Infrastructure Development

According to the UN, large numbers of people in developing countries still lack access to basic infrastructure services. Continued lack of access will constrain achievements of any development goals agreed for the post-2015 period. Resources available in this sub-theme include project summaries and successes of past infrastructure development projects, technical and field guidance on infrastructure development, and other resources that can help to develop effective WASH infrastructure.

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Infrastructure Development Resources

Integrated water management and environmental justice - Public acceptability and fairness in adopting water innovations

Published: 
July 2, 2021
Innovations to manage freshwater resources and avert shortages - including conservation through reclaimed wastewater, desalination, and demand-side management measures like increasing block rate structures offer practical, effective remedies for meeting future water demands. This article examines...Read more
Regional focus: 
United States

Water Problems Add To Widespread Environmental Injustice. Two Major Bills Could Change That.

Published: 
July 2, 2021
Increased investment in water infrastructure is a key component in creating an environmentally just America. For years, low-income communities, communities of color, and rural regions have suffered from chronic disinvestment in water infrastructure, leading to serious water pollution, water...Read more
Regional focus: 
United States

Lead Pipes and Environmental Justice

Published: 
July 2, 2021
Maintaining and rebuilding aging water infrastructure across the United States is essential to providing communities with safe drinking water. Regular infrastructure repair work, such as when a water main under the street is repaired, can disturb service lines, which poses an issue when the line is...Read more
Regional focus: 
United States

EPA’S Role in Addressing the Urgent Water Infrastructure Needs of Environmental Justice Communities

Published: 
July 2, 2021
Within this report, NEJAC highlights specific examples of vulnerable communities where residents do not have access to clean, safe drinking water and proper sanitation. EPA continues to serve an important and vital role in enforcement, training and dissemination of information to public and private...Read more
Regional focus: 
United States

What Can Communities Do About Lead in Drinking Water?

Published: 
July 13, 2021
An estimated 6 million leaded service lines(link is external) deliver drinking water to households across the United States, and when these lines leach lead into drinking water, it poses a serious public health problem. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, states and cities are working to issue...Read more
Regional focus: 
United States

Drinking Water and Source Water Research

Published: 
July 21, 2021
This web page provides an overview of USGS's work in drinking water and source water research. It includes publications, data and tools, maps, and related USGS research. Reliable drinking water is vital for the health and safety of all Americans. The USGS works with drinking water facilities...Read more
Regional focus: 
United States

Industrial Water Use

Published: 
July 21, 2021
Industrial withdrawals provide water for such purposes as fabricating, processing, washing, diluting, cooling, or transporting a product; incorporating water into a product; or for sanitation needs within the manufacturing facility. Some industries that use large amounts of water produce such...Read more
Regional focus: 
United States

Urban Land Use and Water Quality

Published: 
July 21, 2021
In urbanized areas, small streams are often overlooked or forgotten, but these streams can reduce contamination, ease flash flooding, and improve the esthetics and livability of our daily environment. Contaminants, habitat destruction, and streamflow flashiness resulting from urban development...Read more
Regional focus: 
United States

Public Supply Wells

Published: 
July 21, 2021
The USGS National Water Quality Program investigates the quality of water pumped from public-supply wells across the United States. These wells are the source of drinking water and water for other household needs for more than one-third of the U.S. population. There are about 140,000 public water...Read more
Regional focus: 
United States

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