Water
Alexandria City Council to propose raising stormwater utility fee by 5%
The city will use the money to improve operations and maintenance of public stormwater infrastructure, stormwater quality incentives, and flood management programs.
Biden administration outlines two plans to conserve Colorado River water in Western states
One option would be more beneficial to California and some tribes along the river that have high-priority rights to the river’s water. The second option is likely to be more favorable to Nevada and Arizona, who share the river’s Lower Basin with California and say it’s time for an approach that more fairly spreads the pain of cuts.
Governor Hochul to invest over $70 million in critical water infrastructure projects across New York
(UI) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced over $70 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State on April 5. The Suffolk County Water Authority will receive $16.2 million in funding for 11 drinking water projects.
Iowa’s water infrastructure rated “mediocre” by engineering group
(UI) — The Iowa section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released the 2023 Report Card for Iowa’s Infrastructure on Tuesday, with the state’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure receiving a grade of “C” and “C-.” Its energy and stormwater infrastructure received a grade of “C+” and “D+.” According to the report, a C is considered “mediocre,” while a D is “poor.”
Native American tribe, US government strike deal to save Colorado River water
The $233 million pact with the Gila River Indian Community, announced in Phoenix, was hailed as an example of the kind of cooperation needed to rescue a river crucial to a massive agricultural industry and essential to more than 40 million people in seven Western U.S. states and Mexico.
EPA releases 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment
(UI) — The Safe Drinking Water Act requires that the EPA conduct a survey and assessment every four years to examine the needs for infrastructure improvements and maintenance at public water systems. The 7th DWINSA estimates that $625 billion will be needed for infrastructure improvements over the next 20 years — a 32% increase from the $472.6 billion projected in 2022.
Biden vetoes bill that sought to toss EPA water protections
Defending his administration's actions on clean water, President Joe Biden on Thursday vetoed a congressional resolution that would have overturned protections for the nation's waterways that Republicans have criticized as overly intrusive.
Cadiz completes groundwater well expansion, secures water restoration contract
With the new wells online, the Cadiz Ranch wellfield will have sufficient capacity to deliver the full volume of the company’s Northern Pipeline, or 25,000 AFY, and also continue to support current agricultural operations at the Cadiz Ranch.
EPA: 9.2 million homes in U.S. have lead pipes, issues funding to upgrade water infrastructure
The agency’s drinking water infrastructure survey will be used to steer billions of dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to water infrastructure upgrades like finding and removing lead pipes in states that need it most.
Puerto Rico, USVI to receive $108 million to upgrade water systems
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday that Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will receive a total of nearly $108 million to improve drinking water infrastructure across the U.S. territories.
Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska granted $248 million to upgrade drinking water infrastructure
(UI) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday that Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska will receive a total of roughly $248 million for essential drinking water infrastructure upgrades. Missouri is slated to get $106.4 million, Iowa roughly $79.8 million and Nebraska is expected to receive $46 million.
Nevada lawmakers consider bill to “buy back” groundwater rights in diminished basins
The Nevada bill — still awaiting a Senate committee vote — could be amended further as its sponsor, Republican state Sen. Pete Goicoechea, addresses concerns over implementation and funding, including the $5 million price tag that some say isn’t enough.
Shimmick to secure contract for Chattanooga’s $58 million stormwater management project
(UI) — The $58 million project would provide inline stormwater storage capacity to protect the city and surrounding communities from stormwater overflows during peak storm events, ensuring the area is equipped to manage sewage and is also expected to create more than 75 jobs during construction.
PURIS enhances potable water rehabilitation leadership, acquires D&D Water & Sewer
(UI) — PURIS, a provider of trenchless infrastructure renewal solutions, has announced the acquisition of the assets of D&D Water & Sewer Inc. Headquartered in Canton, Mich., D&D provides the region with specialized underground infrastructure installation and repair solutions.
Broken water pipe in Jackson, Miss., leaks 5 million gallons per day
(UI) — The leak at the old Colonial Country Club in Jackson, Miss., wasted an estimated 5 million gallons of drinking water daily in a community that had none to spare, forcing citizens to boil their tap water and businesses to close because their faucets were dry.
California American Water to sign pure water Monterey expansion agreement
(UI) — California American Water plans to sign the Pure Water Monterey Expansion agreement – an expansion project that will aid future water supplies for the Monterey Peninsula, along with desalination and an aquifer storage and recovery system that stores excess winter river flows for use during dry months.
