A Good Idea Is a Good Idea
Taking a cue from the good folks at the South Atlantic Well Drillers Jubilee, we’re collecting old drilling-related photos, and we thank all those who’ve contributed so far. There’s still time to sort through that box in the closet and share some of the memories of days gone by. Just e-mail them, with a brief description, to ndeditors@bnpmedia.com. And if they also are appropriate for use for the Jubilee’s project, increase your exposure and send a copy to h2o@shantel.net.As an example, Eric Neubecker at Raymer Co., Grand Rapids, Mich., sent us this photo taken by Sam Raymer in 1937. The rig is a Bucyrus-Armstrong 24-L mounted on a Ford Truck, and it’s drilling a 16-inch water well at the Rowe Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids. The well was used for air conditioning, and was completed in a bedrock sandstone formation.
Along similar lines …
We’re flattered that Water Well Journal has decided to replicate our popular “A Parting Shot” department (see p. 61) with its own new “Closing Time” page (p. 76, Jan. issue). These are blithe, fun items that shine a positive light on the featured companies, and we’re pleased that even more drilling contracting firms now will have the opportunity to be placed in the spotlight – they certainly deserve it.
Illinois Exam Dates Are Set
The Illinois Association of Groundwater Professionals reminds all concerned that the Illinois Department of Public Health has announced new driller and pump installer exam dates. The testings will be held April 3 and Oct. 16 this year at the Ramada Limited North Hotel in Springfield, Ill. Complete applications (affidavit, evidence of employment, work experience, etc.) must be filed at least 30 days prior to the exams. Letters of admission will be mailed to all applicants two weeks prior to the examination dates. If you have any questions, telephone 217-785-2069.American Water Works Association's Report on the Industry
Source water supply and protection emerged as the top area of concern among North American water professionals in the 2008 “State of the Industry Report,” published by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).The report, now in its fifth year, represents an annual checkup for the water industry, with more than 1,800 leaders assessing the overall health of the industry and identifying key challenges. For the first time, source water supply and protection was the most frequently mentioned area of concern for both the short and long term. The full report was published in the October issue of Journal AWWA.
“The ‘State of the Industry Report’ provides direct insights into how water professionals feel about issues today and in the future,” says AWWA executive director Gary Zimmerman. “Our analysis of this data guides the association’s programming decisions to help address the greatest concerns of our membership.”
Respondents expressed concerns about ensuring adequate future water resources, particularly in arid or semi-arid regions experiencing population growth. Many respondents stressed the need for effective water efficiency and conservation programs, with others indicating a growing interest in technologies such as water reuse and desalination.
Other top issues identified in the report include:
- Infrastructure – Described as “aging” by most respondents,
but also “crumbling” or “failing” by others, the state of underground water
infrastructure continues to concern water utilities. Respondents lamented that
other pressing expenses cause utilities to defer infrastructure maintenance,
leading to even steeper expenses in the future.
- Regulatory Issues – Many water professionals express concern about
complying with new, complex regulations.
- Workforce – The effects of the retiring Baby Boomer generation are
being felt in the water industry. Older workers are retiring, intellectual
capital is walking out the door, and competition is fierce for the shrinking
pool of new workers entering the marketplace.
- Business Factors – Financing infrastructure repair and improvements, source water development, regulatory requirements, security and a host of other factors continues to be a challenge throughout the industry.
“The report confirms a lot of things we know to be true, but also illuminates some blind spots,” notes AWWA president Mike Leonard. “As an organization, we will continue to provide water professionals with the resources they need to continue to supply their customers with safe drinking water.”
