The Case for Fixing the Leaks
Type
Policy Brief or Report
Year
2013
Level
City or Town
State(s)
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin
Policy Areas
Community Development, Environment & Natural Resources, Public Spaces
Crumbling water infrastructure leads to nearly six billion gallons of expensive, treated water lost every day in America. Leaky, aging pipes and outdated systems are wasting an estimated 14 to 18 percent of our nation’s daily water use. Water loss from failing infrastructure, faulty metering, and flat-out theft costs money, and can mean lost revenue for utilities and higher rates for water users. With increasing demand, maintenance and energy costs within the water industry, rates are already rising. Between 1996 and 2010, the cost of water services in the US rose by nearly 90 percent. Given this increase it is essential that we quickly adopt effective water loss control practices.