ASCE gives U.S. infrastructure best grade yet—stormwater, wastewater and energy still near failing

(UI) — The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has given U.S. infrastructure its highest-ever overall grade of ‘C’ in the 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure — up from a ‘C-’ in 2021.

While the improvement reflects the early impact of federal investments, the report highlights persistent challenges in key sectors like drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and energy.

ASCE evaluated 18 infrastructure categories using a school-style grading scale. Drinking water received a ‘C-’, wastewater a ‘D+’, and stormwater a ‘D’. Energy infrastructure dropped to a ‘D+’, reflecting growing strain on aging systems.

The report found that nine categories still fall in the ‘D’ range, and while some areas saw modest gains, the nation continues to face a $3.7 trillion investment gap — up from $2.59 trillion in 2021.

“Every American household or business immediately feels the impact of just one inefficiency or failure in our built environment,” said Darren Olson, 2025 Report Card Chair. “However, if we maintain investments, each American household can save $700 per year. Better infrastructure is an efficient investment of taxpayer dollars that results in a stronger economy and prioritizes American jobs, resilience and connectivity.”

The report cites aging systems, vulnerability to extreme weather, and a lack of reliable data as major barriers to progress. It also stresses the need for sustained funding at all levels of government and increased private-sector involvement.

“We have seen the difference investment can make in improving infrastructure,” said Feniosky Peña-Mora, 2025 ASCE President. “While this showcases that investment leads to direct results, the job is not yet done.”

The full Report Card is available at InfrastructureReportCard.org.

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