bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Should We Know About HPC Testing?
Authors: Lisle John
Published: June 2018

This month's question concerns heterotrophic bacteria and techniques that are used to test for heterotrophic bacteria in a drinking water sample. Three techniques are discussed for enumerating heterotrophic bacteria that include: pour plate; spread plate; and, membrane filtration. Several combinations of incubation times and temperatures are discussed for the recovery of heterotrophic bacteria. Advantages and disadvantages for heterotrophic plate count are given.
Finding the Best Fit for Job Skills
Authors: Carpenter Carol
Published: June 2018

This article discusses job‐hunting skills that include resume writing, interview skills, training opportunities and career advancement, salary and benefits, and volunteering and networking.
What Rate Can We Charge, and How Do We Justify It?
Authors: Stuhbart John
Published: June 2018

This question concerns water rates at small water systems. The article focuses on gathering information to base the systems' water rates on, such as: number of service connections; average amount of water sold in a year; last year's budget; overhead expenses; and, customer revenue. The article recommends a simple, free spreadsheet program that can be used to determine water rates, and setting up a reserve savings account for capital improvements and inflation. Rate structures are discussed and further sources of information are given.
Preventive Maintenance for Warm Weather Conditions
Authors: Hoshaw Jeff
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the importance of preventive maintenance for machinery/equipment during warm weather conditions. Good ventilation in warm weather, increased current draw tripping the overload switch, and insulation issues are all discussed in the article.
Problems with Treatment Chemical Shipments
Authors: Brown Richard , Wierenga John
Published: June 2018

This article discusses an Awwa Research Foundation survey that found disturbing incidents of contaminants and other foreign material in treatment chemicals delivered to treatment plants. The survey found the most common causes of contamination of drinking water treatment chemicals were transport‐related, typically the result of improperly or incompletely cleaned or maintained delivery containers, vehicles, or transfer hoses. Most of the incidents described in the article are based on personal recollections of individual personnel at specific facilities, and most have occurred in the past few years. Many continue to reoccur periodically. Many problems were not with trace contaminants but gross contamination from dirt, dust, debris, and sediment. The article lists other common issues, including problems with deliveries of alum, ferric chloride and ferric sulfate, chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite, hydrofluorosilicic acid and sodium fluorosilicate, organic polymers, caustic soda, and lime. The article provides solutions and suggested improvements.
Murphy's Law Thwarted During Pipeline Repair
Authors: Porras Pedro J.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a pipeline repair project in April 2004 by the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) that encountered one obstacle after another. Originally, the project started with repairing two distressed sections of 96‐in. pipe which required a shutdown that would affect four of SDCWA's 23 member agencies, in particular Otay Water District, and would be completed in fewer than 10 days. Alternative delivery routes ensured that service would continue without interruption. The article recounts details of how SDCWA and some of its member agencies were tested by urgent repairs and unforeseen obstacles under the most severe conditions. The article discusses how the water district was able to withstand the setbacks as well as it did.
Monitoring for Consecutive Systems
Authors: Moriarty Edward J.
Published: June 2018

This article presents information that consecutive systems may consider when determining if they should monitor now, in accordance with Stage 1 requirements, as they prepare to comply with the Stage 2 Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts (DBP) Rule. All consecutive systems will be required to monitor under the new Stage 2 DBP Rule, which has not been finalized, though the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expects to promulgate it at the end of 2005. Collecting data now may help operators to understand DBP formation in their distribution systems. This article is based on the Stage 2 DBP Rule as proposed. The article discusses the four options of the proposed Stage 2 rule that satisfy the initial distribution system evaluation (IDSE) requirement, actions that a consecutive system can take immediately, and the benefits of monitoring now as opposed to later.
Controlling the Initial Turbidity Spike
Authors: Logsdon Gary S. , Hess Alan F. , Chipps Michael J. , Gavre John , Locklair Jack , Hidahl Claudia , Wierenga John
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the techniques used by water utilities to control initial filtered water quality as reported in the Awwa Research Foundation report titled “Filter Maintenance and Operations Guidance Manual.” The article discusses four techniques that water filtration plants use to minimize the initial turbidity spike after backwash to help control turbidity at the start of a filter run.
How Do We Maintain Our Well?
Authors: Stubbart John
Published: June 2018

