February 13, 2024
Liquid Assets: Investing in the Next Generation of Water Infrastructure
This is a pivotal moment in the history of American infrastructure. The United States finds itself at a crucial juncture where its water systems — many of which were built in the early to mid-20th century—are in desperate need of significant repair or replacement. The repercussions of this deterioration are vast, affecting everything from public safety and environmental sustainability to economic stability and national security.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has sounded the alarm, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic action with sobering grades of C-, D+, and D for the nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, respectively. They estimate that a monumental investment of $5.94 trillion is required to address the challenges posed by our aging infrastructure—a figure that dwarfs the $1.2 trillion allocated by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This stark contrast underscores the magnitude of the task at hand.
Examples just within the last six months are numerous and include an outdated and “failing” stormwater network in San Diego causing severe property damage, communities large and small running out of drinking water due to broken and leaking pipes, and hundreds of thousands of gallons of untreated sewage leaking due to system breaks. These recent events serve as a steady reminder of the importance of modernizing our water treatment facilities, enhancing watershed management, and investing in infrastructure capable of adapting to changing environmental conditions.
The path forward demands innovative solutions and collaborative efforts across various sectors. By leveraging advanced materials, digital twins, artificial intelligence, and smart infrastructure technologies, we can revolutionize the way we maintain and monitor our infrastructure – shifting from a reactive approach to a proactive one. These advancements promise not only to extend the lifespan of our infrastructure components but also to enhance their adaptability and responsiveness to emerging challenges.
At Oldcastle Infrastructure, we are committed to leading the charge in this new era of infrastructure development. Our comprehensive solutions span the entire lifecycle of infrastructure projects—from design and construction to maintenance and cutting-edge technological innovations. We provide sustainable solutions that not only address the current challenges but also pave the way for future growth and resilience.
As we focus on the critical issue of water infrastructure, the significance of efficient, resilient systems becomes clear. A key example is finding, repairing, and preventing water loss from aging drinking water networks. Tackling non-revenue water and implementing state-of-the-art water loss solutions is paramount for the sustainability of our water resources. Oldcastle Infrastructure is at the forefront of providing innovative solutions to these challenges, ensuring our water infrastructure meets the demands of today and tomorrow.
We encourage all who are invested in the future of our water systems to explore the cutting-edge solutions we offer for non-revenue water and leak detection. By taking proactive steps now, we can secure the reliability and efficiency of our water infrastructure for future generations. Learn more about how we can revolutionize water management and conservation by visiting Oldcastle Infrastructure’s Non-Revenue Water Leak Detection Solutions. The time to act is now, for a sustainable and water-secure future.
