The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that an investment of $630 billion will be needed to modernize and maintain the country’s wastewater, stormwater, and other clean water infrastructure from 2022 to 2041.
This represents a 73 percent increase from the estimates made in 2012.
The increase in investment requirements is primarily driven by the aging infrastructure and the growing impact of climate change.
These findings are from the EPA’s Clean Watersheds Needs Survey, which was released to Congress this week.
The survey evaluates the financial needs for wastewater treatment plants, stormwater management, pollution control, and septic systems across states and territories.
The survey, which was last updated in 2012, is intended to help the federal government and states identify funding gaps and take necessary actions to meet water quality goals under the Clean Water Act.
The 2022 report is more comprehensive than previous versions, reflecting the increasing complexity and urgency of water infrastructure challenges.
Acting Assistant Administrator for Water, Bruno Pigott, emphasized the importance of protecting the nation’s waterways for healthy communities.
He noted that the survey’s estimates are based on data from local communities and highlighted President Biden’s significant investments in water infrastructure, which are aimed at improving water quality.
Federal funding resources are available to help communities and utilities improve their water systems.
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates a historic $50 billion towards water infrastructure upgrades, with nearly $13 billion specifically dedicated to wastewater and stormwater management.
Additionally, the EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund has financed over $160 billion in infrastructure projects since 1987, and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program has provided support as well.
Source EPA
