We write in support of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021, which will be considered by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on March 24, 2021.
This bill represents a much-needed down payment on investment in our nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. Focused investment on systems in the most need and on resilience, cyber- security and long standing contamination issues like lead are all critical aspects of protecting public health and water quality while ensuring more sustainable drinking water and wastewater systems.
We also appreciate the Committee’s support for addressing infrastructure needs in disadvantaged communities and for addressing people’s access to drinking water and sanitation services. The pilot program to be established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is long overdue and an essential complement to the investments in the bill.
We urge the Committee to support increased investments in both State Revolving Funds and in the programs authorized in this bill. For example, along with numerous allies we support $50 billion per year over 5 years for both the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds to come closer to meeting the real needs around the country. We also ask you to do everything possible to address the disparate impact in access to clean water experienced by low-income households and people of color.
Thank you for moving forward on drinking water and wastewater investments to protect public health and our nation’s water resources. These investments are a good first step to meeting real needs and creating real opportunities for modern water infrastructure and healthier communities.
Lynn Thorp, National Campaigns Director lthorp@cleanwater.org