The aging infrastructure threat also comes in the wake of a recession, when politicians are struggling to maintain state and federal budgets.

About 10% of pipes in those systems are older.īut as they say, timing is everything. To get an idea of how old the nation's water pipes are, 30% of pipes in systems that deliver water to more than 100,000 people are between 40 and 80 years old, according to the EPA. 'Now it's time to replace that system and we've got to make those investments or we'll suffer the consequences,' said Goldstein. water delivery system dates back to the years shortly after World War II. The nation's drinking water system is so troubled, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave it a grade of D minus, in its 2009 Report Card of America's Infrastructure. They warn that this is the latest sign of an aging water delivery infrastructure that results in property loss, inconvenience, and threats to public health. Kramer's disaster was just one of an average 700 water main breaks nationwide that experts say occur each day. the memories you lose - it was a hard experience.' 'You put your heart into doing something. 'It's not the money value of what you lost,' she said about the pipe burst. Dark water and mold stains marked the baseboards and walls. Appliances were covered in dirt, as was the floor. In the wake of the water main break, Kramer's basement kitchen was a mess. Washington (CNN) - Anita Kramer had no idea that a 72-inch water main in her Maryland neighborhood was a ticking time bomb that was about to flood her home and ruin many of her most cherished possessions.

Officials: Cities need money to repair, maintain U.S.Bacteria, viruses could enter water supply through bursting water pipes, say experts.EPA: In biggest systems, 30% of water pipes are 40 to 80 years old.averages 700 water main breaks daily, say experts

Age of water mains