A municipal water manager is on the front lines of safeguarding one of our most vital resources. The responsibility is immense and the challenges are growing. From aging systems to workforce shortages, the pressures on water infrastructure demand forward-thinking solutions. At Oldcastle Infrastructure, we are committed to building the communities of tomorrow by providing products and insights that empower today’s leaders.
Here are three key realities every municipal water manager must consider to effectively navigate the evolving landscape of water management.
1. Confront the reality of aging infrastructure
The infrastructure beneath our feet is older than many realize and its deterioration poses a significant threat to water quality and reliability. In the U.S., a water main breaks approximately every two minutes, resulting in the loss of nearly six billion gallons of treated water each day. This staggering loss represents a massive waste of a precious resource and places a considerable financial strain on municipalities.
These frequent failures lead to costly emergency repairs, disrupt service for communities and increase the risk of contamination. Deferring maintenance is not a viable option. Proactive replacement and repair programs are essential to the long-term security and efficiency of water distribution systems. Addressing this challenge head-on protects public health and strengthens community resilience.
2. Navigate the widening workforce gap
The water industry faces a critical challenge that extends beyond its physical pipes: a growing workforce gap. It is estimated that between 30% and 50% of the current water utility workforce will be eligible for retirement within the next decade. This impending wave of retirements will result in a significant loss of institutional knowledge and operational expertise.
Simultaneously, the industry struggles to attract new talent to fill these essential roles. This creates the dual problem of fewer experienced professionals to manage increasingly complex systems and a shallow pool of new candidates to take their place. For municipal managers, this means developing robust succession plans and investing in training programs is more important than ever. Fostering a new generation of water professionals is crucial for sustained operational excellence.
3. Leverage technology for smarter resource management
While the challenges are substantial, so are opportunities presented by technological innovation. Modern solutions are transforming how we monitor and manage water infrastructure, enabling a shift from reactive repairs to proactive, data-driven maintenance. Technology empowers the ability to do more with less.
One such advancement is Oldcastle Infrastructure's CivilSense™, a proactive AI-driven solution to costly line breaks, non-revenue water and inefficient repairs. By temporarily deploying sensors directly into infrastructure components like manholes and vaults, CivilSense™ provides real-time analysis of leaks in the water distribution network. This real-world data enables the AI to detect, locate and size leaks, providing managers with the ability to anticipate problems before they become emergencies, optimize maintenance schedules and allocate resources more effectively. Embracing these innovations is key to building a more resilient, efficient and secure water future for a community.
Upstream of this, the CivilSense™ ROI Calculator provides a powerful tool for managers when it comes to non-revenue water loss. This intuitive calculator translates system data into actionable insights, quantifying the true cost of water lost to leaks and breaks. By inputting system details like network length and variable production cost, you receive clear estimates of losses in both gallons and dollars, along with community and budgetary impact. These insights help prioritize upgrades, strengthen funding proposals and drive strategic planning based on real operational data.
By recognizing the realities of aging infrastructure, addressing workforce challenges and embracing cutting-edge technologies, municipal water managers can secure a sustainable, reliable future for their communities. Taking proactive steps not only preserves vital resources and reduces costs, it demonstrates leadership in public service. Oldcastle Infrastructure stands ready to provide expertise and innovative solutions like CivilSense™ to help municipalities meet these evolving demands with confidence.
About Keaton Clay
Keaton Clay is a water asset consultant at Oldcastle Infrastructure. He holds certifications from the AWWA in Controlling Non-Revenue Water in Water Utilities and sits on the GAWP Water Loss Committee.
About CivilSense™
Oldcastle Infrastructure’s CivilSense™ is an advanced water infrastructure management platform that leverages artificial intelligence, predictive analysis and real-time data to proactively detect and address leaks before they escalate into emergencies. With a market-leading accuracy rate of 93%, CivilSense™ enables municipalities to transition from reactive maintenance to strategic, data-driven asset management, effectively reducing water loss and associated costs. By integrating multi-source data—including GIS, infrastructure and climate insights—CivilSense™ identifies high-risk pipeline segments, allowing for targeted interventions that enhance the resilience and sustainability of water systems. This innovative solution empowers communities to safeguard their water resources, minimize service disruptions and optimize infrastructure investments.
About OldCastle Infrastructure
Oldcastle Infrastructure, a CRH company, is a leading provider of engineered building solutions across North America. With nearly 80 manufacturing facilities and a workforce of over 4,000 employees, the company delivers a comprehensive portfolio of more than 16,000 products, including precast concrete, polymer concrete and plastic components. These solutions serve critical sectors such as water, energy, communications and transportation, supporting the development and maintenance of essential infrastructure.
Committed to sustainability and innovation, Oldcastle Infrastructure aligns its operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on responsible consumption, climate action and the advancement of sustainable communities. As part of CRH plc, one of the world's largest building materials companies, Oldcastle Infrastructure combines global resources with local expertise to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern infrastructure projects.
