During World Water Week from August 25−29, the Indian Health Service (IHS) is hosting events across Indian Country to highlight successful projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and to recognize the importance of improving water and sanitation infrastructure in tribal communities. These events will also celebrate the 65th anniversary of the IHS Sanitation Facilities Construction Program (SFC) and its history.
“We should be doing everything in our power to ensure all Americans have access to clean drinking water. The health and safety of our children, our families, and our communities depend on it,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra. “The Biden-Harris Administration has made investments in critical infrastructure and pursued collaborative projects and partnerships with tribes to improve the health and wellbeing of Native people and communities. Working together, we will continue our efforts to bring clean drinking water, reliable sewage systems, and effective solid waste disposal facilities to tribal communities.”
Over the last century, federal investments have been made to modernize water and sanitation systems in Native communities; however, adequate sanitation facilities are still lacking in approximately 41,000 American Indian and Alaska Native homes, with more than 5,000 lacking access to a safe water supply or waste disposal facility. The IHS continues to develop much-needed infrastructure through the SFC Program.
“Having access to clean water is something that many take for granted, yet there are far too many communities across Indian Country that do not have access to safe and reliable water and sanitation infrastructure,” said IHS Director Roselyn Tso. “I have seen firsthand the impact of not having access to these essential services. It is a matter of public health but also a matter of respect for our Native people. For 65 years, the Indian Health Service has played a leading role in improving water and sanitation services for our people but with limited resources. This is why the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investment in this infrastructure is so important in improving overall well-being of our tribal communities.”
The BIL appropriates $700 million annually from FY 2022 through FY 2026 for the SFC Program. This investment supports crucial sanitation projects that will result in substantial improvements to clean water and sanitation systems in American Indian and Alaska Native communities nationwide. Currently, over 800 BIL-funded SFC projects are underway.
The IHS partners with federal agencies through the Infrastructure Task Force to improve access to clean water and sanitation nationwide. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency collaborates with tribal governments, utilities, and members to regulate utilities, provide technical assistance for compliance and infrastructure development, and support sustainable operations.
“EPA’s partnership with IHS and other federal agencies through the Infrastructure Task Force is a primary example of how successful collaboration can create impactful improvements in tribal communities,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for International & Tribal Affairs Jane Nishida. “Access to clean drinking water is a core component of EPA’s mission.”
IHS World Water Week events include site visits:
- Lac Courte Oreilles Water Tower Improvements – New Post, Wisconsin: Painting failed coating systems; installing de-icing equipment; sealing cracks.
- San Carlos Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion – San Carlos, Arizona: Constructing retention lagoon; extending sewer force main.
- Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Mission Wastewater System Upgrades – Mission, Oregon: Constructing wastewater reuse facility; installing UV disinfection system.
- Cherokee New Water Treatment Plant & Raw Water Intake– Stilwell, Oklahoma: Constructing new process building; installing high-service pump station.
- Creek/Wagoner County RWD #5 Water Treatment Plant Expansion – Broken Arrow, Oklahoma: Building new treatment plant; adding pulsating clarifiers.
- Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Water Treatment Plant – Winnebago: Installing plant removing radium below EPA standards.
These site visits continue year-long support for water infrastructure projects across all 12 IHS areas.
In 2023, IHS launched an interactive website providing insights into BIL-funded projects including funding amounts, tribes served, homes impacted, and project statuses.
The nationwide Sanitation Facilities Construction Program delivers environmental engineering services providing essential facilities such as water supply systems.
The IHS provides comprehensive health services for approximately 2.8 million American Indians & Alaska Natives belonging to 574 federally recognized tribes across 37 states.
