Construction is moving forward in Carlsbad, Calif., on the nation?s largest ocean desalination plant. The $1 billion project plans to provide 50 million gallons of drinking water a day for San Diego County when it opens in 2016.

During its annual meeting, May 4-7 in Palm Springs, Calif., the Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) honored four individual members and five member-company projects. Winners were recognized for exceptional service and significant achievements involving the use of plastic pipe.

Pamela Henry has been promoted to the position of deputy executive director of the Water Environment Federation (WEF). She has been with WEF for more than 25 years and is a seasoned leader who will oversee a number of key organizational programs.

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) announced the renaming of its Research Innovation Award in honor of Dr. Pankaj Parekh, an advocate for ensuring safe drinking water to protect public health. The winners were honored at ACE14 in Boston last week.

Neptune Technology Group Inc., has announced it has joined the Cityworks Partner Network as a Strategic Development Partner. In addition, iWater, Inc., Clevest and Continental Utility Solutions, Inc. (CUSI) have joined Neptune?s Connected Utility Partnership Program.

Singapore International Water Week (SIWW), held June 1-5, attracted more than 20,000 participants from 118 countries/regions spanning the government, international organizations, industry, and academia sectors.

President Obama has signed into law the Water Resources and Reform Development Act, which includes the new Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Authority. Supported by AWWA and other water organizations, WIFIA is a new finance tool to help communities address essential water and wastewater infrastructure projects

As the City of Detroit considers the possible privatization of its water and sewer department, Gov. Rick Snyder told the Detroit Free Press on Wednesday that privatizing the whole system may not be practical.