Page 11 - CEGE Magazine - Fall 2016

The proposed center could also culti- vate industry partners to collaborate on development of water technolo- gies, which could stimulate economic development.
A Minnesota-based water research center could capitalize on the state’s northern location to address some unique issues affecting cold-water treatment systems. For instance, when lakes and rivers become ice-covered
in the winter, oxygen in the water is depleted and water quality can change. Frozen ground hinders in ltration
of rainwater and snowmelt into the ground. Cold water has an increased viscosity that adversely affects treat- ment processes such as ltration and sedimentation. Seasonal changes vary the concentration of natural organic matter in water, and that impacts drinking water treatment. Biokinetic rates can be signi cantly decreased
in cold water resulting in less ef cient wastewater treatment. Deicing salts used for roads run into the rivers and lakes and increase chloride levels in the water coming into the treatment plants. All these issues affect water treatment systems, and Minnesota provides a natural setting in which to study these issues. Research on these issues could signi cantly affect water quality—not only of cold-weather cities and watersheds, but also of commu- nities and lakes downstream along the Mississippi.
The proposed center could help guide critical water infrastructure decisions
and investments throughout the state, particularly in those small communities where funds for research, training, and education are scarce.
These big ideas are grounded in appli- cable research with the goal of offering practical solutions for watersheds throughout Minnesota and beyond.
Bullert is working hard to enlist partners and visionaries to make this dream a reality for Minnesota. “We have some start-up funding, and we are looking at models for permanent funding, trying to determine which could work best for this situation.”
“Everyone needs clean water to survive,” says Bullert. “We need to convince today’s decision makers how critical our water infrastructure is to keeping our society successful.”
The envisioned center would establish a commitment to long-term, ongoing water research. Acting on our best knowledge of water resources should enhance our state’s outlook for eco- nomic robustness and the health of Minnesota’s citizens, now and in future generations.
University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering | DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND GEO- ENGINEERING 11
Are you ready to take action that will help Minnesota preserve our water resources?
If you are interested in contributing to the Minnesota Water Research Fund, contact Shannon Wolkerstorfer, External Relations, at 612-625-6035 or swolkers@umn.edu.