RAND recently published a new commentary series on the water and wastewater sector titled “Grand Challenges for U.S. Water Policy,” which details five grand water sector challenges currently facing U.S. policymakers: building flood resilience, financing water infrastructure, restoring aquatic ecosystems, addressing water quality, and navigating the complex system of water rights.

Of special note is the flood resilience article, which proposes three potential avenues of approach when addressing the expanding risk and impact of floods on the United States. First, the article proposes updating the flood information environment with more accurate and targeted information for communities and policymakers to utilize. Second, it encourages community partnerships between water and wastewater decisionmakers and the communities they serve, with an eye to creating tools and resources. Third, it calls for the strengthening of flood resilience financing and governance.

Members should consider reading the whole commentary series in order to gain a broad overview of the current structural challenges facing the water and wastewater sector. Read more at the RAND Institute.