Funded by the United Engineering Foundation, a series of three workshops was presented in 2013 to address engineering solutions to water challenges related to access and quality. The multi-society steering committee focused on three workshop topics: 1. Industrial Water Use and Reuse (April 30-May 2, 2013); 2. Municipal Water Use and Reuse (September 23rd-24th), and 3. Carbon Management’s Effect on Water Stress. The third workshop also engaged a discussion of members of nine engineering societies to set into place an ongoing cooperative effort in addressing water challenges with interdisciplinary participation of engineering societies.
Industrial Water Use and Reuse Workshop
April 30 - May 2, 2013
Grand Hyatt, San Antonio, TX
This 1 ½ day workshop, chaired by Ralph Exton (GE Power & Water), was held May 1 -2 in San Antonio, Texas. The workshop examined the various factors that drive decisions about water use and reuse and to identify technologies and strategies to design efficient, productive and economically feasible water reuse and conservation projects.
The purpose of this workshop was to examine various factors that drive decisions about water use and reuse and to identify technologies and strategies to design efficient, productive and economically feasible water reuse and conservation projects.
Session Topics:
- Regulatory Climate: The current trends and future regulations that affect decisions for and against water reuse and conservation.
- Industry Perspective: An examination of the hurdles and opportunities for water reuse and conservation in industrial sites and to the role of other factors such as scarcity, regulation, and corporate sustainability issues in these decisions.
- Technology and Applications: A review of commercialized and developmental technologies for industrial water reuse and conservation and application strategies.
- Practical Implementation: This session built on the previous three and consisted of two panels taking the audience through real life water reuse scenarios and how to implement the projects. See Accomplishments and Committee Produced Publications
- Final Panel: The final panel consisted of speakers from the other sessions and was a discussion with the audience on whether industrial water reuse and conservation projects a truly a productive, efficient and economic proposition or a pipe dream.
See detailed program and download presentations
Municipal Water Use and Reuse Workshop
September 23-24, 2013
Hyatt Regency Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
This workshop focused on emerging water reuse technologies, success stories regarding implementation of water reuse strategies and technologies, and review of regulatory impediments and incentives for water reuse. Most of the presentations and discussion took place around three key issues: regulations, technology and public relations/outreach. More clearly defined and timely regulations will improve the understanding of water reuse and allow for more efficient water use. Advancing technology will improve the public’s perception about water reuse and will make reuse more economically practical. Outreach is and education is essential to gaining the public’s support of water reuse, which would be a key driver in having more companies and municipalities adopt it.
Session topics:
- Regulatory and Economic Drivers
- Infrastructures and Resources
- Technology
- Case Studies
- Final Panel
Carbon Management's Effect on Water Stress Workshop
October 24, 2013
Hilton Alexandria Old Town, Alexandrai, VA
The workshop was co-located with the Carbon Management Technology Conference and explored the negative relationships between carbon and water management. Managing carbon often means increased water consumption and the workshop will explore the significance and potential limitations on water management as a result of increased water requirements. Topics included the water cost of carbon sequestration, hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas, biofuel production and the effect of agriculture. Presentations led to significant recognition and discussion of these issues, and identified next steps.
The workshop was structured to have a small audience, allowing for discussion as a group around a few presentations. This is a one-day workshop focusing on the water implications of carbon management. Managing carbon often means increased water consumption and the workshop will explore the significance and potential limitations on water management as a result of increased water requirements. Topics will include the water cost of carbon sequestration, hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas, biofuel production and the effect of agriculture. The goal was to get some significant recognition and discussion of these issues, and to identify next steps if it is judged that this is an area that requires further attention and effort.
The workshop will be held in conjunction of Engineering Founding Societies Carbon Management Conference to be held in Washington. The workshop is structured around a few presentations designed to initiate discussion on a particular topic. The workshop is designed to be small allowing discussion as a group rather than needing breakout groups.