Congress is in deep negotiations on an end game to resolve differences over raising the borrowing authority, the debt limit, for the federal government. The Hill reported on April 26, 2023, “Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) tried to ratchet up the pressure on President Biden Wednesday to negotiate with Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on legislation to raise the debt limit and made clear he doesn’t plan to step in to resolve the impasse.” The negotiations will likely end up with a deal that limits some spending programs. State and local governments are having difficulty funding for clean water program and Congress should listen to clean water utilities pleas for Congress to preserve and find new resources to address local challenges.
Clean water has become a focal issue for national media, and this has helped to raise awareness about the growing water challenges for public utilities. From extreme weather and the impacts of climate change on aging infrastructure, to building equity into our systems for delivering drinking water and sanitation, to growing concerns over per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), the amount of federal support for clean water utilities to address pressing issues and new regulations is under increased scrutiny.
This added attention has made it increasingly clear to experts and non-experts alike that a stronger, sustained commitment from the federal government is necessary for communities to solve increasingly complex water challenges. Over the past few weeks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced new water funding on a state-by-state basis, representing some of the roughly $55 billion allocated for water through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to help support drinking water, wastewater, water reuse, and stormwater infrastructure improvements.
This shot in the arm from the BIL has not gone unnoticed by the nation’s water sector, and public clean water utilities appreciate the support Congress and the Administration have provided in recent years to rehabilitate and upgrade critical water infrastructure. That said, the simple truth is that – even with the BIL dollars – current federal funding for water infrastructure is still woefully inadequate to address the demands on our public clean water utilities. These include the growing frequency of extreme weather and flooding from climate change, as well as operational challenges including increased energy costs, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions – all while utilities struggle to keep rates affordable for our customers.
This week, clean water professionals from across the country will participate in the annual ritual of “Water Week” on Capitol Hill. Spearheaded by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the WateReuse Association, the Water Environment Federation (WEF), and The Water Research Foundation (WRF) – and supported by multiple other partners – Water Week features hundreds of water sector experts visiting their Members of Congress to elevate the importance of water. This year, our message is clear.
First, we must continue building upon investments in water infrastructure. Many of the investments for core federal water programs through BIL were provided through authorizations and still require annual Congressional appropriations before dollars can be put to work in communities. Therefore, it is vital that for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), Congress appropriates the full authorized funding levels for water, wastewater, stormwater, and water recycling programs so local utilities and their customers have the resources to affordably invest in water infrastructure and meet their federal regulatory obligations.
Second, we must address water affordability as a nation. With utilities and municipalities nationwide weighing the costs and benefits of lead line replacements and many other pressing issues, this critical issue can no longer be ignored. Even before lead remediation is factored in, an estimated 20 million American households are struggling to pay their water and sewer bills. At the same time, thousands of communities struggle to make needed investments in water while keeping rates affordable. Congress must act now to ensure the long-term viability of a permanent, equitable low-income water customer assistance program.
In addition, federal tax credits can be used to support sustainable water management. Energy generation, agricultural production, and other industrial operations account for the bulk of water used in the U.S. each year. However, few incentives exist to support the sustainable management of water by the private sector. Congress needs to establish tax credits to help industry use water more sustainably.
Finally, more must be done to support advanced water research and innovative technology. Our water challenges will not be solved using conventional approaches and water research is helping address some of the most pressing challenges for the water sector, such as aging infrastructure, emerging contaminants, extreme weather, and water scarcity. Research and development aimed at finding cost-effective solutions to these challenges not only create more resilient and effective water systems, but also create new jobs and support thriving communities.
By devoting more attention to these important policy issues, Congress and the Administration can build greater capacity to assist clean water utilities with the tools and resources needed to fulfill their core mission of protecting public health and the environment, while also supporting local economic growth. In the coming years, Congress must substantially boost water funding – because the water challenges we face as a nation aren’t going away any time soon.
David L. Gadis is Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of DC Water.
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