Water
EPA classifies PFOA and PFOS as hazardous, water infrastructure faces Superfund cleanup
Designation as a hazardous substance under the Superfund law doesn’t ban the chemicals, known as PFOA and PFOS. But it requires that releases of the chemicals into soil or water be reported if they meet or exceed certain levels.
Peru, Ill., receives $2 million federal grant for water infrastructure improvements
The U.S. Department of Commerce has allocated a $2 million grant to the city of Peru, Illinois, aimed at enhancing water infrastructure to bolster business expansion and job growth in the area.
EPA finalizes PFAS contamination rule to clean up contaminated drinking water systems nationwide
This final action will address PFOA and PFOS contamination by enabling investigation and cleanup of these harmful chemicals and ensuring that leaks, spills, and other releases are reported. This action builds on the recently finalized standards to protect communities from PFAS contamination in drinking water.
January 2024 water utility cyberattack in Texas linked to Russian hacktivist group
The attack was one of three on small towns in the rural Texas Panhandle. Local officials said the public was not put in any danger and the attempts were reported to federal authorities.
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.
Rhode Island, 120Water partner to support state-wide digital lead service line database
By procuring 120Water’s Public Water System (PWS) Portal and State Dashboard software, all eligible Rhode Island water utilities will now have access to tools designed to digitally collect, store, manage, and report on lead service line inventory data in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) and federal and state reporting requirements.
Arizona introduces legislation to protect critical water infrastructure from cybersecurity threats
The legislation establishes a new governing body, the WRRO, with cyber and water infrastructure expertise to develop and enforce cybersecurity requirements for drinking and wastewater systems. The WRRO will work in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure cybersecurity measures are both practical and beneficial.
Problems with underground plumbing at Glen Canyon Dam threatens water delivery for 25 million people
Federal officials recently reported damage to four tubes known as “river outlet works” at Glen Canyon Dam on the Utah-Arizona border. The dam is responsible for generating hydropower and releasing water stored in Lake Powell downstream to California, Arizona, Nevada and eventually Mexico.
State regulators to monitor groundwater pumping in crop-rich California region
The State Water Resources Control Board voted unanimously to start overseeing groundwater pumping in the Tulare Lake Subbasin meaning state, not local officials, will temporarily watch how much water can be pumped from the ground.
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.
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.
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.
California tribe to improve drinking water safeguards following SDWA violations
Under the settlement, the Tribe must develop and issue a boil water notice as needed to address certain contaminants in residents’ drinking water, achieve and demonstrate compliance with federal standards to treat surface water for the Tribe’s water tanks and distribution lines, among other requirements.
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.
Severe storms kill one in Mississippi, strains New Orleans’ antiquated drainage system
Severe storms blamed for a death in Mississippi spawned a tornado that demolished buildings in one Louisiana city Wednesday while inundating streets in low-lying New Orleans with hours of steady rain that snarled traffic and strained the city’s antiquated drainage system.
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.
CNX Resources optimizes Pittsburgh water infrastructure with Kiski Water Line project
During voluntary or mandatory water conservation periods, the 20" Kiski Water Line is expected to serve as the primary alternative to water purchased from the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County (MAWC).
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.
EPA recognizes outstanding clean water and drinking water projects
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has acknowledged the outstanding achievements of 32 infrastructure projects in clean water and drinking water sectors. These projects were honored under EPA’s AQUARIUS and PISCES national recognition initiatives.
California governor unveils updated water plan amid climate challenges
In response to the ongoing climate crisis, Governor Newsom's Administration has announced an updated Water Plan aimed at safeguarding California's water supplies and bolstering the state's resilience against extreme weather events.
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.
Private utility to bypass county, deliver water to homes near new Hyundai EV plant in Georgia with government approval
Savannah-based Water Utility Management, a private company that supplies drinking water to 32,000 homes in 17 Georgia counties, pushed lawmakers to pass the bill. It would allow the company to bypass local governments that are unable to provide water for the same development project within 18 months.
King County, Wash. to upgrade wastewater infrastructure with $194 million WIFIA loan
The WIFIA loan will make several improvements at the West Point Treatment Plant, including removing corroded pipes, upgrading raw sewage pumps, and implementing structural upgrades to the administrative building to protect against future seismic events.
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