bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative Disinfection Technologies for Small Systems
Authors: DeMers Larry D. , Renner Robert C.
Published: June 2018

Although chlorination has been an effective and cost‐efficient method of disinfecting drinking water, more stringent regulation of disinfectant byproducts may cause some small water systems to consider alternative disinfection methods or minimization of natural organic matter. Among the possible alternatives are treatment using ozone, chlorine dioxide, and ultraviolet radiation. The best alternative depends on each system's particular requirements. Each alternative will require commitments from the utility‐in terms of time and costs, including additional staff members and training. The process of determining if a system needs to consider disinfection methods other than chlorination, and which methods might be most effective, involves analysis of many factors. In addition to addressing these issues, the author provides an overview of how each of the alternative disinfectants fit into the treatment train.
Step One for Lead Rule Compliance: Good Information
Authors: Pontius Frederick
Published: June 2018

Do you need help understanding the Lead an Copper Rule? You're not alone if you do. Other small systems are also attempting to get a handle on the rule as they make plans to begin monitoring. This article lists various information sources on the Lead and Copper Rule.
Part 2 — Solving for the Unknown Value, Advanced
Authors: Price Joanne Kirkpatrick
Published: June 2018

This is the second of two articles that explain in simple, step‐by‐step how to solve mathematical equations that contain an unknown value. For calculations involving only multiplication and division, terms are moved diagonally across the equal sign to solve for the unknown value. (Instructions for solving these simple equations are given in the February 1993 Opflow, p. 9.) However, when addition and subtraction are included in the equation, the rules of movement are more complex. The article reviews the steps in solving for x in these advanced calculations. This is one of a series of thirteen articles called Math in Chunks.
Fredericton Water Tower Failure and Collapse
Authors: Pelley Kevin
Published: June 2018

It felt like an earthquake and it looked like a bomb exploded when Fredericton's newest water tower on Regent St., which had just been filled with 500,000 gal (1,892,500 L) of water, dramatically collapsed. The 90‐ft (27‐m) high steel and concrete tower collapsed midafternoon on December 19, 1990, only minutes after being filled to capacity by the City of Federicton work crew. Ironically, the new tower was built for safety reasons to replace an old concrete tower. The article describes the accident in some detail. According to an investigator, the tank used 7/16 in. (12 mm) thick steel near the bottom section of the tank, and that steel should have been twice as thick.
Part 3 — Perimeter and Circumference Calculations
Authors: Price Joanne Kirkpatrick
Published: June 2018

This article explains how to do linear calculations, or how to measure the distance around an object. The steps for figuring circumference (for circles) and perimeter (for squares and other objects with straight sides) are explained.
How To “Take Stock,” Evaluate Your System's Viability
Authors: Lay Trudie
Published: June 2018

The latest buzzword associated with small water systems is viability. No matter how you feel about it, the question of what viability means and how it affects the operations of small systems concerns all of us. The author discusses how to evaluate your system and your water supply; regulatory compliance; financial viability; future long‐term viability; and restructuring.
Give Customers Maximum Flow With Corp Stop Cleaner
Authors: Enderby David , Leader Crew
Published: June 2018

The fitting used to connect small‐diameter service lines to a water main is called a corporation (“corp”) stop. It is generally a brass shut‐off valve, threaded on both ends. Sometimes low flow problems occur after a service lateral is renewed using the existing corp stop. The carbide corp stop cleaner tool is used to verify that the opening through the corp stop is clear, enabling the customer to receive the maximum available water flow. Materials and construction information is given.
Schmutzdecke Sampler Reduces Filter Bed Damage
Authors: Nakamoto Nobutada
Published: June 2018

Operators frequently have difficulty checking the condition of the schmutzdecke while the slow sand filter is being operated. The device described in this article allows samples to be drawn so that the schmutzdecke can be easily analyzed without any damage to the sand surface during operation of the filter. Instructions for making the sampler are given.
New Taps Reduce False–Positive Coliform Samples
Authors: Ball Douglas B. , Bischop Gary D. , DiPrimio Robert J. , Heyer William M. , MacLeod Chris M. , Maruoka Richard K. , Uemura Keith E.
Published: June 2018

The tap design described in the article is part of LADWP's overall plan to revise and improve the utility's water‐quality monitoring system. There was concern that sampling at customer's taps was allowing false positive or falsely high bacterial readings because of conditions at the tap rather than the actual water quality. The sample taps were installed to avoid having to sample at the customer's tap. Following installation of the taps for sampling, bacteriological test results indicated that detectable levels of coliform bacteria declined nearly 70 percent. The new sample taps ensure that reliable representative samples are collected and the number of required follow‐up samples is minimized.
Injury Prevention Program Eases Strained Backs
Authors: Hartwell Janice
Published: June 2018

