bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling enhanced coagulation to improve ozone disinfection
Authors: Urfer Daniel , Huck Peter M. , Gagnon Graham A. , Mutti Dennis , Smith Franklyn
Published: February 2018

Empirical modeling accurately predicts the benefits of enhanced coagulation in an investigation at full scale.

Use of enhanced coagulation to improve disinfection capabilities (C X T) of a postsedimentation ozonation system was investigated at full scale at the Mannheim Water Treatment Plant in Kitchener, Ont. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the effects of different water quality, environmental, and engineered parameters on the average ozone (O3) concentration (Cavg) in the O3 contactor. It was found that Cavg was significantly affected by the transferred O3 dose, the settled water pH, the settled water nonpurgeable organic carbon concentration, the flow rate, and the water temperature. For the specific water tested, model predictions indicated that operation of the plant under enhanced coagulation conditions could substantially improve the disinfection capacity of the ozone system, compared with conventional coagulation. Modeling results also showed that the effect of flow rate (i.e., contact time) on C X T depended on the rate of O3 decay. For rapid O3 decay conditions, models predicted an increase in calculated C X T with increasing flow rate (i.e., decreased contact time).
A Crash Course in Drinking Water
Authors: Kemp‐Rye Mark
Published: February 2018

Several resources for the drinking water industry are discussed, including: American Water Works Association; periodicals; Back to Basics guides; Water Board Bible series; World Wide Web; and the National Drinking Water Clearinghouse.
DBO and DBM gain popularity
Authors: Beringer Robert
Published: February 2018

These alternative project delivery methods can offer lower costs and accelerated schedules and inspire teamwork among engineers, contractors, and operators.
Training center targets small system operators
Authors: Xie Yuefeng , Cole Charles A. , Long David A.
Published: February 2018

This new program will help rural and remote systems enhance their managerial and technical capacity by honing operators' computer and laboratory skills.

Almost 96 percent of the public water system violations in Pennsylvania in 1996 involved monitoring and reporting, whereas 2 percent involved maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). About 58 percent of the MCL violations were related to the Total Coliform Rule. These violations point to the importance of basic operator training and technology transfer and to the need for a well‐designed operator training program for small systems in Pennsylvania's rural and remote areas. Using grant funds from the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania State University are developing a Small Public Water Systems Technology Assistance Center at the Harrisburg campus. Two training approaches are proposed: (1) train the trainers and (2) train the operators.
Solving O&M Problems on the Net
Authors: Miller Ellen G.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the advantages of using tools like the Internet to stretch customer dollars and staff time. It lists two basic items required for Internet access: a late model computer with at least a 28.8 speed modem, and an Internet service provider account. Also, Internet sites that post O&M questions, answers, and menus are given.
From Competition to Consolidation
Authors: Gorden Steve
Published: February 2018

New AWWA President Steve Gorden says consolidation is inevitable as competition forces utilities to streamline administrative costs.
Will membranes replace conventional treatment?
Authors: Martinez Roy L.
Published: February 2018

Regulations, cost‐effectiveness, ease of operation, and automation may make membranes the water treatment technology of choice.
Oxidation of MTBE by ozone and peroxone processes
Authors: Liang Sun , Palencia Leslie Soo , Yates Richard S. , Davis Marshall K. , Bruno Jeanne‐Marie , Wolfe Roy L.
Published: February 2018

These two processes effectively remove MTBE but may also increase bromate.

Initial pilot‐scale investigations demonstrated that both ozone alone and a combination of ozone and hydrogen peroxide (known as peroxone) can remove methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) from water sources used by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Under the tested conditions, peroxone more effectively removed MTBE than did ozone alone. In pilot tests, peroxone (here, 4 mg/L ozone and 1.3 mg/L hydrogen peroxide) removed an average of about 78 percent of the MTBE from water samples taken from the California State Water Project and the Colorado River. However, in peroxone‐treated samples from both water sources at ambient conditions, bromate was produced at concentrations above the maximum contaminant level of 10 μg/L for bromate in drinking water. A lower pH of 6.5 reduced bromate formation by about 20 percent in samples from both water sources, but it did not reduce the bromate concentration below 10 μg/L (the water sources contained about 0.1 mg/L bromide). Further optimization of the peroxone process may minimize bromate formation while providing acceptable MTBE removal and disinfection.
Cassandras and Pollyannas
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In this column, Jack W. Hoffbuhr, Executive Director of the American Water Works Association, discusses world population growth, giving both the pessimistic viewpoint of the Cassandras who predict doom and oblivion if the world's population continues to grow, and the optimistic viewpoint of the Pollyannas who are eternally optimistic about humanity's ability to solve whatever problems come up as a result of population growth.
Cement‐mortar pipes as a source of aluminum
Authors: Berend Kenrick , Trouwborst Tom
Published: February 2018

Acute aluminum intoxication in dialysis patients was traced to aluminum leached from new cement–mortar pipes.

