Wastewater needs top $200 billion

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A new report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates $202.5 billion in capital investment is needed nationwide during the next 20 years to control wastewater pollution. The 2004 Clean Watersheds Needs Survey summarizes the results of the agency’s 14th national survey on the needs of publicly owned wastewater treatment works. The estimate includes $134.4 billion for wastewater treatment and collection systems, $54.8 billion for combined sewer overflow corrections, and $9.0 billion for stormwater management.

According to the EPA, the report provides information to help the nation make informed decisions about pollution control needs necessary to meet the environmental and human health objectives of the Clean Water Act. The figures represent documented wastewater investment needs, but do not account for expected investment and revenues. Needs in the survey represent a $16.1 billion (8.6-percent) increase (in constant 2004 dollars) compared with the 2000 report. The increase in overall national needs is attributed to a combination of population growth, more protective water quality standards, and aging infrastructure.

More information about the needs survey is available online at www.epa.gov/cwns.