While North America faces the ?pay now or pay later? challenges of rehabilitating aging underground pipe infrastructure, another issue ? unrelated to age ? is lurking beneath the surface.

The Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI) announced a new slate of officers for 2011 through 2013 at its annual meeting in Hilton Head, S.C. Gary Runyan of Zurn Pex Inc. was named Chairman of the Board, a two-year appointment.

United Water announced that the company has signed a five-year contract for professional operations, maintenance and management of the water and wastewater systems with the City of Pontiac, Mich., located 30 miles northwest of Detroit.

The Tullahoma Utilities Board (TUB) has selected Mueller Systems, a leading provider of innovative water infrastructure products and services and technologically advanced metering systems for water, electric and gas systems, to upgrade its water and electric infrastructure with a state-of-the-art advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) network and water and electric smart meters.

Each year, the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships (NCPPP) identifies projects that provide outstanding examples of the best use of public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Pure Technologies announced the completion of the first comprehensive inspection of a fully operational prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) wastewater force main.

CertainTeed is helping municipal water utilities and consulting engineers make the most economical and energy-efficient pipe material choices for their water distribution systems with its new, easy-to-use online pipe flow calculator.

AECOM Technology Corp., a leading provider of professional technical and management support services for government and commercial clients around the world, announced a key appointment as the company continues to grow its business domestically and globally.

Jeff Berk has joined Black & Veatch?s global water business as a Vice President and Senior Client Account Manager.

United Water announced that Lisette Provencher has been appointed senior vice president, operations support, for United Water and its parent company, SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT North America, and that Nadine Leslie has been named president of United Water Environmental Services, the company?s contract services division.