EPA Water Loans Flowing For Now, Despite Shutdown

The EPA is shuttered, but EPA-subsidized loans to install pipes, dig wells, capture rain, and build other types of water infrastructure are still going out.

However, officials with cities, states, and public and private water utilities said these loan programs could run into trouble if months pass and Congress is unable to end the government shutdown, which began Dec. 22 and will become the longest ever if it goes past Jan. 12.

“Everyone seems OK right now, but as of Saturday, we’ll be in uncharted territory,” Lauren Schapker, head of government affairs with the National Groundwater Association, said.

Though ...