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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Water Stocks News - Aqua America (NYSE: WTR) Successfully Accesses Capital Markets to Support $300 Million Annual Infrastructure Improvement Program

Water Stocks News - Aqua America (NYSE: WTR) Successfully Accesses Capital Markets to Support $300 Million Annual Infrastructure Improvement Program
Aqua Pennsylvania renews revolving credit line

BRYN MAWR, Pa.---Aqua America, Inc. (NYSE: WTR) announced today that the company completed a $50 million private placement of unsecured senior notes at an annual interest rate of 4.72 percent over 10 years. Proceeds from the financing will be used to refinance a $20 million, 9.12 percent note that matures in January 2010 and in support of the company’s significant capital budget.

Aqua America also announced that, on December 2, the company’s largest subsidiary, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc., renewed its $70 million revolving credit line at 125 basis points over the one-month LIBOR rate. Aqua Pennsylvania is rated A+ by Standard and Poor’s. At today’s one-month LIBOR rate of 0.23 percent, the total interest rate would be 1.48 percent.

These financing activities, along with other low-cost borrowing completed in 2009, have allowed Aqua America to lower its imbedded cost of debt for the tenth consecutive year in 2009, which benefits both customers and shareholders. These financings will allow the company to continue to invest in infrastructure improvements to enhance reliability and service to customers in a cost-effective manner given the low-interest-rate debt Aqua has been able to access. Over the next five years, Aqua America expects that its operating subsidiaries will spend roughly $1.5 billion on infrastructure improvements, most of which will be funded by internally generated cash.

Aqua America Chairman and CEO Nicholas DeBenedictis said, “Our management team continues to work diligently to lower the company’s cost of debt, which allows Aqua to continue to maintain its growth business model and finance infrastructure projects that will improve water quality and reliability and benefit the local economy. Aqua remains positioned to make needed capital investments to improve the nation’s water and wastewater infrastructure and provide affordable service for future generations. Aqua’s strong financial position has enabled the company to access the capital markets at favorable rates and thereby pass those savings along to customers.”

Aqua America, Inc. is a publicly traded water and wastewater utility with operating subsidiaries serving approximately three million people in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, Indiana, Virginia, Maine, Missouri, South Carolina and Georgia. Aqua America is listed on the New York Exchange under the ticker symbol WTR.

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among others, the effect of the company’s financial position on the company’s financing, access to the capital markets and capital investment program, the effect of the company’s efforts to lower its cost of debt, the expected use of the proceeds from the financings and the company’s projected capital spending levels. There are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including: general economic business conditions, unfavorable weather conditions, the success of certain cost containment initiatives, changes in regulations or regulatory treatment, availability and the cost of capital, disruption in the credit markets, the success of growth initiatives, and other factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, which is on file with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement.





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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Water Stocks News - Pall Corporation (NYSE: PLL) to Present Strategic Plan December 17 Investor Day to Be Webcast Live

Water Stocks News - Pall Corporation (NYSE: PLL) to Present Strategic Plan December 17 Investor Day to Be Webcast Live

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.---Pall Corporation (NYSE: PLL), a global leader in filtration, separation and purification, is refreshing its five-year plan originally presented to investors in October of 2008. The event will take place on December 17, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 11:00 a.m. ET and is being webcast live.

This Investor Day event will feature presentations by Eric Krasnoff, chairman and CEO; Don Stevens, president; Lisa McDermott, CFO and other members of the Pall senior management team. They will share broad business and financial plans along with target expectations through the end of fiscal 2013.

The Company will announce that by the end of fiscal year 2013, it is targeting a four-year compounded annual sales growth rate (sales CAGR) in the range of 5 1/2% to 8% in local currency. Using current exchange rates for planning purposes only, the sales CAGR would approximate 7% to 9 1/2% for this four-year period. Earnings per share in fiscal year 2013 are targeted to range from $3.67 to $4.77.

The event will be broadcast live on the internet and available through the Investor Relations section of Pall's website at http://www.pall.com/irevents. Listening to the webcast requires audio speakers and Microsoft Windows Media Player or Real Player audio software. The webcast will be archived for 30 days.

