Water & Wastewater Market Recap, July 2024

The July 2024 Water and Wastewater Market Recap covers interesting and useful water industry news for this month. It contains updates on industry drivers, notable projects, and recent mergers and acquisitions, as well as some interesting reads, and upcoming upcoming meetings and conferences.

Industry Drivers

Our data team tracks major developments in the water industry, which we call drivers. Here are some of the most important drivers from last month.

House Bill 1295 Drinking water; maximum contaminant levels, water treatment systems.

Status: Proposed

Organization: Virginia State Water Commission

Summary: On July 4, 2024,  the Virginia State Water Commission discussed the House Bill 1295 (HB 1295), introduced in early 2024. The legislation focuses on removing harmful substances from water supplies to ensure safer drinking water for residents. It emphasizes improving water treatment processes and monitoring to protect public health. The bill reflects growing concerns about water quality and seeks to enhance the state's efforts to manage and mitigate contaminants in the water supply.

Click Here for More Information

EPA and U.S. Army Announce Joint Sampling Project to Identify PFAS Contamination Near Army Installations

Status: Effective

Organization: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Summary: On July 26, EPA and the U.S. Army announced a joint project to sample and test private drinking water wells near Army installations for PFAS contamination., This effort targets nine priority installations across the U.S. and aims to determine if PFAS have contaminated nearby drinking water. The initiative, part of broader efforts under the EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap, seeks to protect public health by addressing contamination and guiding remedial actions. If contamination is found, the Army will collaborate with the EPA and state regulators to mitigate exposure. This project is a key part of the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to environmental justice and public health protection.

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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.

Skokie City Council, Illinois Planned Capital Program Increased By 42%

In the CIP covering the 2025-2029 fiscal years, Skokie City Council detailed plans to spend $218 million on capital projects, an increase of 43% from $154 million in its 2024-2028 CIP. The current CIP has 637 line items, compared to 731 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Skokie’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.

Most Significant Increase in the Flood Control and Water System Improvements

Out of 32 business areas, 24 have seen increases. The most significant increase occurred in the Flood Control category, which rose by 1,286%, attributable to funding for four new projects, including Stormwater Improvements Construction. Spending on Water System Improvements nearly doubled due to ten new projects and programs, alongside increased funding for ongoing initiatives.

Skokie City Council Allocates Over $25 Million for Key Infrastructure Projects

Skokie has only one notable line item valued at over $25 million and another valued at over $10 million. The most significant line item is the Stormwater Improvements Construction, valued at $35 million, under the Flood Control category. An additional $12 million is allocated for Water System Improvements: Lead Service Line Replacement, under the Water System Improvements category.

Click Here to See City of Skokie, Illinois, CIP

Board of Water Supply, Hawaii, Planned Capital Expenditure Increased By 46%

In the CIP covering the 2025 fiscal year, Hawaii's Board of Water Supply detailed plans to spend $310 million on capital projects, an increase of 46% from $213 million in its 2024 CIP. The current CIP has 55 line items, compared to 42 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Board of Water Supply’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.

Renewal and Replacement Spending Doubles for Key Projects and Programs

Planned spending in the Renewal and Replacement category doubled, with funding allocated to new projects such as Keolu Hills Water System Improvements, Part II, and new programs like Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) Implementation.

Board of Water Supply Invests Nearly $70 Million in Kalaeloa Desalination Project

Hawaii's Board of Water Supply has one notable line item valued at over $25 million and four valued at over $10 million. The most significant line item is the Kalaeloa Sea Water Desalination Facility, worth $69 million, under the Capacity Expansion category. The project involves the construction of a 1.7 million gallons per day (MGD) desalination facility and the installation of a 16-inch transmission main. The main runs along the project boundary from the desalination facility to Ōlaʻi Street, along Ōlaʻi Street to Kalaeloa Boulevard, and along Kalaeloa Boulevard to the existing 16-inch main near the northern end of TMK 9-1-031:022, totaling approximately 4,800 linear feet. Listed below are the other notable line items:

• East Kapolei 215 R-1 3.0 MG Reservoir - worth $20 million, under the Capacity Expansion category. It installation of a 3.0 MGD R-1 reservoir and its appurtenances (TMK: 9-1-018:008), along with a 16-inch main and its appurtenances along the access road from the reservoir to Farrington Highway, spanning approximately 2,300 linear feet.
• Keolu Hills Water System Improvements, Part II - worth $18 million, under the Renewal and Replacement category. Install 12-inch mains and appurtenances along Keolu Drive, from ʻAkumu Street to Nanialiʻi Street; along ʻAkumu Street, from Keolu Drive to Alahaki Street; along Iana Street, from Keolu Drive to FH W00766; and along Keolu Drive, from Kanapuʻu Drive to Akalani Loop — approximately 3,580 linear feet.
• Kualakaʻi Parkway 16-Inch Recycled Water Main - worth $15 million, under the Capacity Expansion category. e project aims to install a 16-inch transmission main and appurtenances along Farrington Highway, from the access road to the East Kapolei 215 recycled water reservoir, and along Kualakaʻi Parkway from Farrington Highway to Kapolei Parkway, covering approximately 12,000 linear feet
• Aliʻipoe Drive and Paʻihi Street Area Water System Improvements - worth $13 million, under the Renewal and Replacement category. The project involves installation of a 12-inch and 8-inch mains and appurtenances along Aliʻipoe Drive, from near FH L00776 to Pōhue Street - approx. 2,110 lin. ft.

