bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathway to excellence
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack W. Hoffbuhr discusses continuous quality improvement, and states that the key to its success is a strong commitment throughout the organization to stay on the path to excellence. Hoffbuhr states that without commitment, the program becomes just another management fad and is quickly discarded. He goes on to describe a suite of quality programs that include the QualServe Program, Peer Review, and Partnership for Safe Water, that allow a utility to take the initial steps and then progress along the path to excellence. These programs were designed by utility personnel to assist in the identification of strengths and areas for improvement.
Early warning surveillance of drinking water by photoionization/mass spectrometry
Authors: Calles Jennifer , Gottler Randy , Evans Matthew , Syage Jack
Published: February 2018

Increased terrorist activity is raising concerns about the safety of water supplies. Early warning systems that are accurate and fast are needed to deploy effective strategies for rapid response. A new analyzer based on photoionization (PI) and quadrupole ion trap, time‐of‐flight (QitTof) mass spectrometry (MS) offers high‐speed, high‐throughput screening and molecular identification of chemical weapons threats and other hazardous compounds. A growing number of municipalities and government facilities are adopting this new screening instrumentation to help safeguard public drinking water. This article reviews the strategy being taken by cities such as Phoenix, Ariz., to develop an early warning capability based on the PI/QitTof MS screening technology. The screening technology can detect a wide range of compounds at subacute concentrations with no sample preparation and a sampling cycle time of about 45 s.
A simple model for quantifying Cryptosporidium transport, dilution, and potential risk in reservoirs
Authors: Antenucci Jason P. , Brookes Justin D. , Hipsey Matthew R.
Published: February 2018

A simple model has been developed to assist in quantifying the concentration and viability of Cryptosporidium contamination in lakes and reservoirs after riverine inflows. The model, which can be accessed online, includes the basic dynamics of inflows, along with fate transformations associated with temperature, ultraviolet light exposure, and sedimentation. The model was applied to inflow occurrences in three reservoirs to demonstrate its ability to simply quantify pathogen concentration. In addition to assisting with risk assessment, the model can also be used to improve sampling strategies after inflows occur.
AWWA's Customer Service Committee Promotes Excellence in Customer Service as a Key to Efficient Operations
Authors: Schlenger Donald
Published: February 2018

This article discusses how water utility culture related to customer service is undergoing a radical transformation and presents several trends that influence customer expectations. New customer service technologies are discussed and the article describes how the AWWA Customer Service Committee (CSC) focuses on helping utilities by supporting the advancement of customer service as a value‐added profession in the water utility industry. The article lists the CSC's objectives, activities, and new initiatives.
Assessment and renewal of water distribution systems
Authors: Grigg Neil S.
Published: February 2018

Needs studies indicate that a large capital investment is required to renew an aging inventory of U.S. water distribution systems. However, the institutional structure of distribution system management does not encourage large investments for renewal. To overcome this obstacle, utilities must use effective tools and methods for asset management, which the author defines in this article as “an information‐based process used for life‐cycle facility management across organizations.” A framework is presented for condition assessment, which utilities can use to assess their responsibilities and options for distribution system capital management. The proposed framework includes four levels (system goals and criteria, condition indicators, integrated system parameters, and decisions relying on system parameters) and uses nine basic condition indicators: three for the capital side and six for operations. The article also includes a review of distribution system needs, a list of the main activities of asset management, a synthesis of prioritization and condition assessment techniques, and a review of renewal technologies, and examples of how leading utilities are handling assessment and renewal activities today.
Triggers behind the regulatory development triad
Authors: Roberson J. Alan
Published: February 2018

The regulatory development process used by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) can be divided into three categories ‐ “priority” regulations, the six‐year review of existing regulations, and the development of new regulations. This article summarizes recent USEPA actions in each of these categories and examines the triggers that ultimately determine regulatory development. Regulatory triggers that are based on the occurrence data from the first six‐year review and on the first round of regulatory determinations from the Contaminant Candidate List provide insight into when a national drinking water regulation may or may not be considered to be warranted. By consolidating information from different sources, this article furthers the understanding and analysis of drinking water policy. It also points out the need for additional research and information in several areas including historical data used in the regulatory development process, performance of analytical methods at low concentrations, comparisons of the uncertainty and risk management factors used in past regulations as well as a comparison of past cost‐benefit analyses.
Whimsical Water
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses an article in Science Magazine about new scientific developments related to water. The article changed his perception of how water molecules are arrayed, among other things, thus upsetting his conventional viewpoint of water. The article in Science Magazine also states that ions are escaping into the atmosphere from the water surface, that one million new genes were discovered in samples from the Saragasso Sea, and scientists decoded the genome sequence of Dehalococcides ethenogenes.
Nonprofit Group Cannot Sue to Enforce WPCA
Authors: Stiegler Hayo H.
Published: February 2018

