Water
EPA finalizes PFAS contamination rule to clean up contaminated drinking water systems nationwide
This final action will address PFOA and PFOS contamination by enabling investigation and cleanup of these harmful chemicals and ensuring that leaks, spills, and other releases are reported. This action builds on the recently finalized standards to protect communities from PFAS contamination in drinking water.
Rhode Island, 120Water partner to support state-wide digital lead service line database
By procuring 120Water’s Public Water System (PWS) Portal and State Dashboard software, all eligible Rhode Island water utilities will now have access to tools designed to digitally collect, store, manage, and report on lead service line inventory data in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) and federal and state reporting requirements.
Arizona introduces legislation to protect critical water infrastructure from cybersecurity threats
The legislation establishes a new governing body, the WRRO, with cyber and water infrastructure expertise to develop and enforce cybersecurity requirements for drinking and wastewater systems. The WRRO will work in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure cybersecurity measures are both practical and beneficial.
FEMA awards over $711 million to Puerto Rico’s sewer authority for potable water meters
(UI) — FEMA has awarded over $711 million to the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) to replace nearly 1.4 million water meters, which are part of the agency’s infrastructure for measuring potable water consumption throughout the island.
Pennsylvania American Water upgrades Jefferson County system with 2,900 feet of new mains
Pennsylvania American Water has begun installing approximately 2,900 feet of water main in the Punxsutawney area. These projects mark the final stages of a $5.7 million initiative that commenced in early 2023.
Oregon's Klamath project receives 2024 water supply allocation; funding boost for drought resilience
The Bureau of Reclamation unveiled the initial 2024 water supply allocations for the Klamath Project, alongside $8.5 million in immediate funding dedicated to bolstering drought resilience in Klamath Basin communities and an additional $5 million earmarked for tribes impacted by drought.
Michigan receives $91.4 million in grants for water infrastructure upgrades
Michigan has been awarded $91 million to fund essential infrastructure projects, which include the installation of new water mains in Ecorse, sewer line upgrades in Benton Harbor, and lead service line replacements in multiple areas.
California tribe to improve drinking water safeguards following SDWA violations
Under the settlement, the Tribe must develop and issue a boil water notice as needed to address certain contaminants in residents’ drinking water, achieve and demonstrate compliance with federal standards to treat surface water for the Tribe’s water tanks and distribution lines, among other requirements.
Governor Hochul greenlights $142 million for New York water infrastructure projects
(UI) — Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a significant financial injection of $142 million for water infrastructure improvement projects throughout New York State.
Study reveals presence of 'forever chemicals' in New Mexico water sources, prompting EPA action
So-called forever chemicals have been found in water sources across New Mexico, according to recent studies by the U.S. Geological Survey and state environment officials.
Fire in Mexico City's storm drain highlights underground infrastructure strain amid water shortage
Amid a severe drought in central Mexico, water authorities grapple with mounting challenges, including a recent fire in one of Mexico City's storm drains, highlighting the strain on underground infrastructure. Struggling to address the water scarcity, authorities have decided to halt water extraction from the Valle de Bravo reservoir, home to an upscale lakeside community.
Wisconsin governor vetoes a Republican-backed bill targeting PFAS chemicals
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Republicans have not been able to agree on the best way to combat pollution from PFAS. Both have stated that fighting the chemicals is a priority, but they have yet to come to a consensus on how to address the issue.
CNX Resources optimizes Pittsburgh water infrastructure with Kiski Water Line project
During voluntary or mandatory water conservation periods, the 20" Kiski Water Line is expected to serve as the primary alternative to water purchased from the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County (MAWC).
Biden-Harris administration allocates $320 million for tribal domestic water infrastructure
The Bureau of Reclamation has commenced its application process to fund water infrastructure projects for Native American tribes, offering up to $320 million in potential funding.
EPA recognizes outstanding clean water and drinking water projects
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has acknowledged the outstanding achievements of 32 infrastructure projects in clean water and drinking water sectors. These projects were honored under EPA’s AQUARIUS and PISCES national recognition initiatives.
California governor unveils updated water plan amid climate challenges
In response to the ongoing climate crisis, Governor Newsom's Administration has announced an updated Water Plan aimed at safeguarding California's water supplies and bolstering the state's resilience against extreme weather events.
