bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Filter‐to‐waste optimization
Authors: Soucie William J. , Sheen Brett J.
Published: February 2018

At the Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency in Lake Bluff, III., the filter effluent turbidity goal is ≤ 0.10 ntu 100% of the time. This necessitates a filter‐to‐waste (FTW) step that occurs during filter ripening. An extended terminal subfluidization wash (ETSW) scheme was evaluated (Amburgey et al, 2003) in an effort to eliminate this step. The dual‐media filters use 4 ft (1.2 m) of 13‐year‐old biologically active carbon over 1 ft (0.3 m) of sand. Each filter is rated for up to 5 gpm/sq ft (3.4 mm/s) of ozonated, coagulated, flocculated, and settled Lake Michigan water. During this study 412 filter backwashes were examined. The FTW peak turbidity or maximum turbidity that occurred during filter ripening decreased 38% from an average 0.13 ntu in the control filters backwashed normally to an average 0.08 ntu in the test filters backwashed using ETSW. This scheme consumed an average 5% or 7,000 gal (26,000 L) more backwash water while filter off‐line time was reduced 14% or 11 min per backwash. The control filters exceeded an FTW peak turbidity of 0.10 ntu 95% of the time, whereas ETSW reduced occurrences of excess turbidity to just 4% of the time. However, because the FTW turbidity maximum did surpass 0.10 ntu, abandonment of FTW is not indicated. Instead, the FTW step should become relegated to an as‐needed step used only when filter effluent turbidity exceeds 0.10 ntu. The data suggest that the additional 7,000 gal of backwash water consumed would be offset by a savings of 22,000 gal (83,000 L) of pretreated FTW water while filter off‐line time would be reduced ≥ 30 min.
Meeting urban water demands while protecting rivers: A case study from the Rivanna River in Virginia
Authors: Richter Brian
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a case study of how the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA), near Charlottesville, Virginia, solved its drought/water supply problem in 2002 by substantially enlarging an existing, off‐channel storage reservoir to increase its usable storage capacity from 463 to 2,192 million gallons. Due to environmental concerns about maintaining adequate river flow needed to maintain a healthy river ecosystem, a recommendation was made to manage reservoir releases to match natural, nondepleted flows to the greatest extent possible. The article discusses the reservoir operating plan which sets environmental flow releases according to a varying percentage of the inflows to the reservoir. The article goes on to discuss the number of strategies that made the improved environmental flows possible.
New Desalination Pump and Energy Recovery Technologies
Authors: Macharg John P.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a new component of the reverse osmosis (RO) technology, the water hydraulic axial piston pump (APP) technology that provides the benefits of high efficiency, low pulsation, and almost zero maintenance. The article explains how it operates, and how APP technology can be applied in reverse as axial piston motors (APM) or, in the case of seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO), an energy‐recovery motor. The article describes how this technology is used in an 1,800 gpd lightweight water purifier (LWP) system used by the U.S. Army.
Nitrate removal solutions for drinking water: how a flexible approach can deliver reliable results
Authors: Ruppenthal Steve
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an effort by the city of Avondale, Arizona, in partnership with Basin Water Inc. of Rancho Cucamonga, California, to develop treatment solutions for three different wells (two of which are in service today). Avondale has a long history of agriculture and farming and the long‐term use of fertilizer has resulted in higher levels of nitrate in groundwater reserves, a fact that has become increasingly obvious and a matter of concern as the city has had to tap more groundwater resources to meet the needs of its growing population. Nitrate contamination of the city's aquifer appears to be extensive and is an issue that the city will have to contend with into the future. These projects illustrate different sets of challenges that must be met in providing reliable, high‐quality drinking water to customers.
Drinking Water Contamination Warning Systems: Water Utilities Driving Water Security Research
Authors: Morley Kevin , Janke Robert , Murray Regan , Fox Kim
Published: February 2018

This article highlights the Threat Ensemble Vulnerability Assessment (TEVA) Research Program, established in 2003 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Homeland Security Research Center to field questions concerning contamination warning systems (CWS) that are being developed by many water utilities. The article describes the partnership formed between the AWWA Water Utility Users Group and the TEVA Research Program to share information, data, and operational experiences. The article discusses two software tools that were developed and pilot‐tested through this partnership: TEVA‐SPOT (sensor placement optimization tool), a tool to identify the placement of optimal sensor locations, and CANARY, a tool to identify potential contamination incidents using real‐time water quality monitoring data.
Artificial neural network real‐time process control system for small utilities
Authors: Zhang Qing J. , Shariff Riyaz , Smith Daniel W. , Cudrak Audrey , Stanley Stephen J.
Published: February 2018

