bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New, Upgraded Member Benefits Help Utilities Tackle Tough Times
Authors: Zimmerman Gary J.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Gary Zimmerman provides examples of AWWA programs and services designed to assist its membership, including the following: WaterISAC, a private, not‐for‐profit organization established by water utilities with the fundamental purpose of providing information to support utility actions that ensure continuous operation in the face of all hazards; AWWA eLearning, an upgrade of AWWA's former Online Institute to a new eLearning platform that offers more content and functionality for its training, professional development and continuing education units (CEUs) via the Internet; AWWA.org, with enhancements to AWWA's information systems, will launch upgrades to its single sign‐on and shopping cart and multimedia content delivery; and, AWWA Business Operations has installed updated procurement procedures.
Meeting Today's Demand, Ensuring Tomorrow's Supply
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

From the drought‐parched Southeast to the water‐rich Pacific Northwest, conservation has become part and parcel of a utility's master plan. No longer just a temporary activity that's dusted off and put to use during a drought, conservation is infiltrating the contemporary lifestyle as people become more mindful of their use of natural resources. More and more utilities are incorporating such practices as watershed management and dual distribution into their cache of strategies for meeting demand while ensuring a sustainable supply.
Cincinnati's Drinking Water Contamination Warning System Goes Through Full‐scale Exercise
Authors: Fencil Jeff , Hartman David
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an Oct. 1, 2008 full‐scale exercise of the Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) contamination warning system and associated consequence management plan. Conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) under its Water Security (WS) initiative, the exercise was a scenario‐driven, real‐time simulation that implemented GCWW and local response partner agency protocols for detecting and responding to a drinking water contamination incident. The article provides a brief overview of the WS initiative, and contamination warning systems. The purpose of the exercise was to allow GCWW and response partner agencies to test their protocols for detecting and responding to a possible drinking water contamination incident. The exercise incorporated and evaluated all components of the GCWW contamination warning system, including routine operation, and consequence management. Exercise design, events synopsis, and outcomes are discussed.
Using the WCM for transient modeling of water distribution networks
Authors: Ramalingam Dhandayudhapani , Lingireddy Srinivasa , Wood Don J.
Published: February 2018

Recent water quality studies have emphasized the need for transient analysis of large pipe networks to properly assess the potential level of intrusion associated with negative pressure and the resulting effect on disinfectant residual efficiency. Transient analysis is computationally demanding even for simple pipe systems, and the computational effort for large pipe networks can be substantially high. Moreover, computational effort and accuracy of solution are interdependent. Therefore, understanding the computational efficiency and the accuracy of solution associated with the available transient analysis methods is essential for efficient handling of transients in large pipe distribution networks. This research investigated the numerical accuracy of solution and the computational efficiency of two popular methods for transient analysis—the wave characteristic method (WCM) and the method of characteristics—and elucidated their implications for practical applications. The authors offer a guideline for selecting the number of friction orifices for the WCM. In addition, this research demonstrated the superior performance of the WCM in both numerical accuracy of solution and computational effort for transient analysis of large water distribution networks.
Attracting and Retaining the Next Generation of Water Industry Professionals: A Young Professional's Perspective
Authors: Mills Sally U.
Published: February 2018

This article is a summary of survey responses of approximately 40 new and young water industry professionals to questions on motivation to pursue a career in the drinking water industry. Topics discussed include: make the connection ‐ water industry and socially meaningful careers; accentuate the positives ‐ security, health care, and retirement; work‐life balance ‐ knowing why it's important; and, invest in your employees.
Checking the Regulatory Radar
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Energy is a utility's highest cost. Much of this consumption takes place in the treatment plant and is driven by directives in regulations that require the use of more advanced treatment technologies, which are more energy‐intensive. Reiling and co‐authors have calculated that the 18 existing National Primary Drinking Water Regulations cost utilities $187 million per year (in 2008 dollars) and consume 1.8 billion kW.h/year of energy. This means that almost 4% of the total national energy use goes to drinking water treatment and wastewater collection and treatment. The authors recommend that additional research look at the link between increased energy costs and rising operations and maintenance costs for advanced treatment technologies ‐ at both national and local levels.
Statistical limitations in the usefulness of total coliform data
Authors: Rosen Jeffrey S. , Sobrinho José A.H. , Lechevallier Mark
Published: February 2018

