Water
HardRock Infrastructure acquires HDW Construction & Drilling, expands water utility services
HardRock Infrastructure Services and Tower Arch Capital have completed the acquisition of HDW Construction & Drilling, strengthening HardRock’s presence in the water and wastewater utility industry.
Underground Infrastructure Business Highlights: Key Developments and Insights
Explore the latest business moves in the underground infrastructure industry, from groundbreaking tunnel construction to dealer expansions, cutting-edge pipeline detection technology, and beyond. This month’s Business column covers major projects and acquisitions, innovation milestones, and key developments shaping the field.
California governor signs bills to improve sewer systems, expand access to clean water
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation aimed at addressing failing sewer systems in California communities, such as East Orosi. The new law gives the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) greater authority to intervene where sewer services are inadequate.
New York’s College Point completes $139 million upgrade: Water mains and sewers revamped
A $139 million infrastructure project in College Point, Queens, has been completed, upgrading over 14 miles of water mains and sewers, along with street improvements.
Wyo-Ben’s Max Gel, Max Bore HDD system boost drilling efficiency, performance
Wyo-Ben’s Max Gel and Max Bore HDD system offer premium solutions for enhanced drilling performance and efficiency. These innovative products ensure superior wellbore stability, suspension, and filtration control, making them essential tools for a variety of drilling applications.
Encinitas, Calif., launches final phase of recycled water pipeline construction
Olivenhain Municipal Water District is beginning construction on new recycled water pipelines in Encinitas. The pipelines are part of a larger expansion of OMWD’s recycled water distribution system that will result in the savings of more than 12.5 million gallons of imported drinking water each year.
Three Rivers, Mich., to tackle “historic” lead pipe problem with federal drinking water collaboration
Three Rivers is participating in EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative, which will provide technical assistance to approximately 200 communities nationwide. The technical assistance provided through the program will help ensure that no community is left behind in the opportunity to replace lead pipes.
EPA earmarks $49 million in funding for rural, tribal wastewater infrastructure improvements
Many rural, small, and Tribal systems face unique financial and operational challenges, including aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, increasing costs, and declining rate bases. EPA’s grant funding will be used to assess the most pressing water challenges in communities.
Cure for a cure-all: Waukesha’s journey from spring water to Lake Michigan pipeline
Waukesha, once famous for its spring water and hailed as a "cure-all," now turns to Lake Michigan for a sustainable water source. A new 36-mile pipeline project aims to supply 8 million gallons of water per day to 16 Wisconsin communities.
Water and Sewer Damage Awareness Week highlights infrastructure challenges
Water and Sewer Damage Awareness Week (WSDAW) returns October 21-25, focusing on raising awareness and providing strategies for managing water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.
Elgin, Ill., joins EPA drinking water initiative to accelerate lead pipe replacement
Under the Get the Lead Out Initiative, EPA will support the city of Elgin in identifying lead pipes, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and applying for funding.
Colorado's Wolf Creek Pass tunnel drainage project begins
The project involves upgrading the current drainage system beneath the eastbound lane, installing manholes for easier maintenance, and replacing damaged concrete panels. Delineators will also be added near the new drainage structures.
Michigan awards $267 million to rebuild state water infrastructure
Michigan has awarded over $267 million in grants to cities, villages, and townships across the state to improve water infrastructure and protect public health.
Tampa, Fla., modernizes stormwater infrastructure to combat flooding
The City of Tampa is modernizing its stormwater infrastructure to tackle increasing localized flooding in its coastal, low-lying areas.
Cadiz names Cathryn Rivera as new COO to lead groundbreaking water projects
Cadiz Inc., a California-based water solutions company, has appointed Cathryn Rivera as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective Sept. 16. The move follows the earlier appointment of Susan Kennedy as CEO, as part of the company’s efforts to expand its leadership team.
Maywood, Ill., to accelerate lead drinking water pipe replacement with EPA partnership
Under the Get the Lead Out Initiative, EPA will support the village of Maywood in identifying lead pipes, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and applying for funding.
New Jersey American Water replaces 10,000 lead water service lines since 2021
This achievement is a significant step forward, putting New Jersey American Water on pace to meet requirements of a New Jersey state law passed in 2021, which mandates all water providers to replace both utility-owned and customer-owned lead and galvanized service lines by 2031.
