2008-04-14 23:50:36 -

www.bv.com - Black & Veatch George Minter, 913-458-8001 minterga@bv.com or 24-hour Media Line: 866-496-9149 Dan McCarthy, President and CEO of Black & Veatch's global water business, today cited the need to increase public awareness on issues surrounding drinking water quality.

In a column issued today, McCarthy noted recent wire service reports on U.S. drinking

water safety issues related to endocrine disrupter compounds (EDCs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and other contaminants. The column "Adding a Dose of Objectivity to the Debate on Water Safety" is available at www.bv.com/news_3_publications/reports_3_studies.aspx.

"Black & Veatch can provide an objective perspective on the issue of pharmaceuticals in water supplies," McCarthy said. "We are one of the foremost global companies involved in developing and installing advanced water and wastewater treatment technologies. By emphasizing the facts about the quality of U.S. drinking water, we can help consumers understand the complexity of the issues."

In the column, McCarthy details key points surrounding drinking water concerns, as well as suggested actions and factors related to potential new legislation on drinking water treatment options.

"The water industry must work with the news media to help the public become better informed," McCarthy said. "We must bring these issues front and center, while being careful not to oversimplify them."

About Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch is a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company specializing in infrastructure development in energy, water, telecommunications, management consulting, federal and environmental markets. Founded in 1915, Black & Veatch develops tailored infrastructure solutions that meet clients' needs and provide sustainable benefits. Solutions are provided from the broad line of service expertise available within Black & Veatch, including conceptual and preliminary engineering services, engineering design, procurement, construction, financial management, asset management, program management, construction management, environmental, security design and consulting, management consulting and infrastructure planning. With $3.2 billion in revenue, the employee-owned company has more than 100 offices worldwide and has completed projects in more than 100 countries on six continents.

Black & Veatch's global water business provides innovative, technology-based solutions to utilities, governments and industries worldwide. Local project teams work with multinational water and wastewater treatment process experts to address site-specific challenges through a broad range of consulting, study, planning, design, design-build and construction management services. The company's Web site address is www.bv.com.

Water Business CEO Urges Objectivity in Water Safety Debate