Boxer advocates increased investment in water infrastructure

U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) recently advocated for more investment in America’s water infrastructure at an Environment and Public Works Committee hearing entitled “The Federal Role in Keeping Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Affordable.”

“Aging drinking water pipes and waste treatment systems are a nationwide problem. The American Society of Civil Engineers gives our country’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure a ‘D,’ ” Boxer said. “This is unacceptable. The American people have a right to expect safe, clean water when they turn on their faucets. Yet, millions of homes across America receive water from pipes that date to an era before scientists and public health professionals fully understood the harm caused by lead exposure.”

Boxer highlighted the recent crisis in Flint, in which corrosive water lead to leaching that resulted in many of the city’s children being exposed to lead, as an example of the consequences of our aging water infrastructure. Between 15 million and 22 million Americans have lead service lines, Boxer noted. Additionally, inadequate wastewater treatment can lead to raw sewage discharges into the nation’s waterways, which are used as drinking water sources and for recreation.

“The Clean Water Council estimates that $1 billion invested in water and wastewater infrastructure can create up to 27,000 jobs,” Boxer said. “I believe there is broad bipartisan agreement on the need for federal investment in water infrastructure. The next Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which we are currently developing, gives us an opportunity to address our aging drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The health and safety of children and families depends on modern infrastructure that provides safe drinking water and ensures clean rivers and streams.”