Sewer
California governor signs bills to improve sewer systems, expand access to clean water
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation aimed at addressing failing sewer systems in California communities, such as East Orosi. The new law gives the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) greater authority to intervene where sewer services are inadequate.
New York’s College Point completes $139 million upgrade: Water mains and sewers revamped
A $139 million infrastructure project in College Point, Queens, has been completed, upgrading over 14 miles of water mains and sewers, along with street improvements.
Tampa, Fla., prepares wastewater infrastructure as Hurricane Helene approaches
The City of Tampa's Wastewater Department is preparing more than 200 pumping stations, utilizing portable generators to prevent further damage during power outages ahead of Hurricane Helene.
EPA earmarks $49 million in funding for rural, tribal wastewater infrastructure improvements
Many rural, small, and Tribal systems face unique financial and operational challenges, including aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, increasing costs, and declining rate bases. EPA’s grant funding will be used to assess the most pressing water challenges in communities.
Midland, Texas, faces road closures amid utility infrastructure overhaul
As of this week, Colorado Street between Texas Avenue and Wall Street has been closed for Atmos Energy's utility upgrades. North County Road 1160 is also closed from East County Road 90 to the Highway 80 frontage road to facilitate sewer line installations.
Water and Sewer Damage Awareness Week highlights infrastructure challenges
Water and Sewer Damage Awareness Week (WSDAW) returns October 21-25, focusing on raising awareness and providing strategies for managing water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.
Tennessee needs over $3 billion by 2027 to repair aging wastewater infrastructure, report finds
The state's aging infrastructure and increasing population are key challenges. Many sewage treatment plants suffer from inadequate maintenance or upgrades. Local governments lack the funds for necessary improvements.
Work begins on Wahikuli Subdivision sewer design following 2023 Maui wildfires
Through a FEMA Mission Assignment, EPA was asked to provide support with planning and designing a proposed gravity sewer system for the Wahikuli subdivision, which comprises approximately 230 properties currently serviced by individual wastewater systems, including cesspools and septic systems.
Colorado's Wolf Creek Pass tunnel drainage project begins
The project involves upgrading the current drainage system beneath the eastbound lane, installing manholes for easier maintenance, and replacing damaged concrete panels. Delineators will also be added near the new drainage structures.
Michigan awards $267 million to rebuild state water infrastructure
Michigan has awarded over $267 million in grants to cities, villages, and townships across the state to improve water infrastructure and protect public health.
Tampa, Fla., modernizes stormwater infrastructure to combat flooding
The City of Tampa is modernizing its stormwater infrastructure to tackle increasing localized flooding in its coastal, low-lying areas.
Atlantic City reaches settlement with EPA for stormwater management violations
The city corrected the violations and will pay a $20,000 penalty. The city further agreed to a $60,000 project to make the system more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Construction mishap releases thousands of gallons of sewage into Washington’s Lake Whatcom
A construction incident on Sept. 11 led to a sewage leak into Lake Whatcom, with estimates ranging between 25,000 and 50,000 gallons of raw sewage spilling into the water.
Aging sewer pipes to be replaced on Mercer Island, Enatai in Washington
The project will update pipelines that carry wastewater from the North Mercer Island pump station to the Sweyolocken pump station in Bellevue, ensuring reliable sewer service for at least 50 more years.
San Diego sewer upgrade nears completion, potholing to confirm underground utilities
Upcoming work will replace sewer mains and laterals on three streets in San Diego. Crews will also conduct potholing to verify the locations of underground pipes and utility lines.
Alabama earmarks $615 million of $2.1 billion ARPA funds for water, sewer infrastructure projects
Nearly $573 million of this has already been obligated to almost 500 projects, with additional agreements pending. Local governments are contributing $663 million in matching funds, bringing the total investment to over $1 billion.
Sinkhole in Texas town accrues over $800,000 in sewer rehabilitation costs
While emergency repairs cost over $30,000, the city identified even further damage, involving over 1,700 ft of iron pipe and 14 manholes. Now, SMC MUD is planning more sewer rehabilitation projects to prevent further emergency services.
