Memphis isn’t alone in water challenges, as nation struggles to repair aging systems
Workers stand next to new water main pipes at the site of a project in downtown Tacoma, Wash. last June. Like Memphis, much of the nation is struggling to catch up to aging systems. (Ted S. Warren/AP Photo)
An industry group estimates there are 250,000 to 300,000 water main breaks in the U.S. every year — generating an estimated loss of 6 billion gallons of treated drinking water across the country.
Topics
MLGW infrastructure Doug McGowen boil water Subscriber OnlyThank you for supporting local journalism.
Subscribers to The Daily Memphian help fund our not-for-profit newsroom of nearly 40 local journalists plus more than 20 freelancers, all of whom work around the clock to cover the issues impacting our community. Subscriptions - and donations - also help fund our community access programs which provide free access to K-12 schools, community organizations, and more. Thank you for making our work possible.
Ben Wheeler
Ben Wheeler is an investigative reporter for The Daily Memphian. He previously worked at the Yankton Daily Press and Dakotan and Herald-Citizen.
Want to comment on our stories? Or read the comments of others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only subscribers can view or add comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.