Aging water infrastructure will cost U.S. businesses $147 billion over the next decade, a new report from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) found. America’s water and wastewater infrastructure systems are aging and overburdened with many of them built around the turn of the century.
Unless new investments are made, by 2020 unreliable and insufficient water infrastructure will cost the average American household $900 a year in higher water rates and lower wages. American businesses can expect an additional $147 billion in increased costs and the economy will lose 700,000 jobs by 2020.
The report, “Failure to Act: The Economic Impact of Current Investment Trends in Water and Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure,” shows that a modest investment in drinking water, wastewater and wet weather management can prevent these economic losses. The analysis showed that by 2020, the gap between what is being spent on water infrastructure and what is needed to meet the nation’s needs will reach $84 billion. The report was completed by the Economic Development Research Group (EDR) along with Downstream Strategies and is the first study of its kind to link the condition of America’s water infrastructure to economic performance.
Annual capital investment in water infrastructure is approximately $36.4 billion. In order to meet the needs of our growing population for clean, available water, the annual investment must increase to $91 billion. An additional $9.4 billion per year between now and 2020 would avoid $21 billion per year in costs to households and businesses.
“Clean water is fundamental to our economy and our health," ASCE President Andrew Herrmann, P.E., said. "We depend on water infrastructure, but our drinking water and wastewater systems are aging. Some of our water systems are 100 years old and in desperate need of replacement. When those systems fail, they disrupt businesses and families and cost all of us more in the end. The need is clearly there.”
The report identifies three sectors of the economy that will bear the brunt of the impact. Retail, restaurants and bars, and construction businesses face the greatest job losses as a result of aging water infrastructure, driven by a combination of less disposable income, increased water costs and the higher costs of water-based goods.
Other solutions can help minimize these impacts. If households and businesses adopt sustainability practices, such as improved efficiency through process or equipment changes, water reclamation or green infrastructure to address wet weather management, the economic impact could be lessened.
The report’s projections assume needs and available funding based on current trends and do not adjust for possible costs associated with climate change, changes in regulations or other factors.
Source: American Society of Civil Engineers
