Sewer Rehabilitation
Willamette River goes sewer overflow-free thanks to Big Pipe system in Portland, Ore.
Portland recently marked a major environmental milestone: one full year without a combined sewer overflow (CSO) into the Willamette River, a testament to the long-term success of the city’s $1.4 billion Big Pipe Project.
Evanston, Ill., begins sewer line rehabilitation project using CIPP trenchless technology
The City of Evanston has begun work on a multi-month sewer rehabilitation project using the Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) trenchless method. Sewer cleaning and inspection started on March 25, with pipe lining scheduled to begin in May, weather permitting.
EPA chief vows aggressive action on sewage crisis along U.S.-Mexico border
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has vowed to intensify the agency’s response to the ongoing sewage contamination stemming from the Tijuana River Valley.
Fairfield, Conn., to begin $31 million East Trunk sewer line replacement in May
A long-planned replacement of the East Trunk sewer line is set to begin in May 2025, with construction expected to last about 18 months. The project will replace aging sewer infrastructure to improve wastewater system reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and prevent future disruptions.
Waynesburg, Pa., sewer funding won’t be affected by federal cuts, project manager says
According to Herald-Standard, funding for sewer rehabilitation projects in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania won’t be affected by potential federal cuts. Project manager Robert Dengler told the Waynesburg Borough Council that two of the three grants have been secured, and he expects a third grant to be finalized this fall.
$9 million sewer repair project underway in New Roads, La.
According to WRBZ News, the city of New Roads, Louisiana, is commencing work on a long-overdue sewer repair project. New Roads Public Works Director Cletus Langlois told WRBZ that 13 out of 16 sewer lift stations are in failure, and the city’s sewer systems have fallen into neglect without the proper maintenance being done.
Omak, Wash., secures funding to upgrade water, sewer infrastructure linked to bridge replacement
As Washington state prepares to replace a key bridge in Omak, the city must address a related infrastructure challenge: relocating or upgrading a water main attached to the aging structure. The Washington State Public Works Board has awarded Omak $210,000 in pre-construction funding to support the effort.
New Jersey American Water invests $520 million in 2024 infrastructure upgrades
New Jersey American Water invested more than $520 million in water and wastewater system upgrades across its service areas in 2024, the company announced on Feb. 20.
Texas infrastructure stuck at ‘C’ as energy, water systems struggle
The Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has given the state’s infrastructure a cumulative grade of ‘C’ in its 2025 Texas Infrastructure Report Card—unchanged from 2021.
Tyler, Texas, City Council approves $28 million sewer upgrade
The Tyler City Council has approved a $28.2 million contract with Belt Construction of Texas, LLC, to improve sewer line capacity in the downtown area.
Lynchburg, Va., expanding sewer access, upgrading waterlines in Richland Hills and College Hill
Construction is underway on two major utility projects in Lynchburg: the Richland Hills Sewer Extension Project and the Sixth & Madison Utility Improvements Project in College Hill. The upgrades aim to improve water service, sewer access, and stormwater management for residents.
Vortex launches water division to tackle aging infrastructure
Vortex Companies has launched Vortex Water, a new division focused on water infrastructure rehabilitation. The move expands the company's trenchless solutions beyond sewer and industrial systems to address aging water pipelines with advanced materials, liners, and trenchless technologies.
Lexington, Ky., begins 8,000-foot sewer line project along New Circle Road
Construction is set to begin the week of Feb. 10 on an 8,000-foot sanitary sewer project along Lexington’s New Circle Road corridor. The nearly two-year project will replace aging sewer infrastructure that is more than 55 years old.
Water, sewer rates to increase in Republic, Mo. to cover infrastructure upgrades
According to KY3 News, water and sewer rates are expected to increase for Republic, Mo., residents. The water rate increases will benefit the city’s water infrastructure, while the sewer rate increases will help pay off part of the $50 million state loan used for upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
Portland, Ore., achieves one year without sewage overflow into local river
According to OPB News, Portland, Ore., celebrated a notable achievement this week when it reached one full year with no sewage overflows into the Willamette River. In 2011, the city completed a $1.4 billion, two-decade sewer overhaul project, which has significantly reduced the number of overflow incidents.
