Water
New Orleans expands use of trenchless technology to modernize underground pipes
New Orleans is expanding the use of trenchless pipe rehabilitation to repair underground water and sewer lines more efficiently, reducing disruption and speeding up infrastructure work across the city.
Tampa breaks ground on major drainage improvement for El Prado neighborhood
In Tampa, construction begins this month on a $6.9 million stormwater project along South Manhattan Avenue to reduce neighborhood flooding and improve drainage, with completion expected in 2026.
Pennsylvania American Water commits $30 million for wastewater infrastructure upgrades
Pennsylvania American Water will invest $30 million to modernize Kane Borough’s Kinzua Road and Pine Street wastewater plants, boosting capacity and regulatory compliance.
Kauaʻi water utility unveils $1.3 billion plan to rebuild aging system
The Kauaʻi Department of Water has proposed a $1.3 billion overhaul of the island’s century-old water system, citing urgent needs to protect drinking water supplies, reduce wildfire risk and support affordable housing development.
TxDOT advances massive drainage tunnel beneath I-35 in Austin
TxDOT is advancing one of Austin’s largest tunnel projects—a 6.5-mile, 22-foot-wide drainage tunnel beneath I-35. The massive system, built with German tunnel boring machines, will keep new sunken lanes from flooding and send stormwater to the Colorado River.
Thornton restarts construction on disputed 70-mile northern Colo. water pipeline
Thornton, Colorado has resumed construction on its 70-mile water pipeline after years of legal disputes. The project, among the state’s largest infrastructure efforts, will connect Poudre River water rights to a new treatment facility and is slated for completion in 2028.
$332 million in funding cleared for regional Pa. water, wastewater projects
Nearly $332 million in regional water and wastewater upgrades have cleared a key review by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission’s Environment Committee. The five-year capital program, led by Lehigh County Authority (LCA), spans 2025–2030 and includes more than a dozen projects.
Idaho faces $1 billion water infrastructure challenge as federal cuts loom
A University of Idaho study finds the state’s water and wastewater systems need more than $1 billion in upgrades, with over half of treatment plants violating the Clean Water Act in 2023. Small towns like McCammon face steep costs to replace aging infrastructure, while looming federal cuts to EPA revolving funds threaten to worsen the crisis.
City of Arlington deploys trenchless solutions for water main renewal
Arlington, Texas, is replacing nearly a mile of century-old water mains in its downtown using trenchless technology. The project, led by the city’s Water Utilities team, aims to modernize critical infrastructure with less disruption and greater efficiency, with completion expected by 2026.
Jacobs leading design for ocean outfall pipeline replacement in Puerto Rico
Jacobs has been selected by PRASA to design the replacement of the Mayagüez Ocean Outfall pipeline in Puerto Rico. The 1.1-mile resilient wastewater system will withstand hurricanes and seismic events, reduce environmental impacts, and modernize critical water infrastructure.
Watertown, N.Y., faces $61 million water system upgrade as funding gap threatens higher rates
Watertown, New York, is struggling to fund a $61 million water system upgrade. Officials warn water rates may rise if key grants aren’t secured.
Newsom's Delta Tunnel project faces setback as fast-track bills die in legislature
California’s Delta Conveyance Project suffered a major setback last week after two fast-track bills died in committee. Gov. Newsom’s $60–100 billion water tunnel has faced growing opposition over costs, environmental risks and community impacts.
Seattle to replace 21-million-gallon Bitter Lake reservoir with buried system
Seattle Public Utilities is replacing the Bitter Lake reservoir with a partially buried 21-million-gallon system to improve water quality and protect the city’s drinking water supply.
Amazon, Xylem partner on smart water infrastructure to save 1.3 billion liters annually in Mexico
Mexico City and Monterrey have launched smart water projects with Xylem and Amazon, saving 1.3 billion liters annually and improving supply resilience.
Kalamazoo, Mich., launches $60 million water system overhaul
Kalamazoo, Mich., has launched a $60 million water system overhaul, including a new PFAS treatment plant and water main replacements. The project will modernize aging infrastructure, improve water quality, and ensure compliance with new federal standards by 2029.
