High up in the Tehachapi Mountains of California’s Central Valley lies the largest consumer of the state’s electricity, driving 14 centrifugal pumps, each rated at 80,000 hp.
The bigger water utilities have the resources, but small utilities face many of the same problems — namely failing pipeline infrastructure and water loss. So what are the solutions and best practices within small utilities’ grasp? One small utility shared its successful approach to controlling water loss as guidance for those with similar struggles.
With lead contamination still a paramount concern for consumers around the country, many water utilities need to improve their buried infrastructure sooner rather than later. For those that cannot embark on ambitious replacement projects, a new report on coating and lining technologies for lead service lines might be the guide forward.
Advancements in submetering and cloud-based data analytics help reduce consumption, lower costs, and improve operational efficiency.
New research into the chemical byproducts that result from cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) repair indicates that the practice may not be safe for installers or nearby residents. Is your operation at risk?
The utility of the future will become an integral part of “smart cities.” These forward-thinking cities and utilities will have a complete sense of operations and millions of points of data streaming in at all times, allowing them to operate more efficiently and effectively. One component of the advanced water utility is already in the hands of many: smart meters.
The Flint water crisis brought long overdue attention to the state of U.S. water infrastructure. Repair and development costs, north of a trillion dollars by some measures, are jaw-dropping. And water management is being scrutinized — from the top-down — to figure out how these costs are going to be paid for.
In 2017, America's aging piping infrastructure, corroded piping systems, and water quality concerns are at the forefront. Examples like Flint, MI, have engineers and policymakers working to design piping systems that excel in longevity, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The controversy and magnitude of this national problem has resulted in many false claims and complicated solutions from competing piping manufacturers, leaving engineers and municipalities unsure of what solution will work best for their infrastructure needs.
Kansas City’s Smart Sewer program represents the nation’s first federal consent decree to include green infrastructure solutions in the reduction of wastewater overflows, as well as the city’s largest infrastructure investment to date. Projects that include the words “first” and “largest” do not come along without the strong leadership of a “Water Champion” such as Special Assistant City Manager Andy Shively, PE, who shares his experience and expertise in this Q&A.
Water utilities are tasked with ensuring a sustainable and safe supply in addition to achieving business and service excellence goals. These goals are typically based on criteria that measure operational performance, meeting bond covenants, and customer satisfaction.
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