ATLANTA, Feb. 1, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The City of New Orleans has selected Echologics Engineering Inc., a leader in water infrastructure diagnostic technologies, to oversee its water loss management and water pipe integrity assessment initiative. This initiative includes leak detection, pipe condition assessment, and water meter calibration and maintenance.
The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) selected Echologics following a competitive bid process for the one-year contract, which is renewable for a second year. Echologics is a subsidiary of Mueller Water Products, Inc. (NYSE:MWA), a leading manufacturer and marketer of products and services that are used in the transmission and distribution of safe, clean drinking water and in water treatment facilities. Echologics leverages the strength of the Mueller brand in delivering intelligent solutions for water infrastructure.
Echologics' core technology uses a proprietary acoustic-based leak detection system to assess the structural condition of selected water pipes, which is especially helpful as North America confronts the challenges of repairing or replacing its aging water infrastructure. The technology was developed jointly with the National Research Council of Canada. Echologics will help New Orleans prioritize water pipes that require rehabilitation or replacement.
During a pilot project, Echologics located water main leaks that were causing between 75,000 and 100,000 gallons per day (300,000 - 400,000 liters per day) of water loss. This water loss is equivalent to filling one Olympic swimming pool every six days.
"Municipalities faced with the increasing need to repair or replace their aging water infrastructure need tools and technology to help them prioritize this vital initiative," said Marc Bracken, vice president and general manager of Echologics. "We are committed to helping New Orleans find leakage in the distribution water pipes, while at the same time assessing structural condition of the pipe to ensure that the city's residents have access to clean drinking water."
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements that address activities, events or developments that we intend, expect, plan, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and assessments made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions and the following:
- the level of spending on water and wastewater infrastructure;
- the demand level of manufacturing and construction activity;
- our ability to service our debt obligations; and
- the other factors that are described in the section entitled "RISK FACTORS" in Item 1A of our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements. We do not have any intention or obligation to update forward-looking statements after we file this press release, except as required by law.
About Echologics Engineering Inc.
Echologics Engineering Inc. is a manufacturing, service and marketing company dedicated to helping water utilities reduce water loss with subsequent benefits in monetary, environmental and health costs to the communities. Echologics is a leader in the development of water infrastructure diagnostic technologies for water loss management, leak detection and pipe condition assessment. Founded in 2003, Echologics is based in Toronto and employs approximately 20 people. For more information about Echologics, visit .
About Mueller Water Products, Inc.
Mueller Water Products, Inc. manufactures and markets products and services that are used in the transmission and distribution of safe, clean drinking water and in water treatment facilities throughout North America. Our broad product portfolio includes engineered valves, fire hydrants, pipe fittings, water meters and ductile iron pipe, which are used by municipalities, as well as the residential and non-residential construction industries. With latest 12 months net sales through December 31, 2010 of $1.3 billion, the Company is comprised of three operating segments: Mueller Co., U.S. Pipe and Anvil. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the Company employs approximately 4,800 people. The Company's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MWA. For more information about Mueller Water Products, Inc. visit .
CONTACT: Investor Contact: Martie Edmunds Zakas Sr. Vice President - Strategy, Corporate Development & Communications 770-206-4237 mzakas@muellerwp.com Media Contact: John Pensec Director - Corporate Communications & Public Affairs 770-206-4240 jpensec@muellerwp.com