Over the past two years, surveys conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have highlighted a pressing need for $1.2 trillion in water infrastructure upgrades over the next two decades. Aging infrastructure and climate change are driving these costs.
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) provides some funding, but it falls short of meeting the financial needs. Failure to address this challenge will have consequences for public health, the environment, and the economy.
Contaminated water can lead to various health problems, including gastrointestinal illnesses and respiratory infections. Environmental degradation, such as water pollution and habitat destruction can also result from inadequate water infrastructure. Moreover, unreliable water service can negatively impact businesses and industries, hindering economic growth.
Addressing this urgent need will require substantial investments from federal, state, and local governments, as well as private sector partnerships. Failure to do so will have severe consequences for public health, environmental quality, and economic prosperity.
Read the Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment here.