This article presents the final results from an Awwa Research Foundation project to implement an artificial intelligence real‐time automatic control system for a full‐scale dissolved‐air flotation (DAF) water treatment plant. The system developed through study used an artificial neural network to model the DAF clarifier and was integrated with the plant supervisory control and data acquisition system for real‐time control. The system was found to be robust and flexible, and it adapted well to fast‐changing raw water conditions and different coagulants. Once established, the system ran the plant continuously, as if an expert were in control, providing quality drinking water with minimum operator intervention. The system was also capable of optimizing chemical dosage and reducing the costs of production.
Water Sector Security and Preparedness: A Sustainable, All‐hazards Approach
Authors: Santora Marc , Wilson Rande
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the paradox faced by the water sector of how to manage the low probability of a disastrous incident with the high consequences that could result if one occurred. Suggestions are discussed in the article on how to solve this paradox.
Evaluation of a Preparedness Course for Water Operators
Authors: Elledge Brenda L. , Brand Michael W. , Kerby Dave
Published: February 2018

The need for all public utility sectors to be prepared for a terrorist act has become a reality since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. With that in mind, representatives from the Southwest Center for Public Health Preparedness and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality met and determined that emergency preparedness training was needed for Oklahoma's water operators. Not only was there a need for preparedness training, but this training was something that the operators wanted to receive. This article examines the training program that was developed as a result of these discussions and the subsequent evaluation of the training program. An important outcome from this research was the idea that operators should be pre‐tested to evaluate what they knew before the training; additionally, the effectiveness of the training should be evaluated according to the amount of information learned and retained, determined by posttesting. The research also supports the idea that training should be standardized across the United States, should be incorporated as a part of yearly continuing education, and should be supported by hands‐on training as well as drills.
A segment‐based optimization model for water pipeline replacement
Authors: Kao Jehng‐Jung , Li Pei‐Hao
Published: February 2018

By looking at valve‐enclosed segments of a pipe rather than at each pipe as an independent unit, this research examined the extent and degree of water shortage resulting from pipeline damage. Two computer programs were developed to identify all segments of a pipe network that can be isolated with valve closure and to determine which segments are critical, i.e., pipe failures within them will result in a complete shutdown of water supply in any connected downstream segments. A third program was written using the EPANET 2 toolkit to estimate water shortages that would result because of pipe failures within noncritical segments. Results from these programs were used within a segment‐based pipeline replacement optimization model to determine which pipes within a system should be replaced first in order to achieve the highest improvement in system reliability. Two case studies were implemented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the strategies derived from the proposed model for improving water supply reliability.
Monochloramine destruction by GAC—effect of activated carbon type and source water characteristics
Authors: Fairey Julian L. , Speitel Gerald E. , Katz Lynn E.
Published: February 2018

This research evaluated the effect of granular activated carbon (GAC) type and source water characteristics on steady‐state monochloramine reduction in fixed‐bed reactors (FBRs) under drinking water treatment conditions. Five commercially available GACs and two background waters were used to study monochloramine reduction in laboratory‐scale column studies. Steady‐state monochloramine destruction increased with decreasing water pH (over the range likely in chloramination, i.e., pH 7–9) regardless of GAC type or source water. A previously developed finite element model was verified experimentally for monochloramine influent concentrations of interest in drinking water (2 mg/L as Cl2). Simulation of steady‐state process performance with GAC particle sizes used in practice was performed using the model after it was calibrated to results from the monochloramine FBR studies. These steady‐state simulations indicate that with at least one of the GACs tested, < 8 min of empty bed contact time (EBCT) was required to meet the monochloramine standard for kidney dialysis water (0.1 mg/L as Cl2). Despite a required EBCT as long as 20 min, use of more‐traditional GACs may also be feasible for kidney dialysis, provided that benefits gained by steady‐state operation (i.e., never having to replace the filter media) outweigh filter size and portability considerations.
Buzzwords
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses the concept of sustainability in relation to water use and ponders the concept of balancing the sustainable use of water with the desire to sustain a productive economy. He says that our current methods of water resource management are not going to allow for this “sustainable use” concept. He discusses the concept of the value of water, and says that as long as water is perceived as having little value, it will be wasted without a second thought. He states that water agencies encourage this inefficiency by not charging the true value of providing water for drinking, agriculture, or industry. If we give water its true value, then the concept of sustainability will be easier to achieve.
Employer of Choice: Attracting High‐performance Talent
Authors: Robak John C.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses how a company can transform itself into an “employer of choice”, meaning an organization who people will choose to work for and remain loyal to, even when they are being aggressively pursued by other companies. The article discusses several points that will establish a company as a preferred workplace that include: promoting the right organizational culture; establishing appropriate, worker‐friendly benefit programs and policies; and, assisting employees in gaining the necessary skills to effectively manage their own careers.
Quenching Urban Thirst: Cities and Their Effects on Freshwater Ecosystems
Authors: Fitzhugh Tom
Published: February 2018

