Global Spotlight

Monday, February 15th, 2021

North America
Lead and copper rule strengthened
Last December, US EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the first major update to the agency’s Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) in nearly 30 years. This historic action strengthens every aspect of the LCR and accelerates actions that reduce lead in drinking water to better protect children from exposure. The Water Quality Association said US EPA’s revised Lead and Copper Rule offers progress in the battle against lead in drinking water supplies across the United States. Among other things, the new rule requires testing in schools and childcare facilities, while also establishing a trigger level to jump-start lead mitigation earlier and in more communities. Significant for the water treatment and filtration industry, the new rule allows community water systems serving fewer than 10,000 people and all non-transient, non-community water systems to elect to maintain POU devices certified to remove lead in place of corrosion-control treatment.

Endress+Hauser to expand operations
Endress+Hauser and its US representative partners will invest $4.5 million (USD) to grow its sales and service support around the US. At a strategic time in the market, this investment will reinforce and increase Endress+Hauser’s sales channel by more than 25 percent. The added personnel increase within the sales channel will add more resources in project management, inside sales, outside sales, application engineering, industry, solutions and services.

Iron pipes cause carcinogenic properties
Rusted iron pipes can react with residual disinfectants in drinking water distribution systems to produce carcinogenic hexavalent chromium in drinking water, reported a study by engineers at UC-Riverside. Chromium is often added to iron to make it more resistant to corrosion. Certain chemical reactions can change chromium atoms into a hexavalent form that creates cancer-causing genetic mutations in cells. Previous experiments had shown that water disinfectants could transform trivalent chromium into toxic hexavalent chromium, but the group was surprised when zerovalent chromium that was detected in the rusted iron pipes transformed more quickly to the toxic form.

Chemical dispensers standard published
IAPMO^® and ASSE International have published ANSI/CAN/ASSE/IAPMO 1055-2020 (Performance Requirements for Chemical Dispensers with Integral Backflow Protection) as both an American National Standard and National Standard of Canada, superseding the previous edition, ASSE 1055-2018. The bi-national standard is available in both English and French. It specifies performance requirements for chemical dispensing systems to provide a means of mixing potable water with chemicals to provide the user with a ready-for-use chemical solution. Devices covered by this standard are intended for stationary installations, mobile devices where orientations are fixed and handheld devices.

ResinTech LIMS deployed
ResinTech, Inc. announced that the company has deployed a world-class lab information management system (LIMS). The upgrade, which comes less than a year after the company’s decision to offer an even wider array of water testing options to its customers, reinforces the company’s goal of offering best-in-class lab services for the water treatment industry.

New association created
A new organization, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), was formed by a merger between NACE International, the corrosion society and the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC). AMPP’s name, logo and other brand elements were revealed at a global virtual event led by AMPP CEO Bob Chalker and the organization’s executive leadership. With more than 40,000 members in 130 countries, AMPP consists of two governance structures: AMPP and AMPP Global Center. AMPP provides services to members in areas of certification, accreditation, membership, advocacy and public affairs. AMPP Global Center focuses on standards, technical and research activities, conferences, events, education, training, publications and pre-professional programming.

New distribution model gaining traction
Soho Waterworks^™ has been making waves with a mission to redefine the standards of drinking water. The company is marketing naturally sourced waters that are critically acclaimed for purity and taste, and has launched a retail marketing campaign to educate millions of Americans about the health and wellness benefits of these fine waters. Since its launch in December 2020, the company has experienced a surge of interest from regional bottled water companies seeking to benefit from its unique marketing distribution services; the latest being Jackson Springs. Soho Waterworks will be marketing the company’s bottled water to retailers throughout the US.

Cerahelix headquarters moved
Cerahelix, Inc. has relocated its corporate headquarters and consolidated its operations at the Bangor Innovation Center, home to its product manufacturing facility. This move allows for seamless coordination of all key functions within the company, including R&D, applications, engineering and manufacturing. The 6,000-square-foot facility is equipped with a clean room, precision coating and test equipment to ensure the highest quality production of Cerahelix’s ceramic nanofiltration membranes. Coupled with proximity to Bangor International Airport and I-95, this location will facilitate Cerahelix’s plans to serve its customers on a national and global stage.

Water cycle podcast series announced
Through the Water Cycle, on Solving Water: A Xylem Podcast, recently entered its second series, taking on trending issues in the ever-changing water industry, such as the shifting economic arena, impacts of COVID-19 and the opportunity for water utilities in extraordinary times. The podcast show provides information to water industry experts and consumers alike to better understand critical water issues and how Xylem and its partners are solving them.

Water-Right^® announced the launch of a home services program to select Lowe’s home improvement locations across the country. Parent company A. O. Smith and Lowe’s have initiated test markets leveraging the water treatment experts within the family of North American Water Treatment, beginning with Water-Right’s trusted customer group.

Europe
Caneletas celebrating 55 years
In 1965, José María Morera, Founder of the company, registered the Canaletas brand to name the drinking water fountains he was starting to produce and commercialize. Fifty-five years later, the company that began its operations in Barcelona, Spain, has established itself in countries around the world, presenting its water coolers internationally. The company, which began selling its drinking water fountains and water coolers in Barcelona and the rest of Spain, is now present in countries around the world. Sixty percent of Canaletas sales are in Spain with the other 40 percent corresponding to exports.

