Trillions of gallons lost annually from US water systems

Aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance plague cities, especially those shrinking in population.

Trillions of gallons of drinking water are lost each year in the U.S. due to aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance, impacting especially older industrial and rural areas.
In cities like Highland Park and Prichard, water loss exceeds 60%, with broken pipes and leaks common due to systems up to 120 years old.
The economic and public health consequences of water loss include increased costs to communities for water treatment and risks of contamination.
Investment in water system repairs is often deferred due to the unpopularity of raising water rates and the difficulty of borrowing money in struggling communities.
Despite available federal and state infrastructure grants, many disadvantaged communities lack the resources to apply for and manage these funds.