This article discusses potential ecological degradation that could result from future expansion of urban water supplies and assesses the history of water resource development for five large U.S. cities including Los Angeles, Phoenix, New York, San Antonio, and Atlanta. The article demonstrates the ecologic impacts of water development practices commonly used in the twentieth century, and discusses options to increase water supply in less ecologically damaging ways than have been used in the past. They include: water conservation programs that reduce per capita water use; storing and extracting water in less ecologically damaging ways; and, limiting human alteration of river flows to protect ecosystems.
Preparing for an Emergency
Authors: Travers David
Published: February 2018

This article discusses challenges that exist in preparing for a broad array of potential threats, not just terrorism or natural disasters, and the need for an all‐hazards approach in planning an emergency response protocol. The article discusses four areas of a sector‐specific plan developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) that include mutual aid, security practices and measures of progress, national response plan, and training and exercises.
Know Thyself: Developing a Strong Employer Brand
Authors: Keefe Timothy J.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses methods for communicating a company's particular brand of “culture” to prospective employees to allow them to determine up front if they are a cultural fit, and thus increase the company's return on investment through higher employee retention.
Disaster Response and Recovery: The Role and Importance of Adequately Prepared Employees
Authors: Moyer Jack
Published: February 2018

This article discusses provisions that will help make water and wastewater utility employees more aware of their roles in disasters, prepare them for those roles, and support them during disaster incidents.
Simultaneous simulation of pathogen inactivation and bromate formation in full‐scale ozone contactors by computer software
Authors: Kim Doo‐Il , Hasan Sarah , Tang George , Mariñas Benito J. , Couillard Lon , Shukairy Hiba , Kim Jae‐Hong
Published: February 2018

Ozone contactor model (OCM) software was developed as an innovative tool for full‐scale ozone bubble‐diffuser contactor design and optimization in support of current and future regulations regarding pathogen and bromate control in drinking water. The software is based on the reactive transport model that has been experimentally verified with lab‐, pilot‐, and full‐scale ozone contactors in previous studies. The OCM is designed to be user‐friendly with graphical user interfaces and operates on personal computers so that users can perform complex simulation tasks under various design and operating scenarios without extensive training. The details of software structure and usage guidelines are provided in this article. Demonstrative application of the OCM for simulating the performance of a full‐scale ozone contactor with respect to Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst inactivation and bromate formation was performed using experimental results obtained from the Linnwood Water Plant Ozone Facility (LWPOF) at the Milwaukee (Wis.) Water Works. The model was further applied to simulate the performance of this ozone contactor at different operating temperatures. The simulation results suggest that meeting inactivation requirements for C. parvum oocysts is more challenging at lower temperatures, while controlling bromate formation is more challenging at higher temperatures. Additional simulations suggest that ozone contactors be designed with the lowest possible dispersion in order to achieve target inactivation efficiency with minimum formation of bromate.
Certifying a Company for Work in the Diversity Marketplace
Authors: Gall Carolyn
Published: February 2018

This article provides basic information on how to become certified with the city of Phoenix, Arizona, as a minority‐owned business enterprise (MBE), a woman‐owned business enterprise (WBE), a disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE), and/or a small business enterprise (SBE). The article explores how doing so might help such business owners find new markets and opportunities in both the public and private sectors. This article is a follow‐up to the Journal's May 2007 Workforce Diversity column that describes how the authors, Kristin Darr‐Bornstein and Marsha Miller, pursued certification as a woman‐owned business with the City of Phoenix. This article provides a brief history of race‐ and gender‐based programs, the three basic requirements of certification, and the examination of the ownership, control, and independence of the firm.
New Technology Injects New Life Into Municipal Well
Authors: Slone Gregory B. , McLaughlin Matt , Troutt James
Published: February 2018

This article presents an effort to clean and redevelop a horizontal collector well located in Independence, Missouri, by a team of companies within Layne Christensen Company. The well had gradually declined in production over time, thus causing the city to have it cleaned and redeveloped using an innovative combination of methods that included the application of a pressure‐pulse technology called BoreBlast IIμ to rehabilitate the horizontal collector well. The article describes the design and technology of the well, including artificial gravel‐packed lateral screens, screen blockage, rotating high‐pressure water jet and a flushing sandline, and the BoreBlast technology for removing sand, scale buildup, and encrustation.
Case Study: Purafil ESD eliminates wastewater odors in Barcelona, Spain
Authors: Blalock Shari
Published: February 2018