In 1996 in Curaçao, acute aluminum (Al) intoxication sickened patients in a dialysis center that used tap water to prepare dialysate. The mortality rate was 32 percent. A new factory‐lined cement–mortar water distribution pipe had recently been installed. It is known that substantial amounts of barium, cadmium, and chromium can leach from cement–mortar linings. This article shows that high concentrations of Al can leach from cement mortars for at least two years in soft, aggressive water. The newly installed pipe, cement containing four times as much Al as usual, corrosive water, the high pH and temperature of the water, long residence time, and perhaps the corrosion inhibitor polyphosphate may have promoted this leaching. Certification of cements used to line water pipes is warranted. Central water treatment plants must distribute noncorrosive water, especially plants that use membrane desalination or other reverse osmosis or nanofiltration processes. Dialysis units should be promptly informed of any impending change in water treatment that might increase the Al content of tap water and also of any accidental pollution of the water distributed. Dialysis centers should always practice extended purification of tap water used for dialysate. Although Al as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the general population is still debated, there is no doubt that Al causes dialysis encephalopathy.
What do utility workers want?
Authors: Harmon Rick
Published: February 2018

Organizations that are flexible and creative in their benefits and culture may find it easier to meet their own needs as well as those of their employees.
Evaluation of four commercial antibodies
Authors: Hoffman Rebecca , Chauret Christian , Standridge Jon , Peterson Linda
Published: February 2018

Evaluation of commercially available anti‐Cryptosporidium and anti‐Giardia antibodies indicates each offers advantages and disadvantages.

Flow cytometer‐derived fluorescence measurements were used to evaluate lot‐to‐lot variability, cross‐reactivity, and avidity of four antibodies. Variability within kit 3 and 4 antibody lots was great, whereas kits 1 and 2 stained parasites consistently. Kit 3 and 4 antibodies cross‐reacted with non‐parvum Cryptosporidium; kit 1 and 4 antibodies cross‐reacted with Giardia muris. Kit 1 (primary only), 2, and 3 anti‐Cryptosporidium antibodies formed low‐avidity complexes, unlike those in kits 1 (secondary) and 4 and all Giardia antibodies. Additionally, the authors quantified the ability of antibodies to bind stressed and unstressed parasites following methodological processing. The studies identified significant differences in antibody characteristics and performance.
Atrazine removal by preloaded GAC
Authors: Knappe Detlef R.U. , Snoeyink Vernon L. , Roche Pascal , Prados Maria José , Bourbigot Marie‐Marguerite
Published: February 2018

Utilities can use predictions of remaining GAC life to develop a GAC regeneration or replacement schedule.

The effect of granular activated carbon (GAC) service time on the remaining life of GAC adsorbers that are exposed to periodic pollutant episodes was evaluated. Equilibrium and kinetic parameters describing the adsorption of atrazine were determined for GAC that had been preloaded with background organic matter (BOM) for as long as 25 months. Furthermore, atrazine removal was measured in pilot tests employing GAC that had been preloaded for five and 20 months. Isotherm data showed that (1) preloaded BOM sharply reduced the remaining adsorption capacity of GAC for atrazine, (2) competitive adsorption was not important on the tested preloaded GAC samples, and (3) use of pulverized preloaded GAC led to an overestimate of remaining adsorption capacity. Preloading had the greatest effect on GAC capacity; adsorption kinetics were not affected as severely. The homogeneous surface diffusion model was used to predict atrazine removal in pilot tests and to predict remaining GAC life. For the given adsorbent and background water, remaining life predictions for atrazine removal are presented for scenarios that may be typical for utilities in the midwestern United States and in western Europe.
Trends in privatization
Authors: Dysard Joe A.
Published: February 2018

Competition is changing the face of the public water supply profession.

Internal and external competition will likely change the domestic water–wastewater industry in the first part of the twenty‐first century. Regulatory requirements calling for new or upgraded plants, the consequences of deferred maintenance, resistance to rate increases, and communities in financial turmoil promise to threaten both the industry's response to competitive pressures and the desire to improve. This article reports the results of a national survey indicating the trends that are emerging in the public water market to fight these problems. Although some respondents have turned to performance or management audits, outsourcing, staff reductions, automation, and benchmarking to effect change and become more competitive, many are considering public–private partnerships.
Assessing performance benchmarking
Authors: Andrews Bruce H. , Schumann Paul D. , Gowen Tracy L.
Published: February 2018

A new performance benchmarking system enables a water company to be more competitive by setting aggressive yet feasible goals.

