Water & Wastewater Market Recap, March 2024

The March 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.

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.

City of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Planned Capital Expenditure Increased by 11%

In the CIP covering the 2024-2029 fiscal years, City of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, detailed plans to spend $165 million on capital projects, an increase of 11% from $149 million in its 2023-2028 CIP. The current CIP has 128 line items, compared to 127 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down City of Steamboat Springs’ planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.

Increase For New and Ongoing Projects

Planned spending in the Wastewater category increased by $22 million due to a new project, the Wastewater Digester. The Water category also increased by 76% with funding going for the existing Water Main Replacement, which increased by nearly $10 million. 

Water and Wastewater Projects To Receive Notable Investment

The City of Steamboat Springs, Colorado has one notable line item valued at over $20 million, the Wastewater Digester, under the Wastewater $24 million. In addition, $19 million is planned for the Wastewater Nutrient Reduction - CDPHE Permit Compliance project. Lastly, nearly $15 million is planned for the Water Main Replacement, under the Water category. 

Click Here to See City of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, CIP

Westchester County, New York, Planned Capital Expenditure Increased By 23%

In the CIP covering the 2024-2028 fiscal years, Westchester County, New York, detailed plans to spend $1.9 billion on capital projects, an increase of 23% from $1.6 billion in its 2023-2027 CIP. The current and prior CIP has 462 line items. The table below breaks down Westchester County's planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.

Increase Going to New Projects

Planned spending in the Sewer and Water Districts increased by almost $300 million for new projects added, including the top project, the Replacement Of Tarrytown Force Main (Phase II) And Route 119 Gravity Sewer. There is also a new project under the  Airport category, the design and construction of a U.S. Customs & Border Protection Facility (CBP) and west side deicing ramp on the airport adjacent to Taxiway "L" resulting in 136% increase under this category.

Sewer and Water Districts’ Projects To Receive Over $300 Million

Westchester County, New York, has five notable line items valued at over $50 million, all belonging to the Sewer and Water Districts category. The largest line item is the Replacement Of Tarrytown Force Main (Phase II) And Route 119 Gravity Sewer, worth $90 million. The scope of work involves replacement and/or rehabilitation of approximately 10,500 linear feet of 30” diameter force main and 1,300 linear feet of 30” gravity sewer. Other notable line items include:

• County Water District #1 - Alternate Water Supply - worth $76 million. Funds from this project will provide an alternate water supply connection for the 48" Kensico Bronx Pipeline (KBP) in County Water District #1
• Blind Brook Waste Water Treatment Plant - Process Equipment Improvements - worth $55 million. This project will provide for the repair, upgrading and replacement of various items of equipment and systems at the Blind Brook Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Ossining Wrrf Plant Wide Systems Upgrades - worth $53 million. This project updates various areas of the Ossining Water Resource Recovery Facility including headworks, sludge thickening and storage facilities, aeration tanks, and other infrastructure updates such as security, communications, and emergency chemical feed systems, as well as maintenance shop rehabilitation and tunnel piping painting.
• Yonkers Joint Wrrf Primary & Secondary Settling Tank Rehabilitation - worth $51 million. This project will fund the complete structural and mechanical rehabilitation of the primary settling tanks and the final settling tanks.

Click Here to See Westchester County, New York, CIP

Boston Water and Sewer Commission, Massachusetts, Planned Capital Expenditure Increased By 35%

In the CIP covering the 2024-2026 fiscal years, Boston Water and Sewer Commission, Massachusetts, detailed plans to spend $343 million on capital projects, an increase of 35% from $343 million in its 2023-2025 CIP. The current CIP has 212 line items, compared to 172 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Boston Water and Sewer Commission’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.

Substantial Increase in Sewer Special Category

Planned spending in the Sewer Special category increased by 271% due to the new line item, the South Boston Sewer Separation - NBMI Phase III. The Stormwater/Green Infrastructure/Low Impact Development business area also increased by 58% with funding going to existing projects.

