Water Infrastructure Resilience

Across the U.S., vulnerable communities face growing risks to their drinking water and wastewater systems from natural disasters. Between 2014 and 2023, EPA, FEMA, and USDA delivered billions in grants and loans to strengthen water infrastructure, but gaps remain in reaching the communities most in need. Limited technical capacity, funding barriers, and data challenges make it harder for smaller or resource-strained areas to access and benefit from these programs. GAO recommends improved communication, better use of mapping tools, and targeted support to ensure resilience efforts truly reach those at greatest risk