New York state is facing one of its greatest challenges yet — our drinking and waste-water infrastructure is in critical need of updates and repairs. Concerns are growing over drinking-water systems throughout the state, some that include possible carcinogens. These serve as sobering reminders of how important safe drinking and waste- water systems are to the health and well-being of our residents and how these systems deserve attention and investment from the state.

Nearly 95 percent of New York state residents rely on the public water supply. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) 2015 report, New York received a C grade for its drinking-water infrastructure and a D for its sewer and waste water systems. Our upstate water infrastructure faces similar challenges to our roadways and bridges — extreme Northeast winters, frost, flooding from heavy rain, and age take their toll. New York’s communities are in need of updated water infrastructure.

The ASCE estimates it would cost more than $38.7 billion over the next 20 years to properly update, repair, and replace current drinking-water infrastructure. Additionally, a significant portion of waste-water treatment and sewer pipes throughout New York is aged well past “useful life expectancy.” The ASCE projects that it would cost $36.2 billion over the next 20 years to update the system fully. 

As a local example, we can look at the Mohawk Valley Water Authority (MVWA), which serves Utica and its surrounding suburbs. Of its 700 miles of pipes, about one-third were laid more than a century ago. Interestingly, a recent audit revealed that the MVWA’s system faced about 43 percent water loss. 

New York needs to take these matters seriously and assist our local governments in updating critical systems. This year, Gov. Cuomo’s budget would expand the New York State Water Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2015 by $100 million, bringing it to a total of $300 million. This is something I support along with many of my other legislative colleagues. However, our work is not done there.

I continually look for more ways to support our local communities, which is why I am proud to join my Assembly Republican colleague, Jim Tedisco (R,C,I–Glenville), in sponsoring legislation that would create a program known as the Safe Water Action Program (or SWAP). The program would be modeled after the already popular Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (or CHIPs), which helps local highway departments pay for roadway improvements. We are aiming to have the program included in the 2016-17 state budget, and we have sent letters to the governor, Assembly speaker, and Senate majority leader to gain their support.

New York needs to invest public dollars carefully to ensure that our roads, bridges, and water systems are safe for residents.   

Marc W. Butler (R,C,I–Newport) is a New York State Assemblyman for the 118th District, which encompasses parts of Oneida, Herkimer, and St. Lawrence counties, as well as all of Hamilton and Fulton counties. Contact him at butlerm@assembly.state.ny.us