About Pall Corporation

Pall Corporation (NYSE:PLL) is a filtration, separation and purification leader providing Total Fluid ManagementSM solutions to meet the critical needs of customers in biopharmaceutical, hospital and transfusion medicine, energy and alternative energy, electronics, municipal and industrial water, aerospace, transportation and broad industrial markets. Together with our customers, we foster health, safety and environmentally responsible technologies. The company’s engineered solutions enable process and product innovation and minimize emissions and waste. Pall Corporation, with total revenues of $2.3 billion for fiscal 2009, is an S&P 500 company with more than 10,000 employees servicing customers worldwide. Pall has been named a top "green company" by Newsweek magazine. To see how Pall is helping enable a greener and more sustainable future, visit Pall at http://www.pall.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The matters discussed in this release contain “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

All statements regarding future performance, earnings projections, earnings guidance, management’s expectations about its future cash needs and effective tax rate, and other future events or developments are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are those that use terms such as “anticipate”, “should”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “predict”, “potential” or similar expressions about matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements contained in this and other written and oral reports are based on current Company expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2009, and other reports the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission; the impact of the current global recessionary environment and its likely depth and duration; the current credit market constraints, volatility in currency exchange rates and energy costs and other macro economic challenges currently affecting the Company, our customers (including their cash flow and payment practices) and vendors; the effectiveness of our initiatives to mitigate the impact of the current economic environment; and the Company’s ability to successfully complete its business improvement initiatives that include integrating and upgrading its information systems and the effect of a serious disruption in the Company’s information systems on its business and results of operations. The Company makes these statements as of the date of this disclosure and undertakes no obligation to update them.



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Monday, December 14, 2009

Cherry-bottled Water Tax Threatens Michigan Manufacturers, Jobs and Economy, According to Nestle Waters North America

STANWOOD, Mich., Dec. 14 /-- Nestle Waters North America (http://www.nestle-watersna.com), parent company of west Michigan-based Ice Mountain bottled water company, said an unconstitutional proposal put forward by Lt. Governor and gubernatorial candidate John Cherry this week threatens the thousands of clean, good paying jobs Michigan's water bottlers provide and would weaken producers' viability to operate in Michigan.


"Like every Michigan employer, we rely on an educated workforce. The Lt. Governor's proposal, however, will only penalize Michigan employers and risk jobs. The proposal could also drive some bottlers to supply products from outside the state to remain competitive on the price consumers pay for bottled water products," said Brian Flaherty, Vice President of Government Affairs for Nestle Waters. "The proposal would create an uneven playing field for those of us invested in Michigan that could not reasonably be sustained.


"Our team at Ice Mountain focuses on responsibly providing a purely Michigan product that is healthy, well liked, and often necessary in times of disaster. The jobs we provide in Michigan are important to the families of our employees, the community and state. We will protect these jobs by opposing any tax proposal that unfairly singles out our business."

Lt. Gov. Cherry announced a proposal to place 10-cent tax per bottle on bottled water manufactured in Michigan to fund education scholarships cut in recent state budget scale-backs. The tax would not be imposed on the hundreds of beverage products manufactured outside the state but which are sold at Michigan retailers.

"Let's look at the math," said Flaherty. "Most bottled water is purchased in cases of 24 bottles of .5 liter size, for about or less than $4.00 per case -- putting the price per bottle at about 16 cents. A 10-cent per bottle tax on Michigan manufactured products nearly doubles the price for consumers, and would be unsustainable in the highly competitive beverage marketplace.

"Consumers are very savvy, and rarely could be convinced to pay nearly double for Michigan-produced bottle water when lesser-priced options exist," said Flaherty. "I challenge you to ask consumers if they'd pay $6.50 for a case when they can pay less than $4 for the same product made elsewhere."


The proposal would also halt or slow further investment by Michigan bottlers into new Michigan facilities and manufacturing equipment upgrades that would create additional jobs.

Water bottlers are an important part of the Michigan economy, and provide tax revenues locally and to the state.

