WIP Editorial

11. Double Belts, Double Suspenders: How El Paso Is Implementing Direct Potable Reuse 3/12/2025
    The city of El Paso, TX, has always known that water is precious. After its public utility, El Paso Water, previously piloted a direct potable reuse (DPR) plant to turn agricultural irrigation wastewater into drinking water, the city is now ready to begin construction of a full-scale, 10-MGD DPR facility.
12. Cybersecurity For The Win: How Water Utilities Can Embrace Digital Technology 3/6/2025

    Water and wastewater system operators are known to be a careful lot. Tightly regulated by the U.S. EPA and state agencies — and committed to public health — they cannot afford mistakes. This often results in "tried-and-true" methodologies winning out over innovative solutions, but the incredible upside offered by digital technologies has encouraged a wave of cyber adoption. Almost cruelly, it comes with cyber threats.

13. New Research Could Extend Membrane Life And Lower Desalination Costs 3/6/2025
    As water-scarce regions clamor for answers, developments in membrane anti-scaling bring desalination closer to viability.
14. Demystifying Data as a Service (DaaS) 2/12/2025

    Like other “as a service” offerings, the idea of data as a service (DaaS) is to take the burden of ownership off the customer. But for many water industry professionals, it can be confusing how that works and where the value lies. To get a better understanding, it helps to break down exactly what this service tends to entail and what problems it aims to solve.

15. Lead And Copper Rules: Where Are We Now? 2/6/2025

    It’s been several months since the U.S. EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) went into effect on Oct. 16, 2024. However, just days prior, on Oct. 8, the EPA approved yet another update, the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). While water utilities knew this was coming, it still introduces a realm of confusion and uncertainty.

16. Silica Fouling In Reverse Osmosis Systems: Prevention And Treatment 1/29/2025
    The control of silica fouling in reverse osmosis systems is crucial for maintaining system performance efficiency and longevity. It prevents costly downtime and membrane damage. This article provides practical knowledge on silica scaling in RO systems, its challenges, and effective control strategies.
17. What Should Water Utilities Take Away From The L.A. Wildfires? 1/22/2025

    As Los Angeles struggles with one of the worst wildfires in history, all eyes are on the region’s (and, arguably, the nation’s) water infrastructure. Should California’s water infrastructure have been better prepared to handle the unprecedented demand? Water utilities nationwide are wondering what the turn of events means for them.

18. What Water Utilities Need To Know About The Challenges Of Water Affordability 1/17/2025

    A report from the U.S. EPA last month reveals the severity of water affordability challenges in the U.S., estimating that between 12.1 million and 19.2 million households lack access to affordable water services. The report outlines the causes, impact, and possible solutions for America's water affordability problems.

19. Building Tomorrow's Wastewater Treatment Systems... And Workforce 1/17/2025

    Engineering Tomorrow, a national education nonprofit dedicated to fostering a more diverse and expansive engineering workforce, recently engaged thousands of students across the country in an interactive lab on wastewater treatment and related careers in partnership with Engineers Without Borders USA.

20. Nationwide Projects Planned To Strengthen Water Systems And Combat Cyber Threats 1/15/2025
    Water resource issues are of high concern throughout America. A research report presented recently to member of Congress urged immediate attention to America's critical water issues. The report outlined states with the greatest immediate concerns. Not surprisingly, California and Texas topped the list.