A coalition of national water sector leaders hosted an informational briefing earlier this month for Congress to highlight the urgency of investing in America’s aging water infrastructure systems and the critical role of the Clean Water and Drinking Water state revolving funds.
“Utility construction companies and their employees are building and repairing the underground infrastructure that delivers safe drinking water, removes wastewater, and contributes to a healthy and prosperous community,” says Zack Perconti, NUCA’s chief advocacy officer. “Briefing Members of Congress and their staffs on the importance of government’s part in funding its construction through the SRF program makes it clear that we can’t deliver clean water to tens of millions of Americans without their support.”
With the nation facing an estimated $3.4 trillion in infrastructure needs over the next 20 years, and billions more required for operations and maintenance, the discussion focused on sustained, reliable federal investment to ensure safe, affordable water access.
Panelists at this Capitol Hill event represented all sectors involved in the water infrastructure financing from the state-level authorities that distribute funding to the local governments and utilities that utilize this funding to support their communities to contractors and engineers delivering the projects supported by these programs.
Former NUCA Chairman Dan Buckley represented NUCA at this forum, speaking as a construction executive and industry expert on the panel discussing the numerous economic benefits found in water infrastructure development.
SRFs remain one of the most effective federal-to-local infrastructure programs in the country, especially for small, rural and disadvantaged communities. SRF financing routinely reduces the cost of borrowing — often by more than 50% — saving communities nearly $1 billion in 2023 alone.
In 2025 alone, combined federal, state and local water investments totaling $81 billion supported 858,000 jobs, $68 billion in wages, $112 billion in GDP, and $205 billion in total economic output.
Beyond affordability, public health and regulatory compliance, the panel — which was held in a centrally located Senate Visitor Center meeting room — discussed how water infrastructure investment drives economic growth and protects public health.
NUCA says it will continue to advocate for these SRFs to ensure communities have the financial tools needed to upgrade aging systems, protect public health and build future-ready water infrastructure.
Other organizations involved in the panel discussion included:American Public Works Association
U.S. Water Alliance
Water Environment Federation
National Association of Clean Water Agencies
Clean Water Construction Coalition
National Association of Counties
Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturing Association
Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies
American Society of Civil Engineers
National Council of State Legislators
American Council of Engineering Companies
WateReuse
National League of Cities
California Association of Sanitation Agencies
American Water Works Association
U.S. Conference of Mayors
National Water Resources Association
Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities
