Privatization of Water Services in the United States

Privatization of Water Services in the United States

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2002-08-20

Total Pages: 158

ISBN-13: 0309170761

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In the quest to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of water and wastewater services, many communities in the United States are exploring the potential advantages of privatization of those services. Unlike other utility services, local governments have generally assumed responsibility for providing water services. Privatization of such services can include the outright sale of system assets, or various forms of public-private partnershipsâ€"from the simple provision of supplies and services, to private design construction and operation of treatment plants and distribution systems. Many factors are contributing to the growing interest in the privatization of water services. Higher operating costs, more stringent federal water quality and waste effluent standards, greater customer demands for quality and reliability, and an aging water delivery and wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure are all challenging municipalities that may be short of funds or technical capabilities. For municipalities with limited capacities to meet these challenges, privatization can be a viable alternative. Privatization of Water Services evaluates the fiscal and policy implications of privatization, scenarios in which privatization works best, and the efficiencies that may be gained by contracting with private water utilities.


Security of Water Supply Systems: from Source to Tap

Security of Water Supply Systems: from Source to Tap

Author: Jaroslav Pollert

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2006-01-27

Total Pages: 204

ISBN-13: 9781402045622

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The reality of the post-September 11 situation forces the operators of water supply systems through the world to examine the security and safety of their systems, its vulnerability to intentional interference and sabotage with respect to quantity and quality of potable water. In assessing system vulnerability, there is an urgent need to develop emergency response plans providing ways and means for alternative water supply at the moment of system operation disruption, and system remediation and recovery after the attack. Security of Water Supply Systems: from Source to Tap presents the state-of-the art with a view to the future, conclusions from past experiences are highlighted and future developments are suggested in the field of drinking water safety.


Fair, Geyer, and Okun's, Water and Wastewater Engineering

Fair, Geyer, and Okun's, Water and Wastewater Engineering

Author: Nazih K. Shammas

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons

Published: 2010-10-19

Total Pages: 867

ISBN-13: 0470411929

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This text series of Water and Wastewater Engineering have been written in a time of mounting urbanisation and industrialisation and resulting stress on water and wastewater systems. Clean and ample sources of water for municipal uses are becoming harder to find and more expensive to develop. The text is comprehensive and covers all aspects of water supply, water sources, water distribution, sanitary sewerage and urban stormwater drainage. This wide coverage is helpful to engineers in their every day practice.


Evolution of Sanitation and Wastewater Technologies through the Centuries

Evolution of Sanitation and Wastewater Technologies through the Centuries

Author: Andreas N. Angelakis

Publisher: IWA Publishing

Published: 2014-09-14

Total Pages: 558

ISBN-13: 1780404840

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Most of the technological developments relevant to water supply and wastewater date back to more than to five thousand years ago. These developments were driven by the necessity to make efficient use of natural resources, to make civilizations more resistant to destructive natural elements, and to improve the standards of life, both at public and private level. Rapid technological progress in the 20th century created a disregard for past sanitation and wastewater and stormwater technologies that were considered to be far behind the present ones. A great deal of unresolved problems in the developing world related to the wastewater management principles, such as the decentralization of the processes, the durability of the water projects, the cost effectiveness, and sustainability issues, such as protection from floods and droughts were intensified to an unprecedented degree. New problems have arisen such as the contamination of surface and groundwater. Naturally, intensification of unresolved problems has led to the reconsideration of successful past achievements. This retrospective view, based on archaeological, historical, and technical evidence, has shown two things: the similarity of physicochemical and biological principles with the present ones and the advanced level of wastewater engineering and management practices. Evolution of Sanitation and Wastewater Technologies through the Centuries presents and discusses the major achievements in the scientific fields of sanitation and hygienic water use systems throughout the millennia, and compares the water technological developments in several civilizations. It provides valuable insights into ancient wastewater and stormwater management technologies with their apparent characteristics of durability, adaptability to the environment, and sustainability. These technologies are the underpinning of modern achievements in sanitary engineering and wastewater management practices. It is the best proof that “the past is the key for the future”. Evolution of Sanitation and Wastewater Technologies through the Centuries is a textbook for undergraduate and graduate courses of Water Resources, Civil Engineering, Hydraulics, Ancient History, Archaeology, Environmental Management and is also a valuable resource for all researchers in the these fields. Authors: Andreas N. Angelakis, Institute of Iraklion, Iraklion, Greece and Joan B. Rose, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA


Safe Water From Every Tap

Safe Water From Every Tap

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1996-12-30

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 0309175437

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Small communities violate federal requirements for safe drinking water as much as three times more often than cities. Yet these communities often cannot afford to improve their water service. Safe Water From Every Tap reviews the risks of violating drinking water standards and discusses options for improving water service in small communities. Included are detailed reviews of a wide range of technologies appropriate for treating drinking water in small communities. The book also presents a variety of institutional options for improving the management efficiency and financial stability of water systems.


