Notes on Water Infrastructure Concerns

Over the past few months, many New England residents and visitors have noticed (and possibly been affected by) a number of projects designed to improve water infrastructure. These have included water main lining, valve replacement, and pump house rehabilitation. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority major water pipe break in Weston on 1 May reminded us that not properly caring for our water infrastructure may lead to serious consequences.

Earlier this year, the Urban Land Institute, working with the consulting firm, Ernst & Young, released Infrastructure 2010: Investment Imperative, a report that examines the nation’s water infrastructure investments.

Focusing on aging pipes, population pressures, and management challenges across 14 metropolitan areas (including Boston), Infrastructure 2010 examines the effects of “recession-busted” government budgets and related concerns that are pushing infrastructure down most political priority lists, with many projects being put on hold as burdened taxpayers resist more spending.  However, the needs remain.

Some of the approaches and solutions being recommended in Infrastructure 2010 include:

• repairing and modernizing outmoded systems, including reducing leaks in water delivery networks and stemming declines in water quality from failing sewage treatment plants;
• developing collaborative regional strategies to protect supplies across multiple states and varied local jurisdictions;
• employing proven land use techniques to reduce storm water runoff and capture ground water to replenish depleted aquifers;
• using innovative recycling technologies in development projects and for retrofitting existing buildings;
• planting less water-dependent landscaping; and
• implementing conservation-oriented irrigation systems.

To access additional information related to this report and other water infrastructure concerns, please visit:

New England City & Town: Public Works Issues: Water Infrastructure