bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IDSE: What Does It Mean For You?
Authors: Wilson Chuck , Puglia Vincent
Published: February 2018

This article offers assistance, especially for small‐ and medium‐sized water treatment plants, for preparing the Initial Distribution System Evaluation (IDSE), as required in the Stage 2 Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts Rule (D/DBPR). The article discusses how to determine sampling sites, and provides an outline obtained from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) that can be used in developing a standard monitoring plan. It is based on the experience of the medium‐sized Easton (Pennsylvania) Suburban Water Authority (ESWA).
On‐site Free‐ammonia Test Helps Prevent Nitrification
Authors: Wiese Pat
Published: February 2018

This field report discusses a new analytical method for measuring free ammonia, being used by the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (WASA), to efficiently measure real‐time free‐ammonia levels throughout its distribution system to ensure that a safe and stable monochloramine residual is maintained. WASA has found this method to adequately prevent monochloramine decay, which could lead to nitrification in the distribution system. The report provides a brief system overview, and relates WASA's history for free ammonia monitoring, including sampling and testing. The benefits of this new method are discussed, along with its effectiveness at system optimization.
Appeals Court Upholds LT2ESWTR
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a legal challenge to the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR) mounted by the city of Portland, Oregon, and New York City in the U.S. Court of Appeals on September 25, 2007. Surface water systems typically protect customers from Cryptosporidium by providing filtration treatment. The city of Portland, and New York City, however, do not filter their drinking water before it reaches consumers. Instead, both cities have implemented active source water protection programs to protect public health. Both cities face high costs to comply with the final LT2ESWTR and have a responsibility on behalf of their populace to ensure that expenditures (and rate increases) to meet regulatory requirements are fully justified. Portland challenged the final LT2ESWTR following its promulgation on Jan. 5, 2006 (USEPA, 2006), by filing a petition for judicial review in the Appeals Court. New York City filed a motion to intervene on behalf of the petitioner which was granted by the Appeals Court. This article focuses on the following arguments presented by the two cities: the cost‐benefit analysis for the LT2ESWTR was improper and overstated the benefits of regulation; notice and opportunity for public comment was inadequate; substantive comments on the draft rule were ignored; best available science was not used; and, the final rule was not supported by the rulemaking record. The US District Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit denied the cities’ petition for judicial review, upholding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) rule and thereby clarifying provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
Fast Testing Method Developed for Radium 226/228
Authors: Miner Gary
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a new technique for testing water samples for the presence of radium that has been developed at Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) in Atlanta, Georgia. The article provides regulatory/compliance information and maximum contaminant levels for radium, along with human health effects from radium consumption. The new, two‐step method is discussed, and an explanation of the process is provided, along with previous methods approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for radium detection.
Norwegian AquaFence Offers Alternative to Sandbags
Authors: Miner Gary
Published: February 2018

The article describes a patented flood protection system, AquaFence, that is a transportable flood protection barrier that can be quickly put in place when there is danger of flooding. The fence is made up of a series of aluminum or wooden flood barrier modules that are lifted into place after transportation to the flood location. AquaFence is available as a mobile version for installation on hard ground or as a semimobile version for softer ground. After a flood, AquaFence is easily dismantled, stored, and made ready for the next flood.
MBR Technology for Wastewater Reclamation in Rural Areas
Authors: von Gottberg Antonia , Lawrence Darren , Kullmann Christoph
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a program by the Bega Valley Shire Council, located in New South Wales, Australia, to upgrade five existing sewage treatment plants to biological nutrient removal facilities and install a new pressurized sewage collection system combined with membrane bioreactor (MBR) treatment plants in the towns of Cobargo, Wolumla, Kalaru, and Candelo. The program also includes operation and maintenance of the new and existing sewage treatment plants for 10 years, with an option for the council to extend the agreement for an additional five years. The article discusses the MBR process, how it reduces plant footprint, and resulting cost savings. The suitability of MBRs for rural areas is highlighted.
What's on Washington's water agenda for 2008?
Authors: Roberson J. Alan , Holmes Tommy , Lane Cynthia A.
Published: February 2018

Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) regulatory schedule is relatively predictable, it is much more difficult to predict future activities by the administration or Congress that could potentially affect water utilities. The authors summarize the future actions that may be taken by the administration, Congress, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and USEPA. Trends in Congress, topical issues of national concern (e.g., security, infrastructure, and global warming), and actual regulatory deadlines are likely to influence future activities. Both DHS and USEPA regulations have the potential to have a significant impact on utility operations.
The Ground Water Rule: moving from framework to implementation
Authors: Via Steve , Roberson J. Alan
Published: February 2018

