Aging Infrastructure and Climate Change

In August 2022, after years of neglect and unheeded warnings, the public water system for Jackson, Mississippi failed, leaving nearly 180,000 residents without water for drinking, waste disposal, firefighting, or any other use.  This catastrophic event is likely to be repeated around the country if urgent water infrastructure repairs and upgrades are not made a top priority in City, State and federal budgets.

“Water is the most intimate relationship you have with the government … when the water is of poor quality or, in your case, just not delivered, it’s a profound betrayal of trust.”*

Catalyzed by historical flooding of the Pearl River, Jackson’s system failure provides a stark warning of the effect of climate-induced weather extremes on aging infrastructure.

Be proactive with your local water system, working with its managers to understand and address critical needs before disaster strikes, and to earn and maintain the trust of our fellow citizens.  As we invest in long-needed improvements, we can also build in resilience to the floods and droughts expected to occur in the coming decades.

Manuel Teodoro, an associate professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs and Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies in “Why Jackson’s water system is broken – Mississippi Today” (March 24, 2021)

Win with Water! is an informational series to raise awareness and provide actionable steps to public water system managers, administrators, and policy makers.