Most water systems— rates of coliform‐positive samples are well below the 5% trigger for the monthly maximum contaminant level (MCL) set by the Total Coliform Rule (TCR). This study reviewed results of 540,357 samples collected from 15 systems and represented more than 12 years of sampling. Of these samples, 3,912 (0.72%) tested positive for total coliform and 79 (0.01%) tested positive for Escherichia coli. No correlations were observed between samples positive for total coliform and any available environmental data, including chlorine residuals. Small systems (serving 501‐3,300 people) and very small systems (serving 500 or fewer people) had a significantly higher percentage of positive samples, but values in general remained far below the monthly MCL. No clear patterns in the number of violations by system type were discerned. According to a power analysis of these data, under current sampling strategies, few systems will be able to detect the effects of any mitigation following TCR violations because sample sizes are too small. Water systems taking fewer than 250 samples per month cannot detect changes smaller than 2.5%. For most water providers, detecting the effects of mitigation will require pooling multiple months of data before and after a corrective action is taken.
Effect of regulations and treatment technologies on water distribution infrastructure
Authors: Imran Syed A. , Sadiq Rehan , Kleiner Yehuda
Published: February 2018

Changes in regulations on source water withdrawals, new treatment techniques, and maximum contaminant levels require drinking water utilities to continually change, upgrade, or replace their historic water sources and treatment practices. These change in treatment techniques invariably alter the water chemistry and can negatively affect the distribution system. This research, based on a partnership project between the Water Research Foundation and the National Research Council Canada, sought the consensus of experts from diverse areas of the drinking water industry in identifying current research needs to better understand potential water quality consequences for the distribution infrastructure. In addition, the authors developed a hierarchical relationship model that uses available research literature and expert knowledge to evaluate the effect of proposed changes on the distribution infrastructure.
Keeping the Economic Crisis From Wreaking Havoc in the Utility Workforce
Authors: Isbell Marcia , McCain Katie , Jurkovac Brad
Published: February 2018

This article highlights the AWWA Workforce Strategies Committee and eight key human resource issues identified by the Committee that will affect most, if not all, utilities this year. Each of these issues are presented in this article along with strategies for dealing with these challenges in the current lackluster economy. The issues include the following: minimize recruitment risk; build a case to avoid hiring freezes; think outside the box to get the job done despite a hiring freeze; communicate to maintain morale during a difficult economy; effectively integrate transferred workers; pay attention to skills, knowledge, and natural talent when filling positions; make the most of older workers postponing retirement; and, keep training programs up and running.
A Fond Farewell
Authors: Zimmerman Gary J.
Published: February 2018

In his final Confluence column as AWWA Executive Director, Gary Zimmerman says good‐bye after serving in this position for 14 months. He states that his reasons for leaving are entirely personal, and that he leaves with thanks, admiration, and a sense of pride and optimism. He sincerely believes that his vision of bringing Fortune 500 business disciplines and technology to bear for the benefit of AWWA's mission is under way, and that the benefit will be meaningful and long‐lasting.
The National Fish Habitat Action Plan: A Partnership Approach to Protect and Restore Fish Populations
Authors: Higgins Jonathan
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (Plan) whose mission is to “protect, restore, and enhance the nation's fish and aquatic communities through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation and improve the quality of life for the American people.” The Plan's implementation strategy is presented, along with a discussion of fish habitat partnerships that comprise the primary work units of the Plan, and the benefits and current status of the Action Plan.
Staying Afloat on Rough Seas
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

A stock market that soars and dips like the Mind Eraser at Six Flags doesn't exactly inspire confidence that our economy is on the mend. There are ways, however, to not only weather this financial storm but to ensure that your organization will come out stronger when the turbulence subsides.
Shedding Light on Continuous Water Monitoring
Authors: Adams John
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an online water quality monitoring system installed by the Wichita (Kansas) Water Utilities District. It consists of a number of online chemical monitors that are linked to remote communications for the detection of abnormal water quality shifts. Continuous chloramine monitoring units were fitted inline just prior to the first customer distribution point to ensure satisfactory residual disinfection. Online turbidity monitoring systems were also installed at each of the utility's 14 filtering points to provide real‐time filter‐efficiency data. The article discusses the technology involved in the JMAR BioSentry® water monitoring system that the Wichita Water Utilities District installed at two locations in its water distribution system. The system uses multi‐angle light scattering (MALS) to detect and classify microorganisms through continuous slip‐stream analysis. The MALS principle provides for the generation of a unique, species‐specific, light‐scattering pattern when a microorganism passes through the flow cell laser beam.
Effect of pressure‐sensitive demand on surge analysis
Authors: Jung Bong Seog , Boulos Paul F. , Wood Don J.
Published: February 2018

