Sewer

Sewage discharges raise concerns for Boston water safety

Local authorities have issued a public health advisory following recent sewage discharges, also known as combined sewer overflows (CSOs), posing potential risks to public health in Boston.

27 U.S. stormwater disasters in 2023 cost $88 billion, Advanced Drainage Solutions reports on World Water Day

According to an ADS survey conducted by The Harris Poll in late 2023, more than half of the respondents (51%) are concerned about the current infrastructure in place to manage stormwater within their communities.

Pennsylvania secures funding to upgrade aging stormwater infrastructure

The infrastructure beneath Susquehanna Avenue are in poor condition due to age and material deterioration. Thousands of ft of decayed clay sewer piping contribute to infiltration into the sewage collection system.

Maryland's Cunningham Falls State Park water access temporarily closed for sewer line upgrade

A sewer line renovation and replacement project along Maryland Route 77 will require the temporary closure of some activities in the William Houck Area of Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont starting in April and extending into the summer months.

Shreveport, La., enhances water and sewer bill assistance program, expanding relief for residents

The Shreveport Water Assistance Program (SWAP), designed to provide relief for water and sewer bills, reflects a concerted effort to ensure equitable access to essential services for all citizens.

EPA completes 17 miles of sewer line inspections following Maui wildfires

EPA evaluated all 97,749 linear feet of lateral sanitary sewer lines in approximately one month. EPA cleaned and assessed all sewer lines, which the camera rover could enter and collect data on.

Illinois secures $94 million WIFIA loan to modernize wastewater infrastructure in Village of New Lenox

This funding will help pay for a new resource recovery facility, a new gravity sewer system, a pump station, and force main, which all work to move wastewater from one place to another.

Prince Rupert, British Columbia, receives $77.2 million for water, sewer system upgrades

The funding will support the upgrading of 16 miles of water mains and separating the combined sewer system for better stormwater management. This includes installing new PVC piping to enhance infrastructure reliability and functionality.

Tennessee governor, commissioner McWhorter unveil $11 million in infrastructure planning grants

The IPG program supports utility systems in distressed counties and rural communities, offering funding for water and sewer system mapping, analysis, asset management, and regionalization studies.

New Jersey American Water to invest at least $10 million in sewer system improvements following Borough of Manville acquisition

The system upgrades include addressing inflow and infiltration, flood mitigation efforts, and sewer main repairs and replacements. The agreement also includes short- and long-term rate stability proposals.

Texas launches $1 billion water fund as first step in addressing water woes

While Texas enjoys a significant budget surplus, its water woes persist, underscoring the need for innovative solutions beyond mere financial injections. Recognizing this, lawmakers have established the Texas Water Fund, earmarking $1 billion for water infrastructure.

Sterling to build new sewer, water infrastructure for two highway projects in Nevada

The $49 million NDOT 3996 Lohantan project involves 17 miles of highway widening and new drainage systems. The $29 million NDOT 4501 Tonopah project involves 15 miles of highway widening and new water and sewer facilities.

EPA completes over 17,000 ft of nighttime sewer line inspections in Hawai’i following wildfires

Daytime operations of sewer inspections will now resume. EPA has cleared and inspected 69,582 feet of sewer line during the daytime. To date, a total of 86,830 feet of sewer lines has been cleared and inspected.

Connecticut's New Britain faces contentious state funding battle as Allen Street sewer project stalls

The city of New Britain is currently embroiled in a contentious struggle to advance Phase 2 of the Allen Street sewer upgrades, a critical infrastructure project that has hit a standstill due to the Connecticut State Delegation's ongoing inaction.

Charleston Water System faces lawsuit over “significant” sanitary sewer overflows

Since 2015, Charleston Water has had at least 176 illegal sewer overflows, many of which spilled raw sewage into Charleston’s waterways including the Ashley and Cooper Rivers and James Island Creek.

Saskatchewan receives $51 million investment for water, wastewater infrastructure upgrades

Communities throughout the Canadian province of Saskatchewan are set to undergo crucial upgrades to their water and wastewater infrastructure thanks to a joint investment exceeding $51 million from the federal and provincial governments.

