Total Public Construction Spending: Water Supply in the United States
PBWSCONS • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
32,879.00
Year-over-Year Change
9.22%
Date Range
1/1/2002 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Total Public Construction Spending: Water Supply in the United States metric tracks government investment in water infrastructure projects, which is a key economic indicator for municipal budgets and construction activity.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
This series measures the dollar value of public construction projects related to water supply, including the building and maintenance of water treatment plants, pipelines, and other water-related infrastructure. It is an important bellwether for the health of the construction industry and local government finances.
Methodology
The data is collected and reported monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts use this metric to gauge public-sector water investment and its impact on the broader economy.
Key Facts
- Water supply construction accounts for about 5% of total public construction spending.
- Annual public water infrastructure investment in the U.S. is estimated at over $50 billion.
- Deteriorating water systems cost the U.S. economy over $200 billion per year.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This metric tracks the dollar value of public construction projects related to water supply infrastructure, including treatment plants, pipelines, and other water-related facilities.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Water infrastructure investment is a key indicator of government priorities and a driver of construction activity, making this metric relevant for policymakers, economists, and industry stakeholders.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and reported monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts use this metric to gauge public-sector water investment and its impact on the broader economy, including construction, employment, and municipal budgets.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is reported with a 1-2 month lag, and may not capture all public water projects, especially smaller-scale municipal initiatives.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Total Public Construction Spending: Water Supply in the United States (PBWSCONS), retrieved from FRED.