The January 2025 Water and Wastewater Market Recap covers interesting and useful water industry news for this month. It contains updates on trending blogs from top AEC firms and notable projects.
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.
Great Lakes Water Authority, Michigan, Planned Capital Program Increased by 15%
In the CIP covering the 2025-2029 fiscal years, the Great Lakes Water Authority detailed plans to spend $2.1 billion on capital projects, an increase of 15% from $1.8 billion in its 2024-2028 CIP. The current CIP has 149 line items, compared to 171 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Great Lakes Water Authority’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Business Area Growth Led by 26% Surge in Wastewater Investments
All of the business areas increased. The most significant goes to the Wastewater category which increased by 26% with funding for ongoing projects, including Freud & Conner Creek Pump Station Improvements.
Great Lakes Water Authority Invests Over $100 Million in Pump Station Upgrade
Great Lakes Water Authority has four notable line items valued at over $100 million. The largest is the Freud & Conner Creek Pump Station Improvements, totaling $191 million. This project involves creating a basis of design and final operational strategy to optimize interconnected piping and operations between Connor Creek and Freud pumping stations, along with the Connor Creek Retention and Treatment Basin. Other significant line items in the Water category include:
- Springwells Water Treatment Plant, Low-Lift and High-Lift Pumping Station Improvements - valued at $158 million.
- 96-inch Water Transmission Main Relocation and Isolation Valve Installations - valued at $153 million, for relocating 2.5 miles of 96-inch transmission main currently in an EPA NPL landfill, some submerged in landfill leachate.
- Lake Huron Water Treatment Plant, Low-Lift, High Lift and Filter Backwash Pumping System Improvements - worth $100 million to rehabilitate or replace several systems and equipment, including High and medium voltage electrical system, Low-lift pumps, adjusted to current and projected demands, High-lift pumping units, adjusted to current and projected demands, Filter wash water pumps and related equipment, Phosphoric acid storage tanks and fill piping, and Upgrade instrumentation, controls, and SCADA systems for pumping equipment.
Click Here to See Great Lakes Water Authority, Michigan, CIP
City of Saginaw, Michigan, Planned Capital Spending Decreased By 6%
In the CIP covering the 2025-2030 fiscal years, Saginaw detailed plans to spend $215 million on capital projects, a decrease of 6% from nearly $229 million in its 2024-2029 CIP. The current CIP has 206 line items, compared to 176 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Saginaw’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Saginaw Budget Declines Overall, but Sewer & Water Projects See Growth
Many of the business areas saw a decrease. The most significant decrease is in Facilities/Public Works, which dropped by $17 million due to the City Hall Restoration/Renovation project, expected to be completed in FY 2024. The Engineering, Construction, and Infrastructure category also saw a decrease, due to the ongoing State St. project from City Limits to Bay St., which is nearing completion. Despite the decrease in most areas, the Sewer & Water Operations and Maintenance category saw an increase, with funding allocated for 7 additional projects.
Click Here to See City of Saginaw, Michigan, CIP
Southern Nevada Water Authority, Nevada, Planned Capital Program Increased By 8%
In the CIP covering the 2025 fiscal year, Southern Nevada Water Authority detailed plans to spend $406 million on capital projects, an increase of 8% from $379 million in its 2024 CIP. The current CIP has 165 line items, compared to 174 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Southern Nevada Water Authority’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Planned Spending Increases for Water Resources and Quality Projects
Planned spending in the Water Resources category increased by 48%, or $40 million, due to funding for ongoing projects and programs. The Water Quality & Treatment category also saw an increase of nearly $25 million for the same reason.
Southern Nevada Water Authority Invests $86M in Key Water Resources Programs
The Southern Nevada Water Authority has two notable line items, both valued at over $25 million, within the Water Resources category. The most significant of these is the Water Resource Acquisition and Development – Conservation – Water Smart Landscape Program, valued at $56 million. The other is the Future Water Supplies – Contingency, valued at $30 million.
Click Here to See Southern Nevada Water Authority, Nevada, CIP
Trending Blogs from Top AEC Firms
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 January.