Michigan bottlers employ approximately 15,000 people in the state, either directly or indirectly through suppliers and vendors. In 2008, bottled water production was responsible for nearly $2.4 billion in total economic activity in Michigan, with the industry and its employees paying over $16.3 million in property, income and sales taxes. www.bottledwater.org

Nestle Waters employs 250 – 300 people at its Stanwood, Michigan operations, with an annual payroll of more than $16 million. Worker wages and benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, and retirement savings, exceed $40,000 annually. Nestle Waters is among leading local taxpayers, generating approximately $2 million annually for local government services and schools.

As presented, the Cherry proposal is unconstitutional, as since 1974, Michigan's state constitution exempts food products from sales or use tax. (Mich. Const. of 1963, art. IX, sub section 8). In addition, bottled water is classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the State of Michigan as a packaged food product.

"This proposal sends up a perverse incentive that would work against good Michigan jobs and the state collecting revenues. It reveals an approach to governing that would punish good Michigan jobs and reward out of state companies. It doesn't make sense for a state looking to retain and grow good jobs necessary to supporting valid priorities like education."


About Nestle Waters North America

Central to the leadership of Nestle Waters North America Inc. is its 33-year history and single-focus on producing bottled water products. The company's dedication to product quality, manufacturing expertise, employee development and environmental stewardship, especially in the areas of water use, energy and packaging, has helped Nestle Waters become the number one bottled water company in the U.S. To reach success, the company follows its credo: Respect for each other, respect for the environment, and respect for the community. To learn more, visit http://www.nestlewatersna.com/index.


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Water Stocks News - American Water (NYSE:AWK) Acquires Environmental Management Corporation

Acquisition Gives Company Stronger Presence in Industrial Contract Operations Market



VOORHEES, N.J.----American Water (NYSE:AWK), the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company, announced today that its subsidiary, American Water Enterprises, has acquired Environmental Management Corporation (EMC) from The Linde Group. EMC, a Missouri based company, provides integrated solutions for water, wastewater, and other related assets. EMC has approximately 55 contract operations with industrial and municipal customers in the United States and Canada.

"American Water is very pleased to add a company of the caliber of EMC to our business,” said Don Correll, president and CEO of American Water, “EMC has solid experience in the development of sustainable and innovative solutions for the management of water and wastewater needs, as well as a portfolio of contracts that is very complementary to American Water Enterprises’ existing business. This acquisition will also bring a new element to AWE’s business with the addition of EMC’s large base of industrial customers and it will contribute to the earnings growth goals of American Water.”

EMC was formed in 1980 as a contract operations firm with a focus on municipal wastewater and water operations. For over twenty years, EMC experienced steady growth and, by 2001, became one of the largest privately held contract operators in the United States. From 2002 to 2008, EMC transformed itself from a traditional operator to an integrated solutions provider, which allowed it to diversify its customer base to include the private sector in a variety of industries. With almost 300 employees and revenues of approximately $50 million in 2008, EMC provides its contract services for up to 20-year terms.

“Combining the expertise of EMC with AWE’s knowledge is very exciting,” said Mark Strauss, president of American Water Enterprises. “We look forward to leveraging the capabilities and strengths of both companies as we continue to deliver reliable service to our current customers and provide further water solutions to new customers.”

American Water Enterprises represents the non-regulated side of American Water’s business, which includes:

its Contract Operations group, which enters into public/private partnerships, including operation and maintenance and design/build/operate contracts for the provision of services to water and wastewater facilities for municipalities, the United States military and other customers; its Applied Water Management Group, which works with customers to design, build, and operate small water and wastewater systems; its Homeowner Services Group, which provides services to domestic homeowners and municipalities to protect against the cost of repairing broken or leaking pipes inside and outside their homes; and Terratec Environmental, Ltd., which primarily provides wastewater, residuals, transport, disposal and management services to municipal and industrial customers in Ontario, Canada

While American Water does not believe the acquisition price is material to its business, the purchase price will not be disclosed pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreement. EMC will operate as a separate business unit of AWE for the remainder of the year and into early next year as a team made up of representatives of both companies work to ensure a smooth transition for employees and customers.

