As droughts worsen and fresh water becomes more precious, an urgent issue emerges: our aging water infrastructure. Beneath us, a network of outdated pipes, pumps, and treatment plants silently loses billions of gallons of clean water annually, hindering even the most effective water conservation efforts.
Where Is the Water Going?
In the United States alone, the EPA’s Water Resilience resources estimate that over 2 trillion gallons of treated drinking water are lost annually due to leaks, broken mains, and outdated technology. That’s enough to supply more than 30 million households for a year. These losses don’t just waste water — they also waste energy, chemicals, and dollars spent to treat and transport it.
The Roots of the Problem
Most water infrastructure in the U.S. was built between the 1930s and 1970s. Much of it is now operating well past its design life:
- Pipes are corroding and cracking
- Treatment plants struggle to meet modern water quality standards
- Outdated systems can’t integrate smart sensors or automated leak detection tools
The result? Systems that are reactive rather than proactive — fixing problems only after they become crises.
Why It Matters for Conservation
Water conservation isn’t just about shorter showers or drought-resistant landscaping. It’s also about system-wide efficiency, and aging infrastructure is a gaping hole in that bucket:
- Leaks = water loss before it ever reaches consumers while lowering water tables and putting stress on aquifers
- Slow repairs mean longer disruptions and more waste
- Old technology hinders smart conservation solutions like real-time usage tracking or pressure optimization
Hidden Costs & Contamination Risks
Aging systems also pose serious health risks. Cracks and pressure imbalances can allow contaminants to enter drinking water, as seen in high-profile cases like Flint, Michigan. Additionally, combined sewer overflows (CSOs) during storms can pollute rivers and lakes, putting wildlife and downstream communities at risk.
A Price Tag We Can’t Ignore
In 2023, the EPA put out two needs assessments based on state and local needs related to drinking water and clean water infrastructure. The EPA’s Clean Watersheds Needs Survey identified $630.1 billion in needs for updated wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment pinpointed an additional $625 billion required for drinking water systems. Together, over the next 20 years, the expected need is over $1 trillion for drinking water and clean water infrastructure. While that number is daunting, the cost of inaction is higher — lost water, rising maintenance bills, emergency repairs, and public health crises.
The Path Forward
Conservation isn’t solely about individual behavior (see insert above), it also requires smart, strategic investment in our infrastructure. Solutions include:
- Replacing outdated pipes with modern, leak-resistant materials
- Upgrading treatment plants to be more efficient and resilient
- Installing smart meters and sensors to detect leaks early
- Prioritizing funding (e.g., the EPA’s Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program) for underserved communities that often suffer most from system failures
Every Drop Counts
Aging infrastructure is a slow-moving crisis with massive implications. As one retired civil engineer said to me: “Most people never think about the pipes beneath their feet — until they break. As civil engineers, we see the cracks forming — literally and figuratively. Without serious reinvestment, the cost to public health, safety, and sustainability will only grow.” By investing in upgrades today, we can stop the leaks, conserve vital resources, bolster water conservation efforts, and build a water system ready for the future. Because when it comes to conservation, what you don’t see really can hurt you.
So how can you contribute to water conservation efforts? Well, that is what The Conservation Foundation has been doing for more than 50 years. We can all do more together than we can alone. Join our collective momentum – become a member today!
Feel free to comment on this blog with your thoughts on aging water infrastructure and its effects on conservation efforts.
By Steve Stawarz, Oak Brook
DuPage County Advisory Council Member