The recently renovated Besos Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in northeastern Barcelona, Spain, treats more than 70% of the wastewater for the city of Barcelona and surrounding towns. Building the new 900,000‐sq ft facility underground was seen as a solution to problems with limited space and odors from concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia in the wastewater. Purafil products were used to provide odor control for the Besos WWTP. The article describes the Purafil dry‐chemical media and scrubber technology that permanently eliminates the odorous gases through chemisorption.
No Doubt About Climate Change and Its Implications for Water Suppliers
Authors: Cromwell John E. , Smith Joel B. , Raucher Robert S.
Published: February 2018

The fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, “Climate Change 2007,” provides an objective, authoritative assessment of the reality of this phenomenon. The authors provide a brief review of some statements within the report that pertain to water resources. The changes implied are broadly predictable in terms of how they will affect natural processes and in terms of the most logical actions water suppliers can take to adapt their water resource management plans. Climate change is an undeniable reality that is already upon us. It will have material effects on water resources management within the limits of current planning horizons. Because climate change processes will change the quantity and quality of water that is available at any given place and time, plans based solely on historical records are likely to be vulnerable to these changes. The effects are complex, but understandable, and adaptable measures can be incorporated into ongoing planning efforts.
Occurrence of microcystins in 33 US water supplies
Authors: Haddix Pryce L. , Hughley Chaun J. , Lechevallier Mark W.
Published: February 2018

Microcystin levels in 33 lake and reservoir raw water sources were monitored biweekly during summer 2003. Hydrophobic C18 chromatography was used for sample concentration and microcystin purification. Total toxin levels were expressed as microcystin‐LR equivalent concentrations using a commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results showed that microcystins were detectable in most raw water samples, but concentrations exceeded 1 μg/L in only 14 of 206 samples (7%). Stagnant water conditions were associated with the two raw water sources in which average toxin levels exceeded 1 μg/L. When aggregate results were considered, plant effluent samples showed toxin levels nearly 10‐fold lower, suggesting that existing water treatment processes were effective for toxin removal.
Relative significance of factors influencing DXAA formation during chloramination
Authors: Pope Phillip G. , Martin‐Doole Melanie , Speitel Gerald E. , Collins M. Robin
Published: February 2018

The influence of natural organic matter (NOM) characteristics and reactivity, pH, chlorine‐to‐nitrogen (Cl2:N) ratio, disinfectant residual concentration, and bromide concentration on dihaloacetic acid (DXAA) formation during chloramination was studied in several diverse water sources. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) over a broad variety of experimental conditions usually pointed to pH as being the most significant factor in DXAA formation, followed by bromide concentration. A shift in speciation to the bromine‐substituted species occurred as the bromide concentration increased and the pH decreased. In general, the DXAA molar yield will not increase over the range of Br‐ or dissolved organic carbon (DOC) ratios typical of practice; however, a source water experiencing a large increase in bromide concentration may exhibit an increase in the DXAA molar yield. DXAA formation decreased as the Cl2:N ratio decreased, and ANOVA analysis also indicated that it was the next most significant contributor to DXAA formation after pH and bromide concentration. Temperature and chloramine residual also affected DXAA formation but were much less influential than the aforementioned factors. In addition, NOM in the hydrophilic fraction was more reactive in forming DXAA than NOM in the hydrophobic fraction. The effectiveness of treatment, which can have a significant effect on DXAA formation, is largely related to overall DOC removal, although preferential removal of more reactive NOM fractions also may contribute to reduction of DXAA formation.
What is asset management and where do you start?
Authors: Davis Jim
Published: February 2018

This article presents an asset management strategy (AMS) and discusses its components (programs, tasks, or activities). The article discusses six basic components of a sound maintenance AMS.
Defining Sustainability: New Tools for Water Management
Authors: Smith Mark P.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses new tools to help plan for and incorporate sustainability of water resources into water supply system design and operation. Environmental stewardship is discussed and explained as minimizing the effect of water supply management on downstream ecosystems. The article presents advances in computer modeling that help in balancing changing water demands with improved understanding of environmental needs. Specifically, the article discusses the Stockholm Environment Institute's Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) modeling platform and lists the four elements of water supply management that it offers.
Meeting Multiple Challenges on a Small Site
Authors: Thompson Scot
Published: February 2018

