USEPA pegs water infrastructure need at $335 billion

Source: AWWA Streamlines Staff

U.S. public water systems need $334.8 billion of capital investment over the next 20 years, according to results of a new Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment, released March 26 by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

The survey, conducted every four years, reports conditions as of 2007, updating 2003 data. The full report (PDF) compares 2007’s need for a $334.8 billion investment in drinking water infrastructure with 2003 needs measured at $276.8 billion ($331.4 billion in 2007 dollars).

USEPA uses survey results to establish the formula for allotting Drinking Water State Revolving Funds to states. USEPA reports it will announce the new formula in an April Federal Register notice, replacing the current DWSRF formula.

The 2007 survey assessed the needs of approximately 52,000 community water systems and 21,400 not-for-profit non-community water systems (including schools and churches) that are eligible to receive DWSRF loans.

The assessment covers costs for repairs and replacement of transmission pipes, storage and treatment equipment, and other projects necessary to protect public health and ensure compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act regulations.

The survey results came the day after the American Society of Civil Engineers released its full 2009 report card for America’s infrastructure, which gave drinking water infrastructure a grade of D-.

Read more in the next issue (March 31) of AWWA Streamlines.