Hollywood 5/13/2013 7:25:39 PM
News / People

Close-Up Talk Radio spotlights Frederick Bloetscher of PUMPS

Hollywood, FL – From the sea to your sink, ensuring the public has access to clean and safe drinking water requires effective management of water resources.

Public Utility Management and Planning Services (PUMPS) is a consulting firm dedicated to the evaluation, planning and management of public utility systems. Since the company’s inception in 2000, PUMPS has focused primarily on public sector clients, collaborating with local municipalities, mostly in southeast Florida, to secure funding for operational improvements for about half of PUMPS’ work.

“Civil engineering has always been concerned with water and its transportation,” says Frederick Bloetscher, president of PUMPS “What most municipalities need is someone to give them guidance as to how they should be planning for their utility systems, and not just the capital portion.”

When water infrastructure deteriorates, many municipalities don’t have the necessary funds to address these issues. But with the passage of the Clean Water Act (CWA) in 1987, Congress created the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program. PUMPS specializes in diagnosing all the various issues affecting the utility system to qualify for these funds. To date, PUMPS’ clients have received nearly $130 million from the program.

“These are projects cities want to do and need to do,” says Bloetscher. “The Clean Water State Revolving Funds program was designed specifically to encourage these kinds of improvements to our infrastructure.”

With nearly 30 years of experience in local government operations as both a city manager and utilities director, Bloetscher is considered an authority in the field of water management.

“If it’s water, I’ve probably played with it,” says Bloetscher.

In addition to his work with PUMPS, Bloetscher is also an associate professor at Florida Atlantic University. He often includes his students in what he describes as “science projects,” like helping to develop the world’s first LEED Gold certified water treatment plant.

“Someone needs to prove it can be done,” says Bloetscher. “My clients understand that if we can involve students, it’s a good experience for them. It’s symbiotic, which is what civil engineering is all about: integration.”

Close-Up Talk Radio will feature Frederick Bloetscher in a four-part interview with Doug Llewelyn on May 15th, May 22nd, May 29th and June 5th at 10am EST.

Listen to the show www.blogtalkradio.com/closeuptalkradio. If you have a question for our guest, call (347) 996-3389.

For more information on Public Utility Management and Planning Services, visit http://www.h2o-pe.com