bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Second UCMR Seeks Data on 25 Chemicals
Authors: Scharfenaker Mark
Published: February 2018

This article details the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) second Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR2), which requires all water systems serving more than 10,000 people (roughly 4,000 systems) and 800 selected systems serving fewer people to conduct first‐tier assessment monitoring for 10 contaminants using approved methods and laboratories during a 12‐consecutive‐month period between the start of 2008 and the end of 2010. As detailed in a table included in the article, the chemicals include dimethoate, terbufos sulfone, five flame retardants, and three explosives. Although the approved methods for these chemicals are new, the analytical techniques are commonly used. The article discusses the exclusion of perchlorate from the UCMR2 monitoring requirement and two bills introduced by California Senator Barbara Boxer responding to this exclusion called The Perchlorate Monitoring and Right‐to‐Know Act and the Protecting Pregnant Women and Children from Perchlorate Act. Also discussed are UCMR2 requirements for a second‐tier screening survey of 15 additional chemicals; the shift from requiring a 12‐consecutive‐month monitoring period over a 3 year period from 2008 ‐ 2010 in the proposed rule to requiring a full 3 years of monitoring between 2008 to 2010 in the final rule; revision and clarification of several requirements regarding system applicability as well as certain aspects of monitoring, reporting, and quality control; and, guidance and training provided by USEPA for each monitoring component, frequently asked questions, and documents detailing laboratory approval procedures, use of approved methods, and reporting requirements (including for public notice and Consumer Confidence Reports). The article includes a summary of UCMR2 compliance essentials.
Developing and implementing a TWM strategy—approaches and examples
Authors: Patwardhan Avinash S. , Baughman Douglas , Tyagi Aditya , Thorpe Jared
Published: February 2018

Managing water resources has become increasingly complex, requiring water managers to balance the needs of people, industries, and ecosystems while ensuring the sustainability of finite supplies. At the local level, the integration of water supply, wastewater, and stormwater management is becoming more and more important to utilities. Total water management (TWM) offers water providers a holistic approach that depends on stakeholder participation and input to develop equitable and optimal water management solutions. With water supplies for municipal and industrial uses increasingly stressed in terms of both availability and quality, it is clear that more proactive and comprehensive water resource management is necessary to ensure continued viable water supply sources. Using TWM and some of the more innovative approaches for optimizing water supplies can help ensure long‐term water availability while providing significant cost‐savings. Furthermore, by implementing TWM strategies, utilities are more likely to meet complex regulatory requirements.
Water efficiency in Austin, Texas, 1983‐2005: An historical perspective
Authors: Gregg Tony T. , Strub Dan , Gross ema
Published: February 2018

Despite surging population growth between 1983 and 2005, the city of Austin, Texas, has managed to keep the growth of water demand well below the rate of population growth through a combination of programs targeting water use practices. in 1983, Austin implemented a water efficiency program in response to this spike in demand. The success of these early watering restrictions led to a longer‐term effort to reduce the rate at which demand increased, delay the need to add plant capacity, and extend the time before the city exceeds its water rights. The city now views efficiency as one of the strategies required to continue to meet its long‐term water needs. Since 1983, Austin implemented a number of water conservation initiatives, including monetary incentives, equipment giveaways, subsidized sales, plumbing code changes, and ordinance enforcement, which have all met with varying successes. Combined, however, the water conservation efforts in Austin contributed to a substantial reduction in per capita water use during this period.
Discussion: Are Water Managers Becoming Lawn Irrigation Managers?
Authors: Vickers Amy
Published: February 2018

This discussion article challenges the irrigation industry's claim that it is responding appropriately to the realities of today's chronic droughts and water shortages. The author offers insight into how drinking water managers are increasingly influenced by growing outdoor water demands directly linked to the proliferation of automatic irrigation systems on home lawns and landscapes. As new and alternative water sources become increasingly limited and the U.S. population continues to grow, Vickers asks how long, and at what cost, can water suppliers and the public afford to satisfy growing water demands associated with lawn and landscape irrigation? Vickers answers this question by offering a new paradigm and a five‐point prescription for addressing this growing problem. She also clarifies the differences between society's water wants versus its actual water needs and argues that if we hope to realize more sustainable water supplies in the future, the “line in the sand” may actually be on our front lawns.
Forest management by‐West Coast water utilities: Protecting the source?
Authors: Herbert Elizabeth
Published: February 2018