Traditional water distribution models solve the network problem by considering instantaneous demands lumped as nodal outflows. Such demand‐driven analysis assumes that demands are independent of pressures and can be met under all operating conditions. Under transient conditions, however, the resulting positive‐ or negative‐pressure surges can drastically alter the local pressures and affect the demand magnitude that can be extracted. A pressuresensitive demand representation is needed to assess the effect of pressure changes and produce more accurate transient results. A comparative study of demand formulations for surge analysis showed that the pressure‐insensitive demand assumption is intrinsically inaccurate and tends to overdesign surge protection devices. This overdesign results in unnecessary additional costs but does not necessarily ensure greater safety. The authors conclude that a pressure‐sensitive demand formulation should be used for surge analysis to adequately evaluate both system performance and the ultimate cost of system protection.
Ensuring Freshwater Resources for Southwest Florida
Authors: Akers Randy
Published: February 2018

In 1974, Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) embarked on a comprehensive risk assessment of saltwater intrusion on the Upper Floridian aquifer water supply. The program focused on exploring and testing existing conditions as well as constructing dedicated wells for future monitoring of water levels and quality. Today, using some of the most technologically advanced level and pressure measurement instrumentation, SWFWMD is expanding and improving its hydrogeological exploration program to include more dedicated wells, aquifer performance tests, and a water quality sampling network. Coastal monitoring well transects composed of two to three monitoring and testing well sites have been constructed to form a coastal monitoring program that enables SWFWMD to observe the movement of saltwater either landward or seaward. Phase one of the investigation included discrete zone testing within a borehole with the use of a packer assembly. During the packer test, SWFWMD conducts four or more slug tests consisting of a near‐instantaneous stress or a slug being added (or removed) from the well.
Risk communication and media coverage of emerging contaminants
Authors: Ragain Lisa
Published: February 2018

As it becomes more common to communicate with customers about issues of complex science whose health effects are not well understood, it is imperative for utilities to understand the perceptions their different audiences have about drinking water and public health. Utilities must also acknowledge the role that trust plays in communications and make efforts to gain and keep the trust of their customers and the general public. The Associated Press series of articles about pharmaceuticals in drinking water that were published in media outlets around the country are presented here as a case study. The author explains how risk communication principles are used and offers suggestions for applying these principles in utility communications, specifically when addressing pharmaceuticals and other emerging issues.
Everything's Coming Up … Green
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Even though Kermit claims it isn't easy being green ‐ it's certainly becoming more and more desirable. Green initiatives now crisscross the globe, with companies and individuals alike looking for ways to recycle, recover, reduce, reuse, and in general be more responsible stewards of our stressed resources.
A Lagrangian wave characteristic method for simulating transient water column separation
Authors: Jung Bong Seog , Boulos Paul F. , Wood Don J. , Bros Christopher M.
Published: February 2018

