As this issue is hitting your desk, we are past the halfway mark for the year 2021. This time last year, we were in a much different world, weren’t we? It’s strange to think about resuming our lives after so much has changed, but I’m thankful for the science that has gotten us this far, and the advancements we are making every day in our quest to return to normal. I’m even looking forward to a few in-person trade shows in the second
half of the year, even though that means I’ll have to wear pants with a real waistband again.
Zippers, buttons — who cares, I can finally leave my house!
All kidding aside, it’s exciting to be able to get together with my colleagues outside of a zoom call. On page 32, author Jon Forrest discusses what his return to trade show life will look like (hint: a little collaboration goes a long way to making everyone feel comfortable).
Our cover story this month looks at East San Diego’s approach to water resiliency, with the East County Advanced Water Purification Program. The East County AWP will generate up to 11.5 million gallons per day of new water — meeting approximately 30 percent of current drinking water demands for East San Diego County residents. Recently, the program was awarded a $388 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“Water infrastructure is one of the best investments we can make to improve public health and the environment, create jobs, and address pressing challenges that face our communities,” said EPA’s Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox, who was in San Diego to announce the funding award. “EPA is proud to partner on this project, which uses proven technology to bolster drinking water supplies in this climate-stressed region.”
Author Kyle Swanson notes “the program is key to water reliability and resiliency for East San Diego County’s water future.”Read more on page 8.
In our special section on Water Utility Management, the importance of good data cannot be understated. OSIsoft’s Gary Wong outlines the role of data in the pursuit of resilience and how to overcome challenges along the way on page 12. On page 16, Klir’s David Lynch provides three principles to follow for utilities to effectively tackle the challenges ahead.
In early 2021, Monroe, La.’s smart water system helped the local water utility weather an extreme winter storm that resulted in burst pipes and high demand. “As we move forward, we’re trying to put a system in place that’s going to be here for the long haul,” Sean Benton, director of Monroe Water System, said of the program outlined on page 18.
On Page 22, author Del Williams has tips for optimizing municipal sewer cleaning operations; and on page 25, learn about how providing clean water access to a rural community in Nicaragua turned into a seven-year-long journey for the Colorado School of Mines chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB-Mines).
We wrap up this issue with a story from Cincinnati, Ohio’s Western Hills Pump Station, where an in-house machine shop team took on the task of restoring a 1937 De Laval double suction pump to like-new operating conditions. The painstaking work involved cleaning, inspecting and hand polishing over 100 individual fittings, lines, and accessories.
I think we’ve put together a great issue to celebrate the halfway point in the year. Thanks for reading! WW
About the Author
Alanna Maya
Chief Editor
Alanna Maya is a San Diego State University graduate with more than 15 years of experience writing and editing for national publications. She was Chief Editor for WaterWorld magazine, overseeing editorial, web and video content for the flagship publication of Endeavor's Water Group. In addition, she was responsible for Stormwater magazine and the StormCon conference.