We were spared too much inconvenience at this house and I first heard about the water main/pipe rupture on Adams St while shopping at the Safeway. Alas, anyone unfortunate to smell the consequences of not maintaining the sewer system would not be surprised at a water system failure as well. The nation has long neglected its infrastructure and plumbing systems designed to last 100 years are now nearing 200 years of age across the country.

A report or study I read some time ago and can’t immediately put my hands on estimated the cost of upgrading the nation’s water systems in the trillions of dollars. The same extraordinary numbers are applied to rebuilding the aging electrical grid and America’s roads, bridges and dams are in dire need of repair.

On the bright side, it appears that water service has been fully restored by City of Coquille Public Works crews.