Features Drilling
The world of pumps

Tiger Woods pumps fists. You pump water. Each signals victory: a golf
ball rolling into the cup or water rolling from the tap. Unfortunately,
only one will lower your handicap.

Tiger Woods pumps fists. You pump water. Each signals victory: a golf ball rolling into the cup or water rolling from the tap. Unfortunately, only one will lower your handicap.

The Canadian Association of Pump Manufacturers (CAPM) combined the two activities quite well recently, meeting for golf and pump talk at Galt Country Club in Cambridge, Ont.

What’s coming down the pipe
The morning meeting brought up a number of items you should have on your radar. Here’s a summary of points delivered in a presentation by Kevin Wong, executive director of the Canadian Water Quality Association:

• British Columbia – Manufacturers will need a recycling program for pumps by July 1, 2012, under new stewardship rules mandated by the province’s green-leaning government. Pumps headed for the landfill after that date should be disposed of according to the program established by the equipment’s maker.
• Ontario – If you aren’t familiar with the Water Opportunities Act, you can get quite a few details online at www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/legislation/water_opportunities/index.htm. Essentially, the act is designed to facilitate Ontario’s aim of becoming a North American leader in water conservation and treatment. The act piggybacks on the Water Technology Acceleration Partnership (WaterTAP) which is focused on commercializing innovative technology. The government has billed the Water Opportunities Act as a job creator for the water industry that will call for more standardized planning and efficiency from municipalities and stakeholders. 
• Government priorities – Greywater harvesting and source water protection are hot buttons. In Ontario, the Great Lakes and St. Laurent bodies of water will be recipients of more segments of their source water protection strategy. Some municipalities, such as Guelph, Ont., have initiated a Residential Reuse Pilot Program (http://guelph.ca/living.cfm?itemid=77268&smocid=2338). Look in your next issue of Ground Water Canada for an article on greywater strategies by Wong.   
• U.S. – A lead reduction act was passed, effective January 2014. Concern was raised at the meeting that Canada could become a dumping ground for non-compliant parts.

Good causes
The CAPM adopted Haiti as a worthy cause for last year’s donation. This year the association awarded a $1,000 donation to Habitat for Humanity. Nicole Hrinco, national manager of corporate partnerships for Habitat, delivered an engaging presentation on the power of the charity to transform lives through its philosophy of a hand up rather than a handout.
A number of CAPM members indicated they had volunteered on builds before and found it to be a rewarding experience. If you’re into bikes (the motorized variety), you may want to check out the Ride for Habitat sponsored by CIPH and HRAI. The charity ride runs Aug. 20 with a fee of $50. Check out www.rideforhabitat.com for registration info.

Changing of the guard
Todd Sutherland, national sales manager for Pentair Canada, stepped down after a long tenure as association president to make way for incoming leader Stuart Saville of Zoeller. The association presented Sutherland with a plaque in recognition of his contribution to the group.

On the tee
The CAPM got lucky for their afternoon foursomes with a sunny break in the ludicrous number of days befallen by rain in May. A beautiful course and some post-round munchies and beer wrapped up a successful day. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 27 at Guelph Lakes Golf Club.

In the news
After a few years and hundreds of thousands of miles travelling around the United States, Grundfos’s Pumps on Tour truck is travelling north of the border for a nine-week tour across Canada.

The 53-foot-long tractor-trailer has been specially built to fold out into a mobile trade show and training facility. The trailer includes more than 300 square feet of demonstration and display areas, featuring working demos of almost all of Grundfos’s line of pump offerings. The back of the trailer also includes a 30-seat training theatre where visitors can participate in some of the company’s technical training courses.

Visitors can meet with knowledgeable Grundfos staff and network with some of the company’s local distribution partners.

The scheduled tour days left at press time are:

• July 12 in London, Ont.
• July 14 in Barrie, Ont.
• July 18 and 19 in Oakville, Ont.
• July 21 in Toronto
• July 25 in Ottawa
• July 28 in Moncton
• August 2 in Truro, N.S.
• August 4 in Halifax

Lunch and refreshments will be served to all registered visitors. Seating is limited for all training sessions. Visit www.pumpsontour.com to register for an event in your area.