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Clean Watersheds Needs Survey

  • Assessing America's Clean Water Infrastructure Needs

    EPA’s Clean Watersheds Needs Survey (CWNS) is an assessment of existing clean water infrastructure and the need for future investment to address the water quality objectives of the Clean Water Act over the next 20 years.

Announcements:

  • The CWNS was recently featured in the July 2024 Water Environment and Technology (WET) monthly magazine.
  • The first Federal Register Notice announcing to the public EPA’s intent to collect data for the next CWNS was posted. The CWNS is a recurring assessment and requires periodic renewal of its Information Collection Request (ICR) to OMB. EPA solicited public comments on the draft ICR for 60 days. The public comment period closed on May 10, 2024.
  • About the CWNS

    Aerial view of clarifier

    Learn about the purpose and history of the needs survey. Find definitions of the needs categories.

    Learn about the CWNS
  • 2022 CWNS Report

    2022 CWNS Report to Congress Cover

    Explore the 2022 Report to Congress, Data Dashboard, and Scope and Methods.

    Explore Latest Results
  • Past CWNS Reports

    Abstract data charts

    Access prior Reports to Congress and data for 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012.

    Compare Past Surveys

2022 CWNS Results

      Total Reported Needs* $630.1 billion
              Secondary Wastewater Treatment $66.6 billion
              Advanced Wastewater Treatment $83.6 billion
              Conveyance System Repair and New Conveyance Systems $151.1 billion
              Combined Sewer Overflow Correction $36.5 billion
              Stormwater Management $115.3 billion
              Nonpoint Source Control $94.4 billion
              Water Reuse $7.7 billion
              Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems $74.7 billion
              Desalination $0.2 billion
      Number of Reported POTWs 17,544
      Population Served by POTWs 270.4 million
      *View needs categories definitions  
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on April 22, 2025
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