An Ohio appellate court has ruled that a nonprofit organization could not sue to enforce a consent order, entered into between the state and a city, that ordered the city to comply with the Water Pollution Control Act (WPCA).
Spanning the Generation Gap in the Workplace
Authors: Wood Stephanie
Published: February 2018

This article discusses generational diversity in the workplace, and how multiple generations are now populating every rung of the corporate ladder. The aticle begins by discussing how we stereotype coworkers of different generations, and explains how these generations have segmented into two generational camps. The article lists four steps that are necessary to take to eliminate generational conflict and explains how generational diversity provides a significant opportunity for organizations that are committed to a diversity‐conscious and harassment‐free workplace.
Gray Is Good
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses the upcoming brain drain when the baby boomer generation starts retiring in another five to ten years. He suggests that the boomers, 40% of whom want to continue working past the usual retirement age, may act as mentors to help smooth the transition for new managers by providing support, coaching, and institutional knowledge.
Breaking Organizational Silos: Removing Barriers to Exceptional Performance
Authors: Dell Rodney K.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses how organizational “silos” impede the efficient completion of business processes, focusing on fulfilling a function rather than on achieving a process outcome. The paper discusses problems created by these silos and states that by focusing management efforts and employee reward systems on the performance of end‐to‐end business processes rather than on functional objectives, a utility can significantly improve its ability to achieve and sustain business performance improvements. The article lists key steps in making the change.
Personal Tools for becoming a more Successful Engineer
Authors: Irrinki Sam
Published: February 2018

Increasingly, attention is being paid to the fact that many people are stretched thin, having to divide their attention among many activities including family, relationships, and of course, work. Not only do individuals have more things to do in general but many people also are finding that in the workplace they are expected to fulfill the traditional demands of their job, as well as many additional tasks. Engineers are no exception to this trend. In this article the author expands on the idea that most of us are not living up to our full potential, and provides suggestions for making the most of our time and our abilities in the face of ever‐increasing expectations and demands. Called “soft skills,” these abilities, when well developed, can increase productivity and motivation, thereby enhancing employee value and improving quality of life. Some of the skills discussed are goal‐setting, time management, and prioritization. The author also discusses the importance of each employee being well versed on the vision, mission, and purpose of their employer so that all employees can be working toward a common goal. Through this collective effort all employees enjoy the benefit of working in a more efficient environment, which in turn reduces individual stress and increases personal productivity.
Corrosion and corrosion control of iron pipe: 75 years of research
Authors: Bonds Richard W. , Barnard Lyle M. , Horton A. Michael , Oliver Gene L.
Published: February 2018

The Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association, formerly the Cast Iron Pipe Research Association, has conducted research on iron pipe since 1928. This research has dealt primarily with corrosion and corrosion control of ductile‐ and gray‐iron pipe. A statistical analysis of a large database derived from these test programs and in‐service inspections concluded that (1) the 10‐point soil evaluation system published in the Standard for Polyethylene Encasement for Ductile‐Iron Pipe Systems (C105/A21.5; ANSI/AWWA, 1999) is an accurate and dependable method of evaluating soils for their corrosiveness of iron pipe; (2) polyethylene encasement is effective as a corrosion control system; and (3) damages to polyethylene encasement do not accelerate the corrosion rate beyond that of iron pipe that is not encased.
NDWAC Report Describes Infrastructure Security Road Map
Authors: Scharfenakery Mark
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a report that describes an integrated approach for the voluntary implementation and evaluation of crucial security policies and practices for water and wastewater treatment facilities and incentives to do so. The report was produced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Drinking Water Advisory Council's Water Security Work Group. The report details consensus findings on what constitutes an “active and effective” security program, a set of core measures for evaluating utility‐specific and nationwide progress in implementing such security programs, and ways that federal and state agencies, water and wastewater organizations, and Congress should encourage implementation.
Petition to Detach Property From Missouri Water District Denied
Authors: Stiegler Mayo H.
Published: February 2018

The Missouri Court of Appeals has denied a petition brought by property owners who wanted to detach their property from a water supply district because the district had outstanding federal loans.
Ten primary trends and their implications for water utilities
Authors: Means Edward G. , Ospina Lorena , Patrick Roger
Published: February 2018