An analysis of three years of Eastern Municipal Water District workmen's compensation claims showed that back injuries were among the most common and expensive claims. To address the problem, the district researched and set up an injury prevention program. The program is two pronged: a light‐duty program for injured workers and an exercise program designed to reduce the number of injuries. The program's success rests on monitoring to ensure that interest and motivation among participants remains strong. Management support and flexibility are also vital components of an effective injury prevention program. One and a half years after the program was implemented, it continues to show excellent results in reducing the frequency and severity of back injuries.
SWTR Conditions to Avoid Filtration Are Demanding
Authors: Pontius Frederick W.
Published: June 2018

The SWTR specifies strict requirements that an unfiltered system must meet in in order to avoid installing filtration. Unfiltered systems that fail to meet these requirements must filter. The conditions to avoid filtration are generally divided into two categories: source water quality; and site‐specific conditions. The requirements for both categories of conditions are listed in the article along with detailed descriptions of the requirements. This is one in a series of five articles about the Surface Water Treatment Rule. Other articles discuss “Surface Water Treatment Rule Targets Microbials” (May 1993); “SWTR Disinfection Standards for Filtered Systems” (June 1993); “SWTR – C x T Values Indicate Disinfection Applied” (July 1993); and “Configuration, Operation of System Affects C x T Values” (August 1993).
Question of the Month
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This month's question concerns slow sand filtration and whether it is a viable option for a small system classified as under the influence of surface water to meet the requirements of the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR). The answer suggests selecting the type of filtration based on site‐specific criteria as listed in the article.
Monitor Pressure Without Disrupting Service
Authors: Kropidlowski George
Published: June 2018

Pressure monitoring our distribution system for extended periods presented our utility with two challenges. Inconvenience to your customers during the operation. Staff needed access to homes at various times during the day, but customers weren't always home. Data collection affected by local conditions. For example, in homes, the recorder monitored each time a resident turned on a faucet or flushed a toilet. In a plant or a mill, a recorder is not vibration free and can inadvertently monitor vibrations from other sources. To solve these problems, we constructed a gadget that records and monitors water pressure at fire hydrants. Materials and construction information are included.
Low‐Flow Toilet Rebates Encourage Conservation
Authors: Solana Bobby
Published: June 2018

The City of Port Orange, Florida, offers a $50 rebate as an incentive for conserving water. This brief column details the program and how it works.
EPA Clarifies SWTR Turbidity Requirements
Authors: Pontius Frederick W.
Published: June 2018

Recent experiences with high filtered‐water turbidity levels have resulted in boil‐water orders for several communities. These occurrences have prompted the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to clarify the following three requirements of the SWTR: where turbidity samples are to be collected for filtered water systems; when a system is to notify the state and the public of high‐turbidity levels; and backwashing practices.
What You Should Know About Cryptosporidium
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: June 2018

Several recent waterborne disease outbreaks have been attributed to the organism Cryptosporidium. Protecting the public from waterborne transmission of this organism must be a high priority for municipal drinking water suppliers. The author discusses: how the organism is transmitted; its occurrence in the environment; and the symptoms of the disease. He concludes by stating that the infective dose is not known.
Learn Metrics Now, Lead the Way Later
Authors: Price Joanne Kirkpatrick
Published: June 2018

Converting to the metric system of measurement is much like becoming bilingual. Like translators who understand a foreign language, those who are familiar with both systems will lead the way during the years of conversion. Changing from one metric unit to another is a simple matter of moving a decimal point from one place to another. This month, we will look primarily at metric‐to‐metric conversions.
Resourceful Workers Create Super Hydrant Diffuser
Authors: Babcock Ken
Published: June 2018

Our citywide hydrant flushing program, begun in 1993, has successfully improved our water quality. But before we enjoyed our success, we had to overcome a few problems. We began by using 2 1/2‐in. conical hydrant diffusers, which effectively spot‐flushed hydrants. However, these diffusers could not deliver the volume of water needed to flush hydrants throughout the system. The flushing crew requested a 4‐in. diffuser to provide higher flows and reduce the time needed to completely flush hydrants. After unsuccessful attempts to locate a 4‐in. diffuser that was suitable, the department fabricated their own. Materials and construction information are included.
Hose Bibb Simplifies Oil Change Process
Authors: O'Brien Ronnie
Published: June 2018

In past years, the biannual change of water pump motor oil required the labor and time of two or three workers. One worker would hold a 5 gallon drain bucket, a second worker loosened and removed the oil drain plug, and a third worker cleaned up the mess. To improve this messy, time‐consuming process, employees from the City of Mesquite Water Production Department developed a simple, inexpensive solution that saves time and money. A list of materials and costs is included.
Do You Use Your Depreciation Funds Wisely?
Authors: Jordan Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2018