Click Here to See Board of Water Supply, Hawaii, CIP

Truckee Meadows Water Authority, Nevada, Planned Capital Spending Increased By 42%

In the CIP covering the 2025 fiscal year, the Truckee Meadows Water Authority detailed plans to spend $632 million on capital projects, an increase of 42% from $446 million in its 2024 CIP. The current and prior CIP has 156 line items. The table below breaks down Truckee Meadows Water Authority’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.

Raw Water Supply Spending Up 90%, Driven by Major Facility Funding and New Projects

Planned spending on Raw Water Supply Improvements increased by 90%, primarily driven by funding for the Advanced Purified Water Facility at American Flat, which rose by $100 million. Additionally, Potable Water Storage Improvements increased due to six new projects.

Truckee Meadows Water Authority Invests Over $200 Million Advanced Purified Water Facility to Enhance Regional Resilience

The Truckee Meadows Water Authority has only one line item valued at over $100 million and four valued at over $10 million. The most significant line item is the Advanced Purified Water Facility at American Flat, valued at $212 million, which falls under the Raw Water Supply Improvements. The core element of the project is a 2 million gallons per day (MGD) advanced purified water facility (APWF) that will produce 2,000 acre-feet (AF) of water annually for groundwater augmentation. This will provide a sustainable, drought-proof regional water supply and significantly enhance the region’s water supply resilience to address future impacts of climate change. Listed below are the other notable line items:

• Spanish Springs Nitrate Treatment Facility - worth $35 million, under the Treatment Plant Improvements category. The project includes site acquisition and design for a 3 MGD biological water treatment process to treat several groundwater wells in Spanish Springs that are currently out of service due to elevated levels of nitrate and arsenic.
• Washoe Plant Improvements - worth $11 million, under the Hydroelectric Improvements category. The project will replace the Washoe Hydroelectric Facility building, both turbines, auxiliary equipment, and perform a generator rewind.
• Fleish Plant Improvements - worth $11 million, under the Treatment Plant Improvements category. The project aims to replace and repair the roofing, HVAC system, and windows and glass of the facility.

Click Here to See Truckee Meadows Water Authority, Nevada, CIP

Rancho California Water District Planned Capital Expenditure Decreased by 10%

In the CIP covering the 2025-2029 fiscal years, Rancho California Water District detailed plans to spend $303 million on capital projects, a decrease of 10% from $339 million in its 2024-2028 CIP. The current CIP has 125 line items, compared to 153 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Rancho California Water District’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.

Rancho Division Sees 27% Drop in Planned Spending Amid Completion of Fifteen Projects

All business area Planned spending in the Rancho Division decreased by 27% due to fifteen completed projects in the recent period.

Rancho California Water District Invests Over $100 Million in Resource Division Projects

Rancho California Water District has only one line item valued at over $50 million and three at over $10 million, all belonging to the Resource Division. The largest line item is the Vail Dam Remediation - New Construction, worth $95 million. This project involves the construction of the structural remediation of Vail Dam, which has been determined necessary to satisfy seismic and hydrologic mitigation measures. Other line items include:

• Pauba Valley Well Nos. 178 & 179 (Construction) - New - worth $13 million.This project will consist of the construction of two (2) new wells (Well Nos. 178 and 179) in the Pauba Valley region of the Temecula Valley Groundwater Basin (Basin).
• Pauba Valley Well Nos. 180 & 181 - Well Construction - worth $13 million. This project will consist of the construction of two (2) new wells (Well Nos. 180 and 181) in the Pauba Valley region of the Temecula Valley Groundwater Basin (Basin).
• Vineyards Reservoir (1305 PZ) (Construction) - worth $11 million.

Click Here to See Rancho California Water District, California, CIP

Notable M&A

The following M&A transactions in the Water and Wastewater Industry stood out in the month of July:

• On July 15, 2024, Global water technology company A. O. Smith Corporation announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Pureit from Unilever. Pureit offers a broad range of residential water purification solutions and has annual sales of approximately USD $60 million. The purchase price will be approximately USD $120 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments.

