Tag Archives: Collection systems

Collections Systems Professionals Invent New Tools for Battle Against Non-Flushables

June 30, 2020

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Northumbrian Water sewerage maintenance operative Mark McCone overlooks the Porcupine (left), a tool invented by colleague Ray Armstrong in 2014 to prevent blockages related to woven wipes and identify their sources. McCone recently invented two successors to the Porcupine, named the Stinger and the Sentinel. Image courtesy of Northumbrian Water

Flushing household products – such as wet wipes for restroom use or cosmetic wipes for removing makeup – is a global issue for the wastewater sector. These products are often mislabeled as “flushable” despite their inability to disperse in conventional collections systems. Flushing them can result in costly and messy septic backups, environmental contamination, and […]

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Coronavirus Pandemic Renews Interest in Flushables Issue

May 15, 2020

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The coronavirus pandemic has attracted renewed attention to the issue of labeling sanitary wipes and other consumer products as “flushable” even if they do not disperse easily in conventional collection systems.  Image courtesy of Renate Köppel/Pixabay

During the coronavirus pandemic, water utilities around the world are emphasizing the importance of flushing only the “Three Ps” — pee, poop, and toilet paper. In March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) amplified the water sector’s plea, urging Americans only to flush toilet paper and dispose of all other items in garbage receptacles. The […]

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Learn the Latest in Wet Weather Systems at Collection Systems Conference

April 22, 2019

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Collection Systems Conference 19 Featured

Explore the rich history of wet weather control at the Collection Systems Conference 2019. The interactive, educational experience features 13 technical sessions, two workshops, and two facility tours. During the conference, attendees can see new equipment and technologies, connect with service vendors, learn about real-world projects, and hear about advances in wastewater collection systems. The […]

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Long-Lost Ring Discovered in New Jersey Collection Systems

February 26, 2019

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Missing Ring Featured

Operator reunites a resident with an heirloom that sat in a manhole for 9 years Collection systems employees at the City of Somers Point, N.J., found the proverbial needle in a haystack, or more precisely, the ring in a sewer system. In November, Ted Gogol, wastewater operator and Somers Point public works crew chief, was […]

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Ancient Nabataeans Used Sophisticated Water Technologies To Create a Thriving Desert City

February 18, 2019

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The Nabataeans designed a system of reservoirs to hold water. The inhabitants of Petra relied on this supply for themselves and their animals throughout the year. Photo courtesy of Mays, Arizona State University.

Imagine roaming the planet 2500 years ago as part of a nomadic tribe. You do not have a phone, electricity, car, or single other luxury. If you happened to wander into the Arabian Desert in what is modern-day Jordan, the location probably would not seem an idyllic place to stop and build a major city. […]

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Attend a WEF Conference in 2019

December 19, 2018

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The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) offers educational opportunities that provide the latest scientific, engineering, and technical information on various water sector topics throughout the year. Download the WEF Specialty Conferences 2019 catalog to get more information on WEF’s upcoming conferences and events. Forum 2019: James Barnard Research Conference on Emerging Themes in Biological […]

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As Seen on Television

November 29, 2018

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Film and water getty image featured

The water sector may not be the most glamorous of industries, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t earned its moment in the Hollywood spotlight. We thought it would be fun to highlight the ways in which Tinseltown has shown water, wastewater treatment, and collection systems on film and television. Some of the depictions are serious, […]

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Big Data, Affordability, Industry Innovations, and WEFTEC Explored in WEF Podcasts

October 26, 2018

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The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) “Words on Water” podcast series presents insights from leaders in the water sector. Stream online podcast episodes and download audio files on iTunes and the Android Words on Water app. In recent episodes: Kevin Marsh, vice president of sales and marketing for FlowWorks (Seattle), discusses how big data […]

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