Global Spotlight

Sunday, November 15th, 2020

North America
Colorado River Basin drought to continue
Modeling results for the Colorado River Basin operations released by the Bureau of Reclamation indicates continued drought and an increased chance of potential water shortages by 2025. The Colorado River Basin is in its 21st year of an extended drought. As reservoir levels decline, Lake Powell and Lake Mead operations are potentially impacted. The Colorado River Simulation System modeling results, released at least three times per year, provide water managers with information needed to plan accordingly for the future. Due to the below average runoff this year (55 percent of average for the water year), the CRSS projections indicate an increase by as much as 12 percent in the chance of Lake Powell and Lake Mead falling to critically low reservoir levels by 2025, as compared with the projections released this spring. The CRSS projections can be found at https://www.usbr.gov/lc/region/g4000/riverops/coriver-projections.html.

IAPMO/AWWA guide issued
At a time when many buildings are not fully occupied due to COVID-19, AWWA and IAPMO have developed a guide to help building managers address water-system stagnation. Stagnation within building water systems is a concern in periods of low or no occupancy. When water does not move through the system, water quality issues may arise at an outlet, a group of outlets or throughout an entire building water system, causing potential health risks. Responding to Stagnation in Buildings with Reduced or No Water Use provides a decision-making framework for building managers to design responses to building water-system stagnation.

IDE awarded wastewater project
IDE Technologies has been awarded the Cherokee Metropolitan District Wastewater TDS Reduction Project, commissioned to begin in 2021. The company’s technology, an advanced high-recovery RO solution, will be part of the Cherokee Metropolitan District’s Water Reuse project. The main goal is to comply with a Colorado court order for the district to lower its TDS discharge to under 400 mg/L. Until recently, the district’s wastewater treatment plant used a traditional secondary process. In order to meet the new discharge limits for TDS, however, a membrane bioreactor and RO have been added. With brine management being a critical factor in the RO design, currently being addressed using evaporation ponds with a substantial footprint, it became evident that high recovery of 90-95 percent was needed in order to minimize the volume of produced RO brine.

Changes to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 announced
Newly published changes to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, the drinking water product standard required in the United States and Canada, further restrict the amount of lead that can leach from plumbing products, NSF International announced. The significantly more rigorous requirements were approved after nearly three years of exploring various testing methods to reduce lead leaching from endpoint devices that dispense drinking water, as well as from other plumbing components. The more stringent pass/fail criteria for certification to the standard will require the maximum amount of lead leaching to be reduced from five to one µg for plumbing endpoint devices that dispense drinking water such as faucets, and from three to 0.5µg for other plumbing components, such as connector hoses and small shut-off valves. In-line mechanical devices and other product categories under NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 are not subject to the new requirements. Under the new standard requirements, certification of applicable products to the more stringent lead leaching criteria is optional for the next three years to allow manufacturers time to comply. On January 1, 2024, all products will be required to meet the stricter requirements. Products certified to the standard’s new criteria will be required to indicate compliance on their product literature and/or packaging to enable schools and consumers to easily identify products with the reduced lead leaching limits. NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 also covers other contaminants in drinking water.

NDPA resource center opened
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance announced that its Resource Center has opened to improve access to relevant information by collecting, categorizing and organizing materials that are useful to all members of the aquatics industry and drowning-prevention advocates. It will provide a multitude of resources to the general public and to NDPA members at https://ndpa.org/resource_center/.

Better Water Today (betterwatertoday.org), WQA’s consumer-focused website, explains the benefits of in-home or at-the-tap drinking water treatment. The website, introduced at WQA’s Mid-Year Leadership Conference, uses easy-to-understand language and illustrations.

Europe
Water impact fund closed
In September, Emerald Technology Ventures closed its news water innovation impact fund with Temasek, Ecolab, SKion Water and Microsoft as investors. The fund will invest in early- to expansion-stage companies globally to drive critical innovation and its adoption in the water space. It will support the development of technologies that address some of the most pressing global challenges, as expressed within the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including conserving water resources, supporting solutions for sustainable, resilient cities, improving resource efficiency, adapting to climate change, reducing health risks and stimulating innovation as well as economic growth.

Africa
Angola water project announced
Idrica, through the Aguas de Valencia & Quantum Solutions Emerging Markets Consortium, will participate in the execution of three management, operation and maintenance contracts for drinking water supply systems in the provincial capitals of Uíge, Malanje and N’Dalatando (Angola). The contracts are worth approximately € 7 million ($20 million USD) and have a duration of four years. The contracts are part of the second phase of the Institutional Development Program for the Water Sector (PDISA 2), financed by the Government of Angola, the World Bank and the French Development Agency. The implementation is carried out by the Project Coordination Unit (UCP), under the Ministry of Energy and Water (MINEA). The management of the three contracts will be carried out jointly by Idrica and Quantum.

Global Spotlight

Thursday, October 15th, 2020

North America
NGWA conference to be virtual
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) announced Groundwater Week 2020, December 8-11, will be an entirely virtual event for the first time in the association’s history. While traditionally held in-person and attracting thousands of attendees from across the world, restrictions on gatherings, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, led to the decision to move to a virtual format. Groundwater Week 2020 will feature every opportunity to maximize the virtual experience.

All About Water acquired
Wrench Group, LLC of Marietta, GA, has acquired Chandler, AZ-based company All About Water. This is Wrench Group’s fifth acquisition in 2020. All About Water has been providing plumbing and water treatment services to customers in the Phoenix metropolitan area since the 1970s. The company provides whole-home water filtration, new drinking water systems, advanced water softeners and plumbing repair services. The acquisition of All About Water expands the Wrench Group footprint in Phoenix and furthers the organization’s efforts to provide industry-leading home services to consumers.

PureRite Drinking Water acquired
Master’s Coffee and Water Service announced it acquired Hesperia’s PureRite Drinking Water. The transaction was finalized earlier this spring, but was not publicized out of respect for the national COVID focus. The move follows the December 2019 purchase of Glacier Pure Riverside and is part of Master’s previously announced acquisition strategy. More announcements are planned.

