The goal of the RUBA program is to increase the managerial and financial capacity of rural water and wastewater utility providers. The program is advisory only; travel and assistance is at the request of local utility staff. The federal government amended the Safe Water Drinking Act in 1996 to require states to ensure that new systems are viable and that there is sufficient local technical, managerial, and financial capacity to operate the water or wastewater system. The RUBA program began in 1994 and continues to provide the technical, managerial, and financial training and assistance as mandated.

The program offers capacity building assistance to rural utilities throughout all regions of the state. One-on-one or small group training in the community is provided by RUBA staff for the local utility staff. Utility staff may also attend the 32-hour utility management classes offered at various hub communities.