U.S. EPA highlights the need for wastewater infrastructure in letter to Congress

On May 13, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) submitted a report to Congress detailing clean water infrastructure investments, including wastewater and stormwater upgrades, that are needed over the next 20 years.

Through the Clean Watersheds Needs Survey, states and U.S. territories report on future capital costs or investment needs to maintain and modernize publicly owned wastewater treatment works, stormwater infrastructure, nonpoint source control, and decentralized wastewater treatment systems like septic tanks.

The 2022 survey represents the most recent comprehensive and robust report on wastewater, stormwater and other clean water infrastructure needs in the U.S. According to a press release, the report shows that $630 billion will be needed over the next 20 years to protect the nation’s waterbodies.

“Protecting our nations waterways is vital for healthy communities. They provide sources of drinking water, support farming, power economic opportunity and transport and allow for recreation and fishing,” said Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott in the press release.

“This survey is an important estimate of needs that is based on information collected from the communities themselves. President Biden has secured the largest investments in history for water infrastructure, putting America in a strong position to help local systems protect our nation’s water quality,” said Pigott.