Clean Water Financing for Healthy Rivers and Communities

Clean water is essential for every aspect of our lives. However, the local governments that are responsible for managing pollution and
keeping rivers and tap water clean often simply do not have the resources needed to complete the work. To help communities raise needed funds, in the 1980s the federal government established a system of public loans, called the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which continues to be a primary source of capital for reducing the pollution associated with wastewater and storm runoff.

Yet, many people still lack basic water service, and over half of U.S. rivers and lakes are too polluted for fishing, swimming, or drinking. The good news is that by freeing up more money and eliminating logjams, we can improve access to clean water and healthy rivers for all of us. This fact sheet contains key recommendations, drawn from our research across the country, for improving how the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and its related state programs can be improved to support healthy rivers and communities.