WEFTEC^® 2011 registration officially opened March 31. The 84th annual Water Environment Federation (Alexandria, Va.) Technical Exhibition and Conference will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center Oct. 15–19.

Interested in exhibiting? More than 26,000 m2 (280,000 ft2) of space already has been booked by more than 750 exhibiting companies for WEFTEC 2011. Booth space is still available. Don’t miss your chance to exhibit at WEFTEC 2011 and reach thousands of water quality experts from around the world; click here to book a booth today.

The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) now offers open access to its research journal Water Environment Research (WER) online. The new practice, which allows public access to one paper per issue, began with the January 2011 issue of the journal.

Open-access paper topics will include various technical issues, such as nutrient removal, stormwater, and biosolids recycling. The open-access article for March features a critical review of phosphorus removal by researchers at Washington State University (Pullman).

Published since 1928, WER features peer-reviewed research papers and research notes, as well as state-of-the-art and critical reviews on original, fundamental, and applied research in all scientific and technical areas related to water quality, pollution control, and management. The journal is available in both print and online formats and receives approximately 300 new research submissions each year. For more information, see www.wef.org/wer. 

The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) announced that Rita Colwell, a distinguished professor at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health (Baltimore) will deliver the technical keynote address during the Opening General Session, scheduled for Oct. 17 at WEFTEC^® 2011 in Los Angeles. Following Colwell’s address will be a special presentation from Doc Hendley, founder and president of Wine To Water (Boone, N.C.). 

Colwell received the 2010 Stockholm Water Prize and is recognized as one of the most influential voices in science, technology, and policy associated with water and health. Her research, innovations, and scientific leadership have improved current understandings of the ecology of infectious diseases, and she has developed the use of advanced technologies to halt the spread of these diseases. At the Opening General Session, Colwell is expected to share her insights into the necessity of clean water and sanitation to the preservation of public health.

Left, Rita Colwell will deliver the technical keynote speech at the Opening General Session for WEFTEC 2011. Photo courtesy of John T. Consoli.Click for larger image.

In 2007, Hendley started Wine To Water, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing clean water to those in need around the world. Originally, wine to water raised money to support water projects through benefit wine events such as tasting, but has expanded so that wine tastings are one of the many ways the organization raises money and supports clean water project around the world. Coming up with the idea for the nonprofit in 2003, Hendley lived in Darfur, Sudan, installing water systems for victims of genocide in 2004. He came back to America in 2005 to continue building the organization. He was named one of CNN’s Heroes in 2009.

Right, Doc Hendley also will speak at the WEFTEC 2011 Opening General Session. Photo courtesy of Blanche Powell. Click for larger image.

On Feb. 16, Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) Executive Director Jeff Eger joined a group of 13 other water stakeholders to send a joint letter to leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives explaining how drastic cuts to programs supporting water quality are counterproductive, both environmentally and economically. The letter supports U.S. President Barack Obama’s 2011 budget requests for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, the Clean Water Act Sec. 106 state grants program, and the Clean Water Act Sec. 319 nonpoint sources program.

On Feb. 10, WEF, along with a number of WEF Member Associations, joined a coalition of water, wastewater, conservation, agricultural, environmental, and state organizations to distribute a letter urging all members of the U.S. Congress to support practices and policies that strengthen the links between agriculture and water quality. The letter encourages meaningful reductions in nutrient runoff from farmlands into the nation’s lakes, rivers, and estuaries. 

“The State Revolving Fund program is an important component of our national effort to ensure continued progress in clean water. We know that investments in water infrastructure create jobs, and also have a multiplier effect in terms of economic development, healthy waterways and fisheries, and overall community vitality,” said WEF Leadership and Public Policy Managing Director Tim Williams. “WEF hopes that Congress will recognize this and continue the strong financial partnership between the federal government and local communities.”  

Educate those in your community about their role in maintaining clean water and supporting water and wastewater infrastructure.

“Sustainability Starts at Your Sink: How to Dispose of Household Waste” is the first in a series of bill stuffers, available for customization, to educate about common water quality issues. This bill stuffer includes a chart illustrating disposal methods for common household wastes. The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) also offers the Sustainability Starts at Your Sink Brochure.

Other bill stuffers include It's a Toilet, Not a Trashcan!, Too Cute to Pollute?, Ever Wonder Where It Goes?, Fat-Free Sewers: How to Prevent Fats, Oils, and Greases from Damaging Your Home and the Environment, and Drug-Free Drains: You Can Help Protect Our Waters from Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products. Bill stuffers can be used as mailers, bill inserts, or handouts for meetings, exhibits, plant tours, and school programs. Click here for additional educational communications resources.

For a complimentary sample of any brochure or bill stuffer, contact WEF’s Customer Service Department at (800) 666-0206 or csc@wef.org. For more information, contact Nancy Shark at (703) 684-2400, ext. 7120.  

Take part in a Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) webcast series.

The Energy Conservation 101 webcast series is based on the recently published WEF Manual of Practice (MOP) No. 32, Energy Conservation in Wastewater Treatment Facilities. Purchase both webcasts to save 10% on each, or purchase both webcasts and MOP 32 to receive 20% off everything. The first two parts of this ongoing series will provide background on energy fundamentals:

• Energy Fundamentals, Baseline, and Benchmarking, scheduled for April 6, 1–2:30 p.m. (EST), will describe the fundamentals of identifying and qualifying the energy usage and conservation opportunities at a typical wastewater treatment plant.  
• Field Measurement, Data Collection, and ECM [Energy Cost Management] Validation, scheduled for April 27, 1–2:30 p.m. (EST), will provide hands-on techniques and tips for energy evaluations.

