Studies by water utilities, engineers, and advocacy groups estimate [PDF] that making all the needed investments in U.S. water infrastructure would add $220 billion and 1.3 million jobs to the U.S. economy annually.
Public consumption makes up 11 percent, while mining and industry comprises another 5 percent.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the country will need to spend $632 billion over the next decade on infrastructure including pipes, treatment plants, and wastewater management facilities.
At the same time, federal support has dried up: according to Congressional Budget Office numbers, the federal contribution to national water infrastructure spending has fallen from 63 percent of the total in the 1970s to just 9 percent in 2014.
How is supply regulated?
Under both laws, the federal government, through the EPA, sets pollution limits and regulations for all discharges into drinking water supplies, including surface waters and wastewater treatment output, while states are responsible for day-to-day implementation and enforcement.
The Colorado River, in particular, has become a major source of concern.
A primary role is to authorize financing for water projects through what are known as the State Revolving Funds.
Since its creation in 1987, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund has provided states with over $111 billion in low-interest loans.
Some in Congress have proposed various mechanisms for increasing federal contributions to the water system.