Scottsdale, Arizona, has historically obtained its Salt River Project allocation as treated water from the City of Phoenix Verde Water Treatment Plant (WTP). The city's intergovernmental agreement was expiring, and ownership of the Verde WTP was transferring to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, a Native American community in Maricopa County. The city wanted to retain ownership of the treatment process and decided to build its own treatment plant. The result is the 30‐mgd Chaparral WTP, an advanced treatment facility designed to address multiple challenges, including: options/constraints for site selection; control of the Arizona Canal's significant variation in turbidity and arsenic levels; reduction of disinfection byproduct formation; gaining project approval by involving the public in facility design and renovation of the adjacent park; evaluating various process trains along with site constraints for the selection of a direct‐filtration membrane plant; integrated installation, testing, and startup.
The simple analytics of Demand Hardening
Authors: Howe Charles W. (Chuck) , Goemans Christopher
Published: February 2018

The article begins by offering several definitions for the term “demand hardening” and states that demand hardening is said to occur as a result of longer‐term conservation measures (education, outdoor use restrictions, incentive and rebate programs, and price structure changes) that make it increasingly difficult for utilities to induce further reductions in water use during drought. As consumers take the least painful conservation steps, further cutbacks result in increased customer inconvenience and loss of satisfaction. For residential customers, cutbacks typically start with outdoor uses until valuable plants or trees become involved. At that point, in‐house cutbacks may be considered (Billings & Jones, 1996; Hall, 1996) as further restrictions or price increases are imposed.
What Does the Crystal Ball Say About Chlorine Gas?
Authors: Roberson J. Alan
Published: February 2018

This article discusses growing concern by federal agencies over the possible access to hazardous materials, such as chlorine gas, used by water/wastewater utilities and their potential use for acts of terrorism. The potential for a combination of domestic and overseas terrorist incidents has raised concerns about water sector security for hazardous materials from Congress, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). This article focuses on the Chemical Facility Anti‐Terrorism Standards (CFATS; DHS, 2007), and the regulatory gap caused by excluding water and wastewater utilities from CFATS. Finally, the article discusses the complex issue of how utilities evaluate their choices for disinfection, including regulatory, operational, and security implications. AWWA's viewpoint is presented, being that the choice of disinfectant should remain a local issue, not mandated by Washington.
CAFO Compliance Extension Granted
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an extension granted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to meet the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Standards (NPDES) to February 27, 2009. Additional time has also been granted for development and implementation of nutrient management plans (NMPs). The article also discusses the significant potential that animal feeding operations (AFOs) have for affecting watersheds.
Setting the course for a brighter future
Authors: Mann John , Runge Jon
Published: February 2018

The State of the Industry (SOTI) survey, now in its fourth year, has compiled a wealth of trending data on the water industry. These data, reflecting input from utility representatives, service providers, and other professionals across the United States and Canada, help illuminate the water industry's current and future concerns. The 2007 survey results indicated that the industry workforce and the sustainability of its human resources was a prime concern for many respondents. Although the workforce had already established a profile as a long‐term concern, this year the category rose to the fifth spot on the list of near‐term critical issues. By highlighting current and emerging concerns as well as inadequately addressed issues, the SOTI survey helps ensure that water professionals have the tools and strategies they need in order to meet the challenges ahead. The top five critical issues identified by the survey include: regulatory factors including concerns about the scientific basis for new regulations and the value of new regulations relative to their cost; source water supply and protection centering on ensuring adequate quantities of treatable water supplies for growing needs and protecting water sources; business factors such as the expense and financing of infrastructure replacement and the imbalance between the cost of delivering quality water service and the rates that can be charged; aging water supply infrastructure, the prospect of its failure, cross‐connection concerns, water leakage and accounting, and water storage; and, workforce issues such as replacement of aging workers, difficulty in recruiting qualified new or replacement workers, and overall training of the workforce to meet increasing sophistication in water operations.
Real–time monitoring and computerization for microbial inactivation using C ÷ T
Authors: Schneider Lewis , Billings Charles
Published: February 2018

With promulgation of the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), the Interim Enhanced SWTR, and subsequent guidance, surface water treatment plants were charged with legally meeting C ÷ T levels (disinfectant concentration times detention time) for microbial inactivation. Compliance eventually required segmenting C ÷ T calculations and a disinfection profile as a compilation of the daily Giardia log inactivations. Criteria needed to determine microbial inactivation included flow, contact (detention) time, free chlorine residual, pH, and temperature. From this set of criteria, a C ÷ T could be calculated. This article describes how a large surface water treatment plant, the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, grappled with and solved the challenge of C ÷ T implementation. Through effective management, leadership, and planning, the utility successfully moved from an initial approach of grab sampling and spreadsheet determinations to online instrumentation and eventual computerization of the program into the supervisory control and data acquisition system.
Removal of organics and control of bromate for a southern china water supply
Authors: Guo Zhaohai , Pei Yishan , Yang Min , Zhang Yu , Zhang Jinsong , Fan Jie , Hirotsuji Junji
Published: February 2018