Biden-Harris administration allocates $7 million for water pipeline in Utah
The Ash Creek project, located in Toquerville, Utah, is set to receive approximately $7 million for the construction of a crucial water pipeline linking the Ash Creek Reservoir to the Chief Toquer Reservoir.
Private utility to bypass county, deliver water to homes near new Hyundai EV plant in Georgia with government approval
Savannah-based Water Utility Management, a private company that supplies drinking water to 32,000 homes in 17 Georgia counties, pushed lawmakers to pass the bill. It would allow the company to bypass local governments that are unable to provide water for the same development project within 18 months.
King County, Wash. to upgrade wastewater infrastructure with $194 million WIFIA loan
The WIFIA loan will make several improvements at the West Point Treatment Plant, including removing corroded pipes, upgrading raw sewage pumps, and implementing structural upgrades to the administrative building to protect against future seismic events.
Oregon OSHA fines Portland company after workers rendered unconscious in stormwater sewer
(UI) — The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has fined a Portland environmental and emergency services company $118,800 for breaching job safety standards aimed at safeguarding workers in confined spaces.
Georgia’s Cobb County proposes new stormwater management fee to tackle aging infrastructure
Cobb County is grappling with the challenges posed by aging infrastructure, prompting officials to consider innovative solutions. In response, they are suggesting the introduction of a stormwater utility fee, projected to range from $2 to $4 monthly for the average homeowner.
Memphis, Tenn., secures $42.1 million loan for water infrastructure upgrades
Gov. Bill Lee and TDEC Commissioner David Salyers announced a $42.1 million loan for Memphis to enhance its water infrastructure. The loan, approved by the Tennessee Local Development Authority, is part of a statewide effort to improve water systems.
House passes Rep. Duarte's legislation to streamline water permitting processes in the Valley
The legislation addresses existing ambiguities in NPDES permits, which have been susceptible to legal challenges, potentially stalling vital energy and infrastructure projects.
Olds municipality makes strides in sewer, water system overhaul, targeting I&I challenges
Following an assessment last fall, which included a vapor test to identify inflow and infiltration (I&I) issues in the sewer system, significant progress has been achieved. Out of the 38 repairs identified during the test, 36 have been completed, primarily involving the replacement of manhole lids, inserts, and cleanout plugs at various locations.
New York's West Seneca receives $1.2 million boost for water upgrades
This funding allocation aims to replace sections of water main pipes prone to breakage, thereby enhancing water supply reliability.
National Security Advisor calls on states to share water infrastructure cybersecurity plans by May 2024
The cybersecurity plans should include details for how states are working with both drinking water and wastewater infrastructure to determine where they are vulnerable to cyberattacks and what actions they are taking to build in cybersecurity protections.
EPA invested $3 billion in WIFIA loans to improve water infrastructure across the nation in 2023
In 2023, EPA closed $3 billion in WIFIA loans supporting water infrastructure in 10 states and strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems that support 16 million people.
Massachusetts awards grants for innovative stormwater management programs
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has allocated over $360,000 to support local cities and towns in meeting stormwater management requirements.
West Virginia water infrastructure gets $1.09 million boost in matching funds
Governor Jim Justice of West Virginia has announced $1.09 million in non-federal matching funds for Congressionally Directed Spending, aimed at improving critical infrastructure such as the town of Alderson's water system rehabilitation and expansion project.
EPA calls on states to take immediate action to safeguard water infrastructure from cyber threats
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan sent a letter to all U.S. Governors inviting state environmental, health and homeland security Secretaries to discuss the urgent need to safeguard water sector critical infrastructure against cyber threats.
- Tunnel boring machine ‘Clack-A-Mole’ nears one-third completion in Oregon outfall project
- Explosion in underground PG&E vault leaves one dead in Richmond, Calif.
- Sinkhole in Texas town accrues over $800,000 in sewer rehabilitation costs
- Water and Sewer Damage Awareness Week highlights infrastructure challenges
- Duke Energy undergrounds 48% of Florida power lines with plans to expand as hurricane season peaks
- 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
- New Portable Welding System From Miller
- GasTracker Accurately Locates Plastic Gas Pipes