This month's question concerns monitoring and maintaining a drinking water well. The article states that the key to maintenance is collecting the right data to monitor changes and help make decisions about the condition of the well. The article provides the benefits of a good well‐monitoring/maintenance program and includes three criteria that should be included in the maintenance program.
Pilot Plant Project Identifies Procedures
Authors: Miller Shan Marie
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how the city of Phoenix responded to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's projection for lowering the maximum contaminant level for arsenic from 50 μg/L to 10 μg/L by January 2006 by commissioning the nation's first full‐scale arsenic removal facility for potable water in September 2003. The city built an arsenic treatment facility (ATF) as a demonstration project for identifying operational issues before it began removal technology at 15 city well sites having arsenic concentrations greater than 10 μg/L. The arsenic removal process uses a granular iron media adsorption process, and partial stream treatment is used to lower operation and maintenance costs.
Implementing Ozone in the Heartland
Authors: Conner Andrew
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how a Lewisville, Indiana, water treatment plant installed an ozone system to upgrade the existing plant without raising water rates. The article discusses the ozone process, how it removed residual iron from the plant and distribution system, decreasing chlorine use, cost benefits, and reduction in maintenance and management. Drawbacks of using ozone are mentioned along with methods for solving them and its suitability for small systems is pointed out.
Making the DBO Partnership Work
Authors: Carden Chuck , Dysard Joe A.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a project by Tampa Bay Water (TBW) to meet mandated groundwater cutbacks and increasing water demand for the more than two million people its member utilities serve in Florida's Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties, as well as the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. TBW commissioned a state‐of‐the‐art 66 mgd water treatment plant to treat surface water from the Alafia and Hillsborough Rivers and the Tampa Bypass Canal to satisfy the demand. The article discusses the public‐private partnership that was formed to build the surface water treatment plant, and the 15 year contract that included a five‐year extension option with an experienced design‐build‐operate (DBO) team.
Relief Efforts Save ‘Countless Lives’
Authors: Chaney Kirby
Published: June 2018

This article reports on relief efforts for the surviving residents of Banda Aceh after the 2004 Tsunami. As a pro bono contribution to the people of Indonesia, four full‐time water treatment professionals from CH2M HILL and OMI were sent to the area to operate a GE Infrastructure‐donated mobile water treatment unit for four months. Each two‐man crew spent two months in Banda Aceh operating and maintaining the plant, distributing water, directing local utility employees, and training local operators to continue the operation. The entire treatment plant was contained in two semitrailers and consisted of five dual‐media pressure filters with chemical conditioning for pretreatment and a reverse osmosis system to remove dissolved solids and organic pollutants. On a typical day, the treatment unit produced 125,000 gallons of potable water and loaded as many as 90 trucks that hauled the water to displaced person camps and barracks‐style relocation camps that were built to replace tent shelters. Additionally, hundreds of people came to the plant each day to fill water bottles and jugs for their own use.
Renovating Horizontal Centrifugal Pumps
Authors: Bosserman Bayard , Rodriguez Ray , Weaver Ed , Miller Alan C.
Published: June 2018

This article describes how renovating centrifugal pumps can be a cost‐effective way to extend equipment service life or adapt the equipment for use with different service conditions. The article identifies the pump components that can be remanufactured, modified or replaced and lists four related items in pump renovation. Topics covered include pump and motor system analyses, modifying existing pumps, pump assembly, and field installation.
How Does Water Age Affect Quality?
Authors: Stubbart John
Published: June 2018

This month's question asks about keeping water fresh in a distribution system. The article discusses individual differences with each water system related to water quality in the distribution system and several factors that influence it, including residual chlorine and disinfection byproducts. The article emphasizes the importance of a routine flushing program as part of the overall pipe maintenance program, along with pipe cleaning techniques. Further sources of information are listed.
Optimizing Ballasted Sedimentation for Organics‐Laden Surface Water
Authors: Pierpont John W. , Alvarez Matt
Published: June 2018

This is the second of two articles about ballasted sedimentation, an alternative to conventional flocculation and sedimentation to treat highly colored surface water supplies. The article discusses Tampa Water Department's (TWD) experience with adding ballasted sedimentation to its David L. Tippin Water Treatment Plant in 2001 to resolve operational issues with carryover of the organic floc. The article discusses testing alternatives that included: lamella tube size; sludge rake speed; maturation mixer speed and blade elevation; microsand size; injection mixer rotation; and, loading rate of the ballasted clarifier. Test results for each component and actions taken to improve performance are provided.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Authors: Stahr Richard W.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a comprehensive asset management program (AMP) developed by the Asheville, North Carolina, Water Resources Department that includes: asset plans; and information management system; asset‐condition monitoring programs; enhanced preventive maintenance; and, a refurbishment and replacement (R&R) funding plan. The effort has resulted in a reduction of operating costs at one of the water treatment plants alone by $700,000 per year through seasonal or off‐peak operation. Maintenance and operational benefits as well as financial benefits are discussed. Elements of the replacement planning model (RPM) are explained and used to calculate R&R needs and funding requirements.
Testing Realistic Threat Scenarios
Authors: Bromberg Ellyn
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a 45 minute tabletop drill that was administered at the Wisconsin Water Association's 2005 Annual Conference dealing with a hypothetical threat scenario. The article discusses the process of doing tabletop drills for a risk‐based scenario, what the drill hopes to achieve, and what kind of response is expected from stakeholders. This particular scenario concerned a public water supply contamination event, and the drill participants were divided into four groups and asked to develop risk management steps to respond to the scenario. The goal was for participants to think not only of internal problems and issues within the water facility that needed to be solved, but also to determine the external players who would be affected or needed should an actual water emergency occur.
Internet Provides Platform for Education
Authors: DeNileon Gay Porter
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the importance of connecting with customers through the Internet, and highlights details of two exceptional utility websites. The first is Long Beach (California) Water Department's website, which is easy to navigate and find information on seven broad categories that serve as entry points. The second is St. Petersburg (Florida) Water Resources Department's website, which shares a clear conservation message, along with an obvious concern with source water protection. Further resources for water industry websites are provided.
Meet Distribution Water Quality Regs
Authors: Gillis Rob
Published: June 2018

