The water system in Birmingham, Alabama, includes more than 4,000 miles of water main, some of which dates back nearly a century. Keeping water moving efficiently and rates low is an ever-present challenge.
Birmingham Water Works is addressing the issue by replacing one aging pipe at a time. General manager Michael Johnson says systematically upgrading the system is a years-long process.
“Our plan is to replace all of the old pipe eventually, of course,” Johnson says. “We are budgeting $30 million for pipeline replacement this year and again next year and will continue with a robust plan to replace it. It is difficult
