The never-before-told story of the incredible project to investigate the feasibility of converting wastewater to drinking water, told by William C. Lauer, the project's only manager. A very personal account about the implementation of an incredibly-complex scientific and engineering project, Vision's Path offers insightful reflections about what happened and why. Antidotes from Lauer's life are sprinkled throughout, shedding light on the times and establishing the circumstances that surrounded this unique project. Lauer explains the partnership management approach that was largely responsible for the creative work environment that enabled the eclectic staff to achieve beyond expectations. Vision's Path describes the importance of establishing a clear and noble vision to engage staff at every level. Anyone can follow this path to create an exciting and enjoyable work environment, using the partnership management approach to produce an atmosphere of respect and commitment. The result is enhanced staff self-worth and an atmosphere that establishes trust and releases the shackles of management control to provide an atmosphere where creativity and innovation can thrive. The design, construction, and operation of the world's most complex water treatment plant illustrate the results achieved by the project staff. Scientific water quality evaluations and the world's first and only life-time animal health effect study further describe the exceptional scope of the project. The addition of an extensive public information program designed to enhance perception about drinking recycled water demonstrated the range of skills needed to conduct the project. The project descriptions further show the need for an engaged staff committed to achieving the project goals. Vision's Path is the story of the project to prove the feasibility of drinking recycled water and how it was achieved by a group of blue-collar municipal employees that evolved into what the Denver Post called: The Scientists Along the Banks of the South Platte River.
About the Author: William C. Lauer is an internationally-recognized authority on treatment methods, drinking water quality, distribution system operations, drinking water health effects, and water reuse. Authoring and/or editing more than twenty technical books and more than 70 articles on these subjects has established Mr. Lauer as a leader in the drinking water profession. He served as an advisor to the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Academy of Science, and the Government of Singapore. Lauer was the only Project Manager for the ten-year, $30 million Denver Direct Potable Water Reuse Demonstration Project. The project evaluated the feasibility of converting wastewater to drinking water to augment Denver's water supply. The main testing facility for this study processed one million gallons per day and was described as the world's most complex water treatment plant. To prove water safety, a comprehensive testing program analyzed every known contaminant. But that wasn't enough; the project included an animal health effects study, normally conducted to assess carcinogenicity before approving pharmaceuticals for use, to evaluate the possible effects from drinking recycled water for a lifetime. This type of study had never before been conducted on any drinking water, and it has never been repeated.