Water Inspection
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-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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Over $770 million allocated for rural infrastructure projects, including water and internet upgrades
A significant portion of the funding, $644.2 million, is dedicated to bolstering rural utilities, enabling 158 projects to provide clean drinking water and wastewater systems for over 900,000 individuals.
USDA awards $30,000 to Carson, N.D., for water, sewer systems study
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced an award of $30,000 to Carson, North Dakota, to complete a study analyzing the city’s existing water and sewer systems.
Funding still flowing despite economic headwinds, challenges
The last two years in America’s municipal infrastructure industry have seen tremendous increases in project activities driven primarily by significant boosts in government funding. If you happened to be a consulting engineer, contractor or manufacturer/supplier, business has been good. Now, 2024 has the potential to be a great year for many in infrastructure.
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.
Canton, Ohio, receives $46 million investment for safe drinking water upgrades
Through this investment, the Canton Water Department will ensure high-quality drinking water while creating dozens of good-paying, public-sector jobs operating and maintaining the system for decades to come.
Michigan officials roll out Filter First program targeting clean drinking water in schools
Bipartisan legislation in Michigan allocates $50 million to install lead-reducing water stations in schools and childcare centers, bolstering efforts to eliminate lead in public water supplies.
New Mexico governor unveils 50-year water action plan
Governor Michelle Lujan unveiled a water action plan at the State Capitol on Jan. 30 with the goal of ensuring New Mexicans will have access to clean water for the next five decades.
Massachusetts Clean Water Trust grants $51 million for 14 municipal water projects
The grant funds will help cities, towns, counties, and water utilities pay for the $237 million in total project cost for improvements to drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.
Governor Hochul greenlights $78 million for crucial water infrastructure upgrades across New York
Governor Kathy Hochul has approved $78 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects in the Capital Region, Finger Lakes, New York City, North Country, Southern Tier and Western New York regions.
Minnesota governor unveils $119 million water infrastructure investment in 2024 infrastructure plan
In a groundbreaking move aimed at safeguarding the health and safety of Minnesotans, Governor Tim Walz revealed a comprehensive $119 million investment in water infrastructure as part of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s 2024 Infrastructure Plan.
Gainesville, Ga., halts sewer spill into Lake Lanier, addresses issue promptly
The Gainesville Department of Water Resources has successfully intervened to contain a sewage overflow into Lake Lanier
San Diego begins installation of new pure water pipeline at Miramar Reservoir
Completion of the 1-mile branched pipeline along the Miramar Reservoir bed includes pipeline assembly on shore before the pipe is loaded onto barges and permanently installed underwater. Over 1,100 feet of tunneling to reach the reservoir was completed earlier this year, and work is now underway to complete construction of the pipeline at the reservoir.
Developers want water policy changes in response to construction limits on metro Phoenix’s fringes
Developers plan to seek changes to Arizona’s decades-old laws restricting construction in areas without adequate water supplies after the state said this summer that it won’t issue permits for new subdivisions in some areas on metro Phoenix’s fringes.
Chemours, DuPont, Corteva affirm continued support for PFAS settlement with U.S. water systems
(UI) — The Chemours Company, DuPont de Nemours Inc. and Corteva Inc. have announced their continued support for the June 30, 2023, agreement to comprehensively resolve PFAS-related drinking water claims of a defined class of public water systems.
- OSHA cites Florida contractors for trench safety violations at sewer and excavation sites
- Cadiz to reuse steel from terminated Keystone XL pipeline for California groundwater project
- Lynchburg, Va., breaks ground on largest-ever Blackwater CSO tunnel project
- Biden-Harris administration invests $849 million in aging water infrastructure, drought resilience
- The EPA announces $6.2 billion in funding for Iowa and Kansas water infrastructure