Both children and adults can use WWMD test kits to find the temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and acidity of water and submit the collected data to be shared with participating communities around the world. Last year, 73,510 participants from 70 countries took part in the WWMD program. The goal is to have 1 million people monitor their waterways by 2012.

Officially, WWMD is Sept. 18, but the window to monitor began March 22 and lasts through December. The deadline to submit data collected to the WWMD database is Dec. 31. WWMD organizers, the Water Environment Federation (Alexandria, Va.), and the International Water Association (London) will host a public event at Hains Point Park in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 18. For more information, see www.wwmd.org .

Next year, the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) will host the following conferences for water and wastewater professionals to learn about the latest approaches, practices, processes, techniques, case studies, and research on various industry topics.


The Utility Management Conference™ 2010 

When: Feb. 21–24, 2010

Where: InterContinental San Francisco Hotel

What: Water and wastewater utilities across the country are facing many common management challenges. In 2007, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Water Works Association (Denver), WEF, and other national water and wastewater associations agreed to jointly promote effective utility management based on the Five Keys to Management Success and The Ten Attributes of Effectively Managed Water Sector Utilities. The event will illustrate how the keys to management success can be used to achieve these 10 attributes. Click  here for more information.


Cities of the Future 2010 

When: March 7–10, 2010

Where: Boston Marriott Cambridge

What: An interdisciplinary approach will be required to create a sustainable urban infrastructure that will meet the challenges of the 21st century. Interdependent engineered and natural systems and technological advances will be required for the paradigm shift to tomorrow’s eco-cities. The Cities of the Future conference will bring together a diverse group of practitioners who share a vision of an improved urban landscape for future generations and are working to make Cities of the Future a reality.

Urban River Restoration 2010 

When: March 7–10, 2010

Where: Boston Marriott Cambridge

What: With an increased focus on sustainable practices and a population shift back to cities, as well as an emphasis on a livable urban environment, urban river restoration is under way in many cities, and practitioners are faced with challenges. The conference will initiate a dialogue among the engineering, scientific, regulatory, and stakeholder communities to address these challenges.

Odors and Air Pollutants 2010 

When: March 21–24, 2010

Where: Charlotte (N.C.) Convention Center

What: Every 2 years, this conference brings together environmental professionals from around the world for a showcase on odors and air pollution management. With technical sessions and workshops, this event educates attendees about current issues, regulatory requirements, and methods for analyzing problems and finding solutions.

The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) encourages those in the water quality industry to share their expertise with fellow professionals by submitting an abstract for a specialty conference which helps presenters gain recognition by peers and employers. Abstracts are being accepted for the following conferences:

Membrane Applications Conference 2010

When: June 6–9, 2010

Where: Anaheim, Calif.

What: Discuss current and emerging membrane technologies and applications in wastewater treatment. Learn about the latest developments and practical experiences on the topic. Abstracts are needed on the topics of membrane bioreactors, tertiary membrane filtration, and nanofiltration and reverse osmosis.

Abstract Deadline: Sept. 18


Biofilm Reactor Technology Conference 2010

When: Aug. 15–18, 2010

Where: Portland, Ore.

What: Learn about biofilm reactor technologies and other engineered systems influenced by biofilms. The conference links practical application with basic sciences, enhancing communication between practitioners and researchers, and fostering the development of young water professionals.

Abstract Deadline: Nov. 12

The 24th Annual WateReuse Symposium, presented by the WateReuse Association (Alexandria, Va.) and co-sponsored by the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) and the American Water Works Association (Denver), features more than 100 technical presentations, preconference workshops, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency forum, technical tours, a national legislative and water policy plenary session, receptions, an exhibition component, and an awards luncheon. The event will be held Sept. 13 to 16 at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel. Onsite registration is available. For more information, click here .

A coalition of organizations has formed a new partnership in the St. Louis area to advocate for water infrastructure. The 501(c)(6) organization is called Metro Water Infrastructure Partnership (MWIP).

MWIP participants have four committees focused on formation, communication, education, and government relations. The coalition has committed to taking the following actions to promote infrastructure investment in 2009-2010:

• Hosted a community forum on the region’s water and wastewater infrastructure at the local PBS television station, KETC (St. Louis), prior to the April broadcast.
• Continue to support the broadcast of Liquid Assets — KETC tentative broadcast dates planned for September.
• Work with the University of Missouri (Columbia) and KETC to develop a high school curriculum based on the Liquid Assets program.
• Plan “A Day Without Water.” This is an event organized with Junior Achievement to raise consciousness about the value of water infrastructure in our lives.

By promoting their messages under one banner, members of the coalition, which collectively represent millions of residential and commercial water customers, will have a stronger voice. The founding organizations include the City of Kirkwood (Mo.) Water Department, City of St. Louis Water Division, Illinois American Water (Belleville), Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, Missouri American Water (St. Louis), American Society of Civil Engineers (Reston, Va.) Eastern Missouri and Western Illinois chapters, American Water Works Association (Denver) Missouri and Illinois chapters, and Associated General Contractors of America (Arlington, Va.).

The Water Environment Federation (Alexandria, Va.) also encourages the formation of other regional partnerships and offers the use of the Water Is Life tools, including bill stuffers, door hangers, and ads. Most materials are free, downloadable, and customizable. For more information, visit www.WaterIsLife.net , or contact Lorraine Loken at loken@wef.org .

