What is the International Center for Water
Technology (ICWT)?
The ICWT is a
public-private partnership dedicated to the advancement of water and fluid
technologies. California State University, Fresno in collaboration with a
growing consortium of Water Technology Industry Cluster members have joined
together to develop the International Center for Water Technology. ICWT is
dedicated to the development and promotion of new technologies that maximize
the effectiveness of water use for agricultural commercial, environmental,
and municipal applications.
Why?
Access to useable water
is developing into the greatest challenge of this century. The world’s
ability to find, use, clean, recycle, transport, distribute, sell, tax, and
conserve water will determine in large measure whether the world will
progress or digress in the next 100 years. The technology to properly use
and manage this precious resource is the
critical tool to providing sufficient water supplies for the world’s major
needs. Through ICWT, members of the Water Technology Cluster combine
cutting-edge industry expertise with Fresno State’s vast experience in water
and flow technology to create a center of excellence for development and
promotion of worldwide water and fluid sciences technologies. The unique
capabilities of such a center will be critical to facing the technical
challenges involved in meeting the long-term water requirements of the
nation and the world.
What is the
goal?
ICWT will combine the
expertise of industry with the vast experience in water and flow technology
at California State University, Fresno to create a $50 million, 70,000
square-foot center of excellence. The center will be dedicated to maximizing
the effectiveness of water and fluid science technology through research and
development; testing and certification; education; and cooperative
marketing.
History
ICWT began as a
partnership between California State University, Fresno and the 40 water
technology manufacturers, located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, that
comprise the Water Technology Cluster. This collaborative venture between
industry, academia and public agencies is being expanded to include all
interested parties throughout the nation and the world.
For almost a quarter of
a century California State University, Fresno has been recognized worldwide
as a leader in water technology through the efforts of the Center for
Irrigation Technology (CIT). CIT is considered the irrigation industry
standard for research and water use efficiency. Fresno State has a proven
history of partnering with industry through its Center for Irrigation
Technology. CIT is nationally and internationally recognized for its
leadership in water use efficiency and management. CIT currently has a
budget in excess of $10 million in grants and contracts. Building on this
model, water technology companies throughout the world are becoming partners
with Fresno State to establish the International Center for Water Technology
(ICWT). The new center goes beyond the needs of irrigated agriculture, and
has targeted water and fluid science technologies in all applications that
also address urban and environmental issues. ICWT is a one-of-a-kind
organization, which is uniquely qualified to provide the leadership in
developing and delivering new technologies that will enhance our existing
water supplies.
What’s the program?
ICWT, in addition to
providing a world class, year-round water technology demonstration facility,
will advance water and fluid science technologies worldwide through four
major activities:
-
Research and
Development:
The R&D Division of the ICWT will incorporate current research activities
of the Center for Irrigation Technology, as well as expand its focus to
include research and development of urban and environmental water needs.
These activities will focus on water/energy efficiency, effective water
reuse, conservation, and promoting private and/or public innovation.
-
Industry Testing and
Certification Services:
The purpose of the Testing and Certification Division will be to provide
the water and fluid science industry with state-of-the-art testing and
certification facilities and to conduct testing and certification on water
technology equipment and applications in a timely and unbiased manner.
The division will then communicate the results of conducted tests to water
users, policy makers, manufacturers, contract customers, and other
interested parties.
-
Public Policy and
Education:
The Public Policy and Education Division will inform the public and policy
makers of the technical aspects of water issues and resulting
consequences; educate governments, end users, designers, lending
institutions and others in the proper design of water application systems
in irrigation, municipal and industrial water applications; and
provide a center for continuing education for water
industry personnel.
-
Cooperative Marketing to the Water Technology Industry:
A major function of the International Center for Water Technology will be
cooperative marketing activities that benefit the water technology
industry by increasing water and flow technology usage worldwide. The
marketing function will include three major strategies: development and
operation of the Water Technology Exposition Center and trade shows;
development and implementation of an international awareness campaign
targeting major user groups; and export marketing assistance.
Funding?
ICWT’s public-private
partnership is actively seeking funding to establish programs and build a
state-of-the-art facility. Approximately $1,400,000 in grants and contracts
has been secured, with an additional $10,000,000 pending. This includes
$500,000 through the California Public Utilities Commission, $100,000 from
Proposition 13, $25,000 from the US Bureau of Reclamation, $125,000 from the
Irvine Foundation, $425,000 from the Fresno County Workforce Investment
Board, $225,000 from the Agricultural Research Initiative, $2,000,000
through the Federal government (EPA grant pending), and $8,000,000 to
$10,000,000 from industry sources (pending). Land for the new facility will
be provided on the Fresno State campus. Significant support for the project
has been expressed from water and fluid technology companies, public
agencies, water districts and civic organizations. The supporters (100+)
have already sent letters in support of a congressional budget
appropriation.
Membership is available to all
interested firms associated with water and fluid science technology. The
quarterly newsletter and a listing of member services are available at no
charge.
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