Centralization

A fundamental component of industrialization is centralization. Economies scale are achieved by consolidating smaller, individual activities into larger, collective efforts managed a specialist group or community with pooled resources. The benefits centralization well demonstrated in the water industry—larger communities typically have more customers to share costs and resources available manage their systems. In fact, small systems that struggle attract qualified staff maintain older infrastructure may be encouraged consolidate nearby system burdens. These days, decentralization popular notion, but its application deserves scrutiny face obvious consolidation. For systems, generally takes form on-site capture rainwater wastewater reuse. Scale matters, issues large campus differ from those homeowner. But regardless size, every decentralized must determine how recovered will reused. note caution needed here as any potable applications viewed through lens public health. Decentralized nonpotable reuse great where it's feasible financially viable, health risks drinking give me pause. Here I don't mean private wells point-of-use devices high-quality sources treatment used only finishing step. Instead, reuse—collecting treating it standards. While spirit recycling admirable, often high. First, regular connection supply still likely required case something happens, so secondary recovery an urban environment ultimately redundant. addition, because technology complexity involved, they can relatively expensive. Beyond these challenges, though, strikes biggest issue daily operation. Water need capable operators because, even on scale, there requirements for proper collection, treatment, pumping, monitoring, maintenance. Everything needs replaced eventually—filters changed, ultraviolet lights burn out, pumps fail. Someone system, person reliable. With centralized operator trained certified. who responsible? first best line defense protecting supplies, strongest part multibarrier approach delivering safe water. We ensure all operated experts, at forefront discussion This month's Journal AWWA features interview A.P. Black Award recipient Melinda Friedman, articles customer notifications, sanitary surveys, affordability, more. If you interested submitting article challenges solutions industry, contact [email protected].