Water, wastewater, and stormwater bills have been increasing above general price inflation and household income growth rates for decades. Affordability, therefore, has become an increasingly important issue, heightening focus on utility rate design, customer service policies, and customer assistance programs. It’s time to revisit traditional methods of measuring household affordability and assessing community financial capability. […]
Tag Archives: Financing
Water Experts Recommend New Methods to Measure Rate Affordability, Financial Capabilities
U.S. Congress Passes America’s Water Infrastructure Act
November 25, 2018
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In October, the U.S. Senate passed the biennial Water Resources Development Act. The bi-partisan legislation includes major provisions that benefit drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure and policy. The U.S. House of Representatives also passed a version of the bill, known as America’s Water Infrastructure Act (S. 3021), in September. The Water Environment Federation (WEF; […]
WEF’s New Release Covers Financing for Wastewater Systems
April 27, 2018
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The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) has released the fourth edition of Financing and Charges for Wastewater Systems, Manual of Practice 27. The guidebook provides an overview of current industry practices to consider when establishing rates and charges for wastewater collection and treatment systems. The publication reflects changes that have occurred in the water […]
WEF Letter Supports WIFIA Reauthorization and Expansion Legislation
February 26, 2018
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On Jan. 11, the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) and several other water sector organizations sent a letter to U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R–Fla.) in support of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2017 (H.R. 4492). Mast and a bipartisan group of representatives introduced the bill in November. The bill has […]
WEF and Others Comment on Tax Reform
January 21, 2018
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The U.S. Congress has passed a final $1.5 trillion tax package that has been signed into law by President Trump. On Dec. 6, the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) joined other water sector organizations in sending a letter to congressional leaders about tax reform legislation. In the letter, the organizations expressed concerns about the […]
WEF Joins in Writing Congress To Oppose Tax Bill Provision
December 20, 2017
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Municipal bonds help finance water and wastewater infrastructure projects. While a U.S. House of Representatives bill maintains tax-exempt status for municipal-issued bonds for water and wastewater infrastructure projects, Section 3602 of the bill would repeal the ability to advance refund municipal bonds. On Nov. 8, the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) joined other water […]
WEF and Others Release Collaborative Approach for Reducing Nutrient Pollution in Waterways
November 29, 2017
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During WEFTEC 2017, the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.), U.S. Water Alliance (Washington, D.C.), and National Association of Clean Water Agencies (Washington, D.C.) revealed a new, collaborative approach to reduce nutrient pollution in U.S. waterways. Nutrient overload in waterways from excess nitrogen and phosphorus threatens drinking water quality, economic health, and recreation. The paper, […]
WEF Staff Learn About WIFIA from U.S. EPA
December 30, 2016
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is holding a series of informational sessions across the nation to educate the public about the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). WIFIA establishes a new financing mechanism to accelerate investment in our nation’s water infrastructure. The program will provide loans for up to 49% of eligible costs […]
February 28, 2020
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