The Advancing Communities Show: Regional Collaboration Improves Water Issues in SE Michigan
North Oakland County Water Authority (NOCWA) is a regional water authority in SE Michigan comprised of Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills, Orion Township, Pontiac, and the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office.
This episode of The Advancing Communities Show features Ron Melchert, NOCWA chairman and City of Auburn Hills Director of the Department of Public Works and Vicki Putala, our own environmental water resources expert.
Sustainability guru Erin guides this discussion to explore the numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits achieved through this innovative win-win regional collaboration resulting in water pressure increases, reduced energy costs, improved service levels, $5M annual savings, and more.
Join us as we journey through the process to discuss how communities and their residents benefit when collaboration ensues.
About the experts:
Vicki Putala, PE, heads our environmental water resources group. She’s also our go-to expert on drinking water system master planning, and water and wastewater treatment. Her projects have won several awards from industry organizations, including the American Public Works Association and American Council of Engineering Companies.
Ron Melchert is the City of Auburn Hills, MI Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW), responsible for leading the long-term and day-to-day operation and maintenance of the public infrastructure including roads, fleet, water, sewer, storm drains, parks, grounds, and facilities. He also serves as chairperson of NOCWA.
Erin Quetell, MPA, ISSP-SA, is a rising star in the Michigan sustainability realm. A certified International Society of Sustainability Professionals sustainability associate, Erin is a sustainability technical specialist whose specialty encompasses developing integrated sustainability practices that help better communities – now and for future generations.
