CDM Smith Welcomes Water Reuse Expert Karthik Kumarasamy
CDM Smith is excited to announce the addition of Karthik Kumarasamy, PhD, PE, a leading authority in water reuse regulation, to their team as an environmental engineer. With a robust background spanning 14 years in various sectors including drinking water, wastewater management, and regulatory compliance, Dr. Kumarasamy is set to enrich CDM Smith’s capabilities in sustainable water solutions.
Expertise in Water Reuse Regulations
Before joining CDM Smith, Dr. Kumarasamy served as a principal engineer at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. In this role, he was instrumental in creating a framework that governs direct potable reuse (DPR) in Arizona, a pivotal aspect of the state’s water management strategy. As the chief architect behind Arizona’s Advanced Water Purification (AWP) regulatory program, he demonstrated his ability to set high standards for water treatment through collaborative efforts.
Establishing Standards and Collaborations
Dr. Kumarasamy chaired a Technical Advisory Group consisting of 68 experts from diverse fields. This group forged operational and treatment standards for DPR, ensuring they function within a flexible permitting framework. His extensive collaboration with utilities of all sizes led to the development of a certification program for advanced water treatment operators in Arizona, emphasizing his commitment to building capacity within the state.
Significant Contributions to the Field
Among his myriad accomplishments, Dr. Kumarasamy secured funding for initiatives that identified the chemical and pathogen profiles in wastewater, which informed tailored regulatory developments. He also partnered with national consulting firms to produce AWP Guidance Manuals that encompass various crucial facets of water treatment, including corrosion control and operational protocols.
Academic Contributions and Recognition
In addition to his engineering achievements, Dr. Kumarasamy is actively involved in academia as an adjunct faculty member at Arizona State University. He has authored over a dozen peer-reviewed publications, highlighting his expertise and dedication to research. Notably, his abstract at the 2023 AZ Water Conference earned 1st place, reflecting his innovative contributions to the field. Furthermore, he was honored with the Governor’s award for creating a predictive machine learning model to enhance public water system compliance.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Kumarasamy holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, a master’s, and a PhD in civil and environmental engineering from Utah State University. His educational background, coupled with his extensive experience, positions him as a vital asset to CDM Smith’s mission of advancing sustainable water management across different states.
“We are excited to welcome Karthik to our team,” said Jennifer Osgood, senior vice president at CDM Smith. “His unique experience in implementing potable reuse regulations will be invaluable as we assist other states in creating effective reuse policies. Our commitment to ensuring safe, reliable water for everyone resonates with his values.”
CDM Smith's Commitment
CDM Smith is a reputable engineering and construction firm known for providing exceptional client service and innovative solutions across various sectors including water, environment, and energy. The firm is motivated by a passion for solving environmental challenges and enhancing infrastructural resilience, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of advocacy for sustainable water management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Karthik Kumarasamy’s role at CDM Smith?
Karthik Kumarasamy has joined CDM Smith as an environmental engineer specializing in water reuse regulations.
What experience does Dr. Kumarasamy bring to CDM Smith?
Dr. Kumarasamy brings 14 years of experience in drinking water, wastewater, and regulatory compliance, along with his expertise in direct potable reuse.
What previous work has he done related to water reuse?
He was a principal engineer at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, where he developed the framework for regulating direct potable reuse in Arizona.
How has Dr. Kumarasamy contributed to the field of environmental engineering?
He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and received awards for his innovative contributions, including a machine learning model for public water system compliance.
What is CDM Smith’s vision regarding water management?
CDM Smith aims to provide sustainable water solutions and assist in crafting effective reuse policies while ensuring safe and reliable water access for all.
