We Forgot to Pay America’s Water Infrastructure Bill

Once every four years, America’s civil engineers provide a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s major infrastructure categories in the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. In the most recent report released in 2013, America's overall infrastructure received the score of a “D+” with drinking water receiving a "D" due to much of the drinking water infrastructure nearing "the end of its useful life."

The vast majority of water pipes were built in the latter part of the 19thcentury and have not been replaced or overhauled, causing several communities to experience the public health crisis of lead in drinking water. Water infrastructure needs $126 billion to bring it up to standard. Despite these huge deficits, most Americans pay less than $3.75 for every 1,000 gallons of safe water delivered to their taps.

Water infrastructure needs $126 billion to bring it up to standard. Despite these huge deficits, most Americans pay less than $3.75 for every 1,000 gallons of safe water delivered to their taps.

As part of our series on the Year of Clean Water — and in honor of Infrastructure Week 2016 — join us for a discussion with Greg DiLoreto, past president of ASCE and chair of their 2017 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, on the state of America’s water infrastructure.