Water & Wastewater Market Recap, August 2024

The August 2024 Water and Wastewater Market Recap covers interesting and useful water industry news for this month. It contains updates on industry drivers, notable projects, as well as some interesting reads.

Notable Capital Improvement Programs

Here are some recent, notable Capital Improvement Programs (CIPs). FirmoGraphs has deconstructed the CIPs into data elements, along with available project descriptions. Please feel free to request a meeting and review the data live in our business intelligence application.

Regional San, California, Planned Capital Expenditure Increased By 76%

In the CIP covering the 2025 fiscal year, Regional San, California, detailed plans to spend $406 million on capital projects, an increase of 76% from $231 million in its 2024 CIP. The current CIP has 57 line items, compared to 34 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down RegionalSan’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.

Spending Increases 76% with Major Projects and Higher Biosolids Costs

Planned spending in the recent period increased by 76% due to the shift into the construction phase of two key projects: the Harvest Water Project and the BioGeneration Facility. Project costs have significantly risen because of increased construction-related expenses. Additionally, there has been an increase in the cost of biosolids disposal due to the rise in biosolids production associated with EchoWater Project operations.

Regional San Unveils Over $200 Million Harvest Water Project and Over $50 Million Energy Facility

Regional San has two notable line items: one valued at over $200 million and another at over $50 million. The Harvest Water Project is the most significant line item, worth $234 million. This project involves the construction of a pump station and a large-diameter pipeline to deliver recycled water to agricultural interests in southern Sacramento County. The purpose is to reduce groundwater use for agricultural irrigation and provide additional ecological benefits. Additionally, $67 million is planned for constructing the new BioGeneration Facility project, which will enable the EchoWater Facility to burn digester gas to produce electricity and heat.

Click Here to See RegionalSan, California, CIP

City of Glendale, Arizona, Planned Capital Expenditure Increased By 23%

In the CIP covering the 2025-2034 fiscal years, the city of Glendale detailed plans to spend $2 billion on capital projects, an increase of 23% from $1.6 billion in its 2024-2033 CIP. The current CIP has 365 line items, compared to 336 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Glendale’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs. 

Public Safety and Water Increases

There is a significant 89% increase in the Public Safety category due to funding for the ongoing Fire Apparatus Replacement project. Additionally, the Water category also saw a 35% increase for ongoing water project improvements.

Glendale's $48M Cholla WTP Upgrade Leads $Over $40 Million Major Project List

The city of Glendale, Arizona has five notable line items valued at over $25 million. The most significant line item is the Cholla WTP Improvements, worth $48 million, under the Water category. The project includes improvements and rehabilitation of system components at the Cholla WTP. The system components for the next rehab include: air scour for backwash pumps, solid handling, electrical gear, chlorine dioxide generator, and other systems. Other line items include:

• 91St Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements - worth $44 million,  under the Wastewater category.
• Heroes Park Rec And Aquatics Center - worth $30 million, under the Parks category.
• Pyramid Peak Wtp Improvement - worth $30 million, under the Water category.
• Sahuaro Ranch Park Buildout - worth $28 million, under the Parks category.

Click Here to See City of Glendale, Arizona, CIP

Washoe County, Nevada, Planned Capital Program Increased by 14%

In the CIP covering the 2025-2029 fiscal years, Washoe County, Nevada, detailed plans to spend $550 million on capital projects, an increase of 14% from $484 million in its 2024-2028 CIP. The current CIP has 242 line items, compared to 217 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Washoe’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs. 

Most Notable Increase in Capital Improvements Category

Washoe County's recent Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) has increased significantly, with nearly all business areas reflecting these increases. The most notable rise is in the Capital Improvements category, which has grown by 51% due to the addition of several new projects.

Washoe County's $16M Pleasant Valley Project Tops $70M in Major Spending

Washoe County has five notable line items valued at over $10 million. The most significant line item is the Pleasant Valley Interceptor - Reach 3 Conveyance Project, worth $16 million, under the Utilities category. Other notable line items include:

• Steamboat Lift Station Replacement and 2nd Force Main - worth $15 million, under the Utilities category.
• West Hills Rehabilitation - worth $14 million, under the Capital Improvements category.
• Lower Valley Water Reclamation Facility (LVWRF) - Regional Sanitation Water Reclamation Facility (RSWRF) Upgrade, Lift Station, Effluent Pipeline, Decommissioning - worth $13 million, under the Utilities category.
• 911 Parr Parking Lot Rehabilitation Phase II - worth $12 million, under the Capital Improvements category. 

