Contents: (1) Intro.; (2) Background: History of Fed. Involvement; Wastewater; Drinking Water; USDA Assistance Programs; (3) Water Infrastructure Debate: Invest. Needs; EPA Needs Surveys; Drinking Water and Wastewater Needs; Future Investment; Gap Analysis Report; (4) Issues: (a) Priorities: What are the Problems to be Solved?: Infrastructure Replace.; Security; Funding Other Priorities; (b) Fed. Role; (c) Delivering Fed. Support: Admin. Entity; Type of Assistance Provided: Grants and Loans; Fed. Funds for Private Infrastructure Systems; Fed. Tax Issues; Fed. Cross-Cutting Requirements; Set-Asides; Allotment of Funds and Congress. Directed Project Grants; (d) Res. on New Technol.; (5) Congress. and Admin. Activity, 107th-110th Congress. Tables.

According to experts from the EPA & various nonfederal groups, the nation's drinking water & wastewater systems face increasing challenges over the next several decades in maintaining& replacing their pipes, treatment plants, & other infrastructure. But there is neither consensus on the size & timing of future investment costs nor agreement on the impact of those costs on households & other water ratepayers. This study provides background information on the nation's water systems, presents estimates of future costs for water infrastructure under two scenarios -- a low-cost case & a high-cost case -- & discusses broad policy options for the federal government. An objective, impartial analysis, without recommendations. Tables.

A critical aspect of sustainability associated with water and wastewater systems is to maintain and manage infrastructure in the most efficient and economical manner while complying with environmental regulations and keeping rates at acceptable levels. Given the high cost of fuel, our growing population, and the associated increase in energy needs,