The Water Infrastructure Network—a consortium of industry, municipal, and nonprofit associations—recently estimated needs of up to $1 trillion over the next 20 years for drinking water and wastewater systems combined, when both the capital investment needs and the cost of financing are considered. Federal Agencies Made $44 Billion Available for Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in Fiscal Years 1991 Through 2000

From fiscal years 1991 through 2000, nine federal agencies made about $44 billion available for drinking water and wastewater capital improvements. Four agencies—EPA, USDA, HUD, and Commerce— account for about 98 percent of the total. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided $23.7 million for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure during the 10-year period. Loan amounts can range from $300,000 to $25,000,000. To help financially stressed communities replace and upgrade wastewater treatment facilities. Purpose To enhance the state's water quality.
What GAO Found

U.S. drinking water and wastewater systems encompass thousands of treatment and collection facilities and more than a million miles of pipes and conduits. The estimated cost to repair, replace, or upgrade aging facilities; accommodate the nation's growing population; and meet new water quality standards ranges from $300 billion to $1 trillion over the next 20 years. Although user rates are the major source of facilities' financing, federal and state government agencies also offer financial support. From fiscal years 1991 through 2000, nine federal agencies provided $44 billion for drinking water and wastewater capital improvements. Four agencies--the Environmental Protection Agency and the Departments of Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, and Commerce--accounted for about 98 percent of that account. State governments made $25 billion available for water infrastructure programs during the past 10 years.