Why Can't America Fix Its Water Infrastructure?
By Ellie Gabel
For a time, robust critical infrastructure set the United States apart from developing countries. However, its pipe networks, treatment plants, and pumps have degraded to the point that millions now lack access to potable water. Even more are plagued by sporadic crises that leave them without running water. What is America doing wrong?
Atlanta Is The Latest Casualty Of Poor Water Infrastructure
While Atlanta, Georgia experiences hundreds of pipeline ruptures and leaks yearly, its latest water crisis was severe. A series of water main breaks created multiple artificial geysers in midtown and downtown, forcing the mayor to declare a state of emergency. Thousands of residents went without safe water for almost an entire week.
Atlanta’s Chief Operating Officer LaChandra Burks admitted the city’s water infrastructure is “crumbling,” stating they routinely uncover century-old pipes while carrying out repairs. In other words, the June water crisis indicates a much larger problem.
Regarding water infrastructure, Atlanta’s history is fraught with scandal, corruption, and fraud. Its Department of Watershed Management — which uses its operating budget of over $650 million to treat 97.4 million gallons of drinking water and 136.5 million gallons of sewage per day for its 1.2 million residents — has routinely mishandled funds and neglected repairs.
Jo Ann Macrina, the department’s former commissioner, was forced out of her position after it became apparent that she received thousands of dollars in jewelry, travel upgrades, cash, and favors from city contractors. In 2022, she was found guilty of bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery and later sentenced to over four years in federal prison.
While Atlanta’s situation may be particularly striking, it isn’t uncommon. As most industry professionals know, it is a microcosm of a much larger issue in America — the now-infamous cities of Flint, Michigan, Jackson, Mississippi, and Baltimore, Maryland indicate as much.
What’s Wrong With America’s Water Infrastructure?
America’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructures are outdated. In some cases, they’re literally falling apart. In addition to mineral buildup clogging pipes over time, time and air pressure changes have caused extensive corrosion and cracks. Other equipment has to work harder to compensate, significantly accelerating wear.
The pipes that do work still endanger Americans. Studies uncovered per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure through potable water is all too common. In fact, 45% of drinking water samples in the U.S. are contaminated with at least one “forever chemical.” Notably, the estimated concentrations are similar among private wells and public-supply tap water.
The same can be said about lead pipes — approximately 9.2 million lead service lines deliver water to properties across the country, according to the U.S. EPA. However, as most water engineers can guess, replacing them will require a decades-long effort. Due to cases similar to that of Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management, a widespread resolution has become an unrealistic goal for many cities.
Currently, urbanization is magnifying these issues. As more people congregate — urban areas now account for roughly 80% of the U.S. population — the already-failing water infrastructure threatens to collapse. Unless intervention happens swiftly, floods, boil orders, and backed-up wastewater are only the beginning.
Why Federal Funding Isn’t Enough To Fix The Issue
The U.S. government recognized the quickly approaching emergency of a widespread water infrastructure collapse and responded by distributing federal funding. Several states have spent approximately $20 billion of federal funds included in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
The federal government also granted the EPA over $50 billion to improve drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. However, despite being the largest investment of its kind made to date, it isn’t enough. It could take nearly $1 trillion to fix current issues and safeguard water systems for decades.
According to the EPA, the capital cost of replacing or repairing drinking water and wastewater infrastructure to meet federal quality and safety standards will exceed $744 billion by 2042. Realistically, the actual figure is likely higher because the federal government doesn’t know the condition of every pipe network or the extent of existing damage.
That said, there’s no guarantee America will be able to fix its infrastructure even if agencies receive enough funding. If the situation with Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management is any indicator, allowing operations to run unchecked locally is an ill-informed strategy.
What Will It Take To Solve The Country’s Water Crisis?
Since water utility systems are typically managed locally, they’re not reflected in the state’s balance sheet, meaning they often go underfunded for decades — or until the state intervenes during a crisis. This lack of oversight facilitates mismanagement, corruption, and a lack of visibility. Federal and state governments must take a more active role.
Establishing broader regulations and clearer timelines can help facilities avoid overspending. Moreover, conducting periodic audits with an independent third party ensures fiduciary responsibility. While government oversight often possesses its own pain points and inefficiencies, widespread change requires a comprehensive accountability system.
If the general public successfully pushes policymakers to increase funding for water infrastructure, there must be an agency or regulatory body that ensures a timely follow-through. This may be the only way to replace compromised pipes, build more wastewater treatment plants, and upgrade existing systems before water crises become common.
Every City Will Have A Water Crisis Unless Things Change
People seem to forget that diseases like dysentery and typhoid were largely wiped out thanks to the country’s robust critical infrastructure. Access to clean, running water is a necessity in any developed society. Unfortunately, it has become something of a luxury in many parts of America, thanks to underfunded and slow-moving decision-makers.
Unless policymakers and leaders in the water sector act soon, waterborne diseases — along with contamination, boil orders, chemical pollution, and flooding — may become exceedingly common. Swift action is vital, as pipes become more prone to leaks, breaks, and bursts with each passing year.
Ellie Gabel is a science writer specializing in environmental science and innovative technologies. She can be reached at ellie@revolutionized.com.