Transient water column separation can create serious consequences for pipeline systems if not properly recognized and addressed by analysis and operational and design modifications (mostly involving the placement of surge‐protection devices). Therefore it is necessary to determine the likelihood of water column separation, evaluate its severity, and estimate its potential effect on the system. This article describes a rigorous Lagrangian method that implements the numerical discrete vapor cavity model for use in simulating transient water column separation in water distribution systems. As the numerical examples considered here demonstrate, results of the proposed method compared closely with the traditional Eulerianbased implementation approach. The method described is both robust and straightforward and will greatly improve the reliability and efficacy of Lagrangian‐based network transient analysis models and the ability of engineers to more accurately predict system transients and properly select and design surge‐protection devices for maximum system protection and safeguarding of public health.
Solar Power Saves $500K in Annual Energy Costs
Authors: Sheilds Patrick
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a project by the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), located in Chino, California, to add large‐scale solar energy production to its portfolio of renewable energy generation in the form of 3.5 MW of clean solar power installed at four of IEUA's treatment plants. The power is generated by SunPower® solar panels and trackers. The combined systems are expected to help the IEUA fulfill its goal to power 100% of its operations with renewable energy resources by 2010. It is also expected to save the IEUA $500,000 per year in electricity costs. The article includes three steps for implementing a solar power program at other water utilities.
Oregon Workforce Survey Results
Authors: Reynolds Dottie , Hall Ronald
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the results of a 2008 survey of the operator certification workforce done by Oregon's Department of Human Services, Drinking Water Program, to determine the number of drinking water operators in the state who were planning to retire in the near future. The article compares the results of this survey with a 2005 Water Research Foundation study, and found that the trend in Oregon in 2008 is different than the national trend in the 2005 survey. The article includes an inset describing a 2009 online survey by AWWA and RSM McGladrey Inc. to collect information on recent human resource changes and other cost‐control initiatives at North American water utilities. “Water Workforce Trends: Impact of the 2009 Economy, A Comprehensive Survey” addresses staffing levels, hiring practices/policies, salary increase budgets and projections, payroll budget adjustments, short‐term incentive plans, shift differentials and premiums, and cost control programs.
Water System Infrastructure: Long‐range Planning and Sustainability
Authors: Job Charles
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the urgency of water system infrastructure rehabilitation, focusing on a 2007 Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The survey provides the basis for allocating Drinking Water State Revolving fund (DWSRF) capitalization grants to states, and indicates that $334.8 billion will be needed over the next 20 years for pipe, treatment, storage, source, and other infrastructure. The article stresses the importance of communicating to customers and water consumers the costs involved in asset management to engage their confidence and their understanding that the cost to operate a water system is minimized, even though the cost may rise over time, to provide safe and sufficient water.
Solutions to Workforce Woes
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Underscoring the duality inherent in all things, the flip side of the disastrous economic downturn of 2009 has yielded an unexpected bonus: delayed retirements. Financial woes unseen since the Great Depression halted Baby Boomers from exiting the workforce in massive numbers, giving employers the gift of additional time to further develop programs to entice new talent, to advance women and minorities, to bring recruitment and retention plans to fruition, and to capture years of institutional knowledge from experienced workers while they are still a part of the workforce.
Workforce Strategies to Improve Your Organization's Bottom Line
Authors: McCain Katie , Isbell Marcia
Published: February 2018

In the April 2009 issue of the Journal AWWA, the Committee Connection article from the Workforce Strategies Committee outlined eight strategies that support a stronger workforce and a better bottom line. As promised, more detail about those strategies from utilities currently using them is given here. Topics and presenters include: Minimize Recruitment Risk: Create Productive, Engaged Employees with an Onboarding Process, by Denise O'Berry and Stuart Karasik; Getting Creative during a Hiring Freeze, by Julie Hunt; Communication during a Difficult Economy, by Brad Jurkovac; Sustaining a Workforce with the Skills, Knowledge, and Talent Required to Succeed, by Joanne Peterson and Nicki Pozos; Maximizing the Knowledge of Seasoned Veterans, by Jerry Stevens; and, Keep Training Programs Up and Running, by Rhonda Lewis.
The Great Southern California Shake Out
Authors: Bowen Clifford , Studivan Gary , Moyer Jack
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the Golden Guardian, a California statewide annual exercise designed to evaluate California's emergency response capabilities. The 2008 Full Scale Golden Guardian Exercise (GG08) took place Nov. 13‐14, 2008, and involved a scenario that centered on a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that shook a 270‐km line along the southern San Andreas Fault. It was a no‐fault exercise, meaning that personnel were not evaluated based on their actions, but instead on the effectiveness of the plan to support their response to the earthquake incident. The article discusses the GG08 parameters; strengths identified by the exercise results; and, focus areas identified for developing or revising emergency response plans.
Water and wastewater workforce stats—The case for improving job data
Authors: Grigg Neil S.
Published: February 2018

In contrast with other industries, the composition of the water and wastewater workforce has not been extensively quantified. No single agency surveys jobs for both public and private utilities, and information is scattered among numerous government and industry data sets. In this study, data from several surveys and other sources were used to estimate total water and wastewater employment at 250,000 and 175,000, respectively. Data on jobs by occupations indicated that approximately 38% of this workforce falls into administrative and management categories and about 30% are in production occupations, three fourths of these as operators. Information on other technical occupations is presented, and recommendations are made for policy changes in occupational statistics and training for utility employees. The water and wastewater workforce is large and significant on a national basis. A better understanding of its composition will help determine appropriate policy‐making and workforce investment and assist utility management and certification agencies in developing training and improvement programs.
Committee Report: A survey of the “other” inorganics
Authors:   Awwa Inorganics Committee,   Awwa Inorganic Contaminants Research Committee
Published: February 2018

