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WEF's membership newsletter covers current Federation activities, Member Association news, and items of concern to the water quality field. WEF Highlights is your source for the most up-to-the-minute WEF news and member information. 



March 2012, Vol. 49, No. 2

Top Story

Be a voice for Water … WEF Officially Launches WATER’S WORTH IT™ Campaign
Water's Worth It Logo 

The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) wants to help members spread the word about the importance of water, water-related issues, and the vital work water and wastewater treatment professionals do every day.

To help with this effort, WEF has developed WATER’S WORTH IT™, a new messaging campaign that answers the question about how actions, attitudes, and the things individuals most value are so closely connected with water.

Following a successful pilot launch at WEFTEC® 2011 and armed with feedback and input, WEF staff has been working hard during the past several months to fully develop the campaign, resources, and, an interactive website, www.WatersWorthIt.org.

As a central component to the official launch on World Water Day, March 22, the website is a one-stop resource that features campaign information, videos, and a tool kit of static and customizable resources to help spread this important message. Designed to be as flexible as the campaign itself, the website will grow as needed with new resources that will help users reach any audience in any location about any water-related issue.


WEF encourages members to think about how the campaign can be applied to local community programs and outreach efforts and asks members to be a voice for water, spreading the word to friends, neighbors, and the world about what water’s worth to you.  

Contact WatersWorthIt@wef.org with any ideas, feedback, requests, and questions.

In addition, WEF and the Water Environment Research Foundation (Alexandria, Va.) collaborated to run a Water’s Worth It public service announcement (PSA) on the CBS (New York) Super Screen in Times Square. The PSA debuted on Feb. 18 and will run through April 18. The 15-second PSA on the value of water will air on an 8-m (26-ft) by 6-m (20-ft) screen twice an hour, 18 hours each day. The screen is located on 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues.

Water's Worth It Multiple Message 
World Water Monitoring Day Features New Name and New Monitoring Results

Recognizing that the reach of World Water Monitoring Day™ has expanded beyond a single day, the program’s leaders have decided that it’s time for a change that reflects this growth — a name change. Therefore, last month, World Water Monitoring Day became World Water Monitoring Challenge™.


Last year, World Water Monitoring Challenge (WWMC) activities took place from March through December. (The challenge is observed officially on Sept. 18.) Participants sampled their local lakes, streams, rivers, ponds, reservoirs, and other waterbodies for four key water quality indicators: dissolved oxygen, acidity, temperature, and turbidity.

In last year’s activities, 338,959 participants monitored sites worldwide — that’s a 62% increase from 2010. For the third year, Malaysia took top honors for the number of program participants — more than 82,000. Groups and individuals from 81 countries reported WWMC data in 2011.

Leading the effort in the number of sites monitored was the United States, with participants reporting data from the largest number of sites (1755), followed by Spain (1468), Taiwan (997), Romania (396), and India (312). Additionally, in 2011, the program distributed 19,400 WWMC test kits, 2836 more than in 2010.

WWMC Small  

San Juan Bay Estuary program hosted a World Water Monitoring Challenge event. Photo courtesy of Javier E. Laureano, San Juan Bay Estuary Program executive director. Click for larger image.

 WWMC Logo Small 


The Water Environment Federation (Alexandria, Va.) and the International Water Association (London), the organizations that coordinate WWMC, received financial and in-kind support in 2011 from six primary sponsors

  • the U.S. Geological Survey,
  • the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
  • PerkinElmer (Waltham, Mass.),
  • Xylem Watermark (White Plains, N.Y.),
  • Sinclair Knight Merz (Sydney), and
  • Smithfield Foods (Smithfield, Va.).

For more information and to learn how to participate, see www.MonitorWater.org.

WEF Now Offers All Webcasts at No Cost

The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) introduced a new webcast program to provide free training to WEF members and wastewater and water treatment professionals. WEF previously charged for webcasts, but through financial support of industry organizations and companies to sponsor webcasts, participants now can receive distant learning at no cost.

