Many Western states use outdated methods to measure their water system needs according to an analysis by Pew Charitable Trusts, a nonpartisan research group.

Some states don't even have inventories of basic assets, like aging pipes, or where lead service lines still exist.

Aleena Oberthur, a project director at Pew and report co-author, said good data drives smart spending.

"It's really important for policymakers and for states to understand what is the scope of their infrastructure need," Oberthur said. "Because that helps them kind of make the best decisions about allocating funds."

Nationwide, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates water and wastewater systems will need more than a trillion dollars in upgrades over the next 20 years.

But some states are making progre

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