Water Efficiency & Infrastructure

IAPMO supports policies that promote water efficiency without compromising performance. It also supports policies and existing programs that assist in the development critical water-related infrastructure and the replacement of aging infrastructure.

Support EPA’s WaterSense Program

IAPMO supports maintaining level funding ($3.1 million) for the WaterSense program. WaterSense is a voluntary product efficiency labeling program that identifies efficient and high-performing water-consuming products. Since 2006, this program has saved consumers more than $84.2 billion in water and energy bills and 3.4 trillion gallons in water. WaterSense was formally authorized by Congress in October 2018 with broad bipartisan support

Increased funding for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF)

Through the SRFs, EPA makes annual grants to state-administered revolving loan funds to finance the construction of water infrastructure. They are the most important tools to help communities meet the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and emerging contaminants..

Direct NIST, EPA, ANd DOE to lead critical water research

There is a tremendous need for practical, demand side water research that can immediately inform actions that states and cities are taking to conserve vital water resources and protect water quality. Additional research is needed to help communities better implement strategies related to conservation, water reuse, legionella, lead, and PFAs. The design of premise plumbing systems in the United States is based in part on decades-old data. New technical information is needed to ensure that systems are designed, installed, and operated to maximize water efficiency, water quality, and energy efficiency.

Increased funding for Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program

WIFIA works separately from, but in coordination with, the State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs to provide subsidized financing for large dollar-value projects. WIFIA provides low-interest federal loans for up to 49% of the costs for large ($20+ million) water infrastructure projects, including drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and water reuse projects. It is an important program that accelerates investment in regionally and nationally significant water infrastructure projects.

Ensure equal Treatment of water efficiency rebates under tax LAW

Under current law, utility rebates for energy efficiency measures are tax-exempt, while those related to water efficiency are not. IAPMO supports the extension of this tax provision to include various water conservation measures. Water scarcity is a growing issue across the United States. This fair tax treatment helps ensure a more sustainable water supply that communities and businesses depend on.

Support increased funding and technical assistance to states seeking solutions for groundwater contaminants and pathogens

State legislatures, Governors, state Attorneys General and state health officials are reviewing a multitude of options to battle lead, legionella, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other contaminants found in drinking water. It is important that states and local jurisdictions have access to cutting-edge technology to combat threats to sources of drinking water and how that water is supplied to homes, businesses and schools.