This article provides an overview of the top ten water utility future trends identified through an assessment of the literature, interviews with public water supply community leaders, and a futures workshop featuring futurists and scenario planning exercises. Utilities can use the discussion of these trends, including aging infrastructure, advancing technology, climate changes, and increased security risks, as guidelines during strategic planning. On the basis of the findings of this trends assessment, the authors conclude that future utilities will likely be operationally efficient, be engaged in the community, and integrate water management, treatment, environmental sustainability, and public policy decisions in a way that leverages regional opportunities and relationships and economies of scale.
Real‐time detection of intentional chemical contamination in the distribution system
Authors: Byer David , Carlson Kenneth H.
Published: February 2018

The first casualties after an intentional contamination event are currently identified by physicians or other health care providers because the onset of symptoms occurs well after exposure. One approach to mitigating this potential disaster includes online monitoring of drinking water distribution systems. Four credible‐threat drinking water contaminants (aldicarb, sodium arsenate, sodium cyanide, and sodium fluoroacetate) were added to tap water and analyzed at different concentrations to determine their detectability in a distribution system. Bench‐top analysis and online monitoring equipment were used to measure pH, chlorine residual, turbidity, and total organic carbon values before and after introduction of these contaminants. Results indicate that all four contaminants can be detected at relatively low concentrations. Three of the four contaminants were detected below a concentration that would cause significant health effects.
Battered New Orleans benefits from Portland's extraordinary assistance effort
Authors: Scharfenaker Mark
Published: February 2018

This article discusses Portland (Oregon) Water Bureau's (PWB) extraordinary utility emergency response model to the Hurricane Katrina disaster in the Gulf Coast region. Staffed with management and operations crews trained to respond to earthquakes that threaten the Pacific Northwest community, the PWB responded to an urgent request by the Sewerage and Water Board (SWB) of New Orleans for gate‐valve control trucks and mobilized a fleet of its own service vehicles and 70 employees for a two‐month field mission. As described by PWB and SWB officials and witnessed by the author, PWB's pioneering response has most likely altered the water utility disaster‐response landscape permanently.
The Year That Was
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr focused on AWWA's accomplishments in the year 2005 as an excellent example of where AWWA has come since 1881 and why AWWA is the Authoritative Resource on Safe Water.
Persistence Pays Off in MTBE tussle
Authors: Kail Greg
Published: February 2018

Utilities often feel that time and resource constraints limit their ability to mount effective advocacy campaigns. This case study demonstrates how to achieve success even on a small budget. In August 2005, President George W. Bush signed national energy legislation without a provision that would have granted gasoline makers immunity from water contaminated by the gasoline additive methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). The exclusion of this provision was largely the result of the AWWA‐led advocacy discussed in this article. The AWWA MTBE campaign demonstrated the power of a disciplined advocacy and effective media campaign, showing the importance of framing the issue, staying on message, providing the best information, building partnerships, and mobilizing grassroots support. Utility managers will be able to apply the lessons learned from this campaign to face their own public affairs challenges and create more effective public campaigns.
Water treatment through the ages
Authors: Symons George E.
Published: February 2018

This article summarizes the history of water purification including: Egyptian, Greek, and Roman efforts at water purification; the dark ages and Renaissance times; the first water filter patent invented in 1745 by Frenchman Joseph Amy; the first modern water filter plant invented in 1804 by John Gibb in Scotland; invention of the slow sand filter in the 1820s in London by James Simpson; the first American efforts at filtration in post‐Civil War years; the installation of slow sand, and then rapid sand filters in the U.S.; the advent of the era of safe water with the use of chlorine; and, 20th century consumer and government demands.
Water treatment: The past 30 years
Authors: Trussell R. Rhodes
Published: February 2018

This article focuses on the history of water treatment since the enactment of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1974, until 2005. Several threads of developing technology are presented, including: bacteria to viruses to protozoa; turbidity and particle counting; synthetic chemicals and disinfection byproducts (DBPs); leaching of contaminants into drinking water; low‐pressure membrane filtration; high‐pressure membrane filtration; ozonation; and, advanced oxidation and photolysis.
USEPA aims to open door for small system variances
Authors: Scharfenaker Mark
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) proposal to revise how it determines whether small water systems can afford to comply with new drinking water regulations, thus making it easier for States to grant small system variances (SSVs).
Occurrence of MTBE and other gasoline oxygenates in CWS source waters
Authors: Carter Janet M. , Grady Stephen J. , Delzer Gregory C. , Koch Bart , Zogorski John S.
Published: February 2018

