Water

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.

Wisconsin proposes new PFAS drinking water standards to align with federal rules

The Environmental Protection Agency recently established new federal Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFAS, requiring states to adopt these standards to maintain regulatory control over their water systems.

Port Townsend, Wash., lifts water conservation notice after main line repair

The leak, caused by a cracked fitting on the main water transmission line, was discharging around 400 gallons of water per minute and eroding soil around the pipeline on a steep hillside near Snow Creek.

South Holland, Ill., to accelerate lead pipe replacement in effort to protect drinking water

Under the Get the Lead Out Initiative, EPA will support the village of South Holland in service line material identification (including hydrovacuum excavation at some locations), developing its lead service line replacement plan, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and applying for funding.

Massachusetts to protect children from lead drinking water with $1.3 million federal funding

The funding announced this past week was authorized by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act and is provided to 55 states, the District of Columbia, and participating territories as grants for lead testing and remediation in schools and childcare facilities.

Senator Joe Manchin backs Pickaway waterline extension in West Virginia's Monroe County

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin has announced new funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to extend the Pickaway waterline in Monroe County, improving access to clean drinking water for residents of Union.

Telecommunications crew damages underground water main in Fort Worth, damaging at least 5 homes

The water, under high pressure, shot out forcefully, damaging at least 5 homes in the area. It took over an hour for the water department to stop the flow due to the pipe's size and configuration.

Connecticut to build emergency waterline to protect drinking water infrastructure from climate change

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the selection of the Connecticut Department of Public Health for a $556,000 grant to construct an emergency waterline and pumping station to protect drinking water system infrastructure in Montville, Conn., from drought.

League City, Texas, advances major underground water, sewer upgrades with $308 million investment

League City, Texas, is investing $184 million to enhance its water system and $124 million for wastewater improvements as part of its Capital Improvement Program for FY2024-2028.

Ferguson Waterworks partners with AQS for nationwide leak detection solutions

Through this collaboration, Ferguson Waterworks will supply and maintain AQS’s advanced leak management systems for water supply networks, including both distribution and transmission lines.

New York State allocates $265 million for water and sewer upgrades, lead line inventory

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $265 million investment to enhance water and sewer infrastructure across New York State, focusing on identifying and replacing lead pipes to ensure safe drinking water.

California to improve water infrastructure drought resiliency with $7.3 million in federal funding

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding over $7.3 million in grants in California to support four drinking water systems in underserved, small, and disadvantaged communities that will be facing drought, wildfires and other impacts of climate change.

EPA allocates $26 million to combat lead in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities

The funding was authorized by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act and is provided to states, the District of Columbia, and participating territories as grants for lead testing and remediation in schools and childcare facilities.

Aquasight joins Google AI Academy infrastructure program to address U.S. water, wastewater challenges

Aquasight will gain access to tailored mentorship, advanced AI development, and strategic guidance from Google's experts. The goal is to refine and enhance Aquasight's AI and Digital Twin offerings, enabling the company to tackle pressing challenges in the water and wastewater utility industry nationwide.

EPA to invest $25.5 million in drinking water infrastructure projects across the country

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $25.5 million in grants through a new program to support drinking water systems in underserved, small, and disadvantaged communities while reducing impacts of climate change.

James River Water Authority breaks ground on pipeline project for Louisa, Fluvanna counties

The project aims to provide a sustainable water supply for the growing populations of Fluvanna and Louisa counties in Louisa, Virginia.

Saskatchewan, Canada to begin $2 million water infrastructure upgrades

The Water Security Agency is set to invest over $2 million in five critical water infrastructure projects across Southwest Saskatchewan.

USG Water Solutions expands asset management services with new California service center

This location―its second on the West Coast―marks a significant milestone in the company's aim to enhance water and wastewater infrastructure asset and operations management services for utilities and private water companies across the United States.

Lynchburg, Va., begins work on $400 million Blackwater CSO tunnel to protect waterways

Construction has started on the Blackwater CSO Tunnel, the largest capital improvement project in Lynchburg's history. The nearly mile-long, 12-foot diameter tunnel will be built 70 to 120 feet below Blackwater Creek.

EPA blames state for Jackson water crisis, cites inadequate oversight

The EPA has released a critical report highlighting the Mississippi State Department of Health’s failures in overseeing Jackson’s water system, which contributed to the 2022 water crisis impacting 150,000 residents.

Central Florida’s Toho Water Authority secures $188.3 million for water infrastructure expansion

The EPA has awarded a $188.3 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan to the Toho Water Authority to enhance water infrastructure in Polk and Osceola counties.

Coastal Alabama to receive $30 million for sewer and stormwater improvements

Governor Kay Ivey has announced nearly $30 million in funding for sewer, stormwater, and water quality improvement projects in Coastal Alabama.

Lynchburg, Va., downtown renewal progresses with new utility upgrades

The City of Lynchburg's Phase IV Downtown Renewal Construction Project will temporarily close a section of 12th Street between Main Street and Church Street to accommodate water main construction.

ITpipes secures $20 million to transform water infrastructure management with AI, cloud solutions

ITpipes leverages AI and machine learning for automated condition assessment to provide quality inspection records for decision-making. ITpipes offers cloud-based tools housed in a single inspection repository. By leveraging Environmental Systems Research Institute mapping for visualization, these tools help cities transition from reactive to proactive pipeline planning.

Ogden City, Utah to strengthen water infrastructure, drought resilience with $42 million WIFIA loan

With this WIFIA loan, the city plans to replace two aging, leaking water lines—the Wellfield water line that conveys groundwater to the Ogden City Treatment Plant and the Ogden Canyon water line that transports treated drinking water to communities.

$90 million drinking water investment replaces 9,500 lead service lines since 2018 in Detroit, Mich.

Detroit’s lead service line replacement program uses a neighborhood-by-neighborhood approach, prioritizing vulnerable areas such as communities with a high density of low-income households, children and seniors, and housing built prior to 1945.

New York City begins $52 million stormwater infrastructure upgrade to reduce flooding across Queens

This initiative focuses on replacing over 80-year-old water mains and enhancing the storm sewer system. Key components include the installation of nearly 1.5 miles of new storm sewers, 92 catch basins, 13 underground storm chambers, and the upgrading of 2 miles of water mains.