Central Alabama Water Faces Huge Challenges

0:00This is Birmingham News Today, powered by AI and presented by the Daily News Now. Executives as Central Alabama Water just released a report detailing major issues they inherited from the former Birmingham Water Works Board. Key problems include leagues wasting half the treated water with 53% on account of 4 and 2024. This comes after S&P Global, downgraded the utilities credit rating to AA- from AA in February, citing aging assets, low-cast reserves, and management changes. The agency demanded more info to avoid further cuts. CEO Jeffrey Thompson says these negative trends over more than 20 years will take time to fix as they aim for a top-tier system. Rate hike since 2001 jumped 354%, far outpacing 79% inflation. Water law stems from century-old pipes and has plagued the system for years, spiking sharply around 2011. Experts say replacing 500 miles could cost $750 million with no quick solution.

1:05Meanwhile, the new board next rate increases for 2026 and plans a conservative budget update in March. They're pushing forward despite financial and legal hurdles. Appreciation to our sponsor for backing this episode. Your favorite podcasts, music, or sleep sounds coming from your pillow. No earbuds, no distractions. Just listen and relax. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com