Water Summit Highlights System Needs
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAn event this week will focus on updating the state's aging water infrastructure. The Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Water Companies will hold its second annual Water Summit in Indianapolis. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates Indiana needs more than $13 billion in improvements over the next 20 years. Indiana American Water Co. President Alan DeBoy says “inadequate investment” is already leading to an increasing number of water main breaks.
March 10, 2014
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — On Thursday, March 13, the Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) will hold its second annual day-long event in Indianapolis for key stakeholders from the private and public sector. Invited speakers include Indiana Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, State Senator Ed Charbonneau, Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) Chairman Jim Atterholt and Commissioner Carolene Mays, and Office of Utility Consumer Counselor David Stippler.
Attendees will hear from a number of industry experts and have the opportunity to discuss current issues and the latest challenges and solutions in water management.
A central theme of the conference will be how utilities can more effectively deal with aging infrastructure across the state to ensure the economic vitality and quality of life of their customers. Inadequate investment in water infrastructure across the country is affecting customers in a number of ways, including an increasing number of water main breaks. Currently, utilities are dealing with more than 650 water main breaks per day, or approximately 240,000 each year. In Indiana alone, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates infrastructure investment needs of more than $13 billion over the next 20 years.
“Many of Indiana’s drinking water distribution systems have pipes that date back to the late 1800s and many have reached or are close to reaching the end of their useful life,” said Alan DeBoy, President of Indiana American Water and Indiana Chapter NAWC Chair. “Safe, reliable water and wastewater systems are an essential part of the communities we all serve. Water touches every aspect of our daily lives and we each have a role to play in ensuring it’s delivery for current and future generations.”
For the full agenda and speaker list, visit the 2014 Indiana Chapter Water Summit homepage.
About the NAWC
The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) is the voice of the private water industry and the organization exclusively representing this group of quality water service providers, innovation drivers, creative financiers and responsible partners. To learn more about NAWC, visit NAWC.org or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
About the NAWC Indiana Chapter
The Indiana Chapter of the NAWC was initially formed in 1985. Our accomplishments include successfully lobbying the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to adopt DSIC.
Source: National Association of Water Companies