ASPE Pipeline•February 11, 2026•1 min read
WCC (Water Control Corporation) is excited to share that
WCC’s Pure Blue Academy is officially back for 2026
, and we’re ready to welcome another year of specifiers into the classroom and the wet lab.
You’ll find the full program flyer at
The Pure Blue Academy — 2026 Training Summit Program
.
This year’s program combines our
core Water Treatment Fundamentals
course with a flexible lineup of elective sessions, giving participants the ability to tailor their experience based on what matters most to their work.
We’ve designed each session to be hands‑on, conversational, and grounded in real-world challenges. Thanks to our
brand-new, expanded production facility—now home to a 5,000-square-foot live equipment training center—we can comfortably host up to 30 participants per session
.
If you’re interested in attending, simply reach out to your local WCC Representative. Not sure who that is? You can find your rep
here
.
Pure Blue Academy was created to support the people who shape our industry every day. We’re looking forward to another year of learning, sharing, and building better water treatment solutions together.
Source:
WCC

Plumbing and HVAC News7 min readBy Over the years, there has been an increased usage of CO2 as a refrigerant. In Canada, the more traditional CO2 refrigeration market has been grocery stores. It’s difficult to get accurate data, but there has been a fairly high adoption rate of CO2 amongst grocers. The more interesting, more rapid changes are happening on the opposite end of the refrigeration spectrum — small commercial units and large industrial systems. In industrial applications, like food processing, CO2 is taking market share that used to belong to halocarbons, particularly in locations where the toxicity component of ammonia is undesirable. It is also taking market share from ammonia systems because of the perceived lower ongoing safety and operations costs. This is really apparent in jurisdictions that have operator requirements which increase the operation costs for ammonia disproportionately. Operators are expensive and difficult to find; in some jurisdictions, this is quite literally the only design require


By Alan Hummer, Northeast Regional Manager and Lucas Jones, Director of Engineering, National Pump Company Recent implementations of these pump systems have included large aquifer projects, which can be designed to both extract and reinject water, thus supporting sustainable water management for drought-prone regions. Another example of unusual applications is the advanced turbine pumps used in a pumped storage hydropower (PSH) project in Australia, leveraging renewable energy for both water handling and power generation efficiencies. Key Advantages of Vertical Turbine Pumps Several key features make VTPs an optimal choice across a broad range of applications and industries. Solving Ground Water Extraction Problems Was Just the Beginning Vertical turbine pumps were originally developed for use in groundwater wells due to their simplicity of design, efficiency, and ability to lift water from significant depths without requiring priming. To address the increasing demand for high-performa


Stiebel Eltron UK has celebrated its 50th anniversary with the expansion of its current product range. As part of the milestone anniversary, MCS approved renewable heating products will be added to Stiebel Eltron’s portfolio. The company said this move has strengthened its existing hpnext series. Updated models such as the HPA-O 13.2 Trend HC 230 will replace WPL-A 25 ACS models with all the advantages of the hpnext range in both trend and plus ranges, it noted. The Trend range now includes 5,7 and 13kW 230 V units in addition to the original 10kW 230V model. The Plus range has expanded to include a 10kW 230v model, in addition to the existing 7kW 230v model and a 10kW 400v model, which will complement the 13kW 400v unit which is already in the portfolio. In addition, all four Plus models will become available in white as well as anthracite later in the year. A lightweight DHW cylinder SBB 200 Trend has also been added as an accessory and as part of re-configured heat pump packs. Stieb


Simpson Strong-Tie , the leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, will once again be a part of Design & Construction Week as an exhibitor at the 2026 International Builders’ Show. During this year’s show, being held February 17–19 in Orlando, Florida, the company will showcase a range of products, solutions and software tools. At Booth W3201 in the Central Hall, Simpson Strong-Tie will feature its core engineered structural connectors, screws and building solutions as well as provide a sneak peek at upcoming new product launches, including the new Strong-Wall ® high-strength steel shearwall, light-duty anchors and Outdoor Accents ® black connectors. Visitors can demo the EasyFrame™ automated marking system EasyCut saw along with digital solutions residential software. “As one of the industry’s premier events, the International Builders’ Show offers Simpson Strong-Tie an unrivaled opportunity to meet with current, new and prospective customers and to identi