Consumers Water Company in Portland, Maine, developed and implemented a new goal‐setting–performance‐measurement system for its regional operating companies. The new system scrutinizes a company's past and future performance in relation to that of its peers and itself. Implementation of this new, generalizable system has allowed Consumers Water Company to evaluate its historical performance as a holding company versus that of its peers, as well as establish feasible, aggressive targets for its individual regional companies based on their inherent capabilities. The methodology appears to be readily adoptable by other water utilities.
Utility benchmarking on the West Coast
Authors: Paralez Linda L.
Published: February 2018

Establishing a meaningful benchmarking methodology was a challenge for the Western Regional Water Utilities Benchmarking Group.

In 1996, a group of water utilities formed the Western Regional Water Utilities Benchmarking Group to search for meaningful benchmarking structures and practices. This article describes the processes used in the research, its findings, and the group's plans for using these findings. The group encountered many challenges in determining a benchmarking approach. The methods used, the lessons learned, and the benchmarking model tests are discussed in relation to operational definitions, qualitative and quantitative protocol, data availability, data management practices, maintenance planning practices, and use of automation. Key findings included unexpected differences in maintenance strategies and tactics among participating utilities and a general ineffectiveness at accessing and using collected or stored component data for decision‐making purposes. The article closes with plans for future use of the benchmarking data and findings to evaluate more specifically differences in practices, outputs, and outcomes.
Happy Anniversary
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his monthly column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr analyzes whether significant progress has been made toward achieving the purpose of the Safe Drinking Water Act since it was signed into being on December 16, 1974. He states that in order for the partnership of the water utility/state regulatory agency/US Environmental Protection Agency to be successful, it must continue to be strengthened.
What's Next?
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses the need to anticipate the future as best we can. He talks about converting the Information Revolution into the Knowledge Revolution by turning information into useful knowledge that facilitates strategic planning and decision making. He is hopeful that water and wastewater utilities will take continuous quality improvement seriously and support an accreditation program. He sites QualServe and the Partnership for Safe Water programs as having shown that they are effective models for facilitating continuous improvement in operations, management, and water quality. His final hope for the future is to eliminate waterborne disease throughout the world.
Ninety Percent Sure
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses how technology “angst” influences how we perceive situations that are actually proven to be of no concern, but are blown out of proportion nonetheless because of our current bugaboo about technology. He sites the Y2K computer bug as an example and makes a correlation between how we reacted to that situation and how the same type of reaction could be used to provide impetus to an effort to replace the aging infrastructures of our country's water supply systems.
Reconsidering the Total Coliform Rule
Authors: Pontius Frederick W.
Published: February 2018

Amendments to the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) require the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to review and revise as needed existing National Primary Drinking Water Regulations at least every six years. This article discusses the Total Coliform Rule, which is among the first regulations to be reviewed for possible revision.
A new century of treatment and distribution
Authors: Dyksen John E.
Published: February 2018

Conquering emerging pathogens, replacing infrastructure, and enhancing distribution system reliability top the to‐do list for drinking water professionals in 2000 and beyond.
Enlibra
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses a document entitled, “Enlibra: A New Shared Doctrine for Environmental Management.” It recognizes that new methods were needed to make the difficult trade‐offs called for in environmental and public health protection. Enlibra proposes eight principles to bring order and rationality back to the decision‐making process, the most important of which is developing a performance‐based system to reward results rather than continue with the existing contaminant‐by‐contaminant inquisition. To be successful, utilities will have to take a leadership role in defining and adhering to high standards of performance and continual improvement.
Conferences Yield Benefits
Authors: Secor Steve
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the importance of sending utility personnel to conferences, professional organization meetings, and local groups associated with the responsibilities of operating a water system. The article stresses that small systems need to provide not only the time but also the resources to nurture local expertise in this area of a city's operations.
Digging Deeper
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr focuses on infrastructure replacement and the problem of finding adequate funding.
Regulations for Aluminum in Drinking Water
Authors: Pontius Frederick W.
Published: February 2018

Aluminum (Al) compounds are used in many applications, including as a coagulant for water treatment. Al is also a well‐established neurotoxin. Epidemiological studies indicating a potential link between Al and adverse neurological effects have generated controversy as to whether a drinking water standard for Al is needed. This article discusses regulatory values for Al in drinking water and the differences in opinion of regulatory agencies regarding the regulation of Al.
Building your business overseas
Authors: Zeytoun Ellen Bohon
Published: February 2018

The US Department of Commerce can help American water treatment companies take advantage of foreign business opportunities.

