America?s infrastructure investments ? levels of which have long trailed behind those of Asia and Europe ? will be further stifled this year by pressures to cut federal spending and reduce the deficit, compelling cities to be evermore creative and resourceful in securing partnerships to start or continue infrastructure projects, according to Infrastructure 2011: A Strategic Priority.

Leadership was the theme of this year?s American Water Works Association?s Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE) 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 exhibitors products and services.

Speaking before the Citi Climate Change and Water Conference recently in London, Aqua America Chairman and CEO Nicholas DeBenedictis said that the water-energy nexus will play a large role in future of the company with respect to environmental and business opportunities.

Pure Technologies Ltd. announced June 13 that it has purchased the business and assets of Electromechanical Technologies Inc. (EMTEK), a Salt Lake City-based developer of advanced pipeline inspection technologies.

Garney Companies Inc. has been awarded more than $375 million in contracts to improve Colorado?s water infrastructure, the company announced recently. Two projects were awarded independently by the Denver Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and Colorado Springs Utilities.

Paying obligations in water (or sewer service, or natural gas or whatever it is that you sell) ? that?s just the old barter system, right? Yes. But it is so much more. It will save or make your utility a lot of money, if done right.

The UIM Water/Wastewater Conference was held May 4 at the near Seattle and featured a host of expert presenters covering an array of topics. The conference gathered more than 50 people at the Doubletree Guest Suites Seattle Airport/Southcenter in Tukwila.

Insituform Technologies Inc. announced that it has been awarded contracts from the City of Montreal, Quebec, and Orange County, Fla., totaling more than $20 million.

The Clean Water America Alliance will add four new Directors to its Board. ?The Alliance is broadening its perspective and growing its membership of proven leaders,? explains President Ben Grumbles. Joining the Alliance Board are:

Wachs Water Services, a leading provider of solutions for the management of aging water infrastructure in the United States, has opened a new regional office in Burlington, Ont., which is part of the Greater Toronto area.