This article discusses an effort by the city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada to install permanent, dedicated sampling stations throughout broad cross sections of its distribution system in order to meet regulatory requirements for delivering consistently high‐quality water. The article describes dedicated sampling stations, how they work, and lists criteria for selecting sampling sites.
Fears About Drinking Water Vary by Region
Authors: Mendro Mary Lou
Published: June 2018

This article discusses several surveys of both U.S. and Canadian citizens' attitudes about the safety of current and future tap water supplies. An American survey done in November 2005 titled, “A Clear Perspective of Americans and Their Drinking Water,” explored Americans' attitudes and behaviors on water conservation, home water treatment and security, water consumption, water quality, and attitudes about bottled water. The article discusses another survey done in 2004 on an equal number of households in both the U.S. and Canada, which asked the respondents about the likelihood of future drinking water‐related catastrophes resulting from neglect of drinking water supplies. Also discussed are results from surveys of different subpopulations and consumer types. Results of the surveys indicate that both Americans and Canadians feel strongly about the need to protect drinking water supplies.
Quick‐Connect Turbidimeter Keeps Filters On Line
Authors: Kladder Stephen P.
Published: June 2018

The 2005 Gimmicks & Gadgets Contest Honorable Mention was for the quick‐connect portable turbidimeter submitted by the city of Wyoming, Michigan. The quick‐connect portable turbidimeter alleviates filter downtime caused by turbidimeter failure and eliminates the necessity of collecting grab samples every 15 minutes. Materials, construction and operation are discussed.
How Do We Select a Well Site?
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This month's question asks about things to consider when selecting a well site. The article discusses the two most important considerations in well site selection – well yield and water quality – and gives pointers on how to determine sites that include these two considerations. General considerations for well site selection are also discussed, along with contamination sources.
Ready, Set, Blow! Come Hurricane or High Water
Authors: Prentiss Doug , Vanlandingham Brad
Published: June 2018

This article covers many advance‐planning issues and is a culmination of the wisdom of professionals who restored water and wastewater service in Florida after four hurricanes struck the state in 2004. The article discusses the types of damage to anticipate and the importance of up‐to‐date and well‐rehearsed emergency response plans (ERPs), along with the ability to communicate with the system network, coworkers, and customers, the ability to locate facilities, driving directions and protecting buildings and facilities, fuel, transportation and power, safe storage and handling of hazardous chemicals, and personnel issues.
What Precautions Are Recommended When Inspecting and Maintaining Flexible Membrane Covers?
Authors: Kline Pat
Published: June 2018

