Annual Report: CWSRF Programs

The largest source of public water-quality financing in the country, featuring flexible financing terms and subsidies, the CWSRF continuously allows communities to improve their wastewater treatment, sewer infrastructure, address nonpoint sources of pollution, and many other decentralized environmental benefits. This year (2015) the CWSRF provided $5.8 billion to eligible projects and will continue to grow, while prioritizing those with the biggest public health impact. This year, 64 percent of assistance agreements went to communities with fewer than 10,000 people. These recipients were offered a low interest rate at only 1.7 percent, reducing barriers for borrowers but lowering program revenues. This is met with low fiscal year administrative expenses. Financial highlights include a 4.6 percent increase in program equity from the previous year. 2015 has experienced an intake in funding of water conservation and stormwater programs focusing on green infrastructure and water efficiency, following the prior years’ Water Resources Reform and Development Act amendment to the CWSRF. The West states have the flexibility to focus on water reuse drought solutions, while Eastern states can manage stormwater challenges. Read some of the success stories included.