If there’s a silver lining in these hard economic times, it’s the fact that we tend to focus more on things of real and lasting value.
Our tap water system is one such thing. Only tap water delivers public health protection, fire protection, support for the economy and the quality of life we enjoy. Reinvesting in our tap water system can even deliver new jobs. In fact, a 2011 report, by Green for All finds that investing in water infrastructure at the level EPA says is required to preserve water quality could create 1.9 million American jobs with more than 8,500 of those jobs in Maine.
Amazingly 40 percent of the world does not have easy access to clean, safe drinking water. As difficult as these economic times are, imagine a day without safe tap water to prop up our businesses, to clean with, or drink. We are so used to water flowing from our taps at the quick turn of a knob, we rarely stop to think how much water affects every aspect of our lives. How many of the everyday products we use – from juices, to toothpaste, to coffee – have tap water as their central ingredient?
During this political season, we hear a lot about energy, jobs, health care, and taxes, but candidates have been silent on an issue that affects all of us: clean water.
Here in Greater Portland, our tap water courses through a thousand miles of pipe under our feet, deep in the ground. Some of that pipe dates back to the early 20th century. Unseen, our aging water infrastructure is easy to overlook. Only those that have had the misfortune to be impacted by a nearby water main break, understand first-hand, our water system vulnerabilities and what it is like, even temporarily, to be without water.
But throughout North America, we are entering the “Dawn of the Replacement Era.” An extensive American Water Works Association study of 20 large and medium utilities suggests that by 2030 the average utility will spend about three and a half times as much on pipe replacement as it does today. And communities that don’t start addressing their water infrastructure now, may deal with serious rate shock in the future as they experience extensive system failures.
The Portland Water District has conducted a comprehensive water main replacement program since 1985. Currently $3 million a year is invested to replace old and leaky water mains. Reported water main leaks have been reduced by over 30 percent in the last 10 years due to the effectiveness of this program. In 1985 the Portland Water District repaired over 250 water main and service line breaks. Last year, crews responded to 129 leaks, 88 of those were water main breaks. Investments in this program are expected to increase to $5 million by 2016.
The number of projects the Portland Water District can complete each year depends on various factors including location and funding options. An important funding option to all Maine water utilities is the State Revolving Fund. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund were created by congress to help fund improvements to our public water systems and protect our precious waterways. This federal money, combined with state match money, finances projects for water and wastewater system capital improvements through low interest loans.
On Nov. 6, Mainers will have a chance to renew our commitment to ensuring the water coming out of our taps is safe and reliable. Vote yes on referendum question #5, “Do you favor a $7,925,000 bond issue to be expended over 2 years for revolving loan funds for drinking water systems and for wastewater treatment facilities, which will make the State eligible to secure $39,625,000 in federal grants?”
Investing in our tap water system is a smart, safe, common sense venture that will pay off for generations to come.
Ross, of South Portland, is the president of the Portland Water District’s board of trustees.
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