During the period from October 4th to 10th, 2025, the following international news occurred:
1. Groundbreaking PFAS treatment plant in Orange County strengthens safe water supply
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) and Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) celebrated the commissioning of a new Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) groundwater treatment plant. Located in the City of Orange, the plant uses ion exchange technology and can purify 3,200 gallons per minute, serving approximately 14,000 households. OCWD is leading regional PFAS treatment, covering the facility's design and construction costs and half of its operation and maintenance expenses. The project received state and federal funding, achieving water quality standards five years ahead of the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2029 deadline. Federal and state funding support has significantly bolstered regional water supply security.
2. COWI secures construction management contract for California's Syphon Reservoir Project
COWI, in a joint venture with GFT (formerly Gannett Fleming), has been commissioned by the Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) to provide construction management services for the Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project in California. This project, the largest in IRWD's history, will increase the reservoir's recycled water storage capacity to 5,000 acre-feet, enhancing water supply reliability, climate resilience, and reducing water import costs. COWI is involved in full-cycle management, leveraging its experience with California water projects.
3. Kuwait to partner with China on nation's largest wastewater treatment plant
Kuwait is set to sign a contract with China in mid-October to jointly build its largest wastewater treatment plant, the North Kabd plant. With a daily treatment capacity of 1 million cubic meters, the plant will utilize advanced technology to significantly increase wastewater reuse and reduce direct discharge into the sea. This project is a key part of Kuwait's series of infrastructure collaborations with China.
4. Ferrovial wins $720 million contracts to build two water facilities in Texas
Spanish infrastructure company Ferrovial, through its subsidiary Webber, has secured contracts totaling approximately $720 million to build two water facilities in Texas. These include constructing a pump station for Austin to improve flood control, and expanding the Eagle Mountain Water Treatment Plant in Fort Worth, increasing its daily treatment capacity by 35 million gallons to meet the area's rapidly growing water demand.
5. Aganova optimizes Manzanares (Spain) water network following inspection with Nautilus
Aganova, in collaboration with Spain's ACCIONA, used innovative Nautilus technology to inspect the water supply network in Manzanares, Spain. The inspection covered 4.1 kilometers of 600mm asbestos-cement pipes, identifying 16 leaks, including some critical ones. This technology uses intelligent sensors for non-invasive detection. Repairs are expected to save 3,000 cubic meters of water per day, while also reducing operational and maintenance costs and enhancing the water supply system's resilience, contributing to sustainable water resource management.