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The Pumps & Systems team recently returned from a well-attended WEFTEC, where the word on the street is that business in the industry is increasing and optimism is abundant.

Of course, energy efficiency continues to be a major topic. This is not surprising, particularly coming from a water show. Several key industry players demonstrated products and services with “Energy” as the key buzzword. At an ITT news briefing, we learned some interesting statistics about energy use in water and wastewater. This industry consumes 56 billion kWh of electricity, generates 45 million tons of greenhouse gases and spends $4 billion on electricity each year. ITT tells us the demand is expected to grow 20 percent by 2025, confirming the tremendous recurring savings potential available. For example, anywhere from 15 to 60 percent of energy use can be saved in pumps and motors with the use of VFDs, non-clog pumps and high efficiency selection.

We had discussions with other major pump and motor companies—including Moyno, Grundfos, ABS, ABB and Baldor Electric Company, among others—regarding the importance of using premium efficiency products to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.

Pumps & Systems has covered energy efficiency for several years, while the interest and concern has continually increased. We recently released our 2010 Editorial Calendar and have continued coverage planned for next year. We would like to hear from you regarding energy issues. What types of technical articles and case studies will help you prepare for new energy efficient standards in the industry? Comment here or contact me directly at msegrest@pump-zone.com.

In the meantime, please view our video coverage of WEFTEC for information on some of the latest products and technologies introduced in Orlando in October. And don’t miss our much anticipated December issue, which reveals the winner and finalists of our inaugural Product Innovation of the Year Award!

This month, visit us at Booth #855 at The Chem Show in New York (Nov. 17-19).

It seems appropriate that our Aging Infrastructure issue coincides with a recent influx of information on municipalities and other organizations (finally) feeling the benefits of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. While the immediate impact has certainly not yet come close to the projected promise of significant economic recuperation, at least we have begun to see some activity.

The $787 billion program promised to create four million jobs and allowed for approximately $150 billion in emergency funding for public works infrastructure, with more than $7 billion earmarked for drinking water and wastewater projects.

One of the biggest concerns among pump and motor manufacturers continues to be the controversial “Buy American” clause. John Engman of Emerson Motors says shipping to the site is the critical factor contributing to the confusion over the clause’s compliance requirements. “You may be buying a pump from an American manufacturer, but if the vertical pump is shipped in two sections (pump and motor), then both items must meet the criteria,” he explains.

The paperwork required to ask for the money, as well as the red tape involved with receiving it, has contributed to the confusion and political backlog.

This month we introduced a new online blog and monthly update in print from consultant David Courtney that should help us sort it all out. He uses several tools to closely monitor stimulus activity that affects our industry and post lists of projects in the works. Visit his blog frequently for updates and continue to read Pumps & Systems for vital news and information regarding the ongoing impact of the stimulus package. Be sure to comment about projects for which you would like more information and continue to let us know if you receive orders as a direct result of a stimulus-funded project.

Our October issue features in-depth commentary from ITT’s Colin Sabol on aging infrastructure in municipalities with specific evidence of the impact on our industry and insight on possible solutions.

On the tradeshow front, I just returned from the ISA Expo in Houston where I got a first-hand look at some amazing new industry technology, which will be featured in future issues of the magazine. The Pumps & Systems team will be on the road next week at WEFTEC in Orlando. Visit us at Booth #2851.