Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2021

Media Contact:­
David Zielonka | Manager, Media and Communications
(202) 981-3786 | dzielonka@nacwa.org

Statement by NACWA CAO Highlights Potential for Strong Federal Partnership to Deliver Clean Water Services

(Washington, D.C.) –President Biden released his Build Back Better infrastructure plan today, outlining his vision for mobilizing the country to strengthen the nation’s infrastructure, improve economic competitiveness, and address climate change. In his plan, the Administration has proposed a total of $111 billion dollars in clean water and drinking water investments. 

The plan proposes prioritizing federal spending on several aspects of water quality – proposing $56 billion toward upgrading and modernizing America’s wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water systems through grant and low-cost loans, another $45 billion specifically toward a goal of removing 100% of lead service lines across the country, and $10 billion toward monitoring and remediating PFAS in drinking water.

Nathan Gardner-Andrews, General Counsel & Chief Advocacy Officer of NACWA, issued the following statement:

“The public clean water sector applauds President Biden’s commitment to strengthening federal investment in water infrastructure.

“Safe water is as important as safe roadways, and the numbers proposed in the President’s plan are a good starting point to increase federal investment in water infrastructure. Clean and safe water is vital to economic opportunity, controlling the spread of disease and chronic health problems, and providing a healthy environment for communities to thrive. Water deserves a full commitment from the federal government as a true funding partner.

“For decades, the cost of providing clean water services to protect public health and the environment has risen substantially. Yet the federal investment has not kept pace, leading ever-greater costs to be managed by utilities and their customers. The federal cost-share of providing clean and drinking water services is now shockingly below 5 percent.

“President Biden’s plan will help reverse this decline and aid clean water agencies across the country invest in critical infrastructure projects, advanced technologies, and greater water quality protection.”

NACWA looks forward to working with the White House and Congress to ensure that as strong an investment as possible in addressing the water challenges today and for future generations ultimately makes it to President Biden’s desk for signature.

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About NACWA

For 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory, legal and communications advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues. NACWA represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide. Our unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for the public clean water sector and helps advance policies to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all.  Our vision is to advance sustainable and responsible policy initiatives that help to shape a strong and sustainable clean water future. For more information, visit us at www.nacwa.org.