Water
Local California farmers battle with big businesses over groundwater water rights in court
For years, California didn’t regulate groundwater, allowing farmers and residents alike to drill wells and take what they needed. That changed in 2014 amid a historic drought, and as ever-deeper wells caused land in some places to sink.
US Navy reprimands officers for 2021 contamination of Pearl Harbor drinking water
A Navy investigation last year concluded a series of errors caused the fuel to leak into a well that supplied water to housing and offices in and around Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Maui fires highlight nation-wide problem with vulnerable water systems, AP reports
Kula’s experience exposed a common vulnerability in the U.S., where many water systems don’t have sufficient backup power to guarantee pressure if fires, storms or cold take electricity offline for long periods.
Georgia’s Lowndes County and Moody Air Force Base to undergo water infrastructure upgrades
(UI) — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is delivering new upgrades to improve water infrastructure in Lowndes County and Moody Air Force Base.
New Orleans aims to secure fresh water with $120-$200 million pipeline project
(UI) — While not yet finalized, the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board recently briefed city council members, outlining plans for a 10-12-mile-long pipeline. This pipeline would facilitate the withdrawal of water from a location north of Kenner, situated above the encroaching saltwater wedge.
Biden to send federal disaster assistance to Louisiana amidst high saltwater levels in drinking water
For the second year in a row, salt water from the Gulf of Mexico has moved further up the Mississippi, threatening drinking water in communities that rely on the river for fresh water.
Activists attempt to join lawsuit against Jackson, Miss. for violating drinking water standards
Federally-appointed Ted Henifin began working on several projects to improve the water infrastructure, such as repairing broken water lines and a plan to improve the city’s ability to collect water bills.
Michigan state officials dismissed from water contamination lawsuit, city officials not spared
Experts said an aging water system, fewer users and other issues caused lead to leach from pipes in Benton Harbor, a community of just under 10,000 people.
New Jersey invests $298 million in flood-resilience projects
(UI) — In coordination with Climate Week, Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette has allocated nearly $298 million for two critical flood-resilience projects in northern New Jersey.
Maryland church receives $1.7 million grant for stormwater management project
(UI) — Sherwood Episcopal Church has secured a $1.7 million grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as part of its Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund initiative, marking a pivotal step in the implementation of Sherwood's Clean Water Project.
EPA updates groundwater cleanup plan for contaminated site in New Jersey
Under the final plan, an underground wall made of a treatment material will destroy the 1,4-dioxane contamination as groundwater flows through it.
Oregon City receives $16 million loan to upgrade centuries-old water infrastructure
This WIFIA loan accelerates investment to modernize aging, high-risk water pipes, some of which are lined with cast iron and asbestos.
Minnesota forms task force to boost infrastructure resilience amid climatic challenges
(UI) — Over the following months, members of the task force will concentrate on improving the coordination among state and local partners in their response to the destructive impacts of storms, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snowfall, which can wreak havoc on roads, bridges, wastewater systems, and more.
DEC and CNY Land Trust secure 144 acres to safeguard Skaneateles Lake drinking water
(UI) — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and The Central New York Land Trust, Inc. (CNYLT) have joined forces to protect the pristine waters of Skaneateles Lake, a vital drinking water source for 190,000 residents in Central New York.
Drought conditions threaten Louisianna drinking water with high salt levels, may prompt emergency declaration
The southeastern corner of the state, Plaquemines Parish, is already under a drinking water advisory due to high salt levels in the water.
EPA to invest $7.5 billion to upgrade water infrastructure across the country
This low-interest loan program helps communities invest in drinking water and stormwater infrastructure while saving millions of dollars and creating good-paying local jobs.
EPA allocates over $20 million to support water utility worker training
The water industry is facing wide-spread shortages of qualified workers due to expected retirements, needed investments in the nation’s infrastructure, and new technical and scientific skill sets required to operate and maintain these systems.
Beaumont, Texas, unveils $123 million plan to overhaul water infrastructure
(UI) — This intricate plan, spanning five years, carries a substantial price tag of $123 million, with a significant portion, $43 million, allocated to the replacement and maintenance of water pipelines during this period.
EPA unveils $500 million water equity program to address infrastructure needs across the country
EPA’s “Advancing Water Equity and Access for All Commitment” will be implemented in collaboration with the Clinton Global Initiative and academic, non-profit, philanthropic and private sector partners to ensure more communities than ever have access to essential drinking water and stormwater services.
Michigan rejects last effort to criminally charge officials in Flint water scandal
Managers appointed by Snyder turned the Flint River into a source for Flint water in 2014, but the water wasn’t treated to reduce its corrosive impact on old pipes. As a result, lead contaminated the system for 18 months.
Recent floods highlight climate risks to New England's aging infrastructure
The floods this week in Massachusetts that put a few dams at risk have raised concern the structures may increasingly be at risk as stronger and wetter storms hit the region.
Metropolitan Water to increase water supplies for 7 million people with new infrastructure projects
The projects separately work to push water from the Colorado River and Diamond Valley Lake, Southern California’s largest reservoir, into communities that currently have limited access to these diverse and stored supplies.
Milwaukee suburb delays Lake Michigan water withdrawals to fix faulty infrastructure
City officials encountered programming issues with new pumps, and the manufacturer needs time to get people to Waukesha to correct them.
Biden restores states' and tribes' authority over waterways, including gas pipelines
The rule, which takes effect in November, reverses a Trump-era action that limited the ability of states and tribes to review pipelines, dams and other federally regulated projects within their borders.
EPA unveils $19 million grant program to improve climate resilience of nation’s water infrastructure
Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity include public water systems, a water system located in an area governed by an Indian Tribe, eligible territories, and states on behalf of communities that are underserved and small or disadvantaged.
Los Angeles stormwater infrastructure proves resilient as Tropical Storm Hilary breaks records
(UI) — Tropical Storm Hilary, which swept through Southern California and Nevada on August 20, set records as one of the wettest storms in the region's history, despite not causing the expected destruction. In Los Angeles, infrastructure captured around 13 million cubic meters (10,500 acre-feet) of stormwater from the storm.
Advocates urge expanded public hearings about Baltimore’s water and sewer system
(UI) — The Baltimore Regional Water Governance Task Force announced that it would hold four in-person meetings throughout this fall before recommending a new governance model for the city’s water and wastewater system.
GPRS launches new safety initiative to address aging water, wastewater infrastructure
(UI) — Ground Penetrating Radar Systems LLC (GPRS) has announced a new safety initiative designed to help municipalities and facilities regain control of their water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week (WSDAW) will run Oct. 23-27, 2023.
West Virginia town unable to use tap water for four weeks after groundwater pollution
Last year, the EPA added Paden City’s groundwater to a national Superfund cleanup priority list. Sites are added to the list when contamination poses significant human health and environmental risks.
Communities unite to overcome decades of undrinkable water in West Texas
In rural West Texas, water problems underscore a broader issue: a 2016 report revealed 65 Texas systems with excessive arsenic, impacting 51,000 residents. Despite this, around 65 residents convened at a July meeting united in their aim to establish the South Plains Water Supply Corporation. Moreover, relief is on the horizon with $2.5 billion in federal funding allocated for water infrastructure.
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