Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (NYSE: WMS) (“ADS” or the “Company”), a leading provider of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and wastewater industries, is using this year’s World Water Day (March 22) to emphasize the need for effective stormwater management and the importance of properly managing the entire lifecycle of a raindrop.

In 2023, there were 27 stormwater-related natural disasters in the U.S. that each cost over $1 billion. These large-scale disasters, which include severe storms, tropical cyclones, atmospheric rivers, flooding, droughts and winter storms, collectively cost a staggering $88 billion. By comparison, if we look back 20 years, there were just six of these types of events in 2003.¹

“World Water Day is a call to action to build and maintain the infrastructure needed to develop resilient communities, properly managing stormwater throughout the lifecycle of a raindrop from the moment it hits the ground until it is released back into the ecosystem,” said ADS President and CEO Scott Barbour. “It is increasingly clear that the stormwater infrastructure in place today is insufficient to address current climate trends, creating a real problem for many communities.”

To highlight the importance of stormwater management, ADS released a new video that shows the impact of effective stormwater solutions. ADS takes the responsibility of managing water seriously, working with communities and builders across the country to install infrastructure that captures, conveys, stores and treats stormwater to support a good quality of life in communities.

This is a message that is resonating as more Americans are growing worried about ineffective stormwater management. According to an ADS survey conducted by The Harris Poll in late 2023, more than half of the respondents (51%) are concerned about the current infrastructure in place to manage stormwater within their communities.

The survey also found that many U.S. adults believe the impact of climate change is outpacing current stormwater management practices. Additionally, 43% of respondents expressed concern that stormwater management in their area is not keeping up with climate changes, emphasizing the need for stronger and more sustainable water management practices.

“ADS is actively addressing these concerns by developing solutions that reduce the economic disruptions and environmental damage from significant stormwater events,” continued Barbour. “We are currently building our new ADS Engineering and Technology Center, which will be the world’s most advanced stormwater engineering, research and development facility. When finished, the facility will uniquely position ADS to continue to offer the cutting-edge stormwater solutions that will enable communities to successfully recover from major storm events.”

According to the United Nations website, “World Water Day, held on March 22 every year since 1993, is an annual United Nations Observance focusing on the importance of freshwater.” The theme of World Water Day 2024 is Water for Peace, highlighting how communities and countries can foster harmony by uniting around the fair and sustainable use of water.

To learn more about how ADS manages the world’s most precious resource, water, through sustainable solutions, please visit adspipe.com/our-reason-is-water.

About Advanced Drainage Systems

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of innovative stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions that manages the world’s most precious resource: water. ADS and its subsidiary, Infiltrator Water Technologies, provide superior stormwater drainage and onsite septic wastewater products used in a wide variety of markets and applications including commercial, residential, infrastructure and agriculture, while delivering unparalleled customer service. ADS manages the industry’s largest company-owned fleet, an expansive sales team, and a vast manufacturing network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers. The company is one of the largest plastic recycling companies in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year. Founded in 1966, ADS’ water management solutions are designed to last for decades. To learn more, visit the company’s website at www.adspipe.com.

1 Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/time-series/US

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ADS is actively addressing these concerns by developing solutions that reduce the economic disruptions and environmental damage from significant stormwater events.