New HAB Act Promises $2B for Natural Water Treatment Systems

Scott Zimmerman
5 days ago
8 min read

Harmful algal blooms pose serious threats to America's water supplies as nutrient pollution accelerates their growth across freshwater and marine environments [8]. Excessive nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and urban pollution create ideal conditions for toxic algae proliferation. These blooms contaminate drinking water, kill aquatic life, and force costly water system shutdowns nationwide.

The HAB Act of 2025 provides $2 billion specifically for natural water treatment systems that address the root causes of algae problems. This funding supports biological remediation techniques that use nutrient competition and phytoplankton-zooplankton interactions to restore balance in contaminated waterways. Natural treatment systems offer cost-effective alternatives to chemical interventions while providing long-term protection against recurring algae blooms.

SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO WATER INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES:

Water infrastructure needs present enormous financial burdens for communities nationwide. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates upgrading water and wastewater systems will cost $1.3 trillion over the next two decades just to meet existing federal requirements [6]. Nearly 20 million families already struggle to pay their water bills [6]. The HAB Act funding focuses on ecosystem-based solutions that deliver immediate water quality improvements while reducing long-term operational costs.

Natural water treatment systems compete with harmful algae by consuming the same nutrients that fuel toxic blooms. These biological approaches eliminate excess nitrogen, phosphorus, and other compounds that promote cyanobacteria growth. The EPA's Cyanotoxins Preparedness and Response Toolkit provides guidelines for HAB management [8], but this new funding expands natural solution implementation across communities that need sustainable algae control.

This funding supports communities seeking natural alternatives to expensive chemical treatments that often create additional water quality problems. Hydralife.org provides resources for implementing these biological water treatment systems as both prevention and remediation tools for protecting public water supplies.

Natural Solutions Address HAB Health Threats Through Federal Investment

Harmful algal blooms create serious public health emergencies across the United States. These toxic algae outbreaks have been reported in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands [1], threatening drinking water supplies and recreational waters nationwide.

Cyanobacteria toxins pose multiple exposure risks

Cyanobacteria naturally occur in water bodies but multiply rapidly under specific conditions. Warm temperatures, slow water movement, and high nutrient concentrations from nitrogen and phosphorus create ideal growth environments [1]. Agricultural fertilizers, sewage systems, and urban stormwater introduce these nutrients into lakes, rivers, and coastal waters [1].

HAB toxins cause health problems ranging from skin irritation to liver failure depending on exposure levels and toxin concentrations [1]. People encounter these dangerous compounds through:

Drinking contaminated water from affected sources
Swimming or recreational contact with bloom-contaminated waters
Eating fish or shellfish from areas with active blooms
Consuming dietary supplements made from contaminated blue-green algae [1]

Harmful algal blooms damage aquatic ecosystems by depleting dissolved oxygen levels and blocking sunlight penetration to deeper waters [2]. Fish kills and ecosystem disruption force recreational businesses, fishing operations, and tourism industries to shut down during bloom events [2].

Federal funding targets contamination sources

The EPA allocated $2 billion in funding specifically for addressing emerging contaminants in drinking water and source water protection, with emphasis on small and disadvantaged communities [9]. This represents the initial distribution from $5 billion total funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over five years [9].

These funds support infrastructure projects and source water treatment systems that reduce HAB impacts on water quality and public water supplies [4]. Communities can implement natural biological treatment systems that eliminate excess nutrients through competition rather than expensive chemical interventions that often create secondary water quality problems.

State agencies distribute resources for ecosystem-based approaches

State environmental agencies will receive EPA funding through non-competitive distribution processes, ensuring communities across America can access these critical resources [9]. Tribal governments receive dedicated funding allocation of approximately $20 million [9].

Priority projects include drinking water supply protection and watershed-scale water quality improvements [4]. The EPA emphasizes ecosystem-based solutions consistent with Total Maximum Daily Loads and Nine Element Watershed planning frameworks [4].

Communities will implement improved filtration systems, relocate water intake structures, and establish best management practices that control stormwater and nutrient pollution at the source [4]. Disadvantaged areas receive priority consideration, with EPA targeting 40 percent of grant funding to benefit these vulnerable communities [4].

