David Mutombo, MBA, PMP, P.Eng., has joined Hatch Mott MacDonald?s Water and Wastewater Practices for Canada. He is based in HMM?s office in Burlington, Ontario.

Earlier this month, the American Water Works Association expressed strong support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture?s decision to commit an additional $5 million to reduce nutrient pollution in the western Lake Erie Basin.

As managers and decision makers, water utility leaders must be armed with the skills to make sure their systems are running smoothly. It?s not always easy as many challenges exist. Aging infrastructure feels like a never ending battle for many cities, and drought is seemingly affecting many areas of the country.

Ken Kirk sees the big picture now. When it comes to policy development in the area of clean water, he?s seen the full extent of both struggles and achievements and takes pride in the latter.

Located on a peninsula in the Gateway Region between New York Bay, Newark Bay and Kill Van Kull, the City of Bayonne, N.J., is proud to support its economy through traditional manufacturing, distribution and maritime activities.

Government regulations and standards have tightened over the years, driving public and private sectors in the direction of a lead-free environment. Municipalities, utilities and property managers alike have had to adapt to the changes and find solutions that can accommodate their needs and their budgets to provide a safe water source for communities consuming the water.

The House of Representatives passed Republican-led legislation in July aimed at bringing more water to the most drought-plagued areas of California. Citing environmental concerns and other problems, the White House has threatened to veto the bill.

In June, the House Appropriations Committee approved a $30.17 billion Interior and Environment spending bill that cuts U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding by 9 percent and blocks key Obama administration climate rules.

In July, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved approximately $3.9 billion in financial assistance from the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT).

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced last month the investment of $98.3 million for 12 wastewater and non-point source projects across 12 counties through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).