Public health

Illinois Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grades Reported by American Society of Civil Engineers

Billions in Infrastructure Investment Needed for Public Health

BELLEVILLE, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 27, 2019–The Illinois Section of American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) latest Report Card for Illinois’ infrastructure rates the state’s water and wastewater systems each with a C- grade. According to The Report Card, infrastructure is graded based on eight criteria: capacity, condition, funding, future need, operation and maintenance, public safety, resilience and innovation.

The C- grades for water and wastewater systems falls between C and D ratings which are defined respectively as mediocre, requiring attention and poor, at risk. According to report findings, a trend of underinvestment in recent years threatens Illinois’ competitive advantage and the health, safety and welfare of citizens.

This isn’t the case for Illinois American Water’s service areas according to Beth Matthews, Director of Engineering for Illinois American Water, though The Report Card highlights the urgency for infrastructure upgrades and supports the Company’s continued focus on investment across the state.

She said, “The findings provide more evidence for the need to move quickly on updating and maintaining water and wastewater systems to ensure reliable service for health, safety and economic development. Illinois American Water proactively invests annually to address these critical investment needs.”

In fact, Illinois American Water invested about $122 […]

More water news from Illinois:

Toxic waste from coal ash pits leaching into Illinois’ only National Scenic River

Hormone-Disrupting Weed Killer Taints Tap Water for Millions in Corn Belt

Summary
Article Name
Illinois Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grades Reported by American Society of Civil Engineers
Description
The C- grade falls between mediocre, requiring attention and poor, at risk. Underinvestment threatens health, safety and welfare of Illinois citizens.
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Publisher Name
Associated Press
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