Water utility news covering municipal water systems, infrastructure investment, drought response, rates, and drinking water quality.
The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved the merger between American Water Works and Essential Utilities, marking significant progress toward the deal's completion. Settlements have also been reached in four additional states, with closing expected by early 2027.
Thames Water confirmed that hosepipe bans will continue across London and the Thames Valley due to insufficient rainfall. Reservoir levels remain low following a drought declared in July, with officials emphasizing the need for sustained autumn and winter rain to replenish supplies ahead of next summer.
The UK government has announced the creation of eight Regional Water Councils to decentralize oversight of water company investments. While Prime Minister Andy Burnham argues this empowers local accountability, campaigners warn the bodies could allow firms to shift blame for pollution failures onto local representatives.
Severn Trent Water CEO James Jesic defends the company's record on sewage pollution and rising bills, acknowledging the need for improvement. He attributes environmental issues partly to customer disposal habits and agricultural runoff, arguing that public cooperation is essential alongside infrastructure investment to enhance river quality.
Veolia has secured nearly EUR200 million in new desalination contracts in the Middle East, including operations for a plant in Oman and design work for a facility in the UAE. The Al Hamriyah plant will feature record energy efficiency with a capacity of 410,000 cubic meters per day. These deals support Veolia's goal to double its global operated desalination capacity by 2030.