NY water infrastructure 'needs $50 billion'

Communities in New York will reportedly have to spend over $50 billion (£28 billion) over the next two decades to upgrade their water and wastewater infrastructure to meet federal requirements

The department of environmental conservation claims the repair bill for wastewater treatment systems across the state will cost $36.2 billion, with a further $20 billion needed for drinking water infrastructure.

It noted that federal support for water infrastructure has fallen by 70 per cent over the past 20 years, with sewage and wastewater treatment facilities deteriorating as a result.

Governor David A Paterson said: "Under any economic conditions, the fiscal burden of rebuilding our water infrastructure would be daunting."

He urged support for municipalities in the state to get the federal funding required to upgrades and repairs that are needed.

In the UK, the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs notes sewage treatment levels are controlled by a number of European Union Directives, including the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.