THERE’S A FLOOD OF MUNICIPAL SEWER & WATER JOBS COMING. HERE’S WHY:

With the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Congress in late 2021, significant rural and municipal sewer and water rehabilitations are beginning to take shape.  The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law delivers more than $50 billion to EPA to improve our nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure – the single largest investment in water the federal government has ever made.

A vital sign of the impending flow of investment from the bill is the EPA’s first award of more than $1.1 billion to 18 states for repairing essential water infrastructure. EPA awarded State Revolving Fund grants to Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.

Water infrastructure funds are reaching states, which marks a massive opportunity for contractors who rehabilitate water and sewer components and systems. If your firm has been thinking of adding capabilities for trenchless repair, manhole or culvert rehabilitation, spray-in-place lining (SIPL), or similar structural systems, there is no better time. And receive exclusive rights over your territory and end-to-end contractor support from our industry-leading team. There’s a reason we’re the gold standard in this space; we’re the best.

The critical state of American infrastructure is no surprise. From Michigan to Mississippi, we’ve been inundated with news of failing water systems, lack of access to safe drinking water, lead pipes, and crumbling systems to handle the population’s needs. Coupled with tight budgets, it’s no wonder we find ourselves in the situation we’re in. Thankfully, $55 billion is set aside for water infrastructure, which marks a significant opportunity for contractors suited to do the work.

While the federal government continues to invest in repairing deteriorating infrastructure, a developing crisis is coming to a head in the American west. In the middle of a two-decade drought, the Colorado River basin from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and upward to the Colorado Front Range is experiencing its highest demand amidst its lowest supply. Various governmental bodies have drafted a new Memorandum of Understanding, but a proper solution is a long way off.

What this means for contractors in the west: Significant changes are coming.

Funding is rushing in at a significant rate. For instance, the state of Colorado received $121 Million of EPAs initial awards to “collect and treat wastewater to protect public health” and “Safeguard vital waterways,” among other mandates. These uses are prime candidates for Sprayroq products such as Spraywall® and Sprayshield Green 2®, which have a long track record of success in water treatment facilities, pumping stations, and a variety of utility line applications.

It’s not just EPA doling out cash. The Department of the Interior authorized $240M for water infrastructure repair. Through the Bureau of Reclamation, over $8.3 billion over five years will head to repair irrigation pipes, aging canal liners, and locks and provide for other water-related repairs and overhauls. Massive investments into lining products and contractors are a part of these expenditures.

In a May 2022 interview with Agri-Pulse, Mike Wade, executive director of the California Farm Water Coalition, said, “what we’re seeing in this is a lot of money going towards repairs and upgrades of infrastructure that are going to improve water use efficiency or water conservation. Projects such as pipeline maintenance and canal lining, replacement of lateral pipelines to prevent leaking occurring from aging infrastructure.”

While the economic opportunity may be near gold-rush fever pitch for contractors that work in the space, the needs and impact cannot be overstated. Amidst climate change, food and water insecurity are dire issues facing parts of the country, especially the American west and southwest. Sprayroq is committed to being a part of the solution, with bio-based products like Sprayshield Green 2® and products like Spraywall®, which provide 100% structural replacement. Be a part of the solution and become a Sprayroq Certified Partner today!