In daily life it's easy to take for granted that we have safe drinking water coming in and sanitary collection of wastewater going out. From necessities like cooking and cleaning to emergencies like illness or injury, H20 is an essential element. Imagine a day without water — and how what might only feel inconvenient for a moment would quickly become unbearable.
Although much of the nation’s vast water infrastructure is buried underground or out-of-sight, it is impossible to overstate its vital nature. The pandemic has placed hygiene and healthcare in crystal clear focus. We know all too well their practices are dependent on the availability of clean water and a place for dirty water to be transmitted for proper treatment.
To secure our country's water future, the first step is to understand where things are today — the current condition, level of investment, and need of the systems that bring water to and from homes and businesses. Analysis by the American Society of Civil Engineers finds that:
- The nation’s water infrastructure is aging and deteriorating.
- The nation is chronically underinvesting in water infrastructure.
- Federal investment is lagging, placing added pressure on local and state governments.
- New challenges and a growing demand are shaping infrastructure needs.
Investment in the nation’s aging water infrastructure — composed of water transmission and collection, water treatment, and stormwater management — can spark a new era of job creation and economic growth while protecting public health and improving the quality of life for families across The Carolinas and the nation.