As the year comes to a close, we take a look at some of our favorite stories on mswmag.com. If you missed any of these, now is your chance to catch up. Enjoy this look back at 2023.

10. EPA Proposes Improvements to Lead and Copper Rule
In an announcement toward the end of 2023, the U.S. EPA proposed strengthening its Lead and Copper Rule, a move that would require water systems across the country to replace lead service lines within 10 years. 

9. Artificial Intelligence Model Maps Wetlands With 94% Accuracy
Chesapeake Conservancy's data science team developed an AI model for wetland mapping, achieving 94% accuracy. This method uses machine learning for high-resolution mapping and could aid in wetland conservation and management.

8. EPA Withdraws Cybersecurity Guidance for Water Systems Amid Litigation
In October, the EPA retracted its earlier guidance on bolstering cybersecurity measures within the country's water system infrastructure after legal disputes were filed against the agency by Missouri, Arkansas and Iowa.

7. Naomi Park Wins U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize
In July, Naomi Park from Greenwich, Connecticut, won the 2023 U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize for her innovative research on using styrofoam debris as a filter to reduce ocean carbon levels. Later in the summer, Park won the full international competition as well.

6. AWWA Updates Standard for Underground PEX Water Service Lines
In May, Municipal Sewer & Water reported on how the American Water Works Association updated its C904-22 standard, providing key installation guidelines for underground PEX potable water service lines.

5.  Recent Settlements Signal Start of Funds for PFAS Mitigation in Public Water Systems
This article, penned by Ken Sansone of SL Environmental Law Group, talks about how two major chemical companies agreed to landmark settlements over PFAS contamination in U.S. public water systems.

4. EPA Finalizes Rule to Require Reporting of PFAS Data
In October, the U.S. EPA finalized a rule to gather the most extensive dataset yet on PFAS manufactured and used in the U.S. Under the Toxic Substances Control Act, this rule mandates manufacturers and importers to report detailed information about PFAS since 2011.

3. California Utility Uses Creativity to Combat Manhole Infiltration
This online article highlights Truckee, California’s battle with inflow and infiltration. The utility shared its innovative solution to the problem with Oatey, which now markets it as an I&I product.

2. Utility Crews Need Excavator to Pull Massive Root Infestation Out of Sewer
The headline says it all. In Adelaide, Australia, a massive tree root mass weighing half a ton was removed from the sewers, averting potential community disruptions and sewage overflows. 

1. Cyclists Take Unique Ride in London's New 'Super' Sewer
Our top article of 2023 explores how six cyclists won a charity raffle to ride their bikes in a new 2.8-mile-long sewer under London, part of the Tideway London project for Thames Water. This unique experience, taking place 200 feet below the surface, highlights the ongoing construction project.