Water Heroes are professionals dedicated to protecting public health and the environment by cleaning the world’s water every day. The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) regularly features Water Heroes on its  home page to acknowledge and thank those working to improve water quality.

WEF is looking for more nominations. To get recognition for your friends and colleagues, nominate someone to be featured as a Water Hero by e-mailing the nominee’s name and e-mail address to waterheroes@wef.org . WEF staff will take over from there. To see previous Water Heroes, click here .

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.), and Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF; Alexandria, Va.) have produced the Solids Processing Design and Management Manual, which compiles information on the technologies used in solids processing, including emerging and innovative technologies. The manual includes 27 chapters and is undergoing the first of three peer reviews.

The team managing the preparation of the manual recognizes that new technologies change rapidly and that there is interest in energy recovery, waste solids minimization technologies, and characterization of greenhouse gas emissions from solids processing trains. The team seeks to include recent information on innovative and emerging technologies in the second draft before it is sent for peer review.

The team is soliciting information on the following:

• Technical description of the process, including appropriate flow diagram, mass and heat balances, a worldwide list of treatment plants where technology has been in extended use or demonstrated, process design criteria, performance data, and cost estimates (including the date when made). The team will judge the acceptability of this information and reserves the right to use or reject the information, based on its objectivity and factualness, and to place the material in the appropriate chapter.
• Case studies (up to three per technology, each limited to five pages) written concisely and describing the objectives of the studies, the host wastewater treatment plant location and cognizant person at the site, the time period, and the principal findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Acceptance of the information includes verification of the facts, demonstration of biosolids quality before and after processing, and health and safety record.

First decision about acceptance of a case study’s content will be made by the lead author of the pertinent chapter, and, if necessary, the decisions will be reviewed by the team. To submit information requested, contact Jon Dyer at jondyer-etc@carolina.rr.com . The deadline to respond is Oct. 1.

The Alexandria (Va.) Sanitation Authority (ASA) achieved National Biosolids Partnership (NBP; Alexandria) platinum-level status for its environmental management system (EMS) program on May 28. ASA is the 15th NBP EMS agency to achieve this status.

The platinum-level designation represents the highest achievement of biosolids management and environmental stewardship, and requires that certified agencies go through periodic interim audits. Click  here to read ASA’s interim audit report. For more information on the ASA biosolids program, see www.alexsan.com/info_center.htm .

WEF Pavilion at WETEX
The Water, Energy Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) will take place March 9 to 11, 2010, at the Dubai (United Arab Emirates) International Convention and Exhibition Centre. This annual event will provide access to Emirati and other growing Arab Gulf and Middle Eastern markets.

WEF Pavilion at the China Water Show
The China Water Show will take place April 27 to 29, 2010, at the Intex-Shanghai and Shanghai Mart in Shanghai, China. This annual event will provide access to Chinese and other growing Asian markets.

WEF Pavilion at IFAT
IFAT will take place Sept. 13 to 17, 2010, at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre in Munich, Germany. This show is now hosted every 2 years and is a must-attend event for access to European markets.

WEF Pavilion at show in Latin America
TBD

WEF International Pavilion benefits include the following:

• Prominent WEF Pavilion location in exhibit hall.
• WEF Pavilion included on the VIP tours.
• Booth sizes from 9 m² (smaller than most show minimums).
• Shell scheme build-out.
• Furnishings (to include entry desk, table and chairs, wastebasket, literature stand, lighting).
• Carpeting.
• Cleaning services.
• Translation services (as required).
• WEF-sponsored lounge and meeting area with complimentary beverages.
• WEF-sponsored onsite reception.
• Assistance with connecting to the local U.S. Department of Commerce representative.
• Preshow and post-show promotion in WEF publications, including World Water and WE&T.
• Pavilion staffed by WEF employees.
• Aid in obtaining official invitation letters for visas (as needed).
• Assistance with hotel arrangements near the exhibit hall.

Kiran L. Bhayani, member since Jan. 1, 1969, Utah Water Environment Association	Photo courtesy of Kiran L. Bhayani.
Phillip W. Parsons, member since Jan. 1, 1970, member of Central States Water Environment Association, Iowa Water Pollution Control Association, and North Dakota and South Dakota Water Environment associations	Photo courtesy of Phillip W. Parsons.
Albert B. Pincince, member since Jan. 1, 1968, New England Water Environment Association	Photo courtesy of Albert B. Pincince.
James W. Scanlon, member since Jan. 1, 1968, Water Environment Association of Texas	Photo courtesy of Cheryl Smith, association manager, Water Environment Association of Texas..
John Yessis, member since Jan. 1, 1969, dual member of New York Water Environment Association and New Jersey Water Environment Association	Photo courtesy of John Yessis.

• Dennis H. Bianchi, member since Jan. 1, 1974, Nevada Water Environment Association
• Robert Cottrill, member since Jan. 1, 1973, Ohio Water Environment Association
• Sanat Kumar Barua, member since Jan. 1, 1970, Ohio Water Environment Association
• Jerome F. Fladung, member since Jan. 1, 1964, Missouri Water Environment Association
• Leo C. Fung, member since Jan. 1, 1971, New York Water Environment Association
• Edward L. Rushbrooke Jr., member since Jan. 1, 1971, New England Water Environment Association