Region 7 Water

Help sustain the unseen water network that brings life to your community.

“EPA is dedicated to preserving our water resources and we are encouraging our utility and community partners to share financial solutions, research and innovative technologies.”

John B. Askew, former EPA Region 7 Administrator

“The use of a management system by the city's utilities gives us a tool to examine every facet of the operation, and identifies areas for continual improvement. Using this tool for operations, as well as our collection and distribution systems and all the components of infrastructure, allows us to efficiently and effectively manage important city services, water and wastewater utilities.”

David Corliss, City Manager of Lawrence, Kansas

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you see as the critical issues facing urban and rural water systems?

• Many drinking water and wastewater systems were built 100 years ago and are nearing the end of their useful life.
• There is a large dollar gap (in billions) between needs and spending at national or local levels.
• Our population increases add to the burden on existing water systems. The Census Bureau projects that the U.S. population will reach 450 million by 2050.

What are the keys to successful water planning?

• Reducing waste and inefficiency – with less water moving through the system, utility operating costs will drop.
• Reusing water such as storm water, whether on a watershed scale or through individual rain gardens, is an effective strategy.
• Restoring watersheds that supply drinking water, provide recreation, and sustain life.

How does water infrastructure impact the public?

• Businesses and communities rely on access to water and wastewater services.
• Better financial and management planning can lower costs in the long term.
• Improved communication by utilities and local governments helps the public understand the needs and benefits to the community.

What can the public do?

• Evaluate water use and its cost and energy impacts. How can you save?
• Ratepayers can make a difference by using efficient, cost-saving products and by altering their everyday habits to cut water consumption and help the environment.
• Consider green design elements, such as green roofs, to help cut costs and utility rates.

What funds and financial planning help are available?

• The Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds will continue to be critical tools for capital financing, but we need to develop new finance tools.
• EPA Region 7 established an Environmental Finance Center that helps small communities, tribes, businesses and organizations facing “how to pay” challenges of environmental protection and regulatory compliance.
• The center will facilitate workshops and meetings, develop partnerships, and provide training to help meet the financial requirements of environmental protection.

How can we find more sustainable solutions to our water and wastewater needs?

• Partnerships are the key to finding solutions for our nation’s aging water infrastructure.
• Communities can benefit by sharing financial solutions, sustainability research, and innovative technologies.
• State agencies can help community leaders find solutions. Federal funds cannot meet all of the critical water infrastructure needs.

What are some of the differences between small water systems and large systems?

• Small systems face unique challenges, such as declining populations, staff funding, facility maintenance, technology, and training.
• Many rural communities have kept utility rates low, resulting in fewer dollars for maintenance.
• Small systems need to maintain a sense of identity when partnering with neighboring communities.

What can the smaller systems do?

• The smaller utilities can maximize the useful life of their infrastructure by carrying out an ongoing process of evaluation, maintenance and replacement of their assets as needed.
• Smaller utilities can develop long-range plans for financial and maintenance challenges facing them in the future.
• Look for ways to partner with other communities.

What else can be done?

• One of the challenges we face is educating the public about the value of water. It truly is the lifeblood of our bodies, our nation, and our well-being.
• We must help people realize that investments in water infrastructure are investments in their communities, and that customer rates must reflect that value.
• Ongoing education of communities and elected officials is vital to communicate the value of sustainability, why change is essential, and to dispel the idea that environmental performance must lead to higher spending.