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Water Infrastructure
This page provides links to non-EPA web sites that provide additional information on eliminating sanitary sewer overflows. You will leave the EPA.gov domain and enter another page with more information. EPA cannot attest to the accuracy of information on that non-EPA page. Providing links to a non-EPA Web site is not an endorsement of the other site or the information it contains by EPA or any of its employees. Also, be aware that the privacy protection provided on the EPA.gov domain (see Privacy and Security Notice) may not be available at the external link. 
Sewer infrastructure represents an enormous public asset that accounts for trillions of dollars worth of local, state, and federal investment over the last century. Much of the nation's sewage collection infrastructure is between 30 and 100 years old, placing it at increased risk for leaks, blockages and malfunctions due to deterioration. The longer sewer collection system problems go unresolved, the more serious they become, placing vital public assets at risk of further degradation, posing an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment, damaging public and private property, and impacting state and local economies.
Liquid Assets – The Story of our Water Infrastructure
This 90-minute documentary focuses on our water, wastewater, and storm water infrastructure systems and the role they play in public health and the economy. The program explores the history, engineering, and political and economic challenges of our water infrastructure, and aims to engage communities in local discussions about public water and wastewater issues.
Watch for this program on your local PBS station. Visit the web site for more information about the program, to view the trailer, or to obtain a copy of the community toolkit.
Sustainable Infrastructure for Water and Wastewater, USEPA Office of Water
As a nation, we have built an extensive network of infrastructure (water treatment plants, sewer lines, distribution lines, and storage facilities) to provide the public with access to water and sanitation. We cannot ignore the infrastructure rehabilitation and replacement we will face over the next several decades.
Access basic information about sustainable infrastructure and the infrastructure gap. Learn about EPA’s Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative. This Initiative guides our efforts in changing how the nation views, values, manages, and invests in its water infrastructure. A Four Pillars approach to sustainable infrastructure includes:
- Better management of water and wastewater utilities
- Rates that reflect the full cost pricing of services
- Efficient water use
- Watershed approaches to protection
Bridging
the Gap: An Educational Primer on Sustainable Water Infrastructure Asset
Management,
Pennsylvania State University
Developed with EPA grant funds, Bridging the Gap is an on-line video designed
to help elected officials and water and wastewater managers make smart choices
as they address water and wastewater infrastructure issues. The video outlines
the key steps to developing an asset management plan for both novice and experienced
professionals. The hosting Web site provides an on-line learning experience with
an extensive array of reference materials to support the central concepts and
real-world examples of emerging best practices and innovations in water asset
management.
The
Cost of Clean and Safe Water - Sustaining Our Infrastructure,
May 2006, New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
(NEIWPCC) (PDF) (45 pp, 418K, about PDF)
A joint project of NEIWPCC, EPA New England, the New England states and
New York, this study presents the results of a year long effort to collect
and analyze cost data from drinking water and wastewater systems serving
communities throughout the region. The report is a useful resource
for communities.
Water Infrastructure Network
The Water Infrastructure Network (WIN) is a broad-based coalition of local
elected officials, drinking water and wastewater service providers, state
environmental and health administrators, engineers and environmentalists
dedicated to preserving and protecting the health, environmental and
economic gains that America's drinking water and wastewater infrastructure
provides. Includes news articles, reports and other information.
Water is Life
Water Is Life, and Infrastructure Makes It Happen™ is a public education program designed to educate communities about the need to update our nation's water and wastewater infrastructure. The program consists of a full suite of materials, educational tools, and suggestions for implementation of a full-scale, public education campaign.