If you are operating with negative net income and are using your depreciation funds to meet expenses, take a serious look at your rate structure and prices. The revenues you are generating are not covering the full cost of providing water service. Make sure that: your net income and return on assets are positive; your rates are sufficient; and you are using your depreciation funds wisely.
Cross‐Connection Control—Grassroots Style
Authors: Baruth Monica Joda
Published: June 2018

In 1986, a diverse group of water utilities, public officials, city and county inspectors, general contractors, and backflow prevention assembly manufacturers joined together with a common goal: to protect drinking water from unprotected cross connections. Dedicated to public health protection, the Spokane Regional Cross Connection Control Committee–better known as the “SRC4”–has created one of the most successful and respected regional backflow prevention committees in the nation.
Back Policy Statements With Action
Authors: Baruth Monica Joda
Published: June 2018

The work environment continues to change–greater diversity, longer work weeks, less‐is‐more staffing, and the never ending balancing act of work and personal demands. Today's work requirements mean more time with our co‐workers. And, if based on mutual respect and sensitivity, these professional relationships can promote job satisfaction. This article suggests having a written sexual harassment policy statement.
Training and Certification—Essential for Strong Operations
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This month's question concerns the benefits of operator certification and training. The answer states that while it is not mandatory that operators are certified, AWWA favors mandatory certification of the persons in responsible charge of water treatment and distribution facilities. Most states have specific training criteria for certification. The article discusses continuing education units (CEUs) and prerequisite courses for certification. Training resources are given, along with information on self‐study programs and training resources offered by AWWA.
“Oldie But a Goodie” From 1981 Phew! My Hot Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs
Authors: Hack David J.
Published: June 2018

Taste and odor problems can affect hot or cold water, but hot water problems usually bring complaints of smells like rotten eggs. The rotten egg odor is caused by hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. The odor is repulsive, but the gas is not usually harmful at the low concentrations that occur in a household water system.
Iowa's First Electrodialysis Reversal Plant
Authors: Hays John
Published: June 2018

In 1979, the City of Washington, Iowa, was notified by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources that it was in violation of the radium standard for drinking water. Radium, a naturally occurring constituent in deep‐well water, is a suspected carcinogen. The city authorized an engineering study to determine the most cost‐effective and practical way to remove radium and, at the same time, improve overall water quality. Several possible treatment alternatives were evaluated. It was finally decided to use electrodialysis reversal (EDR). EDR is a high‐tech process in which minerals and other constituents in water are separated by an electrical charge. The resulting ions are transferred through membranes from a less concentrated to a more concentrated solution. By varying the amount of the electrical charge input to the system, it is possible to remove the dissolved solids in water to the extent desired. EDR is a process that can also be used in desalinating seawater. The dissolved solids removed are concentrated in a brine or salt solution. Approximately 11 to 12 percent of water pumped from wells ends up as brine waste. Design of the new water treatment plant began in September 1991. The plant began treating water in January 1993, and final construction was completed in April 1993.
Common Questions About Confined‐Space Safety
Authors: Brown Randy
Published: June 2018

The Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) defines a confined space as: being large enough for a person to enter; having restricted means of entry or exit; and not designed for continuous occupancy. The author discusses the answers to the following questions: What is the difference between permitted and non‐permitted confined space? What are some examples of confined spaces in the water utility industry? What types of hazards does a confined space present? How can I ensure that my co‐workers are safe while working in confined spaces? What is the role of the confined space attendant? and What rescue and emergency procedures should the attendant follow?
Implementing the Information Collection Rule
Authors: Pontius Frederick W.
Published: June 2018

The final Information Collection Rule (ICR) was published in the Federal Register on May 14, 1996. Unlike other drinking water rules, the US Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for implementing the ICR; states are not directly involved, and primacy is not required. This paper summarizes the general requirements of the ICR and discusses USEPA's implementation process which requires utilities to develop approved sampling plans. The paper also list several sources of help for utilities with questions about the ICR.
Have a Really Tough Question? Try the Internet!
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This month's column begins by stating that some of the questions submitted are a bit out of our line; often they are complaints about products that AWWA does not market. However, these questions are given the same consideration as the rest, going a step further by forwarding them to the appropriate persons for further research. In the meantime, while waiting for a reply, the enquirees can place questions on the Internet via one of AWWA's discussion forums of which there are four: AWWA's Regulatory Discussion Forum; the Technical Discussion Forum; the Section Discussion Forum; and, the WaterWiser Conservation Clearinghouse Forum. All can be accessed from AWWA's home page at www.awwa.org.
Stakeholders Evaluate, Select Turbidimeters
Authors: Lewis Carrie M. , Mielke J. Laurie , Rowley Gordon L.
Published: June 2018