What We Are Reading

Here are some recent articles our team has been reading:

• 1 MGD of wastewater to be discharged into Missouri River
• South Dakota allocates $105 million in ARPA grants for water infrastructure projects
• Missouri American Water files rate request driven by $1.5 billion in water, wastewater infrastructure investments
• Hampton Roads Sanitation District announces project for two new facilities
• Arkansas allocates $60 million for statewide water infrastructure projects
• Jacobs wins $800 million contract for King County, Wash., wastewater upgrades
• U.S. EPA continues cleanup of the Gowanus Canal Superfund Site
• Washington state to invest $309 million in clean water projects
• California achieves record groundwater recharge in 2023
• U.S. EPA seeks input for New Hampshire Superfund Site
• South Dakota allocates $65 million for statewide water and waste projects
• Bay Village, Ohio, begins sewer testing to improve system
• Arizona authorizes $5 billion for infrastructure with “historic” Colorado River water rights legislation
• Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority moves forward with PFAS treatment system
• EPA Announces Modified Settlement with Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District to Address Combined Sewer Overflows
• More than 50,000 gallons of wastewater spilled in Alabama
• Survey reveals concerns over PFAS contamination in U.S. drinking water
• EPA Announces $14 Million WIFIA Loan to Develop Drought Solutions in California
• U.S. EPA and partners complete cleanup and restoration of Minnesota lake
• EPA, Erie Water Works Celebrate Biden-Harris Administration Investment to Remove Lead from Drinking Water
• Biden-Harris Administration Takes Latest Action Under Toxic Substances Control Act to Protect Public from Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

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 July.

Jacobs Awarded Program Manager Owner Advisor Contract at King County South Treatment Plant in Washington State

Summary: On July 2, 2024, Jacobs published a blog announcing that it has been awarded a Program Manager Owner Advisor contract for the King County South Treatment Plant in Washington State. The contract involves providing program management and advisory services to support the plant's operations and development. The work is set to begin in 2024 and aims to enhance the plant's efficiency and infrastructure. This project highlights Jacobs' role in optimizing wastewater treatment processes at the facility.

Sundt Starts Work on Lehi-American Fork Outfall Pipeline Project

Summary: On July 2, 2024, Sundt Construction announced in a blog that it has begun work on the Lehi American Fork Outfall Pipeline project, located in Lehi, Utah. The project involves constructing a new outfall pipeline to improve wastewater management in the area. The pipeline is designed to enhance the capacity and efficiency of local wastewater systems. The project aims to address current infrastructure needs and support future growth. Sundt’s involvement will help upgrade essential utilities and manage increased demand effectively.

Stantec announces completion of first phase of construction for the Friant-Kern Canal Middle Reach Capacity Correction Project

Summary: On July 8, 2024, Stantec, a global design and consulting firm, announced the completion of the first phase of construction for the Friant-Kern Canal Middle Reach Capacity Correction project. This project, located in California's Central Valley, aims to restore the canal's capacity to deliver water more efficiently. The first phase, finished in August 2024, involved significant engineering and construction efforts to address the canal's capacity issues. The overall project is crucial for improving water distribution in the region, which supports local agriculture and communities. Stantec's role includes overseeing the design and execution of the project's various phases.

Black & Veatch to Provide Design and Engineering Services for Essential Upgrades at Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department’s Three Wastewater Treatment Plants

Summary: On July 23, 2024, Black & Veatch announced in a blog that the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) has chosen them to design and engineer upgrades for its three wastewater treatment plants. This project will enhance biological processes, filtration, disinfection systems, and other critical infrastructure. Black & Veatch will also help WASD meet Florida’s Ocean Outfall Legislation by reusing 60% of its wastewater. Their approach includes implementing Effluent Energy Recovery Systems, which will use non-potable water for cooling, saving costs, and adhering to sustainability goals. The reuse system will be powered largely by renewable energy and align with Miami-Dade's commitment to environmental stewardship.

HNTB and New York City Department of Design and Construction celebrate the completion of water infrastructure improvement project

Summary: On July 19, 2024, HNTB and the New York City Department of Design and Construction (NYCDDC) announced in a blog the completion of the BED798 water infrastructure improvement project in Brooklyn's Park Slope. The project involved replacing century-old water mains and combined sewers. HNTB provided resident engineering inspection and construction management services. Key upgrades included replacing a 1913 steel trunk water main with 4,900 feet of new 72-inch steel spiral-welded pipe and enhancing the sewer system with precast concrete culverts and reinforced pipes. These improvements boost system resilience and capacity while avoiding disruptions to the water supply.

Meeting Planner

In this over-digitized age, there is no replacement for face-to-face meetings with your prospects and customers! We track meetings of interest to our customers serving the US power generation and supply industry so you won’t miss upcoming meetings and deadlines. Also, FirmoGraphs has recently implemented a free-of-charge service for tracking notable infrastructure events. 

Meetings in August and September 2024

Early Bird Registration

• Event:  CA - NV AWWA Annual Fall Conference
  Dates: October 21, 2024 - October 24, 2025
  Deadline for Early Registration: August 19, 2024
  
• Event:   AWWA WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Exposition
  Dates: September 24, 2024 - September 26, 2024
  Deadline for Early Registration:  August 23, 2024