“Apollo”® PowerPress® and “Apollo”® SmartPress® advance sustainable building performance Aalberts integrated piping systems (IPS) , a global leader in advanced integrated piping systems for the distribution and control of liquids and gases, highlights its specialized press system solutions designed for heat pump applications. Through its “Apollo”® PowerPress® and “Apollo”® SmartPress® product lines, Aalberts IPS enables contractors and engineers to build high-performance systems that align with the transition toward decarbonized and energy-efficient buildings. The “Apollo”® PowerPress® system is engineered for closed-loop water circuits within commercial and multifamily heat pump systems. Manufactured from carbon steel with a zinc-nickel coating, “Apollo” PowerPress® provides superior corrosion resistance and long-term system integrity, supporting the safe and efficient transport of thermal energy in diverse hydronic networks. Key installation features include Leak Before Press® techno


ASPE Pipeline1 min readWCC (Water Control Corporation) is excited to share that WCC’s Pure Blue Academy is officially back for 2026 , and we’re ready to welcome another year of specifiers into the classroom and the wet lab. You’ll find the full program flyer at The Pure Blue Academy — 2026 Training Summit Program . This year’s program combines our core Water Treatment Fundamentals course with a flexible lineup of elective sessions, giving participants the ability to tailor their experience based on what matters most to their work. We’ve designed each session to be hands‑on, conversational, and grounded in real-world challenges. Thanks to our brand-new, expanded production facility—now home to a 5,000-square-foot live equipment training center—we can comfortably host up to 30 participants per session . If you’re interested in attending, simply reach out to your local WCC Representative. Not sure who that is? You can find your rep here . Pure Blue Academy was created to support the people who shape our industr


Mike Ireland, who has served as president and CEO of the American Cement Association (ACA) for the past eight years, has announced his retirement. A search committee has been established to identify a candidate who will assume the organization’s leadership role. “It has been an absolute honor to work with the many wonderful people in this industry, which carries the unparalleled responsibility of not only facilitating everyday life for people around the world, but for making modern-day society possible,” said Ireland. “I’m humbled by the significant strides ACA has made during my tenure in raising the cement industry’s profile from one that quietly helps provide the literal building blocks of America, to a recognized, leading voice in the construction arena, whose opinions are sought after and greatly valued by Washington’s decision-makers. I deeply appreciate the opportunity I’ve had to represent this illustrious industry.” Some of the major accomplishments during Ireland’s tenure inc


ATLANTA, USA: Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, today announced the official launch of the Leica Xsight360 safety awareness solution in the United States and Canada. The system complements its comprehensive safety awareness portfolio, including dynamic 3D avoidance technology developed jointly with Xwatch Safety Solutions. Across North America, jobsites are becoming increasingly complex, with tighter schedules, labor shortages, and growing regulatory requirements. Safety professionals and project leaders work to reduce incidents, avoid costly downtime, and help ensure everyone goes home safe while keeping projects moving smoothly. Renowned worldwide for its precision machine control solutions, Leica Geosystems now delivers an end-to-end solution that unites machine automation, real-time awareness, and cloud-based safety intelligence to address these challenges head-on. “At Leica Geosystems, we believe no one should ever have to choose between getting the job done and getting home safe


including device location, condition, impact history, and model specifications—transportation agencies can effectively prioritize repairs, replacements, and infrastructure upgrades. This data-driven approach facilitates better resource allocation, reduces inspection times, and ultimately, lowers the overall cost of roadway maintenance. Long-Term Cost Benefits and Enhanced Road Infrastructure Investing in smart road safety technology presents clear long-term economic advantages. These systems reduce the frequency of manual inspections, streamline repair processes, and decrease downtime for safety equipment. By optimizing asset utilization and reducing maintenance costs, transportation departments can reallocate financial resources to other critical infrastructure improvements. Additionally, data collected from these systems enables more precise safety analyses, supporting evidence-based decisions for road infrastructure upgrades. When regulatory changes require hardware updates, transpo


