While automatic meter reading has been around for several decades, technological advances combined with economic and environmental conditions are increasing interest in smart metering systems.

Innovative financing and pricing flexibility are key to preparing the nation?s aging freshwater systems to handle growing demand and environmental challenges, according to a Charting New Waters report released Jan. 26 by The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, American Rivers and Ceres.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Dec. 8 released a draft analysis of data from its Pavillion, Wyo., groundwater investigation. At the request of Pavillion residents, EPA began investigating water quality concerns in private drinking water wells three years ago.

From Oct. 26-29, 2011, the second International Conference of Pipelines and Trenchless Technology (ICPTT 2011) was held at the National Convention Center in Beijing.

Nashville is home to the historic Grand Ole Opry and all things country music, all the way down to the 10-gallon hats and cowboy boots.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the State of Illinois on Dec. 14 announced a Clean Water Act (CWA) settlement with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) to resolve claims that untreated sewer discharges were released into Chicago area waterways during flood and wet weather events.

Andy Shea has been named the Water business group?s vice president and new market sector director for industrial/private client based in HDR?s King of Prussia office near Philadelphia, Pa.

Merrick & Company?s Peter Binney, P.E., National Director of Sustainable Infrastructure, recently received the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) national President?s Medal for his dedicated leadership and influence in developing the national sustainable infrastructure project rating system and its accreditation program. Binney was a lead contributor in the development of the sustainable infrastructure rating systems that will further promote sustainable infrastructure design and construction practices.

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in November launched a new program, Operational Excellence ? or OpX ? to help make DEP the safest, most effective, cost-efficient and transparent water utility in the nation.

Many utilities are suffering the triple pressures of fiscal austerity, water scarcity and aging infrastructure. In the fight to save water and replace or upgrade infrastructure, utilities are at the proverbial intersection of Rock Street and Hard Place Avenue.