At the International Water Association’s EFFICIENT 2013:  Water Efficient Strategies for Difficult Times this month in Paris France;  Steve Cavanaugh, Jr., Marvin Cavanaugh, Sr., and Will Jernigan each presented a paper in his area of expertise.  The conference focused on protecting and preserving our precious water resources and the struggles that global economies face to meet the growing water demand in an environmentally and fiscally sustainable way.    

Steve Cavanaugh presented, “Widespread BMP Implementation:  Results of the Georgia Statewide Water Auditing and Efficiency Training.”  This paper details the 10-month progressive training program which simultaneously provided technical assistance and hands-on water efficiency training to over 100 systems in the State of Georgia.  This program is getting national attention, and provides a model for other states to follow.

Shown here the Water Team who provided the Statewide training:  Brian Skeens, (CH2M Hill), Will Jernigan, Rachel Harris, Steve Cavanaugh (all of Cavanaugh & Associates) and Veronica Jarrin (Ch2M Hill)

Marvin Cavanaugh presented  our award winning Loyd Ray Farms project “Waste to Worth Manure Technology: How a Pig Farm Generates Environmental Revenue.”  This paper details how the innovative Swine Waste system at a 8,600 head pig farm in N.C. generates renewable energy credits. By providing a cost-effective solution this farm converts swine waste into renewable energy, while at the same time achieving a superior level of waste treatment and reduction in the carbon footprint. 

Will Jernigan presented, “Water You Missing? Using Water  Audits to Understand Water Loss.”   Will has taken his knowledge    in the field of water loss to a whole new level, as he traveled to many conferences this year educating others on Water Efficiency measures.  He has been working with hundreds of water utilities in the Southeast U.S. and is an active member of the AWWA Water Loss Control Committee, and its subcommittees developing tools and standards for the water industry.

As one of the IWA committee members remarked, “It is highly unusual to have three papers so highly rated from one company, and to have all of them selected for the conference.”