Drinking Water Infrastructure
Drinking water systems in Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia are some of the oldest and most underfunded in the nation.
Drinking water infrastructure grades
Report Card for America’s Infrastructure
Source: American Society of Civil Engineers. Notes: State infrastructure grades based on state reports in varying years between 2017 and 2022. N/A: Report cards not yet available for 13 states.
The water crisis in Jackson, MS has brought much needed attention to the public health implications of our aging water infrastructure.1 As early as 1988, the National Council on Public Works Improvements concluded that the nation’s infrastructure was barely adequate for needs of the day, and would not be sufficient for future population and job growth.2 More recent state-by-state report cards gave Mississippi a grade of “D,” highlighting that its aging water infrastructure has leaks and breaks that result in the loss of 30-50% of its treated water. Similarly, West Virginia’s report card (D) revealed that half of its treated water was lost through leaks in its struggling system. Louisiana received the lowest grade in the nation (D-). Louisiana’s deteriorating systems frequently struggle to meet demand for potable water.
In contrast, Georgia received a grade of “B-,” with widespread use of new technologies such as smart pressure reducing valves, and pressure data loggers. But some Georgia towns are now learning drinking water is contaminated with “forever chemicals” run off from nearby industry.3 The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes important new investments in water infrastructure — replacing lead pipes, addressing contaminants, and more — most of which will be channeled through state programs.4
“Saving Water in Georgia”. The Environmental Protection Agency. June, 2013. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-02/documents/ws-ourwater-georgia-state-fact-sheet.pdf
“Fragile Foundations: A Report on America’s Public Works”. National Council on Public Works Improvement. March, 2017. https://infrastructurereportcard.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/1988-Fragile-Foundations-ExSum.pdf
“Rome is grappling with toxic ‘forever chemicals’ fouling waterways”. Kann. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. October, 2022. https://www.ajc.com/news/rome-is-grappling-with-toxic-forever-chemicals-fouling-waterways/PQ3OZY6W4ZHVJJKENNQEAUGHZ4/
“U.S. INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT & JOBS ACT”. American Water Works Association. https://www.awwa.org/Resources-Tools/Resource-Topics/US-Infrastructure-Investment-Jobs-Act#:~:text=Congress%20has%20directed%20that%20most,state%2C%20tribal%20and%20territorial%20agencies.