When the City of Calgary (Alberta) Waterworks Division decided to replace the turbidimeters on the effluents of its 48 rapid‐rate dual‐media filters, it was decided to involve all stakeholders in the evaluation and decision making process. Plant operators, lab staff, and equipment maintenance staff met and set up a testing protocol to evaluate meters from the viewpoint of each group.
Radon: What You—and Your Customers—Should Know
Authors: Kick Robert M. , Potter Sandra L. , Bass Rená D. , Klaus Matthew D.
Published: June 2018

Over the last 10 years the term radon has become part of our everyday lives. Many people have limited knowledge about radon and might be concerned if it has been detected in their public or private drinking water supply. The purpose of this article is to help you understand the basics of radon, which you, in turn, can use to help educate your community. The article answers the following questions: What is radon? Where does radon come from? Why is radon a concern? Where is radon found? Why is radon a health concern? How is radon in groundwater measured? Who regulates radon levels in drinking water and air? Should I be concerned about radon in my water supply? and Can Radon be removed from water?
Particle Counting Augments Turbidity Measurement
Authors: Rissel John
Published: June 2018

This article discusses particle counting as a means to improve the measurement of turbidity in water. It discusses problems associated with turbidity measurement, although it continues to be a valuable tool for treatment evaluation. Additionally, the value of particle counters in estimating log removal of particulates within a specified size range, such as the pathogenic cysts Giardia and Cryptosporidium, is touched upon. The article briefly discusses how particle counters work and the different types of particle counting software.
How to Avoid Taking a Bath on Energy Costs
Authors: Oliver Julia , Putnam Cynthia
Published: June 2018

In day‐to‐day function, water supply and wastewater treatment plants require an enormous amount of energy to move water from point A to point B, resulting in annual municipal utility bills that are typically in the tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, strict budgets often make energy efficiency improvements difficult to achieve. This article offers strategies for maximizing energy efficiency in the municipal water industry. Subjects discussed are pumping system improvements, cutting energy costs as applied to a hypothetical example, and variable‐speed drives. Resources to consult for energy saving ideas are also listed.
Hit the Road With Bulk Water Hauling Station
Authors: Pezanko Peter , Tighe Kevin
Published: June 2018

This article discusses one small utility's challenge in providing bulk water service. The pool‐filling and other bulk haulers received their water from a designated fire hydrant. Their use of the hydrant was unsupervised by utility personnel, with billing being done on the honor system. The vendor was also counted on to operate the hydrant slowly and not to flow at high rates. Finding this lack of accountability unacceptable, the utility decided to construct a multiuser unattended metering station with proper backflow protection and flow control. The important considerations were accountability, safety, and protection of the distribution system. This article discusses the function and major components of this bulk filling‐metering station.
Zebra Mussels Linked to Taste, Odor Problems
Authors: Vogel Jack , Royal Earl , Snoeyink Vern
Published: June 2018

From 1992 to 1993, the source water‐related taste and odor complaints received by the Chicago Department of Water rose abruptly and dramatically, persisting through the end of 1995. Before making major expenditures to modify treatment plants to remove the objectionable tastes and odors more efficiently, the department decided to conduct a study to identify the causes and potential longevity of the problem. Results of the study pointed to zebra mussels as culprits in a complex series of events. This article discusses the process by which zebra mussels were identified and how they inflicted major ecological change on the Great Lakes.
Portable Dechlorinator Takes Top 1997 Honor
Authors: Eckrich James A.
Published: June 2018

The portable dechlorinator was designed to dechlorinate water as it is being flushed from a fire hydrant. This dechlorination is accomplished by gravity‐feeding a sodium thiosulfate solution into the dechlorinator, which disperses the solution into the flow from the hydrant. This article lists the materials needed to build such a device, the costs involved, and instructions on assembly and usage.
Jackhammer Holster Draws Judges' Attention
Authors: Cole Brad , McDaniel Adfer
Published: June 2018

The invention of the jackhammer holster was an idea born after one of the Village District's employees suffered a lost‐time accident due to a pinched finger, which required plastic surgery and several stitches. The device was designed to allow an employee to set a jackhammer gun in a holster and proceed to the next job without damage to the tool or injury to the employee. This article lists the materials needed to build such a device, the costs involved, and instructions on assembly and usage.
‘Thing a ma‐bob’ Probes New Depths at Utility
Authors: King Randy , Skold Don
Published: June 2018

