ASCE National Infrastructure Report Reinforces Need To Act On Updating and Maintaining U.S. Water Systems

Rhea-AI Summary

The American Society of Civil Engineers' latest Report Card highlights the critical state of U.S. drinking water (C-) and wastewater (D+) systems, urging immediate action for upgrades. In response, New Jersey American Water invested over $464 million in 2020, focusing on replacing aging pipes and enhancing treatment facilities. The company anticipates investing $350 million in 2021, emphasizing the importance of robust water infrastructure. This investment aligns with their START initiative aimed at improving services and fostering workforce diversity.

Positive

• New Jersey American Water invested over $464 million in system upgrades in 2020, significantly increasing their original investment plan by $80 million.
• Investment in aging pipe replacement and treatment facility improvements supports long-term resilience and safety in water services.

Negative

• The C- and D+ grades from the ASCE indicate ongoing deficiencies in national water and wastewater infrastructure.

The American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) latest Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, issued every four years since 2001, recently gave the nation’s drinking water systems a C- grade and its wastewater systems a D+ grade. The C- was actually a slight improvement from four years ago and the D+ was the same grade as 2017. Nonetheless, the shabbiness of the grades heightens the sense of urgency to take actions that will in turn improve this important, but often overlooked part of our nation’s infrastructure.

“This year’s ASCE grades on drinking water and wastewater infrastructure show just how desperately we need a national plan to upgrade, repair, and maintain our water and wastewater systems,” said Don Shields, Vice President of Engineering at New Jersey American Water. “New Jersey American Water sees the findings as more evidence for the need to move quickly on updating and maintaining water infrastructure to enhance the resiliency of the nation’s water system for health, safety, and robust local economies.”

In 2020 alone, New Jersey American Water invested more than $464 million on system upgrades and various improvement projects across its service areas statewide. This was an increase of approximately $80 million over the company’s original capital investment plan in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Approximately $174 million was spent on replacing and rehabilitating aging pipes and installing new main pipes to additional areas, and $93.5 million went into improvements for its water treatment facilities across New Jersey. This included upgrades to facilities such as the Raritan Millstone Water Treatment Plant, the Springfield Station, the 52^nd Street Station in Ocean City, and the Navesink Tank Station.

New Jersey American Water also launched our START – Solutions Today and Reinvesting Tomorrow – initiative, which aims to accelerate investment projects to continue to provide safe, reliable water and wastewater service while increasing supplier diversity initiatives and creating a workforce development program to help create jobs.

A breakdown of water systems can result in water disruptions, impediments to emergency response, and damage to other types of infrastructure. The price tag for the critical upkeep and replacement of the nation’s outdated water systems is at least $1 trillion over the next 25 years, according to estimates by the American Water Works Association. The longer we delay in addressing those needs, the greater the cost is going to be, both in actual dollars and possibly in public health. While it is a challenge, investing in water and wastewater systems has many benefits. In 2021, New Jersey American Water expects to invest over $350 million across its service areas.

“Water infrastructure investments prove their value every day,” added Shields. “From projects to replace water mains, pipelines, and hydrants, and the installation of advanced metering technology to help reduce water leaks, to enhanced treatment capabilities improving efficiency and reliability, the investments we’ve made into the system allow us to continue to meet customer needs in the communities we serve.”

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.8 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on Twitter and Facebook.

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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FAQ

What were the ASCE grades for U.S. drinking water and wastewater systems in 2021?

The ASCE graded U.S. drinking water systems a C- and wastewater systems a D+.

How much did New Jersey American Water invest in infrastructure upgrades in 2020?

New Jersey American Water invested over $464 million in infrastructure upgrades in 2020.

What is the expected investment by New Jersey American Water in 2021?

New Jersey American Water expects to invest over $350 million in 2021.

What is the START initiative launched by New Jersey American Water?

The START initiative aims to accelerate investment projects and enhance supplier diversity while creating job opportunities.

What is the estimated cost for upgrading U.S. water systems over the next 25 years?

The estimated cost for upgrading U.S. water systems is at least $1 trillion over the next 25 years.