Although many water utilities have encountered and dealt with arsenic, total dissolved solids, nitrates, and radionuclides, numerous “other” inorganic constituents can affect water quality and the subsequent choice of treatment processes. These other inorganics receive varying degrees of public attention, and include longstanding concerns with iron and manganese removal, hardness removal, and pH control. This article summarizes the results of a national survey conducted by two AWWA committees to identify national inorganic issues and the data gaps perceived by utilities. Currently, a significant portion of research and regulatory attention is focused on a few inorganic contaminants (including arsenic, nitrate, perchlorate, and radionuclides); however, these contaminants do not affect the majority of water systems. This article provides a basis for justifying additional research and outreach support for utilities facing longstanding inorganic water quality issues. The article can also help utility managers compare their inorganic issues with the issues faced by water utilities across the nation.
Hydraulic Fracturing: Is Regulation Needed?
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: February 2018

This article discusses hydraulic fracturing and current regulations that control the practice. Hydraulic fracturing is the injection of fluid to facilitate the production of oil and natural gas. Two companion bills introduced in Congress on June 9, 2009 ‐ H.R.2766 and S. 1215, The Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals (FRAC) Act ‐ would subject this practice to regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program. The SDWA UIC Program provisions are intended to protect underground sources of drinking water. The SDWA requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and USEPA‐authorized states to have programs in place to prevent underground injection of fluids from endangering USDWs. Underground injection is defined as the subsurface emplacement of fluids by well injection, and is considered to be endangering drinking water sources if it may result in the presence of any contaminant in underground water that supplies or can reasonably be expected to supply any public water system, and if the presence of such a contaminant may result in that system's noncompliance with any National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) or may otherwise adversely affect the health of people. The UIC program regulates well injection of fluids into a formation to enhance oil and gas production (Class II wells). It also regulates fracturing used in connection with Class II and Class V injection wells to “stimulate” wells by opening pore spaces in a formation. However, the SDWA does not grant authority for USEPA to regulate oil and gas production. The USEPA considers hydraulic fracturing to produce methane from coal beds as stimulation associated with production wells, not injection wells, and therefore hydraulic fracturing was not covered by the UIC Program or the SDWA.
Risk indexes for draft CCL3 chemicals
Authors: Roberson J. Alan , Lueders Matthew , Adams Craig , Rosen Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2018

To supplement the processes used for developing the draft third Contaminant Candidate List (CCL3) and better inform decisions made by the US Environmental Protection Agency on future CCLs, the authors offer an evaluation tool for efficiently synthesizing, visualizing, and organizing data for effective comparisons among contaminants. Graphical presentations of health effects‐occurrence indexes were developed for more than 300 chemical contaminants, including those on the draft CCL3. A risk indexes framework was then used to elucidate the extent of available data, the data quality, and the underlying uncertainties for occurrence and toxicity. Choosing the appropriate contaminant for regulation is a complex process that cannot be totally automated; expert judgment will always be needed at some point in the process. However, the framework and recommendations presented here could help facilitate the process and provide direction for research funding. In addition, water suppliers could use a similar process to assess emerging contaminants in their watershed and make appropriate treatment decisions.
Identifying sources of surface water pollution: A toolbox approach
Authors: Plummer Jeanine D. , Long Sharon C.
Published: February 2018

This article examines a “toolbox” approach for identifying pollution sources, especially fecal sources, within a watershed. Distinguishing human and animal sources is important in assessing human health risks. Traditional water quality measurements cannot conclusively differentiate fecal sources, thus microbial source tracking (MST) is necessary to identify contributions from different sources. In this study, a toolbox approach that includes both traditional indicators and multiple MST targets was used to demonstrate what measures are needed in a toolbox and how to best use these measures to obtain useful data. The authors found that several physical and chemical water quality measures were redundant and could be eliminated from a sampling plan. Their toolbox approach integrates monitoring techniques that can be tailored to meet the needs of individual watershed management agencies, even those with limited resources. The MST targets in the toolbox can incorporate with bacteriological facilities already available to most watershed management agencies.
Evaluation of solute mixing in water distribution pipe junctions
Authors: Ho Clifford K. , O'Rear Leslie
Published: February 2018