The use of polymers combined with the inadequacies of conventional surface wash‐aided backwashing lends itself to the formation of mudballs and adhering debris throughout the anthracite and sand layers of the media. Air scour‐aided backwash has better properties to deal with this problem but has difficulty incorporating them into a surface wash system. The Thing‐a‐ma‐bob is a hydropneumatic probe designed to break up mudballs and polymerized debris that accumulate in the media and are resistant to conventional backwash forces. This article lists the materials needed to build such a device, the costs involved, and instructions on assembly and usage.
Microbial Regrowth and Distribution System Management
Authors: Ruda Tom
Published: June 2018

In the early 1980's, New Jersey‐American Water Company experienced coliform bacteria in its water distribution network in Monmouth County. The company was doing everything by the book and was considered a well‐run water system, yet it had coliforms at points in its distribution as high as 600/100 mL. There appeared to be no external cause for this regrowth. An intensive research program discovered that the organisms were thriving in biofilms attached to the inside of the pipes. This article discusses biofilms and regrowth, strategies for their prevention, complications in testing, disinfectant control of microbes, switching to chloramines, problems with chloraminated systems, corrosion control, whole‐system management, and how joining the Partnership for Safe Drinking Water can reduce the potential for distribution regrowth problems.
SDWA Mandates Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List
Authors: Pontius Nancy L.
Published: June 2018

The 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act amendments have changed the process by which unregulated contaminants are selected for regulation. The US Environmental Protection Agency is now required to publish a list of drinking water contaminants that, at the time of publication, are not subject to any proposed or promulgated national primary drinking water regulation (NPDWR). This list is known as the Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List (DWCCL) and replaces the Drinking Water Priority List. This article discusses the criteria by which contaminants are included on the list, as well as what the timeframe is for finalization and for subsequent updates. A draft DWCCL is also provided.
Aspirator for Membrane Filter Technique Saves Space
Authors: Tokuno Shin‐Ichi
Published: June 2018

The membrane filter technique (MFT) has been used to enumerate bacterial density such as the total or fecal coliform bacteria in raw and finished water. It also provides a capability to monitor the disinfection efficiency in the plant. The Water Utilities Laboratory of the city of Corpus Christi, Texas, has been employing a space‐saving MFT for several years. This article discusses the aspirator system, along with its usage of MFT technology.
Boosting Productivity With Wireless Automation
Authors: Mediate Joseph
Published: June 2018

To address difficult challenges in the water industry, many water administrators are looking to new technologies to handle their maintenance tasks more effectively and make their existing operations more productive. Computerized information systems are an obvious starting point, but they are just the first step. In today's world, having a modern computerized system in the office isn't enough. Many administrators are realizing that to reap the productivity benefits offered by modern technology, they need to extend the power of in‐office systems out to the people doing the day‐to‐day labor in the field. This article discusses how the use of a wireless equipped, ruggedized computer can greatly increase the productivity of field personnel.
Selecting the Right Cross‐Connection Control Device
Authors: Puckett Richard
Published: June 2018

This article discusses what criteria to use when selecting an appropriate cross connection device. Topics include building code shortcomings, frost‐free hydrants, fire hydrants, and other devices that have a weephole for drainage below the frostline, fire protection systems, and individual wells and springs.
Product Certification a Key to Safe Drinking Water
Authors: Clark Stephen W.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses standards for drinking water treatment chemicals and system components. It calls to light the two ANSI/NSF standards used for ensuring drinking water safety, discusses the importance of certification of products under these ANSI/NSF standards, and lists two organizations accredited by ANSI to certify products against both of these standards.
Measuring Productivity—a Simple Approach
Authors: Simmons Robert L. , Tucker Stephan D.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how the Water Operating Division (WOD) of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power achieved their mission of providing quality customer service in the delivery of water through the effective installation, operation, and maintenance of the water distribution system. To do this, they developed the Productivity Measurement System (PMS), to measure the performance of the division's five district yards. Its three basic concepts include: establish a productivity goal (or point goal) for each month; units of work earn specific numbers of points when completed; and, develop a monthly plan outlining the proposed work required to achieve the productivity goal. As a result of the increased productivity and teamwork, WOD has a much more efficient and competitive workforce. WOD is producing more work than ever, and the work is being done with fewer people, at a lower cost.
Power Outage—It Came From Outer Space
Authors: Light Kevan M.
Published: June 2018