Webcasts feature top experts discussing detailed information about a specific topic. They give participants the ability to submit questions in real time. Some topics covered in 2012 webcasts will include biosolids and biofuels, collection systems, operator training, design fundamentals, membranes, energy recovery and renewal, thermal hydrolysis, marketing, and social media. WEF Webcast Logo 


“As a leading resource of water quality education and resources, WEF continues to seek innovative and beneficial ways to serve our membership and the water profession,” said WEF Executive Director Jeff Eger. “With the support of our sponsor partners, we are very pleased to be able to provide this training program at no cost so that water professionals may gain access to a breadth of water knowledge without additional financial burden.”

Sponsors receive visibility during webcasts through placement of company logos, advertisements, and Web links during live and archived webcasts. Participants are able to learn more about the topic and also may earn Professional Development Hours. See upcoming webcasts here.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Dorn Sanders, program manager for WEF’s Distance Learning and Webcasts, at dsanders@wef.org or (703) 684-2400, ext. 7060.

Upcoming Webcasts: Basic Wastewater Treatment Operations Series


The Basic Wastewater Treatment Operations Series includes four parts covering every stage of the wastewater treatment process, from preliminary and primary treatment to nutrient removal. The series will be led by WEF Immediate Past President Jeanette Brown and sponsored by JWC Environmental (Costa Mesa, Calif.). Some portions of each webcast may be interactive and include homework assignments to be completed voluntarily. Each webcast provides 2.0 Professional Development Hours.

 
Save the Date for WEFTEC 2012
 Attend WEFTEC 2012 

WEFTEC® 2012 is approaching quickly. Registration opens March 30. Make sure you don’t forget to sign up early by registering for a Save the Date reminder.

The 85th annual technical exhibition and conference of the Water Environment Federation (Alexandria, Va.) will be held Sept. 29–Oct. 3 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center.

After receiving a near record-breaking 1254 abstract submissions, WEF expects an extremely high caliber of sessions and training opportunities at WEFTEC 2012. 

Need help getting approval to attend? Find tips, benefit worksheets, and video guidance at www.weftec.org/approval.

WEF Needs Book Reviewers

The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) seeks reviewers to work closely with WEF staff to develop Manuals of Practice (MOPs) and textbooks. Applicants will be asked to dedicate expertise and time to ensuring high quality while maintaining the publication schedule. The following opportunities are available:

  • MOP 31, Process Modeling for Designers, will revise Introduction to Process Modeling for Designers. Process modeling rapidly is becoming the default tool of choice for process design. The intention of this publication is to expand MOP 31 to contain more practical guidance on using process models for design and to use this material as the basis for future training courses. Publication of the manual is set for May 2013. The project, being led by Andy Shaw and Bruce Johnson, officially launched in August 2011. The first draft is ready for review now. If interested in serving as a reviewer, contact Britt Sheinbaum at bsheinbaum@wef.org.
  • MOP 21, Automation of Wastewater Treatment Facilities, is being revised. The manual will focus on the elements of a complete automation design, including analysis of benefits, required design documents, an overview of process control strategies, and an extensive list of sensors. The chapter on sensors includes discussion of operating principles, materials, accuracy, and installation and maintenance requirements. Publication of the manual is set for August 2013. The project, being led by Bob Hill of the San Jacinto River Authority (Conroe, Texas), officially launched in November, and the first draft will be ready for review in May. If interested in serving as a reviewer, contact Britt Sheinbaum at bsheinbaum@wef.org.
  • MOP 29, Operation of Nutrient Removal Facilities will revise Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) Operation in Wastewater Treatment Plants. The new book will present significant biological features and biochemical reactions of microbes and their environmental (operational) conditions that promote nitrification, denitrification, fermentation, biological phosphorus release, and biological phosphorus uptake. This will be presented in addition to current engineering practices used for biological nutrient removal. Publication is set for August 2013. The project, being led by Michael Gerardi of Cromaglass Corp. (Williamsport, Pa.), officially launched in December. The first drafts will be ready for review in early June. If interested in serving as a reviewer, contact Britt Sheinbaum at bsheinbaum@wef.org.
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Design is a textbook published originally in 2003 that now is being updated updated to reflect changes in the industry included in the latest (2009) edition of Design of Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants (MOP 8). WEF’s Technical Practice Committee seeks reviewers for the book that currently includes chapters with the following titles: “Fundamentals”; “The Design Process”; “Plant Hydraulics”; “Preliminary Treatment”; “Primary Treatment”; “Suspended-Growth Biological Treatment”; “Attached Growth Biological Treatment, Biological Nutrient Removal”; “Alternative Biological and Natural Treatment Systems”; “Physical–Chemical Treatment”; “Ancillary Processes”; “Production and Transport of Solids”; “Conditioning of Solids”; “Stabilization Processes”; “Thickening, Dewatering, and Drying Solids”; and “Beneficial Use and Ultimate Disposal”. The revised textbook is being edited by Tom Jenkins and Daniel Nolasco, and the first draft will be available for review in mid-May. If interested in serving as a reviewer, send a brief resume to Lorna Ernst at lernst@wef.org.
Help Find U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize State Competitors


