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A New Crossroads for Infrastructure and Affordability.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A New Crossroads for Infrastructure and Affordability.
Authors: Carpenter, Adam T. (AUTHOR) acarpenter@awwa.org
Source: Journal: American Water Works Association. May2026, Vol. 118 Issue 4, p5-5. 1p.
Subjects: Capital investments, Federal aid, Water utility costs, Infrastructure funds, Household budgets, Environmental infrastructure, Financial stress
Geographic Terms: United States
Abstract: The article focuses on the significant financial challenges facing U.S. drinking water infrastructure over the next 25 years, based on the report *Beyond the Replacement Era: Balancing Compounding Infrastructure Needs With Household Affordability* by Raftelis and One Water Econ with guidance from the American Water Works Association (AWWA). It estimates that $2.1–2.4 trillion in capital improvements will be needed nationally from 2026 to 2050, requiring an additional $56.6 billion annually, which, if funded solely through local rates, would make water service unaffordable for over 30 million households. The report highlights that to maintain affordability while meeting infrastructure needs, approximately $13.6 billion per year in external funding—potentially from federal programs like state revolving loan funds or the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)—will be necessary. The analysis is conservative and does not fully account for emerging challenges such as cybersecurity or increased reliance on stressed water sources. [Extracted from the article]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:The article focuses on the significant financial challenges facing U.S. drinking water infrastructure over the next 25 years, based on the report *Beyond the Replacement Era: Balancing Compounding Infrastructure Needs With Household Affordability* by Raftelis and One Water Econ with guidance from the American Water Works Association (AWWA). It estimates that $2.1–2.4 trillion in capital improvements will be needed nationally from 2026 to 2050, requiring an additional $56.6 billion annually, which, if funded solely through local rates, would make water service unaffordable for over 30 million households. The report highlights that to maintain affordability while meeting infrastructure needs, approximately $13.6 billion per year in external funding—potentially from federal programs like state revolving loan funds or the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)—will be necessary. The analysis is conservative and does not fully account for emerging challenges such as cybersecurity or increased reliance on stressed water sources. [Extracted from the article]
ISSN:0003150X
DOI:10.1002/awwa.70068