All Safe Drinking Water Act regulations require state implementation and state interpretation of the rule language. The final Ground Water Rule (GWR) relies on states to discern decision criteria essential to rule elements. Currently, no states have primacy for the GWR, and less than two years remain for systems to prepare for the initial federal compliance deadline. Drinking water utilities seeking to comply with the triggered monitoring provisions of the GWR must be involved in the process to determine whether treatment is a preferred compliance strategy or to discern what preparations are necessary in anticipation of the first round of sanitary surveys, where the authority provided by the GWR is in effect. The authors identify the most critical elements of the GWR for investigation by individual utilities.
Help Wanted: Task Group Seeks Member Input
Authors:   Residential Fire Service Meter Task Group
Published: February 2018

This article presents background and historical information on work completed by the Residential Fire Service Meter Task Group related to residential fire sprinkler metering. The article presents three divergent positions on the issue that include: residential fire sprinkler branch supply lines should not be metered; sprinkler branch supply lines should be metered with standard water meters; and, a new standard should be created with specifications for new special meters for residential fire sprinkler application.
Marshaling Resources to Support Drinking Water Operators
Authors: Bergman Ronald W.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to focus expertise at the national level to provide targeted and improved support to the individuals at the local level, so that they have the best information to make the right decisions for the consumer. The article stresses the importance of collaboration and networking with partner organizations, and describes the USEPA's training efforts to maximize the number of people who can provide assistance to the utility operator. The USEPA also uses web‐based training (webcasts) to reach state field staff, technical assistance providers, and the drinking water operators in the field. When preparing for rule implementation, the USEPA works to bring together the national experts to advise utility operators and partner organizations who support them. The article focuses on compliance training for arsenic treatment technologies, and discusses the USEPA's arsenic information warehouse that offers detailed information on the following topics: various arsenic treatment options; decision trees for mitigation strategies; obtaining the necessary tools to work with vendors; and, locating vendors for different treatment technologies. The Check Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS) is presented, which allows an operator to look at a utility holistically to determine where improvements may need to be made. Increasing concerns over operator recruitment and retention are discussed.
Does Your City Have High‐risk Pipes?
Authors: Kunkel George , Laven Kevin , Mergelas Brian
Published: February 2018

This article discusses reasons why pipes fail, and lists risk factors for pipe breaks. Different types of pipe material are presented. The article stresses the importance of proactively seeking and abating unreported leakage in water distribution systems, and describes the Sahara leak location system designed to locate leaks of all sizes in large‐diameter and nonmetallic mains. Examples are provided of utilities that have used the technology successfully.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure: Lifeblood for Water Utilities
Authors: Moore Sharelynn , Hughes David M.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), a metering system that records customer consumption hourly or more frequently, and provides for daily or more frequent transmittal of measurements over a communication network to a central collection point. The article describes the use of AMI in the energy (electric utilities) industry but focuses on its use in the water industry, demonstrating how the technology is ideal for the water industry challenges of managing growing water demand against shrinking supplies, higher operating costs, and reduced staff. Drivers behind the interest in AMI include: growing demand for systems that help reduce nonrevenue water losses and associated delivery costs, stem hidden water losses, support water conservation programs, manage peak loads, improve the integrity of delivery systems, and plan for future growth; curtailing water consumption during peak‐energy or drought‐induced restricted‐use periods; and, information management for water delivery and use. AMI benefits for the water industry are discussed, along with the five main components of an AMI system
A Dawning Awareness
Authors: Zimmerman Gary J.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Gary Zimmerman considers how the green revolution that is exploding around the world has forever altered the way we view our environment, and our understanding of the effect of our presence in it. He introduces the Journal's theme this month as water conservation, and mentions various topics covered in this issue that include: the Water Wise for Life traveling kiosk of City West Water (the Melbourne, Australia, water utility) educates the public about water conservation; how water conservation can be used to support sustainable housing development; and, how water budgets work for the utility as well as the customer.
Something for Everyone
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Conservation has suddenly become the watchword whenever resource use is discussed ‐ but it's certainly nothing new to the water industry. Purveyors have long been using conservation techniques to maintain water supplies. But with population growth exceeding even the highest of estimates, lingering and deep droughts striking around the globe, and demand on the rise, water suppliers need innovative and novel techniques to keep pace. This issue offers just that ‐ a spate of articles that address conservation issues from water budgets to water efficiency to plumbing code changes for utilities of all sizes and shapes.
From the farm to the city: Using agricultural supplies to irrigate urban landscapes
Authors: Smith Stephen W.
Published: February 2018

