After more than eight years as director of business development for Aqua-Pipe, Joseph Loiacono retired at the end of December 2013. However, he remains an Aqua-Pipe ambassador.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has partnered with Veolia Environnement (Veolia), to review current practices and assist in the implementation of industry best practices for the city?s large water meter and fire service line programs, as well as its chemical procurement activities.

The nation?s potable water sources are frequently threatened by an out-of-date water infrastructure, stormwater runoff and record-breaking droughts. Filmmakers at Penn State Public Media recognized this environmental dilemma and recently produced an interactive documentary project exploring how cities across the country are adopting innovative green solutions for their water blues.

With pivotal water infrastructure legislation in the balance, more than 130 water utility leaders from 46 states traveled to Capitol Hill April 1 to advocate for the creation of a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Authority during the American Water Works Association?s Water Matters! Fly In.

A new report, ?Water Meters: Global Market and Forecast 2013 ? 2018? from energy and utility industry specialists, StatPlan Energy, highlights strong prospects for smart water meters. The report forecasts a five year, 48 percent increase in annual demand for smart water meters by value by 2018.

In Springfield, Ohio, the total price tag for a federally mandated project to cut down on raw sewage flowing into local waterways could more than double earlier estimates and might now cost as high as $243 million.

A new Fitch Ratings report expects California water and public power utilities to maintain strong operational and financial performance over the next year, despite the effects of the statewide drought.

A broad array of water sector groups from across the country will join forces this spring in Washington, D.C. for the inaugural Water Week 2014, scheduled for April 7-11, 2014.

The South Florida Water Management District recently awarded CH2M HILL a contract to provide professional engineering services as part of an $880 million plan to restore the Everglades. Under this contract, CH2M HILL will work in tandem with SFWMD to help enhance the natural region of tropical wetlands in Florida.