The hearing also will review the importance of investing in wastewater infrastructure, focusing on two reports that estimate wastewater infrastructure capital investment needs for the next 20 years. To date, substantial federal, state and local investment in our national wastewater infrastructure has improved water quality and helped protect public health and the environment. However, our existing national wastewater infrastructure is aging, and in need of repair.
New infrastructure is needed to address emerging wastewater challenges.
In addition, the federal share of wastewater infrastructure investment is decreasing, while the local share must increase to meet regulatory requirements and infrastructure demands. The upcoming hearing will examine the state of our nation s wastewater infrastructure and several proposed options for funding it. Our national wastewater infrastructure is largely comprised of systems that collect and treat wastewater, and additional interceptor and collector sewer systems that transport storm water runoff. This investment has provided enormous environmental, public health and economic benefits to the nation. For example, the number of people served by secondary or advanced wastewater treatment has more than doubled from 85 million in 1972 to 179 million today.