Tribal Water Infrastructure: Opportunities Exist to Improve Federal Assistance

A GAO report on Indian Health Service water infrastructure funding found that IHS builds drinking water and wastewater systems for tribal communities but generally provides no funding for ongoing operations and maintenance, leaving Tribes to cover routine costs that can lead to early system failure. IHS's narrow interpretation of which homes qualify as ‘Indian homes’ excludes many residences tribal members actually live in, including those owned by non-tribal spouses or grandparents, or rented to teachers and law enforcement.

The mismatch creates absurd inefficiencies: IHS reported spending over 80 staff hours helping one Tribe secure an $8,000 grant for ineligible properties. IHS estimates $6 billion is needed nationally to ensure safe water access, and GAO recommended Congress clarify eligibility definitions and consider funding a maintenance pilot program.

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