USCM: Changes to competitive bidding could save billions in water, sewer repairs

By changing the competitive bidding process, the country could save billions in pipe material costs alone.

As the nation’s aging infrastructure continues to threaten water systems as well as the country’s health and economic vitality, a report released Oct. 12 by the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) shows how cities could potentially save billions of dollars over the next 10 years. The report examines the daunting challenges cities face with replacing hundreds of thousands of miles of aging and failing pipes, which are the single costliest water and sewer capital investment. By changing the competitive bidding process, the report shows that the country could save an estimated $20.5 billion for drinking water and $22.3 billion for stormwater in pipe material costs alone.