Results from two national surveys indicate that the gasoline oxygenate methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is one of the most frequently detected volatile organic compounds in source waters used by community water systems in the United States. Three other ether oxygenates were detected infrequently but almost always co‐occurred with MTBE. A random sampling of source waters across the United States found MTBE in almost 9% of samples. In geographic areas with high MTBE use, the compound was detected in 23% of source water samples. Although MTBE concentrations were low (<1 μg/L) in most samples, some concentrations equaled or exceeded the drinking water advisory of 20 μg/L set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The frequent detection of even low concentrations of MTBE demonstrates the vulnerability of US source waters to anthropogenic compounds, indicating a need to include MTBE in monitoring programs to track the trend of contamination.
Modeling leakage reduction through pressure control
Authors: Walski Thomas , Bezts William , Posluszny Emanuel T. , Weir Mark , Whitman Brian E.
Published: February 2018

Pressure control can be an effective way to reduce leakage in water distribution systems. In this article, the authors present results from an experimental study conducted to determine an appropriate equation to define the flow from leaks. The orifice flow equation is most appropriate in situations in which the dimensionless orifice/soil number—an indicator of head loss caused by orifice losses versus porous media (soil) losses—is large, as it is in most water distribution systems. This finding indicates that flow emitters are an appropriate method to model leaks. The authors also describe the application of computer modeling in a real‐world distribution system and demonstrate how a model can be used to evaluate pressure settings and estimate leak reduction and possible pressure problems. Pressure reduction is most effective when both leakage and pressure are relatively high, flow is controlled by a pressure‐reducing valve or variable‐speed pump, and the terrain is relatively flat. However, as discussed in this article, time‐of‐day control may be needed for pressure control to work.
Radium Compliance, Customer Approval Achieved with Ion Exchange Softening Technology
Authors: Sanchez Joseph
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an effort to improve water quality in the village of Romeoville, Illinois, by using ion exchange (IX) softening to reduce existing levels of radium in the drinking water to comply with requirements mandated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The article discusses the ion exchange process for hardness and radium removal, how the necessary equipment was supplied and integrated with the existing on‐site booster pumps, wells, and reservoirs which involved writing the process control code for the ion removal system PLC with a mapping of specific data to specific locations by fiber‐optic communication using ModBus protocol. The new IX system was also integrated into Romeoville's wireless supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, which monitors and controls water and wastewater pump and control infrastructure within the village, and subsequently allows water operators to control and monitor the new IX system from distant locations via secured cellular communications and Internet technology.
Challenges and benefits of total water management
Authors: Young John
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the concept of total water management (TWM). The overall goal of TWM is management of the entire hydrologic cycle so that water resources can be used and developed more coherently and in a way that balances the needs of all stakeholders. The article discusses how challenges to TWM can be resolved with participation of all stakeholders, integrating TWM into strategic plans, and how sustainable solutions are possible when the various stakeholder groups engage in cross‐boundary, regional dialogue.
Committee Report: Accelerated testing of water meters
Authors:   AWWA STANDARDS COMMITTEE ON WATER METERS
Published: February 2018

Water utilities are entitled to satisfy their own product requirements to determine whether the water meters they use comply with specified accuracy, material, and performance standards. However, the subject of endurance testing by utilities has not been addressed, and no guidelines have been recommended or provided to assist utilities with the development of a practical testing protocol. In this article, the authors report on the methods currently available to test and evaluate water meters at the manufacturer and utility level and offer guidelines to assist utilities in the process of product evaluation through the use of accelerated testing.
Process selection: Membrane versus granular media filtration
Authors: McEwen Brock
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an approach to process selection that provides an objective evaluation of the project‐specific quantitatively measurable benefits and life‐cycle costs of a wide range of treatment alternatives, while eliminating qualitative biases to the greatest practical extent. This approach to process selection is applied to granular media filtration vs membrane filtration and in summary, both are considered valuable unit processes for addressing water treatment challenges.
Sensicore's Lab‐on‐Chip Water Profiler Automates Lab Functions
Authors: Miner Gary
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the capabilities of Sensicore's WaterPOINT, a patented lab‐on‐chip water profiling system. The technology miniaturizes, integrates, and automates laboratory functions and has the potential to significantly alter the practice of water quality management. The article describes the technical innovations of this system, and also introduces the WaterNow Internet Service that consolidates WaterPoint data from a city's monitoring locations onto a secure internet site and displays the information on a map overlay of the geographical area.
Pipeline to the people
Authors: Brinkman Doug , Mitchell John , Brainard Ray , McKelvey James , Hemenway Caroline
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an alignment study that incorporated a sophisticated stakeholder participation program and decision‐making process that revealed optimal approaches for upcoming design and construction of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) bicounty water supply main. The bicounty water supply main, when completed in 2010, will serve as the final link in the extensive water system improvements initiated by WSSC nearly 20 years ago. The article specifically discusses the challenges of serving such a large area, and how extensive community outreach and involvement during all phases of the project, particularly in selecting the preferred alignment and construction method, was very important. Also discussed is the application of advanced risk management techniques.
Lessonslearned from drinking water disaster and terrorism exercises
Authors: Whelton Andrew J. , Wisniewski Patti Kay , States Stanley , Birkmire Sara E. , Brown Michael K.
Published: February 2018

