August 2025 Vol. 80 No. 8

In this month’s Editor’s Log, Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter reflects on the rising challenges of water scarcity—from droughts and declining groundwater to new mega-pipelines and desalination projects—and what they mean for underground infrastructure.

Industry advocate Eben Wyman explains how the surging power needs of AI data centers are bringing natural gas back into the spotlight, and why expanded pipeline infrastructure and permitting reform are key to meeting demand.

Sewer departments across the U.S. are finding new ways to boost productivity. From smarter scheduling and advanced sewer vac equipment to preventative maintenance and crew training, small improvements are helping utilities get more done with limited resources.

UIC 2026 will return to San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 27–28, reimagined as a two-day event with expanded education, technical theaters, and networking opportunities. The Underground Infrastructure Awards will also debut alongside the UCTA MVP luncheon.

Utilities are under pressure to stretch limited wastewater funding while tackling aging pipelines and sewer overflows. This article outlines how smarter bid packaging and contractor efficiency can maximize rehabilitation budgets and reduce costs.

Florida municipalities are adopting polymer concrete structures to replace failing precast sewer infrastructure corroded by hydrogen sulfide. Early pilot projects proved corrosion-proof results, leading to widespread adoption across the state.

No matter the size of your fleet or the mix of machines in it, maximizing the life of those machines is critical for controlling costs and improving productivity. The longer your machines work, the lower your cost-per-hour investment will be and the higher the value they will provide.

The Trump administration has started down a path, which could be a slow one given the agency’s past performance, to ease the burden of safety rules on the gas pipeline industry.

The Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE) at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has been actively involved in advancing technologies such as trenchless rehabilitation methods, underground infrastructure renewal and supporting government and industry in innovation within this field.

This month’s Business news highlights key industry moves, including Vermeer’s new alliance with Sharewell HDD, NAXSA’s nationwide Shore Up for Safety Week, PODS’ SCADA Link module release, Hultec’s new Texas facility, AWWA’s updated C901 standard, Hyundai’s equipment merger plans, McElroy’s congressional visit, and Bobcat’s workplace recognition.

This edition of Business People highlights key executive appointments and promotions across the underground infrastructure and equipment sectors, including new leadership roles at Bobcat and DEVELON.

SIPP Americas LLC, a leading provider of trenchless pipe rehabilitation solutions, has further expanded its network, with the addition of Canadian Induracoat Corporation, headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia.

It is generally accepted that Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) is the most used trenchless pipeline rehabilitation system worldwide. CIPP, with its inception in the early 70s, has evolved with new ideas for service beyond gravity sewers.