WATKINS, Colorado, USA – Aerial Surveys International, in partnership with Polygon Solutions and Urban Hawk, will unveil and demonstrate the TrinityGeo 3D infrastructure monitoring product at Geo Week 2026 in Denver. TrinityGeo integrates state-of-the-art aerial data with advanced 3D analysis and AI technologies to deliver actionable spatial insights for critical infrastructure projects. “TrinityGeo provides geospatial intelligence – including precise 3D elevation and structural details – for asset-filled environments, such as transportation corridors, utility networks, and military facilities,” said Aerial Surveys International CEO Mark Schubert. “Applications include both long-term infrastructure lifecycle monitoring, rapid situational assessment after natural or manmade disruptions, and spatial simulation of 3D environments.” The TrinityGeo product combines the years of experience and expertise of Aerial Surveys International, Polygon Solutions, and Urban Hawk. High-resolution airbo


Tsurumi returns to the WWETT show to showcase its explosion proof line of submersible pumps and mixers for the wastewater industry. Attendees are invited to visit booth 1630 to preview the line and connect with Tsurumi’s team of experts. Tsurumi Pump will be highlighting the AVANT line of FM approved products at the WWETT show this year. The show takes place February 17-19, 2026 in Indianapolis and brings together municipal engineers, contractors, and wastewater industry leaders across North America. Tsurumi’s presence underscores its dedication to providing high performance pumps to the dewatering and wastewater markets. “The Tsurumi team is very excited to attend the WWETT show again this year,” said Bryan Nelson, Tsurumi Pump’s Northeast Regional Manager. “We have elected to double the size of our display for 2026 allowing us to showcase both our submersible dewatering and wastewater pump lines,” Nelson added. At the show, Tsurumi will be featuring the AVANT line at the booth. Desig


processing in hours what took months with traditional methods. Conference sessions also explore standardized data formats aligning with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, paving the way for autonomous infrastructure management and representing a fundamental shift from reactive maintenance to proactive, predictive management. With more than 225 exhibitors on the show floor, Geo Week attendees will have direct access to the latest AI-integrated geospatial solutions—from lidar sensors with onboard AI processing to cloud platforms offering automated feature extraction and machine learning-powered analytics—providing hands-on opportunities to evaluate technologies that are reshaping infrastructure management. View the full conference program and speaker list for more information and register now to secure a conference pass. About Geo Week Geo Week brings together geospatial and mapping professionals to explore how data, maps, and advanced technologies can deepen our understanding o


Bridges play a critical role in contemporary society, connecting geographic regions, boosting economic trade, and enhancing quality of life. Yet these major infrastructure investments face a never-ending battle against aging. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Report Card for America’s Infrastructure , the average age of US bridges is 47 years, with many nearing the end of the 50-year service life they were designed to have. Fortunately, the majority are still in fair or good condition, but the race is on to build and preserve bridges that will keep pace with increasing societal demands for 75- or 125-year service life goals around the world. One major threat to bridge longevity is corrosion of metals in concrete, which is why several major bridges have recently adopted Cortec ® MCI ® (Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors) for protection. Here's a look at four of those projects from the last decade. Quinte Skyway Bridge (Completed 2024) The Quinte Skyway Bridge in Ontario


Conex Bänninger visited students at Stephenson College, part of the Loughborough College Group, to provide a practical demonstration of its >B< Press system. The company stated that students aged 16 and 18 learned how to create a secure leak-free joints. The fitting is designed for use across a wide range of applications, including heating systems, hot and cold-water installations, and gas installations. The training sessions were delivered by Kevin Goodison, regional technical sales manager at Conex Bänninger. He worked with two separate groups of learners, those studying for a Level 1 Plumbing Diploma and those on the Level 2 programme. Kevin said: “It’s great to visit a college like this one and meet enthusiastic students who really want to develop their skills. Many tried their hand at using >B< Press and found it quick and easy to use. “Today’s youngsters are feeling the pressure of finding a career in an increasingly difficult job market. However, there continues to b