US EPA challenge award nominations sought
The American Chemical Society (ACS), in partnership with US EPA, announced the call for nominations for the 2021 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards, recognizing businesses, academic institutions and nonprofits for innovative green chemistry solutions and products. Nominations demonstrating innovations in green chemistry must be submitted to US EPA by December 4. More information about green chemistry and the Green Chemistry Challenge Awards program can be found at www.epa.gov/greenchemistry.

Goulds certification announced
Goulds Water Technology, a Xylem brand, is one of the first in the industry to offer NSF 61-certified jet pumps for a wide range of residential, agricultural and boosting applications. The certification marks that any and all components coming into contact with the water in approved Goulds Water Technology jet pumps are safe for drinking water systems.

Water Well Trust grant announced
The Water Well Trust, a national nonprofit helping rural Americans get access to a clean, safe water supply, has received a $1-million (USD) grant from the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Household Water Well Systems (HWWS) program for projects to increase potable water availability to rural households throughout the US. The grant and matching funds from the Water Systems Council will be used to fund more than 80 Water Well Trust projects throughout the US. For the first time, the trust is being allowed to operate nationwide; previous USDA grants targeted specific states for the trust’s water-well project program.

Onerous CA vehicle regulation reported
The California Groundwater Association (CGA) has been notified that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has voted to proceed on new regulations to be implemented by 2031. The intent is to further reduce total nitrogen oxides generated by heavy diesel engines in California. This would place an onerous burden on businesses, requiring unaffordable equipment purchases every 10 years. The full read is here: https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/regact/2020/hdomnibuslownox/isor.pdf. Comments are open for the next 45 days and can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bccommlog.php?listname=hdomnibus2020.

Latin America
Chile desal plant proposed
IDE Technologies was recently awarded by Aguas Pacífico SpA the EPC contract for the Aconcagua Desalination Plant. The project includes the engineering, supply, construction, start-up and commissioning of a SWRO desalination plant with a nominal production capacity of 86,400 m3/day (1,000 liters per second). The plant will be located in the bay of Quintero in the Valparaíso Region, Chile. The plant will be the first drought-proof source of fresh water in the Aconcagua basin to serve municipal, agricultural, industrial and mining clients in the region.

Bahamian water agency failing
The Bahamas government has little choice but to bail out Water & Sewerage Corporation, which is “hanging on a very tight string,” a Cabinet minister confirmed yesterday. Desmond Bannister, Minister of Works, told Tribune Business that the state-owned water utility is facing “tremendous challenges” due to the growing number of customers unable to pay their bills because of COVID-19-related job and income losses. With the pandemic worsening the problems created by the corporation’s below-cost tariff rates and Hurricane Dorian, which inflicted millions of dollars in repair costs as well as wiping out virtually its entire Abaco customer base, Bannister said the financial position was becoming increasingly unsustainable with “tremendous amounts of money” now owing to suppliers, contractors and service providers.

Asia
IE expo China success reported
The leading platform for environmental technologies in Asia proved its importance despite all the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 in the run-up to the event: 73,176 visitors traveled to Shanghai to learn about products and solutions from 1,851 companies, as well as market prospects. Despite the special circumstances, international joint booths from Germany, the US, Switzerland and France were represented, realized via local partners. Some of the individual international exhibitors also took advantage of this opportunity. Additionally, in a special area, around three dozen international companies presented themselves with posters.

ACS China agreement announced
In the first partnership of this type with an institution in Asia, the Publications Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS) announced a transformative open-access agreement with the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) in Taiwan. The agreement, which will last through 2023, will help accelerate open-access publishing by NHRI’s researchers.

Global Spotlight

Tuesday, September 15th, 2020

North America
PWQA against recycling legislation
PWQA has reiterated its vehement opposition to AB 1080 and SB 54 (collectively known as the California Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act). Recent amendments do not address the overarching, fundamental issues that PWQA has with the bills and they raise new, significant concerns. Both bills still require millions in new spending at (and delegate expansive new regulatory and fee authority to) Cal Recycle, fail to address on-going challenges with existing programs and the need for significant additional infrastructure statewide to implement the bill, all while the state struggles financially and has slashed spending in other areas. For some businesses, the single-use products and single-use packaging covered by these bills are critical to their livelihood. PWQA will provide updates when available.

WQA news
WQA announced it will relocate its international headquarters and laboratory to an expanded, more modern facility that will allow increased capacity and flexibility for product testing and more efficient membership services. The association has committed to a building only about a mile from its current headquarters in Lisle, IL, about 30 minutes from O’Hare International Airport. Sale of the current building to a nearby non-profit organization was completed in March, with WQA allowed to maintain business in its current space until the move is completed. The WQA Board of Directors officially approved the relocation plan in April 2019, after more than two years of research and planning.

As schools prepare to reopen for in-person learning around the country, WQA offered general guidance on bringing water treatment systems back online in buildings that have been vacant or seen little or no water use. Available on WQA’s website, the guidelines suggest actions water treatment professionals can take as part of an overall recommissioning plan for schools as well as commercial, industrial, manufacturing or retail businesses shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. The document also can be used as a resource by restaurant and coffee shop owners, small businesses and retail establishments, and even homeowners.

IAPMO news
As reported by IAPMO, US EPA has released its long-awaited final regulation on the Use of Lead Free Pipes, Fittings, Fixtures, Solder and Flux for Drinking Water. IAPMO has been an active participant in the rule-making process from the beginning and submitted numerous comments for consideration. The rule’s goal is to reduce lead in drinking water and assure that states, manufacturers, inspectors and consumers have a common understanding of lead-free plumbing. In the final rule, the agency makes conforming changes to existing regulations based on the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act of 2011 (RLDWA) and the Community Fire Safety Act enacted by Congress.

IAPMO and AWWA have entered into a Cooperative Development Agreement to develop a manual of recommended practice to support providing safe and effective water efficiency and water quality provisions for the built environment. Recommended Practices for the Safe Shutdown and Startup of Building Water Systems Due to Emergency will be developed and administered by IAPMO’s Codes and Standards development resources under a set of development procedures jointly established and agreed to by both entities. A committee of subject-matter experts appointed by both will oversee its creation.

