California's Water System: A Case Study

The vast majority of California's water infrastructure was constructed during the Great Depression era. In fact, most pipes were put underground in three phases – in the late 1800's, the 1930's and shortly after World War II (AWWA, 2015). The general problem is our failing water infrastructure that is breaking down across the nation at an alarming rate. Consequently, the specific problem is leaky water pipes are having contaminants filtering into our drinking systems, leading to illnesses and disease outbreaks (Amwater, 2014).
Background
Water is expensive, but even more expensive is wasted water. Approximately two trillion gallons of purified drinking water (that's a two followed by 12 zero's!) are wasted each year due to leaking pipes. The estimated cost to repair and replace new pipes is just over one trillion dollars (AWHA, 2015).
This weak and outdated system of aging levees, aqueducts and pipes risk collapse in