Image Description

As a result of the federal government shutdown, as of midnight on October 31, 2025, all work performed by the federally funded USDA Circuit Riders has been halted until additional federal funding is made available.

The Maryland Rural Water Association has decided to continue to provide services during this lapse of federal funding. The services provided by our Circuit Riders will be temporarily funded with non-federal internal revenue and cannot be considered services that represent or are provided by the federal government.

We will notify you when additional federal funding is made available. In the interim, please do not hesitate to contact MRWA and our Circuit Riders should you need assistance. MRWA continues to stand by our Members and the small and rural water systems of Maryland during this time. Thank you for your understanding.

October 2025 Issue

Blog: Apprenticeship

Cool things taking shape!

Wastewater has officially been approved as a recognized occupation under the MRWA Apprenticeship Program! We now proudly offer apprenticeships for both Water and Wastewater Operators, helping utilities strengthen their workforce and prepare for the next generation of skilled operators.

Maryland Rural Water Association has been selected as a 2025 Community Development Network of Maryland Award recipient! MRWA’s Apprenticeship Program was recognized with the Infrastructure Impact Award at the annual CDN meeting on October 27, 2025— honoring our commitment to building a sustainable, well-trained workforce that protects Maryland’s most vital resource: clean water! Thanks to RMC for the nomination. 

Take advantage of available funding

We’re proud to announce that MRWA has been awarded grant funding from the Rural Maryland Council and the Maryland Department of Labor to cover the cost of Related Technical Instruction (RTI) for 12 additional apprentices statewide.

In addition, the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) is offering $2,500 stipends for mentors and $5,000 stipends for apprentices. We’re thrilled to share that five mentors and five apprentices from our program have already applied and been awarded these funds!

Eligible Applicants Ready to Work in Your Region

We currently have eligible applicants ready to work in several regions across Maryland, including: Aberdeen, Baltimore, Cambridge, Fort Washington, La Plata, and Oakland— just to name a few.

If your utility is looking to hire or expand your team, reach out! We can help match you with a qualified apprentice and connect you with available funding opportunities.

On the Road with MRWA — Apprenticeship Events Near You

MRWA is glad to support RMC and their mission to improve quality of life in Rural Maryland.  We are a sponsor for their upcoming Rural Maryland Summit. This event brings together voices from across the state to discuss key issues, potential legislation, and innovative solutions impacting our rural communities.   November 19 & 20, 2025 at The DoubleTree Annapolis, 8am-5pm.
Register for Rural Summit