Management Trend: Comprehensive Planning & Operational Intelligence Solutions Drive Water Service Efficiency Utilities that are actively investing and integrating smart infrastructure — a combination of sensor technology, automation and control devices paired with data analytics — into their water, wastewater and stormwater systems are opening the door to unprecedented levels of systems intelligence.
Rates: The "Existential Reality" Requires Innovative Balancing Act Utilities consistently face competing pressures – changes in water use behavior and advances in water efficiency help sustain precious resources, but impact utility revenues. To navigate their reality, utility managers have to proactively explore alternative approaches to managing resources, building financial resiliency and optimizing utility costs.
Coastal States Take the Lead in Alternative Water Innovations Alternative water supply (AWS) is taking on a more prominent role in portfolios particularly in coastal U.S. regions that face unique water challenges such as drought and seawater intrusion. California, Florida and Texas are moving forward with projects to develop and maximize alternative water supplies to meet demand and achieve sustainability and resilience goals.
Can't Afford Resilience? Expensive Storms Change the Cost Question Major planning and construction projects are underway in these regions to address the near-term threats of increasingly common flooding events and to proactively plan for long-term resilience.
Data and Communications Drive the New Water Economy Water utilities are finally recognizing the power in digitizing operations and increasing economies of scale to extend asset life and address legacy funding issues.
Customer Engagement Leads to Safer Natural Gas Operations for Community Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) is serious about their commitment to safe and reliable operations. To bolster their residential natural gas meter protection efforts, BGE partnered with Black & Veatch on an integrated plan to relocate and safeguard meters for more than 16,000 natural gas customers in the Baltimore, Maryland, region.
Black & Veatch Supports the Ratemaking and Regulatory Activities of its Utility Clients Canadian utility group Fortis Inc. owns a number of gas and electric utilities across North America. Two of these utilities faced ratemaking challenges that were impacting the level of rates paid by certain customers and the utilities’ future financial health.
World’s Largest Nutrient Recovery Facility Produces Valuable, Environmentally Friendly Fertilizer Black & Veatch designed and built the world’s largest nutrient recovery facility at the Stickney WRP. The plant is providing an environmentally progressive solution to support the larger goal of reducing Gulf hypoxia.
Black & Veatch is EPC Contractor for the First Hydrogen Fueling Station Network in U.S. History Black & Veatch and FirstElement Fuel Inc. are working to rapidly bring hydrogen fueling stations to consumers in California who want a zero emission option for their cars. FirstElement Fuel selected Black & Veatch to engineer, permit and construct 19 hydrogen refueling stations across California.
Increasing the Water Supply Throughout California's Silicon Valley Black & Veatch was chosen as the prime consultant for the Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center (SVAWPC). The project is a regional approach and cooperative effort between the Santa Clara Valley Water District and the city of San José.