(UI) — As evidence mounted in the 1970s and 1980s about the detrimental effects of lead on the nervous system, Congress banned the use of lead in water pipes in 1986. By 1991, federal regulators began requiring water authorities to monitor lead levels in drinking water.

We are gearing up for Underground Infrastructure magazine’s 30th Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC), March 4-6 in Houston. Attend UIC and be part of a transformative event designed to inspire, educate, and connect infrastructure professions across the industry. From groundbreaking sessions to exclusive networking opportunities, this year’s conference promises an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Winter delivers a multitude of challenges for sewer cleaner operators, and protecting essential equipment from the ravages of freezing temperatures is among the top priorities. For owners of combination sewer cleaners, the potential for costly damage due to frozen water is a significant worry.

Artificial Intelligence is all the rage. Nearly all of the discussion is how efficiently it can perform repetitive tasks, forecasting, etc. There are fears, as well, that AI will displace humans and their jobs.

Trump’s regulatory changes could impact pipeline approvals, with shifts in key environmental laws. Expected revisions to NEPA, the Clean Water Act, and methane regulations could accelerate or delay projects, depending on the new administration’s stance.