$9 million in sanitary sewer projects to kick off in Canton, Ohio this year
According to The Canton Repository, the city of Canton, Ohio has plans in motion to commence more than $9 million worth of sanitary sewer construction and repair projects in 2025. The announcement follows an administrative order from the U.S. EPA.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers funds $26 million sewer project in Lee County, Va.
Virginia's Lee County will receive $26.25 million in federal funding to upgrade its wastewater infrastructure, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA) announced.
Bloomington, Minn., adopts sewer fee to support infrastructure upgrades
Bloomington’s growing redevelopment has pushed parts of the city’s sanitary sewer system to capacity, prompting the need for $55 million in upgrades by 2040.
Fending off water freeze in combination sewer cleaners
Winter delivers a multitude of challenges for sewer cleaner operators, and protecting essential equipment from the ravages of freezing temperatures is among the top priorities. For owners of combination sewer cleaners, the potential for costly damage due to frozen water is a significant worry.
Meridian, Miss., city council approves $5 million sewer upgrade project
According to The Meridian Star, The Meridian City Council voted Tuesday to approve continuing work on the city’s sewer system. The Highway 80 Trunkline Phase 2B sewer project will replace roughly 5,500 feet of sewer pipe, accordig to the Public Works director.
FEMA invests $19.4 million in sewer line extension for Lahaina, Maui recovery
FEMA is investing $19.4 million to extend a sewer line to the Kilohana Temporary Group Housing Site, with long-term benefits for Lahaina and surrounding neighborhoods.
Berkeley County, S.C., Red Bank Road sewer project on track for April 2025 completion
Berkeley County’s Red Bank Road Gravity Sewer Project in Goose Creek is progressing toward its goal of increasing sewer capacity and preventing overflows.
Shrewsbury, Mass., begins sewer maintenance in Colonial Drive and Boylston Circle areas
Sewer system maintenance is underway in the Colonial Drive and Boylston Circle neighborhoods as part of Shrewsbury’s ongoing effort to improve its infrastructure and reduce groundwater infiltration.
Duck Creek sewer project progresses in Davenport, Iowa, new trail closures set
The Duck Creek Sewer Interceptor project, a $16.25 million initiative to enhance Davenport's sewer infrastructure, is advancing to its next phase. As part of the ongoing work, sections of the Duck Creek Recreational Trail will reopen while others close for construction.
Columbia, Mo., approves $9.2 million sewer rehab project using trenchless technology
The Columbia City Council has approved plans to move forward with a $9.2 million sewer rehabilitation project aimed at upgrading aging sewer infrastructure across central and west Columbia.
$444 million to improve wastewater infrastructure in 50 Wisconsin communities
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have announced the allocation of $444 million to improve wastewater infrastructure in 50 municipalities across the state.
Henderson Water Utility begins work to upgrade century-old water and sewer systems
Henderson Water Utility has announced plans to significantly improve local potable water and sanitary sewer systems beginning the week of December 9th.
Fort Lauderdale, Lanzo Construction begin work on major sewer upgrades
The City of Fort Lauderdale and Lanzo Construction Company are working to upgrade approximately 23,370 feet of large sanitary sewer pipelines, with construction planned for completion by August 2026.
Sewers to play key role in low-carbon heat project for London’s Westminster area
The U.K. government is advancing plans to heat notable London sites, including the U.K. Parliament, by harnessing low-carbon energy from unique sources such as the River Thames, the London Underground, and even the city’s sewer systems.
Orlando, Fla., begins sewer upgrade on North Orange Avenue
The City of Orlando's Public Works Department is launching Phase 1 of a project to replace sanitary sewer lines along North Orange Avenue, between Ivanhoe Boulevard and Alden Road. This initial phase is part of a larger, five-phase upgrade planned over the next 15 months.

- Trench collapse kills one construction worker in Houston, Texas
- Intrepid Fiber breaks ground on fiber optic network in Superior, Colo.
- Excavator collides with I-95 overpass in Henrico, Va., causing multi-vehicle crash
- Shrewsbury, Mass., expands sewer inspections and cleaning efforts
- Construction worker killed in trench collapse near Prosperity, S.C.
- Final construction phase kicks off for Indianapolis deep rock tunnel
- Texas contractor penalized by OSHA for repeated trench safety violations
- Trench collapse kills one construction worker in Houston, Texas
- WES tunnel boring machine retrieved from Oregon river after seven-month project
- Illinois overhauls Peoples Gas pipeline program, mandates focus on high-risk pipes