On Nov. 4, California voters approved Proposition 1, a $7.5 billion water bond that Gov. Jerry Brown had promoted as a way for the state to ease water miseries.

“I just spent the last several months saying, ‘save water, save money,’” said Brown in a KQED news story. “These are pillars because water is life. It is the basis of our well-being and also our economy.”

The bond will allow the state to build the first state-funded dams and reservoirs in 30 years, according to the San Jose Mercury News. A large portion of the bond will tackle storage issues, such as dams, reservoirs and other water storage options. About $1.5 billion will go toward protection and restoration of rivers, lakes and watersheds. The remainder of the money will finance groundwater cleanup, water reclamation and other projects.

Source: KQED , Mercury News

Plant Changes Could Save 212 Million Gallons

In Mankato, Minn., a $1 million water-savings project could reduce water needs by 200 million gallons per year — and also reduce the amount of water being sent to the wastewater treatment plant by 12 million gallons per year. The Mankato Water Treatment Plant Backwash and Water Sustainability Project would adjust water and wastewater operations in lieu of drilling a new well.

“This is one thing that will really help us look into the future and really give us time to evaluate,” said Public Works Director Mary Fralish in a Mankato Free Press article.

The backwash project will add the plumbing and controls needed to recirculate backwash through the filtration process, as well as convert an existing tank to hold the backwash.

Source: Mankata Free Press 

Green Businesses Receive EPA Support

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded nearly $3 million to nine businesses that are committed to sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental issues.

Among those in the water and wastewater industry were:

• California-based HJ Science & Technology, which designed and built a portable instrument to monitor and detect microcystin and other cynotoxins.
• Toledo, Ohio-based Imaging Systems Technology, which will continue developing a low-cost, rugged, lightweight water purification system.
• And Illinois-based EP Purification, which will develop and commercialize a system that uses ozone to treat water. The system is considered more efficient and cost-effective than existing technologies.

Source: EPA press release

Indiana American Water Awards Firefighter Grants

Fire departments across Indiana will receive nearly $10,000 from Indiana American Water under the utility’s Firefighter Grant Program. The program is used to fund training and to purchase personal protection gear, communications equipment and other tools for fire departments within the state.

“We appreciate the vital role our local firefighters play in the communities we serve and are committed to supporting their efforts, “says Indiana Water President Alan DeBoy, in a NWI.com article.

Source: NWI.com