Limited Federal Funding = Customers as Primary Funder of Critical Water Infrastructure Investments

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According to the EPA, $1.26 trillion needs to be invested in water and wastewater infrastructure over the next 20 years – or $63 billion per year – to ensure safe drinking water and to protect local waterways. With federal funding limited, this critical infrastructure is largely being funded through customer bills. Federal dollars cover just one-tenth of the total need. The EPA, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, The Brookings Institution, the Pew Charitable Research Fiscal Policy Project, and others all warn that customers end up being the primary funder of critical water infrastructure, investments contributing to affordability challenges.

Other Resources on water infrastructure

Water Quality Matters

Fact Sheet

Studies find a direct correlation between poor water quality and low birth rates and increased preterm births; increased healthcare expenditures; increased school absences; and more Americans feeling forced to buy bottled water despite the great expense to their budget. 

EPA Water Affordability Needs Assessment: Five Key Takeaways

Fact Sheet

Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA), Congress directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to analyze and report on water affordability challenges facing households and utilities […]