By Pen Pendleton
As reports of the deaths, injuries, and property damage caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton continue to emerge, the weakness of the U.S.’s aging water infrastructure becomes more evident. Investing in the repair and modernization of pipelines and treatment facilities has become a critical national priority.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that nearly $500 billion in investment is needed by 2035 to maintain safe drinking water. When wastewater needs are included, the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) projects that more than $600 billion is required over the next 20 years for essential infrastructure improvements.
While the need for upgrades is clear, gaining public support and securing adequate funding pose significant challenges. We have come to expect clean running water and indoor plumbing since the turn of the century. Today, when pipes break, sewage overflows or toxins contaminate drinking supplies, public attention explodes. Flint, Michigan learned that painful lesson 10 years ago and Thames Water in the UK is experiencing it again today.
But like broken pipes, public opinion can be repaired. Initiatives are currently underway to communicate innovative solutions to our water crises. After Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) launched a public-private partnership to protect east coast shorelines from New York to Connecticut.
The “Rebuild by Design” program, introduced as an urban planning competition, resulted in visionary plans for new sandbars and artificial shorelines in the Hudson River to protect Manhattan from future storm flooding. In Hoboken, New Jersey, groundbreaking began last year on flood walls at Harborside Park, and this year, HUD is sponsoring the “Rainproof Miami” event, where New York City officials will share insights with South Florida water management leaders.
Private sector investors also have a crucial role to play in drawing attention to water infrastructure projects. By highlighting the potential financial returns, they can engage broader audiences. For instance, a number of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focused on water infrastructure have shown impressive 12-month returns, ranging from 15% to 29%. The largest publicly traded U.S. water systems operator reported a 19% return in the past year.
Traditionally, private equity funds, often the most intriguing capital sources, have communicated primarily with their investors, producing glossy films and documentaries on their water projects. Yet, these materials seldom reach a broader audience. Leveraging these resources to engage the public and promote water investments has never been more important.
There are over 140,000 publicly-owned water companies in the U.S. Across this landscape, risks loom for management and investors who fail to engage in advance of a crisis with ratepayers, regulators and other stakeholders – including the media. Companies need to systematically inform audiences about maintenance plans, safety upgrades and quality control plans. These basic communications practices must be promoted, not buried in websites and regulatory filings.
Meanwhile, fund managers, especially the growing community of infrastructure strategies, should join public officials and regulators in educational initiatives and government affairs campaigns. Infrastructure finance leaders are needed to clearly demonstrate the dollar value they contribute to public resources if they expect to protect their returns and reputations.