About the author: Neda Simeonova, Editor
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Like many of you, last month I participated with the majority of the industry at the WQA Aquatech USA convention in Las Vegas. I believe that there is no better way to stay connected with the water world. Tradeshows such as WQA Aquatech allow me to see the newest technology and services available on the market. But most of all, for us, members of the press, these events are a great opportunity to meet face-to-face with industry leaders.
Tradeshows usually offer a wide spectrum of feedback. Some feel the industry is growing, others are uncertain with the state of the economy and what that could mean in the long run for their business.
It is difficult to predict the future of every business approach; however, one thing is certain—consumer interest in water quality is growing. Poll results released in March by The Luntz Research Co. and Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates show that eight in 10 Americans believe that clean and safe water is a national issue that needs federal investment.
In addition, the national media has shown increasing interest in water quality. Recently, News University, an e-learning center that assists journalists through self-directed training, released a beat-specific course—“Covering Water Quality.” The course is designed to help participants gain a better understanding of the issues encompassing the quality of drinking water. The course was a result of a partnership between the Society of Environmental Journalists and News University. Both feel that issues surrounding water quality affect every community and that journalists need to have the resources to properly understand and accurately cover the topic.
Moreover, studies show that during the last 50 years, the U.S. population has doubled and the demand for water has increased even more, yet communities are continually relying on an aging infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers recently graded the nation’s water infrastructure a “D–” in its 2005 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. According to the report, current levels of federal funding remains at $850 million, less than 10% of the total national requirement. This raises the concern that there will not be sufficient funding to maintain the aging systems.
Making the necessary infrastructure improvements is estimated to range from $150 billion to $1 trillion; however, federal and state money is dwindling.
The public’s demand for clean water and the current state of the nation’s water infrastructure will certainly play a role for the point-of-use/point-of-entry industry. Although the future remains unknown for many, the growing demand for quality water may open up new business opportunities.
On a different note, for those of you who didn’t get a chance to attend the WQA Aquatech USA convention, Water Quality Products put together a brief section highlighting the show (see page 24). We asked attendees and exhibitors to offer feedback about their experiences. Next month’s issue of Water Quality Products will feature a Q&A session with WQA Executive Director Peter Censky who will provide a detailed review of the show and give us a glimpse of what’s to come next year.
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