A Twenty-Year Review: Revisiting the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Funding Needs and Gaps in the Appalachian Region


Author(s): Dr. Ahmed Rachid El-Khattabi, Christy M. Ihlo, Dr. Leigh Anne Krometis and Kara Millonzi
Author Organization(s): The Environmental Finance Center at UNC-Chapel Hill and Virginia Tech

This report examines issues related to water and wastewater services throughout Appalachia, a topic last explored by ARC in 2005. Drawing on secondary data analysis, surveys of water system operators, and stakeholder interviews, it provides a comprehensive overview of these critical infrastructure areas. The report estimates access gaps and unmet needs, identifies available funding sources, highlights state-level variation in funding and management, and outlines best practices for a range of stakeholders working in this space.

Executive Summary

Full Report