Growing public concern about potential contaminant transport in water distribution systems has increased the use of models to assess risk and detect sources of contamination. The movement and distribution of contaminants depend largely on mixing at pipe junctions, where different flow rates and contaminant concentrations can exist. This article presents experimental observations of solute mixing in various pipe junction configurations. Analytical models are derived for each configuration, and results are compared with experimental data. A key finding—that impinging fluid streams within a junction often do not mix completely—is contrary to the most common assumption of complete mixing in pipe junctions. This study finds that if concentrations of two incoming fluid streams differ, they tend to bifurcate and reflect off one another, affecting subsequent solute distribution and mixing of fluid streams. The authors introduce a new bulk‐advective mixing (BAM) model that has been shown to accurately represent this behavior and lead to more accurate water quality assessments.
Expedited Approval of Analytical Methods
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an expedited approval process, authorized by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Amendments of 1996, to accelerate the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency‐approval of laboratory test methods. The article discusses traditional approval methods, along with 6 methods that were approved by the USEPA using the expedited process.
Prevention of nitrification using chlorite ion: Results of a demonstration project in Glendale, Calif.
Authors: McGuire Michael J. , Wu Xueying , Blute Nicole K. , Askenaizer Daniel , Qin Gang
Published: February 2018

The city of Glendale, Calif., has experienced nitrification episodes in many of its distribution system reservoirs. The objective of this study was to evaluate nitrification prevention by feeding sodium chlorite to an isolated area of the Glendale distribution system that included three large reservoirs. Results from phases 1 and 3 of the study showed that nitrification was prevented from occurring in 968 reservoir over eight months. (Numbers that precede “reservoir” or “tank” indicate elevation.) For two other reservoirs, nitrification was initially controlled with chlorite ion but reestablished itself after two months. At the end of phase 2, breakpoint chlorination was practiced on 1290 reservoir and 1666 tank. All ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria in these two reservoirs were inactivated in the system before the reintroduction of chlorite. From the beginning of phase 3 until completion two and a half months later, no nitrification occurred in 1290 reservoir and 1666 tank. The results from this study demonstrated that chlorite effectively prevented the reestablishment of nitrification when it was used in reservoirs and a distribution system that was not already undergoing severe nitrification.
State of the Industry Report 2009—Tough times today may point the industry toward a more sustainable future
Authors: Mann John , Runge Jon
Published: February 2018

Since 2004 the State of the Industry (SOTI) survey has taken a snapshot of the water industry and its workforce at a particular moment in time. Every year, the SOTI report captures how the industry and its people are reacting to political, economical, and social changes taking place. In this sixth installment of AWWA's annual study of issues confronting the water industry, survey participants zeroed in on the turbulent economy and its ramifications. Business factors shot to the top of the list as a critical concern in 2009, followed by source water, infrastructure, and regulatory matters as well as other perennial issues, including workforce, macro factors, water treatment, and security. Given the economic climate, it should come as no surprise that optimism about the soundness of the industry continued to erode. Yet even amidst the economic downturn and disappearing credit markets, SOTI participants came up with ideas and insights for building a more sustainable future for the water industry.
Early Detection Can Help Eradicate Invasive Mussels
Authors: Spaulding Benjamin W.
Published: February 2018

This article reports on a device called the FlowCAM®‐XPL used to detect and count veligers (the larval stage of invasive zebra and quagga mussels) in five 40‐mL water samples. This equipment uses birefringence (a double‐refraction phenomenon in which an unpolarized beam of light is divided into two beams with different directions and relative velocities) to provide a fast and efficient means of detecting veligers in various concentrations. The article discusses how the FlowCAM®‐XPL operates, and its use of VisualSpreadsheet? image‐processing software.
The RWRD Security Scorecard Project: A Low‐cost, Effective Method of Enhancing Security Culture
Authors: Moyer Jack , Voelkel Jean , Elwell Bryon , Petersen Kendall
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an effort at Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department (RWRD) in Arizona to achieve staff partnership as it tightened security at wastewater facilities and offices. One of the defined objectives of the security project was to change the “security culture” within the department. This change required motivating approximately 550 staff members at 20 RWRD locations to have a greater investment in site security. The change in security culture was created, in part, through nontraditional means. Education and policy change provided a traditional foundation, but most of the improvement was accomplished using a competitive strategy of a “security scorecard” that provided a security grade for each site. The article discusses the security scorecard pilot project at RWRD, the initial security goals that were established, security improvements over time, additional security recommendations from an outside consulting company, and the importance of employee buy‐in.
Filtration to Privatization, Utility Issues are Universal
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