NBMI Rehabilitation To Receive Over $30 Million

The Boston Water and Sewer Commission, Massachusetts has one line item valued at over $21 million and two at over $10 million. The largest line item is the South Boston Sewer Separation - NBMI Phase III, worth $21 million, under the Sewer Special category. The other two belong to the Sewer Renewal & Replacement category, which are the following:

• South Boston Sewer Separation - NBMI Phase II - worth $12 million for the rehabilitation of a portion of the 102" New Boston Main Interceptor (NBMI) from Columbus Park Headworks to Preble Street at Wendeller Street, including rehabilitation of all manhole risers and 2 special structures.
• Water Main replacement in Harrison Ave, South End - worth $11 million for the replacement of older cast iron water mains that have reached the end of their useful life. Also, associated sewers and drains that are in disrepair. 

Click Here to See Boston Water and Sewer Commission, Massachusetts, CIP

City of Naperville, Illinois, Planned Capital Expenditure Increased By 24%

In the CIP covering the 2024-2028 fiscal years, City of Naperville, Illinois, detailed plans to spend nearly $835 million on capital projects, an increase of 24% from $675 million in its 2023-2027 CIP. The current CIP has 284 line items, compared to 198 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down City of Naperville's planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.

Most Significant Increase In Water/Wastewater Category

Planned spending in the Water/Wastewater category increased largely by 41% or $116 million, with funding for ongoing projects and 29 new projects added. Existing projects also increased under the Transportation, Engineering & Development category, resulting in a 12% increase in this category.

Nearly $100 Million Programmed for Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades

The City of Naperville, Illinois, has five notable line items valued at over $30 million. The largest line item is the SWRC - Nutrient Removal Upgrades & North Plant Aeration Improvements, worth $91 million, under the Water/Wastewater category. This project will reconfigure the existing aeration tanks in the North Plant for MUCT biological phosphorus removal, associated submersible mixers, recirculation pumps, and replace the existing mechanical aeration system with high-speed turbo blowers and fine bubble diffusers. Other notable line items include:

• SWRC South Plant Capacity Upgrades & Improvements - worth $55 million, under the Water/Wastewater category. This project proposes to design and construct capacity improvements and upgrades to the South Plant, including aeration and clarifier improvements.
• Storm Hardening and System Resiliency - worth $49 million, under the Electric category. The project involves Overhead (OH) to Underground (UG) conversion to replace overhead electric distribution lines with underground cable inside conduit to improve system storm reliability and resiliency.
• Nichols Library Parking Deck—worth $31 million, under Transportation Engineering & Development. This project consists of replacing the existing surface parking lot on the north side of the Nichols Library with a 4-level, approximately 500-space parking deck.
• North Aurora Road Underpass at the CN Railroad—worth 31 million, under Transportation Engineering & Development. This project will involve widening the existing railroad bridge to allow a wider roadway beneath it. In addition, the road will be expanded to a four-lane cross-section with bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Click Here to See City of Naperville, Illinois, CIP

City of Lafayette Consolidated Government, Louisiana, Planned Capital Expenditure Increased By 15%

In the CIP covering the 2024-2028 fiscal years, City of Lafayette Consolidated Government, Louisiana, detailed plans to spend nearly $628 million on capital projects, an increase of 15% from $548 million in its 2023-2027 CIP. The current CIP has 490 line items, compared to 575 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down City of Lafayette Consolidated Government's planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.

Most Significant Increase Goes to Wastewater and Water System

Planned spending in the Wastewater System increased by 39% with funding for ongoing projects. Water System also increased by 73% for the same reason. On the other hand, the City Bond Program category decreased by 23% due to projects nearing completion.

Wastewater Project to Receive Over $10 Million

The City of Lafayette Consolidated Government, Louisiana has only two notable line items valued at over $10 million. The largest line item is the South Plant Flow Handling - Phase II, under the Wastewater System category, worth $25 million. The other one belongs to the City Bond Program category, which is the Downtown Parking Garage, worth $12 million.