Click Here to See Washoe County, Nevada, CIP

What We Are Reading

Here are some recent articles our team has been reading:

• Stantec manages $104 million Blackwater sewer overflow tunnel in Lynchburg, Va.
• Hawaii American Water files rate request driven by $41 million in wastewater infrastructure investments
• USACE starts Lahaina sewer project a year after deadly wildfire
• Georgia reports major spill of 11.12 million gallons of wastewater
• EPA leaders and Congressman Soto to announce $188M loan to upgrade and expand water services in central Florida
• New York City begins $52 million stormwater infrastructure upgrade to reduce flooding across Queens
• Coastal Alabama to receive $30 million for sewer and stormwater improvements
• Lynchburg, Va., begins work on $400 million Blackwater CSO tunnel to protect waterways
• New York State allocates $265 million for water and sewer upgrades, lead line inventory
• Texas city breaks ground on new water reclamation facility expansion
• League City, Texas, advances major underground water, sewer upgrades with $308 million investment
• USIBWC announces contract to expand $600 million California WWTP project
• EPA Region 3 and Four Manufactured Home Communities Settle Wastewater Treatment Cases in Ann Arundel County, Maryland with $1.1 million in penalties

What Top U.S. Environmental Companies Blog About

To stay abreast of industry marketing trends, we regularly review blogs of the nation's top consulting and construction firms.  These are some notable customer-focused blogs in August.

Stantec Completes Design of Demonstration Facility for Pure Water Antelope Valley

Summary: On August 5, 2024, Stantec discussed in a blog the completion of the design of a new demonstration facility for the Pure Water Antelope Valley project, located in California’s Antelope Valley, which is part of a broader initiative aimed at advancing water recycling technologies. The demonstration center will showcase innovative methods for treating and purifying wastewater to produce high-quality, reclaimed water. This initiative is crucial due to the region’s ongoing water scarcity issues, which are exacerbated by prolonged drought conditions. The facility is expected to play a key role in testing and refining water treatment processes to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability. 

Stantec Selected by Los Angeles Department of Water & Power for 5-year U.S. $104-million Master Services Agreement

Summary: On August 15, 2024, Stantec announced in a blog that it has been selected by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) for a five-year master services agreement. Under this contract, Stantec will provide a range of engineering and consulting services to support LADWP’s infrastructure and utility projects. The collaboration aims to enhance the city’s water and power systems through innovative solutions and expert guidance. The agreement highlights Stantec’s role in helping LADWP tackle complex challenges and advance its operational goals. By leveraging Stantec’s expertise, LADWP seeks to improve the efficiency and sustainability of its services, ultimately benefiting the city’s residents and infrastructure. This partnership reflects a strategic commitment to long-term collaboration and infrastructure improvement.

Providing an Elegant Framework to Improve Water Quality and Ecosystems

Summary: On August 23, 2024, HDR published a blog discussing the future of clean water policies and regulatory innovation over the next 50 years. It emphasizes that as water challenges become more complex globally, there is a growing need for evolving regulations and innovative approaches to ensure sustainable water management. The discussion highlights the importance of adapting policies to address emerging contaminants, climate change impacts, and population growth, particularly in urban and industrialized areas. Additionally, the article underscores that proactive policy-making and technological advancements will be crucial for maintaining and improving water quality. 

Jacobs Recognized for Industry Leadership in Environmental Remediation, including PFAS, Water Management, Sustainable, Climate-Resilient Solutions

Summary: On August 13, 2024, Jacobs announced in a blog post that it has been recognized for its industry leadership in environmental remediation, particularly in addressing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in water. This acknowledgment highlights Jacobs' significant contributions to developing advanced solutions and innovative strategies for cleaning up environmental pollutants. The recognition comes as the company continues to tackle complex challenges related to PFAS, which are persistent and harmful chemicals commonly found in water sources. Jacobs' efforts include implementing cutting-edge technologies and comprehensive remediation practices to mitigate the impact of these contaminants. This recognition underscores Jacobs' commitment to advancing environmental protection and improving water quality. The company’s leadership is crucial as PFAS contamination remains a pressing environmental and public health issue.

The City of Gillette Builds the Largest, State-Funded Water Project to Secure the City’s Supply

Summary: In August 2024, the City of Gillette, Wyoming, and Burns & McDonnell announced in a blog that they have completed the largest state-funded water project in the city's history to secure and enhance its water supply. This significant infrastructure project includes the construction of a new water treatment facility and related systems designed to meet the city's growing demand and ensure reliable access to clean water. The initiative addresses both current and future water needs amid increasing population and economic development in the region. The project is crucial for sustaining Gillette’s water resources and supporting long-term community growth. By investing in this extensive upgrade, the city aims to bolster its water management capabilities and improve overall service delivery. The successful completion of the project underscores the city's commitment to addressing critical infrastructure challenges and securing its water future.