Since passage of the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act amendments, emphasis on source water protection for public drinking water supplies has steadily increased, and the effects on water quality from commercial logging and forest road‐building has been at the forefront of concern for many water utility managers. Acquiring forested land is often viewed by water utility managers as one of the most effective ways to control water quality in their watersheds. However, if water utilities seek to buy land or acquire conservation easements in their forested watersheds to protect source water quality, then it is vital for them to consider how they manage this land once it is purchased. This article summarizes the key findings of a research project that analyzed forest management policies and practices of 45 West Coast public water utilities that own forested land in their source watersheds. The research includes three types of quantitative analysis and six case studies, which show that public participation in watershed planning is critical to the success of any source water protection program.
Point of Use: The Final Barrier
Authors: McEncroe John
Published: February 2018

This article focuses on problems that can occur within the distribution system and the point of use (POU) devices that can be used to address these problems. The causes of contamination discussed in the article include: formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs); distribution system repairs and replacement; hydraulic surges; power outages; fire flow; and, backpressure. The burgeoning growth of the bottled water industry is mentioned, along with a variety of technologies used in POU devices that include sediment filters, submicron filtration and activated carbon systems, and disinfection systems. The article also discusses the costs of using POU devices and who should be responsible for installing and maintaining the devices.
Estimating Cleanup Times for Groundwater Contamination Remediation Strategies
Authors: Miner Gary , Widdowson Mark , Mendez Eduardo , Chapelle Francis
Published: February 2018

This article presents the Natural Attenuation Software (NAS), available as a free download from Virginia Polytechnic University, which can help remedial project managers and their contractors estimate the time of groundwater remediation through consideration of such natural attenuation processes as advection, dispersion, sorption, source zone depletion, and biodegradation. NAS consists of a combination of computational tools implemented in three main interactive modules. The article discusses testing and evaluation of NAS along with expected benefits of the software tool.
Development of an SPE/CE method for analyzing HAAs
Authors: Zhang Li , Capel Paul D. , Hozalski Raymond M.
Published: February 2018

A method to analyze haloacetic acids (HAAs) in drinking water was developed using a capillary electrophoresis (CE) ion analyzer for analyte separation and detection. The effects of background electrolyte (BGE) composition, sample injection approach, and on‐ and offcapillary preconcentration techniques on HAA peak resolution and method sensitivity were evaluated. The recommended BGE consists of 25 mM phosphate buffer at pH 5.7 with 1 mM tetradecyltrimethylammonium hydroxide as the electroosmotic flow modifier. Aqueous samples were preconcentrated using solid‐phase extraction (SPE) and then loaded onto an extended light path capillary (75‐μm inside diameter ÷ 56‐cm effective length) using pressure injection (50 mbar for 12 s). The estimated method detection limits were in the range of 1.5–3.5 μg/L. The SPE/CE method was used to analyze ambient and spiked water samples from a water distribution system, and results were in good agreement with those using US Environmental Protection Agency method 552.2. The main advantage of the SPE/CE method over the currently approved HAA analysis methods is that it does not require HAA derivatization, which involves potentially hazardous chemicals and conditions. Disadvantages of the SPE/CE method are that it does not offer a significant time savings (because of the need for off‐capillary sample preconcentration) and chlorodibromoacetic acid could not be quantified because of interference from a contaminant peak.
Achieving Sustainable Water Infrastructure
Authors: Heare Steve
Published: February 2018

This article addresses the need for utilities to focus on infrastructure sustainability to avoid a “perfect storm” that is brewing from infrastructure needs related to growth, reaching the end of its useful life, and achieving public health protection goals. It discusses six utility action areas related to achieving sustainability that include: clarity regarding level of service, operational efficiency, asset management, source water protection, utility right‐sizing and institutional structure, and full‐cost pricing.
Mutual Aid and Assistance Among Water Utilities What is It? Where has it Been? Where is it Going?
Authors: Riordan Raymond , Moyer Jack
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the evolution of water system mutual aid and assistance networks, with the oldest form of mutual aid networking being developed in California during the 1950s. The article discusses the beginning of the Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (WARN) in 1992 in the San Francisco Bay area. Components of the early plan are listed, along with aspects of the WARN program that make it different from other mutual aid programs. The article outlines current mutual aid and assistance initiatives among water systems.
Who's Looking after Alternative Filtration Technologies for Small Water Systems?
Authors: Anderson Anita C. , Sakaji Richard H.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses how alternative filtration technologies (AFTs) offer a number of advantages to small systems, the primary one being that they are often simpler to operate than filtration systems found in conventional treatment plants. In recent years, new regulations have been implemented and new AFTs have hit the market. This article looks at how these changes are affecting small water systems. Membrane filtration is discussed as a viable option, along with the absolute necessity of operator training, and the next set of regulation requirements that includes the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR) and the Ground Water Rule (GWR).
The state of full‐scale RO/NF desalination —results from a worldwide survey
Authors: Burbano Arturo a. , Adham Samer S. , Pearce William R.
Published: February 2018

