Features
HDPE training program helps utilities reduce leaks, strengthen workforce
A national HDPE pipeline training program is helping utilities reduce water loss, prevent leaks and build a skilled infrastructure workforce through hands-on education.
High-risk HDD bore in Calif. pushes precision limits beneath Deep Creek
A high-risk HDD bore beneath Deep Creek in California tested precision drilling, locator performance and real-time problem solving in challenging ground conditions.
When and why manhole rehabilitation is critical to sewer system performance
Manhole rehabilitation plays a key role in reducing infiltration, preventing structural failures and improving long-term sewer system performance.
Pipe cleaning critical to CIPP lining success in sewer rehabilitation
Proper pipe cleaning using high-powered nozzles and chain cutters is essential to ensure successful CIPP lining and long-term sewer system performance.
PCCA kicks off busy 2026 with D.C. Fly-In
The Power and Communication Contractors Association (PCCA) kicked off its 2026 agenda in Washington, D.C., pressing lawmakers on permitting reform, infrastructure funding, safety and workforce development.
Cold-weather injection grouting: Key considerations for below-grade structures
Cold weather can significantly affect injection grouting performance. This NASSCO Tech Tips feature highlights key considerations for grout selection, curing times, material storage and equipment care when rehabilitating below-grade wastewater structures in freezing conditions.
UI Editor-in-Chief inducted into HDD Hall of Fame at UIC 2026
Robert Carpenter, Editor-in-Chief of Underground Infrastructure, was inducted into the HDD Hall of Fame at UIC 2026 in San Antonio, honoring decades of leadership and influence in the HDD industry.
Digital asset management tools target $39 billion in global non-revenue water losses
Advanced technologies including AI, digital twins, AMI and GIS are helping utilities reduce non-revenue water, improve leak detection and optimize hydraulic efficiency, according to a Xylem Vue report on water technology trends.
Inside Infrastructure: Significant recent action means future of permit reform lies in the Senate
Permitting reform is gaining momentum after the House advanced the SPEED Act and PERMIT Act, while EPA proposes updates to Clean Water Act Section 401 — leaving the Senate as the next major hurdle for changes affecting pipeline, broadband and water infrastructure projects.
Dominican Republic, Jamaica lead Caribbean water infrastructure investment push
Caribbean nations including the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica are planning major water and wastewater infrastructure investments to address aging systems, drought pressures and growing potable water demand.
Municipal sewer and water spending projected to reach $26.9 billion in 2026
UI’s 29th Annual Municipal Sewer/Water Infrastructure Forecast projects $26.9 billion in 2026 spending as federal Infrastructure Bill funding winds down and cities continue aggressive project design and release plans.
Fiber construction market looks very strong through 2030
Michael C. Render, RVA LLC According to research conducted by RVA for the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) and data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 2025 marked a record year for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) deployment. During this period, 11.8 million additional homes were passed an..
Canada plans active building of underground transmission infrastructure
Canada is accelerating plans to expand underground transmission infrastructure as utilities modernize aging grids, harden systems against extreme weather and prepare for rising urban electricity demand.
Raising QA/QC standards for in-building CIPP projects
Improving QA/QC documentation for in-building CIPP projects is becoming an industry expectation, helping contractors reduce risk, improve transparency and strengthen client confidence.
Dual-threat approach conquers West Texas pipeline challenge
A West Texas pipeline project for Kinetik highlights how 2 Stone Industries combined trenching and HDD methods to complete a 44-mile NGL pipeline under a tight construction timeline.
Underground cables market to hit $55.1 billion by 2033
The global underground cables market is projected to grow from $32.5 billion in 2024 to $55.1 billion by 2033, driven by urbanization, power reliability needs, and rising demand for resilient energy infrastructure.
2026 outlook bright for utility and communications construction markets
Utility and communications construction markets are heading into 2026 with strong momentum, driven by data center growth, rising power demand, grid investment and continued water and pipeline infrastructure work.
