WEF, in collaboration with Black & Veatch and several municipal water agencies, released a report on April 25, 2006 that assessed damage and reconstruction costs to wastewater systems affected by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, some treatment plants were completely destroyed while others - including collection systems - sustained considerable damage. Although local utilities are working to meet immediate needs, they could face a prolonged period before receiving sufficient, long-term funding to restore full service to their customers.

Prompted by the need for comprehensive data on the condition of these systems, WEF and Black & Veatch announced plans for an assessment in November 2005. 

The resulting report, Assessment of Reconstruction Costs and Debt Management for Wastewater Utilities Affected by Hurricane Katrina, was presented to Congress, U.S. EPA and USDA.