This article draws a correlation between solar flares and power surges and outages. It lists the US Space Environment Center (SEC) internet web site as a source of solar activity information to give early warning of solar events significant enough to cause electrical disturbances.
Small Systems Will Have to Meet New DBP Rule
Authors: Pontius Frederick W.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the background of total trihalomethane regulation as it applies to small systems, stressing the importance of providing proper disinfection at all times. Topics discussed are: formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs); variables affecting DBP production; inorganic DBP formation; a cancer study which prompted regulations of DBPs; and, how small water systems have been regulated differently from large community water systems (serving 10,000 people or more). In 1994 the US Environmental Protection Agency proposed new DBP MCLs for TTHMS, HAA5, bromate, and chlorite that would apply to water systems of all sizes. USEPA is preparing to finalize the new DBP MCLs as part of a Stage 1 D‐DBP regulation in November 1998. A compliance date of November 2003 is expected to be set for small systems to meet these MCLs.
Whose Responsibility Are Leaks, Anyway?
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This question of the month is about determining where responsibility begins and ends for the customer and the utility. The article specifically discusses a call to the Small Utility Network from a lawyer who was representing a customer of a small water utility. The customer's meter was inside the home, and there was a leak at the connection of the service line to the meter yoke. The customer claimed that this situation had occurred two or three times in the past and that the utility had responded to his call and serviced the problem. However, on the most recent occasion, a leak occurred when the home owner was not at home. The leak caused considerable damage and a high water bill. The issue: were the respective responsibilities of the utility and the home owner ever clearly defined and communicated by the utility to the home owner? The events leading up to the dispute were viewed differently by the parties involved, and legal council was required to resolve the issue.
Year 2000 Could Create Trouble for Utilities
Authors: Ojarovsky Ted
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how water utilities should prepare for the Y2K computer problem. The five business areas and systems that should be high priorities in conversion and Y2K compliance include human resources, financial control, plant maintenance, purchasing, and inventory control and warehousing. Since random power outages can be expected, several areas of concern are listed for water systems that maintain backup generators or engines to run pumps and other critical equipment, and for systems that rely totally on the local electric utility. Steps for checking a personal computer (PC) for year 2000 readiness are listed.
Hydrant Quick Stop Handles Broken Hydrants
Authors: Young Richard J.
Published: June 2018

This article describes a hydrant quick stop device that is designed to stop the water flow of a fire hydrant broken during operation. This tool can save a large amount of water loss, eliminate the need to shut down a main line in the event of a hydrant break, and serves as a safety feature by eliminating the danger of installing a standard valve on the hydrant nozzle under pressure. Materials, costs, construction and use are discussed.
Lock‐Out Device Prevents Valve Tampering
Authors: Pastore Tony
Published: June 2018

The Lock‐Out Device for valve boxes has successfully stopped contractors from operating water valves without the knowledge of the utility. This gives the utility control over if and when valves are turned off, assuring compliance with regulatory and sanitary requirements, and preventing numerous consumer complaints.
Air It Out Over the 800 Line
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This question asking what can be done for air binding in filters is from a reader who was having a problem with entrapped air causing the filter runs to be cut short, thus losing media during backwashing. The article recommends that the filter should be filled slowly from the bottom until the media is covered. This will exhaust air trapped in the filter and prevent the media from being further disturbed by incoming water. Recommendations for backwashing a filter with retained air are also given. Training opportunities are mentioned, along with a new manual on filtration.
Pieces to the Puzzle Still Missing on Disinfection
Authors: Burlingame Gary A.
Published: June 2018

Measuring chlorine residual alone is not enough to be sure of the complete effectiveness of disinfection. Turbidity levels need to be examined to determine if disinfection processes have done their job. Water clarity, during and after disinfection, is one more element in the multiple barrier approach of providing safe drinking water. This applies to the distribution system as well as to the treatment plant.
Plan Now, Conserve Effectively Later
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This article discusses conservation planning for utilities in relation to drought and conserving water.
Answering the Questions—Yours and Your Consumers'
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how water plant operators need to keep abreast of the myriad of scientific, management, and government policies relative to providing safe drinking water to the public. As the public becomes more involved and educated, the operators must be prepared to respond professionally and appropriately. The industry and the public might be well served by the growing level of accountability, but the necessary job skills of water operators are also growing.
Taking the Trouble Out of C×T Calculations
Authors: Topham Russell J.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how utilities can obtain a computer spreadsheet file containing the right amount of contact time for the proper disinfectant concentration dosages and how it can be incorporated into the treatment processes.
Avoid Catastrophe with Contingency
Authors: Young Clyde
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how publicly owned treatment works are required to comply with the emergency response program requirements of the US Environmental Protection Agency's accidental release prevention requirements, commonly known as the risk management plan (RMP). Those that did not submit the required documentation by the RMP deadline of June 21, 1999 will be receiving notification of noncompliance from USEPA.
Water Witching Should Be Treated as Fiction
Authors: Ainsworth Leonard
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the fact that water witching, also known as dowsing, has not been scientifically verified in controlled trials using methods founded on accepted empirical procedure.
Microbial Risk, Management and Regulations Top Concerns
Authors:   AWWA Emerging Water Quality Issues Committee
Published: June 2018

