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Circuit Rider Program 

Technical Assistance for Rural Water Systems

What does this 

program do?

This program provides technical 

assistance to rural water systems 

that are experiencing day-today operational, financial, or 

managerial issues.

Who are the 

circuit riders?

• USDA Rural Development has 

contracted with the National 

Rural Water Association to 

provide circuit riders in each 

U.S. state and territory who 

are experienced in managing 

issues that arise in the dayto-day operations of rural 

water systems.

• Visit an NRWA state association’s 

website to contact the circuit 

riders located in that state: 

https://nrwa.org/stateassociations/

What is an eligible project area?

• Assistance can be provided in areas 

with populations of 10,000 or fewer.

• You can check for eligible addresses 

at this link: https://eligibility.sc.egov.

usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do

Who can receive assistance under 

this program?

• If your organization is eligible for a 

USDA Rural Development Water and 

Waste direct loan or grant (see 7 

CFR 1780, Section 1780.7, available 

at this link: https://go.usa.gov/xeazZ), 

you can receive technical assistance 

under the Circuit Rider program.

• To be eligible, your organization 

must serve an area with a population 

of 10,000 or fewer AND be either a 

public body, nonprofit, or Tribe with 

legal authority to own and operate 

the water facility.

• Your organization does NOT need to 

be a Rural Development borrower to 

receive assistance under the Circuit 

Rider program.

On what topics can the circuit 

rider assist?

• Board training

• Management and finance

• Operation and maintenance

• Leak detection

• Water treatment

• Regulatory compliance

• Facility security

• Loan application and reporting

• Disaster and emergency assistance

Is there a time limit on assistance?

• Assistance is provided on an 

as-needed basis.

How do we get started?

Contact your NRWA state association 

(available at this link: https://nrwa.

org/state-associations) or local Rural 

Development office (a list is available at 

this link: https://www.rd.usda.gov/aboutrd/state-offices) for program details.

How can I become a circuit rider?

For more information, visit: www.nrwa.org

or https://nrwa.org/state-associations.

What governs this program?

• A contract between USDA Rural 

Development and the National Rural 

Water Association

• Section 306(a)(22) of the Consolidated 

Farm and Rural Development Act - 

7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(22), as amended 

(information is available at this link: 

https://go.usa.gov/xtmGb)

Why does USDA Rural Development 

do this?

This program helps USDA Rural 

Development meet statutory and 

regulatory oversight requirements for 

loans, loan guarantees, and grants to 

rural water systems in need of shortterm technical assistance.

NOTE: Because citations and other information may be subject to change, 

please always consult the program instructions listed in the section above titled 

“What Governs This Program?” You can also contact your local Rural Development 

office (a list of locations is available at this link: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/

state-offices). You will find additional forms, resources, and program information at 

rd.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Last Updated February 2022