This month's question concerns recommended precautions when inspecting and maintaining flexible membrane covers. The article recommends three types of membrane inspection that should be done on a regular basis: visual, maintenance, and underwater. It also recommends proper clothing, equipment and procedures for safety considerations. Special care is urged to avoid electrical shock when working around water and the article recommends that all electrical tools should be submersible or provided with ground‐fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). Caution during severe weather conditions is also discussed.
Technology for our Customers Moving Toward the Future
Authors: Smith Jane , Arn Tom
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how the Phoenix Water Services Department Customer Services Division met its goal of leveraging technology without adding significant numbers of additional staff during a time of extraordinary growth. The Division met this challenge with a multiyear program that incorporates information technology (IT) and optimized work practices. The article discusses how this involved upgrading the water customer information system (WCIS) using a new customer relationship management (CRM) system; piloting an automatic meter reading (AMR) system; and, exploring opportunities for an automated field work‐order system. Also instituted was an electronic document management system (EDMS) that reduces paperwork storage and file management for legal and banking documents that have extended storage requirements.
GIS Streamlines Recycled Water Management
Authors: Hayes Tim , Wilson Robert C. , Hansen Eric S.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a three‐year plan at the South Bay Water Recycling (SBWR) program to implement a geographic information system (GIS) program. The system is being used to help manage more than 100 miles of pipe serving the California cities of Milpitas, Santa Clara, and San Jose. GIS will help SBWR staff maximize the distribution of recycled water and minimize construction costs by efficiently tracking previously constructed service laterals and assets, and in planning new pipelines. The three‐year plan includes database design and data conversion, data distribution, field verification/mapping, and a hydraulic model.
Hydrant Use Balancing Access and Protection
Authors: Villegas Samantha
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the Loudoun County (Virginia) Sanitation Authority's (LCSA) plan for a robust permitted hydrant use policy that strikes a balance between access and protection. Coupled with a strong community outreach program, this program ensures that the water system has a reliable water flow for fire suppression while still protecting against water theft, misuse and abuse, and intentional contamination. The article provides highlights of the policy, discusses how at the core of the new policy is a shift in the way LCSA thinks of hydrants in terms of system security, and discusses lessons learned.
Make Your Own Sodium Hypochlorite On‐Site and On‐Demand
Authors: Garibi Alberto
Published: June 2018

This article compares the life‐cycle costs of purchasing commercial‐grade sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with generating NaOCl at the plant to aid utilities in determining whether making their own is cost‐effective. The article compares the costs involved between the two alternatives, and describes the on‐site hypochlorite generation process. On‐site advantages include eliminating safety concerns associated with transportation and storage of chlorine gas.
What's Involved in Being an AWWA Volunteer?
Authors: Kline Pat
Published: June 2018

This month's question asks about what is involved in being an AWWA volunteer. The article answers by discussing the various councils where volunteers share their expertise, and the committees within each council that accomplish the council's work. The article describes what's involved in committee work and the benefits that volunteers receive from serving in a volunteer position. Contact information is provided for getting involved.
Sealing It Up Major Main Leak Fixed from the Inside
Authors: Belcastro Ron
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how the Charleston, West Virginia, American Water project team successfully repaired a water main leak on time, within budget, and with zero interruption in customer service. The article discusses the special challenges of the leak's location and procedures for repairing the leak by sealing the pipe from the inside using flexible rubber leak seals that fully encompass the inside circumference of the pipe joint. The bulk of the main repair occurred in two 6‐hr phases over a day and a night. The article discusses measures that were taken to prevent discontinuation of service to customers.
Zapping Bacteria to Elude the Boiling Point
Authors: Rehg Kristin J.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a project where the village of Manteno, Illinois, initiated a boil‐water order when a routine distribution system sample indicated total and fecal coliform bacteria. It was determined that Manteno's aquifer was under the direct influence of surface water and not in compliance with the applicable regulations. As a result, Manteno agreed to either add filtration to its water treatment process or obtain an alternate water supply. The article lists several drawbacks that required a different interim water treatment plan to address these difficulties. It was determined that the most effective method would be the addition of ultraviolet (UV) disinfection ahead of the chlorination process at each wellhouse. Pilot testing plans and results are discussed, along with design and construction, and the good working relationship among Manteno, the consultants, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).
Re‐evaluating Security Did Your Risk Assessment Really Safeguard Your Utility?
Authors: Pisciotta Frank
Published: June 2018

This article describes how some utilities took minimal or inadequate action after completing their vulnerability assessments (VAs), which left them at risk. The article discusses reassessing the VA, checklist weaknesses and the potential for inaccurate conclusions, unknown vulnerability, and failure to implement appropriate countermeasures. The article mentions a report published in 2005 by the National Drinking Water Advisory Council and lists the report's 14 recommendations. The article provides a sidebar which lists the four stages of the “Readiness Continuum.”
Meter Installation Support Snares Second Place
Authors: Brencloa Tony , Munger Robert
Published: June 2018

This article presents the Meter Installation Support, a device that holds and supports the meter while it is being installed. The meter can be carried to the job site by the handle and placed into the meter box while the utility worker is in a standing position. The device rests on the meter box, holding the meter in place while the worker easily adjusts the height with the wing nut and installs the meter. After installation, the support easily slides off the meter. This device won Second Place in the 2006 Opflow Gimmicks & Gadgets Contest.
Tapping safety Blanket Takes Third Place
Authors: Paul Michael D.
Published: June 2018