Biological Water Remediation Delivers Community Benefits

Freshwater ecosystems function as natural purification systems that protect public health while supporting biodiversity. These biological approaches have become essential as extinction rates for freshwater species reach 4-6 times higher than their terrestrial counterparts [5]. Natural water treatment systems address contamination problems through ecological processes that chemical interventions cannot replicate.

Ecosystem-based water treatment removes harmful pollutants before they contaminate drinking water supplies. Constructed wetlands and bank filtration systems act as natural barriers that filter and purify wastewater through biological processes [6]. These systems eliminate bacteria, viruses, and harmful fungi while maintaining ecological balance - something chemical treatments fail to achieve [7]. Natural remediation processes consume contaminants as nutrients, converting pollutants into harmless compounds through biological activity.

Disadvantaged communities benefit significantly from freshwater ecosystem management programs. These natural systems provide sustainable access to clean water while supporting local economies through fisheries and agriculture [8]. Properly managed ecosystems enhance climate resilience by absorbing floodwaters and releasing stored water during droughts - critical protection for vulnerable populations [6]. Urban communities gain access to green spaces centered around restored waterways [8].

REDUCED CYANOTOXIN EXPOSURE IMPROVES PUBLIC HEALTH:

Cyanotoxins cause gastroenteritis, liver damage, kidney damage, and other serious health problems [9]. Biological water remediation reduces community exposure to these harmful compounds by preventing cyanobacterial blooms before they develop. Natural systems consume excess nitrogen and phosphorus that fuel toxic algae growth, eliminating the nutrients that harmful cyanobacteria need to proliferate.

Communities implementing biological remediation experience measurable health improvements. Data on harmful algal bloom prevention has generated socioeconomic benefits valued at approximately $370,000 through improved health outcomes [10]. These natural systems provide sustainable algae prevention while supporting biodiversity and protecting water resources for long-term community health.

Natural Infrastructure Replaces Costly Chemical Treatments

Chemical treatments for harmful algal blooms create additional water quality problems while failing to address root causes. Chemical flocculants alter pH levels, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen concentrations while depleting essential nutrients that aquatic ecosystems need [11]. These compounds change the composition of harvested algal biomass and often require repeated applications that increase long-term costs.

Phytoplankton water treatment vs. synthetic chemicals

Bio-flocculation provides an economical and environmentally sound alternative that significantly reduces chemical coagulant requirements [12]. Natural biological processes aggregate particles more effectively than synthetic alternatives. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) function as natural bio-flocculants with complete biodegradability compared to persistent chemical options [12].

Phytoplankton activate cellular responses that reduce toxicity through biotransformation processes. These organisms metabolize contaminant molecules, converting them into less toxic compounds that are easier to eliminate from water systems [13]. This biotransformation capability makes phytoplankton particularly valuable candidates for water treatment applications [13].

Cost-effectiveness of biological algae prevention

Natural algae control establishes balanced aquatic ecosystems through multiple mechanisms including beneficial bacteria introduction, aquatic plant establishment, and habitat creation for organisms that naturally control algae populations [14]. Beneficial bacteria consume excess nutrients that serve as algae's primary food source while aquatic plants absorb nutrients and provide shade that inhibits algae growth.

Biological approaches typically cost $30-$60 depending on water body size [14] but address fundamental causes rather than symptoms. These methods require longer implementation periods yet prove more cost-effective over time compared to repeated chemical treatments [14].

Long-term savings from natural water treatment systems

Economic benefits become clear when evaluating operational expenses over extended periods. São Paulo's restoration of 4,000 hectares of upstream forests reduced sediment pollution by 36%, generating $69 million in net benefits with nearly 28% return on investment [15]. Rio de Janeiro avoided $79 million in costs through water treatment savings after restoring 3,000 hectares of native forest, achieving 13% return on investment [15].

Natural water treatments provide additional economic advantages through reduced maintenance requirements, decreased regulatory compliance costs, and improved long-term system resilience [16]. HAB Act funding enables communities to implement these natural infrastructure approaches that protect public health while delivering sustainable financial benefits.