Heavy rain triggers spike in Oklahoma City water main breaks
Oklahoma City has reported 40 water main breaks in a week after heavy rain stressed underground pipes. Officials have doubled the water line replacement budget to $20 million.
Vancouver nears completion of $208 million water tunnel
Metro Vancouver is making progress on its long-term water security initiatives, with excavation for the Annacis Water Supply Tunnel nearing completion. The 1.43-mi steel main is part of a $208.1 million project awarded to Traylor Aecon General Partnership, with full completion expected by 2027.
Laredo replaces first phase of aging water lines after years of main breaks
Laredo has begun replacing 30,000 feet of aging water lines after years of frequent main breaks and water loss. The $11.3 million project continues this fall, with more phases planned through November.
Cupertino, Calif., water main break floods homes, prompts boil advisory
A ruptured water line flooded several Cupertino homes, forcing evacuations and prompting a boil advisory. San Jose Water says a contractor struck the line, and cleanup continues.
$337 million granted to N.C. to repair Helene infrastructure damage
Nearly a year after Category 4 Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding throughout North Carolina, the Environmental Protection Agency has provided a total of $337 million to assist in recovery efforts. Of this amount, $276 million is designated for bolstering water infrastructure resilience.
Newsom’s Delta Conveyance Project wins crucial endorsement
California Governor Gavin Newsom's initiative to expedite the Delta Conveyance Project received a significant boost this week with an endorsement from the Imperial Irrigation District (IID), the largest irrigation district in the U.S.
Illinois EPA grants $40 million for PFAS removal in small communities
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has launched a new grant program dedicating over $40 million to help tackle issues related to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and manganese in drinking water, specifically in small or disadvantaged communities.
Charlottesville, Va., begins $61.5 million raw water pipeline to replace aging lines
Charlottesville’s $61.5 million raw water pipeline project is entering a new phase with blasting near Fontaine Avenue and night construction beginning next week. The 36-inch line will replace aging pipes and strengthen long-term water reliability for the region.
Minnesota announces over $236 million in funding for water infrastructure across state
The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (MPFA) has unveiled over $236.4 million in loans and grants aimed at enhancing wastewater and drinking water facilities across 18 cities in the state.
Austin approves $260 million for water funding despite environmental concerns
During the recent Austin City Council meeting, $260 million in funding for the Austin water utility was approved despite strong community opposition. Critics expressed concerns over the lack of transparency regarding specific funded projects, stating that the provided information was too vague and didn't align with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Springfield, Mo., completes 11-mile, 48-inch water main after decades of work
After 26 years of phased planning and construction, City Utilities of Springfield has finished its 11-mile, 48-inch water main project, designed to enhance supply reliability and add redundancy to the city’s water system.
Governor Hochul announces record $3.4 billion for New York water infrastructure
On Thursday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a historical investment of $3.4 billion in water infrastructure throughout the state. The investment represents a 55% increase compared to the previous year.
Paterson, N.J., crews deploy line stops to fix massive 42-inch water main break
While nearly 77,000 customers have seen the boil advisory lifted, it remains in place for nearby areas as flushing is paused for emergency work.
Crews swap out 1940s-era water mains in Dunellen, N.J.
New Jersey American Water has begun replacing 1940s-era water mains in Dunellen, N.J., upgrading 3,140 feet of pipe and removing lead lines to improve service reliability and fire protection.
Houston considering new underground tunnels for flood mitigation
Harris County in Houston, Texas, is exploring substantial projects to mitigate flooding, including the construction of tunnels over 100 feet below the water. Over the past six years, the flood control district has invested $4.5 million in tunnel studies, partially funded by a federal grant.
- Three Houston workers killed by hydrogen sulfide leak during sewer repair
- Trump's tariffs drive $33 million cost increase for Cincinnati sewer project
- TxDOT advances massive drainage tunnel beneath I-35 in Austin
- Funding approved for $1.3 billion, 60-mile water reuse system in southern Utah
- Is the Boring Company tunneling blind in Nashville? Experts warn rock tests fall short