A pilot plant with successive preozonation, coagulation‐sedimentation, sand filtration, postozonation, and biological activated carbon was operated for more than six months to treat reservoir water containing 15–38 μg/L of bromide in southern China. Preozonation enhanced the removal of chemical oxygen demand using potassium permanganate as the oxidant (CODMn) and ultraviolet light absorbance at 254 nm (UV254) using coagulation‐sedimentation but did not improve total organic carbon (TOC)‐removal effectively. However, preozonation markedly enhanced the removal of trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) by the conventional process, and THMFP removal by the combination of preozonation and conventional treatment was 57% using an ozone dose of 0.8 mg/L. Almost no bromate formed during preozonation. An ozone dose of 2.0 mg/L (0.5 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L for pre‐ and postozonation, respectively) was found to be the optimal dosage for the maximum removal of organics (65% of THMFP, 52% of TOC, 63% of CODMn, and 84% of UV254) while keeping bromate under 5 μg/L. A combination of conventional treatment with preozonation should be a suitable alternative if the primary goal is to remove THMFP.
Quality as a Second Language
Authors: Basquill Ed
Published: February 2018

This article discusses quality process initiatives as a concept that mirrors the English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching concept. Viewing quality as a second language (QSL) is a way of focusing on the quality implementation process itself. The article explains how ESL teachers focus on bottlenecks in the process of teaching and learning language, and how QSL implementation focuses on a process to intentionally minimize changes in organizational language. The article demonstrates this through a hypothetical example and a case study.
New Technology Advances Bioremediation of Chlorinated Contaminants
Authors: Miner Gary , Wilson Scott , Vigue Bryan
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a new low‐cost, enhanced distribution, staged hydrogen‐release technology called 3‐D Microemulsion? (3DMe) that has advanced the state‐of‐the‐art for in situ soil and groundwater treatment of chlorinated contaminants. The article discusses subsurface distribution, controlled by hydrophile‐lipophile balance (HLB), along with developing a new chemical structure with a balanced HLB (7) ‐ one that has tendencies to both adsorb and dissolve under specific conditions, producing micelles that are spherical molecular aggregations (about 0.01‐0.05 μm) that have a unique ability to disburse throughout the saturated zone. The benefit of a lower installation cost is also discussed.
A comparison of zinc and nonzinc orthophosphate‐based corrosion control
Authors: Schneider Orren D. , Lechevallier Mark W. , Reed Harold F. , Corson Matthew J.
Published: February 2018

American Water has orthophosphate‐based corrosion control programs at 78 treatment facilities, with zinc orthophosphate accounting for 88% of these programs. Many communities nationwide use zinc orthophosphate despite its expense and environmental concerns about zinc in wastewater sludge. The yearly use of zinc‐containing corrosion inhibitors in American Water systems accounts for more than 500,000 lb of zinc. Corrosion inhibitors that contain orthophosphate but offer an alternative to zinc orthophosphate include orthophosphoric acid and calcium or sodium orthophosphate salts. In this study, pilot‐testing of corrosion inhibitors with and without zinc was conducted using new metal coupons; results indicated that zinc does not play an important role in corrosion control. This testing indicates that a change from zinc orthophosphate to reduced concentrations of zinc in orthophosphate‐based corrosion inhibitors or orthophosphoric acid will not affect corrosion rates of lead or copper piping, will reduce the burden of removing excessive zinc from wastewater, and can reduce operational costs.
Mitigating the Ecological Effects of Riverbank Filtration
Authors: Kendy Eloise , Bredehoeft John
Published: February 2018

This article begins by explaining the practice of riverbank filtration (RBF) as a means of naturally prefiltering river water for municipal supply. It discusses how optimal well placement can be a trade‐off between high well yield and thorough filtration, along with the ecological effects of RBF, the water requirements of floodplain vegetation, and options for mitigating the effect of a large RBF well.
“First Draw” on Lead and Copper Rule Revisions
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: February 2018

After several years of intense review, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has adopted revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR: USEPA, 2007). The article discusses the original LCR, promulgated in 1991, and how in 2002 the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority's (WASA's) drinking water exceeded the lead action level, thus initiating review of the original LCR. Sources of the lead pollution are discussed, along with changes in water chemistry from the treatment taken to clean up the lead pollution, the concern over the possible role of chloramines as a secondary disinfectant in lead release, corrosion of lead and copper pipe, and the addition of chemicals to the finished water to inhibit corrosion. Specifics of the 2007 LCR revisions are provided.
Life Predictions of Elastomers in Drinking Water Distribution Systems
Authors: Rockaway Thomas D. , Willing Gerold A. , Nagisetty Raja Mohan
Published: February 2018

