Optimize fire safety programs with good hydrant care
Fire hydrants are a critical piece of every city’s infrastructure. While they spend most of their time idle, firefighters depend on their operation to save lives and property. Water operators can extend the life of hydrants through correct installation, regular … More from our cover sponsor →
SMALL SPACE SNOW SOLUTION
The Economy Snow Pusher system manufactured by Bonnell Industries in Illinois is perfect for the contractor looking for a better solution in small parking lots, driveways and alleyways. Can be ordered with rubber or steel edges. Mounting systems available for … Continue reading →
TELESCOPIC CHUTE
The Trackless Telescopic Chute is a quick-change option that can be mounted on any of our dual auger- or ribbon-style snow blowers. Extending over 13 feet, the chute provides the operator the flexibility to effortlessly adapt from standard blowing to … Continue reading →
TOP 7 ways 2013 federal funds might flow your way
Transportation investments: According to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, the surface transportation reauthorization that took place in 2012 represents an 80 percent increase in funding over the previous surface transportation reauthorization. Over the next six years, $47 billion … Continue reading →
News & Notes
Farmington Hills, Mich. — The 2013 Green Truck Summit features two high-level keynote speakers: A leader in the vocational truck industry and a renewable energy innovator. On March 5, the summit kicks off with a talk from Lee J. Styslinger … Continue reading →
Cloud-computing is taking the ‘FUD’ out of GIS enterprise software
by Tim Tierney Founder and President of Trueflag. info@trueflag.com FUD: It stands for “Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt,” and it is the bane of any organization with software needs. In this fast-moving field, organizations can become paralyzed in their buying decisions … Continue reading →
Beat it, beet juice
Beet juice has run its course, say some municipal users and commercial manufacturers. The Madison and Dane County Department of Health in Madison, Wis., has begun to scrutinize the winter road product, questioning its safety for the ecosystem. Specifically, sugar … Continue reading →
Kansas City, Mo., pilot stormwater project builds sustainable community
Kansas City, Mo., has taken a new approach to a challenge many cities face—outdated sewer systems that overflow due to stormwater. The city’s green solutions pilot program is designed to not only reduce overflows and improve water quality but also … Continue reading →
Prevent costly repairs by lessening water hammer
Water hammer is a common occurrence in water distribution systems and is sparked when fluid is forced to stop or change direction suddenly, such as when a valve closes or a hydrant opens abruptly. When combined with other factors such … Continue reading →
Philadelphia fights the weather with eco-friendly technology
In an area where rainfall may total over 40 inches per year, flooding can become a major problem. Streets in Manayuck, a suburb of Philadelphia, Pa., flood yearly and residents have learned to prepare for such events. The Philadelphia Water … Continue reading →
Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International
Municipal water and sewer system maintenance managers along with private contractors within the septic, sewer and drain industry will head to Indianapolis for the 2013 Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International, Feb. 25-28, at the Indianapolis Convention Center. The expo … Continue reading →
Confined space rescue preparedness, equipment is essential
Confined space rescue preparedness is an essential component of any business or municipality. Confined space training is required for entry into sewers, underground utilities, tunnels and other spaces. But often employees are not trained properly or safely, meaning it can … Continue reading →
Mow Monsters
As soon as the weather is warm enough for grass to grow, public works employees stay busy keeping parks, medians and public land trimmed and tidy. With all the ground they have to cover, choosing the right mowers is key … Continue reading →
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
Making a New Year’s resolution or two might not be a bad idea for the managers of municipal systems, especially since we’ve all been stretching those diminishing budget dollars to—and beyond—the breaking point. In this month’s issue, we take a … Continue reading →
January Cover
Winter can play havoc with wastewater treatment plants. Treatment efficiency inevitably drops, especially if the temperature drops more than 20 degrees in a day. So if you haven’t winterized your system yet, now would be the time to kick it into high gear. Don’t forget that cold-weather gear when you’re working outside, too. (Shutterstock photo)
Signtracker
SignTracker enables you to automate the process of inspecting, taking inventory, locating and maintaining street signs. Utilizing barcodes and Motorola Rugged Handheld Mobile Computers with built-in barcode scanners, SignTracker simplifies the process — making it easier to keep track of … Continue reading →
Top 10 Tips to Increase Tourism Revenue
Create strategic marketing partnerships with neighboring cities to collectively promote your region and maximize funds, i.e., the “Sunrise Coast” of Michigan, which includes Alpena, AuSable/Oscoda, AuGres, East Tawas/Tawas, Cheboygan, Harrisville and Rogers City; and “The Wilds of Michigan,” which consists … Continue reading →
Upscale and convenient temporary housing
When natural disasters strike communities, one of the challenges to recovery is a displaced population. One way residents can stay in the area and on or close to their property is by leasing a portable home. That’s where Tennessee-based Southwest … Continue reading →