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The Crumbling State of U.S. Water Infrastructure

Decades of neglect have left U.S. water systems crumbling. At least $1 trillion is needed to upgrade aging pipes and plants while lead, PFAS, and other contaminants threaten the water safety for millions.

WUN

Jan 23, 2024 — 3 min read

Photo by Akshay Sadarangani / Unsplash

The drinking water system in the United States is in crisis. Decades of chronic underinvestment have left water infrastructure outdated, inefficient, and on the verge of collapse across much of the country.

Aging Infrastructure

Much of the existing water infrastructure, including pipes dating back to the early 19th century, is simultaneously reaching the end of its useful life. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) estimates that at least $1 trillion is needed through 2035 to repair and replace aging buried drinking water infrastructure to maintain current service levels.[1]

Water main breaks and leaky pipes are estimated to waste over 2 trillion gallons of treated drinking water yearly, enough to supply the entire state of California. This costs society approximately $39 billion annually.[4]

Funding Gap

There is a massive funding gap between what is currently invested in water infrastructure and what is needed. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates an annual funding gap of $81 billion, which they project will grow to over $434 billion annually over the next 20 years if not addressed.[3]

The recent Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment estimates $473 billion is needed over the next 20 years for drinking water infrastructure alone.[12]

While the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $50 billion to the EPA for water infrastructure upgrades, analysts estimate that at least $109 billion per year is needed over the next two decades to upgrade failing systems across the country fully.[1]

Health and Environmental Threats

Aging and inadequate infrastructure threaten safe drinking water for millions of Americans:

Lead contamination remains a significant issue, with an estimated 6 to 10 million lead service lines still in use, posing neurological and developmental risks, especially to children. Complete nationwide replacement could cost $50 to $80 billion.[4]
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), industrial chemicals linked to cancer and other health issues, are an increasing concern.
Agricultural and industrial runoff can contaminate source waters.
Flooding, droughts, and other extreme weather events stress already strained systems.

Overcoming decades of neglect and upgrading such a vast system will not be easy and impossible overnight. However, ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for all communities must remain a top national priority. Targeted infrastructure funding, proper maintenance and operations, watershed protections, and conservation can help bridge the water infrastructure gap if stakeholders continue working to address this complex challenge.