Water Infrastructure Sustainability and Resilience Act of 2011 - Summer

Advisor: Irene Nielson

Although water is abundant globally, less than 1% of freshwater is readily available for human use. In the United States, water systems face increasing challenges due to aging infrastructure, population growth, and climate change impacts such as unpredictable precipitation and sea level rise. Recent events, including the 2011 Tropical Storm Irene and widespread droughts, have highlighted vulnerabilities in stormwater management, water supply, and system resilience. Much of the U.S. water infrastructure was built in the 1950s, and deferred maintenance has contributed to budget shortfalls estimated at $11 billion annually, underscoring the urgent need for investment and innovation.

The Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Act of 2011 (H.R. 2738) proposes a federal grant program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fund innovative water management solutions. The program’s goals are to increase water quantity and quality, reduce disaster risk, and protect ecosystems. Grants would support projects across diverse geographic regions, allowing water system owners and operators to pilot solutions that integrate advanced technologies, green infrastructure, and research-based approaches. Examples include urban green infrastructure to manage stormwater and advanced water metering for agricultural efficiency.

A core focus of H.R. 2738 is improving the resiliency and sustainability of water systems in response to climate change. The program emphasizes rigorous measurement and evaluation of outcomes, including gallons of water saved, reductions in energy use, and decreased contaminant levels. By supporting scalable and innovative projects, the Act aims to strengthen national water infrastructure, propagate best practices, and equip water managers with effective strategies for coping with present and future hydrologic challenges.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.