Utilities that fail to conduct emergency training may find themselves relying on untested paper emergency plans when they face an actual crisis.
Using the Theory of Constraints to focus organizational improvement efforts: Part 2—Determining and implementing the solution
Authors: Shoemaker Thomas E. , Reid Richard A.
Published: February 2018

The theory of constraints (TOC) features powerful logic tools to help managers create and implement changes to eliminate obstacles to improving system performance. Most often applied to managerial challenges in the private sector, TOC was recently used by managers at the Albuquerque (N.M.) Water Utility Division to facilitate continuous improvement within the maintenance system. This article, the second in a two‐part series, describes how TOC methods were used to zero‐in on operational problems, identify their root causes, and develop proactive solutions. Although only some of the strategies developed by the Albuquerque team have been put into operation, preliminary results are positive. The essence of management is the determination and implementation of organizational change. As this study demonstrates, managers need to be aware of the major role played by operational policies, their existing applicability, and current interpretation because the application of existing policies is often the key element limiting performance.
Who Will Pay? Who Will Profit? An Overview of Trends and Opportunities in the Water Business
Authors: Maxwell Steve
Published: February 2018

This article discusses trends and opportunities in the water business, focusing on several key factors that are driving the overall expansion and consolidation of the broader water industry. Those key factors include: worsening of water quality and scarcity problems; growing public awareness; expanding regulation and enforcement levels; and, huge capital expenditures. The article explains how these drivers, in turn, give rise to various trends and effects, which will likely be key features in the water business for years to come. The resultant trends and developments include: a reinvention of privatization; a continuing consolidation and rearrangement of ownership; the growing involvement of private equity funds; more efficient water use and greater reliance on recycling and reuse; and, growing consumer power.
Interference With Groundwater Rights Can Constitute an Unconstitutional Taking of Property
Authors: Stiegler Mayo H.
Published: February 2018

The Supreme Court of Ohio has ruled that a landowner has a property interest in any groundwater underlying the land and that governmental interference with that right can constitute an unconstitutional taking of property.
Proposed rule aims to enhance LCR implementation
Authors: Scharfenaker Mark
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the long‐awaited U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) rule to correct several Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) problems. Proposed in mid‐July amidst evidence that even the lead action level of 15 μg/L at the 90th percentile of monitored homes is still being misconstrued as a health standard, the rule consolidates into seven categorical changes the nine corrective actions it identified in the March 2005 Drinking Water Lead Reduction Plan. The USEPA said the proposal aims to strengthen LCR implementation in the short‐term by clarifying the original intent of certain requirements and revising others. The agency estimates that the changes would impose one‐time, up‐front costs of $8.1 million on utilities and $730,000 on states and combined annual costs ranging from $5.1 million to $5.5 million.
Kinetics of dihaloacetic acid formation during chloramination
Authors: Pope Phillip G. , Speitel Gerald E. , Collins M. Robin
Published: February 2018

Batch experiments were conducted on both source and treated water from four locations to study the kinetics of dihaloacetic acid (X2AA) formation during chloramination. The influence of treatment, pH, bromide concentration, and periods of free chlorination on X2AA formation kinetics was examined. Bromine‐substituted X2AA, i.e., bromochloroacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid, formed more rapidly than did dichloroacetic acid; short periods of prechlorination (between 5 and 20 min) significantly increased haloacetic acid (HAA) formation. This research demonstrates that most X2AA formation occurs within water treatment facilities that prechlorinate before chloramination; therefore, HAA control strategies in such plants should focus on the chlorination step.
DOC analyzer reduces coagulant use
Authors: Rouse John M.
Published: February 2018

