Water
Groundbreaking advances made with EPBM tunnel constructed below sea level
(UI) — Houston Public Works launched the Surface Water Transmission Program (SWTP) to comply with an HGSD mandate. The 66-inch, 50-year-old pre-stressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) is the primary source for the western part of the city, and its shutdown would impact the system's capacity.
After rainy season that wasn’t, parched Mexico City starts restricting water
The dipping level on the north shore of this lake near Toluca is a major problem for Mexico City, about 77 miles to the west. Villa Victoria — about one-third its usual level this time of year — and two other drought-depleted reservoirs make up most of the Cutzamala system, which serves more than 20 million people and is at a historical low for this time of year.
Major water main break impacts thousands, prompts state of emergency in a northern New York county
A state of emergency was issued Thursday in a northern New York county, where the Fort Drum U.S. Army base is located, following a major water main break that has left tens of thousands without water.
Texas to vote on $1 billion water infrastructure proposal
(UI) — Texas voters will have a chance to weigh in on securing safe, clean, and accessible drinking water for communities statewide. Proposition 6 would amend the state constitution to create the Texas Water Fund and provide $1 billion dollars to address aging water infrastructure and gaps in access to clean drinking water.
What’s changed — and what hasn’t — a year after Mississippi capital’s water crisis?
It’s a stark contrast from a year ago, when Jackson’s 150,000 residents could never be sure what, if anything, would flow from their taps when they needed a drink, a shower or to flush the toilet. The majority-Black city also faced occasional warnings that their water could be contaminated and needed to be boiled, and people had to wait in line to get fresh water.
AECOM partners with U.S. clients to leverage $7.5 billion in water infrastructure funding
In partnership with organizations managing some of the nation’s most critical water infrastructure, AECOM’s WIFIA funded projects include helping the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority ensure safe drinking water by upgrading and replacing aging water infrastructure.
US military to begin draining leaky fuel tank facility that poisoned Pearl Harbor drinking water
The military next week plans to begin draining fuel from World War II-era underground fuel tanks in Hawaii, nearly two years after the massive facility sickened 6,000 people when it leaked jet fuel into a Pearl Harbor drinking water well.
Federal, local officials secure $450 million dredging deal to clean up Milwaukee waterways
Federal, state and local officials have agreed to spend about $450 million to dredge contaminated sediment from Milwaukee’s Lake Michigan harbor and area rivers.
California steps in to regulate over-drafted groundwater resources
The state’s water resources board set an April hearing to determine whether the Tulare Lake Subbasin in the heart of California’s farm country should be placed on probation.
California highlights water workforce opportunities during Water Professionals Appreciation Week
During California Water Professionals Appreciation Week, which takes place from October 7 to 15, water associations are spotlighting the dedicated individuals and incredible opportunities that keep California's water systems functioning flawlessly.
Wisconsin lawmakers to vote on spending bill to address PFAS water contamination
The measure would create a grant program to help municipalities and landowners test for PFAS in their water treatment plants and wells.
EPA orders three Ohio water systems to comply with America's Water Infrastructure Act
The EPA took action to ensure the Village of McDonald, the Leading Creek Conservancy District in Rutland and the Buckeye Water District in Wellsville certify their risk and resilience assessments and emergency response plans.
NW Natural Water expands Arizona presence with Rose Valley Water acquisition
With this transaction, NW Natural Water serves more than 164,000 people through approximately 66,000 connections across five states.
Environmental groups ask for EPA intervention in leaking Alabama water system
The petition asks for the EPA to assist in funding upgrades to the drinking water system, participate in receivership proceedings and develop and enforce a long-term consent decree to address infrastructure.
Milwaukee suburb begins pulling millions of gallons per day from Lake Michigan
The city asked regulators in 2010 for permission to withdraw the water because its groundwater wells are contaminated with radium, a naturally occurring radioactive metal.
Extended reprieve for New Orleans water systems as saltwater intrusion slows
Authorities said that saltwater inching up the Mississippi River is progressing more slowly than projected, meaning water systems in the greater New Orleans area that draw drinking water from the river have additional weeks to prepare.
Governor Hochul secures $234.5 million for New York water infrastructure
(UI) — Governor Kathy Hochul has approved over $226.8 million in financing and previously announced grants to commence essential water and sewer infrastructure work, including flood mitigation measures safeguarding critical clean water systems from high-water events.
Granite secures $45 million contract for Utah's SR-108 infrastructure upgrades
(UI) — Granite has been awarded $45 million to widen and improve State Route 108 in Utah. The project includes installing 10,000 linear feet of storm drainage systems, 2,000 linear feet of water main infrastructure, and 2,000 linear feet of sewer main improvements.
Lakehaven Water and Sewer District penalized for pollution, required to improve systems
(UI) — The Washington Department of Ecology has penalized the district $85,200 for polluting Cold Creek and issued an administrative order for system improvements and enhanced emergency notifications.
Essential Utilities to invest $10 million in Pennsylvania water system with $18 million acquisition
The system consists of 40 miles of main line in Greenville, Hempfield Township and West Salem Township with nearly 3,000 service connections.
AECOM partners with Chicago Department of Water Management on city-wide water system improvements
Across the city of Chicago, AECOM-DBS will support the ongoing delivery of high-quality drinking water and efficient management of waste and stormwater infrastructure, as well as the replacement of 400,000 lead service lines.
Idaho company faces federal fine for improper stormwater discharge activity
The facility had a total of 23 violations of their Multi-Sector General Permit for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity, including failure to maintain stormwater control measures and maintain a complete Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan map.
EPA settlement with XTO Energy resolves Safe Drinking Water Act injection well violations in Utah
XTO failed to timely provide the agency with all information necessary to transfer the permits from XTO to Utah Gas Corp and failed to notify the Agency of the loss of mechanical integrity for one of its wells and to take prompt action to repair the well.
Arizona governor terminates Saudi-owned farm lease over “unchecked” groundwater pumping
An investigation by the governor’s office found that the foreign-owned farm had violated some of its lease terms. Hobbs called it unacceptable that the farm “continued to pump unchecked amounts of groundwater out of our state while in clear default on their lease.”
HDD mud spills force authorities to halt wastewater pipeline construction in NY’s Genesee County
(UI) — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has stopped construction of a wastewater pipeline in New York's Genesee County due to multiple incidents of drilling fluid spills in a protected wetland.
West Virginia American Water completes $27 million acquisition of Jefferson Utilities
(UI) — West Virginia American Water has completed the acquisition of Jefferson Utilities, including the assets of Jefferson Utilities, Inc., Valley Water and Sewer Services, Shenandoah Junction Public Sewer and East Jefferson Sewer Services for $27 million.
New Jersey American Water acquires Somerville sewer system, commits $9.5 million to upgrades
(UI) — New Jersey American Water has completed its acquisition of the Borough of Somerville, N.J.'s wastewater collection system for $7 million and has committed to invest $9.5 million in sewer system improvements in the next ten years.
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.
- DeLa Express seeks FERC approval for Permian-to-Louisiana gas pipeline project
- OSHA penalizes Houston contractor over safety violations resulting in worker's death
- Fiber infrastructure has no known expiration date, Fiber Broadband Association research concludes
- Nevada OSHA fines Elon Musk's Boring Company over safety violations in Vegas tunnel project
- Damage prevention and safety: Turning awareness into action