The U.S. sewer system is a sprawling network of over 700,000 miles — enough to circle the Earth 28 times! But beyond the jaw-dropping scale, these underground lifelines are essential to public health, environmental protection, and daily life. Here’s what makes this system so vital:

1. Moving Mountains of Waste: Every day, sewers transport billions of gallons of wastewater to treatment plants, keeping homes and cities clean and safe.
2. Protecting Waterways: Properly functioning sewers prevent untreated wastewater from polluting rivers, lakes, and oceans, preserving ecosystems and drinking water supplies.
3. Aging Infrastructure: With many sewer systems built over 50 years ago, upgrades and maintenance are critical to avoid costly failures.
4. Job Creation: The industry supports thousands of jobs, from construction crews to treatment plant operators.
5. Adapting to Climate Change: Modernizing sewer systems helps cities prepare for heavier storms, flooding, and other extreme weather events.

America’s vast sewer network is a marvel of engineering, but it’s also a reminder of the importance of investments to keep things flowing for generations to come.