Water
Portland's $2 billion Bull Run Filtration Project halts construction after permit denial
According to The Oregonian/Oregon Live, Portland city officials have paused construction on its $2 billion Bull Run project after failing to secure a crucial land-use permit required for construction to move forward. The project, first approved in 2017, includes plans for a new filtration plant and associated water pipelines to comply with EPA regulations.
Bipartisan legislation reintroduced to protect utilities, ratepayers from PFAS costs
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) has expressed strong support for the reintroduction of the Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to protect water utilities from undue financial burdens associated with PFAS cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
WES tunnel boring machine retrieved from Oregon river after seven-month project
The Clack-A-Mole Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) was retrieved from the Willamette River in Oregon City, Ore., at the end of January after being submerged for more than seven months. During that time, the 250,000-pound machine drilled a half-milelong, nine-foot-diameter tunnel to construct a new outfall pipeline to transport treated water.
Palm Coast, Fla. considers water rate hike to cover system upgrades through 2029
According to The Observer, the city of Palm Coast, Fla., will have to take steep measures in order to cover the $701 million in upgrades and maintenance city staff say is needed for its water and wastewater treatment facilities. A recent City Council workshop suggested water rate increases for residents may be the solution.
Garney, Ferguson join sewer and water funding firm as strategic investors
PERENfra has announced the launch of Perennial Infrastructure Fund I™, a private investment fund focused on core water infrastructure assets. The Fund has brought in two strategic investors: Garney Equity Holdings and Ferguson Ventures.
Lynchburg, Va., expanding sewer access, upgrading waterlines in Richland Hills and College Hill
Construction is underway on two major utility projects in Lynchburg: the Richland Hills Sewer Extension Project and the Sixth & Madison Utility Improvements Project in College Hill. The upgrades aim to improve water service, sewer access, and stormwater management for residents.
Vortex launches water division to tackle aging infrastructure
Vortex Companies has launched Vortex Water, a new division focused on water infrastructure rehabilitation. The move expands the company's trenchless solutions beyond sewer and industrial systems to address aging water pipelines with advanced materials, liners, and trenchless technologies.
Minn. utility, excavation company acquired by Bituminous, expanding underground reach
According to Southwest News Media, G.F. Jedlicki, an underground utility and excavation company based in Chanhassen, Minn., has been acquired by Bituminous Roadways, a local asphalt company.
Wisconsin to invest $145 million in PFAS cleanup for municipal water systems
Gov. Tony Evers has announced a $145 million initiative as part of his 2025-27 Executive Budget to combat PFAS contamination, protect families from harmful water pollutants, and improve access to clean drinking water across Wisconsin.
Jacobs to design PFAS removal upgrades for Boynton Beach, Fla., water treatment plants
The two plants, with a combined treatment capacity of 30 million gallons per day, provide drinking water to more than 112,000 residents. In addition to PFAS removal, the project will replace aging infrastructure and address the city’s increasing water demands.
Consor acquires Murfee Engineering, strengthening water infrastructure capabilities
Consor Engineering has acquired Murfee Engineering Company (MEC), a Texas-based civil engineering firm specializing in water and wastewater. Consor has nearly five decades of experience delivering solutions to complex projects for government agencies, private clients and special utility and conservation districts in Texas.
Water, sewer rates to increase in Republic, Mo. to cover infrastructure upgrades
According to KY3 News, water and sewer rates are expected to increase for Republic, Mo., residents. The water rate increases will benefit the city’s water infrastructure, while the sewer rate increases will help pay off part of the $50 million state loan used for upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
California American Water completes $4.5 million Los Angeles water system upgrades
California American Water recently completed a $4.5 million water main replacement project in its Bellflower system, replacing 8,510 linear feet of aging 4 and 6-inch asbestos cement water main with new 8-inch ductile iron pipes and installing new service pipes for 170 customers.
Colorado Springs begins $11 million storm drainage project in Park Vista South
Construction is underway on storm drainage improvements in the Park Vista South neighborhood of Colorado Springs, a project aimed at addressing flooding and public safety concerns along the Templeton Gap Floodway.
