Water
Houston water infrastructure upgrades carry $5 billion price tag following 32 billion gallons lost in 2023
Houston has replaced only 6% of its water lines in the past decade, which translates to roughly 850 miles of pipe – far short of the industry standard, which is 20%, or over 2,000 miles of pipe.
Kyle, Texas, grapples with water supply crisis amid pipeline delays, population boom
Kyle officials attribute the shortage to climate change, rising demand due to population growth, and delays in a new pipeline that will bring water from the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer. The pipeline, crucial to the city’s long-term water strategy, is expected to come online next year, but development challenges have slowed its progress.
Alabama earmarks $615 million of $2.1 billion ARPA funds for water, sewer infrastructure projects
Nearly $573 million of this has already been obligated to almost 500 projects, with additional agreements pending. Local governments are contributing $663 million in matching funds, bringing the total investment to over $1 billion.
New Mexico launches AI-powered initiative to spot water leaks
New Mexico is teaming up with Google Public Sector and Woolpert Digital Innovations on a new initiative called Hydro Delta, which uses artificial intelligence to detect water leaks, many of which are hidden underground and difficult to identify.
Utilities board approves new water rates for New Jersey American Water on $1.3 billion infrastructure investment
The company’s rate request was filed on January 19, 2024, and was primarily driven by more than $1.3 billion in infrastructure investment in treatment system and distribution upgrades since its last rate filing.
EPA launches $7.5 billion WIFIA fund to improve water infrastructure nationwide
The WIFIA program offers long-term loans to help communities implement critical water infrastructure projects, which protect public health, deliver environmental benefits, create over 60,000 good-paying jobs, protect waterways including drinking water sources, and support local economies, at a lower cost.
EPA collaborates with Dowagic, Mich., to identify, replace lead drinking water pipes
Dowagiac is participating in the EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative, a program to move the nation towards achieving 100% lead service line replacement. The Get the Lead Out Initiative will provide technical assistance to approximately 200 communities nationwide.
Calgary faces water restrictions amid Bearspaw pipe repairs
Crews have started critical repairs on Calgary’s Bearspaw South Feeder Main, with work slated to continue through September. The repairs, which began on Aug. 26, involve eight work sites and 21 pipe segments that need attention along the main water supply line.
Wisconsin proposes new PFAS drinking water standards to align with federal rules
The Environmental Protection Agency recently established new federal Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFAS, requiring states to adopt these standards to maintain regulatory control over their water systems.
Port Townsend, Wash., lifts water conservation notice after main line repair
The leak, caused by a cracked fitting on the main water transmission line, was discharging around 400 gallons of water per minute and eroding soil around the pipeline on a steep hillside near Snow Creek.
South Holland, Ill., to accelerate lead pipe replacement in effort to protect drinking water
Under the Get the Lead Out Initiative, EPA will support the village of South Holland in service line material identification (including hydrovacuum excavation at some locations), developing its lead service line replacement plan, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and applying for funding.
Massachusetts to protect children from lead drinking water with $1.3 million federal funding
The funding announced this past week was authorized by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act and is provided to 55 states, the District of Columbia, and participating territories as grants for lead testing and remediation in schools and childcare facilities.
Senator Joe Manchin backs Pickaway waterline extension in West Virginia's Monroe County
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin has announced new funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to extend the Pickaway waterline in Monroe County, improving access to clean drinking water for residents of Union.
Telecommunications crew damages underground water main in Fort Worth, damaging at least 5 homes
The water, under high pressure, shot out forcefully, damaging at least 5 homes in the area. It took over an hour for the water department to stop the flow due to the pipe's size and configuration.
Connecticut to build emergency waterline to protect drinking water infrastructure from climate change
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the selection of the Connecticut Department of Public Health for a $556,000 grant to construct an emergency waterline and pumping station to protect drinking water system infrastructure in Montville, Conn., from drought.
League City, Texas, advances major underground water, sewer upgrades with $308 million investment
League City, Texas, is investing $184 million to enhance its water system and $124 million for wastewater improvements as part of its Capital Improvement Program for FY2024-2028.
