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Drinking Water Basics

Conclusions

FaucetThe value of our water cannot be overestimated. The United States is fortunate to enjoy sophisticated public systems that provide clean, reliable water—a resource critical to our health and quality of life. The United States possesses some of the world's most extensive water treatment and distribution networks. The result of sizable past investments, these systems stand as assets of considerable value and are considered to be one of the greatest public health achievements in the nation's history.

The ability for public drinking water systems in the United States to continue to meet demands over the coming decades cannot be taken for granted. Critical water infrastructure is aging in many places and will require significant investments in research, management and planning, and repair and replacement. These investments are needed in order to sustain as well as to expand current operations to keep up with a growing U.S. population. Protecting water supplies for sustainable use requires research, financial planning, communication, innovative solutions, and sound policy decisions.