This article presents the Tapping Safety Blanket, a canvas blanket with stainless steel bars designed for a 4‐bolt tap saddle with 2‐in. centers, such as McDonald and Ford saddles, although the blanket can be altered for use on similar saddles. The device prevents pieces of PVC pipe that may break off at the tap from blowing back on tapping personnel. The blanket also protects against the force of water under pressure from shooting out at the pipe installers. This device won Third Place in the 2006 Opflow Gimmicks & Gadgets Contest.
Turbidity Revealed
Authors: Sadar Michael J.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses turbidity in drinking water. It begins by defining turbidity and discusses the criticality of turbidimeter design in measuring turbidity, how to eliminate interferences, accurate instrument calibration, and minimizing the effect of calibration error. Figures are provided of nephelometric turbidimeters, and also on maintaining a steady, controlled flow rate up to and through a turbidimeter.
Going Wireless with SCADA Technology
Authors: Christianson Mark , Origer Dan
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a single‐sourced telemetry system that unites an extensive service area and paves the way for future expansion at the Xenia Rural Water District's (XRWD's) new water treatment plant in Stratford, Iowa. In addition to the water treatment plant, the Stratford supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system extends to the XRWD main office in Bouton, Iowa, and to six water towers, two booster stations, two master meters, and a repeater. The system uses programmable logic controllers (PLCs) with SCADA front‐end communication in conjunction with remote PLCs using wireless Ethernet spread spectrum radios.
Maintaining a Diverse Water Supply
Authors: Castleberry Brad B.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how utilities can maintain a diverse water supply. Reasons for diversification are discussed along with diversification options. The article provides an example of planning for future water demands by the Texas Regional Planning process, and discusses collaboration of regional entities. Keys to diversification are summarized, and the article provides historical examples of the need and reasons for diversification.
Maintaining and Extending Membrane Life
Authors: Seitz Paul , Sorgini Lisa
Published: June 2018

The Maui (Hawaii) Department of Water Supply has more than 10 years experience operating and maintaining low‐pressure membrane filtration systems, including its Lahaina plant, which was one of the first membrane applications for drinking water in the United States. With four membrane installations currently operating on different feedwaters, the Department of Water Quality has gained valuable knowledge about membrane plant operation and maintenance. This article provides a brief system overview, discusses the problem they had with high color content in the water, process audits for all four of Maui's membrane filtration plants, changing cleaning regimes to prolong the life of the membranes, and membrane retrofit to allow increased capacity at lower operating costs.
Populating Your GIS: What Data Should Be Collected?
Authors: Adams Gary
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the importance of good data in a useful, functioning, believable geographic information system (GIS). The article focuses on data collection, specifically what should be collected, and gathering baseline (system configuration) data, not operational data. It suggests that the clients and users of the GIS need to be determined first, along with their needs and expectations, the information requirements, followed by a list of each feature and its attributes. Follow‐up by reviewing the list and dropping unnecessary items, always focusing on keeping it simple. The article stresses maximizing calculated data, attributes that can be derived in the office based on other information, and provides an example of generating calculated data.
Delivering Water with Wind Power Green Energy Saves Money, Environment
Authors: McGill Mike
Published: June 2018

This article discusses an energy management plan used by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) to purchase 85 percent of Edison Mission Group's wind farm output, located in southwestern Pennsylvania. This is the equivalent of 70,000 MW.h/yr of power, which would supply nearly one third of WSSC's annual power supply for a 10 year period and reduce carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitric oxide emissions. The article discusses the basis for WSSC's wind power proposal, including environmental benefits, and provides details of the proposal along with methods used for promoting the use of wind power.
Simultaneous Compliance: Take a Balanced Approach
Authors: Leiby Vanessa , Moller Jennifer , Carbo Maria Lopez
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the growing complexity of Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) regulations, and how small water systems may find that treatment practices for complying with one regulation will affect compliance with other regulations. The article discusses potential concerns with simultaneous compliance and disinfection byproduct rules and surface water treatment rules, along with problems when using disinfectants as oxidants for treating certain issues. The article lists considerations for using alternative technologies for total organic carbon removal. Chemical stability vs. DBP risks, microbial contamination, and conflicts between the Ground Water Rule and the Arsenic Rule including arsenic release, oxidation of arsenic and dissolved metals, membrane compatibility, and pH adjustments are all discussed.
Look Online for Advice on Rule Compliance
Authors: Rayburn Chris
Published: June 2018

This article highlights a Web‐based tool, developed by the Awwa Research Foundation, to help utilities evaluate the toolbox options to meet the new requirements of the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR). Developed in 2003 as the project, “Application of the LT2ESWTR Toolbox to Retrofit Existing Water Plants,” the tool is a tailored collaboration with the city of Richmond (Virginia) Department of Public Utilities. It was updated in 2007 by the project, “Update of the AwwaRF Web‐Based LT2ESWTR Toolbox Guidance Program.” The tool can be useful to utility personnel as an introduction to the rule and its requirements and as a detailed decision tool that can be used to evaluate all available options.
When Disaster Strikes! the Devil is in the SCADA Details
Authors: Robillard Brian P.
Published: June 2018