NYC completes water, sewer infrastructure upgrades $1 million under budget

Over 1,300 feet of new storm sewers of up to three feet in diameter were installed to help carry out excess rainwater from the area. Over 3,600 feet of cast iron distribution water mains and a total of 1,032 feet of 10-inch sanitary sewers were upgraded to increase capacity.

Louisiana secures $69.4 million for upgrading drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Louisiana $69.4 million from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to implement drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades.

Virginia’s Arlington County updates sewer plan for extensive 459-mile network

The board's endorsement entails an overhaul of its Sanitary Sewer Collection System Plan, a comprehensive strategy tailored to sustain the county's extensive 459-mile sewer network, which caters to nearly 238,000 residents.

EPA to begin sewer infrastructure repairs in Hawai’i following wildfires

Starting the week of February 26th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be clearing and inspecting sanitary sewer lines on Honoapiʻilani Hwy and Keawe Street in Lahaina, between Leialiʻi Parkway and Keawe Street (from Wahikuli Wayside Park to Safeway on Honoapiʻilani Hwy and from Minit Stop to Honoapiʻilani Hwy on Keawe Street).

North Carolina to invest $238 million in drinking water, wastewater, stormwater projects

North Carolina is set to allocate $238 million towards water infrastructure projects. The funding will support 114 projects aimed at improving drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.

USDA awards $30,000 to Carson, N.D., for water, sewer systems study

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced an award of $30,000 to Carson, North Dakota, to complete a study analyzing the city’s existing water and sewer systems.

Rural Alabama communities to upgrade wastewater infrastructure with federal funding

In Lowndes County, Alabama, yards regularly flood with sewage from straight pipes or from broken pipes that clog when it rains. However, with the help of EPA’s technical assistance, known as “WaterTA,” the community of White Hall successfully applied for federal funding and received $450,000 to help accelerate their wastewater infrastructure goals.

Challenges of repairing rural water lines in urbanizing areas

To make repairs, the BCWA team has primarily relied on trackhoes (backhoe loaders) and mini excavators. However, in some environments, using these common equipment fleet staples of most rural water associations can potentially cause additional damage that will need to be addressed.

Mississippi plans sewer expansion as EPA extends wastewater initiative to 150 underserved communities

Mound Bayou’s town engineer is finalizing a facility plan for the MS CWSRF funding application by the state’s February 2024 deadline. The facility plan is the next step in the MS CWSRF process for funding a project and will include the proposed sewer extension project from Mound Bayou to the residents of Dunlap.

Funding still flowing despite economic headwinds, challenges

The last two years in America’s municipal infrastructure industry have seen tremendous increases in project activities driven primarily by significant boosts in government funding. If you happened to be a consulting engineer, contractor or manufacturer/supplier, business has been good. Now, 2024 has the potential to be a great year for many in infrastructure.

Canada's Oak Bay to receive $8.8 million sewer system overhaul

Stormwater and wastewater infrastructure in Oak Bay is set to undergo a significant transformation, thanks to a combined investment exceeding $8.8 million from the federal and provincial governments, alongside contributions from the District of Oak Bay.

Manila, Utah, secures $3.5 million for sewer improvements

Manila, Utah, has secured $3.5 million in funding aimed at improving its sewer system infrastructure, following the approval of grants and low-interest loans by the Permanent Community Impact Board.

New York to invest $49 million for statewide water infrastructure projects

The Board's approval authorizes municipal access to over $37 million in low-cost short-term financing and previously announced grants to modernize critical drinking water and sewer systems. This infusion of funding will help significantly improve water quality, protect drinking water, and promote economic development in local communities.

EPA begins sewer line inspections, drinking water sampling in Hawai’i following wildfires

These sewer line inspections will allow the County of Maui to prioritize the emergency repairs needed to protect the wastewater treatment plant from excess infiltration of salt water through damaged sewer pipes.