Public Clean Water Sector Looks To Upcoming Biden Infrastructure Package For Needed Investments

Statement by NACWA CEO Calls for More Equitable Federal Cost-Share for Clean Water Services

As President Biden begins to draw attention to federal infrastructure investment, the public clean water sector urges that water infrastructure be treated as a top federal investment priority alongside any other critical infrastructure sector. Whether the goal is job creation, building back better after decades of federal under-investment, positioning communities for economic opportunity, or ensuring public health, resilience and climate-readiness, water infrastructure must be at the center of these overdue investments.

When the Clean Water Act was enacted in 1972, the federal government provided an historic infusion of grants for clean water infrastructure projects to help communities prevent pollution and protect the environment and public health. Over time, grants transitioned to loan financing and federal investment stalled while costs skyrocketed. Today, the federal government has become an almost absent partner in clean water funding as public clean water utilities have invested hundreds of billions of dollars in necessary investments by consistently raising rates on water customers.

The federal cost-share of water infrastructure investment has declined to less than 5% nationwide — a pittance when compared to virtually any other essential infrastructure sector.

The solution is clear: The federal government must reengage as a strong, long-term, cost-sharing partner in water investment in a manner that is on par with other critical infrastructure sectors. No sector is more essential than water and it is frankly unconscionable that other infrastructure sectors continue to receive the lion’s share of federal funding.

This recognition of the water sector’s value must start with significant grant funding in the infrastructure stimulus bill and be maintained thereafter through increases in annual authorization and appropriations process for water-related programs across-the-board. If the pandemic has taught us anything it is that our water infrastructure is vital to protect the public health and maintain the basic sanitary conditions that allow society to exist and function.

Adam Krantz, Chief Executive Officer of NACWA, issued the following statement:
“The public clean water sector is encouraged by President Biden’s commitment to investing in resilient critical infrastructure across America. Our expectation is that water will be a key focus of his upcoming infrastructure package. For too long, infrastructure spending in America has neglected the public clean water sector while the local share of costs have risen exponentially.

“As we continue to look for ways to upgrade America’s infrastructure, federal investments in water must be on par with other infrastructure sectors like surface transportation. Water is the most heavily regulated of all infrastructure sectors because it is the most vital for protecting public health and the environment. If it is so important from a regulatory and legislative standpoint it must also be equally important from a federal funding standpoint as well.

“Now is the time for the Administration and Congress to step up and help provide Americans with the 21^st century water systems they deserve, create solid full-time jobs, and mitigate rising water rates to ensure more families are able to affordably access the water services that all deserve.”

NACWA looks forward to continuing to work with the Biden Administration and Congress to ensure the public clean water sector receives its fair share of federal infrastructure investment.

About NACWA
For 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory, legal and communications advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues. NACWA represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide. Our unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for the public clean water sector and helps advance policies to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all.  Our vision is to advance sustainable and responsible policy initiatives that help to shape a strong and sustainable clean water future. For more information, visit www.nacwa.org.