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Scientists' Luncheon: Interbasin Transfers and Water Risk in the United States

Organized by WEF, AEESP, and AAEES

Monday, September 23, 2019 | 12:00-1:30 pm

The Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP), and the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) are pleased to present the 2019 WEFTEC Scientists' Luncheon speaker, Dr. David Dzombak. This luncheon speaker is invited to discuss a topic of relevance to the practice and application of research. Dr. Dzombak has chosen to discuss the timely issue of water risk in the context of demand based on his many years of research. Tickets are available for purchase on https://weftec.org/attend/register/about-registration/. Join your fellow scientists and practitioners for this exciting opportunity to connect with each other and hear from one of the brightest minds in the water sector.

Dr. Dzombak's Abstract

Regions of the United States face varying levels of risk related to water supply in comparison to water demand. Interbasin transfers have been implemented over time in part to address this water risk. In this talk I will present the results of a recent inventory of existing interbasin transfers (IBTs) in the U.S. and an analysis of why and when they were built. To provide a framework for assessment of potential future pressure for IBTs, a county-level U.S. Water Risk Index (WRI) was developed using various criteria including change in demand, use of groundwater, and proportion of surface water supply used. The analysis accounted for natural importation of water between counties but did not include IBTs. I will present results of this analysis with and will discuss some of the highest risk counties and regions. The WRI analysis and IBT inventory are potentially useful to help identify solutions for mitigating risks to water supplies.

Dr. Dzombak's Biography

Dr. Dzombak is the Hamerschlag University Professor and Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carnegie Mellon. The emphasis of his research and teaching is on water quality engineering, water resource sustainability, and energy-environment- issues. At Carnegie Mellon he also has served as Associate Dean for Graduate and Faculty Affairs for the College of Engineering (2006-2010), as Director of the Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research (2007-2013), and as Interim Vice Provost of Sponsored Programs (November 2012-August 2013).

Dr. Dzombak received his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1986. He also holds an M.S. in Civil Engineering (1981) and a B.S. in Civil Engineering (1980) from Carnegie Mellon, and a B.A. in Mathematics from Saint Vincent College (1980). He is a registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, a Board Certified Environmental Engineer, a Diplomate Water Resources Engineer, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

Dr. Dzombak's research and professional interests include: aquatic chemistry; fate and transport of chemicals in water, soil, and sediment; water and wastewater treatment; in situ and ex situ soil and sediment treatment; industrial waste management; abandoned mine drainage remediation; climate change adaptation for infrastructure; water resource sustainability; energy and environment; population and environment; and public communication of environmental engineering and science. He has published numerous articles in leading environmental engineering and science journals; book chapters; articles for the popular press; and three books. He also has a wide range of consulting experience.

His professional service activity has included the National Academies Roundtable on Science and Technology for Sustainability (2013-present); the National Academies Roundtable on Unconventional Hydrocarbon Development (2015-present); the National Academies Water Science and Technology Board (2014-present); the ASCE Committee on Education (2018-present); the EPA Science Advisory Board (2002-2016); the DoD Strategic Environmental Research and Development Science Advisory Board (2013-2016); Editorial Advisory Board for ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering (2012-2016); Associate Editor of Environmental Science & Technology (2005-2012); Editorial Board of Water Environment Research (1993-1998) and Ground Water (1991-1993); Chair, Board of Directors, AEESP Foundation (2012-2014); Board of Directors and Officer (Treasurer) of the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (1996-1999); chair of committees for the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, American Society of Civil Engineers, and Water Environment Federation; advisory committees for Allegheny County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and numerous universities and organizations.

Dr. Dzombak was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2008. Other recognitions include election as Fellow of AEESP (2013), the Water Environment Federation (2012), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (2002); an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Saint Vincent College (2010); Jack Edward McKee Medal (2000) and the Harrison Prescott Eddy Medal (1993) from the Water Environment Federation; Aldo Leopold Leadership Program Fellowship from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation (2000); Distinguished Lecturer Award (2011) and Distinguished Service Award (1999, 2015) from AEESP; Simon W. Freese Environmental Engineering Award (2014) and the Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize (1997) from the American Society of Civil Engineers; and National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator Award (1991).

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