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Water Design-Build Council
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WDBC E-NEWS – May 20, 2015

Water Design Build Council

Issue Highlights

  • Repairing Our Nation's Water Infrastructure: Dramatic Efforts Needed

  • Value of Water Coalition: Public Has Elevated Importance of Investment in Water

  • Using Design-Build to Improve the Water System in Goodyear, Arizona

Repairing Our Nation's Water Infrastructure: Dramatic Efforts Needed

The dramatic need for repairing and replacing the nation's water infrastructure was spotlighted last week across the U.S. by numerous organizations. But, this is not the first time, nor will it be the last!

With the goal of increasing the awareness and recognition of customers and policy officials to the critical need to financially invest in repairing and replacing these systems constantly in the forefront – we have to ask: Why aren't these leaders acting in some way that provides adequate funding to repair and replace the water infrastructure?

The Importance of Design-Build

The use of design-build delivery for the water infrastructure, which began in earnest over two decades ago, is now the preferred method for addressing the multitude of conditions facing the water industry. In addition, the use of design-build delivery methods achieves a far greater success to integrate innovative financing options needed to repair and replace our valuable water infrastructure.  We have to continue to make this message heard to get results.


Value of Water Coalition: Public Has Elevated Importance of Investment in Water

value_of_water_coalitionIn conjunction with National Drinking Water Week, the Value of Water Coalition today released the results of a poll that asked Americans about the importance of water in their lives. The results of the survey paint a stark picture about the role water plays in our lives and the urgent action needed to ensure a safe, reliable water supply for all communities:

  • Eighty two percent of Americans think it is important or extremely important to invest in strategies and programs that develop sustainable water supplies
  • After explaining that the primary source of funding to modernize and repair water infrastructure is the revenue collected by local water and wastewater providers from their customers, more than half of respondents (56 percent) agreed with the statement "water bills need to increase to repair and modernize water and wastewater infrastructure." 

Millions of Americans are adjusting to life during a historic drought and millions of others live in cities with perilously outdated infrastructure. The Value of Water Coalition is encouraged by the survey's results: the public supports the Coalition's commitment to elevating the importance of investment in water infrastructure and water resources in our national dialogue.


Using Design-Build to Improve the Water System in Goodyear, Arizona

The City of Goodyear, Arizona, is one of the fastest growing communities in the U.S. with an average annual growth rate of 15 to 20 percent. With growth exceeding the existing infrastructure capabilities, the city developed a program to quickly grow their potable water delivery capacity.  The brackish groundwater from local perched aquifers also required treatment for potable use in most cases. 

The Design-Build Strategy

Selected consultant, Brown and Caldwell, formed a three level design-build team that delivered new potable water sources and treatment projects for the City of Goodyear. The $18 million effort included developing water sources, permitting, design and construction.  Initial research and evaluation of potential water sources included:

  • Converting existing agricultural wells that are becoming dormant with land use changes.
  • Drilling and equipping new/replacement water wells.
  • Purchasing water from adjacent purveyors.    

Learn More >>

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The Water Design-Build Council is a not-for-profit association established in 2006 to promote best practices in design-build and construction management-at-risk procurement. Implementation of this mission occurs through education and outreach, serving in a leadership role as an industry advocate for the value of collaborative delivery for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.



Member Companies

The Water Design-Build Council stands ready to contribute its expertise, resources, innovation and enthusiasm to the challenge of strengthening our water and wastewater infrastructure.

aecom
arcadis
black_&_veatch
brown_and_caldwell_wdbc
carollo
cdm_smith
ch2m_hill
haskell
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parsons