Water
Maui fires highlight nation-wide problem with vulnerable water systems, AP reports
Kula’s experience exposed a common vulnerability in the U.S., where many water systems don’t have sufficient backup power to guarantee pressure if fires, storms or cold take electricity offline for long periods.
Georgia’s Lowndes County and Moody Air Force Base to undergo water infrastructure upgrades
(UI) — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is delivering new upgrades to improve water infrastructure in Lowndes County and Moody Air Force Base.
New Orleans aims to secure fresh water with $120-$200 million pipeline project
(UI) — While not yet finalized, the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board recently briefed city council members, outlining plans for a 10-12-mile-long pipeline. This pipeline would facilitate the withdrawal of water from a location north of Kenner, situated above the encroaching saltwater wedge.
New Jersey invests $298 million in flood-resilience projects
(UI) — In coordination with Climate Week, Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette has allocated nearly $298 million for two critical flood-resilience projects in northern New Jersey.
Maryland church receives $1.7 million grant for stormwater management project
(UI) — Sherwood Episcopal Church has secured a $1.7 million grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as part of its Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund initiative, marking a pivotal step in the implementation of Sherwood's Clean Water Project.
EPA updates groundwater cleanup plan for contaminated site in New Jersey
Under the final plan, an underground wall made of a treatment material will destroy the 1,4-dioxane contamination as groundwater flows through it.
Oregon City receives $16 million loan to upgrade centuries-old water infrastructure
This WIFIA loan accelerates investment to modernize aging, high-risk water pipes, some of which are lined with cast iron and asbestos.
Minnesota forms task force to boost infrastructure resilience amid climatic challenges
(UI) — Over the following months, members of the task force will concentrate on improving the coordination among state and local partners in their response to the destructive impacts of storms, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snowfall, which can wreak havoc on roads, bridges, wastewater systems, and more.
DEC and CNY Land Trust secure 144 acres to safeguard Skaneateles Lake drinking water
(UI) — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and The Central New York Land Trust, Inc. (CNYLT) have joined forces to protect the pristine waters of Skaneateles Lake, a vital drinking water source for 190,000 residents in Central New York.
EPA to invest $7.5 billion to upgrade water infrastructure across the country
This low-interest loan program helps communities invest in drinking water and stormwater infrastructure while saving millions of dollars and creating good-paying local jobs.
EPA allocates over $20 million to support water utility worker training
The water industry is facing wide-spread shortages of qualified workers due to expected retirements, needed investments in the nation’s infrastructure, and new technical and scientific skill sets required to operate and maintain these systems.
Beaumont, Texas, unveils $123 million plan to overhaul water infrastructure
(UI) — This intricate plan, spanning five years, carries a substantial price tag of $123 million, with a significant portion, $43 million, allocated to the replacement and maintenance of water pipelines during this period.
EPA unveils $500 million water equity program to address infrastructure needs across the country
EPA’s “Advancing Water Equity and Access for All Commitment” will be implemented in collaboration with the Clinton Global Initiative and academic, non-profit, philanthropic and private sector partners to ensure more communities than ever have access to essential drinking water and stormwater services.
Metropolitan Water to increase water supplies for 7 million people with new infrastructure projects
The projects separately work to push water from the Colorado River and Diamond Valley Lake, Southern California’s largest reservoir, into communities that currently have limited access to these diverse and stored supplies.
EPA unveils $19 million grant program to improve climate resilience of nation’s water infrastructure
Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity include public water systems, a water system located in an area governed by an Indian Tribe, eligible territories, and states on behalf of communities that are underserved and small or disadvantaged.
Los Angeles stormwater infrastructure proves resilient as Tropical Storm Hilary breaks records
(UI) — Tropical Storm Hilary, which swept through Southern California and Nevada on August 20, set records as one of the wettest storms in the region's history, despite not causing the expected destruction. In Los Angeles, infrastructure captured around 13 million cubic meters (10,500 acre-feet) of stormwater from the storm.
