By Jim Baehr Water utilities were already facing a long list of challenges before COVID-19. Add to the list employee health protection, shutoff moratoriums, intensified affordability issues, unstable cash flow, the inability to foresee the “new normal” and matters become more complicated. It’s probable theRead More

The City of San Diego’s $3 billion Pure Water San Diego Program has achieved a significant milestone on its path to providing one-third of San Diego’s water supply locally by the end of 2035. A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit has been grantedRead More

By Mike Keegan After withstanding numerous preemptive judicial challenges, the Trump administration’s version of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) went into effect on June 22. The Trump rule circumscribed the federal regulatory power over U.S. waters compared to the 2015 Obama administration’s ruleRead More

With three years of solid results, WIFIA looks poised for long-term success. But the program could also be a very effective part of the federal response to COVID-19. By John Ryan The U.S. EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Loan Program (WIFIA) was enactedRead More

Continuing a partnership that has led to greater efficiency, cost-effectiveness and sustainability, the City of Buffalo has decided to renew its operations and maintenance contract with Veolia North America to provide drinking water services to a population of more than 250,000 people. Buffalo’s contract withRead More

Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) was recently recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association, marking the 17th consecutive year that EMWD has earned the distinction. EMWD received the Certificate of Achievement for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscalRead More

By JP Joly With the multitude of challenges the world has faced in 2020, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, many water utilities are rethinking their approach to rate reviews and long-term financial planning. As both residential and CII customers lookRead More

In July, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule to reduce lead in plumbing materials used in public water systems, homes, schools and other facilities. The agency says the action marks a significant milestone in implementing the Trump Administration’s Federal Action PlanRead More

Along a well-travelled stretch of Winston-Salem’s Peters Creek Parkway in North Carolina, local motorists and visitors can’t miss the colorful, 50-ft-tall otter. Stretching 290 ft across the ground-level water tank, the artwork is a nod to both the local water supply and the North AmericanRead More

September 8, 10, 15 & 17 The 2020 Water Finance Conference, which will be presented in a virtual format this September, will touch on a range of topics in the water utility finance space including rate setting, customer affordability short- and long-term financial planning, revenue recoveryRead More