ASCE report card gives California infrastructure a C-, with stormwater among lowest-scoring sectors

ASCE Region 9 released the 2025 Report Card for California’s Infrastructure, assigning the state an overall grade of C-, unchanged from 2019 and below the national grade of C. The report evaluated 17 infrastructure categories and found that while six sectors improved, several—including dams, drinking water, schools, and stormwater—received lower marks than in the previous assessment.

Stormwater infrastructure was graded D, reflecting persistent challenges with aging systems, climate-driven extreme weather, and funding gaps.

“While California's infrastructure faces significant challenges, this report serves as a clear call to action,” said Yaz Emrani, P.E., co-chair of the report card, in a press release. “It highlights both the urgency and the opportunity for us to invest in modernizing and strengthening our systems. By prioritizing infrastructure renewal now, we can create safer, more sustainable communities and pave the way for a stronger future.”

California’s stormwater and transportation systems face some of the steepest needs. Nearly 30% of the state’s roads are in poor condition, and more than 65% of bridges are older than their typical 50-year design life. The drinking water sector received a D+, with more than 105 billion gallons lost each year to leaking pipes. The report estimates more than $11.5 billion is needed over the next five years to upgrade drinking water infrastructure, but only $3.5 billion is currently planned.

Sarah Leeper, president of California American Water, said the downgrade underscores the pressures facing utilities statewide. “The urgency of this mission is highlighted by the recent American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) report, which downgraded California’s drinking water grade from a C in 2019 to a D+ in 2025,” Leeper said.

The report recommends long-term funding solutions, streamlined permitting, improved asset management, workforce development, and stronger collaboration across sectors to address deteriorating systems and climate resilience challenges.

The full report is designed to help inform policymakers and the public about the state’s infrastructure needs ahead of future investment decisions.