This article reports on a survey that gathered information regarding perceptions on the future effects of various emerging issues on water quality at the tap. The survey concluded that many water industry professionals believe that emerging microbial risks and management and regulatory issues will have the greatest effect on water quality in both the near future and long term. The issues surveyed were divided into four categories: management and regulations; microbial risk; treatment issues; and, distribution systems.
TMDLs Do Matter to Drinking Water Suppliers
Authors: Haas Clare
Published: June 2018

This question of the month concerns total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), which help determine the quality of raw water that many water suppliers must treat. The answer states that by identifying water polluters and pollution elements, TMDLs are a critical component of source water assessments that are required by both the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. If a treatment plant backwashes its filters directly to a stream or watershed, then it will need to adhere to TMDL criteria. The minimum criteria of a TMDL program are listed along with several proposed changes to the regulation.
Reducing Turbidity Cuts Microbial Risk
Authors: Clark Sarah , Alvarez Matt
Published: June 2018

The new turbidity requirements and benchmarking requirements in the Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR) will do a good job in helping operators to balance both the microbial and DBP risks for their plants. In addition, the individual filter requirements will allow operators to focus more on individual filter operation and performance, which will result in a higher quality and more consistent filtered water.
Getting Help from AWWA's Online Resources
Authors: Yarlott Nelson
Published: June 2018

This article describes the resources available on the American Water Works Association's website and includes a listing of site features.
How to Avoid Taking a Bath on Energy Costs
Authors: Oliver Julia , Putnam Cynthia
Published: June 2018

In day‐to‐day function, water supply and wastewater treatment plants require an enormous amount of energy to move water from point A to point B, resulting in annual municipal utility bills that are typically in the tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, strict budgets often make energy efficiency improvements difficult to achieve. This article offers strategies for maximizing energy efficiency in the municipal water industry. Subjects discussed include pumping system improvements, four ways for cutting energy costs as applied to a hypothetical example, and variable‐speed drives. Resources to consult for energy saving ideas are also listed.
System Flushing: Changes Improve Results
Authors: Cohen Y. Koby
Published: June 2018

This article describes a flushing program implemented by the Southwest System of the Southern California Water Co. that coordinates several types of flushing programs to maintain water quality in the distribution system. The goals are to maintain regulatory compliance, minimize customer complaints, and maintain a minimum of 1.0 mg/L of chloramine residual throughout the system while minimizing the quantity of water used for flushing. The individual flushing programs described in the article include: emergency/reactive flushing; proactive/routine flushing; dead‐end flushing; and, maintenance flushing.
Tank‐Mounted Antennas Signal Concern
Authors: Yarlott Nelson
Published: June 2018

This question of the month concerns requests for mounting communications antennas on elevated water storage tanks and what to charge the telecommunications companies for renting the space. A discussion of the benefits/risks involved, along with a revision of the ANSI/AWWA Standard D100, Welded Steel Tanks for Water Storage, is included.
Earning Public Confidence with Education
Authors: Guthrie Steve
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the importance for small water systems operators of developing a public relations program to gain public trust. It gives a detailed description of the three steps to developing better public relations: preparation, promotion, and education.
Water Treated Right at Oak Creek Plant
Authors: Pizzi Nick
Published: June 2018

This is the first of a series of articles about utilities that have successfully implemented changes as part of their participation in the Partnership for Safe Water. The focus is on individual elements of the program that other utilities may be able to apply to their own circumstances.
Workplace Stress Just the Tip of the Iceberg
Authors: Brown Randy
Published: June 2018

This article discusses workplace stress, personal stress, health effects of stress, different coping mechanisms, and resources that provide help to reduce stress.
Aligning People, Vision, and Values
Authors: Hodges Rusty , Rentfrow Diane D.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how Southern California Water Company (SCWC) provides exceptional customer service by individually motivating its employees through the Service Standards Program that gathers information from employees on what they valued the most such as respect, sincerity, politeness, kindness, hard work, punctuality, fairness, and integrity. From the initial list of more than 50 standards, team members identified the standards that form their core values. Employees are held accountable to these standards and must demonstrate results through their performance expectations. One of the highest‐priority objectives of the company is for all employees, including the management team, to meet these same service standards. To make this a reality, employees are provided access to corresponding high‐quality instruction, courses, and assessments through the Employee Development University.
UCMR Requirements for Electronic Reporting
Authors: Hautman Daniel P.
Published: June 2018

