Water Industry Experts Call For Sustained Funding To Strengthen U.S. Water Infrastructure

A coalition of national water sector leaders hosted an informational briefing today for Congress to highlight the urgency of investing in America’s aging water infrastructure systems and the critical role of the Clean Water and Drinking Water state revolving funds (SRFs).

“Utility construction companies and their employees are building and repairing the underground infrastructure that delivers safe drinking water, removes wastewater, and contributes to a healthy and prosperous community,” said Zack Perconti, NUCA’s Chief Advocacy Officer. “Briefing members of Congress and their staffs on the importance of government’s part in funding its construction through the SRF program makes it clear that we can’t deliver clean water to tens of millions of Americans without their support.”

With the nation facing an estimated $3.4 trillion in infrastructure needs over the next 20 years, and billions more required for operations and maintenance, the discussion focused on sustained, reliable federal investment to ensure safe, affordable water access.

Panelists at this Capitol Hill event represented all sectors involved in the water infrastructure financing: from the state-level authorities that distribute funding, to the local governments and utilities that utilize this funding to support their communities, to contractors and engineers delivering the projects supported by these programs.

Former NUCA Chairman Dan Buckley represented NUCA at this forum, speaking as a construction executive and industry expert on the panel discussing the numerous economic benefits found in water infrastructure development.

SRFs remain one of the most effective federal-to-local infrastructure programs in the country, especially for small, rural, and disadvantaged communities. SRF financing routinely reduces the cost of borrowing – often by more than 50 percent – saving communities nearly $1 billion in 2023 alone.

In 2025 alone, combined federal, state, and local water investments totaling $81 billion supported:

•             858,000 jobs
•             $68 billion in wages
•             $112 billion in GDP, and
•             $205 billion in total economic output

Beyond affordability, public health and regulatory compliance, the panel, held Dec. 10 in a centrally located Senate Visitor Center meeting room, discussed how water infrastructure investment drives economic growth and protects public health.

NUCA will continue to advocate for these SRFs to ensure communities have the financial tools needed to upgrade ageing systems, protect public health, and build future-ready water infrastructure.

Other organizations involved in today’s panel discussion:

• American Public Works Association
• U.S. Water Alliance
• Water Environment Federation
• National Utility Contractors Association
• National Association of Clean Water Agencies
• Clean Water Construction Coalition
• National Association of Counties
• Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturing Association
• Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies
• American Society of Civil Engineers
• National Council of State Legislators
• American Council of Engineering Companies
• WateReuse
• National League of Cities
• California Association of Sanitation Agencies
• American Water Works Association
• U.S. Conference of Mayors
• National Water Resources Association
• Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities