform a comprehensive assessment of capital costs to meet the water quality goals of the Clean Water Act. Examples of capital projects include wastewater projects for publicly-owned systems, stormwater management facilities and nonpoint source pollution control projects. A needs survey is conducted by all states and territories on a periodic schedule as determined by EPA.

The data collection period for the 2022 Clean Watershed Needs Survey (CWNS) ended on April 28, 2023. For more information regarding the CWNS, visit the U.S. EPA's CWNS webpage.

Water Quality Improvement Fund Needs Assessment

The 2026 Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF) Needs Survey was open for submissions between April 1, 2026 and May 15, 2026. The responses will be evaluated and compiled into the 2026 Needs Assessment Report. Once completed, the Report will be posted on this webpage.

The purpose of the Water Quality Improvement Fund needs assessment is to determine an estimate of the amount of water quality improvement matching grants that are expected to be requested by local governments for eligible projects related to planning, designing, and implementing nutrient reduction technology and conveyance infrastructure for dischargers within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Local governments should submit survey responses by Friday, May 15, 2026.

Previous WQIF Needs Assessment Reports

2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025

Stormwater Local Assistance Fund Needs Assessment

The 2026 Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF) Needs Survey was open for submissions between April 1, 2026 and May 15, 2026. The responses will be evaluated and compiled into the 2026 Needs Assessment Report. Once completed, the Report will be posted on this webpage.

The purpose of the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund needs assessment is to determine an estimate of the amount of stormwater local assistance matching grants that are expected to be requested by local governments related to planning, designing, and implementing eligible stormwater best management practices and purchasing certified nonpoint source nutrient credits. Local governments should submit survey responses by Friday, May 15, 2026.

Previous SLAF Needs Assessment Reports

2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025