“EMC and AWE share the same strong commitment to customers and employees,” added Strauss. “We will work together to build upon that commitment and capitalize on the talents of two great companies.”

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. Headquartered in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements about the Company, including statements that involve risks and uncertainties concerning the Company’s acquisition of EMC, estimates of future results of operations and general business outlook. When used in this press release, the words “anticipates,” “estimates,” “may,” “can,” “will,” “believes,” “expects,” “projects,” “intends,” “likely,” similar expressions and any other statements that are not historical facts are intended to identify those assertions as forward-looking statements. Any such statement may be influenced by a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected, described, expressed or implied in this press release due to a number of risks and uncertainties. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, the possibility that anticipated synergies of the combined companies may not be achieved after closing, the combined operations may not be successfully integrated in a timely manner, if at all, general economic conditions in regions in which either companies do business, and the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what impact they will have on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company.

For further information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with American Water’s business, please refer to American Water’s annual, quarterly and periodic SEC filings. The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement.

Contact:American WaterMaureen Duffy, 856-309-4546






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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Water Stocks news -Pentair (NYSE: PNR) to Provide 2010 Outlook on December 17

Pentair (NYSE: PNR)to Provide 2010 Outlook on December 17


MINNEAPOLIS--Pentair, Inc. (NYSE: PNR) will release its outlook for full-year 2010 financial performance immediately following the close of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, December 17, 2009. At 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, senior management will review the outlook and answer questions during an investor briefing.
Related presentation materials will be posted to the "Investors" section of the company's website (www.pentair.com) prior to the conference call, and will be available there until February 2, 2010.


CONFERENCE CALL DETAILSTo participate on the conference call, please dial 800-706-6748 800-706-6748 or 973-638-3449 973-638-3449 prior to 4:30 p.m. EST and provide the operator with conference ID number 45569349. A replay of the conference call will be available for investors from 6:00 p.m. EST on December 17 through midnight on January 15 by dialing 800-642-1687 800-642-1687 or 706-645-9291 706-645-9291. The access code for the replay is 45569349.


ABOUT PENTAIR, INC.Pentair (www.pentair.com) is a diversified operating company headquartered in Minnesota. Its Water Group is a global leader in providing innovative products and systems used worldwide in the movement, treatment, storage and enjoyment of water. Pentair’s Technical Products Group is a leader in the global enclosures and thermal management markets, designing and manufacturing thermal management products and standard, modified, and custom enclosures that house and protect sensitive electronics and electrical components. With 2008 revenues of $3.35 billion, Pentair employs approximately 13,100 people worldwide.


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Investors researching global water stocks can now purchase the Water Stocks Directory individually in a PDF format for $24.95. The water stocks directory was previously only available as part of the Investorideas.com premium membership. Investorideas.com has broken down several of the stock directories and made them available to investors that are avid fans of specific sectors.
http://www.investorideas.com/Water-Stocks/Stock_List.asp

Investors following the water sector can subscribe to the news feed at http://www.investorideas.com/RSS/feeds/Water-Stocks.xml. Water companies can submit news and press releases online to be included in the new syndicated feed at
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The Investorideas.com Water Stocks Index - Published at www.investinwhoyouare.com
Index based on 9 water stocks from the global water stocks directory at www.Investorideas.com and www.water-stocks.com.




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Research and Markets: Bottled Water in Hong Kong Industry Profile

Research and Markets: Bottled Water in Hong Kong Industry Profile Is an Essential Resource for Top-Level Data and Analysis Covering the Bottled Water Industry

