The October 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.
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.
EPA Announces New Final regulations and $2.6 Billion under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda for clean drinking water
Status: Proposed
Organization: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Summary: On October 8, 2024, the Biden-Harris administration finalized a rule mandating the replacement of lead pipes in drinking water systems across the United States. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure safe drinking water for all communities, particularly those disproportionately affected by lead contamination. The Environmental Protection Agency will oversee the implementation, requiring states and water suppliers to develop plans for pipe replacement. This rule aims to protect public health, as lead exposure can have serious health effects, especially for children. The initiative reflects the administration's commitment to environmental justice and safe infrastructure. By addressing the issue of lead pipes, the government seeks to improve water quality and foster community trust in public water systems.
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $3.6 Billion for Water Infrastructure Through Investing in America Agenda
Status: Proposed
Organization: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Summary: On October 23, 2024, the Biden-Harris administration announced allocating $3.6 billion to improve water infrastructure across the United States. This funding addresses urgent water quality issues, including replacing lead pipes and enhancing wastewater treatment facilities. The Environmental Protection Agency will administer the investment and is part of a broader strategy to ensure safe drinking water for all communities, particularly underserved areas. The initiative aims to protect public health and promote environmental justice by upgrading water systems. The funding is also expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in local communities. This significant investment reflects the administration’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure and combating climate-related challenges.
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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.
City of Missoula, Montana, Planned Capital Spending Increased By 30%
In the CIP covering the 2025-2029 fiscal years, the city of Missoula detailed plans to spend $460 million on capital projects, an increase of 30% from $354 million in its 2024-2028 CIP. The current CIP has 206 line items, compared to 179 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Missoula’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Utilities Spending Increases by 141% with 30 New Projects Planned
Planned spending in the Utilities category increased by 141%, with funding for 30 additional projects and programs in the recent period, including the 2025 Water Distribution CIP, amounting to $51 million, and Sewer Main Rehabilitation, worth $17 million.
Click Here to See City of Missoula, Montana, CIP
City of Peoria, Arizona, Planned Capital Spending Increased By 26%
In the CIP covering the 2025-2034 fiscal years, the city of Peoria detailed plans to spend $1.4 billion on capital projects, an increase of 26% from $1.1 billion in its 2024-2033 CIP. The current CIP has 246 line items, compared to 235 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Peoria’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Wastewater Budget Up 82%; Streets Funding Increases 13%
Planned spending in the Wastewater category increased by 82%, with funding for the Advanced Water Purification Treatment worth $164 million. There is also a 13% increase in the Streets category for the construction of several major projects, such as the 67th Avenue Widening project.
Peoria Launches $80M Wastewater Expansion
Peoria has two line items valued at over $50 million and four at over $25 million. The most significant line item is the Jomax WRF 4.5 MGD Expansion, valued at $80 million, under the Wastewater category. Other notable line items are:
- Lake Pleasant Pkwy; L303 to SR74 - valued at $73 million, under the Streets category. This project involves designing and constructing an extended water and wastewater system, traffic control, and widening the parkway.
- New Verde Space Storage Capacity - valued at $48 million, under the Water category. This project funds the modification of Bartlett Dam to increase storage capacity and enhance water supplies for Peoria. It aims to restore lost storage on the Verde River and address rain and snowmelt variability by raising the dam's height, helping to mitigate current issues and prepare for future Colorado River shortages.
- CAP/LPP Intersection Wellfield - valued at $38 million, under the Water category. This project involves coordinating and constructing five new potable water wells and about 9,200 feet of water lines near Lake Pleasant Parkway and the CAP Canal. With declining Colorado River supplies, fast-tracking these wells is crucial for ensuring system redundancy during water shortages.
- 67th Ave & Pinnacle Pk Regional Drainage Improvements - valued at $35 million, under the Drainage category. This project coordinates with the Maricopa County Flood Control District to develop a regional storm drain system at 67th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak Road. It includes stormwater basins, channel improvements, box culverts, and catch basins. The city’s Capital Improvement Program will also integrate roadway, storm drainage, and waterline improvements.
