North America
WQA announced it has postponed its 2021 Convention & Exposition until July 28-30. The date and location of the next WQA Business Boot Camp is still being determined. At this time, WQA still anticipates hosting the 2021 Mid-Year Leadership Conference September 14-16 in Oak Brook, IL, as planned.
WQRF research team announced
The research agenda categories selected for the Water Quality Research Foundation’s 2020 Research Grant were regulatory affairs and public awareness. After thorough vetting by the research task force, a proposal from Dr. Kelly A. Reynolds of the University of Arizona and WC&P Public Health Editor, was recommended and approved by the WQRF Board of Directors. The project objective is to address public awareness by increasing knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about POU/POE through creation of user-friendly, web-based educational materials for WQRF.org. The project will build off and supplement the public resources on WQA’s websites. The content will explain routes of exposure, potential health risks and water treatment options for drinking water contaminants.
NGWA virtual event a success
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) concluded Groundwater Week 2020 on December 11, the association’s first all virtual annual trade show. While traditionally held in-person and attracting thousands of attendees, restrictions on gatherings, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, led to the decision to move to a virtual format. It was attended by over 2,500 groundwater professionals from 59 countries across the globe and offered four days of educational sessions, product demos and opportunities to visit the virtual exhibit hall.
Goulds to offer training
Goulds Water Technology announced it is offering groundwater professionals free access to industry learning sessions the company led throughout NGWA Groundwater Week. Xylem residential water experts hosted a series of learning opportunities during the conference, including product presentations, training workshops and industry discussions designed to educate and support groundwater professionals and their businesses. Several virtual events are now available on-demand at goulds.com/ngwa.
Legionella conference rescheduled
A virtual special session of the annual Legionella Conference co-hosted by NSF Health Sciences and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) will focus on disease prevention from waterborne pathogens during a public health crisis. Previously set for January 2021 in Chicago, this special session of the conference has been rescheduled as an interactive virtual event due to the ongoing pandemic. The special two-day virtual session of the Legionella Conference, Prevention of Disease and Injury From Waterborne Pathogens During an Emergent Health Crisis, will take place March 9-10 to address how industries such as health care, water utilities, manufacturing and hospitality, as well as health departments and regulators, can better respond to water-related challenges during a major health crisis.
WEP stakeholder update reported
In 2010, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University and five companies formed the Water Equipment and Policy (WEP) Research Center. At its fall meeting, WEP announced that 20 project proposals were presented and the members elected to fund six of them for 2021: Improved process-based phosphorus cycle models to optimize wet detention pond operation and maintenance; Ultra-sensitive 30-nm thick SiN membrane pressure sensors; Novel Iron-Based Electrocoagulation-Peroxidation (EC-PO) Treatment Process for Removal of PFAS; nanotechnology in Drinking Water Treatment Systems; Risk and Regulatory Compliance; Low Cost Static Multi Scale Flow Metering Technologies for Low Flow Rates with Integrated Pressure Sensing and A Continuous Heavy Metal Contaminant Measurement System in Drinking Water.
Startup’s system adapted to hydroponics
Vermont-based Vand announced it is adapting its innovative, two-stage water filtration designed to support the recent explosive growth and commercial opportunities in small-scale hydroponics and backyard farming popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has evolved its personal water filtration device to include a reusable and refillable water filter and an additive unit that allows fertilizer, nutrients and essential minerals to be added to any hydration stream, automating plant health and maintenance.
Water, Inc. to represent Italian brand
Water, Inc. announced that it now represents Italian breakout appliance brand SMEG in Arizona, California, Nevada and New Mexico. SMEG is renowned for creating beautiful kitchen products that combine technology and style, and makes appliances that are both high-performing and crafted from quality materials. The partnership with SMEG enables Water, Inc. to provide the same level of high-touch, hands-on, same-day service that it has executed for more than 40 years. With its 26,000-square-foot warehouse available for product inventory and same-day order, process and shipping capability.
Asia
Aquisense, Mitsubishi collaboration announced
AquiSense Technologies announced a unique version of its PearlAqua Micro product specifically for Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO). The partnership provides MELCO with AquiSense’s patented UV light emitting diode (UV-C LED) water treatment technology for MELCO’s residential Eco Cute hot-water systems. MELCO spent over two years evaluating UV-C LED technology solutions from over a dozen suppliers for its CO2 heat-pump hot-water supply system, selecting UV-C LED based on its low-energy consumption, long service life and small footprint.
IAPMO code released for India
IAPMO India announced the release of the 2020 Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code–India (USHGC-I), an updated version of the 2012 Uniform Solar Energy Code–India. The code is a product of the joint effort of the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) and IAPMO Plumbing Codes and Standards India Private Limited (IAPMO India). 2020 USHGC-I is a set of recommendations for everybody involved in the design, engineering, construction or manufacturing of solar energy products and systems. It may be viewed online at http://epubs.iapmo.org/2020/USHGC_India/ and a hard copy will be available for purchase in early 2021.
IWSH training lunched in India
The International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) has launched a new education and training collaboration with Bremen Overseas Research & Development Association (BORDA) India, with the intention to support plumbers in the city of Leh in the remote Himalayan district of Ladakh in northern India. The collaboration was launched with a bespoke webinar highlighting IAPMO India’s Uniform Plumbing Code–India, providing an introduction to plumbing best practices and covering water supply, wastewater systems, toilets and septic systems.