March 2014 at a Glance

March 31, 2014

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San Francisco’s Sewers Speak Out

Public messaging campaign educates about wastewater treatment from sewer’s perspective

Advanced wastewater treatment systems around the world operate virtually undercover. They carry away wastewater, treat it to high standards, and release it back into the environment undetected by most customers. But, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission sewer system is speaking out to educate about the value of its services.

O’Neill Shares Her Vision for WEF

On Feb. 3, Eileen O’Neill was formally named executive director of the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.). She had served as interim executive director since July. O’Neill has more than 20 years of experience at WEF; in 2011, she became WEF’s deputy executive director and before this, served as chief technical officer with responsibility and oversight of WEF’s technical, international, and communications programs.

In this Q&A, O’Neill shares with Highlights her plans and vision for WEF and the water sector.

Well in Tanzania Has Ripple Effect

Thirst and waterborne disease are daily threats for about 1 billion people worldwide who don’t have access to clean water, according to the World Health Organization (Geneva). Even though clean water is a prerequisite for health and economic activity, often it does not rank high on the agenda of aid agencies. However, a new well in a Tanzanian village shows how a small investment in water infrastructure can change lives by driving improvements in health, education, and economic well-being.

Reaching Out to Residents in the 21st Century

Government entity in Cape Cod creates an interactive website to educate about nutrient runoff

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection charged the Cape Cod Commission (Barnstable, Mass.) with updating its water quality management plan, or Sec. 208 of the Clean Water Act. Later, when a court order required quick development of this plan, the commission knew it had to be aggressive and creative to ensure implementation.

Opportunity Knocks

Born in 1948, I would be considered a “baby boomer.” Those in my generation are beginning to retire and will do so, in increasing numbers, for some time. As new operators step up to take our places, I suggest that municipalities not only introduce more stringent hiring qualifications but also incorporate more sophisticated and utility-relevant academic training.