Around the Industry – August 2014

July 15, 2015

Study finds that human activities are increasing concentrations of dissolved solids in streams Concentrations of dissolved solids — a measure of the salt content in …

Study finds that human activities are increasing concentrations of dissolved solids in streams

Concentrations of dissolved solids — a measure of the salt content in water — are elevated in many of the nation’s streams as a result of human activities, according to a study by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Excessive dissolved solids concentrations in water can have adverse effects on the environment and on agricultural, domestic, municipal and industrial water users. Results from this study provide a nationwide picture of where dissolved solids concentrations are likely to be of concern as well as the sources leading to such conditions. The highest concentrations are found in streams in an area that extends from west Texas to North Dakota.

Xylem wins Corporate Excellence Award

Xylem Inc. was recently recognized with the 2014 Corporate Excellence Award from Charities@Work, an alliance of four non-profit federations that serves as the cooperative voice for more than 2,000 international, national and local charities. Xylem received the Corporate Excellence Award in recognition of its employee engagement activities, including a matching gifts program, volunteer opportunities and senior leadership and executive participation. The company makes a significant investment in technology, time and talent to advance the smarter use of water and also leverages its employees’ commitment to help in finding solutions to water issues around the world through a broad spectrum of engagement.

World Water Council and FAO intensify collaboration to strengthen global water and food security

The World Water Council (WWC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have agreed to intensify their collaboration in a bid to strengthen global water and food security. Long-time partners, the two organizations will expand their joint work on a number of fronts, including: Knowledge and technology development to enhance water productivity; the education of water management professionals and building human capital development in the water sector; and promoting sound water policymaking and better cooperation within the water and irrigated agriculture sectors. FAO and WWC share the view that water security is essential to food security and human well-being and acknowledge the possibility that water shortages could lead to increased local and regional tensions.

Water supply forecast shows states in Southwest will remain dry this summer

The final water supply forecast for this year shows the West divided into a wet north and dry south, while snowpack has already melted in much of the region, according to data from the USDA National Water and Climate Center (NWCC). Washington, most of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and the northern parts of Colorado and Utah are expected to have near normal or above normal water supplies through the rest of the summer. Far below normal streamflows are expected for the southern parts of Oregon and Utah, southwestern Idaho, California, Arizona, New Mexico and western Nevada. Many of these areas are in the nearly 500 counties across the country experiencing drought, 57 of them in California alone, according to USDA disaster designations.

ORIVAL releases new website with over 425 pages of data on filtration products

ORIVAL Inc. has released a new website at www.orival.com that features over 425 pages of useful data on ORIVAL water filtration products. The site has case studies (21 included), videos (five segments of animation), applications (divided between industrial and irrigation, and further divided by industry, water source/process and equipment to be protected), products (10 series of filtration products) as well as a full line of drawings, data sheets and company history. Additional data and educational tools will be added periodically as the website evolves into a wealth of customer and designer information.

Research Innovation Award renamed in honor of Dr. Pankaj Parekh

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) announced the renaming of its Research Innovation Award in honor of Dr. Pankaj Parekh, a tireless advocate for ensuring safe drinking water to protect public health. The winners of the newly named Dr. Pankaj Parekh Research Innovation Award, as well as two Outstanding Subscriber Awards for Applied Research, were honored during WRF’s annual subscriber breakfast at the American Water Works Association’s annual conference, ACE14. Dr. Parekh dedicated 28 years to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), serving in various roles including the manager of Water Quality Regulatory Affairs for 10 years and the director of Water Quality for 14 years. Prior to his service with the LADWP, Dr. Parekh spent 13 years working to improve public health by addressing a variety of environmental and drinking water challenges in Africa.

APWA commends signing into law of Water Resources Reform and Development Act

American Public Works Association (APWA) President Edward A. Gottko, PWLF, commended President Obama for signing into law the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). The new law funds needed projects for flood control, water navigation, storm damage reduction, beach nourishment, ecological restoration, water supply and dam and levee safety. APWA is an organization of 28,500 members dedicated to providing public works infrastructure and services to millions of people in rural and urban communities, both small and large.

The 7th World Water Forum to focus on water security and sustainability

The seventh edition of the world’s largest water event will gather participants from the international water community as well as policy and decision-makers from every corner of the world to discuss current water issues and catalyze positive change. The 7th World Water Forum will be held in Daegu – Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea, April 12-17, 2015. The main themes of the 7th World Water Forum are: Water Security for All; Water for Development and Prosperity; Water for Sustainability: Harmonizing Humans and Nature; and Constructing Feasible Implementation Mechanisms.

Puronics announces acquisition of two Bestech business lines

Puronics Incorporated, a water technology company in Livermore, Calif., is pleased to announce that it recently acquired two business lines from Bestech Inc., including Bestech’s X-462 1.05 percent silver carbon media business and the Bestech next generation water conditioner business. Bestech’s X-462 1.05 percent silver carbon media and next generation water conditioner products will now be available exclusively from Puronics.

People

In a spirited event at the conclusion of the American Water Works Association’s Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE14) in Boston, John Donahue, chief executive officer of North Park (Ill.) Water District, accepted the ceremonial AWWA gavel and began his term as president. The Gavel Passing Ceremony was the culmination of a five-day conference that drew more than 11,000 water professionals and water technology providers to Boston.

Aries FilterWorks, a U.S. manufacturer of specialty filters and high purity water systems serving the residential, laboratory and OEM markets, is pleased to announce that Randy Hockenberry has accepted the position of eastern residential representative for Aries FilterWorks and Midwest and East Coast Customer Support for ResinTech Inc. Formerly a business development manager for two years at a water system company and most recently employed by a fittings, pipe and plastic plumbing systems manufacturer as a sales manager for the past 12 years, Hockenberry’s main focus has been the dealer and OEM market for the water industry.

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors during the 2014 IBWA June Board of Directors and Committee Meetings held in Alexandria, Va. Andrew Eaton, Ph.D. (Eurofins Eaton Analytical), Heidi Paul (Nestle Waters North America) and Shayron Barnes-Selby (DS Services) were appointed to fill three open seats vacated by outgoing board members. Paul has also been appointed to serve on IBWA’s Executive Committee.

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