Inside Sempra’s 72-mile pipeline with 18 major trenchless crossings
Sempra Infrastructure’s Port Arthur Pipeline Louisiana Connector Project includes 72 miles of 42-inch pipeline and 18 trenchless crossings totaling more than 57,000 feet, making it one of the most complex HDD projects in the region.
AUI scales underground fiber builds with repeatable HDD workflow
Always Underground Inc. is using a repeatable HDD-driven workflow to deliver large-scale underground fiber networks across multiple FiberCity markets, keeping crews productive and projects on schedule.
UIC 2026: Moving your business forward starts here
The infrastructure problems you're facing today didn't exist five years ago. And the ones coming next year? You can't solve them with last decade's playbook. UIC 2026 exists to close that gap – two concentrated days where you get ahead of the curve instead of scrambling to catch up.
Underground Infrastructure Awards 2026 honor MVP, top projects
The Underground Infrastructure Awards 2026 will recognize the industry’s MVP and top water, sewer, fiber and trenchless projects during the UIC conference in San Antonio.
ASTM F1216 updates reshape pressure pipe design for CIPP rehabilitation
Recent revisions to ASTM F1216 update how cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liners are designed for pressure applications, correcting long-standing assumptions around hole spanning, internal pressure resistance, and groundwater loading.
SAWS’ Jeff Habey to be honored as 2026 MVP
Jeff Haby, senior vice president of production operations at San Antonio Water System, has been selected as the 2026 Most Valuable Professional for his leadership in delivering more than $1.2 billion in critical water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.
Two days that will change how you approach infrastructure projects
UIC 2026 is almost here. Two days. Real education. Real technology. Real industry leaders. Join us in San Antonio Jan. 27–28 to get ahead of the trends reshaping underground infrastructure.
Stopping hydrate plugs: How operators can pinpoint pipeline blockages and restore flow
Hydrate plugs can halt pipeline operations and raise safety risks. This guide explains how high-frequency pressure analytics and AI help operators locate obstructions quickly, target remediation, and cut downtime in midstream systems.
HDD Reunion to celebrate pioneers at 2026 Hall of Fame induction in San Antonio
The 2026 HDD Reunion will be held Jan. 28 at the Underground Infrastructure Conference in San Antonio, featuring the formal induction of the HDD Hall of Fame class and a panel discussion with industry pioneers celebrating decades of innovation in horizontal directional drilling.
Nueces River Authority plans 178-mile pipeline, desalination project for South Texas
To meet growing demand across 22 counties, the Nueces River Authority is developing a Gulf Coast desalination plant on Harbor Island and a 178-mile conveyance pipeline expected to deliver up to 450 million gallons of water per day to South Texas by 2029.
UI Awards 2026 finalists announced, winners to be honored at UIC in San Antonio
Underground Infrastructure has named the 2026 UI Awards finalists across HDD, water, sewer, asset management and fiber, with MVP + UI Honors to be presented at the Underground Infrastructure Conference in San Antonio.
Navajo-Gallup project brings long-awaited water infrastructure to New Mexico
The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project is bringing long-awaited clean water infrastructure to Navajo Nation communities in New Mexico and Arizona. The $143 million project includes more than 35 miles of pipeline, multiple HDD crossings, and new storage tanks, with completion targeted for 2029.
Mexico accelerates $6.7 billion water infrastructure plan amid U.S. water disputes
Mexico is fast-tracking more than $6.7 billion in water infrastructure projects to address severe droughts and rising tensions with the United States over shared water resources.
- OSHA issues 16 citations following fatal sewer confined space incident
- 27 pipeline safety violations tied to deadly Pa. chocolate factory explosion
- Contractor gas line strike triggers home explosion in Missouri
- LA recovery reports call for $650 million power line burial, major utility upgrades in Pacific Palisades
- Comprehensive microtrenching FAQ: Key insights on the Vermeer MTR516 microtrencher
- T-Mobile to expand fiber broadband infrastructure footprint with $4.9 billion Metronet acquisition
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility
- Cityside launches $100 million fiber build in Corona, Calif.
- FiberLight to build 1,400-mile West Texas dark fiber network in $350 million expansion