For these posts though, you are going to see mostly links. I'll want you to click on those links for yourself. Of course I'll copy a bit here and there from the links to wet your appetite for more information (yeah, pun intended a few words back there).
Let's go...
Santa Paula, Calif., Water Recycling Facility Cuts Power Consumption Costs
Investment in energy-saving technology will cut costs by up to 15%
August 21, 2009
PERC Water Corp.’s water recycling facility in Santa Paula, Calif., is estimated to save the city up to 15% in wastewater treatment power consumption costs.
This facility is the first of its kind to be built under California’s new government code Section 5956 that encourages private investment to solve public infrastructure needs. Construction of the facility began in July 2008 and will commence operation before Dec. 15, 2010. It will serve the city’s population of approximately 30,000 people.
While not exactly water related, the part I emphasized above is just another example of public/private partnerships as solutions for infrastructure needs. It is important to note though, it will be very difficult for the community to attract private investment to help our needs for future infrastructure if we are constantly ripping free enterprise and development around here. Just keep that in mind.
Marin County, Calif., Water Board OKs Desalination PlantVocal opposition... heh.
Water district believes desalination is the best way to handle projected population growth
August 20, 2009
Marin County, Calif.'s largest water utility recently voted to build a desalination plant that will convert about 5 million gal of seawater into drinking water, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The plant will serve approximately 190,000 people.
The board voted in favor of the plant 4-0, despite vocal opposition at the meeting, which was attended by about 200 people.
While environmental advocacy groups opposed the plant, the district contends desalination is the best way to satisfy projected population and economic growth.
"We're concerned about bringing supply and demand into balance," Hal Brown, president of the Marin County Board of Supervisors, said at the meeting.
Water managers across California, now in its third year of drought, are struggling to find new water supplies while figuring out how to encourage conservation.
California Develops Green Building Standards Code
Code calls for two-tiered improvement in efficiency above current standards
August 17, 2009
The code, which took effect on Aug. 1, encourages the design of buildings that reduce potable water use by 20%, establishing specific methods for controlling water use through plumbing fixtures and indoor and landscape water conservation. The code also calls for a two-tired improvement (15% and 30%) in energy efficiency in buildings above current standards, which are already the most stringent in the nation, according to the commission.
Word has it that a residential developer was trying to get approvals to build out a community right here in Mohave County that included much of what the California government is now requiring. Of course, there was vocal opposition to all of that. And while ultimately the vocal opposition did not prevail, they were able to slow down the approval process long enough for the residential real estate market to tank, long enough so that new residents are still using more water and more energy than what newer technology household products would. Shame.
And here I thought the vocal opposition was in favor of conserving water resources in Mohave County. Why the mixed messages?? (I know why and you probably do too)
Solar Modules Help Power Morristown, N.J., Wastewater Treatment Plant
Solar installation will provide about 40% of electricity needed to run the plant
August 14, 2009
Morristown Mayor Donald Cresitello, who championed the effort to install the system, reported that it will be green for the environment and green for Morristown’s taxpayers. “This project saves taxpayer money,” Cresitello said. “By reducing energy costs at the wastewater treatment facility, and bringing new revenue from sales of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates, the system will pay for itself within 10 years.”
Hey, it is sunny here most of the year. Just sayin'.
Northwest Valley Team Wins Arizona American Water’s “Project of the Year”
Filter that saves millions of gallons of water earns first place
August 10, 2009
Arizona American Water’s Northwest Valley team was given the Water Reuse Small Project of the Year award at the annual Arizona Water Reuse Conference in Flagstaff, Ariz. The award is for innovative use of the Big Bubba Water Filter. The operation’s team invented a way to use the water filter for internal industrial use, reducing water consumption and cutting water costs by more than 50% annually.
“I’m extremely proud of the team at the Northwest Valley Facility for coming up with a savvy way to both save water and cut costs,” said Paul Townsley, president of Arizona American Water. “Everyone knows that we must be mindful of the water we use here in the desert, and, thanks to this team, we will save an additional 12 million gallons a year.”
Too bad industry is such a threat to the vocal opposition's lifestyle around here or else we might see how new industry would use 'our' precious resources in a more mindful way compared to the local water worry warts are.
Siemens Awarded Ultrafiltration Membrane Project in Eastern China
Memcor system will provide high-quality drinking water for city of Wuxi
August 4, 2009
“This project demonstrates Siemens’ capabilities to provide solutions that meet the need of cost effective and reliable technologies in China,” said Henrik Alt, responsible for Siemens Water Technologies’ China business. “This project will make an important contribution to further improve drinking water quality for Wuxi’s citizens.”
I bet there comes a day when Siemens, or some other corporation like that (that takes profit), is on local governments speed dial to help us with needed water related solutions.
Bluewater Bio Intl. Installs Pilot Treatment Plant in Spain
HYBACS nutrient removal process and reuse capabilities attract investment
August 3, 2009
The pilot plant, now commissioning at a municipal site in Ávila, is expected to serve as a reference for the subsequent implementation of this system in other aqualia facilities. The HYBACS technology uses the naturally occurring bacteria bacillus to remove nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter from a wide variety of wastewater streams to produce a high-quality, odorless water resource that can be reused in many applications such as agriculture and industry.
The reuse of water, especially from a source like an aquifer, is going to be a huge deal. It would be great if we had more neighbors here using water in the first place so that we could reuse the water multiple times, rather than once. But that won't happen until this area welcomes new opportunity and is willing to change the attitude. Growth will lead to the required solutions, not the other way around.
You will likely see another post like this in the coming weeks or months... or the next time I get thirsty.
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