Aging water infrastructure to present pricey problems
ALBANY – New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued a report Feb. 14, estimating that New York's water systems could require $40 billion in repairs and improvements over the next 20 years.
“Many drinking water systems in New York are over 100 years old and operating far beyond their useful life,” DiNapoli said. “Too many places are dealing with water main breaks, leaks, contaminated drinking water and other problems that can result in public health threats, property damage or inconvenience for residents and businesses.”
He continued, “New York needs to significantly invest in this area, or we’re going to suffer the consequences. Unfortunately, paying for these solutions presents a considerable challenge.”
The report notes that the Executive Budget for State Fiscal Year 2017-18 proposes a $2 billion capital appropriation for water quality improvements.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), however, estimates the cost of maintaining already-existing infrastructure through the year 2030 to be $22 billion. NYS Department of Health, meanwhile, estimates it could cost even more, potentially costing $39 billion in capital financing for drinking water projects.
DiNapoli notes that in NYS cities, villages, and towns are typically charged with operating and funding the systems that supply residents and businesses with water. Generally, DiNapoli says, it is funded primarily from fees and property taxes, but the state and federal government also provide some funding for improvements as it pertains to regulated public water systems.
An area in particular that will need attending to, DiNapoli says, is preventing the contamination of water systems from industrial sites, inadequate treatment, improper separation of sewage, and agricultural and storm water run-off. In addition, aging pipes and other structural issues can cause corrosion of materials that can potentially release lead into drinking water.
The report from the Comptroller's Office recommended that local officials prepare for the challenges ahead by setting aside funds and keeping taxpayers informed about the system's needs and options for paying for them.
To read the report in full, visit www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/pubs/research/drinkingwatersystems.pdf.
“Many drinking water systems in New York are over 100 years old and operating far beyond their useful life,” DiNapoli said. “Too many places are dealing with water main breaks, leaks, contaminated drinking water and other problems that can result in public health threats, property damage or inconvenience for residents and businesses.”
He continued, “New York needs to significantly invest in this area, or we’re going to suffer the consequences. Unfortunately, paying for these solutions presents a considerable challenge.”
The report notes that the Executive Budget for State Fiscal Year 2017-18 proposes a $2 billion capital appropriation for water quality improvements.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), however, estimates the cost of maintaining already-existing infrastructure through the year 2030 to be $22 billion. NYS Department of Health, meanwhile, estimates it could cost even more, potentially costing $39 billion in capital financing for drinking water projects.
DiNapoli notes that in NYS cities, villages, and towns are typically charged with operating and funding the systems that supply residents and businesses with water. Generally, DiNapoli says, it is funded primarily from fees and property taxes, but the state and federal government also provide some funding for improvements as it pertains to regulated public water systems.
An area in particular that will need attending to, DiNapoli says, is preventing the contamination of water systems from industrial sites, inadequate treatment, improper separation of sewage, and agricultural and storm water run-off. In addition, aging pipes and other structural issues can cause corrosion of materials that can potentially release lead into drinking water.
The report from the Comptroller's Office recommended that local officials prepare for the challenges ahead by setting aside funds and keeping taxpayers informed about the system's needs and options for paying for them.
To read the report in full, visit www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/pubs/research/drinkingwatersystems.pdf.
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