Global water award nominations sought
The nominations for the 2021 Global Water Awards are open. Don’t miss the opportunity to submit a company, project, plant, technology or initiative to be recognized at the 2021 Global Water Awards. Nominations should be submitted no later than February 28. There are a range of categories to choose from, including Water Company of the Year; Desalination Company of the Year; Water Technology Company of the Year; Breakthrough Technology Company of the Year; Public Water Agency of the Year; Desalination Plant of the Year; Water Project of the Year; Wastewater Project of the Year; Industrial Project of the Year; Smart Water Project of the Year; Water Leaders Award and Water Technology Idol. Visit https://globalwaterawards.com/2021-table/ to nominate a deserving company or individual.

Global Spotlight

Friday, January 15th, 2021

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.

Global Spotlight

Tuesday, December 15th, 2020

North America
Team Horner honored by Cigna
Employee-owned Team Horner^® was recently recognized with the annual Cigna Well-Being Award in 2020 for demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the health and well-being of its employees through a workplace wellness program. Applicants for Cigna’s Well-Being Award are evaluated based on the core components of their wellness program, including leadership engagement, company culture, strategy and goals, implementation, and employee engagement.

Product certification announced
AquiSense Technologies has claimed Class B component certification for its PearlAqua Micro range, tested and certified by NSF International in compliance with NSF/ANSI 55-2019 for disinfection performance, materials compliance and structural integrity. Standard 55, Class B certifies ultraviolet water systems for supplemental bactericidal treatment of disinfected public drinking water and is commonly specified for drinking water products. In addition, AquiSense announced a unique version of its PearlAqua Micro product specifically for Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO). The partnership provides MELCO with AquiSense’s patented ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-C LED) water treatment technology for MELCO’s residential Eco Cute hot-water systems.

Red tide mitigation technology announced
Carbonxt and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium (Mote) were recently awarded a $134,000 (USD) grant to further develop an activated carbon-based technology that addresses red-tide events through the Florida Red Tide Mitigation & Technology Development Initiative. In partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the initiative was signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in June2019. Carbonxt is the only domestic producer of activated carbon pellets in the US.

Sustainable water program moving forward
The Pure Water San Diego program recently reached a critical milestone, paving the way for Phase 1 of the US$3-billion program to supply local, sustainable water to San Diego’s more than 1.4 million residents. The project secured a first-of-its-kind National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to add purified water to the Miramar Reservoir. Global design firm Stantec, in partnership with Brown and Caldwell, has been working with the city of San Diego since 2015 to bring this critical program to life and supply safe, high-quality water for California’s second largest city. The program is a phased, multiyear program to transform the city’s existing system to maximize the use and reuse of its own water supply and offer a cost-effective investment for San Diego’s water needs.

Washington plant honored
The wastewater treatment plant operated and maintained by Veolia North America in Cle Elum received the 2019 Outstanding Performance Award by the State of Washington Department of Ecology. The plant was recognized for its outstanding record of 100-percent compliance with federal environmental requirements under US EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. The Cle Elum plant has achieved this distinction for the past 12 consecutive years; last year, it was one of only 125 out of 300 plants in the state of Washington to be fully compliant.

WQA has announced a $400,000 (USD) capital campaign to assist with its relocation to an expanded, more modern international headquarters and laboratory facility. Participating through the end of 2020 allows the water treatment industry to support its trade association with expanded and improved facilities and resources aligned with the growing needs, tremendous opportunities and expansion of the industry. For more details, or to contribute, please visit wqa.org/buildingourvision.

PWQA annually recognizes leaders in the water quality industry and has requested nominations of deserving persons. Award recipients are selected from nominations submitted by members. Nominations are accepted year-round on the website, www.pwqa.com.

Europe
Water security project funding announced
New funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) will support global research and practice to improve water security for 10 million people in Africa and Asia. The FCDO’s grant to the University of Oxford will now extend to 2024 and increase to £22.5 million ($29.8 million USD), to support the REACH program to improve water security by delivering world-class science to transform policy and practice.

Asia
Wastewater tech introduced in India
ENEXIO Water Technologies will be responsible for the design of the primary treatment stage and the side-stream treatment for the Show Case Plant India (SCPI) project, designed to help eliminate poor conditions from insufficient wastewater treatment. Experience from ENEXIO’s Mexico project will be integrated into the design of the primary treatment plant. Based on the findings of the feasibility study funded by the BMU, the equipment of an existing industrial-scale wastewater treatment plant will be implemented at a later date.

Water boost for India farmers
University of Birmingham (UK) water experts have designed a low-energy, high-efficiency means of purifying water in India’s rural farming communities, which could allow farmers to safely use high-saline groundwater and wastewater to grow crops. Working in the Gujarat region of India, scientists in the Birmingham-led INDIA-H20 project have used emerging membrane technologies that allow saline groundwater and domestic/industrial wastewaters to be safely and efficiently recycled. Based on field work in the village of Lodhwa, which confirmed the poor quality and availability of water in the region, scientists have now designed a system that can recover 80 percent of the unusable groundwater fed into it, producing usable water with low energy consumption.

Beverage trade fair recap
CHINA BREW CHINA BEVERAGE (CBB), which took place in October in Shanghai, had a largely national focus, although 101 exhibitors were from other countries. This was Asia’s biggest trade fair in the beverage and liquid food industry and it enjoyed international participation despite restrictions due to the coronavirus. More than 500 exhibitors and 31,000 visitors were treated to 60,000 m2 of business opportunities and new product showcases.

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.