Why Mid-Sized Cities Are Most at Risk for AWIA Non-Compliance

The America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) set out clear requirements for drinking water systems across the U.S. to conduct risk and resilience assessments (RRAs) and develop emergency response plans (ERPs). While the largest utilities have already met their obligations, the compliance deadline for mid-sized cities is approaching quickly: December 31, 2025, for cities serving between 50,000 and 100,000 people.

At first glance, mid-sized cities might seem better equipped than smaller towns. They usually have a larger tax base and more professional staff. But when it comes to AWIA compliance, they are often the most vulnerable group. Here’s why:

1. Limited Staff Bandwidth Unlike large metropolitan utilities with compliance teams, mid-sized cities typically rely on a handful of staff who already wear multiple hats. Adding an AWIA RRA to the workload can stretch resources to the breaking point.

2. The Complexity of Risk Assessments An RRA isn’t just paperwork — it requires analyzing physical, cyber, and operational risks across the entire utility. Smaller cities may lack in-house expertise to evaluate cybersecurity vulnerabilities, infrastructure interdependencies, and resilience strategies.

3. No Margin for Delay Missing the December 2025 deadline isn’t an option. Non-compliance risks fines and, more importantly, jeopardizes federal funding opportunities. With many mid-sized utilities already dealing with tight budgets, the financial hit could be significant.

4. Competing Priorities From water quality mandates to infrastructure upgrades, mid-sized cities juggle a long list of compliance obligations. AWIA deadlines can easily slip down the priority list — until it’s too late.

How to Stay Ahead of the Deadline

The good news is, compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Partnering with a consultant like LSPS Solutions means your city doesn’t need to divert staff away from critical daily operations. Our team has deep experience in guiding utilities through AWIA requirements, ensuring risk assessments and emergency plans are thorough, accurate, and submitted on time.

With the December 31, 2025 deadline looming, now is the time for mid-sized cities to act. The sooner you start, the smoother the process will be — and the more resilient your water system will become.