July 2, 2009
This marks the end of my first experience with SIWW. I have been pleasantly surprised with the sense of collaboration that has gone on between companies, professionals, and the public. The sustainable theme could be felt throughout the booths, ranging from electric motorcycles to simply thoughtful solutions. It seems everyone is coming together in an attempt to tackle the tough issues facing us, even with the economic uncertainty.
It was also nice to know that B&V’s dive into blogging has not gone unnoticed. Mr. Khoo Teng Chye, Chief Executive of PUB, graciously agreed to meet with me and the other WLIE intern. During our discussion, SIWW Dairy was brought up, and Mr. Khoo applauded B&V’s effort in new social media. He even expressed PUB’s interest in similar ventures in the future.
Even with five new green bags, B&V chocolates still stored in my desk, and stacks of pamphlets that need to be filed, I find myself looking forward to SIWW 2010.
Posted by: Jessica Lamb
July 2, 2009
Singapore’s The Straits Times daily newspaper today just happened to publish a very timely and good article on the thoughts of Professor Tommy Koh (among other duties, Chairman of the recent Water Leaders Summit during Singapore International Water Week) and water expert Leong Ching PhD as to why Singaporeans should not buy bottled water.
The main reasons cited are fivefold:
1 it’s a complete waste of money. 1 volume of bottled water costs as much as 850 times a similar volume of PUB (tap) water – and it is also more expensive than an equivalent volume of petrol (gas);
2 tap water is as safe as bottled water – and in fact some studies have shown that some bottled water can contain leachate from plastic bottles;
3 energy (and fossil fuels) used in the production of bottles is high – adding to our GHG emmissions;
4 used bottles present a big disposal problem. In Singapore these are incinerated – adding to GHG etc. Bottled water is also generally imported resulting in more energy consumption from shipping;
and finally
5 drinking tap water is the right thing to do.
Unless of course you live in a country where the local tap water is not available or is not fit for cunsumption. Sadly these issues still affect about 1 billion of us.
The right of a person to safe and affordable water is a basic human right.
Meanwhile sales of bottled water in countries with advanced water treatment facilities such as Singapore have increased dramatically over the past 10 years. Good marketing…
In Singapore a few years ago during the opening of a Black & Veatch designed advanced water treatment facility producing drinking water of the highest quality, someone served visiting officials bottled water…the irony of which was not lost on them.
So drink tap water wherever possible .
Posted by: Gerry O’Toole
June 30, 2009
The value of water is a hot topic. How much do you value water? When we don’t have water, we really value it; however, in many places people expect water to be cheap, after all it falls from the sky and there are lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans of water. Yet, we tend to forget what it takes to make sure the water at our tap is reliable and safe. In addition, many people balk at the thought of reusing water. I recently was reading an article from the southeast part of the US that said it just isn’t cost effective to recycle water. Our challenge in these stressful economic times is to plan for the future and make the right decisions to guarantee our future water supplies even when it might not be “cost effective”. Living without water is not an option and living with restricted supplies won’t be much fun either. We need to value water now.
Posted by Cindy Wallis-Lage
June 29, 2009
Meanwhile, back in the States…In the week prior to SIWW, Black & Veatch Water partiipated in AWWA’s ACE09 in San Diego, California, at which we have hosted a dinner for many years. This year, the dinner featured some incredible centerpieces made from discarded water bottles.
Frances Baszta, Angela Blann and Dena Buzalas from the B&V Water Creative Services team shared these photos from the recent event of showing the one-of-a-kind centerpieces uplit with tiny LED lights.
Each guest was invited to take one of the blooms home to, as the program states, “remind each of us to both avoid activities that create unnecessary waste, and to see beautiful new possibilities in recycling and re-use.” Which one guest really took to heart–after seeing them at this event, he’s pursuing something similar for his daughter’s upcoming wedding.
While this sort of thing does not seriously impact the huge tide of trash caused by bottled water, it does help us keep the issue top of mind, not to mention put a little delight in our day! Hmmm, does anyone know the water impact of cut flowers?
Gayle Leonard
Constance Ward
Gerry O'Toole
Jim Howlett
Cindy Wallis-Lage
Brandee Stephens
Jessica Lamb