A 1995 World Bank report on the global environmental industry indicated that the world will need to spend $600 billion to $800 billion over the next decade in the areas of water supply, sanitation, irrigation, and power. The US market is so large and well developed that American companies often overlook the significant number of opportunities overseas. However, as the US market becomes fairly well saturated and business opportunities become more scarce, companies will have to look overseas for future growth and survival in this competitive industry. The US Department of Commerce's Office of Environmental Technologies Exports can help US companies take advantage of opportunities overseas. This article provides an overview of international water markets and information on US Department of Commerce export assistance programs available to US companies.
Committee Report: Disinfection at small systems
Authors:   AWWA Water Quality Division Disinfection Systems Committee
Published: February 2018

A survey of smaller water systems' disinfection practices looks at strengths and potential pitfalls in light of upcoming drinking water regulations.

In 1998, the Disinfection Systems Committee of AWWA's Water Quality Division surveyed the disinfection practices of smaller US water systems (serving 10,000 or fewer people). Systems using groundwater and those using surface water were surveyed separately. Of survey respondents, 97 percent of surface water systems and 86 percent of groundwater systems provided disinfection. Among surface water systems responding, 94 percent provided filtration. Survey data suggest that most systems will be able to comply with Stage 1 Disinfectants/Disinfection By‐products Rule requirements for total trihalomethanes, but many may need to better control haloacetic acids. This report suggests that systems currently using disinfection should begin disinfectant and disinfection byproduct monitoring and develop disinfection profiles ahead of regulatory requirements.
Optimization of freeze‐thaw conditioning
Authors: Parker Philip J. , Collins Anthony G.
Published: February 2018

Mechanical freeze–thaw conditioning of treatment residuals may be cost‐effective.

Mechanical freeze–thaw conditioning of water treatment residuals (sludge) produces a product with extremely high solids content. Intuitively, the process appears too expensive to be feasible. This article presents a model that can be used to investigate the economics of mechanical freeze–thaw conditioning. Model results reveal two cost‐optimum freezing conditions: typically an initial solids content of 10 percent w/w or higher, and curing times > 6 h. Also, the model is used to compare the cost of the optimum freeze–thaw designs with the costs of traditional residuals management trains. Results show that freeze–thaw conditioning may be cost‐effective for moderate to high disposal costs (> $25/t [$28/metric t]) and low electricity rates (< $0.075 · kW–1· h–1).
Helping Water Committees Provide Needed Services in Rural Mexico
Authors: León Francisco García
Published: February 2018

This article describes the Potable Water and Sanitation Institutional Consolidation Program in the Communities in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. The Program seeks to help reduce the backlog of needed potable water and sanitation services in rural areas, create infrastructure for the population, and promote participation in system operation and maintenance. It also encourages local authorities to work together and to consolidate rural potable water committees.
Guarding public health and the environment
Authors: Speranza Elisa
Published: February 2018

Water suppliers must strike a balance between protecting the environment and delivering a clean, safe, sufficient, and affordable product.
Increasing alkalinity to reduce turbidity
Authors: Tseng Tai , Segal Brad D. , Edwards Marc
Published: February 2018

Increasing alkalinity can improve treatment at the best coagulant dosage.

Runoff can rapidly change coagulant demand and produce water that is difficult to treat by conventional coagulation processes. In cases in which alkalinity dropped below about 30 mg/L as CaCO3, adding supplemental OH– (using lime or sodium hydroxide)—and thereby markedly increasing alkalinity before adding coagulant—sharply reduced turbidity after sedimentation but increased coagulant demand. Coagulant demand was a linear function of increased alkalinity and raw water dissolved organic carbon, and it was not strongly influenced by turbidity or calcium concentration below about a pH of 7.8.
A Virtual Challenge
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses the pros and cons of professional associations vs. the onslaught of information services offered by the virtual networks of a variety of dotcom Internet providers.
Home Water Treatment Devices
Authors: VanDerKolk Charles
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the salespitch for home water treatment devices and Consumer Confidence Reports as an opportunity to educate the public as to how hard the utilities are working to ensure a safe supply of public drinking water.
Consolidating existing pressure zones
Authors: Smyth James L.
Published: February 2018

The Sweetwater Authority in Southern California converted five separate water system pressure zones into one zone while maintaining service to its customers.

