April 2026 Vol. 81 No. 4

Archive

Special Focus

Griffolyn pre-liners improve CIPP performance in pipe rehabilitation

Griffolyn pre-liners are designed to improve CIPP pipe rehabilitation by preventing liner damage, reducing resin washout and enhancing performance in challenging underground conditions.

Editor's Log

Editor's Log: Fueling the future

Rising LNG demand and growing energy needs are putting pressure on U.S. pipeline infrastructure, highlighting the need for expanded capacity to support long-term gas markets.

Features

Trump EPA wants to remove restraints on infrastructure permitting

Proposed EPA changes to Clean Water Act permitting could accelerate infrastructure approvals while limiting states’ ability to block projects, setting up a new regulatory battle over pipelines, utilities and water infrastructure.

Energy price surge drives cost pressures for utility, pipeline contractors

The conflict that erupted in late February 2026 between the United States, Israel and Iran has sent shockwaves through global energy markets that underground utility and gas contractors are now feeling on every job site.

Microbial corrosion threatens concrete sewer pipes, new solution targets bacteria

Microbial corrosion is accelerating damage in concrete sewer systems, but new antimicrobial solutions are being developed to target the bacteria driving the problem.

Inside Infrastructure: Utility locators warn of systemic failures in damage prevention process

Utility locating professionals are calling for reforms to address systemic failures in the 811 damage prevention process, citing safety risks, mapping issues and workforce challenges.

Canada ramps up water infrastructure upgrades as system losses grow

Canada is increasing investment in water and wastewater infrastructure as aging systems, climate pressures and growing water losses strain utilities nationwide.

New Products

New products: Latest industry developments

Vermeer  Vermeer is enhancing the D24 horizontal directional drill (HDD) with a factory-installed cab option, bringing a new level of operator comfort and year-round productivity to the 24,000-pound (11,000-kg) drill class.   Introduced as the latest utili..

Business

CEO retirement, leadership changes mark latest industry moves

A roundup of key leadership changes across the underground infrastructure industry, including retirements, executive appointments and promotions.

Rehab News

Rehab tech spotlight: Lining systems

New lining systems are advancing trenchless rehabilitation with faster curing times, improved corrosion resistance and expanded applications across pipelines, conduits and structures.

Newsline

Newsline: Latest industry developments

This month's UI Newsline covers new excavation detection technology, billion-dollar water infrastructure pressures, pipeline safety enforcement actions and major utility construction updates across the U.S.