EPA Survey Highlights Wastewater Infrastructure Needs to Protect National Water Bodies

WASHINGTON — On May 13, the Environmental Protection Agency transmitted a report to Congress outlining clean water infrastructure investments — including wastewater and stormwater system 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. These investments are essential to supporting the Clean Water Act’s goal that the nation’s waters are fishable and swimmable.

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

EPA has many federal funding resources available for communities and utilities to improve vital drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a $50 billion investment in upgrading critical water infrastructure – with almost $13 billion going to wastewater and stormwater management. 

Learn more about the survey and access the interactive dashboard.