In the News
miami herald, july 22, 2010
Mayor Robaina shares vision for new water plant with businesses
At a conference on water issues, Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina shared the history of and plans for the nearly $100 million water plant that the city is building with Miami-Dade County.
american city & county, may 3, 2010
Water Companies Support Proposed Water Infrastructure Bill
The Washington-based National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) is supporting passage of Senate Bill 3262, the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Investment Act of 2010 (SWIIA), which was introduced in late April. The bill would remove state volume caps on private activity bonds (PABs) for water and wastewater projects, according to NAWC.
usa today, april 21, 2010
Cities Wring Cash Out of Utilities
Tight budgets and falling revenues are prompting cities across the USA to consider selling municipal water and sewer systems to private companies.
American Water, which operates in 35 states, is discussing deals with 75 municipalities and other entities — the most in at least four years, CEO Don Correll says.
The Huffington Post, april 16, 2010
Paying America's Water Bill, by Michael Deane
As we dive headfirst into Spring and commemorate our appreciation for the earth and its natural resources through events like World Water Day, Earth Day and the upcoming Water Appreciation Month (May), it is nice to see the media coming along for the ride, too, particularly as it relates to water. National Geographic dedicated its entire April issue to the topic of water and The New York Times (NYT) continues its assessment of the nation's water quality, water infrastructure and related regulatory systems. Earlier this week, the editors of the NYT posed this important question about our water systems to a number of guest contributors: "How can the nation begin to address the prevalent risks, given the overwhelming financial costs?"
The Huffington Post, March 31, 2010
EPA's Fix a Leak Week - Making Every Drop Count, by Michael Deane
Last week was the EPA's Fix a Leak Week, established to highlight the significant savings that can be achieved by addressing leaking water pipes and fixtures. Promoting the agency's WaterSense program, municipalities and private companies across the country participated in activities ranging from educating consumers to actually fixing leaks while bringing attention to the very serious issues associated with water leakage.
The Huffington Post, March 22, 2010
Reflecting on World Water Day
Today, March 22nd, people and organizations across the world will recognize the 18th Annual World Water Day raising the profile of the importance of safe, reliable water for everyone. Around one billion people — that's nine zeros — lack sufficient access to healthy water and World Water Day, first established by the United Nations (UN), provides the opportunity for everyone to get involved. With increased awareness created by programs that stem from events like World Water Day, 200 million people have gained access to clean water in the past decade — this is progress, but there's still much to do.
The Huffington Post, February 12, 2010
Water: Don’t Lose It, Reuse It! By Michael Deane
It's hard for many to process the fact that although 70 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water, we can only access about one percent as potable fresh water. As awareness of a potential water scarcity grows, so does the global effort to reuse water traditionally used for everyday functions like bathing, flushing, cooking and cleaning. Purple pipe reuse programs are well underway that vastly reduce demand on potable water by replacing it with treated wastewater from commercial and residential locations everywhere, contributing to an impressive reduction of wastewater discharge into bodies of water and the subsequent environmental impact of pollutants.
The Wilkes-Barre Times Leaders (PA), January 25, 2010
Letter to the Editor: Hazelton’s water plan will fill area’s needs
The Times Leader’s recent article (“Hazleton mayor’s water proposal is popular way to make money in Pa.,” Jan. 8) provides a refreshingly balanced and thoughtful look at the many elements that must be considered in a community’s charge to provide affordable, clean water for its residents and businesses.
The Huffington Post, January 19, 2010
Water Environment Protection Efforts Must be Collaborative
Let me ask you a question. When someone asks where your water comes from, do you point to your kitchen faucet, or does your mind go to the lake 30 minutes up the road? Research shows that most Americans give the first answer, evidence that we take our nearly universal access to high-quality drinking water and 24/7 effective wastewater management for granted.
The Huffington Post, january 18, 2010
OPINION: Can the Water Issues of 2020 be seen with 20/20 Vision?
Some are uncomfortable referring to the water industry as just that: an industry. But there is no denying that's what it is. It has developed over the years gradually, beginning with small local utilities supplying mostly drinking water. Wastewater treatment as we think of it today didn't come along until later. And of course government bodies regulating these utilities at nearly all levels of government sprung up, and entire water-focused manufacturing, engineering and scientific industries now exist. There are also several organizations like where I work that represent parts of that larger industry, and still other independent organizations designed to keep an eye on us all.
Hazelton Standard Speaker (PA), January 18, 2010
OPINION: Private water provides ideal partner for sustainable community
Americans are fortunate to have options for how we get the basic necessities of life, like food and shelter and water. It is important that Hazleton residents consider every opportunity to generate economic growth and community development when planning for a sustainable future.
The Huffington Post, December 10, 2009
Recognizing Private Water Companies for Sustainable Solutions
While a series of national issues are consuming the public discourse on Capitol Hill, state and local governments across the country continue to look for innovative ways to navigate complex and necessary upgrades to infrastructure systems while also meeting an increasing demand for environmental stewardship..
Letter to the editor, Chicago Tribune , December 1, 2009
Water service
Americans are fortunate to have options for how we get the basic necessities of life, such as water. It is important that Chicagoans have clear and indisputable facts when weighing these choices. Regrettably a recent Tribune story paints a misleading picture of the private water service industry ("Should Daley lease our water; Some cities regret going private with such a valuable asset," Page 1, Nov. 16).
