Washington – As the frequency and scale of extreme flooding events have increased dramatically throughout the country in recent years, new research from the national advocacy organization Food & Water Watch details the alarming risk to drinking water systems brought on by this growing climate change-driven threat. As recent catastrophes in Asheville, N.C., Hill Country, Texas, Iowa and Tennessee have clearly demonstrated, the loss of access to safe water for drinking and bathing for extended periods has become one of the most dangerous and disruptive impacts of severe flooding.

The research found that of the 448 water systems in the country serving more than 100,000 people, more than one third of them have at least 10 percent of land in high flood risk areas. Fifteen percent have at least 20 percent of land at high flood risk, and three percent have at least half of their land in high-risk areas. These water systems serve 59.4 million people collectively. 

In some states the threat is immense. For example, in Florida: 25 percent of the largest water systems have at least half of their land in high-risk areas; 75 percent have at least 20 percent of land in high-risk areas; and the vast majority (36 of 41 systems) have at least 10 percent of land at high risk.

This comes to light as the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress are seeking massive cuts to federal funding for water infrastructure maintenance and resiliency at a time when the threat to these systems from climate-driven flooding is only growing. House Republicans are seeking to cut the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (SRF) by nearly 25 percent ($662 million), from $2.8 billion to $2.1 billion – the lowest levels since 2008. SRF is the primary source of federal funding for our nation’s drinking water and sewer systems. Meanwhile, Trump’s corresponding budget proposal would virtually eliminate the SRF program entirely. 

“As our analysis illuminates, scores of water systems serving highly-populated communities are at significant threat of flooding that could suddenly break safe water delivery and sanitary sewer operation – for days, weeks or even months. Meanwhile, Trump and Republicans in Congress are seeking to decimate the key federal funding that keeps these systems operating safely,” said Mary Grant, water program director at Food & Water Watch. “Now more than ever, it is imperative that all members of Congress stand firmly united against any shortsighted attempt to strip support for our critical water and sewer infrastructure.”

In addition to Florida, states including New Jersey, Texas and California rank among those with the most large water systems at greatest flood risk. In New Jersey, for example: Wildwood and Ocean City rank in the top 15 nationally, with more than 80–90% of their service areas located in FEMA-designated flood zones. Other major utilities — including Newark, Jersey City, Hackensack, Trenton and Toms River — also face significant flood exposure, putting millions of residents at risk of losing access to safe drinking water.