Water Inspection

California sets long-awaited drinking water limit for ‘Erin Brockovich’ contaminant

California regulators voted Wednesday to establish a drinking water limit on hexavalent chromium, a toxic chemical compound made infamous by the movie “Erin Brockovich.”

Wisconsin Republicans ignore governor’s $125 million proposal to combat ‘forever chemicals’ in groundwater

The moves are the latest twist in the ongoing stalemate between Evers and the Legislature over the best way to combat PFAS chemicals that have polluted groundwater in communities across the state.

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.

Pennsylvania American Water upgrades Jefferson County system with 2,900 feet of new mains

Pennsylvania American Water has begun installing approximately 2,900 feet of water main in the Punxsutawney area. These projects mark the final stages of a $5.7 million initiative that commenced in early 2023.

Michigan receives $91.4 million in grants for water infrastructure upgrades

Michigan has been awarded $91 million to fund essential infrastructure projects, which include the installation of new water mains in Ecorse, sewer line upgrades in Benton Harbor, and lead service line replacements in multiple areas.

Governor Hochul greenlights $142 million for New York water infrastructure projects

(UI) — Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a significant financial injection of $142 million for water infrastructure improvement projects throughout New York State.

Study reveals presence of 'forever chemicals' in New Mexico water sources, prompting EPA action

So-called forever chemicals have been found in water sources across New Mexico, according to recent studies by the U.S. Geological Survey and state environment officials.

Fire in Mexico City's storm drain highlights underground infrastructure strain amid water shortage

Amid a severe drought in central Mexico, water authorities grapple with mounting challenges, including a recent fire in one of Mexico City's storm drains, highlighting the strain on underground infrastructure. Struggling to address the water scarcity, authorities have decided to halt water extraction from the Valle de Bravo reservoir, home to an upscale lakeside community.

Wisconsin governor vetoes a Republican-backed bill targeting PFAS chemicals

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Republicans have not been able to agree on the best way to combat pollution from PFAS. Both have stated that fighting the chemicals is a priority, but they have yet to come to a consensus on how to address the issue.

Biden administration sets first-ever limits on so-called ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

The Biden administration on Wednesday finalized strict limits on certain so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water that will require utilities to reduce them to the lowest level they can be reliably measured.

Body found in western New York reservoir leads to boil-water advisory

A human body was found in a western New York reservoir that supplies drinking water to parts of Rochester, prompting city officials to advise residents to boil their water before consuming.

Biden-Harris administration allocates $320 million for tribal domestic water infrastructure

The Bureau of Reclamation has commenced its application process to fund water infrastructure projects for Native American tribes, offering up to $320 million in potential funding.

Court approves 3M settlement over ‘forever chemicals’ in public drinking water systems

Chemical manufacturer 3M will begin payments starting in the third quarter to many U.S. public drinking water systems as part of a multi-billion-dollar settlement over contamination with potentially harmful compounds used in firefighting foam and several consumer products, the company said.

Biden-Harris administration allocates $7 million for water pipeline in Utah

The Ash Creek project, located in Toquerville, Utah, is set to receive approximately $7 million for the construction of a crucial water pipeline linking the Ash Creek Reservoir to the Chief Toquer Reservoir.

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.

Olds municipality makes strides in sewer, water system overhaul, targeting I&I challenges

Following an assessment last fall, which included a vapor test to identify inflow and infiltration (I&I) issues in the sewer system, significant progress has been achieved. Out of the 38 repairs identified during the test, 36 have been completed, primarily involving the replacement of manhole lids, inserts, and cleanout plugs at various locations.

Boil advisory lifted for all of Jackson, Miss., one month later

After 30 days of boiling their water to get rid of contaminants and sometimes no water at all, Jackson residents are finally able to drink the water from the tap after officials lifted a boil water advisory put in place in mid-February when a deep freeze wreaked havoc on their water infrastructure.

New York's West Seneca receives $1.2 million boost for water upgrades

This funding allocation aims to replace sections of water main pipes prone to breakage, thereby enhancing water supply reliability.

West Virginia water infrastructure gets $1.09 million boost in matching funds

Governor Jim Justice of West Virginia has announced $1.09 million in non-federal matching funds for Congressionally Directed Spending, aimed at improving critical infrastructure such as the town of Alderson's water system rehabilitation and expansion project.

New York State awarded over $265 million for water infrastructure projects

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced over $265 million in funding for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State.

Mississippi Senate votes to change control of Jackson’s troubled water system

For the second year in a row, the Mississippi Senate has passed a bill that would transfer control of the state capital city’s troubled water system to a regional board.

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.

Wisconsin appeals court rules regulators must establish PFAS restrictions before mandating clean-up

Environmental regulators can’t unilaterally force polluters to clean up contamination from so-called forever chemicals without going through the Legislature to establish specific limits on the compounds, a state appellate court ruled Wednesday.

Arkansas governor allocates $42 million for water infrastructure projects

In a move to bolster Arkansas' water infrastructure, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced more than $42 million in financial assistance for six water and wastewater projects across the state.

Montana's Kalispell water system uncovers PFAS contamination, public notification issued

The Kalispell public water system has discovered per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in two out of its eleven drinking source water well sites. While PFAS is currently not regulated, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued health advisories concerning its potential risks.

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.

Evers again asks Wisconsin Republicans to release $125 million to combat forever chemicals pollution

Republicans who control the Legislature’s powerful finance committee refused to budge, raising the possibility that the money will go unspent indefinitely as municipalities across the state struggle with PFAS contamination in their groundwater.

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.

Biden administration allocates $43 million for New Mexico water infrastructure upgrades

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $42.95 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for New Mexico to implement drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades.