Addressing America’s Aging Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

Water is the world’s most precious resource. It keeps life flowing all around us – from brushing your teeth or making your morning cup of coffee, to the manufacturing of almost every product you interact with daily. Now more than ever, consumers are relying on a quality drinking water supply and reliable wastewater systems for sanitation in their homes.

In 2021, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) graded the state of the nation’s drinking water infrastructure a C- and wastewater infrastructure a D+.  These grades underscore a trend of underinvestment in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across the country. Our nation’s water systems that were installed in the mid-1900s have exceeded their useful life and need to be improved or replaced so that you can have a safe, reliable, clean supply of water now, and for generations to come.

Providing solutions to our nation’s most pressing infrastructure needs

At American Water, we work hard to deliver safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater service to our customers, because they deserve nothing less.​  We plan to invest $30 – $34 billion into our systems over the next 10 years, which will enable us to continue to provide essential services to our water and wastewater customers.​  Our investments include replacing aging pipes and upgrading existing or constructing new treatment, storage, and pumping facilities to expand capacity, comply with the latest water quality standards and enhance the resiliency of our systems.  Capital investments in parallel with continuous improvement, diligent cost management, and technology enhancements will help maintain affordability.

Help protect and preserve water and wastewater infrastructure

As a customer, you can help protect our critical water and wastewater infrastructure through simple measures like rethinking what you put down your sink and flush down your toilet. By not flushing wipes, paper towels or other items, even though some claim they’re flushable, you can help prevent pipe clogs, sewerage overflows and damage to our infrastructure. Try to be mindful of how much water you use. Limiting any unnecessary water usage lowers system demands as well as your water bill.

Every day, American Water remains committed to effectively addressing America’s water and wastewater infrastructure challenges, but we know we can’t do it alone. We are proud to work with communities, regulators and all key stakeholders to create a better tomorrow for our customers.

Learn more about American Water's state subsidiaries' 2022 ASCE Infrastructure Report Cards to date:

• Illinois: https://infrastructurereportcard.org/state-item/Illinois/
• Iowa: https://infrastructurereportcard.org/state-item/iowa/
• Pennsylvania: https://infrastructurereportcard.org/state-item/pennsylvania/
• Tennessee: https://infrastructurereportcard.org/state-item/tennessee/
• Virginia: https://infrastructurereportcard.org/state-item/virginia/