Utilities plan upgrades in phone, water, energy

Making a telephone call might be as simple as giving a command in the 21st century.

As technology paves the way for innovation, scenes from ``Back to the Future'' movies don't seem so out of touch. Ameritech has plans to work with computer companies to change the face of telephone use, by allowing callers to see each others' faces on video screens while talking.

That's just one in several advancements already under way.

``Hopefully, in the future people will be able to come home and say, `Phone on' and a screen will be the phone,'' said Dennis Pauley, community relations area manager for Ameritech. ``You can say, `Call mom,' and it will call mom and so on.''

A two-way interactive videophone, which includes a camera and a video-active screen, is a continuation of an old theme. The first videophone was introduced at the 1939 St. Louis World's Fair, but received little interest. Then it was re-introduced in 1964, with little fanfare.

But as technology has become a more integral part of the world in the later 20th and early 21st centuries, Mr. Pauley said interest in things like the videophone has grown.

Other possible advancements include a car phone installed in the car. Instead of carrying around a unit, telephone companies and car manufacturers might work hand-in-hand to program the phone into the steering wheel or dashboard of vehicles.

``This will combine safety and convenience,'' Mr. Pauley said.

Mr. Pauley said it is realistic to think telephone and computer companies will offer joint services, leading to many major mergers in the 21st century.

For instance, those moving across the country might be able to keep their old telephone number, regardless of where they end up. Someone moving from Illinois to California could simply retain his or her phone number, thus alleviating some moving hassles, Mr. Pauley said.

Private water companies, like Iowa-American Water Company, based in Davenport, say they are ready to meet the demands of the area's growing population in the 21st century.

Advancements in water treatment procedures and computer upgrades have allowed the Davenport company to supply an average of 17 million gallons of water to Quad-Citians each day. But just in case computer systems fail, the company can operate by manual controls.

The company has the capacity to supply up to 30 million gallons.

The 21st century will see a boost in water-treatment projects. Iowa-American will kick off a project later this year to install a 1.25 million-gallon ground-level storage tank near Middle Road and Surrey Heights in Bettendorf for $2.7 million.

``The project provides a good base for future development in the growth of the community,'' Lisa Reisen, a spokesperson for Iowa-American, said.

The tank will allow the water company to distribute more water to clients and increase water pressure, and supply more water for fighting fires.

A 2 million-gallon clearwell project, which will improve the storage and treatment process of water, will make distribution more reliable. The project is expected to cost $5.5 million and a design concept already is under way.

The company plans to spend $7.4 million in routine maintenance and upgrades for 2000.

With the introduction of wind farms in Iowa, utility companies will be able to offer more choice to consumers in the way of power sources. Traditional gas and electric still will be available, but the dawn of the 21st century brings wind power, biomass and solar power from which to choose.

``Technology is helping us focus our efforts on serving our customers even better,'' said Kevin Waetke, director of corporate communications for MidAmerican Energy Co. based in Des Moines.

Mr. Waetke said MidAmerican and other utility companies hope to start mobile data terminals sometime in the early 21st century. Instead of customers having to wait an entire day to receive service from companies, appointment times will be assigned, giving clients more flexibility.

To make this move possible, Mr. Waetke said computer terminals will be set up in utility trucks so that drivers have immediate access to schedules.

Utility companies, like MidAmerican also are beefing up e-commerce, or, services on-line. Clients can pay their bills on-line and other computer services will enhance the way companies do business, Mr. Waetke said.