U.S.-Mexico Water, Wastewater Funds Drop Despite Water Quality, Public Health Benefits

摘要

Program funding for water and wastewater treatment plant construction on the U.S.-Mexico border has plummeted in recent years, despite significant opportunities for economic, public health and water quality benefits, according to a discussion paper published Feb. 17 by the Global Water Forum. Investments in a joint program, started in 1998 and run by the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Water Commission of Mexico, at one point were at $100 million annually but have dropped in recent years to $5 million annually, said the paper, "Addressing water and wastewater disparities on the United States-Mexico border." The Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program offers grant assistance for the planning, development and construction of water and wastewater treatment plants, but more money must be invested to produce "large social returns," the paper said.