Neither terrorism nor climate change, but rusty pipes are the greatest threat to US water supply, say water experts. Some 1.5 million kilometres of water distribution pipes are over 30 years old and made of iron. Corrosion of these pipes leads not only to leakage but is also responsible for a substantial proportion of waterborne disease outbreaks, both microbial and chemical [1]. In New York City, for example, the biggest leak in its system loses 3.8 million cubic metres of water a month. Fears about tap water quality are sparking more Americans to turn to bottled water or household point-of-use (POU) treatment systems. More than 40 per cent of American homes use a POU product.

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) estimates that water utilities will need to invest US$ 250-350 billion (EUR 190-270 billion) over the next 20-30 years to replace water distribution pipes. The cost of improving U.S. water infrastructure may triple the cost of water by 2030, according to AWWA.

[1] See: National Research Council (2006). Drinking water distribution systems : assessing and reducing risks. http://books.nap.edu/catalog/11728.html

Related web sites: AWWA – Water Infrastructure; Water Infrastructure Network (WIN)

Source: Christine Stebbins, Reuters, 24 Jan 2007

Tags: water distribution, water-related diseases