By Kris Polly

Water Professionals International (WPI) is the certification entity for the water industry, creating operator certifications and elevating the municipal water industry’s level of professionalism and excellence. In this month’s cover story, we interview my friend Paul Bishop, WPI’s president and CEO, about WPI’s activities and certifications and how the organization is moving our industry forward.

Next, we speak with Karine Rougé, the CEO of municipal water for Veolia North America, about the global company’s work in the field of water reuse. Water reuse is no longer restricted to arid regions such as California—Ms. Rougé’s message is that it can benefit municipalities everywhere. As she says, “The number 1 question every single wastewater operation in the United States and the world should be asking right now is, ‘Where can I reuse my water?’”

We also speak with Paul Cook of Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD), a Southern California water retailer that is a leader in water reuse. IRWD uses recycled water for irrigation and residential and commercial applications. It’s also using educational and outreach programs to build support for water reuse in rising generations.

Ixom Watercare produces water and wastewater technologies, including several for the disinfectant byproduct market. We hear from Cliff Tormaschy, Ixom’s head of commercial, marketing, and strategy, about the company’s trihalomethane removal systems, control systems, and more.

Shane Scott of SSA Environmental joins us to talk about his company’s Flexi Baffle fish passage solution, which can easily convert impassible culverts into fish ladders. SSA also provides products such as fish-friendly tide gates and services such as a comprehensive fish passage barrier assessment and prioritization program.

Warren Environmental, a leading manufacturer of environmentally friendly epoxy products used to protect water and wastewater infrastructure, is moving to Gainesville, Georgia. President Brian Brandstetter tells us about how the move gives Warren more space and a more central location vis-à-vis its distribution and shipping network and its applicator network.

The Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (WWEMA) aims to be the voice of water and wastewater technology providers in Washington, DC. In our conversation with Executive Director Claudio Ternieden, we talk about top issues for companies in the industry, including regulation; the Buy America Build America law; per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS; and more.

All the professionals in this month’s issue are committed to heightening our industry’s level of excellence. I hope you find their stories interesting and inspiring.

Kris Polly is the editor-in-chief of Municipal Water Leader magazine and the president and CEO of Water Strategies LLC, a government relations firm he began in February 2009 for the purpose of representing and guiding water, power, and agricultural entities in their dealings with Congress, the Bureau of Reclamation, and other federal government agencies. He can be contacted at kris.polly@waterstrategies.com.