Archer Western Construction awarded preconstruction services contract for Central Arizona Project (CAP) Aqueduct Hydrology Improvement CMAR Project
Summary: In January 2025, the Walsh Group published an article about Archer Western Construction being awarded a preconstruction services contract for the Central Arizona Project (CAP) Aqueduct Hydrology Improvement CMAR Project by the Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD). The contract focuses on planning and preparing improvements to reduce flood risks in the CAP aqueduct system. Archer Western will provide design support, constructability reviews, planning, scheduling, and evaluate alternative systems. The company will also assist with procurement of long-lead items and selecting major subcontractors. The project aims to enhance flood protection and ensure the CAP aqueduct’s continued operation, which is vital for Arizona’s water delivery. The work is essential for maintaining the aqueduct’s safety and functionality. Archer Western will help improve the aqueduct’s reliability through this planning phase.
2025 Lookahead: Resiliency Planning in Stormwater
Summary: In January 2025, All4 discussed in a blog that in 2024, several U.S. states, including Rhode Island, renewed their stormwater discharge permits, adding resiliency planning requirements similar to those in the EPA's Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP). While the EPA's MSGP doesn't require additional stormwater controls, it mandates facilities document existing measures and consider adjustments to minimize pollutant discharge. Rhode Island's MSGP, however, mandates actions like reinforcing structures and relocating materials during storms. States like Alaska, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are expected to renew their permits in 2025, possibly adopting similar resiliency measures. In December 2024, the EPA proposed changes for the 2026 MSGP, including stricter stormwater control measures and revised definitions on flood impacts and emergency preparedness. These updates aim to improve facility resilience to major storm events, requiring consideration of adaptive measures. The public comment period for the 2026 MSGP ends in February 2025, and the final guidelines could influence stormwater management nationwide.
Transforming Wichita’s Water Future With New Water Facility
Summary: In January 2025, Burns & McDonnell published an article discussing how the city of Wichita, Kansas, addressed its water supply challenges by constructing a new water treatment facility. The project was initiated due to concerns over the city's aging infrastructure and the need for a sustainable, reliable water source for the growing population. Burns & McDonnell led the design and construction of the state-of-the-art facility, which features advanced water treatment technologies to improve efficiency and safety. The new facility also includes a sustainable water source by incorporating water reuse practices, which will significantly enhance Wichita’s ability to meet future water demand. This project reflects a broader commitment to addressing water scarcity and ensuring long-term water security for Wichita’s residents. By modernizing the water system, the city aims to secure a resilient water supply and minimize environmental impact. The facility is a pivotal part of the region’s efforts to support growth, protect public health, and provide reliable water resources.
AtkinsRéalis Joint Venture Awarded US$43-Million Water Program Management Services Contract
Summary: On January 9 2025, AtkinsRéalis Group Inc., a global engineering and nuclear services company, announced that its joint venture with Stantec, Water Smart Alliance (WSA), has been awarded a US$43-million Water Program Management contract by the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water). The contract, spanning from 2024 to 2029, will help DC Water optimize its US$2B+ capital improvement plan (CIP). WSA will focus on innovative solutions, data analytics, and effective project management to improve DC Water's infrastructure, resource optimization, and governance.
GHD chosen to lead process design of first large-scale desalination project in South Texas
Summary: On January 9, 2025, GHD, a global professional services company, published a blog post announcing that it has been selected to lead the process design of the Corpus Christi Inner Harbor Desalination Treatment Plant in Texas. The project is a collaboration with Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. and Corpus Christi Water. It will provide 30 million gallons of fresh water per day and is the first large-scale seawater desalination facility in the area. The plant is critical for addressing water scarcity in a region with dry conditions and limited water resources. GHD will oversee the process design, marine construction, and environmental monitoring of the intake and discharge systems. Additionally, they will work with the prime contractor and the city to select the appropriate equipment provider. This project demonstrates GHD’s expertise in applying global desalination practices to meet the specific needs of the Corpus Christi region.
Black & Veatch selected by American Water Works Association to develop guidance for “forever chemicals” pilot testing
Summary: On January 14, 2025, Black & Veatch published an article announcing that it has been selected by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) to develop a nationwide guidance document for pilot testing treatments for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as 'forever chemicals.' The PFAS Piloting Guidance document aims to standardize best practices and minimum requirements for water utilities, regulators, and engineers, helping to accelerate PFAS treatment projects across the U.S. This initiative follows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s issuance of its final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS in April 2024. With many states lacking formal regulations for PFAS projects, the guidance will help streamline and shorten project timelines.
