ELK Engineering Associates

Water: Commodity, Resource, or...

Most everyone will agree that water, fresh water, is one of Earths most precious resources since life as we know it depends upon water. As far as anyone can determine, the perpetual cycle of water has been a part of Earths history for millions of years. But, is water also a commodity like an agricultural product? According to Oxford dictionary, a commodity is "a raw material that can be bought and sold."

For what it's worth (literally), the quantity of easily accessible, usable, water influences the value placed on it as a resource. It should not be a surprise that the value is somewhat proportional to the availability, typically related to geography. Water is more valuable, by nature, in a desert as opposed to a location near a river or a lake.

Whether it is enhanced with minerals, flavored, colored, or otherwise altered, water is made more appealing for marketing. Based upon the definition, water is qualified to be a commodity.

So what does that mean...?

It is with a heavy heart, deep sadness and grief that we acknowledge the following:

Earl Lawrence Kirkpatrick, founder and Chief Engineer at ELK Engineering Associates passed away Saturday, December 19, 2020 pursuing his passion for flying.

Details of the accident may be released at a later date.

Earl was a uniquely competent Engineer and a good man. His strong love and commitment to God, this country and his community have always been inspirational.

He will be greatly missed.

"Clear skies Earl"

Earl L. Kirkpatrick
July 23, 1935 - December 19, 2020