Counties could face a major water infrastructure funding cliff later this year if Congress does not renew several key federal funding programs set to expire on September 30.
The programs, originally funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, support drinking water systems, wastewater infrastructure, PFAS remediation, lead service line replacement, and other critical projects. The National Association of Counties and a coalition of local government organizations are urging Congress to reauthorize the programs at current funding levels.
In 2021, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included major federal investments in water infrastructure over a five-year period. The law provided $5.85 billion each for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, while also supporting grants and technical assistance programs focused on PFAS, lead service lines, and other critical water infrastructure needs. The National Association of Counties, along with a broader coalition of local government organizations, is now urging House and Senate leadership to reauthorize these programs at IIJA funding levels to avoid serious disruptions for communities on the ground.
Federal projections indicate that water systems nationwide will need nearly $1.3 trillion to meet long-term maintenance demands and comply with federal regulations. Without continued federal support, many systems will struggle not only to meet federal standards, but also to maintain basic operations over time. The President’s proposed budget would dramatically reduce this funding, creating serious concerns for rural, suburban, and urban systems alike. The next few months will be critical as lawmakers consider potential legislative vehicles ahead of the September 30 funding deadline. Watch this space as the story unfolds.