Well owner website relaunched
NGWA, in partnership with the Rural Community Assistance Partnership and US EPA, has re-launched its flagship website,WellOwner.org, long the go-to resource for well owners in search of information on properly testing, tending and treating their private water systems. The site is now easier to navigate and contains even more resources to protect private water wells. Updated features include new and improved Contractor Lookup; blog posts from water well experts; a modern, professional and responsive look on all devices; enhanced search functions and new Know Your Well podcasts with NGWA staff interviewing experts from across the US.

ASTM standard developed
ASTM International’s new D7936 standard will help to measure organic compounds that can cause significant issues, including pollution and carcinogen generation, in water. ASTM’s water committee (D19) developed the new standard. The test method described therein covers the catalyzed hydroxyl radical oxidation system for in-stream or laboratory analysis of total organic carbon, total carbon and total inorganic carbon in drinking water, wastewater, industrial process water and effluent water.

WEF safety guideline issued
A blue-ribbon panel of experts convened by WEF to evaluate safety of wastewater workers during the coronavirus pandemic concluded that occupational risk of infection is low, standard wastewater treatment processes inactivate the virus and additional research should be conducted to further increase understanding of hazards and protections for personnel. The panel also updated the guidelines for protection of wastewater personnel from potential pathways of exposure to biological hazards, including coronavirus.

Kinetico, Ayala agreement announced
Ayla Networks announced that Kinetico Incorporated has selected the Ayla IoT platform to power a new generation of innovative, differentiated products and drive market growth. The platform provides comprehensive device, cloud and mobile app connectivity for any kind of product. Its end-to-end integrated technology includes the latest standards and protocols to enable Kinetico to connect its smart products to the cloud along with the software applications that are used to control them.

Nelsen Corporation announced the completion of construction of its new distribution and warehouse facility at 14035 W. El Cielo, Goodyear, AZ, southeast of the Phoenix Goodyear Airport. The property provides for additional growth and expansion in the future. A video of the construction may be viewed at https://youtu.be/8TxVrsduVXE.

Europe
ACS, Poland publishing agreement announced
The American Chemical Society (ACS) Publications Division announced that it has signed a transformative ‘read-and-publish’ agreement with the Polish Academic Consortium. The agreement, which lasts through 2022, will benefit 51 institutions across Poland and will enable hundreds of articles to be made open access each year.

Middle East
ASSE, Israel standards agreement announced
ASSE International and the Standards Institution of Israel (SII) have entered into an agreement for SII to license two ASSE standards for adoption in Israel, which will allow SII to easily adopt ASSE standards for the Israel market, preventing the need for the development of duplicative international standards. The agreement was developed initially for ASSE 1055-2018, Performance Requirements for Chemical Dispensing Systems with Integral Backflow Protection and ASSE 1030-2016, Performance Requirements for Positive Pressure Reduction Devices for Sanitary Drainage Systems. The agreement, which will automatically renew annually after the first three years, calls for SII to prepare its standards in Tel Aviv, distribute copies of them to the public by sale, rental, lease or lending and publicly display them.

Asia
PolyCera acquired by Singaporean firm
PSP.US, Inc. has acquired the assets of US membrane company PolyCera, Inc., which in 2018 began commercialization of its highly differentiated organic metal membrane products that combine the robustness of ceramic membranes with the cost efficiencies of polymeric membranes. The assets include all of PolyCera, Inc.’s physical and intellectual properties. The acquisition was finalized on June 23; financial details are not being disclosed. A Delaware corporation, PSP.US was formed in 2020 and is wholly owned by PSP PTE. LTD. in Singapore. As the largest shareholder in PSP PTE. LTD., leading Chinese membrane company Beijing Daking Eastern Technology Co., Ltd. (Daking) also maintains the largest interest in PSP.US.

Global Spotlight

Saturday, August 15th, 2020

North America
Calgon Mississippi plant expanded
Calgon Carbon Corporation announced that it intends to expand capacity at its Pearlington (MS) plant by adding a second virgin activated carbon production line. The expansion is expected to add 38 jobs at the plant when complete. The estimated investment will be $185 million (USD). When completed, Calgon Carbon’s virgin granular activated carbon capacity will exceed 200 million pounds per year.

IWSH welcomed by World Plumbing Council
The International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) announced it is the latest plumbing industry organization to join the World Plumbing Council (WPC). The WPC was established in 2000 and has at least one organizational (full or affiliate) member in 41 countries. Full members are mainly national-level plumbing industry associations and unions, while affiliate members include contractors, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, service providers and academic institutions.

US Water Alliance prize winners named
US Water Alliance announced the winners of the US Water Prize 2020: Denver Water was the winner of the Outstanding Public Sector Organization award while Marriott International was named Outstanding Private Sector Organization. Iowa Soybean Association took honors as Outstanding Nonprofit Organization and Flint Community Lab was named Outstanding Cross-Sector Partnership. National Correspondent Jose A. Del Real garnered Outstanding Journalism on the Value of Water for his series on California water issues and Outstanding Public Official was awarded to US Senator Ben Cardin (MD).

Ground Water Foundation changes announced
The Groundwater Foundation announced changes to its operations recently. Its work will mostly be consolidated into that of the NGWA, which operates the foundation. All correspondence should now be sent to 601 Dempsey Road, Westerville, OH 43081. If you have questions or concerns about how any of these changes may impact your efforts as a Groundwater Guardian, educator or foundation member, please contact Paul Humes, phumes@ngwa.org or (800) 551-7379, ext. 1520 or Terry Morse, tmorse@ngwa.org or (800) 551-7379, ext. 1504.

Water dispenser growth reported
The number of water dispensers in the US has been growing by around four percent a year and topped eight million for the first time in 2019, according to the US Water Dispense Market Report from Zenith Global. Revenue, however, fell by one percent to $4.1 billion after steady growth until 2017. Bottled water dispensers accounted for nearly six million units, 73 percent of the total, down from 78 percent in 2014. POU dispensers have grown from under 1.4 million to over 2.1 million during the past five years to take a 26-percent share.

Pool products for indoor disinfection announced
HASA Pool announced that its products can also be used to clean and disinfect indoor surfaces. The company’s liquid sanitizers are widely available to pool service professionals through a variety of distribution sources across the western US and to end-user customers at select retail dealer locations. These products can easily be repurposed in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for indoor disinfection.

