ASCE Report Reveals Urgent Need for Water Infrastructure Investment

Infrastructure Report Highlights Persistent Issues in U.S. Water Systems

The latest findings from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) detail ongoing concerns with the nation's water and wastewater infrastructure. According to the 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, these systems still struggle with deficiencies that require significant investments.

Despite the urgency for improvements, the report card assigns a disappointing C- to drinking water infrastructure and a D+ to wastewater systems, unchanged since 2021. This indicates a pressing need for modernization efforts across the United States.

The ASCE's assessment suggests that over $1.2 trillion will be necessary to update water and wastewater infrastructure nationwide in the coming two decades. Without such investment, the reliability of safe and clean water access faces jeopardy.

The situation is particularly acute in Pennsylvania, where the Environmental Protection Agency's 2023 Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment estimates a requirement of $24.3 billion over the next 20 years for drinking water infrastructure improvements. This figure excludes the cost of necessary upgrades to wastewater systems.

Pennsylvania American Water emphasizes its commitment to maintaining safe and dependable services. By continually upgrading legacy infrastructure, including treatment plants, pipelines, and other essential components, the company aims to ensure resilient water services for its 2.4 million customers statewide. Investments in these systems are essential not only for maintaining service quality but also for meeting regulatory standards and ensuring long-term reliability.

The collaborative efforts between public and private sectors are crucial in these endeavors. Pennsylvania American Water has already invested over $675 million in 2024 alone for statewide system enhancements. Projections show that such investments will continue at a rate of $525-625 million annually in the next few years.

Investment in water infrastructure also plays a significant role in economic development. Studies suggest that every $1 million spent on such upgrades can result in approximately 15 new jobs in local communities, illustrating the broader economic benefits of infrastructure improvement projects.

Achieving better grades in future infrastructure assessments is critical, particularly concerning drinking water. Through focused funding and strategic improvements, Pennsylvania aims to ensure safe and sustainable water resources for its communities, safeguarding this vital resource for the future.