Utility: Latest ASCE Report Card Shows Water Infrastructure Needs Upgrades

In response to the latest ASCE Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, which gave the nation’s water systems a D grade and wastewater systems a D+ grade, Pennsylvania American Water says it is urgent that America upgrades this critical infrastructure.

“Once again, the ASCE grades on drinking water/wastewater infrastructure clearly illustrate the national need to upgrade, repair and maintain a vast system responsible for our most precious water resources,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Jeffrey McIntyre. “The nation’s water systems have received a grade of D, which is among the worst of the infrastructures studied in the report, issued every four years since 2001. We see the findings as more evidence to move quickly and rebuild the nation’s water and wastewater systems to protect public health, safety and local economies.”

McIntyre said Pennsylvania American Water proactively invested about $309 million in needed system improvements last year, and its capital investments totaled more than $2.5 billion between 2005 and 2016.

“With projects ranging from the replacement of water mains, valves and hydrants to treatment plant upgrades to improve efficiency and reliability and ensure environmental compliance,” said McIntyre. “The investments we have made show our commitment to continuing to meet customer needs in the communities we serve. One of the reasons that we want the public to be aware of the ASCE Report Card is to highlight the critical nature of these issues. In fact, our customers already play an important role in system renewal and future reliability when they pay their monthly bill, because 49 cents — or almost half of every dollar they pay — is reinvested back into Pennsylvania American Water’s infrastructure.”

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