In a recent sponsored study, industry expert Dr. Howard Scott worked to identify how long a water utility typically uses its AMR/AMI system before changing to a new one. The research shows water utilities change their meter reading systems far more frequently than the commonly referred-to life expectancy.

Last week, in an historic step for the protection of clean water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finalized the Clean Water Rule to more clearly protect from pollution and degradation the streams and wetlands.

The Smart H2O Summit has announced the preliminary line-up of sessions and speakers for its robust conference program taking place Aug. 17-19, 2015 at the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco.

Trimble and Badger Meter announced last week that the adoption of the Trimble Unity solution has enabled the City of Sacramento Department of Utilities (DOU) to streamline installations and achieve significant savings.

Michael Baker International, a global provider of engineering and consulting services, launched its 75th anniversary celebrations this month with events at local offices across the United States.

Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced last week that the federal government will invest $50 million in water reuse and conservation projects in 12 western states. The funding comes from the Bureau of Reclamation?s WaterSmart program.

In April, Congressman Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.) announced legislation aimed at updating water infrastructure essential to protecting the Great Lakes and the communities that surround them.

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) announced last month that the Integrated Pipeline Project (IPP), a nearly $2.3 billion project, has been approved to apply for $440 million by the state as part of water plan approved by voters in 2013.

In May, the Value of Water Coalition released the results of a poll that asked Americans about the importance of water in their lives. The results of the survey paint a stark picture about the role water plays in everyday life and the urgent action needed to ensure a safe, reliable water supply for all communities.

According to the latest edition of FMI?s Mergers & Acquisitions Trends, the impact of large, transformational deals by integrated engineers and constructors (E&C) last year will spur continued merger and acquisition (M&A) activity this year, as the largest firms use acquisitions to drive growth and enter new markets.