Advocates urge expanded public hearings about Baltimore’s water and sewer system
(UI) — The Baltimore Regional Water Governance Task Force announced that it would hold four in-person meetings throughout this fall before recommending a new governance model for the city’s water and wastewater system.
GPRS launches new safety initiative to address aging water, wastewater infrastructure
(UI) — Ground Penetrating Radar Systems LLC (GPRS) has announced a new safety initiative designed to help municipalities and facilities regain control of their water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week (WSDAW) will run Oct. 23-27, 2023.
Communities unite to overcome decades of undrinkable water in West Texas
In rural West Texas, water problems underscore a broader issue: a 2016 report revealed 65 Texas systems with excessive arsenic, impacting 51,000 residents. Despite this, around 65 residents convened at a July meeting united in their aim to establish the South Plains Water Supply Corporation. Moreover, relief is on the horizon with $2.5 billion in federal funding allocated for water infrastructure.
Colorado wins over $13 million in federal funding for water transmission pipeline
The Gold Hill Pipeline Project will build a pipeline for water to flow in two directions, closing the gap in the transmission network.
Pennsylvania allocates $3.5 million to improve water and sewage safety in three counties
(UI) — Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger has announced nearly $3.5 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to ensure safe water and sewage systems in Mifflin, Somerset, and Sullivan counties.
Rocky Top, Tenn., awarded $2.3 million for water infrastructure improvements
(UI) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner David Salyers today announced two loans totaling $2,325,000 for the City of Rocky Top to improve water infrastructure.
Kansas to receive $49.1 million to upgrade water, sanitary systems
(UI) — Within Kansas, the allocation includes a $6.4 million loan earmarked for the revitalization of water systems in Perry. This initiative will encompass the modernization and installation of approximately 24,000 feet of the collection system and around 15,000 feet of associated pipelines and equipment.
North Carolina sets the stage for new federal water protection rules
A month after the U.S. Supreme Court severely restricted the federal government’s power to oversee wetlands, the Republican-dominated North Carolina legislature handed state agencies an order: Don’t give the ecologically crucial waters any more protection than newly weakened federal rules provide.
Federal court grants preliminary approval of $12.5 billion PFAS water contamination case
A federal district court in South Carolina granted preliminary approval of a $12.5 billion class action settlement on behalf of public water systems nationwide over claims that major chemical manufacturer, 3M, contaminated water sources across the country with PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.”
After Supreme Court curtails federal power, Biden administration weakens water protections
The Biden administration weakened regulations protecting millions of acres of wetlands Tuesday, saying it had no choice after the Supreme Court sharply limited the federal government’s jurisdiction over them.
127-year-old water main gives way under NYC’s Times Square, flooding streets, subways
A 127-year-old water main under New York’s Times Square gave way early Tuesday, flooding midtown streets and the city’s busiest subway station.
EPA releases initial data in nation’s most comprehensive PFAS monitoring effort
The data collected under UCMR 5 will ensure science-based decision-making and help EPA better understand national-level exposure to these 29 PFAS and lithium.
California American Water lifts boil water notice for San Diego County District
Customers can now consume and use their tap water normally after days of extensive testing have shown no sign of contamination.
Houston and San Antonio face sewer, water struggles amid central US deadly heat wave
Deadly heat has gripped Texas for much of the summer and has now spread into other parts of the central U.S., where it is expected to persist for days. Triple-digit temperatures are buckling roads, straining water systems, and posing a threat to the power grid of the nation’s energy capital.
- 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
- Two workers rescued after hours trapped in Mich. trench collapse
- Trump calls for Keystone XL pipeline revival, but developer has moved on
- Illinois overhauls Peoples Gas pipeline program, mandates focus on high-risk pipes
- Ameren Illinois to invest $140 million in natural gas pipeline replacement program
- 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