The oldest type of filtration, slow sand filtration, is the topic of this month's focus article. Some of the other topics covered in this issue include water loss management in developing countries, the incorporation of research into the regulatory process, and privatization.
Moving Beyond the “Privatization Wars“—a Call for Balance
Authors: Maxwell Steve
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the appropriate role of private capital and the private sector in the provision of drinking water. Arguments for and against privatization are presented, and the article sums up by stating that each individual circumstance should be evaluated for the appropriate mix between public and private participation for the ultimate goal of providing people with the clean water they need.
The Case for Cyber Security in the Water Sector
Authors: Moyer Jack , Dakin Rick , Hewman Richard , Groves Daniel
Published: February 2018

This article begins by presenting federal regulations that establish a baseline for all entities to build justified security controls into water sector systems. The article discusses the transition over the past decade of water systems from isolated and proprietary control systems to a converged network of systems that connect operations to the administrative environment. However, these benefits were accompanied by increased vulnerabilities to cyber threats. Drivers for implementing cyber security are discussed and include: regulations; a high‐profile event; cost; and, reputation risk. Five low‐ or no‐cost steps are provided for quickly mitigating cyber risks.
Water loss management in developing countries: Challenges and prospec
Authors: Mutikanga Harrison E. , Sharma S. , Vairavamoorthy K.
Published: February 2018

Water demand is increasing around the world, but supplies are “shrinking” because of population growth and new demand. By the middle of the twenty‐first century, it is estimated that half of the world's predicted population of 10+ billion people will live in urban areas, and experts have pegged the shift of the world's population from rural to urban dweller to occur this year or next. Water loss from distribution systems is a problem faced by all water utilities, but it is exacerbated in developing countries where illegal connections, meter tampering, and metering inaccuracies generate even greater losses. The AWWA/IWA water audit/water balance tool is the most widely used method for measuring water loss from distribution systems. The water district in Kampala, Uganda, provides an example of the challenges faced by developing countries and shows that even though resources may be inadequate and data unreliable, it is possible to assess water loss and develop appropriate strategies and tools as a step toward effective management of water losses.
Business issues top the list of managers’ concerns
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

According to responses given in AWWA's latest state of the industry report, utility managers see business issues as a critical concern in both the near term and long term ‐ and they also see them as inadequately addressed by the association. This issue of Journal seeks to help close that information gap by providing articles on such topics as effective leadership, asset management, performance management, emergency preparedness, and mobile and wireless technology.
California Passes Water Management Legislation for the Future
Authors: Baker Aaron
Published: February 2018

This article focuses on the implications for water suppliers of three new bills passed in early November 2009 by the California Legislature: SB7×6, which authorizes local governments to implement groundwater monitoring programs; SB7×7, which mandates conservation and efficiency programs; and, SB7×8, which requires that all people who divert or store water from surface streams or water bodies report those diversions to the state. Though the bills expressly provide protections for vested water rights, they increase the burdens on rights holders to maintain and preserve those rights. California's move toward increased oversight, though moderate, may provide a template or precedent for similar expansions of state oversight in other states.
Alaska Provides Opportunities and Challenges for Young Professionals
Authors: Nicholson Enoch
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the author's experience working with three water utilities in Alaska to help determine the appropriate approach for compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR). Two of Alaska's unfiltered water systems, Ketchikan and Sitka, have water quality challenges that necessitated careful review of the available disinfection alternatives before a disinfectant selection was made. The third water system in the city of Kodiak has high‐quality raw water from Monashka Reservoir, and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection was selected as the best treatment alternative for LT2ESWTR compliance. Additional challenges to working with Alaskan water utilities include the effects of weather on construction scheduling and planning, finding experienced contractors in remote Alaskan communities, and how inexperience working with UV systems delayed projects.
Long‐term Sustainablity Planning: Why a Regional Approach is Most Effective
Authors: Zakowski Suzi
Published: February 2018

This article discusses regional long‐term sustainability planning by collaboration within the most basic foundation of communities, the watershed. The article draws parallels between the steps for regional collaboration on a long‐term watershed community sustainability plan and the steps individual communities take through Audubon International's Sustainable Communities Program.
Philadelphia Works With Audubon International to Protect Water Resources
Authors: Zakowski Suzi
Published: February 2018

This article discusses efforts by the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) to control the increasing costs of storm water management by teaming up with Audubon International to provide environmental education and training to assist private landowners and managers to better handle storm water runoff. The article mentions efforts by the town of Henrietta, New York, to work through Audubon International's Sustainable Communities Program to address the large volume of runoff produced by “hardscapes” in retail areas, and to implement Integrated Pest Management principles for the agriculture zones. The article also mentions the town of Williamston, located in rural eastern North Carolina, as becoming the first Certified Sustainable Community in North Carolina through Audubon International for its efforts at managing storm water costs by using student resources at a local community college and high school.
Port of Portland Opts for Decentralized, Sustainable Water Architecture With the Living Machine® Ecological Wastewater System
Authors: Kirksey Will
Published: February 2018

