Why a D+ Means It's Time to Think Differently

Every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) grades the nation’s infrastructure. The 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure gave the U.S. an overall C, but when it comes to wastewater, the story isn’t as positive — a D+. 

So, what does that mean for our communities, utilities, and engineering teams? 

The Problem Beneath Our Feet 

According to ASCE, the U.S. has more than 800,000 miles of public sewers and 500,000 miles of private laterals with much of it built decades ago. Failures, blockages, and overflows are becoming increasingly common. 

Even though progress has been made, investment hasn’t kept pace with aging systems or stricter environmental standards. 

Key stats from the report: 

• 💧 Collection system failures increased from 2.0 to 3.3 per 100 miles of pipe. 

• ⚙️ Renewal and replacement rates dropped from 3% to 2% in recent years. 

• 💰 The funding gap between needs and available capital could reach $690 billion by 2044. 

Why the Grade Matters 

A D+ doesn’t just represent old pipes — it represents risk: 

• Risk to public health when wastewater backs up or overflows. 

• Risk to budgets when reactive repairs replace planned maintenance. 

• Risk to sustainability when cities can’t accurately target their most at-risk assets. 

It’s a clear signal that we need new approaches to how we inspect, prioritize, and invest in underground infrastructure. 

The Opportunity Ahead 

Modern asset management relies on data, not guesswork. 

That’s where technologies like AI-assisted sewer inspection are changing the game. By using AI to automatically code and assess CCTV footage, utilities can: 

• Identify and prioritize defects faster 

• Stretch maintenance budgets further 

• Create a digital twin of their system for long-term planning 

AI tools like PipeAid help utilities move from reactive response to proactive asset management, an approach that can directly address the issues ASCE highlights in its report. 

Turning a D+ into an A Game 

The report card is a wake-up call, but it’s also an opportunity. 

Every community has the chance to leverage new technology to extend asset life, improve decision-making, and reduce costs. The sooner we modernize inspection and management practices, the closer we get to closing the infrastructure gap. 

💡 Ready to Learn More? 

Want to stay ahead of the curve as technology reshapes sewer inspection and asset management? 

PipeAid regularly hosts webinars exploring how AI, digital twins, and data-driven tools are transforming the industry. 

👉 Visit our Webinar Page to see upcoming sessions and reserve your spot.