New AEM Survey Shows Aging Stormwater Systems Nationwide Unprepared For Extreme Weather Onslaught

Vast Majority of Officials Express Low Confidence in Stormwater SystemsWithstanding Severe Events

AEM, the essential source for environmental insights, today announced results from a new survey showing that existing stormwater systems across the U.S. are critically underprepared for extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. The comprehensive survey polled officials responsible for municipal and county stormwater systems nationwide.

Commissioned by AEM, the report revealed half of all stormwater infrastructure nationwide is over its average expected lifespan. Additionally, the vast majority of officials responsible for these outdated systems expressed little confidence that they could withstand severe storms.

Specifically, only 35% of municipal and county officials surveyed believe their decades-old stormwater systems are adequately prepared for extreme weather. Even more worrying, just 26% believe their budgets can meet infrastructure challenges posed by climate change.

“The fact that nearly two-thirds of officials doubt their stormwater systems can withstand severe weather is an enormous red flag," said James Logan, Water Market Leader, AEM. "It highlights a dangerous lack of confidence in aging infrastructure resilience. Upgrading outdated systems simply cannot be put off any longer if we want to keep communities safe from flooding, pollution, and other substantial threats."

Inadequate stormwater systems pose serious risks to communities, including flooded streets and buildings, erosion and property damage, overwhelmed wastewater plants, and environmental contamination from sewer overflows. Lives may be endangered without reliable drainage and flood control during severe storms.

The June 2023 survey was conducted by Stormwater Solutions and Wastewater Digest at the request of AEM. Polling over 250 municipal administrators, county officials, engineers, consultants, contractors, and other stormwater management professionals nationwide, the survey provides crucial insights into serious preparedness gaps across the U.S.

The full survey report can be found at https://aem.eco.

About AEM
AEM is combining global technology leaders to empower communities and organizations to survive and thrive in the face of escalating environmental risks. By deploying intelligent sensing networks, operating a secure and scalable data management infrastructure, and delivering high-value analytics through a suite of end-user applications, AEM serves as the essential source for environmental insights. These technologies enable positive outcomes, helping reduce environmental impact and creating a safer world.