A worldwide survey was conducted to obtain up‐to‐date data on full‐scale reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) water treatment plants using seawater, brackish water, or reclaimed wastewater as feedwater. Participation in the online survey was limited to facilities with capacities greater than or equal to 1 mgd and dates of startup or retrofitting later than 1990. Survey results highlighted trends in pretreatment and posttreatment, membrane characteristics, operation, costs, residuals management, and regulations. Comments by respondents directly involved in RO/NF plant operations reflected the lessons learned from day‐to‐day experience. Using the information summarized here, the industry can identify the main constraints to the advance of RO/NF technology, i.e., residuals disposals and management, operations and maintenance costs, and focus efforts on developing solutions. Facilities interested in incorporating RO/NF in their treatment process can use this study as a starting point to plan new projects or as a reference against which to compare their own experience.
UV disinfection system downtime: Effects and mitigation
Authors: Hubel Richard E.
Published: February 2018

Off‐specification operation and downtime are important considerations in designing system reliability in ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection systems. This research analyzed the residual risk of Cryptosporidium infection from surface water supplies—after implementation of UV disinfection—and the corresponding UV disinfection system reliability requirements. The author concluded that achieving a maximum downtime of 0.01% (4.4 min/month) is unrealistic, even with standby power and an uninterruptible power supply. Furthermore, starting from 0.01% downtime, seemingly minor increases in downtime significantly reduce the net disinfection credit and result in diminishing returns, regardless of the validated UV disinfection system credit. Providing redundant equipment, standby power, active series compensators, and uninterruptible power supplies can increase UV disinfection system reliability. Judicious application of these and other mitigation measures will help maximize the effectiveness of UV disinfection for regulatory compliance.
Funding Water and Wastewater Projects: Growing Communities Seek Strategic Alternatives
Authors: Nolan Bruce
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the problem of funding gaps that communities are encountering when faced with upgrading aging facilities and equipment, and complying with added requirements to meet health standards. Many municipalities are finding it increasingly difficult to rely solely on government programs, grants, and state revolving loan funds to support their needs. The article discusses tax‐exempt leasing provided through equipment manufacturers as a funding option being considered by municipalities, compares it to other funding methods, and lists several benefits that are unique to this method. It presents the experience that Colorado City, Colorado, had when it decided to go with a tax‐exempt financing package from Siemens Water Technologies.
Social Glue
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr examines how the American Water Works Association (AWWA) acts as the social glue that develops a successful community for the water profession. Specifically, he discusses three areas where AWWA needs to excel that include: providing members with an identity of belonging to a responsive, meaningful association that gives them opportunities to share their talent to further the goals of the profession and AWWA; linking members to each other and the larger world by integrating electronic and face‐to‐face interaction; and, providing a variety of methods for enhancing the professional development of its members not only by training events, but also by interacting socially with others in the profession to tap into their vast reservoir of knowledge. Hoffbuhr refers to a survey of volunteers from a wide variety of associations on the benefits of volunteerism and gives the percentages of responses to each of these three areas.
Regulatory Actions and Security Activities
Authors: Roberson J. Alan
Published: February 2018

This article lists regulatory actions published in the past 18 months regarding the Final Second Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR2); the Final Groundwater Rule (GWR); Contaminant Candidate List (CCL); Protection of Critical Infrastructure Information; Lead and Copper Rule; Final National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP); Triazine Cumulative Risk Assessment; Aldicarb Risk Assessment; Chloroacetanilides Cumulative Risk Assessment; Considerations for Developing Alternative Health Risk Assessment Approaches for Addressing Multiple Chemicals, Exposures, and Effects; Revision of Existing National‐Level Affordability Methodology and Methodology to Identify Variance Technologies; Copper Risk Assessments and Risk Reduction Options; Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Proposed Risk Assessment Bulletin; Final Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR); and, Stage 2 Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts Rule (D/DBPR). The article also lists the anticipated schedule of significant regulatory actions and security activities.
Energy management strategies use short‐term water consumption forecasting to minimize cost of pumping operations
Authors: Jentgen Larry , Kidder Harold , Hill Robert , Conrad Steve
Published: February 2018

