In the last issue of UIM we outlined the key trends and developments taking place in the water market ? including the recent surge of interest by investors looking to gain a foothold in the sector. In this issue, we take a closer look at other issues shaping the water market, namely ownership changes and industry consolidation.

The Milwaukee Water Council will host its fifth annual Water Summit conference Sept. 19-20 at Milwaukee?s Discovery World/Pier Wisconsin complex.

Godwin Pumps, manufacturer of the Dri-Prime automatic self-priming, dry-running pump continues to support emergency relief efforts throughout the East Coast after Hurricane Irene.

RJN Group, Inc. (RJN) is presently in the middle of a year-long sanitary sewer evaluation study (SSES) in the City of Irving?s Southwest Basin. The SSES began in January of this year and is scheduled for completion by the end of December.

Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS), the world?s largest manufacturer of corrugated plastic pipe, announced plans for a new world-class manufacturing facility in Hampton, Iowa. The new plant will be fully operational by mid-September.

Infrastructure is the driving force of an economy. Without means to move goods and services, and without facilities to provide clean and safe water, a city simply cannot compete.

Construction spending fell for the sixth straight month in May, touching an 11-year low, as shrinking public outlays and residential construction swamped a rise in private nonresidential work, the Associated General Contractors of America reported in an analysis of new Census Bureau data.

Leadership was the theme of this year?s American Water Works Association?s Annual Conference and Exposition held in Washington, D.C., June 12-16. Thousands of water professionals from around the world gathered at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to take part in educational sessions and view exhibitor products and services.

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Carey Lykins, President & CEO of Citizens Energy Group, praised the July 13 approval by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) of the transfer of the community?s water and wastewater utilities to Citizens.

United Water and the City of East Providence held a ground breaking ceremony on June 8 marking the start of a $52.5 million upgrade to the city?s wastewater collection and treatment facilities. The construction project includes state-of-the-art improvements that will protect the Narragansett Bay and help ensure regulatory compliance.