Technology Leader Rolchigo Supports Desalination Technologies
Philip Rolchigo, Ph.D., vice president of Water Technology for Pentair, Inc., co-authored a report on the viability of desalination technologies to address current United States water needs. The report, now available in hard copy from the National Academies' National Research Council, states that desalination can boost U.S. water supplies while reducing the cost of water access overall, according to a Sept. 12 press release.
Rolchigo lent his expertise to the Water Science and Technology Board of the Council, and continues to lead dialogue on the need to solve this cresting dilemma.
"The technology exists for us to be able to convert seawater – 97 percent of the world's water – into drinking water," said Rolchigo. "As desalination technology has improved, costs associated with it have been reduced dramatically. Suddenly the option to convert sea- and ground-water for use by municipalities is a viable way to augment our water supply," Rolchigo added.
The report recommends that desalination strategy, policy creation, and research and development be overseen by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to coordinate individual agencies currently working on independent goals.
The report, "Desalination: A National Perspective," was released by the National Research Council, the principal operating agency of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. Copies are available by calling 202-334-3313 or 1-800-624-6242, or on the Internet at http://www.nap.edu.
Rolchigo joined Pentair in 2007. He holds doctorate and master of science degrees in chemical and biochemical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Rochester. In 2004, he won the GE Leadership Award for Technical Innovation. He holds several patents, and has published research and development articles in industry leading publications.
Pentairis 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.