Water & Wastewater Market Recap, September 2024

The September 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.

What Are the Top Water Industry Drivers for September 2024?

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.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $7.5 Billion in Available Financing for Water Infrastructure Projects

• Status: Proposed
• Organization: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

On September 6, 2024, the Biden-Harris administration announced the availability of financing to support water infrastructure projects across the United States. This initiative aims to address urgent needs for clean and safe drinking water, particularly in underserved communities. The funding will be available through various programs, including loans and grants, to facilitate improvements in water systems. This announcement is part of a broader strategy to enhance infrastructure, promote equity, and respond to climate challenges. The effort seeks to ensure that all Americans have access to reliable water resources. By investing in these projects, the administration aims to create jobs and stimulate economic growth while prioritizing public health.

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Alabama Earmarks $615 Million of ARPA Funds for Water, Sewer Infrastructure Projects

• Status: Proposed
• Organization: Alabama Legislature

On September 11, 2024, Alabama designated $615 million of its $2.1 billion in ARPA funds for water and sewer infrastructure projects. This funding aims to address aging systems and improve access to clean water across the state. The initiative is particularly focused on assisting rural and underserved communities that often face significant infrastructure challenges. By investing in these projects, Alabama seeks to enhance public health and environmental quality. The state plans to prioritize areas with the greatest need to ensure equitable improvements. This investment reflects a broader commitment to modernizing infrastructure and promoting sustainable water management. The funding is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.

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California Governor Signs Bills to Improve Sewer Systems, Expand Access to Clean Water

• Status: Proposed
• Organization: California State Legislature

On September 27, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed new legislation aimed at enhancing the state’s sewer systems and expanding access to clean water. The measures target communities facing challenges with aging infrastructure and limited access to essential water services. The legislation seeks to allocate funds for upgrading sewer systems, which is crucial for public health and environmental protection. It addresses the urgent needs of disadvantaged communities that often experience the greatest barriers to clean water access. By improving infrastructure, the state aims to reduce pollution and safeguard water quality. This initiative reflects California’s ongoing commitment to addressing water issues amid climate challenges. The new laws are a step toward ensuring equitable water distribution across the state.

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Which Capital Improvement Programs Are Notable This Month?

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.

Monroe County, New York, Planned Capital Program Increased By 31%

In the CIP covering the 2025-2030 fiscal years, Monroe County detailed plans to spend $679 million on capital projects, an increase of 31% from $518 million in its 2024-2029 CIP. The current CIP has 174 line items, compared to 158 line items in the prior CIP.

Department of Environmental Services Spending Increases, While Monroe Community College Cuts Back After S.T.E.M. Addition Funding

Planned spending in the Department of Environmental Services category doubled due to funding for ongoing projects. In contrast, spending for the Monroe Community College category decreased by 29% because of the construction of the Applied Technology Center - S.T.E.M. Addition Project, which was funded in 2024.

Monroe County’s Environmental Services Budget Highlights $48 Million SPDES Upgrades

Monroe County has one notable line item valued at over $25 million and two valued at over $15 million, all within the Department of Environmental Services category. The most significant line item is the RPWD - FEV SPDES Permit Upgrades Project, valued at $48 million. This amount covers modifications to operating processes required by the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) Permit issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC). Other two notable line items include:

• NWQPWD - Buttonwood/Flynn Rd/Island Cottage Pump Stations Improvements — valued at $25 million, this project provides upgrades to critical hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, and process equipment that is at the end of its useful life for three integrated pump stations.
• RPWD - General Collection System & Treatment Plant Improvements — valued at $16 million, this project includes general improvements to various pump stations, collection system infrastructure, and the treatment plant in the district.

City of Tigard, Oregon, Planned Capital Program Increased By 1%

In the CIP covering the 2025-2030 fiscal years, Tigard, Oregon, detailed plans to spend $280 million on capital projects, an increase of 1% from $277 million in its 2024-2029 CIP. The current CIP has 91 line items, compared to 94 line items in the prior CIP.

Facilities Drop 72%, Water Down 9% Amid Project Progress

The most significant decrease was in the Facilities category, which fell by 72% due to the City Facilities Modernization - Public Works and Police Phase 1 Project, expected to be completed in 2025. The Water category also saw a decrease of 9% due to projects nearing completion.

