Economic Impact Analysis From Value of Water Campaign: Investing In Water Infrastructure Would Boost U.S. Economy And Strengthen Workforce

Every $1M invested in water infrastructure generates over $2.5M in economic activity, produces $837,000 in labor income, and boosts GDP by nearly $1.4M, report finds.

Today, the Value of Water Campaign released its report, Tapping Potential: The Economic Benefits of Investing in Water Infrastructure, the most robust economic impact analysis of its kind. The report finds that strategic investment in water infrastructure is one of the highest-return decisions our nation can make, with far-reaching returns for the nation’s economy, workforce, industries, and communities. The full report can be viewed here.

Water is essential to nearly every aspect of daily life for communities and industries across the nation. From manufacturing and energy production to healthcare and high-tech industries, reliable access to water makes it possible for businesses to operate, communities to thrive, economies to grow, and innovation to flourish. At current funding levels, the nation’s water infrastructure supports more than two million jobs and contributes over $300B to GDP each year. But closing the investment gap could add $3.9T to GDP and generate $7.3T in economic output over the next two decades.

“This report offers a roadmap for the nation: invest in water and reap enormous benefits for people, communities, and the economy. Delays only raise the risks and the costs. Now is the moment to unite for water,” said Mami Hara, CEO of the US Water Alliance.

"Metropolitan communities are the backbone of the U.S. economy, and they cannot thrive without modern, resilient water systems. This research underscores what our members experience every day: sustained investment is essential to protect public health and fuel economic growth—especially as water systems face challenges from emerging contaminants like PFAS, and strive to meet new regulatory mandates that require significant new resources," said Tom Dobbins, CEO of the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA).

"Clean water utilities are on the frontlines of protecting public health and the environment. This report affirms what we have long known—that closing the investment gap will not only safeguard clean water, but also strengthen the entire U.S. economy,” said Adam Krantz, CEO of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies.

"Rural communities play a vital role in our economy but face some of the steepest per-capita water infrastructure needs in the nation. The stakes are high. With the right investment, we can ensure rural communities remain sustainable, protect public health, and create economic opportunity,” said Matt Holmes, CEO of the National Rural Water Association.

"This report shows that every dollar invested not only improves infrastructure but also creates good jobs, strengthens communities, and advances innovation in water management, supporting the $47B circular water economy and a resilient One Water future,” said Ralph Exton, CEO of the Water Environment Federation.

View an executive summary of the report here, the full report here, and shareable resources including state- and topic-based fact sheets here.

About the Value of Water Campaign
The Value of Water Campaign, staffed by the US Water Alliance, is a coalition of leading organizations and individuals from across the US water sector who are working to educate and inspire Americans about how our water is essential, invaluable, and in need of investment. Since 2015, the Value of Water Campaign has been building public and political will for investment in America’s water infrastructure.

About the US Water Alliance
The US Water Alliance is a member-supported national nonprofit organization that aligns diverse stakeholders to develop common-ground and transformational solutions to our nation’s most pressing water challenges.