Water is the lifeblood of our communities, underpinning everything from public health to economic growth. Ensuring that our nation’s drinking water infrastructure remains robust is essential for safeguarding the quality of life for millions of Americans.
Despite its importance, water infrastructure is often overlooked until something goes wrong—such as a pipe bursting or a water tower needing repairs– and many recent studies have shown the country’s infrastructure is in desperate need of repairs. Addressing these issues proactively, through sustained investment, is vital to maintaining the integrity of our water systems and ensuring they can meet current and future demands.
Indiana American Water recognizes the importance of investing in water infrastructure and takes our responsibility as a steward of this investment very seriously. We want to provide all our customers with drinking water systems that provide fresh, clean, and affordable drinking water wherever they are within the state of Indiana. Read on to learn more about our commitment to infrastructure investments.
Understanding Water Infrastructure: What is it?
Water infrastructure encompasses the complex network of pipes, pumps, meters, treatment plants, water towers, and other facilities that deliver clean drinking water to homes and businesses, as well as those that treat wastewater and stormwater. This infrastructure is essential for providing safe drinking water and protecting the environment by treating wastewater before it is released back into natural water bodies.
In the United States, around 52,000 community water systems deliver drinking water to the public, while approximately 16,000 centralized treatment plants manage wastewater. These systems are the backbone of the nation’s drinking water infrastructure, ensuring that water is available and safe to use.
Why are Water Infrastructure Investments Important?
Many of the nation’s water and wastewater systems have been in operation for over a century.
As these drinking water treatment systems age, they become more prone to failures, such as leaks, breaks, and contamination. For example, the American Water Works Association estimates that approximately one-third of water mains nationwide will require replacement by 2040. These aging systems not only pose a risk to water quality but also lead to inefficiencies and higher operating costs for water utilities.
According to the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC), many water systems are failing and underfunded. Here are some fast facts about how your community is affected by neglected water supply infrastructure:
- Due to failing infrastructure in the U.S., we lose about 16% of our treated water before it even reaches customers. That’s more than 7 billion gallons per day.
- Between 700 and 850 water main breaks occur each day in North America, causing more than $3 billion in repair costs annually.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) projects more than $600 billion is needed over the next 20 years for necessary infrastructure improvements to combat these negative side effects.
The Role of Water Infrastructure in Public Health
Water infrastructure plays a crucial role in protecting public health. Treatment plants remove harmful contaminants from drinking water, ensuring it meets or surpasses the standards set by the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act.
This legislation provides a framework for maintaining water quality across the country. Without these systems, communities would be at risk of exposure to waterborne diseases and other health hazards.
The EPA is responsible for much of this legislation and oversees regulations that help maintain the safety and reliability of drinking water. However, these regulations alone are not enough. The physical infrastructure must be maintained and upgraded to keep pace with growing populations and changing environmental conditions. Investment in water infrastructure improvements is necessary to continue providing safe, clean water to all Americans.
Economic Impacts of Water Infrastructure Investment
Investing in water infrastructure is not just about ensuring the availability of clean drinking water; it also has significant economic implications. The water systems that serve our communities are integral to various sectors of the economy, from manufacturing to agriculture.
A reliable water supply supports businesses and industries that rely on water for their operations. When water systems fail, the impact on the economy can be immediate and severe. For instance, a disruption in the water supply can halt production in factories, leading to significant revenue losses. A restaurant without water can be just as devastating for small businesses.
The federal government recognizes the importance of water infrastructure to the economy, and numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of investing in these systems.
The same 2016 assessment by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) estimated increasing investments in water infrastructure could stimulate economic growth and create jobs. The report states that closing the current investment gap could generate over $220 billion in annual economic activity and sustain approximately 1.3 million jobs over the next decade.
The Benefits of Proactive Investment
Proactive investment in water infrastructure offers numerous benefits, both immediate and long-term. These advantages not only safeguard public health but also contribute to environmental sustainability and economic growth.
Ensuring Clean Drinking Water
Investing in water infrastructure ensures the continued delivery of clean drinking water to homes and businesses. This is crucial for public health as it significantly reduces the risk of waterborne diseases and other related health issues.
Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Costs
Well-maintained water systems are more efficient, which leads to lower operating costs for water utilities. These savings are often passed on to consumers in the form of lower water bills, making it a win-win situation for both the utilities and the public.
Promoting Environmental Sustainability
Infrastructure upgrades, particularly in treatment plants, can improve the efficiency of water and wastewater treatment processes. This not only reduces energy consumption but also minimizes the environmental impact, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Preventing Flooding and Protecting Natural Water Bodies
Upgrading stormwater systems is vital for preventing flooding and reducing the amount of untreated water that enters natural water bodies. This helps protect ecosystems and reduces the long-term costs associated with water damage and environmental degradation.
Supporting Economic Growth and Job Creation
Infrastructure investment is a powerful driver of economic growth. Construction projects related to water infrastructure improvements create employment opportunities in engineering, construction, and related fields. Moreover, these projects have a multiplier effect, stimulating demand for materials, equipment, and services, which further boosts local economies.
Investing in water infrastructure is not just about maintaining current systems—it’s about building a foundation for the future.
Indiana American Water’s Commitment to Infrastructure Investment
Indiana American Water understands the importance of investing in water infrastructure to ensure reliable service for its customers. We are committed to upgrading and maintaining our systems across Indiana to meet the needs of the communities we serve.
Over the years, Indiana American Water has made significant investments in our water and wastewater treatment facilities, distribution lines, and water towers to enhance system reliability and improve water quality. We invest over $100 million in infrastructure investments in the state each year.
These investments are part of a broader strategy to ensure that the state’s water infrastructure can meet the demands of the future. By proactively addressing infrastructure needs, Indiana American Water helps prevent costly repairs and service disruptions, ensuring that customers have access to safe, reliable drinking water.
Learn more about our efforts on our news webpage.
The Future of Water Infrastructure Investment
Looking ahead, the need for continued investment in water infrastructure is clear. As the population grows and environmental challenges become more complex, the demand for reliable, high-quality water will only increase. Addressing these challenges will require ongoing collaboration between water utilities, governments, and the communities they serve.
Indiana American Water is committed to being at the forefront of these efforts. By investing in water infrastructure today, we are helping to ensure that Indiana customers will continue to have access to safe, clean water for generations to come.
Contact Indiana American Water Today
Water infrastructure is the foundation upon which our communities are built. It supports public health, drives economic growth, and protects the environment. However, maintaining this infrastructure requires ongoing investment and attention. Indiana American Water is dedicated to making the necessary investments to ensure that its water systems remain reliable and efficient.
With the support of federal and state governments, water utilities like Indiana American Water can continue to provide the essential services that communities rely on every day. By prioritizing infrastructure improvements, we can ensure that our nation’s water systems are ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. For more information on current projects in your area, visit https://amwater.com/inaw/.