The Design-Build Institute of America?s 2014 Design-Build for Water/Wastewater Conference recently took place in San Jose, Calif., March 17-19. Presented by the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) and co-hosted by AWWA and WEF, the multi-day conference program was a huge success.

Although the legislature cannot make it rain, Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) is doing the next best thing: creating new sources of clean water.

Sensus, a provider of clean technology solutions, has acquired Atlanta-based Verdeeco, a smart grid analytics company offering big data solutions for electric, water and gas utilities. Verdeeco will remain a separate brand but operate as part of Sensus.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has awarded $29 million in federal loans to 10 South Florida water projects ranging from an overworked treatment plant in Miami-Dade County’s crumbling sewer system to a much-needed system in the lower Florida Keys.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued its fiscal year (FY) 2014 to 2018 Strategic Plan, which provides a blueprint for advancing EPA?s mission to protect public health and the environment across the country.

SWIC applauds the introduction of the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Investment Act of 2014 (H.R. 4237) in the U.S. House of Representatives on March 13. The bipartisan legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the volume cap for private activity bonds (PABs) shall not apply to bonds for facilities for furnishing of water and sewage facilities.

Stormwater drainage projects offer a variety of options to optimize funding and provide value to the public for infrastructure enhancements. Regardless of project scope or the size of investment, engineers and utility managers must always be prepared to ensure top value and that the best solutions for the long term are implemented.

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has tracked water industry issues and trends since its founding in 1881. That tradition continues through its annual State of the Water Industry (SOTWI) survey.

After more than eight years as director of business development for Aqua-Pipe, Joseph Loiacono retired at the end of December 2013. However, he remains an Aqua-Pipe ambassador.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has partnered with Veolia Environnement (Veolia), to review current practices and assist in the implementation of industry best practices for the city?s large water meter and fire service line programs, as well as its chemical procurement activities.