Northwest Valley Newspapers (AZ), October 23, 2009
Arizona American Water earns second at awards ceremony
Arizona American Water was awarded second prize in the National Association of Water Companies’ 2009 Management Innovation Awards for water conservation efforts in the Northwest Valley. The award was presented at the 5th National Drinking Water Symposium Oct. 13.
Huffington Post, October 22, 2009
An Aspen Institute Dialogue on America’s Water Infrastructure, by Michael Deane
Experts throughout the United States agree that our nation's drinking water and wastewater systems face increasing infrastructure replacement challenges over the next several decades. There is no scarcity of evidence of the many problems, including collapsed storm sewers, trillions of gallons of water that overflow every year from sewer systems that commingle stormwater and wastewater, and an estimated 20-percent loss from leakage in many drinking water systems. So where do you get the money to fund all the necessary improvements to our nation's water infrastructure?
Water and Wastes Digest, October 21, 2009
National Association of Water Companies Announces 2009 Management Innovation Awards
The National Association of Water Companies’ (NAWC) 2009 Management Innovation Awards were presented by Donald L. Correll, president and CEO of American Water, and immediate past-president of the NAWC board of directors at the fifth National Drinking Water Symposium on Oct. 13. These annual awards recognize new and innovative programs that promote better water service, wider recognition of the industry and improved utility management.
Water Quality Products, October 21, 2009
National Association of Water Companies Announces 2009 Management Innovation Awards
The National Association of Water Companies’ (NAWC) 2009 Management Innovation Awards were presented by Donald L. Correll, president and CEO of American Water, and immediate past-president of the NAWC board of directors at the fifth National Drinking Water Symposium on Oct. 13.
WaterTechOnline.com, October 20, 2009
United Water’s eBilling PUSH project recognized
The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) announced in an October 20 press release that United Water has received a first-prize 2009 Management Innovation Award for its eBilling PUSH project, in which bills are delivered electronically to its 5 million customers.
Underground Infrastructure Management, October 1, 2009
Redefining our Water Infrastructure, by Michael Deane
Over the last year, a diverse group of experts and professionals came together from across the water spectrum to take part in the Aspen Institute Dialogue on Sustainable Water Infrastructure in the United States. I was pleased to be part of that dialogue that encouraged so many of us to set aside our entrenched positions and look at the issues anew, and I am pleased with the results of the discussion.
Water World, September 21, 2009
Trust Fund Proposal Draws Mixed Reviews
Water groups have given mixed reviews to a bill that would establish a federal trust fund for financing water infrastructure improvements.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) introduced the Water Protection and Reinvestment Act in the House of Representatives. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee subsequently held a hearing on it.
Water World, September 18, 2009
Survey Examines Asset Management Practices
Cities are finding it harder to keep pace with water and wastewater system upgrades, the U.S. Conference of Mayors said in a recent report. The mayors group released a survey that examined the status of asset management programs in water and sewer services in major cities.
Water World, September 17, 2009
Study Examines ‘Sustainable Path’ for Water Infrastructure
Water utilities should set the price of their services to fully cover the cost of paying for that service and maintaining the associated infrastructure; adopt watershed-oriented policies; and use integrated water resource planning and management as a principal tool for preserving and restoring water resources.
Water Policy Report, August 12, 2009
Experts eye watershed plan for infrastructure, split on funding
A broad group of industry, activist, academic and other experts on water policy is emphasizing the need to address water infrastructure needs on a watershed basis, which addresses needs based on all types of manmade and natural water structures, though the group failed to agree on how to pay for existing infrastructure gaps.
Alliance for Water Efficiency, August 8, 2009
Aspen Institute Panel Addresses National Infrastructure Needs
A new document from the Aspen Institute summarizes a dialogue by national experts on drinking water infrastructure and outlines 10 major points of agreement by this group. The Aspen Institute wrote the text of the report, pulling language and insights from the discussion during four meetings over the course of a year.
AquaFornia.com, July 31, 2009
Aspen Institute dialogue identifies a sustainable path toward improving nation’s water infrastructure
A milestone report published by the Aspen Institute’s Energy and Environment Program outlines how this country’s aging and ailing water infrastructure can be restored and managed in a way that is economically sustainable, that protects the nation’s natural watershed, and that will meet the challenges associated with climate change, such as droughts, heavy storms, and flooding events.
AWWA Streamlines, July 21, 2009
Water trust fund bill not a slam-dunk winner
Introduction of a bill July 14 to create a $10 billion annual federal water trust fund met with mixed reaction at a hearing in the US House of Representatives. Some industry associations support it, while AWWA and others don't support the concept at this time.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 20, 2009
Efficient, effective - and run privately
Americans are fortunate to have options for how we get the basic necessities of life, like food and shelter and water. It is important that Milwaukee residents have the same opportunities as other communities in deciding how their water is delivered, and that those options are supported by clear and indisputable facts.
Politico, June 11, 2009
Deane settles in at NAWC
The National Association of Water Companies hired Michael Deane as deputy executive director just last April. But days before he started, Executive Director Peter Cook lost his battle with cancer, and Deane has now moved up.
National Journal , May 2, 2009
Trade Associations
Michael Deane admits that there aren't a lot of people in Washington who deal with water issues. "It's a relatively small world," he says. "You can fit everyone in one [cocktail] reception." Deane is the new deputy executive director and director of strategic development at the National Association of Water Companies, which represents the private water-services industry.
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