Growth and development in northern Colorado are resulting in the need to seek out alternative water sources. Agricultural water supplies, provided in the form of secondary water systems, make an attractive alternative. Urban water managers responsible for supplying water to growing communities can benefit by taking advantage of traditional agricultural supplies, without putting agriculture out of business. Such systems offer continued viability of agricultural canal systems, use the water rights historically decreed for irrigation for use in urban landscapes, and reduce the landscape‐driven demand on potable water supplies. These systems are a benefit for all involved. For municipalities, allocating nonpotable water for landscape use reduces the volume of water that needs to be treated to potable standards. This reduces the cost of treatment and delays the need for expanding treatment facilities. For the mutual irrigation company, operating as the secondary water purveyor for urban development expands the company's user base and gives them a new source of revenue.
Capturing the water you already have: Using alternate onsite sources
Authors: Hoffman H.W. (Bill)
Published: February 2018

Onsite sources of water such as air‐conditioner condensate, rainwater, and foundation drain water are often untapped resources that can help save significant volumes of potable water and wastewater. The use of these sources can reduce peak demand on a utility and the subsequent need for future water treatment expansion to meet growing demands. Capital costs are transferred from the utility to the user. Public and private interest in alternate on‐site sources is growing, and there is much opportunity for those who make use of it. However, further development of building codes and regulatory guidance will be necessary to protect public health and promote good design.
Water efficiency programs for integrated water management
Authors: Chesnutt Thomas W. , Fiske Gary , Pekelney David M. , Beecher Janice
Published: February 2018

Water efficiency has been broadly described to include both demand‐side management (conservation programs and incentives) and supply‐side management (utility leak detection and repair programs and water recycling). The logic of efficiency that applies to all of these practices is explored and a framework is offered for organizing information about water‐use efficiency. Utilities seeking to plan, design, and implement a successful water efficiency program have often struggled to sort out the costs and benefits that define efficiency, especially with regard to the varying perspectives of the utility, program participants, and society. In addition to providing a hands‐on approach to defining water efficiency and analyzing costs and benefits, the article spotlights the practical tools that evolved from the research project.
One Piece of the Workforce Puzzle: Internship Programs
Authors: Mirvis Kenneth , Lejeune Jeanne , Nelson Glennis , Post Arlene , Proctor Lynn , Thraves Katrina , Wells Alexandra , Beach Greg
Published: February 2018

This article highlights the AWWA Internship Subcommittee, created by the AWWA Management Division's Workforce Strategies Committee to help water agencies and supporting firms create and sustain internship programs designed to attract young people to the industry and retain them for the long term. The Internship Subcommittee conducted 13 interviews with representatives of 11 organizations, all with some involvement in internship programs. Ten of the 11 organizations were involved in the water industry. This article describes the tools those interviews identified as necessary for establishing and sustaining effective internship programs.
Garland Water Utilities Introduces FleetGreen
Authors: May Jack
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an environmentally proactive initiative called FleetGreen, developed by the city of Garland (Texas) Water Utilities (GWU) as a fleet management solution for its fleet of vehicles, which is valued at more than $3 million. The initiative serves as the focal point to educate customers and citizens about the department's efforts to support a cleaner environment while cutting operating costs, improving fuel conservation, and reducing vehicle emissions. FleetGreen was developed by GWU in 2005 to promote public awareness and demonstrate the utility's commitment to a cleaner environment. The utility chose to become a leader in the field and demonstrate to others just what was possible by installing an automated vehicle location (AVL) system in its fleet. The system provides the utility with real‐time information regarding the location of its fleet and also sends an alert when vehicles leave prescribed geographic boundaries and exceed city‐posted speed limits.
Making the Connections
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

The debate is no longer whether climate change is real ‐ but rather how it will affect the earth's future. Global warming is now widely accepted as a reality ‐ and most experts agree that it is human‐caused. The effect of greenhouse gases pouring into the atmosphere is being demonstrated daily as storms grow stronger, ice sheets in Greenland and West Antarctica melt at alarming rates, and precipitation shifts northward. These and other potential environmental effects must become part and parcel of each utility's water supply planning efforts, just as this exercise would factor‐in population growth, increased demand, and water conservation.
Incorporating climate change in water planning
Authors: Freas Kathy , Bailey Bob , Munévar Armin , Butler Susan
Published: February 2018

