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“The Water Impact Index allows me asa manager of a major utility to haveanother tool in the decision-making processfor how we move forward, both froma programmatic standpoint and an individualproject standpoint,” Shafer said.“It allows us to see the entire picture ofour impact.”MMSD has been a pioneer in greeninfrastructure, which involves using rooftopgardens, riparian buffers and othermethods to mimic natural systems andreduce the amount of stormwater runoff,as well as the resultant non-point pollution.Milwaukee has more than 6 acres ofgreen roofs and has purchased more than2,500 acres of land along rivers that serveas a natural barrier to runoff enteringwaterways. “We are continuing to improveour traditional pipe and plant infrastructure,but we are seeing the benefits ofusing alternative methods of reducingstormwater runoff,” Shafer said.Forging AheadMilwaukee’s goal of becoming the“Silicon Valley of Water” is taking hold inother areas. Milwaukee has been namedas the North American hub for theAlliance for Water Stewardship, which is aglobal effort to develop water standardssimilar to the U.S. Green BuildingCouncil’s LEED standards, which ratebuildings on environmental factors including energy andwater efficiency.Additionally, Milwaukee is involved with the UN GlobalCompact Cities Programme, making it one of 14 cities inthe world that are tackling a wide range of issues. TheGlobal Compact cities initiative focuses on collaborationamong government, businesses and civil groups addressingurban challenges. Milwaukee was selected on the basisof its efforts to maintain and improve water quality.The city is working to create a National Center for WaterTechnology and Policy, and has been expanding relationshipswith international cities to exchange knowledge andresources.“The Water Council has raised the awareness of ourorganization and the water industry in general here locallyand regionally,” Klump said. “It has been great in gettingthe word out and generating support for our new School ofFreshwater Sciences and the building addition to theWATER Institute.“The Water Council serves to get the right peopletogether in the same room, and then they start makingconnections. The results have been really positive.”Added Shafer, “We have seen a lot of energy among theprivate side and public side, as well as individuals, inpromoting clean water. We see people focused on protectingLake Michigan, making wise investments andbuilding the economy. It has been exciting to be part ofthe metamorphosis and I am hoping for many greatthings in the future.”Jim Rush is editor of UIM.BridgesNONDESTRUCTIVEINFRASTRUCTURETESTING SERVICESWater &Waste WaterPipesCorporationTunnelsTel: 508-754-0417Email: Paul.Fisk@NDTCorporation.comWWW.NDTCORPORATION.COMNovember/December 2010Water Utility Infrastructure Management 29