Water

EPA to accelerate nationwide lead pipe removal through new GLO initiative

GLO will specifically help participating communities identify lead services lines, develop replacement plans, and apply for funding to get the lead out.

Wash. receives $20 million in funding for water infrastructure upgrades

(UI) — U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has announced nearly $2.6 million in grants and nearly $18 million in loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fund water and wastewater disposal projects across Washington state.

EPA, New Jersey partner to accelerate lead service line replacement in 10 underserved communities

The communities are receiving water technical assistance (WaterTA) to identify lead pipes in their water systems, access infrastructure funds, and develop plans to replace lead pipes that pose risks to human health.

Indiana American Water to gain 8,000 water customers with Silver Creek Water acquisition

As one of the fastest growing utilities in the U.S., American Water expects to invest $30 to $34 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, system resiliency and regulated acquisitions over the next 10 years.

Chicago to replace 30,000 lead pipes with $336 million WIFIA loan

The City of Chicago will use the WIFIA loan to assist with replacing lead service lines serving single family homes and small multi-unit buildings citywide whenever there is a leak or break on a lead line or when performing water and sewer main updates.

California American Water completes $2.2 million San Diego water infrastructure upgrades

California American Water recently completed the Grove Avenue Water Main Replacement Project in South San Diego, replacing 2,400 linear feet of aging 8-inch steel water main with new PVC main, installing new service pipes for 22 customers, upgrading five fire hydrants, and replacing 19 gate valves.

$48 million federal grant allocations to protect groundwater while supporting underground CO2 sequestration

The EPA has, under the Safe Drinking Water Act, developed stringent federal requirements for injecting CO2 that protect public health by ensuring injection wells do not contaminate underground sources of drinking water.

Wisconsin partners with EPA to replace lead service lines, improve drinking water in 10 communities

This initiative, which is in partnership with the Department of Labor and Wisconsin, will work to provide targeted technical assistance services to help underserved communities reduce exposure to lead in drinking water and to protect health of Wisconsin children and families.

New York governor secures over $108.8 million for local water infrastructure projects

(UI) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved over $108.8 million in funding for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State.

Prosecutors: Supreme Court decision closes door on criminal prosecutions in Flint water scandal

The Michigan attorney general’s office said Tuesday that the state prosecution of former Gov. Rick Snyder and other officials for their roles in the Flint water scandal has ended.

Utility clerk appointed to West Virginia Legislature as GOP House member

Erica J. Moore, a city administrative clerk from central West Virginia, has been appointed to the state Legislature. Moore said she’s looking forward to serving in the Legislature and contributing to policy with her knowledge of water and sewer issues from her work with the city.

Senate Democrats examine Pennsylvania's urgent water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure challenges

(UI) — Pennsylvania state senators recently conducted a crucial public hearing at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to address pressing issues concerning water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure that impact communities across the state.

Born after Superstorm Sandy's destruction, 2 big flood control projects get underway in New Jersey

A decade after they were first envisioned in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy's destruction, two of the largest flood control projects designed to protect the densely populated cities of New Jersey that lie just outside New York City finally got underway last week.

Innovative solution for managing I&I challenges in sanitary districts

(UI) — A major challenge sanitary districts everywhere face is recurring and growing inflow and infiltration (I&I), from substantial amounts of groundwater and stormwater entering the sewer during periods of heavy rain. This issue is of paramount importance, as heavy rainfall can cause the intrusion of large volumes of groundwater and stormwater into the sewer system, overwhelming pump stations and treatment plants, and even causing costly sewer overflows.

Asset management: Working with Duke’s ‘like having a crystal ball’

(UI) — When optimizing sewer and wastewater treatment systems, it can be overwhelming to look at more than 100 miles of sewer pipe funneling heavy flow during a rain event and wonder where that excess flow is coming from.

World’s largest poultry producer ask judge to dismiss Oklahoma watershed pollution ruling

Frizzell ruled in January that the companies were responsible for pollution of the Illinois River Watershed by disposing of chicken litter, or manure, that leached into the river.

U.S. Virgin Islands tap water contaminated with lead, copper

Authorities said that the U.S. territory’s Water and Power Authority continues to flush water lines to decrease the amount of toxins

EPA to strengthen lead protections in drinking water after nation-wide crises, including Flint

President Joe Biden has already called for eliminating the country’s estimated 9.2 million lead pipes, lines that connect water mains under the street to homes and businesses and are responsible for most of the lead that seeps into drinking water.

Saltwater intrusion is “wake up call” for New Orleans struggling with drinking water issues

Authorities cite multiple factors for the saltwater intrusion. Most prominent this year has been a drought across the Midwest that has meant less water flowing into the Mississippi and the rivers feeding it.

PERENfra to deliver sustainable water, wastewater projects to Conroe, Texas

PERENfra will be responsible for the financing, design, construction, ownership, operation, and maintenance of water and wastewater facilities that will provide essential services to two prominent neighboring developments within the MUD service area in Conroe, TX.

New funding for water and wastewater projects in less populated parts of the U.S.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced an $800 million allotment for rural infrastructure projects. Although the funding may seem insignificant, it will greatly increase the number of new projects launched in 2024.

California receives $76 million WIFIA loan to increase Monterey County’s water system’s climate resiliency

EPA’s WIFIA loan will save Monterey One Water approximately $15 million, while construction and operation are estimated to create 650 jobs.

Collaborative $200 million investment targets Oklahoma's water infrastructure

(UI) — Oklahoma tribes, state agencies, and various communities have come together, leveraging the resources provided by the American Rescue Plan to amass over $200 million to enhance the water infrastructure of the region's residents.

Stantec initiates final design phase for $100 million section of Florida water pipeline

(UI) — Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has kicked off the final design phase of Segment B for the South Hillsborough Pipeline with longtime client Tampa Bay Water.

Wisc. governor allocates $402 million to combat PFAS, water infrastructure projects

The money will be available to 106 Wisconsin municipalities to help them build water infrastructure projects, replace lead service lines and address emerging contaminants such as PFAS.

PENNVEST awards over $37 million to Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority

(UI) — State Senator Wayne Fontana has announced over $37 million in PENNVEST grants and low-interest loans to the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) for water infrastructure upgrades.

GPRS launches Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week

(UI) — From Oct. 23–27, GPRS will offer free safety presentations to anyone responsible for water and/or wastewater systems. The firm will also share additional safety information throughout the week on its social media channels.

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.