Ferguson Waterworks partners with AQS for nationwide leak detection solutions
Through this collaboration, Ferguson Waterworks will supply and maintain AQS’s advanced leak management systems for water supply networks, including both distribution and transmission lines.
New York State allocates $265 million for water and sewer upgrades, lead line inventory
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $265 million investment to enhance water and sewer infrastructure across New York State, focusing on identifying and replacing lead pipes to ensure safe drinking water.
California to improve water infrastructure drought resiliency with $7.3 million in federal funding
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding over $7.3 million in grants in California to support four drinking water systems in underserved, small, and disadvantaged communities that will be facing drought, wildfires and other impacts of climate change.
EPA allocates $26 million to combat lead in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities
The funding was authorized by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act and is provided to states, the District of Columbia, and participating territories as grants for lead testing and remediation in schools and childcare facilities.
Aquasight joins Google AI Academy infrastructure program to address U.S. water, wastewater challenges
Aquasight will gain access to tailored mentorship, advanced AI development, and strategic guidance from Google's experts. The goal is to refine and enhance Aquasight's AI and Digital Twin offerings, enabling the company to tackle pressing challenges in the water and wastewater utility industry nationwide.
EPA to invest $25.5 million in drinking water infrastructure projects across the country
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $25.5 million in grants through a new program to support drinking water systems in underserved, small, and disadvantaged communities while reducing impacts of climate change.
James River Water Authority breaks ground on pipeline project for Louisa, Fluvanna counties
The project aims to provide a sustainable water supply for the growing populations of Fluvanna and Louisa counties in Louisa, Virginia.
Saskatchewan, Canada to begin $2 million water infrastructure upgrades
The Water Security Agency is set to invest over $2 million in five critical water infrastructure projects across Southwest Saskatchewan.
USG Water Solutions expands asset management services with new California service center
This location―its second on the West Coast―marks a significant milestone in the company's aim to enhance water and wastewater infrastructure asset and operations management services for utilities and private water companies across the United States.
International report: Germany accelerates plans for energy development
Germany plans to actively accelerate the development and modernization of its underground energy infrastructure in the near future.
Lynchburg, Va., begins work on $400 million Blackwater CSO tunnel to protect waterways
Construction has started on the Blackwater CSO Tunnel, the largest capital improvement project in Lynchburg's history. The nearly mile-long, 12-foot diameter tunnel will be built 70 to 120 feet below Blackwater Creek.
EPA blames state for Jackson water crisis, cites inadequate oversight
The EPA has released a critical report highlighting the Mississippi State Department of Health’s failures in overseeing Jackson’s water system, which contributed to the 2022 water crisis impacting 150,000 residents.
Central Florida’s Toho Water Authority secures $188.3 million for water infrastructure expansion
The EPA has awarded a $188.3 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan to the Toho Water Authority to enhance water infrastructure in Polk and Osceola counties.
Coastal Alabama to receive $30 million for sewer and stormwater improvements
Governor Kay Ivey has announced nearly $30 million in funding for sewer, stormwater, and water quality improvement projects in Coastal Alabama.
- Authorities investigating trench collapse that killed worker in Ashburn, Va.
- NTSB publishes preliminary report on fatal gas pipeline explosion in Lexington, Mo.
- Mass. governor slams Trump for ‘dangerous delay’ of $50 million in lead pipe replacement funds
- Ditch Witch West sells first Bulldog trencher to speed up undergrounding work along West Coast
- Centuri awarded nearly $400 million for U.S. gas infrastructure work
- Maryland lawmakers push to curb BGE pipeline spending, citing safety and cost concerns
- Charlottesville, Va., to begin work on 24-inch water line for Rivanna River crossing
- Mass. governor slams Trump for ‘dangerous delay’ of $50 million in lead pipe replacement funds
- City of Albuquerque halts fiber optic construction in response to damage, complaints
- Pasadena, Calif., undergrounding project could take 500 years to finish