Water Management

With population growth and climate changes threatening the U.S. water supply, desalination is a viable solution to augment groundwater and surface water supplies for drinking water.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over the past 50 years, the U.S. population has doubled in size and its thirst for water has tripled. Water usage in the next 25 years is expected to climb another 50 percent.

Several years ago, an article was featured that reviewed the U.S. Green Building Council?s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program as a tool to encourage environmentally compatible elements in buildings, including improved energy and water efficiencies.

Pure Technologies Ltd. announced June 13 that it has purchased the business and assets of Electromechanical Technologies Inc. (EMTEK), a Salt Lake City-based developer of advanced pipeline inspection technologies.

Garney Companies Inc. has been awarded more than $375 million in contracts to improve Colorado?s water infrastructure, the company announced recently. Two projects were awarded independently by the Denver Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and Colorado Springs Utilities.

America?s infrastructure investments ? levels of which have long trailed behind those of Asia and Europe ? will be further stifled this year by pressures to cut federal spending and reduce the deficit, compelling cities to be evermore creative and resourceful in securing partnerships to start or continue infrastructure projects, according to Infrastructure 2011: A Strategic Priority.

Speaking before the Citi Climate Change and Water Conference recently in London, Aqua America Chairman and CEO Nicholas DeBenedictis said that the water-energy nexus will play a large role in future of the company with respect to environmental and business opportunities.

The sanitary sewer mains in the West College Addition area of Stillwater, Okla., will be receiving a much needed update with the help of RJN Group Inc. RJN will provide engineering services to the Stillwater Utility Authority and design a sustainable, cost-effective reconstruction or replacement of the sanitary sewer collection system in the West College Addition area.

James Goddard, who recently retired from Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS) as the company?s Chief Engineer, has been made an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI), the major trade association representing all segments of the plastic pipe industry. In recognition of Goddard?s contributions to the PPI and the industry, the award was made during the group?s annual membership meeting in May 2011.

Randolph, N.J.-based Envirosight has donated equipment to assist with recovery and rebuilding in Japan following the devastating earthquake and tsunami.