Water Asset Management
Editor’s log: The road to rehab intensifies
The 1970s marked a revolution in underground infrastructure with the birth of cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) technology, allowing pipe repairs without excavation. This innovation, alongside other trenchless methods, has transformed the industry and continues to drive efficient solutions for aging infrastructure.
Survey reveals concerns over PFAS contamination in U.S. drinking water
A recent survey conducted by water treatment provider Culligan sheds light on widespread concerns among Americans regarding the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in their drinking water.
California achieves record groundwater recharge in 2023
Despite improvements, California faces a 40 million acre-feet groundwater storage deficit due to decades of over-pumping. Addressing this requires expanding recharge projects, upgrading infrastructure, and modernizing distribution systems.
Port Arthur to evaluate water service lines and meters
The evaluation work will include digging pit holes to expose sections of water service lines near the meters, facilitating thorough inspections and assessments.
South Dakota allocates $105 million in ARPA grants for water infrastructure projects
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources has announced that the Board of Water and Natural Resources approved over $105 million in additional American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants.
Flume leads largest residential water use study in North America
Flume Water has been selected by the Water Research Foundation to conduct the largest-ever Residential End Uses of Water Study in North America, involving over 50 utility partners and data from over 100,000 households. This groundbreaking research aims to enhance water management and sustainability across the continent.
Stantec to lead phase 2 of San Diego’s Pure Water program
Stantec has been selected to manage Phase 2 of the Pure Water San Diego program, a multibillion-dollar initiative to create a sustainable local water supply while reducing ocean discharges.
Henderson, Nev., to implement Arcadis digital asset management system for 500,000 water assets
Arcadis will support the migration of information from the City's legacy system to Enterprise Decision Analytics (EDA). The Arcadis team will load, configure, and build lifecycle models for their 500,000 water and wastewater assets with detailed strategies for reservoirs, HVAC, sewer mains, potable water laterals, and meters.
Calgary on the brink of water crisis after major pipeline break
Crews have been unable to access the damaged section of the pipeline, known as a feeder main, to commence repairs or identify the cause of the rupture.
NW Natural Water acquires Puttman Infrastructure and ICH, expands into California market
This acquisition will add approximately 4,200 water, wastewater, and recycled water customers across Oregon, Idaho, and California, with an expected growth to 19,000 connections at full buildout.
Fusion in paradise
Just south of Miami, in the tropical paradise of the Florida Keys, a McElroy TracStar 412 spent most of winter 2023 onsite, fusing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for a massive residential water line to service one of the area’s gated resorts.
Michigan's water infrastructure gets billion-dollar boost
Michigan is undergoing a substantial transformation in its water infrastructure, with significant investments aimed at renewing outdated systems and ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for its residents.
Colorado’s Larimer County commissioners greenlight Thornton water pipeline project
On May 8, Larimer County commissioners unanimously granted approval for Thornton City's 10-mile pipeline project, marking a breakthrough after years of contentious debate and legal battles.
Senator Duckworth applauds $240 million federal investment to remove lead from Illinois water
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth applauded the EPA's announcement of over $240 million in funding to assist Illinois in identifying and replacing lead service lines. This investment is crucial for preventing lead poisoning among the state’s residents.
Interior Department launches collaborative initiative to boost tribal water, sanitation infrastructure
The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation and Indian Health Service unveiled a collaborative initiative aimed at bolstering safe drinking water and community sanitation infrastructure projects across Indian Country.
$274 million investment to improve water quality across Pennsylvania
This investment, facilitated through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, will fund 30 projects focusing on drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and non-point source issues.
FEMA awards over $711 million to Puerto Rico’s sewer authority for potable water meters
(UI) — FEMA has awarded over $711 million to the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) to replace nearly 1.4 million water meters, which are part of the agency’s infrastructure for measuring potable water consumption throughout the island.
Oregon's Klamath project receives 2024 water supply allocation; funding boost for drought resilience
The Bureau of Reclamation unveiled the initial 2024 water supply allocations for the Klamath Project, alongside $8.5 million in immediate funding dedicated to bolstering drought resilience in Klamath Basin communities and an additional $5 million earmarked for tribes impacted by drought.
Memphis, Tenn., secures $42.1 million loan for water infrastructure upgrades
Gov. Bill Lee and TDEC Commissioner David Salyers announced a $42.1 million loan for Memphis to enhance its water infrastructure. The loan, approved by the Tennessee Local Development Authority, is part of a statewide effort to improve water systems.
House passes Rep. Duarte's legislation to streamline water permitting processes in the Valley
The legislation addresses existing ambiguities in NPDES permits, which have been susceptible to legal challenges, potentially stalling vital energy and infrastructure projects.
Michigan awards $95 million in grants for water infrastructure projects
From water main replacements to wastewater treatment plant upgrades, the funding aims to modernize aging infrastructure and address emerging challenges such as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination.
Prince Rupert, British Columbia, receives $77.2 million for water, sewer system upgrades
The funding will support the upgrading of 16 miles of water mains and separating the combined sewer system for better stormwater management. This includes installing new PVC piping to enhance infrastructure reliability and functionality.
New York State invests $10 million in Amsterdam's water quality improvement
This funding, part of Governor Kathy Hochul's recent announcement of $166 million in water quality grants, supports crucial upgrades to Amsterdam's water infrastructure, enhancing the health of the Mohawk River.
Tennessee governor, commissioner McWhorter unveil $11 million in infrastructure planning grants
The IPG program supports utility systems in distressed counties and rural communities, offering funding for water and sewer system mapping, analysis, asset management, and regionalization studies.
Texas launches $1 billion water fund as first step in addressing water woes
While Texas enjoys a significant budget surplus, its water woes persist, underscoring the need for innovative solutions beyond mere financial injections. Recognizing this, lawmakers have established the Texas Water Fund, earmarking $1 billion for water infrastructure.
Arkansas secures $53.1 million for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater upgrades
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $53.1 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for Arkansas to implement drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades.
Manchin secures $3 million for Berkeley County, W.Va., water infrastructure upgrades
West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin has announced $3 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the Berkeley County Public Service Water District to expand clean drinking water capacity in southern Berkeley County.
Lake Como, N.J., takes bold steps towards resolving water utility concerns
Despite a less-than-ideal offer from New Jersey American Water, Lake Como invested millions in upgrading its water system to address the immediate crisis. However, this decision led to increased water costs for residents to repay the loans taken out for the project.
Challenges of repairing rural water lines in urbanizing areas
To make repairs, the BCWA team has primarily relied on trackhoes (backhoe loaders) and mini excavators. However, in some environments, using these common equipment fleet staples of most rural water associations can potentially cause additional damage that will need to be addressed.
Massachusetts Clean Water Trust approves $44.7 million in water infrastructure funding
The Massachusetts Clean Water Trust's Board of Trustees has greenlit $44,768,312 in new low-interest loans and grants during its February 14, 2024, meeting, aimed at bolstering water infrastructure across the state.
- Deadline to submit abstracts for Underground Infrastructure Conference's 30th anniversary education program extended to July 19
- Drilling under the LSU campus
- OSHA investigation launched after worker found unconscious in Kansas City, Mo., sewer pipe
- 26th annual directional drilling survey: More fuel on the fire
- Restoring power to Minnesota’s northwest angle
- Vermeer Debuts New Horizontal Directional Drill
- Sewer maintenance: Myth-busting, best-practice training
- Berkeley pushes PG&E to bury power lines to mitigate wildfire risk
- Houston faces hurdles in transitioning to underground power lines amid severe weather concerns
- Calgary declares state of emergency over water pipeline repairs