ACS agreements announced
The American Chemical Society (ACS) and the Norwegian Directorate for ICT and Joint Services in Higher Education and Research (UNIT) have announced a landmark ‘read and publish’ agreement to advance open-access publication by researchers at the consortium’s nine member institutions. The agreement will run through the end of 2022, creating the potential for 100 percent of articles published by researchers in affiliated universities to be available open-access. ShanghaiTech University and the Publications Division of ACS announced their first publishing collaboration, creating a new journal for the worldwide research community, Accounts of Materials Research. This marked the first journal published by ShanghaiTech University and the first journal published by ACS in collaboration with an organization in China.

PWQA news
The Pacific Water Quality Association is seeking nominations to honor leaders in the water quality industry. Award recipients are selected from nominations submitted by members. Submissions may be made at https://pwqa.com/industry-awards/.

Europe
InnoBev awards for two water companies
The fourth annual InnoBev Awards, organized by Zenith Global, attracted over 120 entries from innovators across the worldwide soft drinks industry. Two water producers were honored with best-in-their-category awards: Essentia Water, LLC for Best Marketing/Social Media Campaign with its motto, ‘It Might As Well Be You’ and LUQEL, Best Technology Innovation for its Water Station Excellence.

Asia
ASTM, IAPMO agreement announced
ASTM International and IAPMO have signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) to promote collaboration in initiatives that advance public health and safety. The MOC relates directly to water sanitation and hygiene in Indonesia, the Philippines and other selected member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Global Spotlight

Wednesday, July 15th, 2020

North America
HAWS master reps appointed
Haws announced the appointment of Musillo Sales Agency, Inc. as master rep for western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, serving the plumbing channel effective February 1. Based out of West Homestead, PA, the rep can be contacted at (412) 461-4544 or visit their website, www.musillosales.com. In addition, Rochester, NY-based Northeast Sales Associates was appointed as master rep for that territory, serving the plumbing channel, effective May 1. With offices in Albany and Buffalo, they can be contacted at (585) 223-5982 or visit their website, www.nesasales.com

Delta Pure moved announced
Delta Pure completed the consolidation of operations from Ashland, VA into AJR Filtration’s new 140,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Illinois. The physical relocation of inventory, production equipment and some key staff members was successfully accomplished in one week. The new facility is located at 1500 Harvester Road, West Chicago, IL 60185. The phone number remains the same at (804) 798-2888.

Legionella conference postponed
Legionella Conference: Prevention of Disease and Injury From Waterborne Pathogens in Health Care originally scheduled for August 19-21, has been rescheduled for January 20-22, 2021. The conference will be held at the same location. Co-hosts NSF Health Sciences and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) are rescheduling the conference because of public health and safety concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pool and spa organizations to join
The California Pool and Spa Association (CPSA) Board of Directors announced it has voted to affiliate with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). As part of the affiliation, PHTA will support CPSA’s government relations, meetings and events; administer the management, accounting and planning for the association and employ a full-time director dedicated to CPSA. Both parties are working on an agreement that will go into effect on July 1.

HASA expansion announced
HASA, Inc. announced a significant expansion into the greater Las Vegas, NV region through a strategic partnership with the Thatcher Group. In conjunction with the transaction, HASA will expand its distribution in the commercial and residential pool channel in Nevada with Thatcher as a strategic partner. Thatcher’s Henderson site will represent the eighth point of distribution for HASA, expanding the company’s footprint to an adjacent region and accelerating the growth of its mini-bulk service offering.

Aquatics Coalition launched
About 20 aquatics organizations have formed a new alliance to serve as an information resource and federal influence, with the National Drowning Prevention Alliance as part of the founding member group. The purpose of the coalition is to develop direction and tools to advocate for a safe return to purpose-driven, instructional aquatics under four tenets: with the possibility of shortages in lifeguards and safety protocols, the need for swim lessons becomes greater than ever with an anticipated rise in utilization of unguarded spaces; swim lessons can be safely administered with proper protective equipment and protocols; COVID-19 is not transmitted through chlorinated water and the mental and physical health benefits of aquatics sports cannot be understated.

Parker Hannifin^® Corporation announced that it was awarded a $6-million (USD) contract by the US Marine Corps for its Village Marine platoon water purification system, known as the H2O-PRO. The system produces 600 gallons (2,271 liters) of potable water from any fresh, brackish or salt-water source daily.

Latin America
ACS journal partnership announced
The Publications Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS) is pleased to announce the signing of a landmark agreement with the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil. This agreement is the first of its kind that ACS has signed in Latin America and represents a monumental step for the expansion of open-access publication in the region.

Middle East
IDE awarded desal contract
IDE Technologies announced it has been chosen by the Tender Committee of Israel’s Ministry of Finance for the design, finance, construction, operation and maintenance of the Sorek B facility. KfW IPEX-Bank announced it will provide €90 million in financing to IDE Technologies for the project. Upon completion, Sorek B will be the largest of its kind in Israel and one of the largest in the world, as it will maintain a capacity of 200 million m3 per year, providing fresh water at a benchmark-setting low cost. Other financial contributors to the project include Israeli bank, Leumi and the European Investment Bank.

Global Spotlight

Monday, June 15th, 2020

North America
WQA 2021 call for papers
The Water Quality Association invites potential speakers to submit proposals for education sessions for the 2021 WQA Convention & Exposition on April 27-29, 2021, in Las Vegas, NV. Education sessions cover technical topics related to POU/POE water treatment and business operations topics appropriate for small or family-owned businesses. Although the presenter application form outlines areas of interest, potential presenters are invited to suggest their own topics as well. When selecting the speakers, WQA will give preference to WQA members and to registered exhibitors and sponsors. The sessions cannot contain references to specific products or overtly promote a speaker’s products or services. Proposals are due by August 31 and must be submitted online, using WQA’s form and guidelines. Questions can be directed to education@wqa.org.

PFAS to be added to regulations
US EPA has taken the next step to implement an important per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) requirement of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA added 172 PFAS to the list of chemicals required to be reported to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) and established a 100-pound reporting threshold for these substances. The agency is publishing a final rule that officially incorporates these requirements into the Code of Federal Regulations for TRI.