This article describes how supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system data helped operators establish a timeline of events in a complex catastrophe involving a water main break in Hamden, Connecticut, in 2003. According to SCADA data, more than 0.5 million gallons of water poured under a residential street in a time span of 45 minutes. The article discusses how the SCADA system indicated that the storage tank was filling when it was actually emptying, clearly demonstrating that the SCADA‐reported tank level can be inaccurate in scale and direction. During a catastrophic failure, an automated system may instantly activate every available well and pump, causing high‐ and low‐pressure transients in the immediate areas, making additional failures likely.
Using GPS and GIS for Distribution System Surveys
Authors: Packard Keith A.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses combining the technologies of geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) to digitally document the position of utility assets in the field and allow agencies to incorporate the maintenance of their cathodic protection systems and other distribution system features with GIS. The article mentions how the information can be useful to owners, operators, engineers, and administrators for system planning, budgeting, and maintenance.
Growing Pains Three New Plants Address Capacity, Quality Issues
Authors: Qureshi Naeem , Ulrich Mike
Published: June 2018

This article describes how air‐stripping provided a cost‐effective solution for volatile organic chemical (VOC) removal in Blaine, Minnesota. Blaine uses well water and some customers had water quality problems in the form of red and black water that was staining their plumbing fixtures. In addition, the discovery of the VOC 1,2‐dichloroethane (DCA) in two wells at concentrations higher than the maximum contaminant level (MCL) caused the two wells to be taken off‐line. The city completed a water supply master plan which projected construction of several water treatment plants to improve water quality that would be funded by increased rates and connection charges. The article describes how the city decided to use air‐stripping to remove VOCs at Treatment Plant No.1, and chemical oxidation and filtration to remove iron and manganese at Treatment Plants Nos. 2 and 3 along with an aerator to remove radon at Plant No. 2. The article discusses construction costs and treatment techniques for each new treatment plant.
Color Your World Valve Identification Easier with Coded System
Authors: Wilson Amy L. , Dearing Danny
Published: June 2018

When installation of new valves led to problems with the identification and tracking of old valves, staff at the Beaver Water District in Benton County, Arkansas, developed a new method of marking valves. The article discusses the new method, a few bugs that needed to be addressed in the the new system, and future improvements and expansion of the new identification system.
What Are Some Common Problems With Valve‐Exercising Programs?
Authors: Kline Pat
Published: June 2018

This month's question asks about implementing a valve‐exercising program and what kinds of problems should be expected. A common problem encountered with such a program is the inability of locating a valve due to poor mapping, vegetation growth, or street maintenance. Locator options discussed include metal detectors, magnetic locators, and radio transmission units also known as line tracers. Once a valve has been located, the article recommends recording several factors such as location, bury depth, pipe material, valve material, valve diameter, normal valve position (open, closed), and the correct direction the valve should be turned. Cavitation and flashing are also discussed.
Automatic Hydrant Flushers Save Hundreds of Man‐Hours
Authors: McKeague Dan
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a new method used by Consolidated Water Services (CWS), located in Centralia, Illinois, for increasing the efficiency of water main flushing. It involved placing five automatic hydrant‐flushers at strategic points on the outskirts of the distribution system. The article details how the automatic hydrant‐flushers work, the benefits of changing the time of flushing to the early morning hours, how it reduced the flushing time done upstream, and allowed for greater certainty in bacteriological sampling due to increased disinfectant levels throughout the distribution system.
Assessing and Reducing Risks
Authors: Council National Research
Published: June 2018

This article summarizes a study done by the National Research Council's Water and Technology Board on water quality issues associated with public water supply distribution systems and their potential risks to consumers. The article begins by listing several rules under the Safe Drinking Water Act that target the degradation of distribution system water quality, but goes on to state that these regulations don't address the integrity of the distribution system in its totality. Conclusions and recommendations are given regarding the effectiveness of existing regulations and codes and the potential for their improvement, and for public health risks of distribution systems. The article discusses three types of distribution system integrity along with concerns about premise plumbing.
Making a Business Case for: Mixed Oxidants
Authors: Compton Donald
Published: June 2018

The desire to improve safety and to reduce formation of cancerous byproducts led Prestonsburg, Kentucky, to explore the on‐site generation of mixed oxidants as a disinfection alternative. The benefits of on‐site generation, including the tremendous safety advantages, led the city to decide to go with this solution. The article discusses the primary safety and environmental benefits, the reduction of Total Trihalomethanes due to the reduction of chlorine dose, and cost savings.
A Natural Solution Catching Rain in Guatemala
Authors: Stevenson David
Published: June 2018

