Aging Kentucky Water Systems Lack Funding and Resources

Writing for Louisville Public Media, Ryan Van Velzer highlights the growing crisis in Kentucky’s water systems. As Van Velzer explains, “The average age of a water treatment plant in Kentucky is 38 years old, the average water main is 40 years old, and the state still has an estimated 40,000 lead service lines.”

Van Velzer adds, “Many of the state’s water utilities lack the rate structures and customer bases to cover the costs of repairs; they just don’t cover enough people to make up the difference. That results in deficient systems, deferred maintenance and a ballooning backlog of repairs.”

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the state should spend more than $7.8 billion to bring its water systems up to date over the next 20 years.

The problem extends to staffing, too. “A survey from last year found only 20% of the state’s water utility workforce was under the age of 35. More than a third of operators and managers plan to retire in the next six years,” signaling a coming staff shortage.