Public Testimony on Fiscal Year 2020 Water Infrastructure Funding
January 1, 2019
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The Frame
This document represents a private sector request for federal budget prioritization of smart water infrastructure, which could influence how billions of dollars in future EPA and water-related grants are allocated to local municipalities.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Aclara Technologies, LLC
The company seeks federal policy prioritization that aligns with its business model of providing smart infrastructure technology.
Municipal Water Utilities
These entities are the primary targets for the proposed infrastructure upgrades and potential recipients of federal funding.
Water Consumers
Consumers may experience changes in how their water usage is monitored and billed if smart metering is implemented.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2019.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- Aclara Technologies urges Congress to prioritize smart water network infrastructure in the Fiscal Year 2020 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill.
- Federal spending on water infrastructure dropped from $76 per person in 1977 to $11 per person in 2014.
- The EPA estimates that over $650 billion is needed over the next two decades to maintain current water and wastewater service levels.
- Drinking water and wastewater systems account for 30 to 40 percent of total energy consumed by municipalities.
- Water leaks cause cities to lose 10 to 30 percent of their water supply.
- Approximately 8.4 billion kilowatts of energy are wasted annually due to aging water infrastructure.
- Non-revenue water (leaks) costs utilities $4.9 billion per year.
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) allows for hourly water usage data, which can be shared with consumers to encourage conservation.
- Aclara Technologies employs over 1,600 staff in the U.S. and has 950 clients across all 50 states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'smart water network'?
How does Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) help consumers?
Why is the federal government being asked to fund this?
Why It Matters
This document represents a private sector request for federal budget prioritization of smart water infrastructure, which could influence how billions of dollars in future EPA and water-related grants are allocated to local municipalities.
News Coverage
Lobbying Activity
VAN SCOYOC ASSOCIATES
on behalf of BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
VAN SCOYOC ASSOCIATES
on behalf of WATER AND SEWER DISTRIBUTORS OF AMERICA
VAN SCOYOC ASSOCIATES
on behalf of EJ WATER COOPERATIVE, INC.
LEWIS-BURKE ASSOCIATES, LLC
on behalf of UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HARO SOLUTIONS LLC
on behalf of COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP
on behalf of POLK COUNTY
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Shift toward Smart Infrastructure
The testimony highlights a strategic push by private technology firms to frame infrastructure spending as a 'smart' data-driven investment rather than just traditional pipe replacement.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance45How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy10Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz10Current news / social attention level
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