League City, Texas, allocates $184 million for water system upgrades
League City is investing $184.42 million in water system improvements and $123.68 million in wastewater upgrades as part of its FY2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Governor Abbott pushes major water infrastructure investment for Texas
Governor Greg Abbott is prioritizing water infrastructure investment as an emergency item, aiming to secure the state's water supply for future growth.
Editor’s Log: The burning bus of blame
In this month’s Editor’s Log, Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter delves into the challenges facing America’s underground infrastructure, from aging sewer and water systems to mismanagement and political inaction. As cities grapple with critical upgrades, the fallout from neglect—such as water crises and fire disasters—continues to mount.
Hawaii American Water contains 370,000-gallon wastewater overflow
The overflows, caused by extreme precipitation, led to the discharge of approximately 370,000 gallons of untreated wastewater into Kuapa Pond and a nearby tributary.
Newark resolves water crisis with service line replacement program
(UI) — As evidence mounted in the 1970s and 1980s about the detrimental effects of lead on the nervous system, Congress banned the use of lead in water pipes in 1986. By 1991, federal regulators began requiring water authorities to monitor lead levels in drinking water.
Charleston, S.C. to receive $7.6 million for stormwater, drainage upgrades
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham released a statement of support after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved more than $40 million in funding for water infrastructure projects across S. Carolina, including $7.6 million to upgrade stormwater and drainage systems in Charleston.
Jacobs secures 10-year contract for Miss. water treatment systems
Jacobs has secured a 10-year contract to operate and maintain the water treatment system in Jackson, Mississippi, with JXN Water, the entity responsible for ensuring reliable water service for citizens in the state's largest city. This contract follows a short-term operations and maintenance (O&M) agreement that provided nearly 180,000 residents in and around Jackson with more reliable drinking water.
Trump order halts EPA’s proposed limits on PFAS discharges
The Office of Management and Budget withdrew the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule on Clean Water Act Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) and Standards for PFAS Manufacturers on Jan. 21.
Fending off water freeze in combination sewer cleaners
Winter delivers a multitude of challenges for sewer cleaner operators, and protecting essential equipment from the ravages of freezing temperatures is among the top priorities. For owners of combination sewer cleaners, the potential for costly damage due to frozen water is a significant worry.
Eversource to sell Aquarion Water Company for $2.4 billion
Eversource Energy has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Aquarion Water Company to the Aquarion Water Authority (AWA), a quasi-public corporation and newly created water authority alongside the South-Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA).
Jacobs helps modernize Virginia’s Alexandria sewer system to improve water quality
The RiverRenew project involves the construction of a 2-mile-long, 12-foot diameter tunnel, along with two drop shafts, a deep pump station, and other infrastructure upgrades.
Excavation begins for stormwater detention basin project in Flagstaff, Ariz.
The Wedge Detention Basin is designed to manage excess stormwater runoff, preventing it from overwhelming the box culvert being installed along Linda Vista Drive. The basin will collect stormwater and gradually release it back into the city's stormwater management system when safe.
New York state approves $273 million for local water infrastructure improvements
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors has approved $273 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvements across New York.
$19.3 million in PENNVEST funding awarded for water, wastewater infrastructure upgrades
Pennsylvania American Water has been awarded $19.3 million in funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). The funding will support wastewater treatment plant upgrades and the replacement of lead water services lines in McKean and Allegheny counties, respectively.
Blair County, Pa., secures $3.6 million for wastewater infrastructure projects
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has approved more than $3.6 million in low-interest loans and grants for two vital wastewater infrastructure improvement projects in Blair County. An announcement was made by Senator Judy Ward, and Representative Scott Barger.
Additional $26.5 million secured for water extension projects in Grayling, Mich.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Remediation and Redevelopment Division (RRD) will provide an additional funding source of $26.5 million for portions of the Grayling Township Water Extension Projects.
- 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