Current Issue: June 2026 Vol. 81 No. 6

Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter examines the rapid growth of the horizontal directional drilling market and why stronger training, certification and industry standards are critical to its long-term success.

As mud recycling systems become more common on small bore HDD projects, contractors must closely monitor drilling fluid performance. Learn how regular viscosity, mud weight and sand content testing can maximize reclaimer efficiency, lower costs and improve drilling outcomes.

Omaha's Metropolitan Utilities District is expanding its water main replacement program, using horizontal directional drilling and HDPE pipe to replace aging cast iron infrastructure and reduce water main breaks.

Jonathan Sickels of Advanced Drainage Systems outlines five key questions engineers and designers should ask when selecting stormwater management pipe for long-term performance and durability.

Team Fishel completed a 14-mile fiber installation for a major Maryland data hub in just eight months, overcoming solid granite, tight rights-of-way and an aggressive construction schedule.

As fiber demand accelerates across urban, suburban and rural markets, contractors are under increasing pressure to install more footage per day without sacrificing quality, safety or margins. Microtrenching has emerged as a preferred method for fiber deployment due to its speed and minimal surface disruption, but like any process, efficiency depends on execution.

Robert Carpenter, Editor-in-Chief  As we reach the midway point of 2026, the sometimes mad, occasionally wild, often rewarding and always adventurous roller coaster ride of horizontal directional drilling continues. Demand for HDD’s minimally invasive, environmentally friendly method of installing ..

Jason Rosell of West Bloomfield Township Water Utilities Department explains how strategic tree selection and placement can reduce damage to underground utilities, lower maintenance costs and improve long-term infrastructure reliability.

This month's Business News includes updates from United Rentals, Ditch Witch and Lane Construction, highlighting new technology, partnerships and major underground infrastructure projects.

This month's People on the Move features executive appointments and leadership changes at Walter P Moore, Carollo Engineers, McElroy, Brewis Engineering and LAN.

Federal water infrastructure spending is on the cutting block as Congress starts to work on fiscal 2027 appropriations bills. The Trump administration has proposed drastic cuts to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, $1.5 billion and $970 million, respectively, starting Oct. 1, 2026.

Strategic acquisitions by Azuria Water Solutions and Vortex Companies, along with Aries Industries' dealer network expansion, highlight continued growth across the trenchless rehabilitation market.

New equipment from Vermeer, McElroy, John Deere and PipeSense highlights the latest innovations in microtrenching, pipe fusion, vacuum excavation, wheel loaders and pipeline leak detection for underground infrastructure projects.