Because of increasing health concerns associated with the formation of disinfection by‐products such as trihalomethanes, many water utilities have replaced chlorine disinfectants with chloramines. Subsequent to this change, several utilities reported problems with substantially higher rates of elastomer failure. To predict the long‐term performance of commonly found elastomers, accelerated aging tests were conducted at combinations of three temperatures (23, 45, and 70°C) and three concentrations (1, 30, and 60 mg/L) for natural rubber; neoprene rubber; ethylene propylene diene monomer, peroxide‐cured (EPDM[P]); styrene butadiene rubber (SBR); ethylene propylene diene monomer, sulfur‐cured (EPDM[S]); and nitrile rubber. Elastomer degradation was characterized by mass change, volume change, breaking stress, breaking strain, and hardness. Using the time‐temperature superposition principle, “short‐term” test results at accelerated temperatures were shifted over time to predict “long‐term” results, generating master degradation curves at the service temperature for different disinfectant concentrations. Relatively, EPDM(P) and EPDM(S) were found to be least susceptible to chloramine degradation followed by nitrile rubber, SBR, natural rubber, and neoprene rubber.
Ways and Means to Navigate 2008
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

With a shaky stock market, a declining real estate market, and rising oil prices, consumers and companies alike are holding their breath as well as their wallets. Our first issue of 2008 provides information on several techniques that can help utilities stay afloat in such turbulent financial waters by conserving or re‐using supplies, increasing efficiency, fine‐tuning asset management, and funding security upgrades.
Changing Business Culture: The Hardest Part of Asset Management
Authors: Yep Ray
Published: February 2018

This article begins by providing a brief overview of the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD), and goes on to describe the initial success of the water utility operations division (WUOD) of SCVWD in establishing an asset management program (AMP), along with the more difficult challenge of instilling a long‐term asset management culture. The water utility wanted a program that could also optimize maintenance over a piece of equipment's life cycle. This program is now in place and contains the following core components: asset inventory; condition assessment; risk assessment; identification of levels of service; renewal/replacement schedule; and, financial analysis and funding. The article discusses initial successes of the AMP, difficulties encountered, and challenges of developing an asset management culture at SCVWD.
Finding the Funding for Security Upgrades
Authors: Spence Shannon , Smith Kevin , Morley Kevin M.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a report published by AWWA titled Security Funding Opportunities: Lessons and Observations from Successful Water and Wastewater Utilities. This report studied 10 utilities from across the United States that successfully obtained state or federal funding to implement security upgrades. The key lessons learned from their stories are discussed in this article and include: be persistent; be prepared; make end‐of‐fiscal‐ year requests; network and educate; tailor applications; think outside the box; and, use grant writers.
Redwood City Delivers Recycled Water to Local Businesses
Authors: Lichty Craig , Cummings Gregg , Chin Rena
Published: February 2018

This article discusses Redwood City, California's recycled water program. The city first implemented recycled water use under the First Step Program for irrigating city‐owned medians, landscaping at an apartment building, and landscaping at an office complex. Success of the First Step Program encouraged the city to pursue a citywide recycled water program that would use unrestricted recycled water for permitted uses under the State of California Department of Health Services, California Code of Regulations, Water Recycling Criteria, including landscape irrigation, industrial processes, and toilet flushing. The article discusses the challenge of maintaining the relationship between the city‐owned water system and the regional wastewater treatment facility that jointly ran the project, and the design challenge of expanding the facility to provide disinfection, storage and distribution pumping for 3,200 acre‐ft/year of recycled water.
Handy Guide To The New Year
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr reviews recent topics in the news and gives pointers on how to deal with challenges that come in the new year, 2008. He advises that keeping up with technology is very important, along with changing our view of information and extract only the knowledge we need for decision‐making, and expect change and take advantage of it rather than avoiding it.
Effective use of condition assessment within asset management
Authors: Marlow David R. , Burn Stewart
Published: February 2018

Findings from a two‐year research project focusing on current water industry practices suggest that condition assessment often is undertaken in an ad hoc manner. This article seeks to place the use of condition assessment within the context of emerging asset management principles. To this end, the authors provide definitions of asset management, asset condition, and condition assessment, along with summary findings from a web‐based survey, literature review, and case studies used to investigate current practices. A conceptual framework is introduced that aligns condition assessment with asset management principles via a performance monitoring system based on service levels. Formalized asset management is increasingly being put forward as a solution to the challenge of aging infrastructure. Measuring the service provided by the utility and using this parameter to decide when and where to spend limited funds will help water managers move from an ad hoc approach to condition assessment to a better alignment of condition assessment within their asset management programs.
Treatment Options and Their Effect on NOM—Coagulant Floc Structures
Authors: Jarvis Peter , Jefferson Bruce , Dixon David , Parsons Simon A.
Published: February 2018