UV water sterilizers repurposed
WaterFiltersOnline announced it has repurposed its UV water sterilizers (which anyone can do at a low cost) to sterilize employees incoming mail and UPS deliveries. View the YouTube video about the process at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCiI8m3RAVk

Senate approves water recycling investment
In early May, the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee passed legislation that will make significant investments in water recycling programs and resources. America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 and the Drinking Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 include numerous provisions that will advance the adoption of water reuse across the country. The legislation directs US EPA to establish an Interagency Working Group on Water Reuse to coordinate federal activities across the federal government. The WateReuse Association was pivotal in advocating for these provisions in the draft bill and in the managers’ amendment during committee markup.

NSF pipe testing announced
NSF International has completed the moves of two of its laboratories to one new 20,000-square-foot space in Ypsilanti, MI. The expanded location brings together all of NSF’s plastics testing and certification capabilities, including advanced chemical and structural testing on plastic pipes, fittings and valves, metal fittings and components, manifolds, solvent cements, thread sealants, PVC ingredients and plastic materials for global applications.

Bottle water consumption grows
Bottled water has once again reaffirmed its position as America’s favorite drink, outselling all other packaged beverages in 2019, new data from the Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC) shows. Consumers are increasingly choosing bottled water instead of less healthy packaged drinks. The BMC data detail how, since 2010, bottled water has steadily increased in sales volume each year, while consumption of carbonated soft drinks has declined. Bottled water outsold soda for the first time in 2016 and has done so each year since.

NACE, SSPC to combine
NACE International announced its members have voted to approve the association’s proposal to combine with the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC). During the two-week voting period, thousands of NACE stakeholders worldwide cast votes, with an overwhelming 89 percent in favor of combining forces with SSPC. The vote came after more than a year of discussions between the member leadership of both organizations and a unanimous vote this past March by NACE International’s Board of Directors, in favor of a resolution to bring the combination to a member vote.

Grant to fund resilience project
The Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience (IWER) at Stetson University is collaborating with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Coastal Management and Sea Grant College Programs in Florida and Georgia, as well as North and South Carolina, to evaluate green infrastructure interventions for reducing flood risks. The research opportunity is made possible by funding from a $404,000 (USD), two-year Karl Havens Memorial South Atlantic Regional Research on Coastal Community Resilience Grant.

Heroes of chemistry announced
Scientists who developed products that have led to significant advancements in medicine, separation technology and semiconductor manufacturing are this year’s inductees of the Heroes of Chemistry, a scientific hall of fame. The American Chemical Society (ACS) has bestowed this honor annually since 1996. Honorees included DuPont Water Solutions for its FilmTec^™ RO technology, which employs a membrane liquid separation process to reject dissolved solutes on a nanoscale level. Since its introduction 25 years ago, this technology has been widely implemented to provide drinking water for millions of people worldwide and for purification in offshore oil production and the dairy industry.

IAPMO training manuals
IAPMO has made its 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) illustrated training manuals and study guides available to read for free online for a limited time. For more information on IAPMO and its proactive initiatives in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, direct your web browser to https://www.iapmo.org/code-standard-development/covid-19-resources.

Correction
In the May issue, an erroneous website address for United Manufacturing International 2000 Activated Carbon was used on page 30. It should be http://umi20001.tripod.com.

Europe
Zenith water news
After a searing summer in 2018, UK plain water sales slipped back in 2019, but were ahead of results for 2017, according to the new 2020 UK Plain Water Report from Zenith Global. Volumes (excluding water coolers and dispensers) dipped 3.1 percent to 3,500 million liters (924 million gallons) in 2019, while value fell a more modest 2.5 percent to £2.7 billion ($3.28 billion USD). UK sales of plain, flavored, juicy and functional waters have increased by more than one billion liters over the past five years, according to the new 2020 UK Water Drinks Report. Volumes excluding water coolers rose from under three billion liters (792.5 billion gallons) in 2014 to over four billion liters (1.05 trillion gallons) in 2019, dipping by four percent in 2019 after the hot summer of 2018. The overall sales value of UK water drinks in 2019 was £3.3 billion ($4.0 billion USD).

Aquatech virtual events announced
Aquatech is set to launch a new, live event series intended to shake up the traditional and overcrowded webinar circuit. Called BreakOuts, the event series will feature engaging, live panel discussions with industry thought leaders. The format is informal, engaging and short, aiming to be the perfect break during the work day. Taking place on May 26 at 16:00 pm-17:00 pm (CEST), the first live event was expected to attract a crowd of up to 500 delegates. Bridging the themes of innovation and digitization from the physical Aquatech events, the online discussion kick-started with utilities, European partnerships and global engineering thought leaders from across Europe and the Middle East.

Pure Water Group expands
Pure Water Group has recently established two new entities. In addition to the head office in the Netherlands, the company also has offices in Spain (Pure Water Technologies S.L.) and the United Kingdom (Pure Water Technologies Ltd.). This expansion enhances company resources and demonstrates its commitment to ensuring a consistently high level of customer support and attention. For additional information: +31 165 348 252(3) or contact info@purewatergroup.com www.purewatergroup.com

Global Spotlight

Friday, May 15th, 2020

North America
WQRF study announced
The Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF) selected three researchers at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst to carry out its latest research, a sustainability comparison of centralized drinking-water treatment to POU or POE treatment in small community systems, for Safe Drinking Water Act compliance. Drs. Emily Kumpel, David Reckhow and John Tobiason will be using real-world data to compare the human, environmental and economic impacts of centralized drinking-water treatment, to residential POU/POE treatment in small-community water systems in the US. The two-year research project begins this month. The Sustainability Comparison Study is one of several WQRF-funded projects under way right now. Details of other WQRF research is available at https://www.wqrf.org/.

WaterSense program to continue
After a review of WaterSense specifications as directed by America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018, US EPA announced that the agency will not make updates or changes to the program specifications. Additionally, the agency announced next steps in the its ongoing process of assessing and improving the program. US EPA will be engaging with WaterSense stakeholders and the public to ensure that WaterSense products continue to help protect our nation’s water supplies, while saving consumers money and performing as well as or better than regular models.