This paper describes how, relying on advanced technology to help manage its treatment process, Brick Township, New Jersey, recently installed an on‐line dissolved organic carbon (DOC) analyzer for monitoring influent sources. This new instrument replaced the manual grab samples for UV254 that were taken every four hours and analyzed in the operations laboratory to help determine coagulant dose. The on‐line analyzer is tied to the plant's supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system and sends real‐time on‐line measurements of influent raw water DOC concentrations to the control room display. As raw water conditions change, the coagulant dose will immediately track with the on‐line UV254 result, as opposed to overfeeding or underfeeding during the period of time necessary for the operator to respond.
Trihalomethane Cometabolism By A Mixed‐Culture Nitrifying Biofilter
Authors: Wahman David G. , Katz Lynn E. , Speitel Gerald E.
Published: February 2018

Biofilters seeded with mixed‐culture nitrifiers from Lake Austin, Texas, and fed nutrient and Lake Austin water biodegraded the four trihalomethanes (THMs) commonly found in treated drinking water—bromoform, chloroform, dibromochloromethane, and dichlorobromomethane. THMs were degraded by cometabolism, and degradation increased with increased THM bromine substitution and increased total ammonia‐nitrogen biodegradation. Overall, these experiments resulted in sustained THM removals ranging from 10 to 60% for varying operating conditions. Three operational issues were also studied: THM product toxicity, nutrient limitations, and monochloramine inhibition of ammonia and THM degradation. The cometabolism stability index represents a simple and useful parameter for evaluating the likelihood of product toxicity problems in biofilter operation. Nutrient limitations (e.g., iron and copper) may exist for natural water sources, and supplemental nutrients may be needed to achieve maximum THM degradation rates. Influent monochloramine concentrations of 1 mg/L (or less) as Cl2 appear to be a good target for stable operation of developed biofilms.
How Many is Too Many?
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses world population growth and presents both the optimistic and pessimistic views on humanity's ability to solve whatever problems ensue as a result of population growth. The pessimists point out that the true limiting factor for economic development of underdeveloped countries will be water, saying that the tradeoff will be water for agriculture to feed people or water for people to drink. Hoffbuhr states that the question we should really be answering is: How can we effectively manage our resources to meet the needs of the earth's population?
Emergency preparedness for drinking water and wastewater systems
Authors: Whitler John
Published: February 2018

This article gives an overview of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) Water Security Division (WSD) whose mission is to provide national leadership to the water sector in developing and promoting security practices that enhance the water sector's ability to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from natural or human‐caused emergencies. The article focuses on how USEPA is supporting the water sector to be better prepared and reduce the effect on public health, the environment, and the economy should an incident ever occur.
A methodology for predicting check valve slam
Authors: Ballun John V.
Published: February 2018

Check valve slam, a problem commonly associated with check valves, is often discovered during startup of the pump system, by which time it is too late to easily overcome. An extensive program of valve flow testing conducted to develop profiles of slamming characteristics for various types of check valves is described. Research results led to a methodology designed to help system designers predict and ultimately prevent check valve slam through selection of valves that are less prone to slam and associated water hammer. Different check valves offer different advantages such as reduced cost, low head loss, or special flow characteristics. Ultimately, the best check valve is the one that meets the requirements of a particular installation or application. Consulting engineers and utilities alike can use the data that are provided in this article, combined with field experience and other readily available information, to make informed choices and resolve check valve problems.
Development and characterization of nonpathogenic surrogates for UV reactor validation
Authors: Fallon Kristen S. , Hargy Thomas M. , Mackey Erin D. , Wright Harold B. , Clancy Jennifer L.
Published: February 2018