DUBLIN--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/bb3810/bottled_water_in_h) has announced the addition of the "Bottled Water in Hong Kong" report to their offering.
The Bottled Water in Hong Kong industry profile is an essential resource for top-level data and analysis covering the Bottled Water industry. It includes detailed data on market size and segmentation, plus textual and graphical analysis of the key trends and competitive landscape, leading companies and demographic information.
Scope
•Contains an executive summary and data on value, volume and/or segmentation •Provides textual analysis of the industry's recent performance and future prospects •Incorporates in-depth five forces competitive environment analysis and scorecards •Includes a five-year forecast of the industry •The leading companies are profiled with supporting key financial metrics •Supported by the key macroeconomic and demographic data affecting the market Highlights
•Detailed information is included on market size, measured by both value and volume •Five forces scorecards provide an accessible yet in depth view of the market's competitive landscape •Market shares are covered by manufacturer and/or brand •Also features market breakdown by distribution channel Why you should buy this report
•Spot future trends and developments •Inform your business decisions •Add weight to presentations and marketing materials •Save time carrying out entry-level research Market Definition
The bottled water market consists of sparkling flavored water, sparkling unfavored water, still flavored water and still unflavored water. The market is valued according to retail selling price (RSP) and includes any applicable taxes. Any currency conversions used in the creation of this report have been calculated using constant annual average exchange rates.
Key Topics Covered:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CHAPTER 1 Market Overview
•Market Definition •Research Highlights •Market Analysis CHAPTER 2 Market Value
CHAPTER 3 Market Volume
CHAPTER 4 Market Segmentation
CHAPTER 5 Market Share
CHAPTER 6 Five Forces Analysis
•Summary •Buyer Power •Supplier Power •New Entrants •Substitutes •Rivalry CHAPTER 7 Leading Companies
•Vitasoy International Holdings Limited •The Coca-Cola Company •Groupe Danone CHAPTER 8 Distribution
CHAPTER 9 Market Forecasts
•Market Value Forecast •Market Volume Forecast CHAPTER 10 Macroeconomic Indicators
CHAPTER 11 Appendix
•Methodology •Industry Associations •Related Datamonitor Research For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/bb3810/bottled_water_in_h.
Source: Datamonitor
Contacts Research and MarketsLaura Wood, Senior Manager,press@researchandmarkets.com






Investorideas.com and www.Water-Stocks.com are positioning to be a leading destination for cleantech investors researching the water space. The new water news feed Water Stocks News at Investorideas.com and the global water stocks directory are two of the top tools available in addition to industry commentary and interviews.


Investors researching global water stocks can now purchase the Water Stocks Directory individually in a PDF format for $24.95. The water stocks directory was previously only available as part of the Investorideas.com premium membership. Investorideas.com has broken down several of the stock directories and made them available to investors that are avid fans of specific sectors.
http://www.investorideas.com/Water-Stocks/Stock_List.asp

Investors following the water sector can subscribe to the news feed at http://www.investorideas.com/RSS/feeds/Water-Stocks.xml. Water companies can submit news and press releases online to be included in the new syndicated feed at
http://www1.investorideas.com/NewsUploader/Default.aspx.

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Index based on 9 water stocks from the global water stocks directory at www.Investorideas.com and www.water-stocks.com.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Water- Stocks.com Interview with Jud Hill, Managing Partner, Summit Global Management Inc.

Water- Stocks.com Interview with Jud Hill, Managing Partner, Summit Global Management Inc.

The Case for Water Equity Investing 2010

Point Roberts WA, DELTA, BC –December 2, 2009 www.Water-Stocks.com, an investor and industry portal for the water sector within Investorideas.com, presents an interview with Jud Hill, Managing Partner, Summit Global Management, Inc., discussing ‘The Case for Water Equity Investing 2010’.

Summit Global Management, Inc. is an investment firm focusing on global water industry stocks and acquiring and developing water rights and entitlements throughout the world.

Water- Stocks.com Interview with Jud Hill, Managing Partner, Summit Global Management, Inc:

Q- Dawn Van Zant at Water-stocks.com

Jud, can you start with giving our readers some personal background on your entry into the water sector and your current firm, Summit Global and its investment strategy?

A- Jud Hill, Managing Partner, Summit Global Management, Inc.

I have been in the cleantech sector, particularly water, for 30 years…long before it was cool. I spent the first half of my career operating clean tech concerns at both Westinghouse and Atlantic Richfield as well taking a cleantech company, Thermatrix, public in the mid nineties. The second half of my career has transitioned to financial areas serving as the Managing Director of HSBC Securities focused on the water sector to the last 10 years in private equity with affiliates of the Texas Pacific Group, including Aqua LLC, a private equity fund focused exclusively in the global water sector.

