ERG Helps EPA Develop Report Illustrating the Need for Billions of Dollars in Clean Water Infrastructure Investments

ERG is proud to assist the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in publishing the 2022 Clean Watersheds Needs Survey (CWNS) Report to Congress. The CWNS identifies investments needed over the next two decades to meet the water quality goals of the Clean Water Act. Through the CWNS, U.S. states and territories gather comprehensive data on wastewater and stormwater facilities, nonpoint source pollution control projects, and decentralized wastewater treatment to evaluate needs for repairs, renovation, or replacement. Then, EPA compiles the information into a Report to Congress. The 2022 CWNS is the most thorough and detailed report ever on clean water infrastructure needs in the United States, highlighting a significant $630 billion in required capital investments. The report found that nearly 55 percent of the infrastructure needs are related to wastewater management.  

Since 2019, ERG has played an important role in planning and executing the 2022 CWNS, the first such survey since 2012. ERG worked with EPA and state coordinators to refine survey policies, develop a data collection web portal, and review and analyze survey data. The ERG team then created a comprehensive data dashboard with interactive maps, charts, and data tables for presenting state, regional, and national results. ERG also led and guided the survey review process, preparing a comprehensive review manual and leading a team of 11 staff who meticulously analyzed more than 28,000 completed surveys. 

Michelle Seely, an ERG environmental engineer, expressed the impact of this collaboration in saying “It’s been incredibly rewarding working with EPA and state coordinators through the planning, data collection, and analysis phases of the 2022 CWNS. The Report to Congress showcases how important it is to continue to invest in our clean water infrastructure to protect the quality of our nation’s waters.” This assessment informs Congress and state legislatures in their budgeting decisions, tracks environmental progress, supports academic research, and aids local and state governments in establishing effective water quality programs. 

For additional details about the report, visit https://www.epa.gov/cwns/clean-watersheds-needs-survey-cwns-2022-report-and-data.