US Water Alliance, companies offer COVID-19 relief and recovery principles
The US Water Alliance joined more than 200 organizations in endorsing four principles to secure our water future, as the nation plans or recovery and relief from the Novel Coronavirus. As the country is in a public health crisis, relief and recovery measures must include both individuals who need access to clean water to survive and institutions and organizations that provide essential water service to communities. The principles knit together enduring water issues critical at this time: who has access to it, who manages it, how it is paid for and how all communities are kept safe and healthy. The high-level principles are: ensure water is reliable and affordable for all; strengthen water utilities of all sizes; close the water access gap and fuel economic recovery by investing in water systems.

May Supply acquired by Winsupply
Winsupply Inc. has closed on the purchase of assets of May Supply, a wholesale and retail distributor of plumbing and water system materials as well as kitchen and bath design and fixtures, serving customers throughout west-central Virginia from two locations. The company has its primary location in Harrisonburg, VA and a second location in Ruckersville, VA. Details of the purchase were not disclosed. The comapny has been incorporated as Winsupply of Harrisonburg VA, but will continue to do business as May Supply, which offers plumbing and wastewater solutions. It also provides sales of freshwater livestock waterers in the Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina agriculture markets, along with certified well-water testing.

WEF COVID-19 toolkit released
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) has released a new WATER’S WORTH IT toolkit to raise public awareness about the vital role of water utilities and workers in the coronavirus response. The high-impact materials highlight the critical need for water and wastewater services during this unprecedented time and recognizes the dedicated professionals who are working on the front lines to provide clean water and sanitation for their communities. The toolkit, available at https://watersworthit.org/, features a series of graphics that are designed for social media and can also be used on the web and in email.

The difference between cold- and hot-brew coffee
Cold brew may be the hottest trend in coffee-making, but not a lot is known about how this process alters the drink’s chemical characteristics. Scientists now report that the content of potentially health-promoting antioxidants in coffee brewed without heat can significantly differ from a cup of joe prepared with the same beans in the traditional way, particularly for dark roasts. A brand-new video on the research is available at www.acs.org/philly-2020-coffee

Europe
UK water dispenser market growth reported
With hydration becoming ever more important for British consumers, the UK water-dispenser market grew by 2.3 percent in value to £192 million ($240 million USD) and by 2.9 percent in units installed to over 870,000 in 2019, according to the UK Water Dispense Market Report from Zenith Global. This growth was noted despite uncertainty over Brexit and poor summer weather. Bottled-water dispensers are still the mainstay, accounting for 59 percent of revenue and 40 percent of units installed. Mains-fed POU units, however, have risen steadily to 24 percent of revenue and 38 percent of units. Integrated tap systems have also gained share to 17 percent of revenue and 22 percent of units.

Global Spotlight

Wednesday, April 15th, 2020

North America
COVID-19 update
At press time, due to global measures being taken to combat COVID-19, many conferences have been cancelled or postponed. Several events have been postponed until later in 2020 or 2021, while some will be held as virtual events. In the US, the impact on the water industry is broad, as water infrastructure and related activities (such as maintenance, well drilling, plumbing and more) have been been designated essential. Check with local governments to find out any restrictions that may apply.

US EPA reuse plan to be implemented
US EPA, alongside federal partners, will release the National Water Reuse Action Plan: Collaborative Implementation, a collection of bold actions developed in collaboration with water-sector organizations that will reshape the way communities around the nation manage water. The plan identifies 37 actions across 11 strategic themes to give communities tools to consider and adopt water reuse as part of an integrated water resources plan.

New rule replaces WOTUS
US EPA and the Department of the Army (Army) finalized the Navigable Waters Protection Rule to define waters of the United States on January 23 and thereby establish federal regulatory authority under the Clean Water Act, through which Congress explicitly directed the agencies to protect navigable waters. The new rule regulates these waters and the core tributary systems that provide perennial or intermittent flow into them.

International water tasting winners announced
The Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting gave out awards in February to waters from three continents. Four continents had waters among the 118 entries. Mission Springs Water District, Desert Hot Springs, CA, received the municipal water category award. The Best Bottled Water winner was Hita no Homare Cosmo Water, Hita, Oita, Japan. Sparkling Water honors went to Voyage Spring Water, Putaruru, NZ. Waterfy Me of Gaithersburg, MD, won the purified water category. The People’s Choice packaging category was won for the fourth year in a row by Svalbaroi Polar Iceberg Water from Longyearbyen, Norway. Another People’s Choice category (added in 2018) was Flavored Essence Sparkling Water, won by Asarasi Sparkling Tree Cherry Lime from Katonah, NY. The 31st annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting is scheduled for Saturday, February 27, 2021.

ASTM chemical standard released
A new ASTM International standard, D8310, will be used to help measure the concentration of potentially hazardous surfactants that are used in consumer and industrial products. Chemicals covered in the new standard are released into the environment through direct use and down-the-drain disposal. Regulatory organizations, industry trade groups and laboratories will be able to use the new standard to measure the concentration of targeted phenols and movement of the phenols in the environment. This effort directly relates to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #6 on clean water and sanitation.

Clean Water Services acquired
Clearwater Systems Incorporated of Akron, OH, announced the acquisition of Clean Water Services, effective February 1. Since 1995, Clean Water Services has served the customers of northwestern Washington. Clearwater now has 17 locations throughout Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington.

Online UV LED resource launched
Non-profit RadTech and IUVA have developed a new website to document and track UV LED technology at uvledsource.org. The site consolidates technical papers and articles on diverse UV LED subjects in a convenient, easy-to-search online resource. It’s designed to comprehensively educate those interested in UV LED technology, with new papers added regularly to reflect the ongoing work of RadTech and IUVA members.

Winsupply new business news
Winsupply Inc. has opened Tri State Winsupply in Dubuque, IA, serving plumbing, heating and air conditioning, water-well and septic contractors in northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin. In another transaction, Winsupply Inc. closed on the purchase of assets of ASAP Industrial Supply, an industrial pipe, valves and fittings distributor in southern California. Details of the purchase were not disclosed. ASAP Industrial Supply, which is changing its name to Inland Empire Windustrial and becoming part of the Winsupply Family of Companies, serves industrial contractors in the Inland Empire of California with pipe, valves and fittings.

