The underground distribution network has taken you to a house in Calgary! The pipe system you traveled through is maintained by the municipal government, and water pipes generally last between 50 and 100 years before they must be replaced. Water pipes are difficult to clean, repair or replace because they are underground – hopefully your journey was safe and clean!
Although safe to drink and use in households, municipal water can contain natural minerals that leave hard, flaky deposits in sinks, bathtubs and tea kettles. It can also contain metals like iron and manganese that turn the toilet bowl a rusty colour. In some communities, household water has natural properties that can the inside of the pipe distribution system. To protect the pipes, these communities can add a non-toxic substance to the water called orthophosphate which creates a coating on the inside of the pipes1.
After you’ve been used in the household, there are so many options for where you will head next. A few that you can choose from include becoming drinking water, washing water or water for the lawn. What’s your next move going to be?
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Ross has extensive executive experience in Operations, Governance, Information Technology and Strategy at the board and senior management level including Mancal Corporation, Mancal Energy, Highridge Exploration and Atlantis Resources. He has worked in Oil and Gas, Coal, Commercial Real Estate, Portfolio Management, Recreation, Retail and Water and Wastewater Treatment. His experience is also geographically diverse having overseen operations in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Additionally, he has been on the board of companies with operations in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Kazakhstan, and Russia. He has served on numerous Public, Private and Not for Profit Boards across a number of industries.
Ross has been active on several industry Boards and committees including the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and The Schulich School of Engineering Industry Advisory Council at the Schulich School of Engineering.
Brian is a seasoned Cleantech entrepreneur with a proven history of successfully bringing complex water technologies to the market. With over 25 years of experience, he has led various organizations to achieve significant milestones in the industry.
Having started as the founding CEO of the Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC) and later taking the helm at the Water Technology Acceleration Project (WaterTAP), Brian’s entrepreneurial spirit has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth within the sector.
He is an active investor in the cleantech sector and has served on many boards including the Ontario Clean Water Agency.
Actively engaged in industry associations like AWWA, WEF, IWA, and ASCE, Brian enjoys collaborating with fellow professionals to promote advancements in the field.
Brian holds an undergraduate degree and a PhD in Physics from Queen’s University, which has provided him with a solid technical foundation. As a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors, he brings valuable insights to corporate governance.