Kentucky Needs $15 Billion in Additional Water Infrastructure

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet has sounded an alarm about the state of the state's water infrastructure.

1 minute read

August 10, 2018, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


drinking water fountain

Darwin Bell / Flickr

Kentucky's drinking water and sewer systems will require $15 billion in infrastructure improvements over planned expenditures over the next 20 years, according to the state's Energy and Environment Cabinet.

Ryan Van Velzer reports on the state's report about water supply and sewer infrastructure needs, where aging systems are in danger of failure. "About half of the infrastructure in place for water and sewers is past its design life," according to the article.

"The state’s 213 drinking water treatment plants are more than 38 years old, on average," explains Van Velzer, and "[a]bout 800 of Kentucky’s wastewater treatment plants are more than 36 years old, on average."

The recession coupled with lower water use per capita (at the same rates) have deferred maintenance of the state's water infrastructure, according to the article.

Tuesday, August 7, 2018 in WFPL

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Concrete Brutalism building with slanted walls and light visible through an atrium.

What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities

How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.

February 28, 2025 - Justin Hollander

Cars on a New York City street

USDOT Revokes Approval for NYC Congestion Pricing

Despite the administration’s stated concern for the “working class,” 85 percent of Manhattan commuters use public transit to enter the city.

February 20, 2025 - StreetsBlog NYC

Tiny home village for unhoused reisdents in Torrance, California.

Tiny House Villages for Addressing Homelessness: An Interview with Yetimoni Kpeebi

One researcher's perspective on the potential of tiny homes and owner-built housing as one tool to fight the housing crisis.

February 20, 2025 - Mark Tirpak

Charred trees on hillside in Altadena, California after Eaton Fire.

Preserving Altadena’s Trees: A Community Effort to Save a Fire-Damaged Landscape

In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena Green is working to preserve fire-damaged but recoverable trees, advocating for better assessment processes, educating homeowners, and protecting the community’s urban canopy from unnecessary removal.

March 3 - LAist

Green electric Volkswagen van against a beach backdrop.

The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan

Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.

March 3 - ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Tent covered with camouflage tarp with American flag on front under freeway overpass in California.

Investigation Reveals Just How Badly California’s Homeless Shelters are Failing

Fraud, violence, death, and chaos follow a billion dollar investment in a temporary solution that is proving ineffective.

March 3 - The Associated Press

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.