A portion of an existing water system that comprised five separate pressure zones was consolidated into one zone. This article reports on the process of increasing the water pressure by 241 kPa (35 psi) in 46.7 km (29 mi) of distribution pipelines serving 2,900 connections. Because of aging infrastructure and the need to meet current fire department standards, construction of new facilities was needed. However, the real challenge to the staff of the Sweetwater Authority in Southern California was to adequately develop a plan to convert a water system more than 50 years old to this higher pressure while maintaining water service to residential and commercial customers as well as a hospital. Considerable planning and communications among all departments within the authority and public notifications proved to be valuable in completing this project with minimal effects.
Y2K: What Really Happened to Small Systems?
Authors: Smith Sid
Published: February 2018

This article discusses how small water systems that are less technologically reliant were less likely to be affected by the potential failures predicted as a result of Y2K compliance problems.
1974
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his monthly column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses severaltopics of concern dating back to 1974 on the debate surrounding drinking water, and compares/contrasts the progress made in the past 26 years on these issues. They include: the need for more advanced treatment technology to meetwater‐supply requirements; the need for all surface water supplies to be treatedwith filtration in addition to disinfection; mandatory operator certification; unaccounted‐for water; and, the need for utilities to improve public credibility.
SDWA Implementation: Status and Outlook
Authors: Pontius Frederick W.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the current status of the 1996 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has completed all actions required of it to date; however, many new regulations have been issued or are in development. This article lists the new regulations, with special emphasis on improving source water protection; difficult decisions that the arsenic regulation poses; finalization of the radon rule; the successful funding assistance of the State Revolving Fund; infrastructure funding gaps; tort litigation concerns; and, how capacity development will take center stage.
Defining Sound Science
Authors: Pontius Frederick W.
Published: February 2018

The 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act amendments specifically require the US Environmental Protection Agency to use the best available, peer‐reviewed science and supporting studies conducted in accordance with sound and objective scientific practices. The agency is also required to use data collected by accepted methods or best available methods (if the reliability of the method and the nature of the decision justify use of the data). Given the importance of science to rulemaking, this article points out that sharp disagreements often exist regarding what constitutes sound science. Topics covered include: scientific truth is not infallible; the inductive method; the scientific method; postmodern science questions reason altogether; epidemiology versus toxicology; and, scientific claims must be evaluated.
Discussion of “Monochloramine and Legionnaires' disease”
Authors: Lin Yu‐sen E. , Yu Victor L. , Vidic Radisav D. , States Stanley J.
Published: February 2018

This paper discusses the hypothesis that monochloramine may be beneficial or control of Legionella in plumbing systems. Because monochloramine chlorine penetrates biofilms better than free chlorine, the hypothesis that chloramines are more effective in the biological niche of Legionella is biologically plausible. Investigators from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) presented a study in the September 2000 issue of Journal AWWA concluding that the use of monochloramine for disinfection of municipal water might prevent Legionnaires' disease. These authors suggested that 90 percent of hospital‐acquired outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease associated with drinking water might not have occurred if monochloramine had been used instead of free chlorine for residual disinfection.
An Executive Perspective
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses how aversion to change is part of human nature, from remote villages in Peru to volunteer‐based groups such as AWWA. He describes how the association is now vibrant, financially healthy, and is respected globally, after a major rebuilding about 10 years ago and renewed commitment to the membership and to public health. He points out how the QualServe program, online learning, e‐commerce, a more aggressive public communications program, strategic alliances, plus a new look and redefined content in the Journal are examples of the changes that the association must continue to make to be successful.
Tribes' Water Rights Take Precedence
Authors: Stiegler Mayo H.
Published: February 2018

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation could not issue water permits on a Native American reservation until the rights of a group of tribes had been quantified, according to the Supreme Court of Montana. In this case, a confederation of Native American tribes petitioned the Montana Supreme Court, seeking to enjoin the department from issuing water use permits on Native American reservations until the water rights of the reservations' tribes had been quantified.
Market Healthy for Home Treatment Devices
Authors: Parmelee Mary A.
Published: February 2018

Topics covered in this article include: the home treatment device market; geospatial information technology (GIT) that encompasses a broad range of technologies that represent digital information; and, the rising trend in national and international strategic alliances between architectural‐engineering‐construction (AEC) firms.
Changing the Face of the Water Industry
Authors: Crapeau Mark
Published: February 2018

