NASA Funds New Technology to Measure Water in Snowpack
More than 1.2 billion people around the globe depend on snowmelt for their water supply. Now, NASA, along with nearly 100 scientists from two dozen organizations are on the verge of discovering a method to accurately quantify the world’s water supply contained in snowpack. Designed as a five-year study and funded by NASA’s Terrestrial Hydrology Program, SnowEx will use airborne lasers, imaging spectrometers, and radar to measure snowpack density and volume on a scale and elevation impossible to reach by foot. Still in its infancy, tests are currently being conducted in Grand Mesa, Colorado, and the western San Juan Mountains. […]
Colorado’s Largest Water Utility Seeks to Broaden Reclaimed Water Uses
Denver Water has asked the state for permission to expand the allowed uses of reclaimed water. The proposal is in response to the recently approved Water Management Plan for the City of Denver. The plan calls for at least doubling the amount of recycled water that Denver Water provides by 2020. This would mean increasing the current 2.6 billion gallons a year to more than 5 billion gallons.[1] “This is where the world is going,” said Denver Water Chief Jim Lochhead to the Denver Post. “Utilities are exploring this concept of ‘one water’, the right water quality for the right […]
CA Pushes Through First Milestone of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
The state of California has passed the first hurdle in the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). As of June 30th, local groundwater agencies (GSAs) were formed for basins classified by the state as at risk for groundwater depletion. The SGMA is expected to radically overhaul the way Californians have utilized groundwater.[1] Unlike with surface water supplies, which are strictly regulated through a complex system of water rights, groundwater basins have historically been regulation free. This inefficient management of resources has led to drastic depletion of groundwater throughout the state, such as the San Joaquin Valley, where land […]
Governor Cuomo (NY) Announces $37 Million to Upgrade Water & Wastewater Infrastructure
On July 5, 2017, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that nearly $37 million in grants and interest-free low-cost loans have been approved to support critically needed drinking water and wastewater projects across the state.[1] In a press release, Governor Cuomo praised the dedication and efficiency state officials have shown when approving vital water infrastructure projects. A trait that has made the state of New York the leader in annual water-quality and wastewater infrastructure investments. “Improving and modernizing New York’s water infrastructure is a top priority of this administration, and this investment will help communities across the state upgrade their infrastructure and […]
President & CEO of Sustainable Water Joins WE&RF as the Newest Board Member
Earlier this month, Jonathan Lanciani, President and CEO of Sustainable Water was nominated and elected as the newest member on the Board of Directors for the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation (WE&RF). Jonathan is one of five new members that will be expected to bring a collaborative vision and expertise to an organization that plays a vital role in the policy informing research regarding water. Jonathan’s passion for water conservation and recycling has helped global corporations and institutions, achieve their water sustainability goals. Jonathan has 27 years of experience in the industrial water space, with specific focus on district energy, […]