Risk Management of Water Supply and Sanitation Systems

Risk Management of Water Supply and Sanitation Systems

Author: Petr Hlavinek

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2009-04-28

Total Pages: 324

ISBN-13: 9048123658

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Each year more than 200 million people are affected by floods, tropical storms, droughts, earthquakes, and also operational failures, wars, terrorism, vandalism, and accidents involving hazardous materials. These are part of the wide variety of events that cause death, injury, and significant economic losses for the countries affected. In an environment where natural hazards are present, local actions are decisive in all stages of risk management: in the work of prevention and mitigation, in rehabilitation and reconstruction, and above all in emergency response and the provision of basic services to the affected population. Commitment to systematic vulnerability reduction is crucial to ensure the resilience of communities and populations to the impact of natural and manmade hazards. Current challenges for the water and sanitation sector require an increase in sustainable access to water and sanitation services in residential areas, where natural hazards pose the greatest risk. In settlements located on unstable and risk-prone land there is growing environmental degradation coupled with extreme conditions of poverty that increase vulnerability. The development of local capacity and risk management play vital roles in obtaining sustainability of water and sanitation systems as well as for the communities themselves. Unfortunately water may also represent a potential target for terrorist activity or war conflict and a deliberate contamination of water is a potential public health threat. An approach which considers the needs of communities and institutions is particularly important in urban areas affected by armed conflict. Risk management for large rehabilitation projects has to deal with major changes caused by conflict: damaged or destroyed infrastructure, increased population, corrupt or inefficient water utilities, and impoverished communities. Water supply and sanitation are amongst the first considerations in disaster response. The greatest water-borne risk to health in most emergencies is the transmission of faecal pathogens, due to inadequate sanitation, hygiene and protection of water sources. However, some disasters, including those involving damage to chemical and nuclear industrial installations, or involving volcanic activity, may create acute problems from chemical or radiological water pollution. Sanitation includes safe excreta disposal, drainage of wastewater and rainwater, solid waste disposal and vector control. This book is based on the discussions and papers prepared for the NATO Advanced Research Workshop that took place in Ohrid, Macedonia under the auspices of the NATO Security Through Science Programme and addressed problems Risk management of water supply and sanitation systems impaired by operational failures, natural disasters and war conflicts. The main purpose of the workshop was to critically assess the existing knowledge on Risk management of water supply and sanitation systems, with respect to diverse conditions in participating countries, and promote close co-operation among scientists with different professional experience from different countries. The ARW technical program comprised papers on 4 topics, : (a) Vulnerability of Wastewater and Sanitation Systems, (b) Vulnerability of Drinking Water Systems, (c) Emergency response plans, and (d) Case studies from regions affected by Drinking Water System, Wastewater and Sanitation System failures.


Water and Wastewater Calculations Manual, 2nd Ed.

Water and Wastewater Calculations Manual, 2nd Ed.

Author: Shun Lin

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional

Published: 2007-06-26

Total Pages: 972

ISBN-13:

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Quick Access to the Latest Calculations and Examples for Solving All Types of Water and Wastewater Problems! The Second Edition of Water and Wastewater Calculations Manual provides step-by-step calculations for solving a myriad of water and wastewater problems. Designed for quick-and-easy access to information, this revised and updated Second Edition contains over 110 detailed illustrations and new material throughout. Written by the internationally renowned Shun Dar Lin, this expert resource offers techniques and examples in all sectors of water and wastewater treatment. Using both SI and US customary units, the Second Edition of Water and Wastewater Calculations Manual features: Coverage of stream sanitation, lake and impoundment management, and groundwater Conversion factors, water flow calculations, hydraulics in pipes, weirs, orifices, and open channels, distribution, outlets, and quality issues In-depth emphasis on drinking water treatment and water pollution control technologies Calculations specifically keyed to regulation requirements New to this edition: regulation updates, pellet softening, membrane filtration, disinfection by-products, health risks, wetlands, new and revised examples using field data Inside this Updated Environmental Reference Tool • Streams and Rivers • Lakes and Reservoirs • Groundwater • Fundamental and Treatment Plant Hydraulics • Public Water Supply • Wastewater Engineering • Appendices: Macro invertebrate Tolerance List • Well Function for Confined Aquifers • Solubility Product Constants for Solution at or near Room Temperature • Freundlich Adsorption Isotherm Constants for Toxic Organic Compounds • Conversion Factors