Population increases and municipal and recreational uses, as well as growing uncertainties about the effects of global climate change, call for a new approach to water use and water resource management. Two powerful tools, climate change risk assessment and total water management, can be used to determine the vulnerability of water management systems to climate change. These tools can also be used to drive the development of integrated water management strategies and infrastructure to provide water supplies that are more resilient to the effects of climate change. One approach for assessing the risks of climate change to water systems is to use a dual analytical framework known as the threshold‐scenario risk assessment. The framework comprises two parts: the more qualitative threshold risk assessment approach; and, the quantitative scenario risk assessment approach. This article provides tools, resources, examples, and new, holistic solutions that can be used to manage both the built and natural portions of the water cycle. Water professionals will find this approach more effective than considering the components separately when addressing the challenges posed by global climate change.
Usepa Releases Water Transfer Rule
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: February 2018

Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) published a regulation that clarifies when a discharge permit is required under the Clean Water Act (CWA) for trans‐basin water transfers. This article discusses the question of whether a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is required because the movement of surface water from one basin to another to serve municipal, agricultural, and commercial needs may also result in the movement of pollutants from one water body to another.
Driving the Future
Authors: Zimmerman Gary J.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Gary Zimmerman discusses the importance of connecting to the younger generations in order to attract new jobseekers. He points out that the water industry has identified its challenges early, and are already working to favorably position the industry to jobseekers.
Another View on Global Warming
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: February 2018

Virtually every aspect of water utility operations could be affected by global warming and by any legislation eventually enacted to address it. This includes water resources planning as well as system design, operations, water distribution, and customer service. Even the customer's ability to pay increased water rates will be affected as the cost of living increases overall in response to legislative mandates and regulations to address global warming. Large amounts of public monies will be required to address global warming, and human lives are at stake. This article discusses how legislation, regulation, and water utility decisions to mitigate and/or adapt to global warming based on incomplete, incorrect, or spurious information may have disastrous consequences. The article stresses that a higher level of scrutiny and review must be given to public statements by scientists and politicians as well as to the academic research on global warming and climate change.
Major Rate Increase Enacted Using Public Outreach and Planning Transparency
Authors: Reinhardt Jeff , Hoag Grant E.
Published: February 2018

In 2007, the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District in Calabasas, California, successfully enacted major revenue increases of almost 60% to be implemented over five years. The increases, which were required to maintain financial solvency during multiple capital programs and to enhance customer equity, did not generate a single complaint from the district's 21,000 water and sewer customers. Public outreach and attentiveness to customer concerns generated understanding, appreciation, and goodwill that translated into acceptance of the increases. With the last major rate update in 1996, the consultant‐supported rate study team implemented technical rate‐making methods described in AWWA Manual M1 (AWWA, 2000) and an AWWA study on water rates (AWWA, 2004). The district responded to the concerns of customers and the district's board of directors and demonstrated that the right way to seek funding augmentation is to reach out to an informed community. This article describes the successful multistep outreach process.
Arsenic adsorption via iron‐preloaded activated carbon and zero‐valent iron
Authors: Chen Weifang , Parette Robert , Cannon Fred S.
Published: February 2018

This research focused on removing arsenic (As) from groundwater by coupling iron‐tailored activated carbon with iron solubilization. This was achieved by solubilizing iron grains that were interspersed within the tailored activated carbon. A commercially available bituminous coal carbon was preloaded with iron by an evaporation method. With natural groundwater as the source, the media processed 25,000 bed volumes (BV) of water before 10‐μg/L As breakthrough occurred. In comparison, when 30% zero‐valent iron (ZVI) grains were interspersed with iron‐preloaded bituminous coal carbon, As breakthrough > 10 μg/L occurred at 45,000 BV. The As breakthrough corresponded to when most of the ZVI source had become visibly corroded. Although some solubilized iron escaped through the granular activated carbon media, this iron could be captured in a subsequent sand or activated carbon filter in order to yield water that would meet both primary and secondary drinking water standards. Field‐scale tests are required to determine whether results at large scale corroborate the laboratory findings.
Ccl2 Determinations
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: February 2018

On July 30, 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) finalized the regulatory determinations for 11 contaminants on the Second Contaminant Candidate List (CCL2). Considering the best available data, USEPA concluded that these contaminants occur infrequently at levels of public health concern in public water systems. Therefore, the agency made a determination not to regulate any of these contaminants, because setting a national primary drinking water regulation does not present a meaningful opportunity for health risk reduction on a national basis. Consequently, none of the 11 contaminants will be regulated by USEPA; however, some water systems may be vulnerable to contamination. This article summarizes the final CCL2 determinations (USEPA 2008a; 2008b). The article discusses specifics of the CCL requirements, focusing on the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and unregulated contaminant monitoring, along with specific CCL2 candidates, including boron, dacthal mono‐ and di‐acid degradates, DDE, 1,3‐dichloropropene, DNT, EPTC, Fonofos, Terbacil, and 1,1,2,2‐tetrachloroethane.
Succeeding in the Stakeholder Process: Everything We Need to Know We Learned in Kindergarten
Authors: Murphy Brian
Published: February 2018

