Drinking-Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021: The Breakdown for Metered Technology

In May of 2021, the Senate passed the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021 (DWWI Act). They have allocated $250 million of grant money, broken down into $50 million segments each year starting in 2022 and ending in 2026. Due to this bipartisan legislation, small public water systems should consider taking advantage of this unique funding opportunity.

Keep reading to see if you may qualify.

Operational Sustainability:

The act uses the term operational sustainability (SEC 1459E.); this term references the ability of small public water systems to improve their operations by identifying and preventing potable water loss due to breaks, leaks, and other infrastructure or metering failures.

Who is considered a Small System?

The act has identified a Small System as these specifications below:

• the system serves fewer than 10,000 people; and
• is owned or operated by
  • a unit of local government
  • a public corporation
  • a nonprofit corporation
  • a public trust
  • a cooperative association
  • or an Indian Tribe

If an organization meets these criteria, it should consider applying for the grant.

Use of Funds

Once a grant is approved and an organization has received funding, it must use those funds to carry out projects that improve the operational sustainability of its system(s). These funds may be used to deploy leak detection and metering technology alongside other usage options (see SEC 1495E for alternative usage of funds).

Management of Natural Resources

The operational sustainability of the world’s natural resources relies heavily on the management tools that organizations are utilizing. McCrometer prioritizes the world’s natural resources by providing end-users with flow solutions that will help them efficiently manage their water supply.

Accurate and repeatable flow measurements should be essential to cost-conscious drinking and wastewater managers. Every organization could be saving money and resources by having the correct management tools at their disposal. Selecting the proper tools is a crucial step in managing resources efficiently and cost-effectively.

Choosing the Best Management Tools

Water management is vital to our earth’s sustainability. Using meters as management tools ensures organizations a reliable way to monitor and maintain a sustainable flow of resources. McCrometer believes in a world that utilizes water measurement data to impact our world beneficially by providing the tools needed for organizations to make ethically sustainable decisions. There are many options when it comes to metering.

McCrometer offers a wide variety of metering solutions to help organizations meet their drinking and wastewater needs. Organizations need to have accurate and repeatable flow measurements to reduce costs and improve flow control. How do you know which meter is suitable for your application? There are many circumstances to consider when choosing a meter; however, the main factors are:

• Cost: Considering the price for a meter is extremely important; as an organization compares different meters, it is necessary to remember the total cost of the meter over its lifespan, not just the initial installation price of the application.
• Application: Knowing the fluids running through the pipes and meter should weigh heavily on the meter selection process. Certain meters can be affected by fluid temperature and operating pressure, so choosing the correct meter is crucial.
• Upstream and Downstream Piping: The pipe run requirements are different for every meter. If certain meters are placed too close to valves, elbows, pumps, or other obstructions, the irregularity of the flow may impact performance.

For more information about selecting the correct meter, read The Benefits of McCrometer Flow Meters for Municipal Applications.

Drinking and Wastewater Product Options.

McCrometer Metering Solutions

Since 1955, McCrometer has been innovating flow meters to meet the needs of customers. From design to installation, McCrometer does it all. As one of the largest flow meter manufacturers in the U.S., we pride ourselves on the best quality products that serve each customer’s unique application needs.

Some of our most used products in the drinking and wastewater application fields include the mag meters, VM V-Cone System, and our line of propeller meters. Whatever the need, McCrometer meters offer unbeatable value in cost of installation and ownership and set the standard for ease-of-use, reliability, and economy.

To learn more about our meters or to request a quote, visit us at mccrometer.com/muni

Click here for a McCrometer Quick Quote.

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