This paper discusses two of the most pressing issues facing the water industry today, providing superior customer service and implementing the information technology (IT) needed to deliver that service. One solution is to outsource IT and other functions to application service providers (ASPs). Not only can an ASP partner deliver hardware, software, and network administration at lower costs, it can also take on such operations as billing, remittance, and customer information systems. Outsourcing noncore activities allows utilities to devote their time, expertise, and resources to the things they do best. Other trends are also changing the way the water industry does business. Web sites provide an online marketplace that offer a full range of water and wastewater services, including procurement. Privatization, mergers and acquisitions have proved to be viable options for utilities seeking to cut costs while maintaining quality service.
Tools for Creating Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Olstein Myron , Day Charles E. , Stanford Melissa
Published: February 2018

This paper discusses how higher levels of customer satisfaction within the water supply industry can have far‐reaching consequences ranging from less outsourcing of municipal utilities to decreased regulation of the industry. A study recently completed by the AWWA Research Foundation identified the most common customer service problems faced by utilities and tracked down solutions used by successful customer‐driven programs from both within and outside the water community. The lessons learned from those programs have led to development of practical, implementable guidance designed to help every utility improve its customer service. The study incorporates case histories, industry standards, performance benchmarks, technology information, and best practices in one easy‐to‐use tool kit.
Volunteers
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his monthly column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr recounts an experience he had building a school in the Andes Mountains of Peru while serving in the Peace Corps. Citing this as one of many examples of volunteerism, he writes about the importance of the power of volunteers and the difference they make in the quality of human life worldwide.
Water For People Supports Small Systems for Impoverished People Worldwide
Authors: Kraszewski Judi
Published: February 2018

This column describes Water For People (WFP), a nonprofit charitable organization started in 1991 by members of the American Water Works Association. WFP's official mission is to help the most impoverished people worldwide improve their quality of life by supporting sustainable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene projects. WFP's focus is the support of nongovernmental organizations and indigenous, grass roots groups that help communities with water projects. The country of Bolivia is highlighted in this column and examples of Bolivian projects sponsored by WFP are given.
Cutting Our Losses
Authors: Kunkel George
Published: February 2018

This article describes England and Wales' national structure of leakage and demand management, the most systematic in the world, and compares it to what the United States has to offer as far as correcting water loss at the supplier's end. Steps to improve the U.S. water accountability program are given.
Separating WASTEWATER SYSTEMS is key in protecting source waters
Authors: Kim Ji‐Youn , Park Heekyung
Published: February 2018

To help determine the future course of the source water management policies of Seoul, South Korea, this article qualitatively analyzes and compares the existing source water management systems of five large metropolitan areas: Seoul; Chicago, Illinois, and, New York City in the United States; and, Osaka and Tokyo in Japan. New York and Chicago have completely separated systems for source water and wastewater that do not allow wastewater, even treated effluent, to mix with source water. As a result, these cities enjoy source water of the highest quality on a sustainable basis. However, Tokyo and Osaka still struggle with low water quality, even though their wastewater handling capabilities are by no means inferior to those of the American cities. The Japanese cities' water quality problems appear to occur primarily because their systems allow treated effluents and discharges from agricultural and urban nonpoint sources to be mixed into their source water systems. Recently, through programs that build wastewater conveyance aqueducts along sections of the Yodo and Edo rivers, Osaka and Tokyo, respectively, have begun to adopt the concept of separating wastewater from source waters. The authors believe that if Osaka and Tokyo want to further improve their source water quality, they must follow the example of New York and Chicago and expand the concept of separation of systems farther upstream. Seoul has taken a similar approach by trying to separate its primary water and wastewater systems, and then proceed with expanding its waste systems and introducing advanced water treatment processes.
A New Millennium
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses three critical areas where the American Water Works Association needs to make its mark in the new millennium: infrastructure; source protection; and environmental regulation.
Massachusetts Rate Differentials Ruled Discriminatory
Authors: Stiegler Mayo H.
Published: February 2018

Water rate increases by the city of Springfield, Massachusetts, for a municipal wholesale electric company that were higher than increases for other customers were determined to be discriminatory and thus were not allowed.
Regulatory update for 2001 and Beyond
Authors: Pontius Frederick W.
Published: February 2018

The 1996 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) mandated the establishment of a series of new drinking water regulations. Since the enactment of the amendments, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has been busy developing, proposing, and finalizing regulatory actions. Regulatory activity peaked in 2000 and is expected to remain steady in 2001. The scope, status, and schedules for key regulations under development by USEPA are presented in an SDWA calendar in this paper. Important regulatory actions in 2000 and the outlook for 2001 and beyond are covered here.
What's on tap for Whitman
Authors: Scharfenaker Mark A.
Published: February 2018