Science fairs are taking place around the country, and the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) is in search of the next U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize winner.

To be eligible for the state competition, high school students with water-related science projects must complete the online entry form and electronically submit their research paper. Projects should use a research-oriented approach, using scientifically accepted methodologies for experimentation, monitoring, and reporting, including statistical analysis.  

 SJWP Logo 

WEF Member Association members are encouraged to attend local high school science fairs and award regional certificates to students who have entered water-science projects. Members also can nominate students who are working on water-science projects by contacting Stevi Hunt–Cottrell at shunt-cottrell@wef.org or (703) 684-2454. The deadline for a student to enter the state competition is April 15.
Meet WEF’s Newest Life Members
  • Lee J. Beetschen, member since Jan 1., 1972, Chesapeake Water Environment Association.
 		 Life Member - Lee J. Beetschen 
Photo courtesy of Lee J. Beetschen.
  • William P. Dee, member since Jan. 1, 1974, New York Water Environment Association.
 		  Life Member - Bill Dee 
Photo courtesy of William P. Dee.
  • Louis Giordano, member since Jan. 1, 1970, California Water Environment Association.
 		 Life Member - Lou Giordano 
Photo courtesy of Louis Giordano.
  • Daniel J. Hinrichs, member since Jan. 1, 1970, California Water Environment Association.
 		  Life Member - Dan Hinrichs 
Photo courtesy of Daniel J. Hinrichs.
  • John R. Marks, member since Jan. 1, 1976, Ohio Water Environment Association.
 		 Life Member - John R Marks 
Photo courtesy of John R. Marks.
  • Winfield A. Peterson, member since Jan. 1, 1975, New England Water Environment Association.
 
  • Bobby G. Scalf, member since Jan. 1, 1972, Water Environment Association of Texas.
 
  • Ron B. Smith, member since Jan. 1, 1971, British Columbia Water and Waste Association.
 
  • Jerry L. Tullos, member since Jan. 1, 1977, Mississippi Water Environment Association.
 
Attend These Educational Events
AWWA 2012 Sustainable Water Management Conference & Exposition
March 18–21, Marriott Portland (Ore.) Waterfront Hotel

The Water Environment Federation (Alexandria, Va.) is a partner with the American Water Works Association (Denver) for this conference that focuses on large-scale sustainability issues related to such water supply and management topics as water conservation; urban planning and design; and sustainable utilities, infrastructure, and communities.


Residuals and Biosolids 2012: Advancing Residuals Management: Technologies and Applications
March 25–28, Raleigh (N.C.) Convention Center 

Returning for its 26th year, this conference will highlight the latest approaches, practices, and techniques in residuals and biosolids management. It also will explore the beneficial use options, science, and technologies currently available to leverage biosolids as a valuable resource. In addition to 20 technical sessions, the conference features three workshops, an exhibition, and a facility tour. See the conference program for more details. Attend the conference and earn up to 0.5 Continuing Education Units and 15 Professional Development Hours.

Register online by March 14.