This article discusses an effort in the Guatemalan village of Visivan to use rainwater‐catchment tanks as a simple and natural solution to meeting the family needs of the villagers for drinking, washing clothes and dishes, and bathing. A local nongovernmental organization called Aqua Para la Salud worked with community representatives to develop a plan outlining community involvement and contributions, and how the community would help maintain the system after installation. Construction of the system is described, along with educating the villagers on the basic practices of boiling water and solar disinfection during the dry season, and the importance of household cleaning, dishwashing, personal hygiene and sanitation. Besides providing a year‐round access to clean water, the rain‐catchment project has empowered the Visivan community to meet its own water needs.
Storage Tank Aeration Eliminates Trihalomethanes
Authors: Walfoort Carol , Messina Michael J. , Miner Dean
Published: June 2018

This article discusses an aeration process for reducing the trihalomethanes in a distribution system. This method was developed by the Solano Irrigation District of Suisun City, California in order to comply with disinfectant/disinfection byproducts regulations. Key to developing this aeration strategy was identifying areas where long water residence times occur.
Take Time to Evaluate Behavior Problems
Authors: Anderson Stephen M.
Published: June 2018

This article provides suggestions on a supervisor's response to an employee's negative reaction to a work assignment. The key points of each situation mentioned in the article include: “I can't do” ‐ focuses on and discusses the training, tools, and time aspects of the task; “I won't do” ‐ focuses on and discusses the legality, morality, and safety aspects of the task; and, “I don't want to do” ‐ focuses on and discusses the employee's desire to be treated like an adult or a child.
Exercising Valves Boosts System Performance
Authors: Nayer Syam Babu , Carson Larry R. , Olson Peter
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a multiyear water supply asset renewal program by the Wilmington (Delaware) Department of Public Works. It included a valve inspection, exercising, and data collection project that greatly improved the city's distribution network. The program approach and scope of work are discussed, along with methods used including valve identification and operation, and GPS mapping. Costs and benefits are provided, and lessons learned are discussed.
High‐Tech Tools: Battle Aging Infrastructure
Authors: Buehrer Roger
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how asset management software is helping the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) prioritize its long‐ and short‐term infrastructure rehabilitation and replacement expenditures. For long‐term planning, the model predicts overall replacement needs by various pipe types – steel, plastic, etc. Rather than assuming all pipe will fail at a certain age, the model assumes a certain percentage of pipes will fail over time. The long‐term planning tools provide a way to optimize rehabilitation strategies based on avoided costs, projected break rates, and other factors. In the short term, the program is helping LVVWD prioritize which pipe sections require attention based on risk ranking. Risk is ranked according to the likelihood and consequences of a specific pipe section failing. The likelihood of failure is based on statistical failure forecasting tools. The consequence of failure is determined by the relative importance each specific pipe section plays to the system network, number of customers served, damage to major streets, etc.
When Was the First AWWA Standard Created?
Authors: Kline Pat
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the first AWWA standard, Standard Specifications for Cast Iron Pipe and Special Castings, published on May 12, 1908. The article provides a brief history of cast iron pipe used in water service, including how it was made, and discusses the need at that time for a uniformly dependable product. The article tells how the standard was developed, starting with AWWA's Annual Conference in 1886 in Denver, Colorado, and concerns about water hammer, to AWWA's 1889 Annual Conference where three men were appointed to draft a “standard series of pipes”. After years of consensus‐building, Standard C100 was published in 1908 and remained unchanged until the 1950s.
Valve‐Actuator Lock Protects Against Vandalism
Authors: O'Callahan Shawn
Published: June 2018

This article describes the 2008 Opflow Gimmicks & Gadgets Contest Second Place Winner, a valve‐actuator lock that protects against vandalism. A list of materials used in constructing the device is provided, along with instructions on how to build the device and the benefits gained from using it.
Be Part of the Recycling Solution
Authors: Kline Pat
Published: June 2018

This month's question asks about the recycling of bottled water bottles. The answer first provides statistics from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) on the percentage recycled of all plastics generated for the year 2006, the most recent year that the USEPA has published data. The article discusses the material from which plastics are made, the recycling code numbers that are stamped on the bottom of plastic containers, and the different recycling programs offered depending on the community in which you live. The USEPA website is given as a resource for further information on recycling.
GIS–CAD Interface Enhances Asset Management
Authors: Simmons Tonya , Johnson Clayton , Lehman Scott , Licausi Vincent
Published: June 2018

