Companies, Utilities, and Nonprofits Applaud Bipartisan Push for Clean Water Investments in Upcoming Funding Bill

May 27, 2025

Contact: Hawk Hammer, Senior Strategist, American Rivers Action Fund, Hhammer@americanrivers.org

Washington, D.C. – Organizations representing utilities, engineers, water companies, and nonprofits are applauding a bipartisan letter led by Representatives Bresnahan (R-PA) and Sykes (D-OH) urging increased funding for critical water infrastructure programs in the upcoming Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The letter highlights the urgent need to address aging water systems and rising costs that affect millions of Americans.

More than two million people in the U.S. still lack access to reliable running water, and between 12.1 and 19.2 million households struggle to afford water services. The American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2025 Infrastructure Report Card assigned the nation an overall grade of ‘C’ — the highest ever — but emphasized continued poor marks for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, which remain stuck between ‘C-’ and ‘D’ grades due to chronic underinvestment.

Modernizing the nation’s water systems is essential to public health, environmental resilience, and economic growth.

American Rivers Action Fund

“We applaud Representatives Bresnahan and Sykes for leading this bipartisan effort to support critical water infrastructure needs,” said Gary Belan, Senior Director of Clean Water Supply at American Rivers Action Fund. “Sustained investment is essential to repairing aging sewer systems, reducing toxic pollutants in our water, and improving water quality monitoring. Their leadership and commitment to collaboration will help protect our rivers and deliver long-overdue upgrades that improve clean water access for communities nationwide.”

National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA)

“NACWA applauds Congressman Bresnahan and Congresswoman Sykes for working across party lines to support critical water infrastructure funding for local communities,” said Adam Krantz, CEO of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). “At a time when the public clean water sector is navigating challenging issues ranging from emerging contaminants to aging infrastructure and rising construction costs, it is critical that the federal government not retreat from water investment and remain steadfast in its longstanding bipartisan commitment to clean water.”

Rural Community Assistance Partnership

"We applaud Representatives Bresnahan and Sykes, as well as all the bipartisan signatories, for championing the critical need to invest in our nation's water infrastructure,” said Olga Morales-Pate, CEO of Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated. “Rural, small and often underserved communities across the country are grappling with aging and failing water infrastructure systems. Continued federal support is essential to ensure clean, safe and affordable water for every American. RCAP stands ready to work with Congress to advance these vital investments."

National Municipal Stormwater Alliance

"The Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant (OSG) program has been sorely underfunded which has limited states' abilities to address needed investments in stormwater. This bipartisan effort to significantly increase this investment will enhance the capacity for communities to address runoff-driven pollution and resilience challenges,” said Seth Brown, Executive Director, National Stormwater Alliance

Clean Water Action

“We applaud Representatives Bresnahan and Sykes, as well as all the bipartisan signatories, for championing the critical need to invest in our nation’s water infrastructure,” said Sean Jackson, the National Water Campaigns Coordinator for Clean Water Action. “These federal investments are essential to protect public health, address contaminants like PFAS, and ensure every community, especially those historically underserved, has access to safe, reliable and affordable water.”

Click here (.pdf) to read the letter and how sustained investments can grow the water sector and create resilient infrastructure for every community.

Endorsements: American Rivers Action Fund, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, Water Environment Federation, American Council of Engineering Companies, National Municipal Stormwater Alliance, Water for People, Clean Water Construction Coalition, Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated, and Clean Water Action