Beyond comprehension

The infrastructure that we depend on in much of the country was built early in the 20th century, and we can't even comprehend the complexity of what lies beneath our feet.

And as it ages, it's becoming increasingly costly to maintain... and the day will come when it needs to be replaced.

Today's AP article on the problem, specifically looking at the pipeline that delivers fresh water to NYC, states:

The tunnel is leaking up to 36 million gallons a day as it carries drinking water from a reservoir to the big city. It is a powerful warning sign of a larger problem around the country: The infrastructure that delivers water to the nation's cities is badly aging and in need of repairs.

The Environmental Protection Agency says utilities will need to invest more than $277 billion over the next two decades on repairs and improvements to drinking water systems. Water industry engineers put the figure drastically higher, at about $480 billion.