Tigard Unveils $71 Million in Major Transportation and Water Projects

The city of Tigard, Oregon, has four notable line items valued at over $10 million each. The most significant is the McDonald Street Project (from Hall Boulevard to Pacific Highway), valued at $26 million and categorized under Transportation. The project will begin with a study phase, followed by full design and construction. It will result in several enhancements, including improvements for pedestrians at crosswalks, increased safety for people walking and biking, reduced potential for crashes involving vehicles turning or waiting to turn, intersection improvements at Hall Boulevard, replacement of deteriorating major water lines in the right-of-way, and some undergrounding of overhead utilities. Other notable line items include:

• North Dakota Street (Fanno Creek) Bridge Replacement — valued at $17 million, under the Transportation category. This project will replace the existing bridge with a new one wide enough to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists (on both sides) as well as motor vehicles.
• 560-East Pressure Zone Consolidation Project (Formerly Bull Mountain Water Pipeline) — valued at $17 million, under the Water category. This project will involve the installation of new piping on Bull Mountain Road and across SW Pacific Highway to connect different pressure zones. It will also abandon Pump Station 1, prepare a site plan for the replacement of Reservoirs 1-1 and 1-2, and isolate obsolete equipment at Water Site 2.
• Tigard Street (Fanno Creek) Bridge Replacement — valued at $11 million, under the Transportation category. This project will replace the existing Tigard Street Bridge over Fanno Creek with a new, structurally sound bridge wide enough to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists (on both sides) as well as motor vehicles.

What Do 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.

Expanded Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility to Support Regional Growth

In September 2024, the Walsh Group published a blog post about the expansion of the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility in California, aimed at supporting the region’s growth. This project will enhance the facility’s capacity and efficiency in treating wastewater, which is crucial for accommodating the increasing population and economic development in the area. The initiative reflects a commitment to sustainable water management and environmental stewardship. By upgrading the infrastructure, the facility will improve water quality and ensure a reliable supply for future needs. The expansion is part of a broader effort to promote resilience against climate change and water scarcity issues.

Engineering News-Record Ranks The Walsh Group as No. 1 Water Treatment and Desalination Plant Builder in America for 2024

In September 2024, the Walsh Group discussed in an article that it has been ranked as the number one builder of water treatment and desalination plants in America for 2024 by Engineering News-Record. This recognition highlights the company’s expertise and leadership in delivering critical infrastructure projects that address water scarcity and quality issues. The ranking reflects the Walsh Group’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the water sector. The company has successfully completed numerous projects that enhance community resilience and ensure access to clean water.

Southern Water Appoints Stantec to Planning, Engagement and Consultation Services Framework

On September 11, 2024, Stantec announced in a blog that Southern Water appointed Stantec to provide planning engagement and consultation services as part of a new framework. This partnership aims to enhance community engagement and facilitate effective planning processes for various projects. Stantec, known for its expertise in environmental and infrastructure consulting, will leverage its experience to support Southern Water in addressing local needs and concerns. The collaboration is driven by the necessity for improved communication and stakeholder involvement in water management initiatives.

IMCO and Stantec Design-Build Team Celebrate Groundbreaking of Mountain Home Air Force Base Water Resilience Project

On September 10, 2024, Stantec and IMCO announced in a blog that they celebrated the groundbreaking of a water resilience project at Mountain Home Air Force Base. This initiative aims to enhance the base’s water infrastructure and ensure sustainable water management practices. The project is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by climate change and increasing water demands. By integrating innovative design and construction techniques, the team aims to improve the efficiency and reliability of water resources on the base. The collaboration reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and military readiness.

The City of Bonner Springs Unveils Legacy Water Treatment Plant

On September 27, 2024, Burns and McDonnell published an article stating that Bonner Springs has officially unveiled its new water treatment plant, marking a significant upgrade to the city’s water infrastructure. The facility aims to improve water quality and increase capacity to meet the growing demands of the community. This project was initiated in response to concerns about aging infrastructure and the need for a reliable water supply. The new plant incorporates advanced treatment technologies to ensure safe and clean drinking water for residents.

PCL Construction, Stantec Selected for Rehab and Expansion of International Wastewater Treatment Plant at US-Mexico Border

On September 3, 2024, PCL Construction announced in a blog that they have been selected together with Stantec for the rehabilitation and expansion of the International Wastewater Treatment Plant at the U.S.-Mexico border. This project aims to improve the treatment capacity and efficiency of wastewater management in the region. The initiative responds to increasing environmental concerns and the growing demand for clean water resources. By upgrading the plant, the collaboration seeks to enhance water quality and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Total program costs are estimated at $600 million.

AECOM to Design the Upgrade and Expansion of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant

On September 23, 2024, AECOM announced in an article that it has been chosen to design the upgrade and expansion of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in California. This project aims to enhance the plant’s capacity and improve its operational efficiency to meet growing community needs. The initiative addresses increasing regulatory demands and aims to provide better water quality for the surrounding environment. By modernizing the facility, AECOM intends to incorporate sustainable practices and advanced technologies. This upgrade is essential for supporting the region’s population growth and ensuring reliable wastewater management.

How FirmoGraphs Can Help

FirmoGraphs deconstructs Capital Improvement Programs into data elements, along with available project descriptions, so business developers can track drivers, budgets, and infrastructure funding across the U.S. public sector. Request a meeting to review the data live in our business intelligence application.