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 2025.
10. The Basics of Using Pipe Plugs for Sewage Bypass
Pipe plugs serve three main purposes: stopping flow in a pipeline, conducting air tests and bypassing effluent. This article focuses on sewage bypass plugs, which allow flow to be redirected through an integrated tube or hose during maintenance or repairs.
9. Late Summer Storm Sewer Maintenance Tips
Many municipalities are breathing a cautious sigh of relief in late summer after months of battling heavy rains, flash floods and storm-related emergencies. This article explains why it’s a good time for storm sewer inspection, cleaning and maintenance.
8. Utility Launches Children’s Book to Promote Responsible Disposal Habits
In a compelling blend of public outreach and education, the San Antonio Water System released a children’s book titled "Pipa’s Big Adventure," using a real-life rescue story to connect young audiences with the often-overlooked world of wastewater infrastructure.
7. Fargo Wins 2025 Tank of the Year
A municipal water tank in Fargo, North Dakota, is this year's winner of the Tank of the Year competition presented by Tnemec Company Inc. A panel selected the tank based on criteria such as artistic value, community significance and challenges encountered during the project.
6. College, Manufacturer Team Up to Provide Opportunities for Next Generation of Utilities Workers
State Technical College of Missouri, in partnership with Vermeer Corporation, launched a Utilities Technology degree to address the shortage of utility technicians. The program combines hands-on training with classroom instruction, preparing students for careers while providing employers with job-ready graduates.
5. 5 Ways to Prevent Budget Overruns in Your Projects
Budget overruns eat into the profits of hardworking contractors and drive up costs for clients, so it’s no surprise that the industry has spent considerable time researching the topic. Leading software providers take an active role examining the root causes of cost overruns.
4. 4 Ways to Save Lives During Traffic Awareness Month
Every August, National Traffic Awareness Month offers a crucial reminder that the roads we work near can be as dangerous as the job site itself. Observing Traffic Awareness Month is a vital opportunity to reinforce worker safety and save lives.
3. Study Measures Magnitude, Distribution of PFAS in Great Lakes
Scientists analyzed mussel tissue data to map the presence and distribution of PFAS across the Great Lakes, helping fill critical data gaps for U.S. and Canada water quality management. The findings support international efforts to protect water quality while highlighting emerging solutions.
2. Artificial Intelligence Is Gobbling Up Water It Can't Replace
Data centers use massive amounts of water for cooling, and it’s water that largely evaporates and doesn’t return to local systems. Explore current cooling methods, their water impact and innovative approaches to reduce consumption and improve energy efficiency.
1. Don’t Let Know-How Walk Off the Job
An aging construction workforce is accelerating knowledge loss as experienced workers retire, worsening an already severe labor shortage. This article outlines practical strategies for keeping and sharing the knowledge of an aging workforce.
