New York Rural Water Association (NYRWA) is pleased to announce the availability of a new program to assist small communities and rural water systems with source water protection. This technical assistance program is a joint project of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA), the National Rural Water Association (NRWA), and NYRWA. The source water protection program, initiated on September 1, 2013, is helping to fund Steven Winkley, our source water protection specialist. Steve will work with local entities and agencies in order to develop and implement source water protection plans in various areas across New York State. The purpose of these plans are to reduce or eliminate the potential risks to drinking water supplies. If you would like to learn more about this program, please contact Steve at 1-888-NYRURAL, ext. 17 orwinkley@nyruralwater.org.