For those interested in hydraulic fracturing and its impact on water supplies, this piece from canadianbusiness.com offers a good discussion of how the water used in so-called "fracking" operations is being dealt with in Pennsylvania's natural gas regions. One water-treatment technology examined in detail is a system developed by Siemens Water Technologies, which claims to increase the efficiency of the treatment process and reduce the amount of waste disposal required. In addition, the treated water is said to be clean enough to drink, though extremely salty. Another mobile treatment technology is also discussed briefly.

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The LevelRat by Keller America is the new standard for lift station level measurement. The unique, Kynar® diaphragm combines the non-stick properties of Teflon® with superior toughness resulting in a small, non-fouling level transmitter fit for use in even the worst environments, without bulky and expensive protective cages.

Pfannenberg PWS Series Air/Water Heat Exchangers can use available water to efficiently maintain pump drive enclosure temperatures regardless of ambient. All models are UL-Listed with available type ratings of 12/3R/4 & 4X stainless steel (for washdown or harsh environments) and capacities to 10,000 W.

One of a kind in the industry, the latest evolution of the WebMaster® WIND industrial water controller from Walchem is now equipped with complete PID control functionality. With no change to any of the key features our customers have come to rely on, this new upgrade will ensure greater productivity.

Van London-pHoenix Co. manufactures a variety of electrodes and sensors for pH, conductivity, ORP, dissolved oxygen, chlorine, and ion-specific applications. Direct replacements for laboratory or field hardware are available for all major brands. Specialize in custom sensor design and a sizable inventory of sensors, analyzers, and meters are available to expedite the ordering process.

Read this Water Efficiency article to get caught up on advances in the design, materials, operations, and maintenance of water storage tanks. In the area of design, new high-tech, aesthetically pleasing water tanks are taking the place of old tanks. The article also notes that restoring and maintaining existing tanks can save cities millions of dollars.

City water systems often rely on normal water cycling in and out of the tank to prevent water aging and the breakdown of disinfecting chemicals. But the so-called "passive mixing" doesn't prevent temperature stratification and the problems it causes, according to this white paper. The paper touts the advantages of an alternative strategy: continuous, active mixing.

Designed for wastewater treatment applications, this new pump model operates in the most corrosive environments, providing efficiency, reliability, and other advantages associated with seal-less, magnetic-drive pumping. The pump handles flow rates up to 5 m³/hr and differential heads up to 6.5 m. In addition, extended dry-run capability lessens the impact of operator error and system upset.

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This new coconut shell-based activated carbon is meant to be an alternative to coal-based carbon for removal of disinfection byproducts and tastes/odors from surface waters. Featuring a high microporous structure in addition to the fast kinetics of bituminous coal-based carbons, the material is said to be very effective in removing volatile organic carbon.

By combining a rotary lobe blower and a screw compressor, Aerzen has developed the new Delta Hybrid Rotary Lobe Compressor. The Hybrid has proven energy savings of 30% in WWTP applications. See the case study video and the savings proof at www.aerzenusa.com

ULTRAPEN™ PT1 is Myron L's groundbreaking new conductivity/TDS/salinity tester. The PT1 pen features the accuracy and stability of benchtop lab equipment with the convenience of a pen. Constructed of durable aircraft aluminum, this pen is fully potted for extra protection with an easy to read LCD and one-button functions.

Wastewater treated with Dow Water & Process Solutions purification components can be recycled and used for municipalities, irrigation, groundwater replenishment, and industrial. Energy-efficient and cost-effective reclamation processes using Dow ultrafiltration technologies turn wastewater into a valuable resource helping cities and industries get more out of each drop of water.

Affordable, high-performance two-wire transmitter for level or open channel flow. Compact transducer mounts in any 2 in. nozzle, including recessed nozzle enabling level to be read to the very top of the vessel.

A 30 ft (9.1 m) range. Easy set-up via PC software or HART Communicator or via integral display. More about KROHNE.

Newly upgraded, an automated measurement system for water-meter testing helps water utilities accurately measure amounts of water produced. The system also helps to ensure that water-system end users get accurate bills for water usage. The device features a new control system that is said to improve communications and save space.

In the U.S., millions of miles of underground water and wastewater pipelines are approaching the end of their useful life. So a new national database has been created containing information about technologies that can help users assess and rehabilitate these pipes. Called WATERiD, the database currently contains roughly 300 technical descriptions and 100 technology data sheets. The database is free to all users.

At a UK dairy, half the wastewater produced each day is recovered by reverse osmosis and recycled for use. Using a membrane, the reverse osmosis technology removes virtually all bacteria, dissolved salts, and residual COD from the dairy's wastewater. Due to the low operating cost of the technology, the recovered water costs less than water from mains, according to dairy personnel.

Technology used for artificial intelligence and computer-game graphics is now being employed to detect leaky pipes. The technology includes software that continuously receives data from sensors in a water system, then uses the data to search for anomalies that indicate a leak in the system. When the software spots a problem, it sets off an alarm to notify control-room personnel.

Learn how the Ak-Chin Indian Community is constructing a new water reclamation facility to provide additional wastewater treatment capacity for future growth and to improve the quality of recycled water used in the community. You'll also learn how designing in 3D allowed Carollo to meet an aggressive schedule without sacrificing budget.

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New online spectrum analyzer series provides highly accurate and easy-to-use process monitoring solutions across the whole spectrum of UV and visible light, allowing for the rapid detection of many common and emerging contaminants. Real Tech's innovative technologies make continuous spectral analysis more practical and affordable.

Mar Cor Purification designs equipment to collect, treat, and distribute Reverse Osmosis (RO) Reject Water.
• Conserves and re-uses RO reject water
• Cooling tower makeup
• Quench water
• Irrigation

seepex is being recognized in the solids handling & disposal category for its Smart Conveying Technology and will receive the prestigious Innovative Technology Award from the Water Environment Federation (WEF), This award, is presented to WEF members who have introduced innovations to the construction, operation, or maintenance of treatment facilities.

Written by a water expert, this Forbes commentary explains the term "peak water" and asks whether the U.S. needs to be concerned about it. The author's answer is yes. But the assumption that growing populations and economies need ever more water "may be false," he states, pointing to the impact of water-saving technology, regulations, and conservation.

Can icebergs be used to deal with global water shortages? Researchers are looking at the possibility of moving icebergs to areas where water is needed. As part of this effort, they used software to simulate the towing of a seven ton iceberg from Newfoundland to the Canary Islands. Watch the video to find out more about the project.

Most Useful Water/Wastewater Books

In your opinion, what are the best water and wastewater reference works currently on the market? Please give the reasons for your selections.

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