By Brian Ziegler, with insights from Tim Canter, Jim McCleish, and Shannon Todd

A Strategic Approach to Water Resource Management

The water industry is evolving beyond traditional “wastewater treatment” toward comprehensive “water resource management.” This shift reflects growing emphasis on water reuse, recycling, stormwater management, and resource scarcity. Communities that adopt this holistic approach position themselves as forward-thinking and environmentally responsible.

This isn’t just about terminology—it’s about recognizing that every drop of water in your system has value and potential for multiple uses.

New Ammonia Criteria: A Statewide Reality

The most significant regulatory development affecting Arkansas communities is the updated ammonia criteria now being incorporated into permit renewals. Arkansas has adopted EPA’s 2013 recommended ammonia standards, which account for federally endangered freshwater species that are far more sensitive to ammonia than the fish species used in previous criteria.

What This Means for Your Community:

If your treatment system wasn’t designed for ammonia removal, particularly older lagoon systems and smaller facilities, your next permit cycle will likely include tighter ammonia limits. The science is straightforward: unionized ammonia (NH₃) becomes more toxic as water temperatures and pH levels rise, making Arkansas’s warm climate a particular concern.

Arkansas is following a familiar path. We’ve seen this regulatory evolution in Missouri and other neighboring states. Communities that get ahead of these changes fare better than those that wait for enforcement action.

The Lead Service Line Challenge and Opportunity

Arkansas communities are actively working through the federal Lead Service Line Inventory Program, with Horner & Shifrin supporting more than 220 water systems statewide. While this program has faced challenges with funding issues (some projects were started but not completed when initial funding was halted), new opportunities continue to emerge.

Current Status:

Horner & Shifrin’s VP, Business Development Director, Amanda Payne, is running biweekly coordination meetings to advocate for and keep municipalities on track with inventory requirements. Her team is identifying available funding sources and coordinating with local municipalities. The key is maintaining momentum despite past funding disruptions.

Emerging Contaminants: Grants Available Now

Here’s actionable information for Arkansas communities: the Department of Agriculture currently has $9.5 million per year for the next two years specifically targeted at manganese removal. Unlike PFAS contamination, which has minimal presence in Arkansas drinking water sources, manganese is a widespread issue our communities can address with available funding.

Proof of Concept:

Horner & Shifrin successfully secured both PFAS and manganese grant funding for Portageville, Missouri, demonstrating our ability to navigate the grant process and deliver results. We understand both the technical solutions and the funding landscape.

What Communities Should Do Now

For ammonia regulations:

Use EPA ECHO to look up your NPDES permit and check renewal dates. If your permit is up for renewal in the next two years, start evaluating your system’s ammonia removal capacity now.

For Lead Service Lines:

Stay engaged with the statewide inventory program and contact our office to provide assistance. Requirements remain in place, and new funding opportunities continue to develop.

For Emerging Contaminants:

Apply for the Department of Agriculture’s manganese removal grants while funding is available. $9.5 million per year won’t last forever.

The Horner & Shifrin Difference

Our team combines deep technical expertise, practical experience in Arkansas communities, and dedicated funding specialists. We understand that successful projects require more than good engineering; they require understanding local conditions, securing appropriate funding, and maintaining strong communication throughout the process.

We’ve established a growing presence in Arkansas with offices in Rogers and Paragould, allowing us to serve communities across the state. Our water team draws on regional experience managing comprehensive water resources—including treatment, reuse, stormwater management, and purification—with a practical, client-first approach to deliver solutions that work.

Ready for the next permit cycle? Contact Brian Ziegler, Water Business Unit Leader, at wbziegler@hornershifrin.com. Our team is ready to help you prepare your water systems before regulatory deadlines arrive.