NEW AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT REINFORCES NEED TO ACT ON UPDATING AND MAINTAINING U.S. WATER SYSTEMS

The American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) latest Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, issued every four years since 2001, recently gave the nation’s water systems a D grade, and wastewater systems a D+ grade. This remains in line with the last few reports, and heightens the sense of urgency to take actions that will turn around the condition of this often overlooked category of infrastructure.

“Once again, as the ASCE grades on drinking water infrastructure have come in, we see a national need to upgrade, repair, and maintain a vast system responsible for the most valuable resource we all rely on each day,” said Randy Moore, President of Iowa American Water. “The nation’s water systems have received a grade of D which is among the worst of the infrastructures studied in the report, issued every four years since 2001. Iowa American Water sees the findings as more evidence for the need to move quickly on updating and maintaining water infrastructure to ensure the resiliency of the nation’s water system for health, safety, and robust local economies.” Iowa American Water proactively invested about $38 million in needed system improvements over the last three years.”

A breakdown of water systems can result in water disruptions, impediments to emergency response, and damage to other types of infrastructure. The price tag for the critical upkeep and replacement of the nation’s outdated water systems is at least $1 trillion over the next 25 years, according to estimates by the American Water Works Association. While it is a challenge, investing in water systems has many benefits.

“Water infrastructure investments prove their value every day,” added Moore. For every $1 million invested in water infrastructure, it is estimated that upwards of 15 jobs are generated throughout the economy.

“From projects to replace water mains, pipelines, and hydrants, and the installation of advanced metering technology to help reduce water leaks, to enhanced treatment capabilities improving efficiency and reliability, the investments we’ve made into the system ensure that we are well positioned to continue to meet customer needs in the communities that rely on us.”

“One of the reasons we work to make our customers aware of the ASCE Report Card is to highlight the critical nature of these issues, and let them know that they already play an important role in system renewal and future reliability by simply paying their water bill,” said Moore. “By supporting needed improvements, customers and Iowa American Water are working together to keep the water flowing now and well into the future. While much work needs to be done to raise the grade of the nation’s deteriorating water infrastructure, we are committed to addressing the challenge in our service areas across eastern Iowa.

About Iowa American Water

Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 212,000 people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly-traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.