New ASCE Report Shows Water Systems Need Upgrades

The American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) latest Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, issued every four years since 2001, recently gave the nation’s water systems a D grade, and wastewater systems a D+ grade, both of which are among the worst of the infrastructures studied in the report. This remains in line with the last few reports, and heightens the sense of urgency to take actions to improve the condition of this often overlooked and truly essential category of infrastructure.

“Once again, as the ASCE grades on drinking water and wastewater infrastructure have come in, we continue to see a national need to upgrade, repair, and maintain a vast system responsible for the most valuable resource we all rely on each day,” said Rob MacLean, President of New Jersey American Water and Senior Vice President of American Water’s Eastern Division.

A breakdown of water systems can result in water disruptions, impediments to emergency response, and damage to other types of infrastructure. The price tag for the critical upkeep and replacement of the nation’s outdated water systems is at least $1 trillion over the next 25 years, according to estimates by the American Water Works Association. While it is a challenge, investing in water and wastewater systems has many benefits.

“Water infrastructure investments prove their value every day in terms of service quality and delivery, as well as in economic benefits as well,” added MacLean. “For every $1 million invested in water infrastructure, it is estimated that 16 jobs are generated throughout the economy.”

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