America's Sinking Infrastructure

Sewer and water pipes across the nation are breaking -- creating a record number of sinkholes.

1 minute read

April 1, 2007, 9:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech

"Bad sewer pipes created this sinkhole. And the problem is getting worse, around the world and in the United States. Last year was the worst ever in the U.S. for sinkholes. Almost every state in the country experienced record problems...Most water and sewer pipes in the United States were built 60 years ago - but were meant to last 50 years. Do the math. Pipes are breaking as they get older...When pipes break, two things happen: Water or sewage gets out, and water or dirt gets in. Havoc results when dirt enters a broken pipe and is whisked away, as though on a magic carpet ride. Soon, even if only by a spoonful a day, the dirt disappears from above the pipe and below the sidewalk - or below the road, park, building, etc."

FULL STORY: The looming sinkhole crisis

Wednesday, March 28, 2007 in The Los Angeles Times

Infrastructure United States

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

Start Learning

Advertise with us

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.