Around 50 businesses near a major intersection in Colorado Springs, Colorado, were without water after a water main broke, also damaging a nearby gas line.
Gas service was restored first, but the businesses remained without water over the weekend of March 20-21 as crews worked to restore water after the 60-year-old, 30-inch water main ruptured underneath the busy road.
“We actually are asking residents in the area if they could hold off doing their laundry, dishes or outside irrigation,” Colorado Springs Utilities spokesperson Natalie Watts told The Gazette. “We don’t want to have that strain on the water system right now.”
Judge Rejects Dismissal Request from Former Michigan Governor
Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s request to dismiss misdemeanor charges against him for his role in the Flint Water Crisis were rejected by a District Court judge.
Snyder’s lawyers argued that since he worked in Ingham County and not Genesee County, the indictment had been returned to the wrong place. However, the judge said that prosecutors have flexibility about where to pursue cases.
The high profile case includes charges against Snyder for failing to declare an emergency in Flint within a timely manner, and failing to check the performance of public officials under his authority.
EPA Celebrates World Water Day, Announces $2.7 Billion to Improve Water Infrastructure
On World Water Day March 22, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of $2.7 billion for State Revolving Funds to assist states, tribes and territories with infrastructure projects to help provide safe drinking water and protect surface waters in communities across the United States.
Additionally, EPA is announcing a new $12 million grant program to help wastewater utilities that serve small, rural and tribal communities.
“EPA is committed to partnering with states, tribes and territories to invest in infrastructure projects and protect surface waters in communities across the United States, ensuring that all Americans, especially those living in underserved communities, have access to safe and clean water and opportunities for economic growth,” says EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “On World Water Day, we are proud to help support improved water infrastructure across America through our SRF programs and technical assistance grants.”