- Water Line Assessment & Replacement Program - valued at $31 million, under the Water category. This project aims to identify, design, and replace aging water lines in the city that are prone to breaks and nearing the end of their service life. Many lines are over 25 years old and made from outdated materials. Replacing these substandard lines will reduce costly breaks, service outages, and property damage.
Click Here to See City of Peoria, Arizona, CIP
Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, California
In the CIP covering the 2025-2027 fiscal years, Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, California, detailed plans to spend $85 million on capital projects, an increase of 24% from $69 million in its 2024-2026 CIP. The current CIP has 12 line items, compared to 18 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Monterey Peninsula Water Management District’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
CIP Spending Up 24% Due to $16 Million PWM Expansion Grant
Planned spending in the recent CIP increased by 24%, which is related to the $16 million grant for the Pure Water Monterey (PWM) Expansion project.
$42 Million Investment in Pure Water Monterey Boosts Drought-Resistant Supply
The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District has one notable line item valued at $42 million: the Pure Water Monterey Water Purchase. This initiative focuses on creating a reliable, drought-resistant water supply by treating and reusing wastewater.
Click Here to See Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, California, CIP
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, District of Columbia, Planned Capital Spending Increased By 6%
In the CIP covering the 2025-2030 fiscal years, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, District of Columbia, detailed plans to spend $4.8 billion on capital projects, an increase of 6% from $4.5 billion in its 2024-2029 CIP. The current CIP has 72 line items, compared to 75 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Funding Shifts: Information Category Rises While Bi-County Water Projects Drop 13%
Almost all business areas increased. The most significant increase was in the Information category, with funding for the Water and Sewer Reconstruction Program. On the other hand, the Bi-County Water Projects decreased by 13% or $156 million due to the ongoing Large Diameter Water Pipe and Large Valve Rehabilitation Program.
Washington Suburban Sanitary Lists Major Projects Worth Over $100 Million
Washington Suburban Sanitary has four notable line items valued at over $100 million and four at over $50 million. The most significant line item is the Blue Plains WWTP: Liquid Train Projects, Part 2, valued at $234 million, under the Bi-County Sewer Projects category. Other notable line items include:
- Blue Plains: Pipelines & Appurtenances - valued at $229 million, under the Bi-County Sewer Projects category.
- I-495/I-270 Traffic Relief Plan Pipeline Relocations - valued at $203 million, under the Bi-County Water Projects category. This project provides for the planning, design, and construction of water and sewer pipe relocations necessitated by the state of Maryland's plans to expand I-495 and I-270.
- Blue Plains WWTP: Plant-wide Projects - valued at $111 million, under the Bi-County Sewer Projects category.
- South Potomac Supply Improvement, Phase 2 - valued at $76 million, under the Prince George’s County Water Projects category. This project provides for the design and construction of 4.4 miles of 42-inch diameter ductile iron transmission main, 6.0 miles of distribution mains (diameters ranging from 10 to 16 inches), and a new flow control valve and vault.
- Anacostia #2 WWPS Upgrades - valued at $75 million, under the Bi-County Sewer Projects category.
- Blue Plains WWTP: Biosolids Management, Part 2 - valued at $60 million, under the Bi-County Sewer Projects category.
- Anacostia Depot Reconfiguration - valued at $52 million, under the Information category. This project provides for the planning, design, and construction of a reconfiguration of the Anacostia Depot to improve the efficiency of operations.
Click Here to See Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, District of Columbia, CIP
City of Clovis, California, Planned Capital Spending Increased by 4%
In the CIP covering the 2025-2029 fiscal years, the city of Clovis, California, detailed plans to spend $758 million on capital projects, an increase of 4% from $727 million in its 2024-2028 CIP. The current CIP has 271 line items, compared to 278 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Clovis’ planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Major Boost in Water Capital Projects
Planned spending under the Water Capital Projects - Developer has increased by 8%, or $22 million, with funding for ongoing projects. The Water Capital Projects - Enterprise Fund has also increased by 108% for the same reason.