Summit Global Management is a San Diego-based investment management firm with a strict Discount to Appraised Value philosophy of securities selection, designed to achieve consistent long-term returns while minimizing risk.

Our value discipline has encouraged an unrivaled, 30-year specialization in global hydro commerce and other industries directly impacted by water. Water has historically proven to be an attractive non-cyclical opportunity, and the current reality of exploding demand coupled with diminishing supplies suggests an increasingly compelling and persistent investment theme. We are particularly focused on finding long term investments in the areas of water rights/entitlements and in situ water storage.


Q- Dawn Van Zant at Water-stocks.com

You recently chaired the panel,' EMERGING ASSET CLASSES: WATER, CARBON AND THE GREEN MOVEMENT 'at the Global Financial Leadership Conference held in Naples Florida. Other noted green and cleantech speakers included T. Boone Pickens, Chairman, BP Capital Management discussing 'THE NEW ENERGY PARADIGM'. Can you give is the key points of your panel discussion- and did you walk away with any new insight?

A- Jud Hill, Managing Partner, Summit Global Management, Inc.

Sure, it was a very interesting panel. I think it was the first time that many of leaders in the global financial community had heard any in depth discussion regarding how critical a role water plays in global economies and how inexorably water and energy are tied together, For example, as we begin to dramatically ramp up biofuels as an alternative fuel source, we are only now beginning to appreciate that impact some of these alternatives (e.g. corn based ethanol) are having on water supplies. For example, it requires 100 times more water to produce a gallon of ethanol versus conventional gasoline and depending on the region can cause dramatic consequences relative to maintaining a sustainable water resource…let alone its impact of food pricing.

Another enlightening example is contrasting and comparing “peak energy” to “peak water”. Peak energy albeit important to national security and global economies there ultimately are substitutes to fossil fuels (e.g. nuclear, solar wind); however, water has no substitute and is a very local commodity. When an aquifer is pumped essentially dry and surface waters are dramatically depleted and/or contaminated the price of water will rise dramatically and not only will economies be affected but there may be dramatic impacts on human health effecting food supplies and access to clean water and sanitation.

The water/energy nexus has other important parallels, another example being, as we strive to reduce carbon footprints and conserve carbon, California uses over 20% of its energy to move water and in many areas, due to antiquated water lines as much as 30% of the potable water is lost thru infiltration. Simply said, if we want to save energy, we need to fix the water infrastructure.

As a consequence, water is only now beginning to be appreciated as an asset class, creating investment interest in owning the right to use water (e.g. water rights/entitlements) in those areas of the world that have defined regulatory frameworks and provide for private ownership, principally the western United States and Australia. This is sometimes referred to as “wet water” versus investing in the general water domain (e.g., pumps, membranes, utilities) or “hydro commerce”. Water has historically been under priced and with an inexorable growing demand and more rational pricing models being adopted I believe “wet water” will be a critical resource to have in a diversified investment portfolio.

Q- Dawn Van Zant at Water-stocks.com

In Summit's report, 'The Case for Water Equity Investing 2010' , (http://www.summitglobal.com/documents/SummitCaseWaterEquityInvesting2010.pdf) you go through the underlying drivers for investing in water , from supply and demand to, to geographic imbalance between sources and use, to aging and insufficient infrastructure to increasing regulation and heightened awareness . For our readers, can you summarize the points and let us know what you think the most significant driving force is?

A- Jud Hill, Managing Partner, Summit Global Management, Inc.

There are a number of key trends to watch. First and foremost is the basic understanding that water has no substitute.., unlike energy. and there is a fixed finite supply (only 2.5% of the worlds water supply is fresh and of that 70% is locked up in glaciers and permafrost). Secondly, water is heavy (7lbs/gal) and is very expensive to move and not surprising there are large populations where fresh water is in short supply (e.g. middle east, western US, China and India).

So like politics, water is local… and therefore not surprisingly very political and emotional asset. Accordingly that leads to water allocation and prioritization. Typically 70% of water supplies are allocated to agriculture with the balance going to municipal and industrial uses. And finally, as in any valued commodity, the controlling metric is price. As the price of water rises, which it is at an increasing rate, alternative options become cost effective, driving investment and opportunity.