This column focuses on the possible direction that the US Environmental Protection Agency may take under its new director, Christine Todd Whitman. Specifically discussing the drinking water program, the column also covers political appointments of the new administration that could affect the water industry. Topics covered include: the radon and groundwater rules; Safe Drinking Water Act regulations; operator certification guidelines; MTBE ban; and, the review and revision of current National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
Working toward An Active National Drought Policy
Authors: Deister Ane D.
Published: February 2018

This paper reports on the National Drought Policy Commission (NDPC), created by Congress in 1998 and charged with integrating federal, state, local, and tribal drought laws and programs into a comprehensive national policy. Through a series of public meetings, the commission heard firsthand from communities and individuals affected by drought and learned about solutions to help avoid or mitigate the effects of drought. On the basis of its findings, the NDPC advocated establishment of an ongoing national drought council and proposed a federal drought policy emphasizing preparedness and prevention rather than response after the fact. The commission also issued specific recommendations in the areas of planning; research on monitoring, prediction, and assessment; insurance and financial strategies; emergency response; and, coordination of drought programs.
Uses of a Long‐Term Water Production Database
Authors: Jones Jeanine , Matyac J. Scott , Orang Morteza
Published: February 2018

This paper discusses a database built from long‐term (50+ years) data on urban water production in California, home to one of every eight residents in the United States. It allows analysis of trends in urban water production and evaluation of climate, water supply availability, pricing, or socioeconomic effects on water production. Researchers can also use the data to evaluate reasons for differences in per‐capita water production among neighboring water systems or to evaluate the effects of hydrologic conditions such as droughts that transcend a single geographic region.
Second National Needs Survey Pegs Drinking Water Infrastructure Costs at $150.9 Billion
Authors: Scharfenaker Mark A.
Published: February 2018

This column discusses the US Environmental Protection Agency's cornerstone report for constructing a plan to address the critical investment need to upgrade the nation's aging water and wastewater infrastructure. Called the 1999 Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey (DWINS), the report concludes that the nation's 55,000 community water systems (CWSs) and 21,400 not‐for‐profit noncommunity water systems (NCWSs) will need to spend at least $150.9 billion over the next 20 years to pay for projects eligible for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) assistance to ensure delivery of safe drinking water. This report forms the basis for revising the formula that determines how much each state receives in annual federal grants to capitalize their DWSRFs for the next four years. Besides identifying a total needs figure for the next 20 years, the 1999 DWINS report breaks the numbers down into current and future needs, needs by size and type of system and by type of infrastructure improvement, needs to achieve and maintain compliance with existing and forthcoming SDWA regulations and by individual states and territories as well as American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Landowners' Lawsuit Not Prevented by Clean Water Act Provisions
Authors: Stiegler Mayo H.
Published: February 2018

Provisions of the Clean Water Act (CWA) that govern citizen enforcement suits did not preclude an action by landowners against a Tennessee city for the discharge of wastes into a creek, according to the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
AWWARF and Small Systems—an Underused Connection
Authors: Karlin Rick
Published: February 2018

This column gives a brief description of the AWWA Research Foundation and how it obtains financing for its projects that provide the information required for generating sound science for the development and implementation of and compliance with the regulations developed under the auspices of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Even though the primary focus is on large water utilities, most of the science generated can be applied to systems of all sizes and types. Research topics include: source protection; treatment; distribution systems; analytical techniques; utility management; and, health effects.
Survey Shows UV Installations on Steep Increase
Authors: Parmelee Mary A.
Published: February 2018

This column discusses a survey of seven manufacturers of ultraviolet (UV) applications that identified 454 installations larger than 0.1 mgd (0.4 ML/d) around the world that use UV light for potable water disinfection. A breakdown of countries that use UV, flow rates, types of treated source water, and UV manufacturers are listed.
Forces TO RECKON WITH
Authors: McCain Katie
Published: February 2018

In the past 100 years, our predecessors and our colleagues have changed the way that North Americans think about their water. As we look 100 years into the future, we're the ones who have to change the way we think about our water. Our mission–safe and sufficient supply of drinking water for our customers at a reasonable cost–is almost sure to remain the same, but we will accomplish that mission in the face of extraordinary forces. The most undeniable force is the finite amount of drinkable water that must serve more and more people every year. In the past century, the population of the world tripled, and water use increased tenfold. As you know, out of all the water on the planet, only about 1% is available for human use. That single truth–that there's a finite amount of water to share among more and more people–is integral to the forces that will shape our future. Other forces discussed in this article include: new technology; new methods of organization; and, new partners.
FACING—AND SHAPING—Our Future
Authors: Abouaish Yasser
Published: February 2018

