Our industry moves fast. New equipment hits the market, crews adapt to changing regulations and infrastructure demands, and municipalities continue searching for smarter ways to maintain critical sewer, water and stormwater systems. To help readers stay caught up, we’re rounding up some of the most-read stories from August at Municipal Sewer & Water.
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5. Researchers Find Algal Blooms Cause Plastics to Break Apart
New environmental research reveals that algal blooms actively accelerate the breakdown of discarded plastics, increasing microplastic contamination in aquatic environments. Understanding these microbial degradation dynamics enables water treatment plant operators to better anticipate seasonal water quality shifts and optimize filtration strategies.
4. Lake Mead Plunges to Unprecedented Record Low
Lake Mead has dropped to its lowest water level since the 1930s, intensifying an unprecedented supply crisis for 40 million residents and millions of agricultural acres across seven states. This historic drought benchmark highlights the need for regional water utilities to accelerate water reuse initiatives and long-term supply diversification.
3. Cyberattacks Target Water Systems in Multiple States
Following a wave of cyberattacks targeting municipal water and wastewater facilities across at least a dozen states, federal authorities warn operators of severe vulnerabilities in internet-connected equipment.
2. How Hackers Attack Municipal Water Systems
This article highlights the danger of leaving programmable logic controllers directly exposed to the public internet without adequate firewalls. By implementing secure virtual private networks and eliminating default passwords, utility operators can effectively block remote hijackers from manipulating vital processes.
1. Sewer Workers in England Uncover Millions in Hidden Gold
A routine sewer pipe excavation unexpectedly unearthed a hidden gold cache worth over $10 million beneath a demolition site.
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