By moving from a reactive (consumption‐following) to a proactive operating strategy using short‐term consumption forecasting (STCF), utilities can save millions of dollars in energy costs. Accurate forecasting techniques and tools are required to realize these cost savings. Short‐term consumption forecasting systems at four water utilities as well as developed prototype systems at five water utilities were studied. Various forecasting methods were also studied and accuracy benchmarked. These nine utilities comprise numerous climate zones and varied customer demographics throughout North America. Electric utility experience with short‐term load forecasting is also presented. Observations and lessons learned are presented. Further recommendations will be published by the Awwa Research Foundation in a future report.
Inertia
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses the aversion to overcoming inertia as related to volunteer‐based groups such as AWWA that tend to resist overcoming inertia because of concern over member acceptance and risk of failure. He points out that it usually takes a crisis to make a change, illustrating his point with the example of AWWA in 1987 being near bankruptcy. Due to dedicated volunteer/staff leadership who were willing to make some changes, AWWA is now vibrant, financially robust, and globally respected. He lists changes that AWWA has made that have kept it relevant in today's fast‐paced world, but also points out that AWWA will need to continue to change to keep up the level of service required by the public.
How Committed Are Young Professionals to the Water Industry?
Authors: Bollig Chris
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an online survey that was developed to address issues in the water industry concerning succession planning, and then sent to young professionals (YPs) across the country. The primary purpose of the survey was to investigate the level of YP commitment to the water industry, discover what aspects are most important for water industry employers to provide to keep YPs satisfied and challenged in their positions, and find out what YPs see as some of the biggest challenges facing their industry. More than 100 YPs participated in the survey. Demographics of the survey population and a breakdown of survey respondents by employer type are provided.
Water suppliers and plumbers share backflow prevention responsibility
Authors: Asay Stuart F.
Published: February 2018

A goal of the water supply industry is to provide safe drinking water that meets the minimum standards established by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Utilities have invested millions of dollars in treatment processes to meet these regulations, but their investment can be swiftly negated by something as basic as transient pressure fluctuations, which allow a return flow of a contaminant or pollutant into the distribution system. Utility professionals are typically not aware of plumbing system operation details. Water suppliers need to work closely with plumbing inspectors and licensed contractors to attain cross‐connection control through plumbing code compliance. A partnership with the plumbing industry, that includes code compliance, is essential when providing safe drinking water.
IDSE and beyond: Application of computer modeling to distribution system water quality
Authors: Yang Jian , Beduhn Scott , Swailes Don
Published: February 2018

Computer modeling has long been touted as a cost‐effective tool with which to study distribution systems for master planning, system deficiency analysis, and other such activities. This article demonstrates full‐scale applications of computer modeling to ensure regulatory compliance with disinfection byproduct levels and optimize drinking water distribution system water quality. In addition, computer modeling was used to predict the effects of water utility operations and water treatment processes on distribution system water quality, thus allowing utilities to examine multiple operational changes safely and efficiently before pilot‐scale testing or full‐scale implementation.
Future Shock in Customer Service
Authors: Schlenger Donald L.
Published: February 2018

Some utilities still regard customer service as an adjunct, not a core, function. Although a water utility's customers are “captive,” well‐served customers generate the goodwill “reserve” against which the utility borrows when it has to raise rates, pay competitive salaries, site a new facility, or inconvenience customers in order to maintain the distribution system. In the future, water utility customer service operations will be both highly automated and at least partially outsourced. Customer service departments will consist of contract managers, technology specialists, and subject matter experts, and customers will be likely to use web‐ or phone‐based self‐service. Customer service will be much more capital‐intensive rather than labor‐intensive, and managing performance will be distinctly different. This article presents three customer service scenarios for utility managers to consider, a “status quo” approach, automation, and outsourcing, to help them develop strategic plans to move their organizations forward.
HAA formation during chloramination—significance of monochloramine's direct reaction with DOM
Authors: Hong Ying , Liu Suibing , Song Hocheol , Karanfil Tanju
Published: February 2018

Three oxidants—monochloramine (NH2Cl) and its two decomposition products, free chlorine (HOCl) and dichloramine (NHCl2)—can be present in water during chloramination, potentially reacting with dissolved organic matter (DOM) to form haloacetic acids (HAAs). This study showed that the direct reaction between NH2Cl and DOM played a major role in the formation of HAAs, accounting for approximately 80% of HAA formation. The remaining HAA formation was attributed to HOCl that resulted from NH2Cl decomposition. No HAA formation was observed from preformed NHCl2. HAA formation was strongly dependent on pH and increased with decreasing pH. This research also found that the use of ammonium chloride, the quenching agent recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency method 552.3 for disinfection by‐product samples, resulted in false high HAA determination at early reaction periods. This appears to be the cause of the significantly different kinetic patterns that the literature has reported for HAA formation during chloramination.
Brass corrosion as a source of lead and copper in traditional and all‐plastic distribution systems
Authors: Kimbrough David Eugene
Published: February 2018