This article presents the challenge of water resource development and management, stating that a shared water resource should be put to use in the best interest of human consumption, agriculture, industry, and the environment. When a previously “unused” source becomes available because technological or cost barriers are overcome, water resource managers must address the concerns of multiple stakeholders with unique ideas in order to deliver beneficial projects. The author stresses that developing and managing sustainable water resources will be a matter of political, organizational, utility, and stakeholder cooperation. He applies the 13 lessons in Robert Fulghum's book, “Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”, to the challenges of water resource development and management, sustainability, and the stakeholder process. The author states that when faced with seemingly insurmountable, disintegrating, or stalled stakeholder negotiations, we would all be well‐served if we returned to the basic lessons presented in Fulghum's book.
Uncovered finished water reservoirs: Reflection, regulations, and resolutions
Authors: Lenz Mark , Bell Marnie , Carrico Bree
Published: February 2018

Utilities with uncovered finished water reservoirs face many water quality, security, and regulatory challenges. These utilities will need to provide covered storage or treatment to comply with the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR) requirements. This article provides an overview of the history of uncovered reservoirs, identifies drivers for improving protection of uncovered reservoirs, discusses options for compliance with the LT2ESWTR, presents an approach to decision‐making regarding compliance, and presents case studies that demonstrate how utilities have implemented various compliance alternatives. A variety of cover and treatment options are potentially appropriate for LT2ESWTR compliance, and many evaluation criteria must be considered when selecting a compliance alternative. It is recommended that each utility determine, prioritize, and rank its alternatives based on criteria that are specific to its regulatory compliance and project goals. Typical evaluation criteria include regulatory compliance, water quality effects, site aesthetics, operations and maintenance requirements, vulnerability/ public safety, cost, permitting requirements, and design life.
New Approaches Mean More Options for Implementing Ozone
Authors: Burns Nick , Neemann Jeff , Hulsey Robert , Folsom Brian , Ryan Pat , Lee Eric
Published: February 2018

This article discusses increasing utility interest in using ozone for disinfection, especially now that costs have come down due to sidestream injection. The article describes how significant advances in ozone generation technology in the past few years have made it possible to economically generate ozone at concentrations as high as 12‐16% by weight. Advantages of sidestream injection are discussed and include higher transfer efficiency, improved operational efficiency, and reduced costs. The article provides an example of conventional ozone contactor retrofit at the Modesto Regional Water Treatment Plant in Modesto, California, that also presented design challenges.
Our Forefathers’ Legacy: Watershed Degradation and the Right to Reverse It
Authors: Murphy John ,   The Nature Conservancy
Published: February 2018

This article begins by discussing the environmental degradation of the Rivanna River basin in Virginia, starting back in colonial times. The article discusses how the modern conversion of forest and pasture to homes and businesses and streets poses the over‐arching challenge to conservation and management of the basin's freshwater resources. The environmental fate of the Rivanna basin is being shaped by active nongovernmental and grassroots efforts by local activists. The Rivanna Conservation Society is one group that has prevented river dredging, promoted the removal of an unused and environmentally costly dam, and helped restore populations of migratory fish. In response to citizen efforts, a natural heritage advisory committee to the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors was formed, and now Albemarle is among a handful of American counties that names biodiversity protection as a goal of its comprehensive plan. The Nature Conservancy has marshaled stream restoration projects, helped craft a river‐friendly long‐term water supply plan, and spearheaded the formation of the multijurisdictional Rivanna River Basin Commission to advise local governments on collaborative conservation and management strategies. An active monitoring program called StreamWatch, funded by the localities and leveraging volunteer labor, keeps tabs on stream health at more than 30 stations throughout the basin.
Sensory Analysis in the Water Industry
Authors: Desrochers Roy
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the development of the flavor profile method to describe taste and odor problems in drinking water. The history of sensory analysis is presented, along with the 1983 WQTC paper, “Application of the Flavor Profile Method for Taste and Odor Problems in Drinking Water” written by Stuart Krasner and Mike McGuire, then of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWDSC), and Virginia Ferguson, of Arthur D. Little Inc., (ADL). The AWWA Taste and Odor Committee is profiled, and its role in the development of the flavor profile method for water applications and the formation of flavor profile analysis (FPA) is discussed. The article mentions several different applications of the FPA, along with the use of sensory analysis in other fields such as global warming and homeland security.
An Unmatched Distinction
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Disinfection holds an unmatched distinction among water treatment technologies: it has saved countless lives over the past 100 years since chlorine was first applied to water drawn from the Boonton Reservoir in Jersey City, N.J. This momentous application of “chloride of lime” transformed water treatment across the globe. Chlorine has remained the disinfectant of choice, as reported by 68% of the utilities that responded to AWWA's Disinfection Systems Committee survey of disinfection practices. A number of utilities reported having switched to other disinfectants: chloramine ‐ 30%, ozone ‐ 9%, chlorine dioxide ‐ 8%, ultraviolet light ‐ 2%. Part 1 of the committee's two‐part report covers recent changes, current practices, and water quality. Part 2 will be published in the November issue.
Utilities Scramble on FTC Identity‐theft Rule
Authors: Nance Sandy , Holmes Tommy
Published: February 2018