Clovis Invests Over $266 Million in Water Infrastructure: Major Projects Set to Transform Local Development and Capacity
Out of 278 line items, the city of Clovis has four notable line items valued at over $25 million, all belonging to the Developer category. The largest line item is the Southeast-SWTP Expansion, valued at $66 million. The project involves expanding the capacity of the plant from 22.5 MGD to 45 MGD. Additionally, it needs to be established in the Urban Water Management Plan. Other notable line items include:
- Northeast SWTP - worth nearly $66 million, which involves the construction of a 20 MGD surface water treatment plant in the northeast area of the city sphere, per the City Water Master Plan.
- Sewage Treatment - Water Reuse Facility Phase 3 - worth $35 million, which increases the plant capacity from 5.68 MGD to 8.34 MGD.
- Raw Water Main Southeast SWTP to the Northeast SWTP - worth $34 million, which involves the installation of 42-inch raw water main between the treatment plants.
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 September.
Wessex Water picks Mott MacDonald for AMP8 Framework
Summary: On October 2, 2024, Mott MacDonald published a blog announcing that it has been selected by Wessex Water as a partner for its AMP8 (Asset Management Plan 8) framework, which will run from 2025 to 2030. The framework will focus on enhancing Wessex Water's infrastructure and services, covering areas such as water supply, wastewater treatment, and network improvements. Mott MacDonald will provide consultancy services, leveraging its expertise in engineering, environmental management, and digital solutions to support Wessex Water’s sustainability and resilience goals. The partnership aims to help Wessex Water address challenges like climate change, population growth, and regulatory pressures. Mott MacDonald will also assist Wessex Water with its innovation efforts by integrating new technologies and processes to improve operational efficiency.
AECOM selected as designers to support major capital project delivery for Southern Water
Summary: On October 9, 2024, AECOM published a blog announcing that it had been chosen by Southern Water to support the delivery of major capital projects as part of its AMP8 (Asset Management Plan 8) framework, which spans from 2025 to 2030. AECOM will provide design and engineering services to enhance Southern Water’s infrastructure, focusing on areas such as water treatment, wastewater management, and environmental sustainability. This partnership aims to address key challenges, including the need for climate resilience, improved operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. AECOM’s role will involve delivering innovative solutions to help Southern Water meet its sustainability goals and improve service delivery for its customers.
Construction begins on West Parish Water Treatment Plant
Summary: In October 2024, the Walsh Group announced the start of construction on the West Parish Water Treatment Plant in Andover, Massachusetts. This project, valued at $100 million, will modernize and expand the facility to improve water treatment capacity and quality for the local community. The new plant will include advanced filtration systems, new pumps, and upgraded infrastructure to meet growing demand and enhance operational efficiency. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure the city’s water supply remains safe and sustainable for future generations. The project is expected to be completed in 2026 and will help address issues related to aging infrastructure.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Selects Jacobs to Design and Build Critical New Mexico Water Project
Summary: On October 22, 2024, Jacobs announced it had been selected by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to design and build the Critical Structure Project in New Mexico. Located at the San Juan-Chama Diversion Project, the initiative aims to improve water delivery infrastructure and ensure a more reliable water supply for the region. Jacobs will provide engineering, procurement, and construction services to upgrade key system components, including a new water control facility and advanced monitoring technologies. The project supports the Bureau of Reclamation’s efforts to address water security and sustainability challenges in the Southwest U.S. Jacobs’ expertise in water systems will help meet growing demands and improve aging infrastructure. The project is expected to be completed by 2027, strengthening the long-term resilience of New Mexico’s water infrastructure.
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