Chautauqua Lake sewer expansion in New York to start this fall
The South and Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District has officially approved a $16.9 million bid by J.D. Northrup Construction Inc. to expand the sewer district from Stow to Prendergast Creek, on the south side of Chautauqua Institution.
Crews begin trenchless repair of 70-year-old sewer main in Lakeland, Fla.
The city of Lakeland Wastewater Collection Division has begun repairing a 70-year-old sewer main along North Crystal Lake Drive between Smithfield Avenue and Lowery Avenue.
Rhode Island launches statewide stormwater system upgrades with $3.2 million investment
These projects focus on improving stormwater management and reducing flooding in various Rhode Island towns like Middletown, Newport, Burrillville and others.
Lynchburg, Va., to begin sewer pipe root control maintenance, aiming to prevent overflows
Lynchburg Water Resources and contractor Duke’s will begin chemically treating roughly 9,000 feet of sanitary sewer pipes across the city on Sept. 3 to manage root intrusion.
Advanced Drainage Systems, Geoplast partner to distribute modular stormwater retention system
The Aquabox product line is designed to create flexible underground storage for stormwater retention, infiltration, disposal or harvesting for reuse.
Delaware to begin SR 1 drainage pipe replacement near Frederica
The Delaware Department of Transportation will start work on a drainage pipe replacement project on State Route 1 between Frederica and Milford on Sept. 3, weather permitting.
League City, Texas, advances major underground water, sewer upgrades with $308 million investment
League City, Texas, is investing $184 million to enhance its water system and $124 million for wastewater improvements as part of its Capital Improvement Program for FY2024-2028.
29 Lahaina properties gain access to county sewer for the first time
For the first time, 29 properties on Fleming Road in Lahaina will be able to connect to the County of Maui’s sewer service. This connection is made possible by a federal emergency sewer project tied to the Kilohana Temporary Group Housing site.
Repair work begins on damaged sewer line in Rexburg, Idaho, after construction incident
Rexburg officials have reported ongoing efforts to repair a damaged sewer line, which was struck by a contractor working on the U.S. Highway 20 project on Aug. 22.
New York State allocates $265 million for water and sewer upgrades, lead line inventory
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $265 million investment to enhance water and sewer infrastructure across New York State, focusing on identifying and replacing lead pipes to ensure safe drinking water.
Decatur, Ill., to replace 1,000-ft sewer main using horizontal directional drilling
The 10-inch cast iron pipe, installed in the 1950s, will be upgraded to a 14-inch PVC force main, increasing capacity and adding redundancy for the southeast side of Decatur and Mt. Zion.
Aquasight joins Google AI Academy infrastructure program to address U.S. water, wastewater challenges
Aquasight will gain access to tailored mentorship, advanced AI development, and strategic guidance from Google's experts. The goal is to refine and enhance Aquasight's AI and Digital Twin offerings, enabling the company to tackle pressing challenges in the water and wastewater utility industry nationwide.
Electro scan secures sewer assessment project in Jersey, Channel Islands
This assessment will identify leaks, cracks, and defects within the sewer network, providing crucial data for the Jersey government to make informed decisions on repairs and maintenance.

- NTSB publishes preliminary report on fatal gas pipeline explosion in Lexington, Mo.
- 290-mile gas pipeline expansion proposed across Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina
- Ripple Fiber breaks ground on $140 million project, expanding into central Mass.
- Centuri awarded nearly $400 million for U.S. gas infrastructure work
- Water losses cost U.S. utilities $6.4 billion annually, new report says
- Gehl and Mustang offer world’s largest skid loader
- Growing Pains and Gains
- Maryland lawmakers push to curb BGE pipeline spending, citing safety and cost concerns
- Authorities investigating trench collapse that killed worker in Ashburn, Va.
- City of Albuquerque halts fiber optic construction in response to damage, complaints