The Nation’s Crumbling Water Infrastructure Is a Collective Threat

August 2018

Across the country, sewer systems are requiring major overhauls costing millions, and sometimes even billions, of dollars.

Across the country, sewer systems are requiring major overhauls costing millions, and sometimes even billions, of dollars. In particular, Kentucky’s ageing drinking water and sewer systems are in dire need of billions of dollars in investments to prevent a total collapse of the system from harming public health and the environment, according to Kentucky’s Energy and Environment Cabinet.

While the state has already secured some investments, they are not nearly enough to cover the steep cost of the repairs. The state state still requires almost $15 billion to cover the costs of additional infrastructure improvements that will be needed over the next two decades. Deputy Cabinet Secretary, Bruce Scott, reported to the Senate standing committee on natural resources that, “We have to make an investment, we cannot avoid making the investment in water and sewers and dams. The only real question is when.”