Trust in Water has highlighted wastewater infrastructure case studies showing how investment has reduced overflows, stabilised systems and supported water quality.
Trust in Water has published a white paper highlighting how private, regulated wastewater service providers have supported infrastructure improvements in US communities.
The report, How Private, Regulated Wastewater Providers Are Transforming Communities, brings together eight case studies from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indiana, Missouri and Illinois.
Trust in Water said the case studies show how access to capital, technical expertise and economies of scale can help communities address underinvestment and improve wastewater service.
The announcement was issued during National Water Quality Month and World Water Week, which in 2026 was held under the theme “Water for People and Progress”.
Wastewater infrastructure case studies highlighted
The white paper focuses on communities that faced recurring sewer overflows, untreated discharges, ageing treatment facilities, consent decrees and limited local capacity to fund upgrades.
Trust in Water said these conditions affected reliable service and put rivers, streams and surrounding ecosystems at risk.
The organisation said the case studies show how long-term investment, professional operation and accountable system management can stabilise wastewater infrastructure and support environmental protection.
Trust in Water’s resource library lists the report alongside other materials on private water and wastewater provision.
Projects target sewer overflows and untreated discharges
In Scranton, Pennsylvania, the white paper says more than $287m has been invested in system upgrades and combined sewer overflow controls.
According to the release, regulatory violations fell from more than 15 to zero, more than 40 overflow-reduction projects have been completed or are in progress, and the system can capture and treat an additional 118 million gallons annually.
In Long Hill, New Jersey, more than $53m has supported wastewater improvements, including cleaning and lining more than 30,000 linear feet of sewer main and rehabilitating 130 manholes.
The release said these improvements helped lift the township’s sewer ban and extend service to residents relying on ageing septic systems while strengthening protection of the Passaic River.
York investment aims to reduce overflow risks
In York, Pennsylvania, the provider has invested $13.7m to date and plans another $60m in capital improvements through 2030, according to the release.
Trust in Water said modernisation of the collection system has diverted up to 70 million gallons during peak-flow events and reduced overflow risks affecting Codorus Creek and downstream waterways.
The report also covers work in McKeesport, Pennsylvania; Exeter, Pennsylvania; Sheridan, Indiana; Ironton, Missouri; and Godfrey, Illinois.
Examples include eliminating raw sewage discharges, building resilience against wet-weather failures, ending chronic bypasses and overflows, stabilising operations and improving monitoring.
Water quality focus linked to public health
Trust in Water said National Water Quality Month highlights the importance of protecting water resources before pollution reaches the environment.
The organisation said dependable wastewater systems underpin public health, environmental protection and community opportunity.
The 2026 World Water Week theme, “Water for People and Progress”, similarly focused on water security, development and equitable water outcomes.
For more coverage of wastewater infrastructure and water quality, visit H2O Global News’ Wastewater section.
Source: Trust in Water