This article highlights the port of Portland, Oregon, as a leading‐edge example of a decentralized ecological approach by its use of natural systems for wastewater processing at its new headquarters office facility at the Portland International Airport. As part of its ongoing focus on sustainable practices, the port decided to build its new offices using the Living Machine® ecological wastewater treatment and water reuse system that produces quality freshwater out of both gray and black water without the chemicals, odor, offensive byproducts, or high energy use required by conventional systems. The article describes the use of tidal wetlands systems to optimize the compact footprint of traditional wastewater treatment technologies with the energy efficiency of conventional constructed wetlands.
Syngeries Between Security Research and Distribution System Water Quality Management
Authors: Spence Shannon , Speight Vanessa , Grayman Walter , Khanal Nabin
Published: February 2018

Potential opportunities for synergies between water security research and water quality management for distribution systems exist when water security technology is implemented so that the results support water quality applications and users are aware of the limitations of various approaches. This article discusses recent advances in three security research categories related to contamination warning systems that are relevant to water quality management: online monitoring; software; and, policies/procedures. The article provides an overview of different categories of security research along with the input data required, maturity of the technology, and applicability of the technology to management of water quality in distribution systems.
High‐contact, hands‐on outreach program changes customers’ water use behavior
Authors: Keen Annette Humm , Keen David , Francis Guy E. , Wolff Adam
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a pilot program conducted by the city of Phoenix, Arizona, to examine methods for promoting indoor and outdoor water savings among single‐family households. BBC Research & Consulting (BBC) of Denver, Colorado, conducted in‐home visits with residential customers in 36 homes in August and September 2007. The purpose of the visits was to better understand how customers perceive and use water, test acceptance of personalized water conservation tips and technologies, gauge water use behaviors, and gather preliminary evidence on what effect such visits might have on single‐family water use. The article summarizes the effect of the in‐home visits, including any changes in: reported behavior of households related to water use; household appliances, fixtures, and other water‐using characteristics of the home; and, recorded water use, based on an analysis of water use records provided by the city of Phoenix for the period 2006‐08.
Ensuring a more energy‐efficient future by changing the way homes are built
Authors: Selover Craig
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the Environments For Living® Certified Green Program that combines indoor environmental quality, water conservation, and appliance efficiency with the assurance of a limited guarantee on energy use. The new benefit is offered by Masco Home Services through its Environments For Living Program, a national turnkey program designed to assist builders in constructing and marketing green homes. The Certified Green Program encompasses many of the features of such standards as the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and the International Code Council/National Association of Home Builders Green Building Standard but goes beyond them as a commercially viable program that has generated participation by production home builders.
The Portuguese system of certifying and labeling water‐efficiency products
Authors: Armando Silva‐Afonso , Carla Pimentel‐Rodrigues
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a water‐efficiency certification and labeling initiative launched in Portugal in 2008 that is helping cut consumption and conserve stressed supplies. The Programa Nacional para o Uso Eficiente da Agua (PNUEA) urges labeling plumbing components in buildings (e.g., flushing systems, showers) in order to provide consumers with information about the devices’ water efficiency. The article also discusses the Associacao Nacional para a Qualidade nas Instalacoes Prediais (ANQIP), the only large Portuguese association focusing on building installations, and recommends including ANQIP in an essential leadership role in the program for certification and labeling of products’ water efficiency. The article discusses the implementation of the program in stages, beginning with cistern toilets, followed by showerheads and shower systems, and the most current certification and labeling of taps, the most common water‐delivery device, both in homes and in collective facilities. Results of the program's first year are discussed.
New codes are making it easier to be green
Authors: Pape Thomas E.
Published: February 2018

The two predominant model code organizations, the International Association of Mechanical and Plumbing Officials (IAPMO) and the International Code Council (ICC), are both developing plumbing and building codes to assist communities in enacting sustainable construction codes that include water and energy conservation requirements. Although these “green codes” might ensure uniformity in water‐efficiency regulations, they may not provide an effective level of water conservation nor be available in time to mitigate the severe water supply shortages in some regions of the United States. This article details how green codes, if properly implemented, could greatly reduce water demand as well as the cost to water agencies of implementing water conservation programs in the future.