By Frank J. Rebori
On Nov. 5-7, 2015, the Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (WWEMA) held its 107th Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas. Its theme was: “What You Need to Know for Your Business to Grow.”
WWEMA once again compiled a great program with topics and speakers that served as a catalyst for all attendees to further help serve the water and wastewater industry. Growth, of course, is both a short- and long-term perspective, and these speakers and topics put us in a frame of mind to think about today as well as 10 years out and beyond. WWEMA is 107 years strong, and any organization with such a long duration clearly has the future in mind.
The water and wastewater industry as a whole is also very forward-looking, and WWEMA member companies in particular stand as a critical part of the future of water and wastewater infrastructure. During the past year as WWEMA chairman, I have taken the opportunity to remind the Association and the industry of the “elephant in the room” that affects U.S. infrastructure, specifically its current state of disrepair and the lack of funding by Washington to deal with this crisis.
Understandably, Washington has a lot on its plate. However, what’s out of sight is not getting any better, and just because they can’t always see it doesn’t mean everything is okay. We all know the statistic set forth by the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Infrastructure Report Card estimating the capital needs for drinking water infrastructure at $335 billion over the next 20 years and $298 billion for wastewater/stormwater infrastructure during the same timeframe - and this number is continuing to grow.
Funding water and wastewater infrastructure is a “win-win-win” for the environment, industry and employment, and the U.S. Congress. By addressing our crumbling water and wastewater needs, Congress can make a triple play.
First, it would address an environmental need that affects almost every community in America. Precious clean water is being wasted due to broken water distribution systems, sewage collection stations and systems that need to be upgraded, and treatment plants that need to be brought up to operational standards.
Second, funding water and wastewater infrastructure creates jobs across the U.S. Most of our water and wastewater is underground, and to make the necessary repairs requires significant construction and equipment. In fact, many of the same companies that are involved in road construction also perform water and wastewater work. As such, funding water and wastewater repairs would potentially further the construction industry and employ many skilled workers with high-paying jobs.
Equally important, the equipment needed for upgrades and repairs will serve as a catalyst for U.S. industry. The best water and wastewater companies in the world are here in the United States, and of course, funding water and wastewater infrastructure will further expand high-paying manufacturing and service jobs. Environment consulting firms will also benefit by assisting end users with critical designs and specifications.
The third benefit is obvious: Government wins. If the environment is helped and jobs are created, members of Congress will be doing what they tirelessly aim to do every day: help America be great.
Frank J. Rebori is president of Smith & Loveless Inc., Lenexa, Kan. (www.SmithandLoveless.com), and is chairman of the Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association. For more information, visit www.wwema.org.
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