Understanding U.S. Water Infrastructure

The Facts -

• The U.S. water system is under stress due to population growth, aging infrastructure, weather patterns, and regulatory failures.
• Water access is vital to the U.S. economy with power generation, agriculture and manufacturing sectors requiring large amounts of water.
• The U.S. water infrastructure, which is over fifty years old, requires significant investment to ensure safety and reliability.

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Introduction

The U.S. water system is responsible for providing safe, affordable drinking water, managing wastewater, and supporting hydropower, agricultural irrigation, flood control, and industries such as oil, gas, and mining. However, this complex network faces challenges due to increasing population, aging infrastructure, extreme weather, regulatory failures, and increasing water cost for consumers.

What role does water play in the U.S. economy?

Water plays a central role in the U.S. economy as it is essential for power generation, manufacturing, agriculture, and extractive industries. A 2020 study estimated that the required U.S. water infrastructure investments could add $4.5 trillion and 800,000 jobs to the economy by 2039.

How does the U.S. water system work?

The U.S. water provision relies on over 148,000 independent systems across the country, with about 50,000 being “community water systems” that operate year-round. Around 9% of these systems provide water to nearly 80% of the population. The U.S. depends on over two million miles of pipes to deliver the 39 billion gallons of water used for public consumption daily.

What condition is it in?

Despite the U.S. having some of the safest and most reliable drinking water, the aging infrastructure poses challenges to safety and affordability. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that over the next 20 years, the country will need to spend over $744 billion on water infrastructure. The water infrastructure crisis has led to public health hazards like the 2015 lead contamination crisis in Flint, Michigan.

How is the supply regulated?

Regulation of water supply in the U.S. is divided between the federal government and the states. The 1972 Clean Water Act (CWA) and the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) are the main federal laws governing water quality. The EPA sets pollution limits and regulations, while states oversee implementation and enforcement. However, these laws have been criticized for being outdated.

What is the Clean Water Rule and why is it controversial?

The Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule, or the Clean Water Rule, was reestablished by the Biden administration in December 2022. This rule, which clarifies which bodies of water fall under the CWA's jurisdiction, has been controversial, leading to a divide between those opposing greater federal powers and those criticizing the EPA for lax enforcement.

What else has Biden done?

In November 2021, Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which earmarked $55 billion for water infrastructure improvements. However, critics argue that this funding is insufficient to fully address U.S. water infrastructure needs.

What are the main water scarcity flash points?

Water scarcity is a significant issue in the U.S., particularly in the Southwest and plains regions. Major concerns include the Colorado River Basin's depletion, severe drought exacerbated by climate change, waste and inefficiency, and the depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer, a vital source of freshwater in the Great Plains.

What is the role of Congress?

Congress authorizes financing for water projects and controls federal water-related projects' purse strings. They have established loan programs like the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. However, concerns have been raised about funds' misuse and lesser accessibility to rural and lower-income communities.

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