Ultraviolet (UV) light for disinfection of drinking water is garnering increased attention because of its ability to inactivate Cryptosporidium at low UV doses. In the United States, reactors are validated using coliphage MS2 as the challenge surrogate; however, MS2 is significantly more UV‐resistant than Cryptosporidium, a regulated pathogen targeted for UV inactivation credit. This study characterized the UV dose‐response of microorganisms that more closely match the dose‐response of Cryptosporidium than does MS2. Dose‐responses of several bacteriophages were determined. The stability of phages in groundwaters in the presence and absence of three UV absorbers was examined. The UV dose‐responses of phages T7 and SP8 were similar to that of Cryptosporidium; β was more resistant than Cryptosporidium but less so than MS2. Some water matrixes had a negative effect on the survivability or recoverability of phages; this effect was amplified or negated with the addition of UV absorbers.
Piling Up
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses the problems with source water pollution that occur from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). He points out that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has tried to address source water pollution with concepts such as total maximum daily loads and watershed‐based National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting. However, due to the limitations of the Clean Water Act, protecting drinking water sources is considered an “other goal” rather than being the focus of the permitting process. Hoffbuhr presents another approach that involves urging agriculturists to use best management practices to control nonpoint contaminants that has been successful particularly when there are funds available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist with such practices. Hoffbuhr urges support for an omnibus Farm Bill that is up for reauthorization in Congress now, and would provide significant funds for source water protection.
Blue Water Awards: Recognizing Utilities that Protect the Environment
Authors: Richter Brian
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a collaboration between the Nature Conservancy (TNC), the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and numerous other organizations to assist water managers with the delicate balancing act of protecting public health and safety while also protecting freshwater ecosystems and meeting the water supply needs of the communities they serve. This would take the form of recognition of water utilities that are doing an outstanding job of protecting the natural environment. This initiative, tentatively called the “Blue Water Awards,” is envisioned as a voluntary, incentive‐based program in which water utilities would be invited to apply for an award by demonstrating that they are meeting environmentally based performance standards. Though not yet formalized, it is envisioned that standards would be developed in five categories that would include: water quality; source water protection; environmental (instream) flows; efficiency and conservation; and, integrated water resource management. Questions concerning the key elements of the program are discussed and a list of the roundtable participants is provided.
The Infrastructure Challenge: Public—Private Partnerships Offer a Solution
Authors: Young John
Published: February 2018

This article discusses public‐private partnerships whereby private‐sector water companies assist in designing, rebuilding, and operating publicly‐owned water systems. The article first discusses the challenges that communities are facing such as aging infrastructure, increasing complexity in system management, and growing demand for water. The article goes on to discuss how public‐private partnerships can help local municipalities by offering a holistic approach to water management that includes leveraging expertise, total water management, funding, responsibility, and utility growth.
The Paradox of Water Dollars: Connecting the Supply of Funds with Investment Demand
Authors: Maxwell Steve
Published: February 2018

This article focuses on the paradox between the stampede of investors of all sizes wanting to invest in the water industry, and the huge infrastructure and capacity needs crying out for new dollars. The article outlines several factors that explain this apparent paradox and offers some steps that can be taken to help bridge the disconnect.
Beyond the Tap: City water service as a catalyst for regional economic development
Authors: Sundheimer Marlene , Zone Matt , Speranza Elisa
Published: February 2018

To develop support for needed rate increases, the Cleveland Water Division (CWD) used a comprehensive financial plan. Their management approach mirrors the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Office of Water's Sustainable Water Infrastructure Initiative. In this program, the USEPA collaborates with drinking water and wastewater utility managers, trade associations, local watershed protection organizations, and state and local officials to ensure that investment in the nation's water infrastructure is sustainable into the future. CWD commissioned CH2M HILL's Utility Management Solutions Group to undertake the comprehensive financial plan. The plan included several unique elements designed to address the city's need to sustain its operations well into the future. The scope of the plan included a cost‐of‐service study, rate design, a financial planning and rate model that included customer and demand forecast modules, stakeholder communication support, a water audit and studies of system expansion, new products, and automated metering.
Community benefits and costs of surpassing drinking water quality standards
Authors: Silverman Gary S.
Published: February 2018

Water providers face difficult decisions when compliance with regulatory standards does not satisfy public demands for improved water quality. This study examined a community's response to a system upgrade with respect to perceptions of water quality, use of household water treatment, and purchase of bottled water. Economic implications were also investigated, including the comprehensive community benefits accruing to improved treatment. Information was obtained by surveying 590 residents in Bowling Green, Ohio, in 1997‐98 before a substantial system upgrade was implemented, and 714 residents in 2004 after the upgrade had been in place for several years. Results showed that the community response included meaningful increased satisfaction with municipal water quality and that overall community costs for drinking water were not increased. Increased municipal costs were offset by reduced reliance on more expensive alternative supplies of drinking water. The data and conclusions presented should help other utilities weighing the costs and benefits of upgrades to their systems.
Addressing problems with gas supersaturation at drinking water utilities
Authors: Edwards Marc , Scardina Paolo
Published: February 2018

Gas bubbles forming during conventional water treatment can reduce operating efficiency. The most common problems caused by bubbles include floating floc during coagulation and sedimentation, air binding in media filters and upflow clarifiers, and erroneous particle counts or turbidity measurements. Gas bubbles form in areas that are supersaturated with dissolved gas with respect to the localized solution pressure. Measurements of dissolved gas through the facility and estimates of the localized pressure can identify problems, and bubble formation predictions should be routine before design of any new treatment plant. Although simple strategies often can be used to reduce the adverse effects of bubble formation, other cases may require additional treatment steps to alleviate dissolved‐gas supersaturation. The authors used case studies from several water utilities and laboratory studies to develop parameters that should be considered when designing a new treatment plant or modifying an existing facility to avoid problems associated with dissolved gas.
El Paso's Citizens Embrace the Value of Water and Reap Big Rewards
Authors: Tennyson Patricia A. , Parker Karol Walker
Published: February 2018

