sustainable water resources. Managing water resources in the twenty-first century will require a very different model than in the past. No longer can mankind and the natural environment coexist in separate silos.
been made in the development and construction of wastewater and water treatment facilities. During this period, Americans have seen significant improvements in water quality and excellence in drinking water.
from the Aspen report as contributed by President Crombie.] Over the course of two years, the group developed the following three principles: •
In 2008 and 2009, I had the opportunity to participate in a dialogue sponsored by the Aspen Institute, and work with a diverse group of water experts from around the country to help provide clarity and promote leadership in the future management of water resources. The individuals represented in this dialogue included private water companies, public works, environmentalists, public water and wastewater utilities, regulators and consultants. [Editor’s Note: See the sidebar on p. 5 for a list of ten significant recommendations
The first principle is that the traditional definition of water infrastructure must evolve to embrace a broader, more holistic definition of sustainable water infrastructure that includes both traditional man-made water and wastewater infrastructure and natural watershed systems.
Although great strides have been made to manage water resources, it is recognized today that building water and wastewater treatment plants will not sustain our water resources in the future. Our natural watershed systems are impacted by growth patterns, air pollution, agricultural practices, urban runoff, climate change, and imbalances to habitat. In order to address these impacts, the definition of sustainable water infrastructure and resources must extend beyond the traditional treatment plants.
In the early seventies Congress passed the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Over the past three decades remarkable progress has
Diversity Awareness Corner
(Continued on p. 4)
“How do we create a harmonious society out of so many kinds of people? The key is tolerance—the one value that is indispensable in creating community.” – Barbara Jordan (1936-1996), congresswoman and educator
AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION Mission Statement: The American Public Works Association serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADVISORY COUNCIL PRESIDENT DIRECTOR, REGION IV DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE, (Past APWA Presidents) George R. Crombie, MPA Tommy Brown ENGINEERING & Senior Faculty Member, Public Superintendent of Fleet TECHNOLOGY Larry T. Koehle, Chair Works Administration Services Patty Hilderbrand, P.E. Norwich University City of LaGrange, GA Program Management & John J. Roark Erwin F. Hensch Robert Albee Northfield, VT
PRESIDENT-ELECT Diane Linderman, P.E. Director, Urban Infrastructure and Development Services VHB, Inc. Richmond, VA PAST PRESIDENT Larry T. Koehle, P.Eng., MPA President L&N Koehle Consulting Services Brampton, ON DIRECTOR, REGION I Jean-Guy Courtemanche Business Development Lumec, Inc. Boisbriand, QC DIRECTOR, REGION II Ed Gottko, P.E. Town Administrator (retired) Town of Westfield, NJ DIRECTOR, REGION III Elizabeth Treadway Vice President AMEC Earth & Environmental Johnson City, TN
DIRECTOR, REGION V David L. Lawry, P.E. General Services Group Director City of Elgin, IL DIRECTOR, REGION VI Larry Stevens, P.E. Senior Project Manager Howard R. Green Company Johnston, IA DIRECTOR, REGION VII Jimmy B. Foster, P.E. Program Manager Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. Dallas, TX DIRECTOR, REGION VIII Ronald J. Calkins, P.E. Director of Public Works (retired) City of Ventura, CA DIRECTOR, REGION IX Doug Drever, P.Eng., FEC Project Director City of Saskatoon, SK
Development Manager City of Kansas City, MO DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Daryl Grigsby Public Works Director City of Pomona, CA
DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE, FLEET & FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Ken A. Nerland Director, General Services Dept. City of Fresno, CA DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE, PUBLIC WORKS MGMT./LEADERSHIP Cora Jackson-Fossett Public Information Director II Public Affairs Office City of Los Angeles, CA DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE, TRANSPORTATION Susan M. Hann, P.E., AICP, ICMA-CM Deputy City Manager City of Palm Bay, FL
Roger K. Brown
Robert S. Hopson
Harold E. Smith
Myron D. Calkins
Ronald W. Jensen
June Rosentreter Spence
Nick W. Diakiw
Dwayne Kalynchuk
Noel C. Thompson
Robert C. Esterbrooks
Martin J. Manning
Tom Trice
Jerry M. Fay
James J. McDonough
William A. Verkest
Bob Freudenthal
Robert Miller
Win Westfall
Larry W. Frevert
Judith M. Mueller
Carl D. Wills
Herbert A. Goetsch
Ronald L. Norris
J. Geoffrey Greenough
Michael R. Pender
Ken Haag
Richard L. Ridings
Executive Director Peter B. King
Executive Director Emeritus Robert D. Bugher
Editorial Advisory Board Myron D. Calkins
Susan M. Hann
Gordon R. Garner
Stephen J. O’Neill
Neil S. Grigg
Kyle E. Schilling
February 2011 APWA Reporter
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