MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 2008--Dr. Philip Rolchigo,
vice president of Water Technology for Pentair, Inc. (NYSE:PNR),
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
(the Council), states that desalination can boost U.S. water supplies
while reducing the cost of water access overall. Dr. 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 Dr.
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 of "Desalination: A
National Perspective" are available from the National Academies Press
by calling 202-334-3313 or 1-800-624-6242, or on the Internet at
http://www.nap.edu.
Dr. 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. His industry
recognition includes Process magazine's 2003 Breakthrough Product of
the Year award; and Chemical Processing magazine's Vaaler award for
innovative wastewater treatment products in 1992 and 1993. He holds
several patents, and has published research and development articles
in industry leading publications.
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 2007 revenues of $3.30 billion, Pentair employs approximately
16,000 people worldwide.
CONTACT: Pentair, Inc.
Investor Relations:
Todd Gleason, 763-656-5570
E-mail: [email protected]
or
Corporate Communications:
Rachael Jarosh, 763-656-5280
E-mail: [email protected]
SOURCE: Pentair, Inc.