The US Environmental Protection Agency's Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) attempts to minimize exposure to waterborne lead and copper by sampling water at the consumer's tap. The LCR assumes that the major long‐term sources of both elements are lead solder, copper plumbing, lead plumbing, and lead service lines and that brass plays only a transient role. This assumption was tested through a natural experiment. A number of houses using all‐plastic plumbing, in which the only sources of lead or copper were brass fixtures, were sampled and analyzed for lead and copper. Results were compared with those from homes in Southern California with traditional plumbing. The concentrations of the four indicator elements of brass corrosion, i.e., copper, lead, nickel, and zinc, not only were higher in the all‐plastic‐plumbing houses, but the ratio of elements and correlation coefficients were very similar in the two populations. These results point to brass corrosion as a main contributor of copper and lead found in LCR samples.
Lowering the detection limit for arsenic: implications for a future practical quantitation limit
Authors: Ferguson Megan A. , Fernandez Diego P. , Hering Janet G.
Published: February 2018

The practical quantitation limit (PQL) for arsenic (As) is currently orders of magnitude higher than its nonenforceable, health‐based standard in California. Analytical limitations caused by chloride (Cl) interference can be overcome using high‐resolution, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS), which has a method detection limit for As of 29 ng/L in the presence of 35.5 mg/L Cl. Increasing Cl concentration (0–355 mg/L) resulted in a nonlinear increase in the As signal. Therefore, standard addition was used to test four water samples with unknown As and Cl concentrations. Because standard addition is not suitable for routine analyses, further investigation of matrix effects and interferences is needed to optimize the application of high‐resolution ICP/MS for water quality testing. Nonetheless, broader adoption of this and other methods for trace As analysis could result in lowering of the PQL for As in the future, with consequent downward pressure on reporting levels.
Performance of water distribution systems during intermittent versus continuous water supply
Authors: Andey Subhash P. , Kelkar Prakash S.
Published: February 2018

A critical appraisal of selected water distribution networks was made under two modes of operation—intermittent water supply and continuous water supply. The study zones selected in four Indian cities—Ghaziabad, Jaipur, Nagpur, and Panaji—were typical residential areas with metered water supply and were readily amenable to hydraulic isolation from the rest of the area. The study areas included Lohia Nagar in Ghaziabad, Army Welfare Housing Officer's Colony in Jaipur, Shankar Nagar in Nagpur, and Mala Area in Panaji. Preparatory work in the study zones included updating water distribution network plans; installing valves and bulk meters wherever necessary to hydraulically isolate the zone from the rest of the area; and surveying homes to check for stopcocks and water meters and to collect information on household populations and consumers' opinions regarding water supply service. Both water supply modes were studied to collect data on per capita water consumption, pressures at various points in the distribution network, flow rate and variation and total flow into the network, nonrevenue water, water quality, and relevant information for engineering and socioeconomic analysis of the distribution network. Continuous water supply has certain advantages over intermittent water supply. There was an appreciable improvement in nodal pressures and flow patterns in the distribution networks and a decrease in peak factors. Also, microbial quality of the water improved considerably at the consumers' end. However, water consumption and nonrevenue water increased when the mode of supply was switched over from intermittent to continuous, which points to the need for preventive maintenance of distribution systems and proper metering at the consumers' end.
The Value of Joining
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses the benefits that members receive from joining the American Water Works Association (AWWA). He discusses how changes in our society are impacting volunteerism, and how the scarcity of “free time” is influencing people's choices on how to spend it. He points out that when average savings were calculated for members versus nonmembers, the cold cash value to an individual or organization member was at least 2.5 times the dues rate. He also lists the numerous intangible benefits that AWWA offers such as networking, peer interactions, and access to AWWA's vast information resources.
Arsenic Removal: A Road Map for Success
Authors: Ogg Joseph , Mathews Doug
Published: February 2018

This article updates the progress of California's first permitted full‐scale arsenic removal system and one of the nation's largest ion exchange (IX) arsenic removal projects for drinking water. As part of Baldy Mesa Water District's (BMWD) system, this technology allows treatment of 6,000 gpm, equivalent to more than 8 mgd, and expandable to 11 mgd with the addition of a fourth 2,000 gpm module. The article discusses the success of the full‐scale demonstration system and the construction of the additional 2,000 gpm Avenal Treatment Facility, along with long‐term performance and managing costs.
Critical evaluation of the NSF 61 Section 9 test water for Lead
Authors: Triantafyllidou Simoni , Edwards Marc
Published: February 2018