Residential water can vary widely
According to a new Purdue University study, drinking water in the service line is clearly not the same quality at the faucet, as noted by Andrew Whelton, Associate Professor Of Civil Engineering and Environmental and Ecological Engineering. Water quality in a home can differ in each room and change between seasons. Researchers from Purdue, the University of Memphis and Michigan State University conducted the study, published in the journal Building and Environment. So far, it’s the largest and most intensive investigation of water quality over time, conducted throughout a single, three-bedroom house (in West Lafayette, IN) that also functions as a living laboratory for developing technologies that would make homes more sustainable. Researchers collected data 58 times over the course of a year, logging more than 222,000 hours and 2.4 billion records. While more studies at this scale are needed before generalizing findings of other American homes, the results are concerning: 10 percent of the time disinfectant was not found in the water entering the house studied, meaning that the water was not properly protected from bacteria growth once it entered the home.

Mangrove tree research published
The mangrove tree survives in its subtropical habitat by efficiently converting the salty water of its environment into fresh water—an engineering feat that has long baffled scientists. A team of researchers in the lab of Yale Engineering Professor Menachem Elimelech has developed a water-purifying device that mimics the mangrove. In addition to offering a better understanding of plants’ plumbing systems, it could lead to new desalination technologies. The results appeared February 21 in Science Advances. The device, which the researchers call an artificial mangrove, combines the desalinating effects of the mangrove’s root, the capillary pumping of the leaves and the water-conducting capability of the stem.

OxyMem honored
The Water and Energy Exchange (WEX) Global Awards 2020 presented in Valencia, Spain, saw DuPont Water Solutions shortlisted in five of 10 categories and OxyMem awarded the Innovation in Process Technology Award. The company was honored to receive this recognition of achievement in the water sector. OxyMem was one of four acquisitions undertaken by DuPont Water Solutions in 2019 as part of the organization’s plan to be the most innovative provider of water purification and filtration solutions in the global market.

Asia
Consultancy firm expansion announced
Oxford, UK-based Amane Advisors has expanded its presence in the growing Southeast Asia and India markets with the addition of Pravi Bansal as its Managing Partner in Singapore. The company also has offices in France, the US, Bahrain, Singapore and China. It serves all segments of the water industry, advising clients on matters related to their growth.

India bulk-water supply project announced
SPML Infra Limited has received a large bulk-water supply project order worth Rs. 546.96 Crores ($77 million) for the externally funded Bengaluru Water Supply & Sewerage Project (Phase 3). It will cover supply, fabrication, laying and jointing 25.5 kilometers (15 miles) of pipeline for clear water transmission mains from Harohalli to Vajarahalli. The work will include laying uPVC conduit for fiber optic cable throughout the length of the pipeline on either side of the pipe and associated works. The project, expected to be completed in 30 months, will supply an additional 775 million liters (204 million gallons) of water per day to Bengaluru city. The project is envisaged to be completed in 30 months.

Correction
In the February Water Matters column, the arsenic values were noted in parts per million (ppm). This should be parts per billion (ppb).

Global Spotlight

Sunday, March 15th, 2020

North America
Lead content maximum lowered
The joint committee governing the American National Standards for drinking water treatment units recently lowered the maximum allowable concentration of lead in treated drinking water to five ppb or less—a 50-percent drop from the previous 10 ppb—and a threshold that matches Health Canada’s new maximum allowable concentration level. The new lead pass/fail criteria has been published for NSF/ANSI 53: Drinking Water Treatment Units – Health Effects and NSF/ANSI 58: Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Systems. Updates to both standards were published in December and are effective immediately for any new filter or filtration device claiming to reduce lead.

Groundwater Foundation helping with private wells
The Groundwater Foundation announced it has kicked off its year-long effort to drill water wells for low-income families across the US who lack access to clean water. On February 4, drilling began on a new water-well system for the Saleh family in Crete, IL. Last year, the Groundwater Foundation donated $100,000 (USD) to the Water Well Trust to fund a program that pays for the initial cost of drilling a well. Participating families are given a 20-year, one-percent interest loan.

US EPA funds SRFs
US EPA announced the availability of $2.7 billion (USD) for State Revolving Funds (SRFs), which assists states, tribes and territories with infrastructure projects that help protect surface water and provide safe drinking water to communities across the country. The 2020 annual allocation for the four US EPA Region 7 states is: Iowa – $38.95 million; Kansas – $27.13 million; Missouri – $63.46 million and Nebraska – $19.12 million.

Xylem, Waterboys helping with wells
A rural Virginia family, displaced from their home after their water well failed, received the gift of clean water through the first project of Hometown H₂O, a domestic water program aimed at bringing education and access to clean and sustainable water to people and communities in need across the US. Hometown H₂O is an extension of The Chris Long Foundation’s Waterboys initiative and the result of a partnership announced in December 2019 with Xylem Inc.

Solar water technology honored
GivePower received the first-place Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award for its Solar Water Farm technology. The containerized, solar-powered water desalination and purification technology can be rapidly deployed in coastal regions around the world suffering from a shortage of clean water.

IUVA technology award winner named
The International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) inaugural 2020 Emerging Technology Award has been bestowed on the Oasis International QUASAR^™ system, a UV-C LED system for point-of-dispense disinfection. This type of treatment ensures the beverage water is getting the right amount of disinfection with no opportunity to become infected at another point and prevents outlet-sourced contamination or bacteria growing up the pipeline from the point of use.

WFC to address coronavirus
The recent outbreak of novel coronavirus, also known as 2019-nCoV, has caused a worldwide concern about a potential pandemic. On January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus outbreak as a global health emergency. Wallace Leung, Chair of World Filtration Congress 13 and past Chair Professor of Innovative Products & Technologies in Mechanical Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, will deliver a timely presentation at the upcoming World Filtration Congress on filtration innovations and technologies designed to fight the spread of viruses.

