Traditional water sources worldwide, such as natural snow and rainfall basins, are declining as the climate continues to change faster than anticipated. The water reservoir - a staple piece of water infrastructure that has been used consistently and globally, is now being labelled 'the dinosaur' of today's infrastructure systems. Nobody will build any more of them because there isn't enough … [Read more...]
Infrastructure Management Innovations – Creating Wastewater Treatment Plant Resorts
There is no shortage of innovation in sewage and wastewater treatment plants in the western regions of the United States. In Washington State, Oregon, and California, some wastewater treatment facilities have taken a bold move and converted their concrete tanks and pipes into world-class nature resorts complete with education centers, hiking trails, pristine gardens, and wedding venue allure. … [Read more...]
Are Microgrids Needed for a Resilient Texas’ Energy Infrastructure?
Freezing temperatures in Texas in February 2021 caused its power grid to fail dramatically. Millions of Texans were without power amid freezing temperatures. A combination of factors caused the energy grid to collapse. First, Texas, energy infrastructure is not “winterized” because of the states humid climate and mild winters. The extreme cold is a very unusual event for the state and … [Read more...]
Innovative Infrastructure Investment Program of China
China is a country that quickly responds to challenges and seeks opportunity through challenges to bolster its economy. For instance, its government aims to invest in infrastructure to strengthen its economy impacted by the coronavirus. According to a CGTN article, the county will invest in new infrastructure that focuses on innovation and social development. Investments in these new … [Read more...]
Water Utility Planning – Is Deep Uncertainty Analysis A Better Option?
A new scientific society, the Society for Decision Making Under Deep Uncertainty, is arguing that water managers need to use a different system of analysis for planning ahead. The Society thinks that uncertainty in this time of rapid environmental and social change implies that managers need to consider potential outcomes and the probability of those outcomes occurring. The deep uncertainty … [Read more...]
On-Site Water Systems – Its Impact on Water and Infrastructure Asset Management
Many cities are searching for ways to develop and manage local resources. The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF), through its sustainable integrated water challenge, is seeking to help cities and towns change the way that they manage their water by gearing them towards the integration of infrastructure. In San Francisco, an exciting new project called "Blueprint for On-Site Water … [Read more...]
Best Infrastructure Asset Management – NE Fixes South Platte River Issue
The South Platte River that flows into Nebraska has been recently high but flooding impact has been limited. Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) board spent almost $17 million over the last few years to rehabilitate three Dawson County irrigation canals to deal with the excess water from the river. Most of the diversions of the river into the canals will be used to recharge … [Read more...]
In Preparation for Water Week
The Water Environment Federation, or WEF, as it's known in the industry, has always celebrated thinking outside the box when it comes to water strategies and technologies. Eileen O'Neill, Executive Director of WEF comments as Water Week 2015 approaches and experts all over the USA get ready to converge and discuss plans for the future of American water. "Accelerated innovation in water … [Read more...]
Arizona Strengthens Groundwater Supply Resilience thru Innovative Partnership
In order to combat drought in Arizona, a partnership between the state's publicly owned supplier of Colorado River water and private water company Liberty Utilities has been utilized to replenish Groundwater. With financial aid from the Central Arizona Project, Liberty Utilities will construct an $8 million recharge facility near Luke Air Force Base. The CAP will pay $6 million of that cost … [Read more...]
How Can New Orleans Avoid Making a Serious Water Problem Worse
New Orleans is a city that deals with water issues on a sometimes daily basis. As flood-level water pours in, they have a system of levees and pump stations that can have the city clear of the water in 30 minutes. This all seems good at surface level, but below the surface, problems abound. The main one being: the land under the city is sinking. This is due to the sponge-like earth which … [Read more...]
Infrastructure Asset Management Planning Needed If Florida Recycles Its Wastewater
Florida, along with many other states is facing drinking water shortages in the long term. As a result, they are trying to come up with new ways to meet the water needs of the state. A thought on the horizon for Florida is to recycle their wastewater, potentially use the recycled water for irrigation and eventually for drinking water. USA Today reports: "Highly processed sewage, which … [Read more...]
Asset Management Impacts of Kansas’ Smarter Infrastructure Dream
Kansas City is just one of many cities who are looking at incorporating new "smart" technology into its core infrastructure. The technology itself is innovative and has the potential to really improve things, but the concern is that the cost is too high. Fortune Magazine examines the idea in depth in their article, "Cities are looking to technology to save electricity used by street … [Read more...]