Fresno awarded $3.7 million to replace water pipes, protect drinking water
Congressman Jim Costa has announced $3.7 million in federal funding for Fresno, California, to replace failing water pipes and protect its drinking water system infrastructure from drought.
Fostoria, Ohio, collaborates with EPA to accelerate lead drinking water pipe replacement
Under the Get the Lead Out Initiative, EPA will support the City of Fostoria in identifying lead pipes, developing lead service line replacement plans, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and applying for funding.
Tyco reaches $750 million settlement in PFAS water contamination lawsuit
Tyco has agreed to pay $750 million, pending final court approval, to resolve claims that its products contaminated public water systems. The settlement is aimed at compensating affected water systems, including those with water sources that have tested positive for PFAS.
Tennessee awards $47 million in funding for Springfield water infrastructure upgrades
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner David Salyers have announced a $47 million funding boost for Springfield’s water infrastructure.
Buried Asset Management Congress opens registration
The 2024 Global Buried Asset Management Congress (GBAMC) will offer an exceptional platform for professionals across the underground infrastructure sector. Scheduled for Nov. 14-16, in the Omni Severin Hotel, Indianapolis, this event promises to deliver many industry highlights.
Houston water infrastructure upgrades carry $5 billion price tag following 32 billion gallons lost in 2023
Houston has replaced only 6% of its water lines in the past decade, which translates to roughly 850 miles of pipe – far short of the industry standard, which is 20%, or over 2,000 miles of pipe.
Kyle, Texas, grapples with water supply crisis amid pipeline delays, population boom
Kyle officials attribute the shortage to climate change, rising demand due to population growth, and delays in a new pipeline that will bring water from the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer. The pipeline, crucial to the city’s long-term water strategy, is expected to come online next year, but development challenges have slowed its progress.
Alabama earmarks $615 million of $2.1 billion ARPA funds for water, sewer infrastructure projects
Nearly $573 million of this has already been obligated to almost 500 projects, with additional agreements pending. Local governments are contributing $663 million in matching funds, bringing the total investment to over $1 billion.
New Mexico launches AI-powered initiative to spot water leaks
New Mexico is teaming up with Google Public Sector and Woolpert Digital Innovations on a new initiative called Hydro Delta, which uses artificial intelligence to detect water leaks, many of which are hidden underground and difficult to identify.
Utilities board approves new water rates for New Jersey American Water on $1.3 billion infrastructure investment
The company’s rate request was filed on January 19, 2024, and was primarily driven by more than $1.3 billion in infrastructure investment in treatment system and distribution upgrades since its last rate filing.
EPA launches $7.5 billion WIFIA fund to improve water infrastructure nationwide
The WIFIA program offers long-term loans to help communities implement critical water infrastructure projects, which protect public health, deliver environmental benefits, create over 60,000 good-paying jobs, protect waterways including drinking water sources, and support local economies, at a lower cost.
EPA collaborates with Dowagic, Mich., to identify, replace lead drinking water pipes
Dowagiac is participating in the EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative, a program to move the nation towards achieving 100% lead service line replacement. The Get the Lead Out Initiative will provide technical assistance to approximately 200 communities nationwide.
Calgary faces water restrictions amid Bearspaw pipe repairs
Crews have started critical repairs on Calgary’s Bearspaw South Feeder Main, with work slated to continue through September. The repairs, which began on Aug. 26, involve eight work sites and 21 pipe segments that need attention along the main water supply line.
- NTSB publishes preliminary report on fatal gas pipeline explosion in Lexington, Mo.
- 290-mile gas pipeline expansion proposed across Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina
- Ripple Fiber breaks ground on $140 million project, expanding into central Mass.
- Centuri awarded nearly $400 million for U.S. gas infrastructure work
- Water losses cost U.S. utilities $6.4 billion annually, new report says
- Gehl and Mustang offer world’s largest skid loader
- Growing Pains and Gains
- Maryland lawmakers push to curb BGE pipeline spending, citing safety and cost concerns
- Authorities investigating trench collapse that killed worker in Ashburn, Va.
- City of Albuquerque halts fiber optic construction in response to damage, complaints