When Charlotte County (Florida) Utilities purchased a privately owned reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment plant, the county needed to know the current condition and capacity of the facility's various components before embarking on a plant and well field expansion project. This need for knowledge created an opportunity for the county to build additional value into the assessment. Instead of managing the assessment data with a stagnant spreadsheet and word processing software, the data was managed in a database and geographic information system (GIS) so the data could be plugged into a larger asset management system. The county's consultant suggested the following integration approach: convert key plant asset features from computer aided design (CAD) to geographic information systems (GIS); prepare paper printouts of spreadsheet worksheets for equipment in each process area; convert data entry from paper forms to electronic format to manage field data; use digital cameras to capture asset condition, manufacturer identification tags, and general plant surroundings; and, import asset information into a desktop mapping application.
Reclaimed Water Optimize Groundwater Recharge Reliably
Authors: Bradshaw Greg
Published: June 2018

This article discusses California's West Basin Municipal Water District expansion of its water recycling plant to annually conserve more than 10 bil gal of imported water. The project also reduced the impact of increased wastewater disposal and provides high‐quality water that can be safely returned to the environment. Using a process referred to as groundwater recharge reuse projects (GRRPs), West Basin's project goals included: multiple barriers; soil aquifer treatment; industrial waste pretreatment; basin oxidation‐reduction (redox) conditions; trace organic monitoring; microbiological monitoring; UV/AOP considerations; and, partnering with regulators.
Conservation vs. Water Quality Beware of the Side Effects
Authors: Wang Z. Michael , Zhang Wayne , Crisp H. Dale , Garland John
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a program at the city of Raleigh, North Carolina, to monitor disinfection byproduct (DBP) levels, chloramine residuals, and total coliform that helped the utility analyze conservation's long‐term influence and ensure water quality. Water age in a distribution system relates to water demand. Water resides in a distribution system longer during periods of conservation because less water flushes the system. Longer retention times and higher temperatures promote DBP formation, chloramine residual decay, and coliform growth. More lead and copper in plumbing material may also leach into a distribution system under such conditions.
How Do We Emphasize the Importance of Operator Training and Certification?
Authors: Gasteyer Stephen
Published: June 2018

This month's question asks how to convince policymakers and managers of the importance of operator training and certification. The answer discusses a trend in rural areas that has lead to an increase in ethanol‐fueled facilities that require a higher‐level operator certification, along with new regulatory issues that require increased testing and treatment by operators. The article provides suggestions on methods for communicating to local water system boards, mayors, and city or town councils the importance of operator training to meet these new challenges.
Minimize Perchlorate Formation in Hypochlorite Solutions
Authors: Stanford Benjamin D. , Pisarenko Aleksey N. , Snyder Shane A. , Gordon Gilbert
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a study by the Southern Nevada Water Authority that investigated the rate of perchlorate and other oxyhalide species formation in hypochlorite solutions. The motivation for the study came from the recently proposed Drinking Water System Security Act of 2009 (H.R. 3258) that could decrease the usage of chlorine gas at water and wastewater utilities and increase hypochlorite use. The study discusses the risks and tradeoffs of certain processes in order to avoid problems related to competing compliance standards. The article presents study findings and implications, and makes recommendations on the following topics: dilution on delivery; storage temperature; control pH after dilution; use solutions as soon as possible; control removal of transition metal ions; storage time; and, minimize bromate in brine.
Variable‐Frequency Drives Streamline Emergency Applications
Authors: McVay Robert
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a variable‐frequency drive (VFD) generator that matches pump motor speed with flow or demand to save energy and reduce stress on rotating components. The article discusses how a VFD can control motor speed by changing the frequency that affects the pumping rate, along with affinity laws for centrifugal pumps, relationships between pump speed and frequency, starting a motor by using a VFD, energy savings, and special emergency applications. The article contains two insets, one that explains how VFDs control small generators and one that details how the city of Naples, Florida, constructed a mobile 15‐kW trailer‐mounted generator, a VFD, and a level transducer.
Want to Know the Best Antenna and Cable Attachment Methods?
Authors: Zienty Daniel J.
Published: June 2018

The appropriate method for attaching telecommunications antennae and coaxial cable support brackets to water towers is based on numerous factors, including the brackets' purpose, water tank design, and tank structural integrity requirements. Although attachment by seal welding is the method most widely used, this article discusses the three most common attachment methods, including stud welding, bolting, and seal welding. The article discusses a study to determine if stud‐welding or bolting can be used without compromising an owner's facility and still meet tenant scheduling and budget goals. The study incorporated variations to the stud‐welding and bolting fastening sequence and tested five sample bracket attachment methods in a controlled environment that simulated typical exterior exposure. Laboratory testing compared exterior exposure performance of the bracket assembly coating repairs using capacitor‐studs, bolted assemblies, and seal‐welded assemblies. Study conclusions indicate that, because of its structural properties, seal‐welding has been the preferred method for attaching support brackets for telecommunications equipment.