Natural Water Systems Adapt to Climate Variability

Climate impacts create additional stress on water systems as extreme weather patterns increase harmful algal bloom frequency and intensity. Natural water treatment systems provide adaptive capacity that rigid infrastructure cannot match when facing unpredictable environmental conditions.

Wetlands and aquatic ecosystems respond to temperature fluctuations

Wetlands function as carbon sinks while providing protection against climate hazards [17]. These systems absorb excess water during storms and release it gradually during dry periods. A properly functioning wetland can reduce damage from storm surges by 30% with just a 24-hour warning [17].

Natural systems evolve with changing conditions rather than failing under extreme stress. Healthy rivers with connected floodplains slow floodwaters and minimize downstream impacts. Wetlands smooth flood peaks and alleviate droughts by storing and releasing water as needed [3]. This adaptive capacity becomes essential as traditional infrastructure faces increasing strain from climate variability.

Biodiversity strengthens nutrient competition against harmful algae

Biologically diverse communities demonstrate greater stability during environmental fluctuations [18]. Ecosystems with more species are more efficient at removing nutrients from soil and water [19]. This nutrient removal capability provides critical protection as climate change intensifies pollution through increased runoff and temperature fluctuations.

Species diversity creates ecosystem resilience through complementary resource use, with different species accessing different nutrients. Some species maintain function when others struggle under environmental stress, while enhanced adaptive capacity helps communities respond to environmental changes [18]. Communities with greater biodiversity capture more nitrogen and other pollutants, creating natural buffers against HABs [19]. This nutrient competition supports harmful algal bloom prevention without chemical interventions.

Federal agencies coordinate natural infrastructure implementation

The EPA and FEMA updated their Memorandum of Agreement in 2023 to develop nature-based solutions for long-term resilience [20]. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineering With Nature® program aligns natural processes with engineering to deliver sustainable infrastructure benefits [20]. EPA's Climate Resilient Water Utilities initiative provides tools and technical assistance to increase system resilience to weather variability [21].

Coordinated planning across government levels enables effective adaptation. North Carolina created a State Water Infrastructure Authority to assess needs and funding programs for local governments and utilities [22]. These collaborative approaches ensure natural water treatment systems receive proper support for climate adaptation while maintaining their ecological functions.

Natural Water Treatment Systems Provide Sustainable HAB Prevention

Harmful algal blooms contaminate water supplies nationwide, but the HAB Act's $2 billion investment supports natural treatment systems that address nutrient pollution at its source. Chemical treatments alter water chemistry and create additional problems while failing to prevent future algae blooms. Natural biological approaches eliminate excess nitrogen and phosphorus that fuel cyanobacteria growth while maintaining ecological balance in water systems.

Phytoplankton-zooplankton interactions form the foundation of effective algae control through nutrient competition. These microscopic organisms consume the same nutrients that harmful algae need to reproduce, providing sustainable prevention without ongoing chemical inputs. Natural systems cost significantly less over time while building resilience against climate change impacts including rising temperatures and increased storm intensity.

PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH THROUGH BIOLOGICAL WATER REMEDIATION:

Cyanotoxins from harmful algal blooms cause serious health problems including liver damage, kidney damage, and gastroenteritis through drinking water exposure, swimming contact, and contaminated food consumption. Natural water treatment systems significantly reduce these toxic exposure risks by preventing algae bloom formation. Disadvantaged communities will receive priority consideration for this funding, addressing water quality problems in areas most affected by contaminated water supplies.

The path forward requires coordination between federal agencies, local governments, and communities seeking sustainable water quality solutions. Hydralife.org provides resources for implementing natural treatment systems that compete with problematic algae while supporting beneficial aquatic life. These biological approaches tackle the underlying nutrient imbalances that cause recurring water quality problems.

This unprecedented investment supports communities seeking natural alternatives to expensive chemical treatments that often worsen water quality conditions. Natural water treatment systems work with ecological processes to provide long-term protection against harmful algal blooms while delivering cost-effective solutions for clean water access.