Number: RS22037
Title: Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF):  Program Overview and Issues
Authors: Mary Tiemann, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) latest (2003) survey of capital improvement needs for public water systems found that water systems need to invest $276.8 billion on infrastructure improvements over 20 years to ensure the provision of safe water. This amount represents a 60% increase over the 1999 survey estimate of $165.5 billion (in 2003 dollars) and reflects funds needed for compliance with several revised regulations (e.g., the arsenic and radium rules), security-related needs, and better reporting of needs for infrastructure rehabilitation and replacement. Key issues include the gap between estimated needs and funding, SDWA compliance costs, and the need for cities to update and maintain water infrastructure, apart from SDWA compliance.
Pages: 6
Date: November 25, 2008