ASCE’s 2025 Infrastructure Report Card: A Stagnant Water and Wastewater Situation
M. Susan Hardwick, the CEO of American Water, has once again responded to the grades assigned by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in their annual Infrastructure Report Card. The water infrastructure received a grade of C-, while the wastewater infrastructure was given a D+.
The Current State of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in the US
According to the report card, the US drinking water infrastructure serves over 291 million people, and approximately 14 million homes and businesses still experience violations of their health-based drinking water standards. The wastewater infrastructure, on the other hand, serves over 280 million people, and about 850 sewage treatment plants discharge over 850 billion gallons of untreated sewage each year.
Four Years of Stagnation
Hardwick expressed her disappointment with the lack of progress, stating, “Another report card, and no change or improvement in the last four years. America’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure is stagnant.”
Impact on Individuals
For individuals, this means that the water they drink and use for daily activities may not meet the health standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.
- Contaminants such as lead, arsenic, and bacteria can be present in the water supply.
- Wastewater treatment plants may not effectively treat sewage, leading to health risks associated with untreated wastewater.
- Water main breaks and leaks can lead to water shortages and potential contamination.
Impact on the World
On a global scale, the lack of adequate water and wastewater infrastructure in the US can have far-reaching consequences:
- Environmental damage: Untreated wastewater can contaminate waterways, harm aquatic life, and contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases.
- Economic consequences: The cost of repairing and upgrading infrastructure is substantial. The American Water Works Association estimates that it will cost over $1 trillion to replace and upgrade the nation’s water and wastewater infrastructure over the next 25 years.
- Public health risks: The presence of contaminants in drinking water and untreated wastewater can lead to a range of health problems, including gastrointestinal illness, respiratory issues, and neurological disorders.
Conclusion
The 2025 ASCE Infrastructure Report Card serves as a reminder that America’s water and wastewater infrastructure requires significant attention and investment. The stagnation in progress over the past four years is concerning, and the consequences for individuals and the world can be severe. It is crucial that governments, industries, and individuals work together to address this issue and ensure that the water and wastewater infrastructure meets the needs of the present and future generations.
The health and safety of communities depend on it. Let us not wait for another report card to see progress but take action now.
