El Paso (Texas) Water recently held a public presentation about what’s being done to address a series of wastewater pipeline breaks that began in August after severe storms.

“I think it was something they owe to the community because they’ve been suffering from this issue and nobody would give them an answer,” says one resident in the Upper Valley, according to KFOX14 News.

Wastewater flows into area stormwater ponds have contributed to strong odors in the area that have residents concerned.

New York, Florida Announce Grants for Water/Wastewater Projects

State governments in New York and Florida recently announced grant programs to fund water/wastewater infrastructure projects.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the availability of $600 million to communities statewide through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act, Water Quality Improvement Project Program, and Intermunicipal Grant programs to fund projects to upgrade infrastructure and make communities more resilient to flooding and other impacts of climate-driven severe storms and weather events.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $114 million in awards for the state’s Wastewater Grant Program, which was established in the Clean Waterways Act and funded in this year’s Florida Leads Budget for projects statewide to reduce nutrient pollution. Eligible projects include those that upgrade traditional septic systems to include nutrient removal technology, provide advanced wastewater treatment, or convert septic tanks to central sewer.

Santa Clara Valley Officials Promote Indirect Reuse

Santa Clara Valley (California) Water District officials are working to improve the public perception of indirect potable reuse to recharge local aquifers.

At a recent press conference, bottles of water were passed out to elected officials and dignitaries with a message printed on the label that read “This used to be wastewater #GetOverIt.”