One only has to take a look around to see that the condition of the nation’s infrastructure has continued to decline over the past decade.
A new report from the American Water Works Assn. indicates that $1 trillion will be needed for repairs and expansion of the U.S. water infrastructure alone over the next 25 years. The report, titled, “Buried No Longer: Confronting America’s Water Infrastructure Challenge,” takes various factors into consideration, including timing of water main installation and life expectancy, materials used, replacement costs and shifting demographics.
According to report findings, infrastructure needs across the nation are evenly divided between replacement and expansion requirements.
At a time when economic recovery is barely noticeable and municipal budgets are tighter than ever, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) FY 2013 proposed budget is down $105 million from the enacted level for FY 2012.
Click here to take Water & Wastes Digest's new poll on EPA’s proposed budget or e-mail us your comments at [email protected].