A survey conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, www.epa.gov) showed U.S. water utilities will need to invest an estimated $334.8 billion over the next 20 years to deal with aging infrastructure. The survey, titled "The Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment," is conducted every four years to help the EPA determine the distribution formula for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) grants.
Survey results are based on state data collected in 2007. Resulting assessment documents anticipated costs for repairs and replacement of transmission and distribution pipes, storage and treatment equipment, and projects that are necessary to deliver safe supplies of drinking water.
Since the DWSRF program began in 1997, states have provided more than $15 billion in funding to utilities for infrastructure projects.
For more information on the Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment, visit www.epa.gov/safewater/needsurvey.