Odors and Air Pollutants 2012
April 15–18, Kentucky International Convention Center (Louisville)

The conference features presentations, interactive discussions, posters, workshops, and exhibits focusing on real-life experience and lessons learned. See the conference brochure for program details.

Register online by March 14 to receive the super saver rate or by April 4 to register in advance.


Collection Systems 2012: Show Me the Green — Confluence of Planning, Implementation, and Regulations 
June 3–6, St. Louis Convention Center

The conference will describe how to improve the effectiveness of organizations in relation to combined and separate sanitary sewer collection systems. It will feature an interactive workshop, technical sessions, facility tours, and exhibits. See the technical program.

Register online by May 2 to receive the super saver rate. 
Sneak Peak at Additional Educational Opportunities in 2012
Stormwater Symposium 2012
July 18–20, Sheraton Baltimore City Center

The event will focus on national issues (including the proposed national stormwater rulemaking), regional issues, developing technologies, and management approaches key to growing and evolving the topic of stormwater.


EWA/WEF/JSWA Specialty Conference on Cutting-Edge Technologies and Best Practices on Sewerage
July 26–27, Kobe City, Japan (specific location to be determined)

The fourth European Water Association (EWA; Hennef, Germany)/Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) /Japan Sewage Works Association (JSWA; Tokyo) conference will feature presentations on cutting-edge technologies and best practices related to the theme of sewage systems in the 21st century.

Find background and registration information at www.gesuikyou.jp/conference/english. 


Stormwater Utility Seminar
Aug. 2, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place (Chicago)

The 1-day seminar will focus on various aspects of stormwater utility management. Topics will include regulatory updates on stormwater, technical aspects of fee development, public outreach in stormwater utility feasibility analyses, planning considerations for fee-based structures, legal trends on stormwater utilities across the country, and legislative updates on stormwater utilities at the state level. See the agenda and the seminar flyer for more information.
WEF Announces Webcasts for Member Association leaders
The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) will offer a series of quarterly webcasts to teach leadership skills, update WEF technical initiatives, and connect leaders with Jeff Eger, WEF executive director.

Stay tuned to future webcasts, including “Technical Update: Energy, Stormwater, Operators, and Innovation,” scheduled for April 18. Find more information here.
Register To Attend a WEFMAX Meeting

Register now to attend one of the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) 2012 WEFMAX meetings. At these meetings, WEF leaders have the opportunity to discuss challenges, share successes, and become acquainted with WEF staff and Member Association leaders. This year’s meetings feature a new format to foster more in-depth information-sharing on topics important to WEF Member Associations. Each meeting will include four dialogue sessions on selected topics.

Global Opportunities for New Markets and Sales
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.

IFAT + China Water Show 2012
March 7–9, Shanghai

The Chinese government will allocate $454 billion to environmental protection in the course of the next 5 years. The show, which in 2010 attracted 22,000 attendees from 84 countries and 839 exhibiting companies from 26 countries, provides access to this growing environmental industry.


WETEX Dubai 2012
March 13–15, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The 2011 show grew 40% from 2010, featuring 9900 attendees from 63 countries and 420 exhibiting companies from 28 countries. The 2012 show will tackle such topics as energy conservation, water, and electricity issues. It provides access to the United Arab Emirates market, which is projected to invest more than $46 billion in environmental and pollution control projects in the next decade.


IFAT ENTSORGA Germany 2012
May 7–11, Munich

The trade fair for environmental solutions provides a unique exhibiting venue with a single access point to the entire European environmental market. In 2010, this event attracted 110,000 attendees from 85 countries and 2730 exhibiting companies from 49 countries.


Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) 2012 
July 1–5, Singapore

SIWW is the global platform for water solutions, bringing policy-makers, industry leaders, experts, and practitioners together to address challenges, showcase technologies, discover opportunities, and celebrate achievements in water. The 2011 event attracted 13,500 visitors from 99 countries and regions, as well as 600 exhibiting companies from 40 countries.

For more information about the program, click here, or contact Cari Zimmerman at (703) 535-5266, (703) 795-2518, or czimmerman@wef.org.