The Economic Benefits
of Investing in Water Infrastructure
Since 2015, the Value of Water Campaign has been building public and political will for investment in America’s water infrastructure. This report serves as a roadmap to closing the gap between funding needs and reliable water service to address our nation’s infrastructure crisis.
Developed by the Value of Water Campaign, in partnership with Stantec and One Water Econ, The Economic Benefits of Investing in Water Infrastructure is a landmark analysis of one of America’s most pressing infrastructure challenges, one that remains out of sight and out of mind for so many.
The United States must invest roughly $3.4 trillion over 20 years to repair and modernize its water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.
This report provides the most detailed picture to date of national and state-level funding needs for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. In a thorough assessment of risks, threats to economic competitiveness, and community impact, the report aims to shed light on the consequences of underinvestment, but also the extraordinary economic return of closing the water investment gap.
Addressing this essential need is a major opportunity. Every $1 million invested in water infrastructure generates:
-
$2.5 million
in economic output
-
10 jobs
generated
-
$1.4 million
in GDP
-
$837,000
in labor income
Inaction costs.
If water service were disrupted nationwide for just 24 hours, the economy would lose nearly $120 billion, 527,000 jobs, and $69 billion in GDP.
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