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Cincinnati establishes Global Water Technology Hub

Ann Thompson
/
WVXU

Cincinnati, known for its advanced water technology, is looking to cash in on the innovation and help other cities in the process.

At a Monday news conference City Manager Milton Dohoney announced the formation of a Global Water Technology Hub. He said, "This is the next step of carrying Cincinnati's legacy of being an historic water innovator and this technology will also be an accelerator for technology and innovation in the water industry."

Booky Oren of Booky Oren Global Water Technologies, a worldwide expert in water technology, will work with Cincinnati to build the hub. His model will identify needs and assess, test and develop water technologies focusing on:

  • Emerging industrial internet platforms
  • Reduction of combined sewer overflows
  • Water quality
  • Water security
  • Wireless and sensor technologies

Cincinnati is also collaborating with utilities in Israel and Canada to bring water technologies from idea to market.
Nearly ten years ago the EPA picked Greater Cincinnati Water Works as the first U.S. utility to design a contamination warning system. Later this year the Water Works will become the largest water utility in North America to use ultraviolet disinfection following sand -filtration and granular activated carbon, one of the best ways to inactivate microorganisms. Officials broke ground on a new facility that will do that November 9th, 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VohpqFuOaFw

The city also promises this water technology innovation hub will keep water rates low for users and help identify new revenue sources.

Ann Thompson has decades of journalism experience in the Greater Cincinnati market and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her reporting.