America’s water and wastewater systems need an estimated $1 trillion in investment to make up for decades of deferred maintenance and upgrades, but many communities lack the funding, organization or technical ability to begin tackling their challenges. That’s why Veolia North America, the largest private operator of water services in the United States, is joining with Water Finance Exchange (WFX), the trusted nonprofit improving America’s water infrastructure, to help small and disadvantaged communities improve their water and wastewater systems.
As a founding member of the WFX Water Roundtable, Veolia will use its experience, knowledge and energy to help communities find solutions to complex water problems, especially in rural, disadvantaged areas that often have the fewest tools but most need. WFX has helped communities in Texas, Idaho, Illinois and other states develop creative strategies to deliver water improvements, establish innovative governance systems, tap into new funding sources, create rigorous capital programs and manage construction programs – the vital behind-the-scenes work necessary to rebuild water systems.
With Veolia’s support, the WFX Water Roundtable will help communities identify and prioritize water projects, evaluate their technical and financial resources, explore creative funding strategies, and then get to work building the physical infrastructure their residents deserve. At a recent WFX workshop in western Tennessee, Veolia joined regional water sector leaders as well as local, state and federal government officials to share strategies and stories of how communities acquired the technical assistance, funding tools and workforce development necessary to improve water services for their residents.