Over 100 Philadelphia Water Department supervisors have worked continuous 24/7 shifts at the city's six water and wastewater treatment plants since July 1. This emergency measure is in response to a strike by District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the union representing many of the city's lowest-paid municipal water workers.
The city's mayor is in contract negotiations with the union. To maintain essential services, PWD supervisors, who were trained for disaster situations, are now filling in for approximately 360 striking employees. These managers are working extensive overtime, including up to 16-hour days with double pay on weekends, and are being provided with city-funded food and accommodations at the plants.
River Seine in Paris Reopens for Swimming After Centurylong Ban
The River Seine in Paris has reopened for public swimming, marking the first time in over a century since a ban was implemented in 1923. This highly anticipated seasonal opening — a key legacy of the effort to clean up the river ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics — saw dozens of eager swimmers recently dive into the river.
Three designated swimming areas have been established along the Seine, offering amenities like changing rooms, showers and beach-style seating for up to 300 people.
Massive Climate-Resilient Treatment Plant Project Hits Halfway Mark
The Orinda Water Treatment Plant Disinfection and Chemical Systems Safety Improvements Project in East Bay, California, is a $341 million project designed to protect water quality for 1.4 million residents against increasing climate impacts.
This is the largest infrastructure investment in the East Bay Municipal Utility District system, and EBMUD will reach the halfway point of construction of this football field-sized underground facility this summer.
The project — developed in partnership with Carollo Engineers and Stantec, plus Arcadis and Flatiron Dragados — will enable EBMUD to reliably treat different source waters to the highest standards while reducing reliance on chemical disinfection methods.
