Water Infrastructure: Overlooked Election Issue

Nothing is more fundamental than water, but the politics of water infrastructure do not always make it into the spotlight.

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies got this point across in a tweet: "Don’t overlook what’s going on underground. Water infrastructure needs national attention."

Toronto is one place where water infrastructure is overlooked as a political issue, according to Torontoist.

"Water infrastructure is often taken for granted. It’s not an issue that moves votes, and it rarely mobilizes people unless a neighborhood sees a rash of flooded basements. Yet it’s a significant issue in Toronto, particularly given the growth and age of the city, and the accompanying demands that are being placed on old infrastructure," the report said.

Toronto faces steep funding needs when it comes to water.

"Of the $1.6 billion needed to fund the state-of-good-repair projects scheduled between now and 2023, $1 billion is unfunded. And this amount does not include an additional $3 billion in capital-repair needs that have been deferred beyond 2023, and which the next council will have to figure out how to fund," the report said.

In Toronto, elected officials have considerable sway over water infrastructure decisions.

"Sooner or later, Toronto will have to pay for its significant water infrastructure needs. How to do so is another matter, and City staff will report back with a recommended financing strategy as part of its 2015 budget," the report said.

The city division runs the water system in Toronto. "All aspects of water production, transmission and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and storm water collection, transmission and treatment, are the responsibility of Toronto Water," the division said.

For more on policy and politics, check out Water Online's Regulations & Legislation Solution Center.