(108d) An Aging Infrastructure: Policy Recommendations to Modernize Aging Water Distribution Networks to Protect Human Health

The water distribution infrastructure in the United States is degrading as its lead-based piping approaches its 100-year lifespan and therefore poses substantial health risks to the consumer. With that, regulations are not adequately designed to keep pace with system-wide corrosion and do not facilitate proper infrastructure investment of pipes in-service; an example of this is the Flint, MI, water crisis. However, some cities have met their institutional responsibilities. Madison, WI, is such an example of a city able to meet its regulatory and consumer obligations. Juxtaposing these two examples, a clear set of policy recommendations can be developed. Moving forward, it should be the role of the federal government to incentivize reinvestment into water distribution infrastructure in critical condition. Crafting regulations that are designed to promote regulatory synergy from the local, county, to state levels will prioritize this revitalization of our water supply and ensure this cannot happen again.