The growing desert community of El Paso faced challenges in terms of identifying water supplies to meet demands and support the economy despite the fact that the community might not be able to afford the cost of infrastructure construction and repairs. This article describes how El Paso Water Utilities (EPWU) looked critically at its operations and made improvements, developed a rate structure that supported major goals such as conserving water, ensured that a safe and reliable water supply was available well into the future, and made the resource commitments necessary to involve the public and actively communicate with the community. EPWU learned that development of a sustainable water supply program requires planning and communicating about the value of water so the community will support the infrastructure investments it takes for this public‐private partnership to continue to succeed.
Lead Particles in Potable Water
Authors: Triantafyllidou Simoni , Parks Jeffrey , Edwards Marc
Published: February 2018

The occurrence of particulate lead in drinking water deserves increased scrutiny. This is especially true because models of human exposure to lead, sampling protocols, analytical methods, and environmental assessments are often based on the presumed dominance of soluble lead in drinking water. Recent cases of childhood lead poisoning were tied to solder particles that detached from the plumbing and contaminated the potable water supply. In cases such as these, common samplehandling procedures can “miss” particulate lead present in water samples. In some instances, the actual amount of lead present in drinking water samples may be five times higher than that obtained using approved protocols. The presence of chloride, warmer temperature, and lower pH in the human stomach may render a significant fraction of this “missed” particulate lead as bioavailable when ingested.
Committee Report: Magnetic Inductive Flowmeters
Authors:   AWWA Standards Subcommittee on Magnetic Devices
Published: February 2018

This article establishes the groundwork for development of an AWWA standard on magmeters. Because there is currently no AWWA standard that provides guidelines for magmeter selection, the variety of available materials and end connections may leave the user uncertain about which equipment design to select. Incorrect equipment selection and vague installation guidelines, as with other types of flowmeters, may lead to undesirable results. This article provides basic information about the acceptable level of performance for industry applications and installation requirements for magmeters. A future standard should include all topics discussed in this article as well as additional information that will supplement a user's knowledge of the technology.
Sun‐ and Wind‐powered Solar Cube Is a Self‐contained Water Purification System
Authors: Miner Gary , Wood Richard
Published: February 2018

This article presents the Solar Cube?, a portable and self‐contained water purification system that uses solar and wind power. The Solar Cube incorporates automatic backflush prefiltration, which makes this small, efficient water treatment unit ideal for providing disaster relief and supplying water to remote villages.
Re‐examining A Utility's Brand Image
Authors: Villegas Samantha
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the importance of a utility's brand image in communicating the value of water to its customers. The article defines branding, and uses the experience of Loudoun County Sanitation Authority (LCSA) in northern Virginia as an example of re‐examining a utility's brand image. Issues involving LCSA's brand‐image are discussed, along with understanding the parts of a brand‐image, and the top 10 lessons LCSA learned from the process of re‐examining its brand‐image.
Comparative seawater RO pretreatment evaluation using bench‐ and pilot‐scale testing
Authors: Kumar Manish , Adham Samer , Decarolis James , Pearce William
Published: February 2018

Desalination using seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) technology is an important option available to water‐scarce coastal regions. Recent full‐scale experiences have shown that pretreatment is the key for this application of RO technology. In this article, a unique series of bench‐ and pilot‐scale tests are presented. These tests were conducted to determine the effect of pretreatment on SWRO performance. Seawater in the San Diego, Calif., region was first characterized to elucidate the difference between open‐ocean and enclosed‐bay water quality with respect to selection of an appropriate site for an SWRO plant. Two pretreatment schemes for SWRO—conventional pretreatment (coagulation/media filtration) and membrane filtration—were then evaluated using water obtained from two locations within the San Diego Bay, and the effluent water quality from these pretreatments was characterized. RO systems were then operated on these pretreated waters to evaluate the effect of pretreatment type on RO fouling and to correlate the pretreated water quality with the extent of RO fouling. The results show that for both source water types the seawater treated by microfiltration caused lower RO flux decline when compared with conventionally treated seawater. It was also found that the pretreated water silt density index was generally a good indicator of RO fouling for the experiments conducted.