There is an urgent need for the federal government to ramp up water infrastructure funding, according to findings by the American Business Water Coalition (ABWC).
In its report, “10 Extreme Water Disasters in 10 Days Shut Down Local Economies Across the Nation,” the ABWC compiles a list of water infrastructure failures that were directly tied to extreme weather and business loss in or around major metropolitan areas in all regions of the country between the dates of Jan. 14 and Jan. 23.
Some of the key events the report highlights include:
1. Memphis, Tennessee was placed under a boil water advisory from Jan. 18 – 23 after numerous water main breaks, impacting 600,000 people and wreaking havoc on businesses, many of which had to cease or significantly alter operations.
2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania suffered several large water main breaks following freezing temperatures, resulting in extreme street flooding and water shut-offs from Jan. 22-23 for 80 affected properties.
3. Metairie, Louisiana, the largest community in Jefferson Parish, placed 250,000 residents and all businesses in the community under a boil water advisory on Jan. 23 following a massive break of an 80-year-old water main. Grocery stores, hospitals, schools and other businesses were forced to limit services or cease operations until the advisory was lifted on Jan. 25.
Source:
https://www.businesswatercoalition.com/news/10-extreme-water-disasters-in-10-days-2024
