Water
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.
Governor Hochul secures $185 million for New York water infrastructure
(UI) — Governor Kathy Hochul has secured over $185 million for water infrastructure projects across New York. The Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors has given the green light to provide financial assistance for vital water infrastructure improvements throughout the state.
Illinois American Water to upgrade Village of Broadlands water system with new acquisition
Illinois American Water plans to invest in the first year on critical infrastructure, including installation of water meters and other projects to enhance water quality and system reliability.
Michigan appeals court upholds decision striking down water rules on PFAS
In a 2-1 opinion Tuesday affirming a 2022 decision by a lower court, the appeals court didn’t address the merits of adopting tougher drinking water standards. Rather, it said the state failed to estimate the cost of any groundwater cleanup that could be associated with the new rules.
East Canton clean water disconnection program addresses sewer capacity and growth
(UI) — To prevent a costly replacement of sewer infrastructure and potential rate hikes, the new program offers eligible sewer customers in East Canton, Ohio, financial assistance—covering up to 75% of the expenses—to disconnect clean water sources from their sanitary sewer connections.
New York governor commits $20 million to Erie County water infrastructure upgrades
(UI) — The allocation will enable the Erie County Water Authority (ECWA) to embark on a long-anticipated $80 million modernization project, including the renewal of water filters responsible for treating 60 million daily gallons from Lake Erie.
Xcel Energy building underground barrier to contain radioactive water in Minnesota
The energy company responsible for leaking radioactive material from its nuclear plant in Monticello, Minnesota, in recent months has announced that it will build an underground metal barrier to keep affected groundwater away from the nearby Mississippi River.
Federal judge orders utility to turn over customer information amid reports of improper water use
In a Monday court filing, U.S. District Court Judge Henry Wingate granted a motion by Ted Henifin — the federally appointed interim manager of Jackson’s water and sewer systems — that compels Entergy Mississippi to turn over names, addresses and contact information for customers in over 30 zip codes in the area.
Water Well Trust, H2Alabama partner to drill, rehabilitate water wells in rural Alabama
To date, the Water Well Trust has been involved in drilling or rehabilitating over 464 water wells and 28 septic systems serving 511 households across the U.S., many of which were USDA projects.
Four states decline federal funds to find, replace lead water pipes, AP discovers
Washington, Oregon, Maine and Alaska declined all or most of their federal funds in the first of five years that the mix of grants and loans is available, The Associated Press found.
Maui water deemed unsafe post-fire, filters ineffective in addressing contamination
The Maui fires damaged hundreds of drinking water pipes, resulting in a loss of pressure that can allow toxic chemicals along with metals and bacteria into water lines.
First aqueduct water pipeline rehabilitated with geopolymer for SDCWA
(UI) — When the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) inspected its First Aqueduct water conveyance system in Valley Center, engineers identified that rehabilitation was required. Groundwater was infiltrating three tunnels within the system and rehabilitation was required to maintain the tunnels’ structural integrity and extend their service life.
EPA removes Smithtown Groundwater Contamination Site from National Priorities List
In 2005, EPA began installing service lines to connect people’s homes to the public water that is regulated and regularly tested. In addition, EPA extended the water main so all the impacted homes could be connected.
Michigan to address PFAS groundwater contamination near military base
Two systems will be deployed to address the spread of PFAS, an abbreviation for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in groundwater near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan.
Mandan and MDU partner to bury power lines along North Dakota highway
(UI) — Mandan officials are collaborating with Montana Dakota Utilities (MDU) to enhance North Dakota's highway infrastructure by burying nearby power lines and installing an underground storm sewer.
Biden administration allocates $200 million in federal infrastructure grants to upgrade water tunnels
Some of the 169 projects that make up the first batch in a $1 billion initiative being rolled out over five years under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act would upgrade the culverts to allow water — and fish — to flow more freely.
Proposal aims to enhance gas, water pipelines across federal lands near Rifle, Colorado
(UI) — The proposal involves the construction of natural gas and produced water pipelines crossing federal land south of Rifle, Colorado, covering a total of seven miles. This includes 2.9 miles through U.S. National Forest land, 2.1 miles across Bureau of Land Management territory, and another 2.1 miles over private property.
Wint raises $35 million to propel AI-driven leak detection solutions
(UI) — Wint, a 'water intelligence' startup from Israel, has successfully secured $35 million in funding for its cutting-edge water management system that merges AI-driven software with connected hardware to promptly identify and mitigate leaks.
EPA funds Wyoming's stormwater collection, sewer system upgrades
(UI) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated funding from the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program to support Wyoming communities in addressing stormwater and sewer infrastructure needs.
Jacobs selected to oversee major water management program in California
The program encompasses a series of new integrated water infrastructure projects, including intra-basin recycled water conveyance and groundwater injection and replenishment.
Water infrastructure across the country vulnerable to climate change, AP reports
Recent federal spending packages commit billions of dollars to upgrading the nation’s water systems, but the roughly $55 billion for upgrades in the Biden administration’s $1 trillion infrastructure law represent a fraction of what’s needed to address climate-related risks to water and sewage systems.
Governor Ivey pledges $67 million to 27 water and sewer projects across Alabama
(UI) — Governor Kay Ivey has unveiled a comprehensive plan for over $67 million in funding across 27 projects. These transformative initiatives, backed by the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006, are set to rejuvenate sewer infrastructure, elevate water quality standards, and enhance vital research and recreational access points.
LAN, Houston Public Works project earns state-wide recognition
Houston Public Works (HPW), Lockwood, Andrews and Newnam Inc. (LAN), and Harper Brothers Construction LLC (HBC) received the Texas Chapter of the American Public Works Association (TX-APWA) 2023 Project of the Year Award for Environment, $25-to-$75 million category, for the SWTP 72-inch Water Line from Emancipation to Tuam.
New Jersey invests $15.2 million to revitalize Monmouth Country infrastructure
(UI) — New Jersey American Water has announced a $15.2 million investment to replace over five miles of aging water main in Fair Haven, Middletown Township, and Union Beach, beginning this summer. The company will upgrade water lines that were installed as far back as the 1920s.
Colorado receives federal grant to remove lead pipes from childcare facilities
Lead remediation actions may include but are not limited to the removal, installation, and replacement of lead pipes or lead connectors and other lead-free apparatus related to drinking water.
- OSHA issues 16 citations following fatal sewer confined space incident
- 27 pipeline safety violations tied to deadly Pa. chocolate factory explosion
- Contractor gas line strike triggers home explosion in Missouri
- LA recovery reports call for $650 million power line burial, major utility upgrades in Pacific Palisades
- Comprehensive microtrenching FAQ: Key insights on the Vermeer MTR516 microtrencher
- T-Mobile to expand fiber broadband infrastructure footprint with $4.9 billion Metronet acquisition
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility
- Cityside launches $100 million fiber build in Corona, Calif.
- FiberLight to build 1,400-mile West Texas dark fiber network in $350 million expansion