Aging infrastructure continues to reign supreme as the #1 challenge of utilities nationwide. When you talk with your customers, what does aging infrastructure look, sound and feel like to them?

Andy Hawthorne: Aging infrastructure has become top-of-mind across the nation and in locations where population growth has significantly increased. As a result, municipalities are now working to address challenges on two fronts: first, addressing existing systems and preparing them for the next generation; and second, developing new water supply to support local growth. Since infrastructure is costly, it’s common for numerous municipalities to be competing against each other for funding. Having an environment where the need exists and funding can be limited requires creative solutions across the board.  

How do those needs then create business opportunities for the market at large? Has that informed your company’s business strategy as you prepare for 2027?

AH: Our collaborative approach to these types of projects is a continuation of what we’ve always done throughout Garney’s history. We believe in a collaborative approach to project delivery — bringing everyone to the table to work through schedule, budget, design, operation and maintenance needs, and execution. As we prepare for 2027 and beyond, we’ll keep integrating this approach into each project, regardless of size or scope.

How have data center citing impacted the work and construction opportunities you’re seeing across the country for water and wastewater systems?

AH: The emergence of this industry has given our team the opportunity to solve water challenges in a creative and thoughtful way. For these opportunities, we often work in close collaboration with municipalities and water providers to understand regional and communal needs. Whether for a private client or municipality, providing long-term solutions that are beneficial for both the community and owner are of the utmost priority for our team.

Any other thoughts on what the future holds for water and wastewater construction through the end of this decade (by 2030)?

AH: Through 2030 and beyond, collaborative delivery of water and wastewater projects will continue to be the gold standard for how initiatives are approached and ultimately develop from concept to completion. At Garney, we provide the most thoughtful and creative solutions for regional and state initiatives. For example, our team is proud to be the premier collaborative delivery partner in Texas, where we bring a holistic approach to schedule, budget and construction. Implementing that same strategy across all regions with the understanding that each locale presents unique circumstances, challenges and solutions is of the greatest importance, both now and well into the future.

Besides aging infrastructure, what trends are your witnessing in the RFPs or equipment specifications/selection/requests for water and wastewater plants? What seems to be driving those trends? 

Patrick Vidonish: More of our clients are seeking intensification processes that can allow them to meet ever-reducing effluent water quality limits while not requiring expansive infrastructure expansions. Construction costs continue to rise, so finding creative and collaborative ways to improve treatment within tight budgets is a priority. Nutrient reductions and emerging contaminants are also considerably driving decisions, while some clients are approaching these projects thinking about the circular water economy and how typically discharged effluent can be diverted to alternate uses.

How is Garney positioned to capitalize on those trends in 2027 and beyond? What work have you done to get into that position as a business? 

PV: As regulations change, there are an increasing number of complex projects being delivered. Based on research conducted by the Water Collaborative Delivery Association, Design Build and Construction Manager at Risk projects are gaining momentum at about a 10% increase each year. Garney’s water professionals are well trained and experienced in delivering some of the most complex water treatment, conveyance, and storage projects across the country. With more than 85% of our projects being completed in a collaborative delivery contract method, we can collaboratively deliver even the most complex projects within tight budgets and schedules.

PFA in biosolids. How does EPA’s latest guidance impact your business efforts this year and next? 

PV: EPA’s guidance isn’t necessarily going to alter the approach we take to business or change what we are building for tomorrow. It’s more about learning the extent of the challenges our clients will be facing and supporting them as they consider the solutions both currently available and those expected to be available to address biosolids treatment and disposal. We’re able to provide constructability feedback, value engineering concepts, and cost estimating to ensure they are making informed decisions.

What questions do your utility partners have about PFAS in biosolids that they still feel they don’t have the answers to? 

PV: The biggest question we face is, “how does this impact me?” The EPA has been working on this topic for nearly a decade, and they admit that their first attempt at guidance created more confusion within the industry, leading to public concerns about all biosolids.

From a construction standpoint, what advancements have changed the way you construct or sequence water and wastewater plant projects?

PV: Field Technology (i.e. AI, drones, robotics, scanning, modeling, etc.) continues to advance and implementation has allowed our teams to be more proactive in planning and sequencing. This ultimately creates safer, more efficient and organized builds. In addition, the advancement in field tech is allowing owners and clients to visually see what has been completed and what’s on the horizon, resulting in a more transparent and collaborative environment.