Indiana American Water files rate request driven by $875 million wastewater investment
(UI) — Indiana American Water filed a rate adjustment request on March 31 with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission reflecting $875 million in water and wastewater system investments to be made through 2025.
Panama City Beach, Fl. applies for $3 million grant to develop “controversial” stormwater project
The controversial stormwater project would combine outfalls near Lullwater Lake and Calypso Resort and Tower, send the water underground and place it roughly 1,500 ft. into the Gulf of Mexico.
Military members file claims for fuel in Hawaii Navy drinking water
A Navy sailor, an Army colonel and an Army major are the first active-duty military members taking the initial step toward suing the U.S. government over jet fuel that contaminated drinking water in Hawaii.
North Carolina lawmakers propose $2 billion investment plan for water, sewer projects
Rep. Dean Arp, a Union County Republican and one of the chief budget writers, said the House plan includes $3.6 billion on infrastructure investments over the next two years, along with $2 billion for local and regional water and sewer system projects.
Mayor: Philadelphia water will not be tainted by spill
“We can all confidentially say the threat has passed — I repeat: All the city’s drinking water is safe to drink and will not be impacted by the spill,” Mayor Jim Kenney said Tuesday night. Sampling hasn’t detected any substance from the spill, and “models tracking the flow and tide of the Delaware River show the potential threat is passing us,” he said.
Congress approves measure to toss Biden’s water protections
Congress on Wednesday approved a resolution to overturn the Biden administration’s protections for the nation’s waterways that Republicans have criticized as a burden on business, advancing a measure that President Joe Biden has promised to veto.
Mountain Valley secures water permits for pipeline project in Virginia
(UI) — The 303-mile proposed pipeline is permitted to pass through the state's streams and wetlands thanks to a permit issued by Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality, according to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Arcadis, VODA.ai partner to locate, replace underground lead pipes using artificial intelligence
This collaboration supports utilities in complying with the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revision by locating, inventorying, and planning the replacement of hazardous lead water service lines.
Ethiopia, the Netherlands endorse digital twin water management initiative
The Ethiopian SDG6 Water Management initiative aims to reduce non-revenue water, increase water quality, and improve access to water by leveraging digital technology. The solution will measure, report, and verify the outcomes of water management using digital twins in a fully digital and transparent manner.
Officials: No sign of contamination in Philadelphia water
Philadelphia water officials say they have seen no sign of contamination following a chemical spill into the Delaware River in a neighboring county upriver and are confident water in the city system will be unaffected at least well into Tuesday afternoon.
Great Lakes awarded several dredging contracts worth $139 million
The Trujillo Alto Design and Build for the Lago Loiza (Carraízo) Dredging Project includes dredging in the reservoir area, preparation and construction of the work area, and storage and handling of materials.
ACWA applauds California governor’s Executive Order easing drought restrictions
“ACWA also appreciates the governor’s continued emphasis on streamlining the regulatory approval process for critical water infrastructure projects and his commitment to making groundwater recharge a priority," said Executive Director Dave Eggerton.
Texas lawmakers prepare to set aside billions to upgrade state’s aging water system
(UI) — A critical first step was made on March 20 toward advancing legislation that may rebuild Texas' deteriorating water infrastructure and develop new water sources for the state's expanding population. The proposed bills would establish a new Water Supply for Texas Fund, which the Texas Water Development Board would run, to pay for infrastructure improvements and new water projects.
$231 million infrastructure project replaces water mains, sewers in Manhattan, NYC
(UI) — The Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Design and Construction installed 18,000 feet of water mains and replaced over 5,000 feet of sewers for the $231 million infrastructure project.
- Tunnel boring machine ‘Clack-A-Mole’ nears one-third completion in Oregon outfall project
- Texas A&M weighs underground transit plan with Elon Musk's Boring Co. to reduce campus traffic
- Lynchburg, Va., breaks ground on largest-ever Blackwater CSO tunnel project
- Wyo-Ben’s Max Gel, Max Bore HDD system boost drilling efficiency, performance
- Federal court halts permits for 32-mile Tennessee gas pipeline project
- Wisconsin proposes new PFAS drinking water standards to align with federal rules
- Elgin, Ill., joins EPA drinking water initiative to accelerate lead pipe replacement
- Dog River pipeline replacement in Oregon improves water supply with new HDPE pipe
- Leaking wastewater systems named top source of San Diego River contamination, study finds
- New Portable Welding System From Miller