In fall 2002, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its much-anticipated Clean Water and Drinking Water Gap Analysis. The report became one of the most-cited documents within the water/wastewater sector, highlighting the challenges we face with regard to aging infrastructure and capital investment.

The renewal and replacement of infrastructure is one of the greatest challenges facing the water industry. Cost estimates for needed system investment range from the hundreds of billions of dollars to trillions of dollars by 2035.

As the largest water utility in the State of Rhode Island, Providence Water supplies 60 percent of the state?s drinking water, which includes wholesale distribution and 72,000 retail customer connections across 17 cities and towns.

Accountability is defined by Webster?s Dictionary as ?responsibility to someone or for some activity; the state of being accountable; liability to be called on to render an account; Syn: answerable, liable, responsible.? Accountability is an important word, and commitment, in the distribution of potable water.

The Southern California Alliance of Publicly Owned Treatment Works (SCAP), which represents more than 80 wastewater agencies, recently conducted a roundtable discussion with four long-time California wastewater industry leaders on the multiple challenges facing the industry.

The fifth Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) was a huge success. Held in conjunction with two other events (the third World Cities Summit and the inaugural CleanEnviro Singapore) at the famous Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center, SIWW took place July 1-5.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded nearly $15 million in funding to provide training and technical assistance to small drinking and wastewater systems ? those serving fewer than 10,000 people ? and to private well owners.

Aegion Corp. announced recently that its subsidiary, Fyfe Hong Kong Limited, has received a three-year contract valued at $12.9 million (USD) for the rehabilitation of potable steel water pipelines, ranging from 47 in. to 94 in. in diameter, located in the New Territories of Hong Kong for the Government of Hong Kong Water Supplies Department.

Mueller Systems has expanded the capabilities of its fully integrated remote disconnect meter (RDM) ? the 420 RDM ? with Mobile RDM, a standalone software that enables utility workers to remotely connect and disconnect water services from the safety of their vehicles.

American Water?s Paul Gagliardo, manager of innovation development, delivered a keynote address at the 4th Annual Water Innovations Alliance Conference in Boston, Mass. on September 5-6.