ITT: What's News

The Road to Rehabilitating Water Infrastructure

According to UN-HABITAT, one in two people on the planet today lives in a city, with the world’s urban population expected to double by 2050. In China alone, 300 million people are expected to migrate to the coastal regions in the next two decades, placing demands on infrastructure that cannot possibly be met over the long term without massive investment in water treatment and infrastructure. Meanwhile, in the United States, the federal government estimates that the water lost just from water main breaks is worth about $2.6 billion annually. It is for reasons such as this that supporting the United Nations’ (UN) 2011 focus on urbanization and water infrastructure is instinctive for ITT.

The solutions are complex, and as with any problem that transcends borders, there is no single resolution. However, as indicated in a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) published in January, if we expect to effectively address the need for reliable water infrastructure across the globe, we will all need to make investments in regional infrastructure development.

Overcoming our nation’s infrastructure gap, which according to the Environmental Protection Agency stands at about $19 billion per year, must begin with the nation’s water users. The same WEF report also indicated a need for market-led resource pricing. Prices are kept artificially low by government subsidies and without accurate pricing to reflect the full cost of the resource, it is likely that unsustainable decisions regarding its use will continue.

As the ITT Value of Water Survey, released in October, demonstrates, Americans are concerned and willing to pay for upgrades to water infrastructure: nearly one in four American voters is “very concerned” about the state of the United States’ water infrastructure and two-thirds of Americans are willing to pay an average of 11 percent more each month to upgrade our water systems. Paying more for an essential resource during these critical economic times may seem unfeasible for many households, but structures could be tailored to ensure that low income residents are treated fairly and that those who use the most pay the most.

Although the solution may start with water consumers, the Federal government should also do more. Let’s not forget that investing in our systems will also bolster the economy and create jobs for work that is essential for the future of the country. For example, the U.S. Conference of Mayors estimates that investments in water infrastructure provide significant economic benefits; each public dollar invested in water infrastructure increases private long-term GDP output by $6.35. As part of the private sector, companies including ITT also have an important role to play in raising awareness of the issue and reducing consumption through conservation and reuse. 

As we celebrate how vital water is to life today, Americans must begin to think about ensuring long-term, reliable access to clean water by repairing the very backbone of our nation – our water infrastructure. As with anything we value, protecting our access to clean drinking water is not free.

Click above to learn more about the public's opinion on water infrastructure.