Target critical infrastructure needs in underserved areas: Allocate a substantial portion of SRF resources and any new funding to underserved and environmental justice communities, focusing specifically on those lacking crucial water infrastructure like clean drinking water systems and comprehensive sanitation facilities. Meet Justice40 Initiative targets under the SRF and other water infrastructure funding programs.

Enhance accessibility to funding and technical assistance: Streamline the process for accessing grants and forgivable loans through the EPA’s SRF programs. Expand technical support to help underserved and disadvantaged communities effectively plan and implement water infrastructure projects, particularly where there is an absence of established water and sanitation systems.

Implement equity-driven and sustainable policies: Develop policies under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), EPA SRF guidelines, and states’ SRF program rules that ensure funding not only meets infrastructure gaps but also enhances public health and environmental quality in underserved communities needing critical water and sanitation services.

Build resilience and capacity in small communities: Increase federal support and technical assistance to small and underserved communities to foster the adoption of innovative and sustainable sanitation solutions and support workforce development, enhancing the long-term resilience and operational sustainability of their water infrastructure.

Establish nationwide water assistance program: Establish and fund a permanent program aimed at aiding low-income households with water assistance.

Provide uninterrupted water access: Prohibit water utilities from disconnecting residential water services due to an inability to pay. Prevent service shutoffs for 120 days following declared emergencies and require free and safe reconnections.

Conduct comprehensive assessments: Address the affordability crisis by requiring comprehensive assessments on key affordability metrics that inform water infrastructure funding decisions. Assess the equitable distribution of funds and include EPA-completed studies and assessments mandated by the IIJA to guide policy and infrastructure development effectively.

Eliminate lead service lines: Enact laws that mandate the replacement of all lead service lines within ten years and allocate sufficient federal funding to meet that objective. Direct a significant portion of that funding to communities disproportionately affected by lead in drinking water.

Stricter regulatory standards: Set and enforce strict standards for discharges of PFAS into surface waters and for allowable levels of PFAS and lead in drinking water.

Expand federal oversight and support: Increase federal investment, including a proposed $20 billion over five years for Superfund Site Cleanup, to address and remediate lead and PFAS contamination effectively.

Prioritize natural and green infrastructure: Encourage the implementation and increase funding of natural and green infrastructure solutions to enhance resilience against climate-related disasters and reduce environmental impact. Specifically, allocate funds and provide incentives within the CWSRF and DWSRF programs (including by making the Green Project Reserve permanent), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, and federal transportation grants.

Incorporate climate resiliency into funding criteria: Mandate that states prioritize climate resiliency in project evaluations for SRF funding, focusing on infrastructure projects that account for the adverse environmental and socio-economic effects of climate change.

Invest in drought and flood resilience projects: Support specific investments in water efficiency, stormwater capture, and reuse projects, as preferred by voters concerned about drought impacts and flooding, to improve resilience and adaptability of water systems to changing climate conditions

Expand eligibility for climate-resilient projects: Expand eligibility within the Green Project Reserve to include more projects focused on climate resilience, ensuring a significant portion of federal water infrastructure funding supports projects that mitigate the effects of climate change on water resources.