The authors evaluated the NSF 61 Section 9 protocol from the perspective of test water chemistry and lead‐leaching propensity. Overall, the test water proved representative of a typical water supply. However, some chloraminated waters with lower pH and lower alkalinity can be more aggressive than the Section 9 water, especially after months of exposure. As a result, products that are certified under NSF Section 9 might still cause compliance problems with US Environmental Protection Agency regulations for lead. Moreover, similar problems may be expected to affect approximately 16% of the US population served by private water supplies and cistern‐type systems, which also are considered aggressive to lead leaching. To account for these concerns, the authors recommend that the Section 9 pass/fail criterion be tightened and that product information be made available that details possible limitations of the products relative to lead leaching in certain corrosive water supplies.
Rapid Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Water
Authors: Bukhari Zia , Weihe Janice R. , Lechevallier Mark W.
Published: February 2018

Escherichia coli O157 can cause life‐threatening disease in the young and the elderly, and numerous outbreaks have been reported. Biochemical detection procedures are inappropriate for environmental monitoring, and simple, rapid, and sensitive isolation and detection procedures are required for improved surveillance. Four immunological assays (Reveal®, Eclipse™, ImmunoCard STAT!, and the E. coli O157 Antigen Detection Test) and one molecular assay (BAX®) were evaluated to measure sensitivity for E. coli O157:H7 detection in water. Promising procedures were combined with sample concentration, enrichment, and capture using immunomagnetic separation. Method sensitivity was determined using various environmental water matrixes in both single‐ and multilaboratory evaluations to assess method robustness. Overall method sensitivity was ±0.05 cfu/mL using detection by both Reveal and BAX methods, which was considered suitable for environmental screening. The BAX method, because of lower cross‐reactivity, was effective for both raw and finished water analyses whereas the Reveal method was suited for finished water.
Learning From the Luddites
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr states that the nature of work is changing from unskilled to knowledge‐based, from single‐skilled to multiskilled, from repetitive tasks to innovative problem‐solving. To realize the full potential of emerging technologies, he states that workers have to be adequately trained not only in technology but in effective communications, teamwork, and analytical skills as well. Three distinctive features of technology dictate the necessity for training and teamwork: increased interdependencies and integration of functions; increased speed and quantity of information flow; and, higher costs of errors and breakdowns.
Technical Note: A guide for optimizing sample volume for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts by USEPA method 1622
Authors: Ryu Hodon , Abbaszadegan Morteza
Published: February 2018

Water turbidity measurements were used to determine guidelines for optimizing sample volumes for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in surface water by method 1622 (USEPA, 2001). The optimum sample volumes for turbidities of < 2, 2–10, and >10 ntu were determined to be 50, 35, and 10 L, respectively. Use of the optimum‐volumes strategy suggested in this study would save sample filtration time, enhance filter performance, and offset the poor recovery efficiency of oocysts that typically results from higher volumes of water with high turbidity.
YP roundtable discussion contributes solutions to knowledge retention dilemma
Authors: Hurley Catherine , Laucamp Chad , Rehg Kristin , Robinson Marilynn
Published: February 2018

This article reports on the main topic of the keynote address, and following roundtable discussion, at the 2006 AWWA Illinois Section Annual Conference. The topic of generational workforce issues was decided upon by the Young Professionals (YP) Committee as a topic that would be important to anyone within the organization. Facilitators led discussions focusing on the differences among generations, the threat of lost knowledge, the importance of effective communication, and the need to help new employees adapt to positions faster and more efficiently. The discussions ultimately concluded that effective communication and support at all levels of an organization were key success factors in an effective transfer of knowledge.
Particle Imaging and Analysis Instrumentation Minimizes Taste and Odor Complaints
Authors: Reilley‐Matthews Betsy
Published: February 2018

In order to eliminate potential seasonal complaints from customers concerning algal blooms in the Wachusett Reservoir, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) installed a FlowCAMμ, a breakthrough particle‐imaging and flow‐cytometry system that takes high‐resolution, full‐color digital images of every particle and cell in a fluid sample. These images, along with their corresponding data sets, are saved in an interactive scattergram or in the company's proprietary Microsoft Excel spreadsheet‐based system, Visual Spreadsheetμ, for instant display and analysis. The article discusses additional data collected for each particle and cell, how to use the FlowCAM, and its benefits and uses for other water quality issues.
Regaining Control
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr revisits the ever‐present and frustrating dilemma: Do we control technology or does technology control us? Hoffbuhr talks about how he is “technology‐challenged,” particularly when it comes to personal computers. His solution would be to issue passwords which would restore technology back to working order when it runs amok. (This column is adapted from Waterscape, September 1999, Journal AWWA)
Modeling of arsenic(V) adsorption onto granular ferric hydroxide
Authors: Xie B. , Fan M. , Banerjee K. , Van Leeuwen J. (Hans)
Published: February 2018

Granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) adsorption, a relatively simple retrofit technology for arsenic removal, was studied to determine the kinetics and thermodynamics for arsenic removal. The effects of temperature, pH, turbulence, and concentration of competitive anions were evaluated and modeled using kinetics and isotherm models. The pertinent parameters, such as activation energy, reaction rate constant, and adsorbent capacity coefficients, were calculated under different conditions. Overall test results show that GFH has a significant adsorption capacity for arsenic(V), or As(V). However, the presence of competitive anions—such as phosphate, silicate, vanadium, and selenium—had different adverse effects on As(V) removal with GFH. The results provide useful information for industrial optimization of adsorbent column deployment.
Resource Typing: What is it and why is it Important to the Water Sector?
Authors: Moyer Jack , Morley Kevin
Published: February 2018

This article discusses water and wastewater agency response networks (WARNs), and the importance of mutual aid and assistance in all phases of a disaster, particularly during the initial response and recovery phase, before resources from other levels of government and the private sector can be mobilized. However, water and wastewater system personnel often find it difficult to clearly communicate their resource needs during or following an incident. The article discusses the importance of developing standard, or common, resource terminology, definitions, and resource types in order to optimize the opportunities for resource sharing in the event of a disaster. The benefits of resource typing are discussed, along with a current resource typing manual project being developed by AWWA and the consulting firm URS, supported by the Horsley Witten Group, for the benefit of the water sector mutual aid and assistance.
Déjà Vu—All Over Again
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses the new government ideology bandwagon of “geological sequestration,” and compares its new popularity with the gasoline additive MTBE that was the government's panacea, not too long ago, to reduce emissions of air pollutants from automobiles. He questions the reasoning behind the geological sequestration technique, and presents the potential effects on the environment of this injection and long‐term storage practice. The two main points he questions are the scale of this technique that would be necessary to effectively reduce the CO2 annually emitted from power plants, and the possible leakage of CO2 into other geologic formations, potentially contaminating underground drinking water sources.
Microbial As(III) oxidation in water treatment plant filters
Authors: Lytle Darren A. , Chen Abraham S. , Sorg Thomas J. , Phillips Sara , French Ken
Published: February 2018

The effectiveness of arsenic (As) removal from water is largely dependent on the oxidation state of the arsenic. Efficient arsenite [As(III)] oxidation requires a strong oxidant such as free chlorine or permanganate. There are also microorganisms capable of oxidizing As(III) to arsenate [As(V)] although they have not been reported to be important in drinking water systems. The objectives of this study were to monitor and evaluate As(III) oxidation and arsenic removal in a full‐scale iron‐removal plant with microbially active granular media filters and determine how to most efficiently regain microbial properties in new filters. Results from the full‐scale plant showed that in raw water with average concentrations of 2,300 μg/L iron and 46 μg/L arsenic, removal rates of > 99% for iron and 80% for arsenic were achieved, and the plant regularly met the arsenic standard. The majority of arsenic in the raw water (37 μg/L) was in the reduced As(III) form. Arsenic was removed without the addition of a strong chemical oxidant to convert As(III) to the As(V) form. Although some As(III) may be removed during iron removal, the observed arsenic removal through the plant was far greater than expected. Bench‐ and pilot‐scale investigations concluded that microbial oxidation of As(III) and ammonia took place within the filters, which explained the greater‐than‐expected arsenic removal. Pilot‐test results indicated that different seeding approaches did not affect the time frame to regain microbial activity in new filters. Microbial analysis using traditional and molecular techniques confirmed the presence and identity of oxidizing bacteria.
Pitfalls of water distribution model skeletonization for surge analysis
Authors: Jung Bong Seog , Boulos Paul F. , Wood Don J.
Published: February 2018