Key Highlights Identify your core strengths and align them with market needs to establish a solid foundation for growth Prioritize customer service through responsiveness, transparency, and consistent follow-up to build trust and encourage referrals Implement strong project management practices to keep projects on schedule, within budget, and aligned with client expectations Building a successful service business takes more than technical skills. It requires a clear vision, strong communication, consistent customer care, and a long-term commitment to quality. For plumbing, pool, and hydronic service professionals looking to grow a sustainable business, the journey can be challenging, but incredibly rewarding. At Pegasus Pool and Spa , we’ve built our business by focusing on craftsmanship, trust, and real relationships with our clients. Below, we share practical lessons backed by real customer experiences that have shaped our growth. Step 1: Know Your Strengths and What Your Market Need


ASPE Pipeline4 min readVeolia, alongside the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA), has launched Veolia Workforce Academy North America, a free fully digital workforce training and employment pathway program, designed to expand nationwide access to water sector careers while creating skilled jobs and strengthening the U.S. water sector. Veolia Workforce Academy North America, which is open at academy.veolia.us , removes barriers to entry for people to learn technical skills and prepare for the state certifications necessary to enter and advance a career in the industry. Water utilities in the United States are facing a generational risk and need to find thousands of new workers quickly to manage and maintain critical infrastructure and ensure communities have access to high-quality water and services. At the same time, the water sector needs to develop higher-level skills and a more technologically savvy workforce to operate the next generation of water and wastew


LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – STV today announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) selected the firm to provide final design services along Route 33 in Mercer and Middlesex counties. As part of this project, STV will focus on extending roadway life along a key regional connector and improving pedestrian accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The 7.5-mile project spans Route 33 from Deerwood Drive to Perrineville Road and Prodelin Way, through Hamilton, Robbinsville, East Windsor and Monroe townships, as well as the Borough of Hightstown. NJDOT identified the corridor as a high priority due to deteriorating pavement conditions, drainage deficiencies, reduced ride quality and safety concerns. “Route 33 is a critical connector for central New Jersey, and this project is about making it safer and more accessible for everyone who uses it,” said Michael Grantner, engineering director at STV . “Our design modernizes pedestrian infrastructure


Firm’s Former Transportation South President Jerry Stump Joins STV’s Advisory Board NEW YORK, NY – STV today announced that Jerry Jannetti has joined the firm as president of its Transportation South Operating Group, as Jerry Stump retires from the role and joins the firm’s Advisory Board . “This leadership transition is a move from strength to strength,” said Greg Kelly, CEO at STV . “Jerry Jannetti will further drive growth across this region, leveraging his strong client relationships and commitment to developing future leaders. As Jerry Stump joins our Advisory Board, we will continue to tap into his years of expertise and client relationships as we further position STV for growth.” Jannetti brings more than four decades of experience delivering complex infrastructure programs and, most recently, led a $1.5 billion transportation and infrastructure business overseeing water, highways, bridges, transit, rail, aviation, mobility and ports programs. Throughout his career, he has guide


DALLAS, TX – STV today announced that Tim O’Brien, PE, ENV-SP, has joined the firm as vice president and One Water regional market leader. Based in Dallas, O’Brien will lead STV’s One Water strategy, which aims to deliver integrated solutions that address the full water cycle, from water and wastewater supply and treatment to reuse and resilience. “ Tim brings hands-on experience designing liquids and solids processes for complex wastewater facilities and leading projects at major surface water treatment plant s,” said Chris Haney, president of the Water operating group at STV . “ Tim’s deep technical skill and operational understanding allow him to help utilities modernize critical infrastructure and make smart, long-term investments as they move toward more integrated, resilient water systems .” O’Brien brings nearly 30 years of experience advancing major water and wastewater programs for leading utilities, including the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the City


aging grid infrastructure, ambitious energy transition goals, and the explosive growth of AI compute and data centers — Neara is uniquely positioned to address the most significant challenge constraining all of their potential progress: access to energy. Both the AI and data center boom require immense amounts of energy, with global electricity consumption for data centers projected to more than double by 2030 , highlighting the urgent need to enhance existing strategies to accelerate access to the grid. Neara's physics-enabled digital twin technology fundamentally solves this need, identifying significant underutilized existing network capacity, accelerating new network infrastructure and renewable generation connections, and ensuring grid resilience and reliability in an era of unprecedented demand. “Power grids all over the world are reaching their limits under the combined pressure of AI, electrification, and rapidly rising demand. Across energy, transport, and communications, syst
