Across the U.S. our water systems - from sewage overflows and water main breaks to deteriorating dams and levees - are failing because of chronic under-investment.

Clean Waterways and Safe Drinking Water

Clean drinking water is an essential resource, yet every day much of it is at risk due to failing systems or aging, inefficient treatment facilities that cannot handle increased demand. Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds and the State Clean Water Revolving Loan Funds have stalled in the U.S. Senate – and investment for them has not been reauthorized since 1994. Without reauthorization the investment shortfall could reach $300 billion in 20 years.

• Leaking pipes result in 7 billion gallons of wasted clean drinking water every day.
• An EPA estimate from 2004 found that 850 billion gallons of combined sewer overflows were discharged each year – and facilities have only continued to age and deteriorate since.

Dams and Levees