Water Infrastructure
Accessing funding and financing for water infrastructure improvements remains one of the greatest challenges facing under-resourced communities. EPA estimates that nearly $1 trillion in investment will be needed nationwide over the next 25 years to maintain and upgrade drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. The New England Environmental Finance Center works directly with communities to bridge this gap by providing free technical assistance and training opportunities. We help communities unlock critical resources and capital to achieve safe, affordable, and resilient water infrastructure.
Our Work In Action
Newmarket, New Hampshire
Developed a communications strategy for the Town of Newmarket that strengthened community understanding and helped secure support for a stormwater improvement project, culminating in a successful Town Meeting vote to advance the project toward implementation.
Small Community Water Systems, Connecticut
Collaborated with several small community water systems (Aqua Vista, Eastview Kozley, Quonnipaug Hills, Sunny Valley Tax District) to evaluate current conditions and infrastructure needs through site visits, system profiles, and the development of collaborative work plans that provide clear, actionable next steps toward implementing infrastructure upgrades and emerging contaminant treatment systems.
Trinity Lutheran Water System, Rhode Island
Assisted a very small water system serving a preschool and church in identifying a PFAS treatment solution by coordinating with state agencies, researching similar projects, facilitating engineering procurement, and supporting an emerging contaminant grant funding application.
Jewett City Department of Public Utilities, Connecticut
Supported the long-term sustainability and State Revolving Fund (SRF) readiness of an aging wastewater treatment facility by securing no-cost preliminary engineering and conducting a detailed financial review, including modeling user rate scenarios and long-term fiscal planning.
Swanzey, New Hampshire
Assisted the Town of Swanzey in reaching the final implementation stages of its wastewater facility improvements and energy efficiency upgrades by securing Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) financing, identifying additional funding sources to reduce the Town’s loan obligation, and coordinating with state agencies to submit new funding applications while maintaining alignment with implementation timelines.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Newmarket, New Hampshire
Developed a communications strategy for the Town of Newmarket that strengthened community understanding and helped secure support for a stormwater improvement project, culminating in a successful Town Meeting vote to advance the project toward implementation.
Planning & Assessment
Small Community Water Systems, Connecticut
Collaborated with several small community water systems (Aqua Vista, Eastview Kozley, Quonnipaug Hills, Sunny Valley Tax District) to evaluate current conditions and infrastructure needs through site visits, system profiles, and the development of collaborative work plans that provide clear, actionable next steps toward implementing infrastructure upgrades and emerging contaminant treatment systems.
Project Development
Trinity Lutheran Water System, Rhode Island
Assisted a very small water system serving a preschool and church in identifying a PFAS treatment solution by coordinating with state agencies, researching similar projects, facilitating engineering procurement, and supporting an emerging contaminant grant funding application.
Funding & Financial Management
Jewett City Department of Public Utilities, Connecticut
Supported the long-term sustainability and State Revolving Fund (SRF) readiness of an aging wastewater treatment facility by securing no-cost preliminary engineering and conducting a detailed financial review, including modeling user rate scenarios and long-term fiscal planning.
Implementation Support
Swanzey, New Hampshire
Assisted the Town of Swanzey in reaching the final implementation stages of its wastewater facility improvements and energy efficiency upgrades by securing Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) financing, identifying additional funding sources to reduce the Town’s loan obligation, and coordinating with state agencies to submit new funding applications while maintaining alignment with implementation timelines.
New England Water Infrastructure Network
The New England Water Infrastructure Network (NEWIN) provides free technical, financial, and managerial assistance to the region’s municipalities, water utilities, and tribes. Our network offers targeted solutions that address local priorities, build community capacity, and advance projects closer to securing funding from Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) and other sources.
Our support is hands-on and tailored to each community’s needs. We work alongside local government and utility staff to prioritize system improvements, navigate complex funding requirements, complete essential pre-development work such as Preliminary Engineering Reports, and coordinate other specialized assistance as needed. To request assistance, please fill out this form.
Case studies:
NEWIN Core Partners
Vermont Water Systems Rates Training Workshops
The NEEFC is excited to partner with the University of New Mexico Environmental Finance Center, the Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center, and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, to deliver a new series of rates and fiscal planning trainings for Vermont water systems. Designed for utility operators, municipal staff, board members, and local decision-makers, these trainings will help water systems build and maintain financial sustainability while continuing to provide safe, reliable drinking water. Topics will include budgeting, equitable rate structure design, communicating with boards and elected officials, and financial management practices. Workshops are anticipated to begin in May 2026.
Resources
NEWIN Fact Sheet
NEWIN bridges the gap between community water challenges and investment in water infrastructure for future generations. Learn more about our targeted technical assistance aimed to put communities on the path to successful project funding and implementation. See our fact sheet.