Faimon Roberts Explains Water Grades Significance
TL/DR –
The Louisiana chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the state’s drinking water a grade of D in 2025, up from a D+ in 2017, but concerns remain about the system’s aging infrastructure. Nearly 1,000 public water systems in the state will require about $9 billion in upgrades over the next 20 years, but without additional federal funds, there’s not enough money. Challenges to the water supply, such as low levels in the Mississippi River and saltwater intrusion, are escalating, and more than half of the state’s water infrastructure was built before 1960.
Despite Federal Aid, Louisiana’s Water System Struggles
In 2025, the Louisiana chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers reported a slight improvement in the state’s drinking water quality since its 2017 rating. Resultantly, the grade increased from a D+ to a D, the same grade awarded to Louisiana’s road infrastructure. This was largely due to the federal funds Louisiana received from various programs, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the American Rescue Plan Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Despite these federal aid packages, often labeled as handouts, they have been crucial in kick-starting repairs and upgrades to Louisiana’s decrepit water systems. This is particularly the case in rural areas where these issues are more prevalent.
Need for Upgrades and Challenges Ahead
However, significant challenges lie ahead. The report states that nearly 1,000 public water systems in Louisiana require an estimated $9 billion in upgrades over the next two decades. With no additional federal funding in sight, this poses a significant financial challenge for the state.
Compounding this issue is the rising threat to the state’s drinking water supply. In recent years, lower water levels in the Mississippi River have allowed saltwater to infiltrate the water systems of several parishes, including Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Orleans, and Jefferson. In addition, the state’s aquifers are increasingly vulnerable to saltwater intrusion due to increased industrial pumping. This means that up to 30% of parishes could potentially encounter saltwater intrusion issues in the future.
Challenges of Aging Infrastructure
For those systems that aren’t dealing with contamination, there’s another problem – age. More than half of the state’s water infrastructure dates back to before 1960, meaning that more effort, expense, and equipment are needed to purify the water to a drinkable standard. This situation is akin to the infrastructure reaching retirement age, given the outdated systems.
However, the report does highlight some positive developments. Increased awareness and solution-seeking initiatives have been brought about through the state’s collaboration with organizations such as the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and the Water Institute. Additionally, the Water Sector Program has made strides in addressing a number of these issues.
Despite these advances, more action is needed. Louisiana needs to expand upon its partnerships at the federal-state level to continue improving its water systems. Ensuring policy decisions are based on research and resisting any efforts to siphon off allocated funds for water system upgrades are also crucial steps.
The Incongruity of Water Scarcity
In a state like Louisiana, where water is abundant, it seems strange to consider it a dwindling resource. While the situation may not be as dire as that depicted in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” – where the mariners are surrounded by water but cannot drink it – the state is closer to such a scenario than one might think.
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