Water technology takes top CES honors
The WaterSwitch^® smart-home, whole-house, water management system was named CES 2020 Product of the Year at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV. The system will identify and quantify any leak in the plumbing system. The technology is protected by two US patents, as well as 11 international and additional US patents pending, and is US EPA WaterSense-approved.

Pool drain cover standard updated
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) announced the publication of its updated ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This approval was originally published in the Federal Register on May 24, 2019 (Vol. 84, No. 101) and will go into effect on November 24, the 18-month deadline specified by the PHTA-16 Standard Writing Committee (SWC), which includes CPSC staff representation.

WinSupply news
Winsupply Inc. announced it has has closed on the purchase of Morgan Brothers Supply, Inc., a plumbing wholesale distributor primarily serving central and northern Florida. Details of the asset purchase were not disclosed. Morgan Brothers Supply was founded in 1980 and has grown rapidly to seven locations and nearly 120 employees to serve plumbing contractors and general contractors, developers, homeowners and correctional institutions. The company has six plumbing showrooms. Arnold Hardy, previously Sales Manager at Morgan Brothers, becomes President of the company, which will continue to do business as Morgan Brothers Supply. Winsupply Inc. recently celebrated the grand opening of its newest regional distribution center, a 272,000-sq. ft. center in Jacksonville, FL, the company’s fifth major regional distribution center (RDC).

Master’s Coffee acquisition
Master’s Coffee and Water Service has acquired the assets of Glacier Pure Drinking Water. Master’s will offer coffee products and services to Glacier’s water customers, as well as more product choices, such as filtered water coolers.

Europe
NSF UK certification program announced
NSF International has introduced NSF REG4, an independent certification program that enables manufacturers of plumbing products and materials to demonstrate compliance with the UK’s Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations of 1999 and with equivalent water regulations in Scotland and Northern Ireland. NSF REG4 certifies mechanical products and non-metallic materials that are in contact with drinking water and is the new reference program for the UK market.

Global Spotlight

Saturday, February 15th, 2020

North America
Delta Pure acquired
AJR Filtration announced the acquisition of Delta Pure Filtration in November 2019. AJR has expanded rapidly over the last few years, recently moving into a newly built, 180,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility with over 700 employees. Todd Furbee, Delta Pure’s President, will remain as President of the company to help maximize the next phase of expansion and ensure seamless support for customers.

Legionella conference to move
Legionella Conference 2020 will be held in Chicago, Il, August 19-21, with an emphasis on preventing deadly outbreaks in hospitals and health care settings. NSF Health Sciences and the National Environmental Health Association are partnering as conference co-hosts to help stem this rising public health threat. The theme of the conference is Prevention of Disease and Injury From Waterborne Pathogens in Health Care. Public health leaders, policy makers, researchers, practitioners and water management systems experts will discuss policies and strategies for the prevention of health care-associated waterborne disease outbreaks, including hazards related to medical devices, cleaning and disinfection in sterile settings, as well as water quality requirements in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

NACE standards board created
The NACE International Board of Directors has unanimously approved the membership slate of its new Standards Board and authorized its members to provide oversight and management of NACE International’s standards program. Additionally, it was agreed that the Standards Board will have a voting seat on the NACE International Board of Directors, effective March 2020. To quickly get the Standards Board acclimated and operational, members convened for a two-day orientation in Houston, TX in January. During orientation, the roles and responsibilities of members were reviewed, key issues requiring Standards Board attention prioritized and standards committees created to develop and approve NACE standards.

Rosen Supply sold to Winsupply
Winsupply Inc. has purchased Rosen Supply, a plumbing and heating wholesale distributor in the greater Seattle-Tacoma metro area of Washington. Details of the asset purchase were not disclosed. Rosen Supply has been in business since 1946 and is the leading independent, family-owned and operated plumbing and heating wholesale distributor in western Washington. Third-generation members of the family include David Rosen as President and Adam Rosen as Executive Vice President. Harvey Rosen decided to sell the company to Winsupply as an opportunity to keep some ownership in the family. The company’s legal name becomes Winsupply of Seattle WA Co., but will continue to do business as Rosen Supply.

DuPont acquisitions reported
DuPont announced it has completed the 2019 acquisitions of Desalitech, inge GmbH, Memcor^® and OxyMem Limited, adding to its portfolio of water purification and separation technologies, including ultrafiltration, RO and ion exchange resins. These four recent acquisitions support DuPont’s goal to increase access to the products and technologies needed to meet global customers’ current and future challenges, including the increased need to recycle water, while reducing the energy requirements to generate clean water. The acquisitions further broaden DuPont’s portfolio and enhance the company’s ability to accelerate innovation and offer customers better levels of service, while reducing the life-cycle costs of clean water.

Europe
Food and beverage industry acquisitions break records
Zenith Global reported that 2019 broke records again for the number of food and drink transactions around the world, with 789 registered on the Zenith Global mergers and acquisitions database, an average of 15 each week. The total is 12 more than in 2018 and 41-percent higher than five years ago. The number has increased every year since a dip in 2013. Bottled water and water coolers added up to 23. Orkla, Pernod Ricard, Nestlé, Asahi, PepsiCo, Lactalis, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Azelis, Berlin Packaging, Kirin and Waterlogic were the most acquisitive companies of 2019, with each responsible for five or more takeovers. A total of 1,290 companies were involved across 59 countries, with the United States and United Kingdom most prominent overall.

Asia
Success for drinktech reported
Over 9,900 visitors, 201 exhibitors and a total floor space of 11,400 square meters (gross) defined drink technology India (Messe München), co-located with pacprocess and food pex India (Messe Düsseldorf). The trade fair, which takes place in a yearly rotation between Mumbai and New Delhi, is now well established in the Indian capital. The New Delhi edition registered a 30-percent increase in space and saw a record number of business deals negotiated at the fair. The growth of drink technology India remains strong. The supporting program was expanded and addressed all segments and topics of the beverage, dairy and liquid food industry in conferences and seminars. Together with its partners, drink technology India underlines its status as India’s leading knowledge platform.

In WC&P’s December coverage of the 2019 PWQA Annual Convention, credit for the family photos was not properly noted. Thank you, Joyce Takeda of Water Techniques, for your outstanding contribution.