This article discusses change in the water industry and suggests that one way to embrace change is to study the trends and issues affecting water utilities and related organizations. It discusses 14 important trends in the water industry that are originally discussed in a comprehensive study that researched the emerging trends affecting associations such as the American Water Works Association. They include: leadership's role; value/return on investment; responsiveness; governance; revenue sources; technology usage; change loops; generational issues; workforce; outsourcing and co‐sourcing; competition and alliances; consolidation and mergers; globalization; and, image‐building. Also published as a book chapter in “Excellence in Action: Water Utility Management in the 21st Century”, published in 2001 by the American Water Works Association, order number 20495.
KEEPING THE GOAL IN SIGHT
Authors: Klekamp Kenneth
Published: February 2018

This article discusses how important strong leadership is in the water industry and how strong leaders are needed at every level, from general managers to line maintenance crew leaders. It discusses criteria needed for strong leadership and the important role education plays in creating strong leaders.
FURTHER DISCUSSION OF “CONSCIENTIOUS Particle Counting”
Authors: Letterman Raymond D.
Published: February 2018

This discussion forum focuses on a December 1999 Journal AWWA article by Annika Van Gelder et al “Conscientious Particle Counting” and a critique of that article by Holger Sommer in the December 2000 Journal AWWA. In this discussion of the article, Letterman points out that the various light‐obscuration particle counters used in water treatment practice do not agree and may give count results that are lower than values from alternative counting methods such as electrical sensing zone instruments and visible light and electron microscopes.
The regulatory paradox
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses two different strategies being used by countries worldwide for regulating drinking water: the command‐and‐control system used by the United States and the United Kingdom; and, the guidance process used by Canada and Australia. He also discusses the system that Germany uses where compliance with voluntary criteria is determined by self‐evaluation and peer review. His personal bias is toward the German model of government water quality standards based on sound science and best‐of‐practice criteria developed and used by the water utilities through a credible accreditation system. He states that the QualServe and Partnership for Safe Water programs are excellent successful examples of this model in the United States.
AWWA gearing up for long‐range regulatory training
Authors: Scharfenaker Mark A.
Published: February 2018

This column discusses the monitoring and compliance deadlines, starting in 2003, for eight new and forthcoming US Environmental Protection Agency drinking water regulations especially for groundwater systems. It describes how the American Water Works Association's (AWWA) Technical and Educational Council is preparing to launch a long‐range regulatory training program for water system managers and operators. A list of web sites is given that provide more information on AWWA's current array of technical and educational events and resources.
WATER For PEOPLE: a decade of accomplishments AND AN AMBITIOUS FUTURE
Authors: Murphy Maripat
Published: February 2018

This year, Water For People (WFP) celebrates is 10th anniversary. Established in 1991, WFP, a private, nonprofit international development organization, was founded to help impoverished people obtain safe drinking water. Since then, WFP has improved the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of people by supporting approximately 400 sustainable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene projects in some 40 developing countries worldwide. The milestone of its 10th anniversary sees WFP shifting its focus from “bricks and mortar” construction projects to more complete program modules that include capacity building, training, and education. Its objective is to strengthen communities and professional associations so they are able to sustain and maintain projects and initiate new efforts on their own. WFP is looking at expanding its program to other countries and solidifying and expanding the organization's financial base.
Cities Not Required to Consider Locating Water Facilities Outside Farm Use Zone
Authors: Stiegler Mayo H.
Published: February 2018

In its consideration of the applications of cities to install intake wells and other water system facilities in an exclusive farm use (EFU) zone, an Oregon county was not required to consider the feasibility of alternative methods of providing water service that could occur on land outside the EFU zone.
Infrastructure Redux
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr focuses on the infrastructure debate and shares information from a special study of 20 US drinking water systems authorized by AWWA's Water Utility Council. He states that this study has compiled the best information on what really lies ahead in terms of drinking water infrastructure. For example, the study based the forecast of future pipe and treatment plant replacement costs on the actual operations experience of the selected utilities; i.e., it noted when the pipe in a particular utility was installed and what the repair/replacement history has been to date, and future investment needs were projected based on that history.
Citizens Allowed to Bring Suit to Enforce Clean Water Act
Authors: Stiegler Mayo H.
Published: February 2018

An individual citizen and citizens groups could bring an action to enforce provisions of the Clean Water Act (CWA), according to a ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.