Also in this week's sewer and water news, the USDA is investing $891 million to modernize rural drinking water in 43 states

Also in this week's news briefs, an article in The Atlantic takes a look at Mardi Gras' role in damaging New Orleans' vital sewer system

Also in this week's sewer and water news, Tropical Storm Barry brings enough rain to cause sewer overflows in Alabama and raise concerns for those in New Orleans

Also in this week's sewer and water news, two water supervisors in New Orleans are accused of sleeping on the job during a citywide pressure drop

Also in this week's sewer and water news, two high-level pumping staff members go AWOL during a power crisis in New Orleans

In this week's sewer and water news, a 19-year-old girl from New Orleans explores her city's water system in-depth asking what she can do about its flooding issues

Also in this week's sewer and water news, the former Flint mayor who swapped the city's water source to the Flint River is running for a seat on the state legislature.

Also in this week's sewer and water news, the 25 largest unpaid water bills in New Orleans owe a collective $3 million; and Flint appeals to the federal government for new water meters

Flooding problems prompt city to take action on catch basin maintenance, even bringing citizens into the effort