The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has taken a technological step forward by embracing the potential offered by the Internet for implementing the reporting requirements of the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR). The electronic reporting system is called the Safe Drinking Water Accession and Review System. This system permits laboratories to post UCMR monitoring results and electronically report these data to the regulated public water system (PWS) for review and approval. Once the PWS has approved the data, USEPA and state can review these data as officially submitted by the PWS. The process should be simple as long as the responsible individuals at the laboratories and PWSs understand the basic requirements of the electronic reporting system. This article presents these requirements and informs the laboratory and PWS community of this new reporting vehicle.
What Are the Best Methods for Fluoride Removal?
Authors: Angers Jim
Published: June 2018

This month's question concerns methods for removing naturally occurring fluoride from a 1,200‐gpm well. The article discusses several methods suggested by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Water Quality Association that include: activated alumina; reverse osmosis; electrodialysis; bone char; and, distillation. Waste stream concerns are also discussed.
Operational Changes Counter Customer Complaints
Authors: Wen Jason , Busuego Elias , Bleemers Alan , Long Jeffrey
Published: June 2018

This article is part two of a two‐part series. In last month's Opflow, the authors discussed how the Southern California Water Co. (SCWC) identifies and records customer complaints related to various operational activities, including flushing, construction use of water, valve maintenance, and fire flow. In this month's conclusion, the authors describe the corrective measures SCWC has taken to reduce the number of complaints and achieve customer satisfaction. Topics covered include: manganese sequestration; controlled flushing programs; and, problematic old pipes.
Strategic Planning for Small Systems
Authors: Shanaghan Peter E. , Beecher Janice A.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses strategic planning as it relates to small water systems. Over the next several years, small systems will have to simultaneously comply with numerous regulations, which will provide the opportunity to plan strategically for the future. The article discusses how strategic planning focuses on making the right decisions now so that the organization will be successful and relevant in the future and gives a simple, common sense, four‐step procedure for implementing strategic planning.
Achieving Low‐level Turbidities in Filtered Water
Authors: Harms Leland L. , Horsley Michael B.
Published: June 2018

Maintaining a consistent low‐level filtered water turbidity is a regulatory requirement promulgated by the Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule. This article discusses how to achieve a recommended treatment goal for filtered water with a turbidity of less than 0.1 ntu. Topics covered include: accurate turbidity measurement; eliminating turbidity spikes; and, examining filters.
Cleaning Storage Tanks Off‐Line
Authors: Martin Rick , Sumrada Jack
Published: June 2018

This article describes the Lake County (Ohio) Department of Utilities' preventive maintenance program that includes backflow prevention, flushing, and storage tank operation and maintenance. Use of a submersible remote‐operated vehicle is described for cleaning storage tanks. This online cleaning process did a better job, took less time and manpower, and cost less than traditional cleaning methods.
Treatability Index Provides Operational Guidelines
Authors: Benskin Pam , Linder Kevin
Published: June 2018

Currently available technical descriptions of reservoir quality, such as the Trophic State Index (TSI), do not relate reservoir quality to treatability or do not address water treatment issues such as taste and odor. The TSI is a tool to indicate a lake's ability to support plant growth, as measured by phosphorous content, algal abundance, and depth of light penetration. The city of Aurora, Colorado, water utility staff investigated the issue of timely transfer of usable data from the laboratory to the operators. The tool they developed is called the Treatability Index that provides a quick overview of reservoir conditions with respect to the treatment process, using a comprehensive group of parameters to accurately reflect the source water.
An Olympic Effort in Salt Lake City
Authors: Dyches Kim
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the Utah Division of Drinking Water's training program on emergency response for drinking water utilities. The five essential elements of the plan are discussed, along with rehearsing the emergency response plan, monitoring and detection measures, and response measures.
What Can Be Done to Treat Radionuclides in a Hot Well?
Authors: Angers Jim
Published: June 2018

This month's question concerns treatment options other than chlorination to lower radionuclides in a hot well to a compliance level. The final Radionuclides Rule of December 7, 2000 is explained, and the article states that ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and lime softening are considered to be the best available technology for treating radium by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
How Does System Operation and Configuration Affect Water Quality?
Authors: Angers Jim
Published: June 2018

This month's question concerns the shelf life of water and the importance of proper maintenance of a water system. Shelf life can be shortened by the frequent exchange of water in the distribution system and storage facilities. Some studies suggest a shelf life of three, five, or seven days, depending on water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, disinfection residual, and detention time or water exchange time.
Walkerton Inquiry Reveals Troubled System
Authors: O'Connor Dennis R.
Published: June 2018

This article summarizes the Walkerton, Ontario, Canada E. coli tragedy of May 2000. The events of the tragedy are related, along with the impact on Walkerton, the physical causes of the contamination, serious failures on the part of the operators, and the failure of the Walkerton Public Utilities Commission to properly respond to the May 1998 inspection report that indicated serious problems with the manner in which the Walkerton water system was being operated.