Click Here to See Lafayette Consolidated Government, Louisiana, CIP

Notable M&A

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

• On March 11, 2024, Core & Main Inc., a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure with local service, nationwide, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire NW Geosynthetics Inc., doing business as ACF West Inc. 
  
  
• On March 21, 2024, Flotilla Partners, a leading provider of repair, replacement, maintenance and testing services to residential and commercial water treatment systems in the Southeast and a portfolio company of Osceola Capital, announced the completion of four acquisitions: Guardian Water Services, Crystal Pump Repair Services, Peter's Water Treatment & Irrigation, and WaterTech239. 
  
  
• On March 25, 2024, Core & Main Inc., entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of EGW Utilities, Inc., a distributor of quality products and services to underground utility contractors and municipalities, based in Texas.

What We Are Reading

Here are some recent articles our team has been reading:

• Arkansas secures $53.1 million for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater upgrades
• Montana's Kalispell water system uncovers PFAS contamination, public notification issued
• Wisconsin appeals court rules regulators must establish PFAS restrictions before mandating clean-up
• Biden-Harris Administration announces $94 million WIFIA loan to upgrade wastewater infrastructure in New Lenox, IL
• EPA Regulations on Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
• EPA Orders City of Los Angeles to Implement Improvements to Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant
• EPA requires industrial facilities to enhance preparation for chemical discharges to water in adverse weather conditions, better protecting the environment and public health
• Biden-Harris Administration announces $206 million to selectees to protect and restore Chesapeake Bay through community partnerships
• Senator Padilla secures $103 million to upgrade South Bay sewer plant
• EPA announces $194M to King County to improve wastewater infrastructure resiliency, protect Puget Sound
  

What Top U.S. Environmental Companies Blog About

FirmoGraphs tracks blogging habits of the Top 200 Environmental companies. With the help of our tool Power Search, we help our customers use this information to improve proactive conversations with their clients. Below are the most notable blogs in March.

Nelsonville Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Wastewater Treatment Plant

Summary: On March 1, 2024, DLZ Corporation released a blog discussing the City of Nelsonville, Ohio, which recently inaugurated its new Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, a $21.2 million project replacing an outdated facility operating beyond capacity. DLZ played a pivotal role in planning, designing, and securing funding for the project, which received a $13.5 million grant and a $7.7 million loan from multiple agencies. With a treatment capacity of 1.2 MGD, the plant will serve the city and surrounding communities, benefiting over 1,500 homes and numerous businesses in the area.

Garver helped the City of Enid select GAC post filter adsorbers to address blended water stability and prepare for PFAS regulations

Summary: In March 2024, Garver assisted the City of Enid, Oklahoma, in implementing a new surface water supply system to meet the needs of a growing population, providing design, evaluation, and regulatory guidance. The project includes a treatment plant with flexible technology choices, particularly focused on addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ensuring water stability and regulatory compliance while preparing for future challenges.

Three Benefits of Using Modular Solutions to Mitigate PFAS Contamination

Summary: In March 2024, Black & Veatch released a blog discussing the presence of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment, which poses significant challenges due to their persistence and potential health risks. In response, the U.S. EPA has proposed the first-ever drinking water standard for PFAS to address public health concerns. Water utilities face pressure to comply with these regulations and ensure safe drinking water for communities. Modular water treatment solutions offer several advantages, including rapid deployment, minimal service disruptions, and cost-effectiveness. These solutions provide immediate relief from PFAS concerns, allowing utilities to maintain public confidence and adhere to regulatory requirements efficiently.

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 April and May 2024

Early Bird Registration

• Event:  AWWA Annual Conference & Expo (ACE24)
  Dates: June 10 - June 13, 2024
  Deadline for Early Registration: April 20, 2024