This article discusses how water utilities and AWWA are scrambling to comply with a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule that includes water utilities among financial entities that must have a written plan by November 1 describing how they will identify and respond to “red flags” that indicate identity theft involving customer accounts. The program must include reasonable policies and procedures for detecting, preventing, and mitigating identity theft. The article lists several examples of “red flags”.
Young Professionals Committee “Fresh Ideas” Poster Session: Students and Young Professionals Speak Out at ACE08
Authors: Horton Lenore
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the Fresh Ideas poster session at AWWA's Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE). The goals for the session are to get new members involved in AWWA, encourage student and Young Professionals (YP) participation from all areas of the water industry, get section YP and MAC members involved in section conference program activities, stimulate progressive thinking, and reduce the financial hardship for new members who want to attend ACE. The article discusses AWWA section involvement in the poster session, criteria for judging the Fresh Ideas posters at ACE, results from ACE 2008, and the Fresh Ideas poster session for ACE 2009.
Rapid Installation of MIEX® System Helps Wholesaler Retain Customers
Authors: Pyles Elizabeth , Brown Alan , Bourke Michael
Published: February 2018

This article reports on a situation at the Burr Oak Regional Water District (BORWD), located in Glouster, Ohio, where trihalomethane (TTHM) levels exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) maximum contaminant level (MCL). Although TTHM levels in water leaving the district's plant were within the USEPA standard, these levels increased within the customers’ distribution systems. The article describes the treatment process at BORWD prior to the water being distributed to the satellite systems, along with maintaining adequate chlorine residual throughout the distribution systems, and detention time. Several treatment options were considered, with a magnetic ion exchange (MIEX) process being selected by BORWD as a more cost‐effective treatment option for reducing levels of disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursors. The MIEX treatment process is discussed, along with bringing the TTHM levels in the distribution systems into compliance as a result of using the process. Fast‐track installation of the MIEX system is described, along with immediate downstream benefits.
Meeting Tomorrow's Challenges Today
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Changing processes to meet the requirements of multiple regulations, determining treatment process changes to remove an emerging toxin, exploring new ways to increase small system capacity, and dealing with endocrine‐disrupting chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products are a few of the emerging issues utilities are wrestling with.
HOBAS Used in Longest Large‐diameter Sliplining Project on Record
Authors: Boudreaux Erin
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the Lake Street sewer rehabilitation project, one of the most recent projects of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (the district). After considering several options, the district selected slipling with HOBAS centrifugally cast, fiberglass‐reinforced, polymer mortar (CCFRPM) pipe for the rehabilitation project. The thin‐walled HOBAS CCFRPM pipe provides increased flow capacity because of its superior hydraulics compared to the existing sewer. Project challenges are discussed, along with maximizing internal diameter, eliminating one of the three installation shafts, and controling the water force during installation to eliminate friction from occuring.
Optimizing PAC and chlorination practices for cylindrospermopsin removal
Authors: Ho Lionel , Slyman Najwa , Kaeding Uwe , Newcombe Gayle
Published: February 2018