The Perspectives on Collection Systems Rehabilitation and Replacement webcast series will provide viewpoints from engineers, consultants, manufacturers, contractors, owners, and operators; case studies and lessons learned; and effective quality assurance and control through four webcasts. Buy three of the webcasts and receive the fourth free:

• Perspectives on Service Lateral Rehabilitation, scheduled for June 1;
• Perspectives on Pump/Lift Station Rehabilitation, scheduled for Nov. 16;
• Perspectives on Pipeline Replacement, held Nov. 10, 2010 — recording available; and
• Perspectives on Manhole Rehabilitation, held Feb. 9, 2011 — recording available. 

The National Biosolids Partnership (NBP; Alexandria, Va.) hosted the webcast “Charting the Future of Biosolids Management: Forum Findings on Trends and Drivers” in January to present findings from the Future of Biosolids Management Forum held in December. Anyone who missed the webcast can view the presentations online or read PDF documents of the presentations free of charge. 

Read what Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) leaders are saying in the WEF WaterBlog.

WEF President Jeanette Brown describes a recent breakfast she attended where Connecticut leaders discussed funding needs, the effect of regulations on local budgets, the value of water, economic benefits of the State Revolving Fund, and environmental improvement goals. 

WEF Executive Director Jeff Eger discusses excellence within WEF, its employees, volunteers, and partnerships. Eger details a recent event, announcement, and upcoming event that all exemplify excellence.

New entries are posted approximately every other week. Stay tuned for the next blog entry to keep up to date on WEF discussions. 

The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) seeks reviewers for two publications:

• An update to Manual of Practice (MOP) 1 to be titled Safety, Health, and Security in Wastewater Systems, which will have updated material and current regulations for readers. Publication of the manual is set for August 2012. The project, being led by Tim Page–Bottorff, has officially launched, and the first draft will be ready for review in lateApril.
• Standard Sustainability Reporting Statements for Wastewater Systems is a special publication that will propose a set of standard environmental performance report formats for use by the wastewater utility industry to facilitate uniform reporting in a manner similar to that currently used for financial reporting. The publication would outline the environmental reporting equivalent of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for environmental performance reporting by wastewater systems, providing general guidance on how information should be compiled and offering standard reporting templates. Publication is anticipated in September 2012. The project, which is being led by Eric Rothstein and Andy Shaw, officially launches this month. The first draft will be ready for review in August.

If you are interested in participating as a reviewer and are able to work closely with WEF staff and to dedicate the expertise and time to ensuring the development of a high-quality manual according to the publication schedule, contact Britt Sheinbaum at bsheinbaum@wef.org.  

Don’t miss the opportunity to take part in the following educational opportunities:

• Disinfection 2011 will cover information on various applications and the status and future directions of disinfection with respect to water, wastewater, and biosolids worldwide. With an emphasis on the disinfection and treatment of water and wastewater in small communities and households, the conference will be held April 10–13 in Cincinnati. Register online.
• Industrial Wastewater Seminar 2011 examines water and wastewater management approaches being applied to improve overall environmental performance, surmount challenging issues, and address difficult-to-treat constituents. The seminar will be held May 9–10 in Atlantic City, N.J. Registration instructions appear in the New Jersey Water Environment Association Conference Flyer. 
• Residuals and Biosolids 2011 — Adapting Residuals Management to a Changing Climate will focus on local and national perspectives on sustainable biosolids management technologies and programs. The conference will be held May 22–25 in Sacramento, Calif. Register by April 20 to take advantage of the super-saver registration rate. Register online.  

Collection Systems 2011 — Rehab or Roulette: Is Our Environment at Risk?
June 12–15, Raleigh, N.C.

Energy and Water 2011 — Efficiency, Generation, Management, and Climate Impacts
July 31–Aug. 3, Chicago  

The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) International Pavilions provide companies with a cost-effective, direct-marketing opportunity to introduce and distribute products and services into the global market. WEF International Pavilions give businesses with development plans in the Middle East, China, Singapore, and Europe an opportunity to exhibit under the WEF banner in a prime location and reach out to thousands of new potential customers. Reserve your space at a WEF International Pavilion Show today.

IFAT China + China Water Show 2010. Click for larger image.

Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) House of Delegate members and Member Association (MA) leaders are invited to attend the following WEFMAX meetings for the opportunity to discuss challenges, share successes, and become acquainted with WEF staff and MA leaders.

• April 14–16, Louisville, Ky. 
• April 28–29, Davenport, Iowa 
• May 19–20, Vancouver, British Columbia

Young professional (YP) members of the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) and American Water Works Association (Denver), as well as nonmembers, are invited to attend the 2011 YP Summit, which will be held in conjunction with the Kentucky WEFMAX meeting. The event will be held April 14 in Louisville, Ky.; YP Summit attendees are invited and encouraged to attend WEFMAX. Register online. For more information, contact Dianne Crilley at dcrilley@wef.org or (703) 684-2445.

Ensuring safe drinking water and effective wastewater treatment services is essential to the public health and economic vitality of any society. Being prepared to promote drinking water and wastewater services during and after an incident will reduce hardships. 

• May 3–4, Pittsburgh 
• June 29–30, San Antonio 
• July 19–20, Chicago