Skeletonization is the process of representing a water distribution system model by only selected pipes. Skeletonized models normally are adequate for master planning and energy studies, but the degree of skeletonization that is acceptable for surge analysis is an often‐raised question. Most of the guidelines used for skeletonizing hydraulic network models do not apply for surge modeling. Replacing two or more pipes in parallel or series into an equivalent pipe with the same carrying capacity and trimming dead‐end mains can be readily applied for steady‐state analysis with virtually no effect on the resulting flows and pressures, but their effect on the system transient response can be significant. Moreover, the ratio of the pipe diameters greatly affects the transient pressure wave attenuation. In addition, dead ends, which may be caused by closure of check valves, lock pressure waves into the system in a cumulative fashion, and wave reflections will double both positive and negative pressures. The rules of skeletonization ignore the transient interaction of transient pressure waves in the different components and pipe properties of a water distribution system. In this article, case studies highlight the pitfalls of skeletonization in pressure surge analysis and support the conclusion that surge analysis requires a detailed model to accurately estimate transient pressure extremes in a water distribution system. A highly skeletonized model may overlook critical locations that are vulnerable for intrusion of potentially contaminated water.
Creating the Foundation for Change: An In‐depth Assessment of a Municipal Water Department's Inventory
Authors: Rahim Rahim N.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses improving inventory management at an unnamed municipal water department. The article discusses conducting an assessment of the complete inventory process, and results indicated that a number of operating efficiencies were needed, including: labor savings in inventory identification, ordering, processing, transferring, and returning; increased customer service (parts available when required and in the quantity required); reduction in inventory quantity ‐ the right parts at the right time, and overall reduction in redundant or obsolete inventory; and, increased inventory tracking ‐ employee‐targeted system ensures accurate reporting and overall tracking. The article discusses creating a change process that included: physical count of inventory; indentifying the processes and procedures that led to the discrepancies in inventory; reclassifying inventory; and, re‐training employees. Positive outcomes of this project are listed.
Water Worldwide
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Water is the world's most precious resource. Its presence nurtures civilizations, its quality spells life or death, and its quantity dictates what's possible. Across the globe, however, water resources are vulnerable ‐ to overuse, drought, pollution, and contamination.
SAME: Its Role in Support of Readiness and Homeland Security
Authors: Adamski Robert E.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), an association of engineers and related professionals who work with and within US military installations, including water systems and other public works within those installations. SAME's goal is to unite member entities and individuals in the public and private sectors to prepare for, and overcome, natural and human‐caused disasters and acts of terrorism and to improve security at home and abroad. SAME is a founding member of The Infrastructure Security Partnership (TISP). This partnership enables SAME to interact with water, wastewater, and other infrastructure professionals who are members of SAME and its Readiness and Homeland Security Committee. SAME is involved in the process of establishing relationships with agencies that might be involved in disaster response before an incident occurs and improving the training of Post Readiness and Homeland Security committee members.
Advancing the Mission
Authors: Zimmerman Gary J.
Published: February 2018

In his first column for the Journal of the American Water Works Association since becoming AWWA's Executive Director, Gary Zimmerman introduces himself and states that he is committed to advancing AWWA's mission. He provides information on his educational background and work experience, and states his intention to “lead and to focus staff efforts toward measurable goals that definitively advance our mission”. He indicates that these efforts toward measurable goals will comprise a status report that will be published regularly in his column.
Contamination Warning Systems in Action
Authors: Shadevish Yakov , Montemayor Adrian , Moreno Tony , Lacher Regis , Glisch David , Isleb John , Nelson Mark
Published: February 2018

This article describes the installation of a water quality early warning system (EWS) at the Laredo (Texas) Jefferson Water Treatment Plant. The system provides protection of critical national infrastructure, specifically water and infrastructure at the treatment plant, with the designed purpose of protecting the plant against accidental and intentional contamination by harmful materials and pollutants. It also provides protection to water customers by evaluating water distributed from the plant for potentially harmful contamination or toxins. The article provides an overview of the following topics: system concepts and principles; EWS functions; building blocks of the EWS including cameras, radio frequency identification (RFID), water quality sensors, and SIG controller; data consolidation and transmission; integrated data‐monitoring platform; post‐action review; baseline facility and process analysis; other uses of an EWS; and, extended sensor complements in the future.
Municipal Water and Sanitation Mapping in Honduras
Authors: Fogelberg Kate , Betancourt Diana , Valentine Wende
Published: February 2018

This article begins by introducing Water For People ‐ Honduras, and its five year strategic plan. Its overall goal is to increase water and sanitation coverage and achieve meaningful change in hygiene behavior in three of the poorest Honduran municipalities: Chinda, Santa Barbara; San Antonio, Cortes; and El Negrito, Yoro. The article describes mapping as a tool that is used internationally to physically mark all water points (water sources, treatment locations), along with their operational status, on a global positioning system (GPS). Once all GPS points are plotted on an actual district or municipal map and analyzed, the maps become the basis for planning and monitoring. The maps provide a baseline that allows a host of players, e.g., local government, nongovernmental organizations, and donors, to understand what the current level of coverage is within a geographic boundary, track progress, and allocate funding in a systematic manner that will ensure coverage levels over time. The article discusses a mapping and needs assessment of water systems and sanitation in 141 communities within the three municipalities of Chinda, San Antonio, and El Negrito. The program included water quality analyses as well as plotting of the communities using GPS. The three key drivers for mapping and needs assessment are listed, along with the six components of the process. Accurate coverage and action plans are discussed, along with several other results including: demand for services; leveraged funding; and, entire community participatory planning.