The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently designated $25 million for Arizona’s water infrastructure to improve overall water quality and to reduce pollution.
The funds will be channeled through Arizona's Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) to support affordable loans for drinking water and wastewater initiatives.
“This substantial investment at the federal level helps communities develop the infrastructure needed for clean, safe drinking water and proper wastewater treatment,” EPA Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest Jared Blumenfeld said. “EPA is committed to protecting the water resources so important to public health and Arizona’s economy.”
Funds from WIFA will encourage sustainability of water use, from treatment and distribution to storage and delivery. Municipal systems, sewer collection, reuse sites and stormwater handling also are included.
Of the funding, WIFA expects to allocate $915,000 to the Buckskin Sanitary District along the Colorado River.
A portion of the EPA-backed resources will be allotted to projects related to climate change, such as forest and floodplain management.
The EPA has awarded $615 million to support Arizona’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs since 1988.