$300 Billion War Beneath the Street: Fighting to Replace Americas Water Pipes The New York Times

Federal funding and financing is critical, but the primary drinking water infrastructure funding mechanism is user fees. The average nationwide monthly drinking water rate increased 31% from 2012 to 2018. As of 2019, prospective borrowers have submitted water pipes letters of interest for 156 projects, requesting over $21 billion in WIFIA loans, including $3.9 billion in requests for drinking water projects. Recognizing the program’s success, Congress doubled the program’s funding in FY20 compared to FY17.

It’s independently tested,” said Mr. Hollands, executive director of the Uni-Bell plastic pipes group. To more directly reach towns and counties across the country, the plastics industry is also leaning on the American City County Exchange, a new group that gives corporations extraordinary capacity to influence public policy at the city and county levels. The group operates under the auspices of the American Legislative Exchange Council, a wider effort funded by the petrochemicals billionaires Charles G. And David H. Koch that has drawn scrutiny for helping corporations and local politicians write legislation behind closed doors. Two powerful industries, plastic and iron, are locked in a lobbying war over the estimated $300 billion that local governments will spend on water and sewer pipes over the next decade. Install water hammer arrestors.These small devices connect to your water pipes and contain a spring-loaded shock absorber.

The pinch holds the ice in the tube part of the pipe so you get the best cooling effect before inhalation. Some people prefer inhaling warm vapor; but if you’re a cool vapor person, an ice pinch will be a necessary pipe feature. The bubble base style of the bong was popularized around the 1970s and is a familiar look to many. These vaporizers bongs either often come with a pedestal base, or sit directly at the flattened end of the bubble base. An iconic look that offers good versatility and ease of maintenance with its no-frills look.

water pipes

Operation Pipe Dreams to shut down retailers selling drug paraphernalia, specifically glass pipes and bongs used for marijuana. Operation Pipe Dreams landed infamous stoner Tommy Chong in handcuffs along with many other smoke shop owners and glassblowers. Bongs come in various shapes and sizes, and there are many things to consider when choosing your next bong. Glass bongs are the most popular choice of material as they are transparent, do not alter the taste of your smoke, and are easy to clean.

Some struggling community water systems have found success in voluntarily partnering with a larger water utility to access the capital and expertise needed to meet SDWA compliance. Low-income people and communities of color are disproportionately exposed to the risks of lead-contaminated drinking water. Non-Hispanic Black people are more than twice as likely as non-Hispanic white people to live in moderately or severely substandard housing, which are more likely to present risks from deteriorating lead-based paint.