Water Management

Asset management strategies have been generating interest in the water infrastructure sector for the last decade. A recent study by McGraw-Hill Construction in collaboration with Denver-based engineering consultant CH2M HILL, published in the MHC SmartMarket Report, ?Water Infrastructure Asset Management.

On a global basis, it is estimated that 33 billion cubic meters of treated water is lost at an estimated cost of $15 billion (U.S.) per year. North America seems to be lagging behind in its awareness of this issue but is gradually catching up to the rest of the world.

Design-build has been adopted by the water/wastewater industry at a fast and furious pace. Owners are not only impressed by the speed at which their projects are being delivered, but they enjoy contracting with highly-qualified design and construction teams that place a high value on innovation, quality and client relations.

Although it is often easy to become discouraged with or overwhelmed by the vast water challenges we face, fortunately many water problems do lend themselves to small and incremental solutions in many areas. Each of us can begin to take steps to address water problems, as we will see ? even if some are only baby steps.

Your run of the mill cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) project can run into a host of problems, including groundwater, rough terrain, tuberculation, root intrusion and maybe even critters that have made their home in the pipe that?s being rehabilitated. A pressure pipeline project might add even more complications. But sometimes amid the challenges of a seemingly everyday job, a situation arises where a hero emerges.

On Earth Day, April 22, the U.S. Water Alliance presented its 2013 U.S. Water Prize to the three winners in a ceremony appropriately held at the National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C. This year?s recipients were MillerCoors, The Freshwater Trust and Onondaga County, N.Y.

Miami-Dade commissioners recently approved an agreement with the federal and state governments to settle violations of environmental laws and committing $1.6 billion over the next 15 years to fix the county’s antiquated water and sewer pipes. ?Any world-class city has good infrastructure, and the mostRead More

At its recent annual membership meeting with record-setting attendance, the Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) honored four individual members and five member company projects.

The American Water Works Association?s 2013 Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE13) will be held June 9-13 in Denver, Colo and will bring an estimated 11,000 water professionals. The conference will feature seven in-depth, interactive workshops, 16 professional tracks and more than 550 presentations, plus an exhibit hall full of innovative products and services.

At its annual membership meeting, held last month in St. Pete Beach, Fla., the Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI), presented its Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award to Jim Craig in recognition of his 40 years of outstanding professional service and performance to the plastic pipe industry.Read More