Der Stand unserer Wasserkrise: Warum Städte den Rückstand bei der unterirdischen Infrastruktur überwinden müssen
We often take what we don't see for granted. This is especially true for infrastructure that is buried beneath the surface. Underground pipelines provide safe water to our homes and businesses and keep us alive. But in North America, the importance of replacing and upgrading these vital pipes has been largely ignored.
In fact, the number of water pipe breaks in the past is truly staggering: there are around 240,000 water pipe breaks in the United States each year. Many cities and municipalities do not have access to clean drinking water as a result of insufficient financial resources to replace or modernize outdated water pipes. (german link)
Aging water pipes
Water pipes are not indestructible and will deteriorate over time. Today, most aqueducts have a lifespan of around 75 years, a number that is surprisingly lower than in the years before World War II, when the average lifespan was over 100 years. This means that much of the underground pipeline network that was laid out during the economic boom after World War II will have to be replaced over the next two decades. The huge population growth that the United States has seen in the 21st century makes matters even more complicated.
The state of affairs in the country
Many cities in the United States have heavy debt burdens, making it difficult to invest in improvement. Indeed, many cities are struggling with their water finances. According to a study by Brookings, in 2015 only 11 cities out of 97 ranked number one in six categories of water finance and related economic indicators.
Research shows that there is a significant discrepancy between investment needs and available resources. More than 88 percent of Americans believe there is a need to take infrastructure measures, but only 17 percent of utility companies are confident that tariffs and fees can help them cover the cost of existing services. (german link)
However, some cities are responding well to this crisis by investing more in water catchment protection. In this way you can secure your infrastructure and reduce the costs for water treatment.
The consequences at a glance
The consequence of the backlog in our water infrastructure is costly. After all, our economic and personal livelihoods depend on access to clean water. Below are 3 main issues resulting from the delay in investing in drinking water infrastructure:
1. Rising Costs of Future Investments - The investment requirement for buried drinking water infrastructure is currently more than $ 1 trillion nationwide over the next 25 years. Should the investment be delayed, this number would increase due to the increased number of burst pipes.
2. Deterioration in water supplies - 25% of the country's water pipes are in poor condition, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. It is further expected that this number will increase to 45% by 2020 if no new plans are drawn up and implemented.
3. Increased public health hazard - lead and copper can leach into drinking water if pipelines are corroded. This long-term exposure can lead to a variety of health problems including brain damage, kidney failure, and gastrointestinal disease.
What can be done
Unfortunately, there is no simple solution to tackling a daunting problem like the country's underground water infrastructure crisis. Independently of this, change has to take place if we are to achieve improvements. Below are some solutions that would make the situation easier:
Innovative Financing Solutions - One approach is for cities to see the need for drinking water and wastewater as part of the whole. For example, Los Angeles passed a One Water LA 2040 plan to coordinate water management across all city facilities, resulting in more than $ 10 billion in funding for capital improvements.
Technology - Technologies such as intelligent water pipe monitoring and predictive analysis could help identify potential system failures and accelerate repairs to reduce operating costs.
Careful zoning plans - Investing in underground infrastructure is expensive. Careful planning is therefore required when developing watershed investment programs. Factors to consider include identifying risks and funding mechanisms, defining clear roles and plans for program management, and monitoring and evaluating results.
More Exchanges - Increase public awareness and engagement on this topic to get policymakers, governments and investors to act.
It's time
The US underground water infrastructure crisis is devastating. Without countermeasures, the condition of the underground infrastructure would only deteriorate. Many may feel powerless as they tackle this problem, but everyone can do their part to make a difference. This can start with raising awareness of the "buried subject".
