Staff presented proposals to increase wastewater and water rates by 10% now — the first of multiple anticipated hikes — to begin building fund balance and prepare for costly treatment plant modifications (wastewater: estimated $14M) and a proposed deep well and treatment upgrades (water: $7–12M). Council approved the measures on recorded votes.

The council authorized the city manager to ratify a $222,496.90 emergency expenditure to Zone Industries for repairs to rapid mix basin mixers and isolation gates at the Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant; staff said the repairs will restore full treatment capacity and will be funded from the water utilities operating fund.

Deputy Chief Engineer Katie Oakley briefed the board on the annual CIP, highlighting the Terry Ranch pipeline (segments 12 complete; $65M to date), the Gold Hill 60-inch connection (remaining 3 miles, anticipated 2027128 construction), lead-and-copper replacements (~$14M total), and downtown revitalization with $47M overall of which water and sewer share $13.5M.

Deputy Chief Engineer Katie Oakley briefed the board on the annual CIP, highlighting the Terry Ranch pipeline (segments 12 complete; $65M to date), the Gold Hill 60-inch connection (remaining 3 miles, anticipated 2027128 construction), lead-and-copper replacements (~$14M total), and downtown revitalization with $47M overall of which water and sewer share $13.5M.

On unanimous votes, council adopted ordinance 2308 to raise water, sewer, reclaimed wastewater and stormwater fees for 2027 (7% across funds) and approved a new tiered commercial water structure; staff said the increases support major upcoming capital work including multi‑phase wastewater plant expansions.

Multiple speakers, including Haw River Assembly and Stop Data Centers coalition members, urged the city to deny water utility extensions to new data centers (citing Project Lloyd), saying the projects use large amounts of water and PFAS-bearing closed-loop cooling systems and could worsen drought stress and rate increases.

South West Water owners launched a rights issue for £550 million to fund infrastructure repairs following a massive environmental penalty and share price collapse.

After an update from the county attorney, the board authorized formation of a negotiating committee (subject to Sunshine Law) and appointed four members to meet with Columbia County about operations of the North Florida Water Utility Authority; motions passed 5–0.

A cyberattack stopped a Brown City, Michigan, water well from producing water for about two hours after attackers changed its network address.

YouTube video by Virginia Section AWWA

Hamilton Township MUA said it removed a cyber threat but called the attack unsuccessful. It has not said whether an intruder gained access.

County staff and Highfield Infrastructure presented historical context and engineering alternatives to move water to underserved parts of Pender County. Engineers outlined a shorter Penderly interconnect (~$12–13M preliminary) and a longer Malpas/421 pipeline (planning‑level tens of millions); commissioners instructed staff to pursue competitive grants with an aggressive Sept. 30 deadline.

After public concern about the regional water utility’s finances and management, Suwannee County commissioners voted 5‑0 May 19 to continue participation in the North Florida Water Utility Authority and directed staff to review budget implications in the upcoming budget cycle.

Property owners voice opposition to water utility ordinance perceived as retaliatory and ineffective.

City moves forward with phase 1 of Winterberry Reserve development pending DNR approval.

Officials urged review of fluoride use in water for potential annual savings during budgeting.

The Select Board agreed to support the planning board's request to pursue grant funding for a water and wastewater capacity study and for preparation of an RFP to evaluate potential partners to redevelop parts of the old high school for municipal and housing uses. The board authorized the town to seek grant support and approved a water/septic assessment; the vote was 3–1–1.

Acosol, the public water utility company, suffered a cyberattack that affected information availability and may have exposed customers’ personal data. The company has activated security protocols and warned subscribers to be especially alert for suspicious communications, as compromised data may include contact details, national ID numbers, contract information, and possibly payment methods. #Acosol

The Alabama Senate on Thursday approved with little discussion an amended bill to shrink the Birmingham Water Works Board and change how and from where members are appointed. Supporters hope a new oversight structure will bring in more financial and management experience to the utility that has been plagued with billing, infrastructure and leadership issues […] The post Bill changing the Birmingham water board’s size, appointments passes Senate with amendments appeared first on Alabama Daily News.

Trustees approved a memorandum of understanding allowing the city to receive a $10 million FEMA pre-disaster mitigation grant for natural gas emergency generators at the Hefner Water Treatment Plant; OCWID will administer the project and the district will provide the local match as part of its capital plan.

Page for new chemical profiles for 46 chemicals in the water and wastewater sector supply chain.