The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant investment in water infrastructure as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. A total of $3.6 billion will be allocated to upgrade water systems nationwide, building on the $2.6 billion announced earlier this month, making a combined $6.2 billion for Fiscal Year 2025.
This funding is intended to enhance wastewater management, protect freshwater resources, and ensure safe drinking water delivery across the country. The funds will be distributed through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, supporting state-run low-interest loan programs to address financing challenges in water infrastructure.
Illinois will receive over $145 million from this initiative. This includes $112,540,000 from the Clean Water General Supplemental funds, $9,714,000 for Emerging Contaminant funds, and $23,186,000 under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of this investment: “Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity." He highlighted that failures in water infrastructure can pose risks to health and environmental stability.
Senator Dick Durbin noted that these investments would allow for essential upgrades throughout Illinois: “Investing in water infrastructure keeps our communities healthy.”
Senator Tammy Duckworth expressed her support for federal investment in local water systems: “Every American—regardless of their race, income or zip code—deserves to know the systems that carry and process their water are safe."
Representative Danny K. Davis praised the administration’s efforts: “I am proud to have helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure law that is investing billions of dollars to upgrade water infrastructure.”
The EPA is also advancing its Water Technical Assistance program to help disadvantaged communities plan and access federal funding for necessary upgrades. These efforts align with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative aimed at directing 40% of certain federal investments' benefits to marginalized communities.
For more details on state allocations and project information under this law, interested parties can visit EPA's online resources dedicated to clean and drinking water state revolving funds.