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is an emerging cyanobacterial toxin whose detection frequency is increasing in water bodies worldwide. Because it has a high propensity to exist in extracellular form, effective water treatment practices are required to ensure removal. In this study, powdered activated carbon (PAC) and chlorination were evaluated for CYN removal under practical water treatment plant conditions. The homogenous surface diffusion model (HSDM) was used to predict CYN adsorption using two different PACs. The HSDM also aided in the derivation of a PAC dose table that could be used to optimize PAC application for CYN removal. Chlorine was shown to be an effective oxidant for CYN; the chlorine concentration times contact time value of 3 mg × min/L was shown to be sufficient for complete CYN oxidation in two drinking waters. This study provides pertinent information for the application of PAC and chlorination practices for optimal CYN removal.
A View to the Future
Authors: Zimmerman Gary J.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Gary Zimmerman discusses some of AWWA's upcoming 2009 initiatives, including the following: the Membership Benefits and Services’ goal of improving the membership structure to be more responsive to members’ needs; the 5‐year plan to upgrade the information technology and e‐commerce platform; 2009 Annual Conference and Exposition; Government and Public Affairs; and, Publications, specifically combining Mainstream and WaterWeek into one publication called Streamlines.
Water Stewardship Certification: Promoting Social Responsibility and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Richter Brian ,   The Nature Conservancy
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the idea of water stewardship certification in light of the fact that with the human population approaching 7 billion, the world is facing the limits of earth's freshwater resources. The article presents other issues that contribute to the problem of sustainability of the earth's water supply, and urges the implementation of best practices for environmental sustainability. The article provides an example of a water stewardship certification program that is being developed by the Alliance for Water Stewardship, and will foster adoption of business practices to improve social and environmental sustainability in water use globally. The concept of measuring the “water footprint” of a water user or group of users is discussed, along with methods for calculating a “water footprint”. A key target of the water stewardship certification program will be businesses and water utilities to encourage them to minimize their water footprints. The article discusses five characteristics of freshwater ecosystems that are critical to their health and sustainability, along with the influence of the water flow regime and the size of a business or utility's water footprint on freshwater ecosystems. Social measures of water stewardship are discussed, and critical issues related to the development of viable water stewardship standards are presented.
Biofiltration and RO Combined to Address Water Quality Challenges
Authors: Nagy Dick , Granlund Craig
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an effort by the City of Hutchinson, Minnesota, to provide clean water to its residents and also accommodate the local manufacturing companies that have brought jobs to the area. Water quality issues addressed by City officials include the following: aggressive water chemistry that was causing copper to leach into the water distribution system and the wastewater plant's effluent and biosolids; the chemical used by the plant to minimize copper corrosion had increased phosphorus loading and caused concern for the city's high‐tech manufacturing industries, as well as some environmental issues; and, significant concentrations of ammonia were identified in the source water, and alkalinity was also high. The solution involved a novel approach that included a two‐part process that combined reverse osmosis (RO) with biologically activated filtration for iron and ammonia treatment. By blending water from the two processes, hardness/ alkalinity was reduced through RO, and iron and ammonia were removed through biofiltration.
Should Perchlorate in Drinking Water be Regulated?
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: February 2018

The rocket fuel ingredient perchlorate has emerged over the past decade as one of the most controversial drinking water regulatory issues. Elevated concentrations have been reported in surface waters and groundwaters and in public water systems in 26 states. Perchlorate was included on the second Contaminant Candidate List (CCL2) for possible regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Every five years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is required to determine whether to regulate at least five contaminants from the CCL. A maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) and National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) are required for a contaminant on the CCL if USEPA determines that: the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of people; the contaminant is known to occur or there is substantial likelihood for it to occur in public water systems with a frequency and at levels of public health concern; and, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for health risk reduction for people served by public water systems. This article briefly reviews a preliminary determination on perchlorate that was issued by the USEPA on Oct. 10, 2008 (USEPA, 2008).
Assessing Escherichia coli removal in the schmutzdecke of slow‐rate biofilters
Authors: Unger Michael , Collins M. Robin
Published: February 2018

A series of studies conducted on laboratory‐scale sand columns confirmed that Escherichia coli (E. coli) removals in slow‐rate biological filters occur primarily at the interface (schmutzdecke) and are statistically related to operational (schmutzdecke ripening state, biological activity, temperature, and protistan abundance) and design (empty bed contact time and media grain size) parameters. Biological activity, as measured by carbon dioxide respiration in the top 2.5 cm, as well as protistan abundance in the top 0.5 cm of the schmutzdecke, correlated positively to E. coli removal. The role of predation deserves further investigation. The ability of a slow‐rate biofilter to reestablish an effective schmutzdeckeremoval layer after a scouring or scraping event was not strongly related to biomass concentrations or biological ripening conditions of the supporting media prior to scraping or scouring. Slow‐rate biological filters should be operated in such a way as to enhance biological activity (in addition to biomass accumulation alone) and increase protistan abundance in the schmutzdecke.
Incidence and costs of home plumbing corrosion
Authors: Kleczyk Ewa J. , Bosch Darrell J.
Published: February 2018