These opportunities can be seen in a variety of areas. A few examples include the proliferation of desalination plants and membrane improvements, remote metering and more efficient irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation.

The other key trend to watch is what is being referred to as “virtual water”…the amount of water that is required to produce a specific good. For example, it takes 5,000 gallons of water to yield a bushel of wheat and 1000 gallons of water to put a hamburger on a bun. We are beginning to see both industries and countries consider the impacts of virtual water as a key component of sustainable development and growth,

Q- Dawn Van Zant at Water-stocks.com

Your report also goes into detail on the opportunities in the water investing universe. For investors looking at the sector - what are some key trends and events they need to be on the watch for to really move the stocks in the sector?

A- Jud Hill, Managing Partner, Summit Global Management, Inc.

We see strong fundamental drivers for sustainable growth and equity appreciation in global
“hydrocommerce,” investors have the opportunity today to invest in water companies at more attractive
valuations than have been available for a number of years.

Despite the negative short-term impact of the financial crisis, water equities are uniquely resistant to external economic cycles because of the decreasingly available supply and increasingly relentless demand for water. We believe water stocks represent an attractive alternative “store of value” in an uncertain world – a good place to save money for a rainy day.

The lure of water investing is not a new idea, but it is one that deserves fresh examination from the
perspective of the revised business expectations and new economic environment to emerge from the
wreckage of 2008. The intention of this document is not to promote a specific investment style or strategy,
only to be a broad overview of issues relevant to the serious investor in water equities.

People new to the concept of water investing are encouraged to read The Case for Water Equity Investing
2010 in its entirety in order to gain a complete understanding of the space, from its most fundamental
aspects on up.

In summary, it’s difficult to summarize in a few words other than providing some anecdotal metrics and examples. I would encourage your readers to take a few minutes and click thru to the link http://www.summitglobal.com/documents/SummitCaseWaterEquityInvesting2010.pdf I think they will find the information enlightening.

More info:
Conference info: http://www.gflc.com/

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Investorideas.com and www.Water-Stocks.com are positioning to be a leading destination for cleantech investors researching the water space. The new water news feed Water Stocks News at Investorideas.com and the global water stocks directory are two of the top tools available in addition to industry commentary and interviews.

Investors researching global water stocks can now purchase the Water Stocks Directory individually in a PDF format for $24.95. The water stocks directory was previously only available as part of the Investorideas.com premium membership. Investorideas.com has broken down several of the stock directories and made them available to investors that are avid fans of specific sectors.
http://www.investorideas.com/Water-Stocks/Stock_List.asp

Investors following the water sector can subscribe to the news feed at http://www.investorideas.com/RSS/feeds/Water-Stocks.xml. Water companies can submit news and press releases online to be included in the new syndicated feed at
http://www1.investorideas.com/NewsUploader/Default.aspx.

About InvestorIdeas.com:
Investorideas.com creates a meeting place for investing ideas to take form and come to life in an entrepreneurial environment, servicing the needs of small investors and start- up companies to large conglomerates! We cover multiple industry sectors but specialize in environmental and water.

Investors are also reminded to sign up for the launch of the new free investor newsletter – the next great investor idea! Investors can sign up for the new free newsletter on the pop- up box on the home page of www.investorideas.com or the newsletter sign up page.

Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured showcase companies (WSCE), news submissions and online advertising. Compensation Disclosure and disclaimers: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp, http://www.investorideas.com/About/News/Clientspecifics.asp

For More Information Contact:
Water-stocks.com
Dawn Van Zant 800-665-0411
Email: dvanzant@investorideas.com
Web Site: www.InvestorIdeas.com www.water-stocks.com

Source: Water-Stocks.com, Investorideas.com
Visit the water stocks directory at Investorideas.com and Water-stocks.com
http://www.investorideas.com/Water-Stocks/Stock_List.asp
Listed Water Companies on TSX, TSX Venture, OTC, NASDAQ, AMEX, NYSE, ASX, AIM and other leading Stock Exchanges.