The federal Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $198,700 to Nevada to help improve security and anti-terrorist efforts at the state's small municipal water systems.
The state's two large counties already have received grants for systems that serve more than 100,000 people. Washoe and Clark counties each received $115,000.
State Health Administrator Yvonne Sylva said 232 drinking-water systems in Nevada serve smaller communities. She said the EPA Water Protection Coordination grant is designed to help them make improvements to security, develop and oversee emergency response and recovery plans and to provide technical assistance, training and education for operators of those systems.
Among those in line for a share of the money will be Carson City's water utility.
"Our lives have changed since 9/11 and this is one example of what we're continuing to do to make Nevadans safe," said Gov. Kenny Guinn.