Factors influencing the occurrence and costs of pinhole leak corrosion in suburban Washington, D.C., were analyzed. A mail survey of households was used to elicit experiences and repair costs associated with pinhole leaks. Regression analyses, with correction for sample selection bias, were used to analyze survey responses regarding leak occurrences and costs. Pinhole leak occurrences were found to be associated with plumbing type, property age, pipe failure history, and dwelling distance from a water treatment plant. The number and location of pinhole leaks in the dwelling and the pipe type are associated with the financial costs of pinhole leaks. For example, repair costs of leaks occurring in the basement are much lower compared with repair costs on the second floor. Faster responses to pinhole leak outbreaks by utility managers and policymakers would reduce costs of pinhole leak repairs. Expanding state‐funded property insurance to cover damage from leaks when private insurance coverage is inadequate would also be beneficial.
Preventing the Transformation From Good to Bad
Authors: Zimmerman Gary J.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Gary Zimmerman contrasts the use of chlorine for both good and bad reasons. The example he uses for chlorine put to good use is the wide‐scale use of it to disinfect drinking water; the bad use example is the use of chlorine in truck bombs in Baghdad during the Iraq War. He provides two examples of how AWWA has responded in important and impressive ways to deal with the potentially devastating effects that evil‐doers can produce from a good thing, including the AWWA Water Security Congress held on April 8‐10, 2009 in Washington, D.C., and the Water Infrastructure Security Enhancement (WISE) program, developed by AWWA in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Water Environment Federation, and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Never Underestimate the Power of an Environmental Management System
Authors: Lemons Julie M. , Yarborough Jason , Roberts Dan
Published: February 2018

This article discusses how, in Palm Bay, Florida, the Palm Bay Utilities Department (PBUD) is creating a culture that promotes environmental awareness and stewardship throughout its daily operations, from the departmental recycling program to environmentally friendly purchasing and increased plant efficiency. PBUD has incorporated these and other “green” initiatives by successfully implementing its environmental management system (EMS) called GreenWay.
Reaching Out to Young Adults
Authors: Wodrich Victoria
Published: February 2018

This article provides a brief overview of five water industry organizations that are reaching out to young adults and inviting them into the profession. The article begins by underlining the urgency of this action in order to combat the water industry's projected loss of almost half of its employees to retirement over the next five years. The organizations include the following: Georgia Association of Water Professionals; Connecticut Section of AWWA; California‐Nevada Section of AWWA; Alaska Native Engineering and Science Program; and, AWWA's Diversity and Membership Involvement Committee.
CAFO Regulations Revised
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: February 2018

This article reviews the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) regulations pertaining to wastewater discharges and manure from the regulations’ inception in the 1970s through current revisions, the last one occuring on November 20, 2008. A 2003 revision is discussed that required all CAFOs to obtain an NPDES permit unless they demonstrated no potential to discharge, and to develop and implement a nutrient management plan by Dec. 31, 2006. Petitions for judicial review challenging the 2003 CAFO rule resulted in the Waterkeeper decision that upheld most of the 2003 rule. The article discusses the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) response to the Waterkeeper decision, including a March 7, 2008 ruling that proposed a voluntary option for CAFOs to certify that the CAFO does not discharge or propose to discharge based on an objective assessment of the CAFO's design, construction, operation, and maintenance. The final CAFO rule published on November 20, 2008 is presented, including two key changes to the Waterkeeper court decision.
One perspective on chlorine security
Authors: Welter Gregory J.
Published: February 2018

Much of the guidance issued to the water community on chlorine security has been limited to consideration of chlorine within its immediate control, i.e., chlorine already on site or chlorine as it is being delivered to the utility gate. However, a much more significant risk represented by chlorine is its diversion en route. Although it is true that the vendor has primary responsibility for the chemical's security during transport, the author argues that it is particularly incumbent on the water sector to proactively enhance chlorine security, given that more than 90% of the deliveries of chlorine gas are made to water and wastewater facilities. The article proposes two measures representing minimal cost and effort that the water community could adopt to reduce chlorine vulnerability during transport. First, require chlorine vendors to demonstrate implementation of The Chlorine Institute's security management plan. Second, schedule specific delivery times with the chlorine supplier that if missed, would trigger notification of law enforcement authorities.