Wastewater Program - Maryland Rural Water Association

MRWA's Response to the Federal Government Shutdown

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.

Our Wastewater Technician provides on-site technical assistance to rural municipal systems with populations under 10,000 and rural unincorporated areas within the state.

This staff member provides technical training through certified classes and assists wastewater personnel in resolving problems with their wastewater treatment plants and collection infrastructure. He also provides assistance with Inflow and Infiltration problems using smoke detection, sewer television cameras and other techniques.

Our Wastewater Technician is:

Austen McCarter
410-808-8458
Email: austen.mccarter@md-rwa.org