Multiple treatment options were compared for their effect on natural organic matter (NOM)–coagulant floc structure at optimum coagulant doses. The treatment options were coagulation with: ferric, ferric + polymer, alum, and polymer and magnetic ion exchange pretreatment followed by ferric coagulation. Using a range of diagnostic techniques, size, strength, breakage, and settling rate were compared. Ion exchange pretreatment resulted in significantly improved floc structure in terms of increased size, settling rate, and strength. Comparison of conventional ferric and alum coagulants suggested that ferric resulted in improved floc structure combined with better NOM removal. The cationic polymer investigated did not improve floc structure. The reasons for the observed changes were thought to be related to the type of organic material incorporated into the floc matrix.
Sustaining the Flow of the World's Rivers
Authors: Richter Brian
Published: February 2018

This article reports on the 2007 International Riversymposium and Environmental Flow Conference held in Brisbane, Australia. The conference featured more than 150 presentations describing the ongoing degradation of rivers and the socioeconomic effects the degradation is having on the people who depend on rivers for their livelihoods. Some of the presentations also offered some field‐tested solutions for better protecting or restoring rivers. Particular focus was given to maintaining adequate river flows (referred to as environmental flows or instream flows). Some of the world's largest rivers now dry up on a regular basis before reaching the sea because their waters are heavily used for irrigation and as urban water supplies. Conference participants reached a consensus that there is no single, scientifically correct answer to the question of how much water a river needs to remain healthy. They concluded that the environmental flow needs of a particular river should instead be determined through an integrated social and scientific dialogue in which societal goals for the river are first defined. The article provides copies of The Brisbane Declaration and Global Action Agenda (summary findings and a global action agenda that addresses the urgent need to protect rivers globally).
USEPA's Wastewater Regulatory Agenda: What's Ahead?
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: February 2018

This article reviews wastewater regulations in progress under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and other statutes as of December 2007 when the most recent regulatory agendas were released. Proposed rules under development discussed in the article include: armed forces vessel discharge standards; Alaskan cruise ship discharges; effluent guidelines for drinking water supply and treatment; 2008 effluent guidelines program plan; NPDES vessel exclusion vacatur; and, CAFO nutrient management plans. Final rules pending discussed in the article include: peak wet‐weather POTW discharges; CAFO Rule; Water Transfer Rule; and, mercury water quality criteria. Long‐term action plans discussed in the article include: Shore Protection Act regulations; NPDES applications revisions; performance‐based measurement system guidance; sanitary sewer collection system framework; PCB test procedures; recodification of effluent guidelines and standards; pretreatment removal credits; and, construction and development effluent limitations standards.
Drought relief in South East, Queensland, Australia, provided by membrane‐reclaimed water
Authors: Freeman Scott , Bates Jon , Wallis‐Lage Cindy , McEvoy John
Published: February 2018

Many communities across the United States and around the world are experiencing, or will experience, water supply shortages. This article discusses Queensland, Australia's holistic approach to the problem and will help utilities better understand state‐of‐the‐art water reclamation and recycling. Queensland's range of solutions to water shortages includes high‐technology equipment and effective public communications resulting in high levels of public support and “belt tightening” conservation. Part of Queensland's multifaceted approach is the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project, one of the world's largest high‐technology water recycling projects. The program involves applying micro‐ and ultramembrane filtration, reverse osmosis, and advanced oxidation to provide potable‐quality water for industrial use at major power plants, irrigation of, and, if needed, augmentation of the community's source water reservoir. Effective public communications have led to public support, which has been a key to success. Survey results for 2007 show that 71% of residents supported recycled water use and have successfully conserved water, with a per capita residential use of only 32 gpd (123 L/d), likely one of the best water saving communities in the developed world. Queensland's experience may help other communities understand the range of options that are available.
Thanks for the Memories
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In this, his last Waterscape column in the Journal of the American Water Works Association before retiring this month, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr says “Thanks for the Memories”. He fondly recalls many memories of working with a broad spectrum of professionals who share the same noble mission of public health protection through providing safe drinking water and proper wastewater treatment. He relates statistics on the improvement of the average life span in North America, much of it due to the work done by early AWWA members in disseminating information on disinfection, filtration, and proper source water protection. He holds dear AWWA's reputation for providing timely, highly regarded information to water professionals through its periodicals, standards, books, manuals, videos, and webcasts. He recognizes that none of AWWA's rich legacy could take place without the partnership forged between very dedicated volunteers and equally dedicated staff. As a result, Hoffbuhr states, AWWA is blessed with intellectual capital second to none.