bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water Sense award winners showcase the way to water savings
Authors: Marrs Alicia
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) WaterSense® Program, including the 2009 WaterSense Partners of the Year: Cobb County Water System, Marietta, Georgia, and James City Service Authority, Williamsburg, Virginia (promotional partners); Kohler Co., Kohler, Wisconsin (manufacturer partner); Lowe's Companies Inc., Wilkesboro, North Carolina (retail/distributor partner); and, Brian Vinchesi, president of Irrigation Consulting Inc., Pepperell, Massachusetts (irrigation partner). Criteria established by the USEPA to qualify for WaterSense Partner of the Year consists of: helping advance the overall mission of the WaterSense program; increasing awareness of the WaterSense brand in a measurable way; and, demonstrating overall excellence in the water‐efficiency arena. Partner of the Year awards are based on activities that increase awareness of water efficiency and WaterSense‐labeled products, but preference is given to partners who work together to achieve results.
Creating an army of greegreen plumbers
Authors: Green Deborah
Published: February 2018

This article discusses GreenPlumbers USA, a comprehensive industry response to climate change and water issues, the program is open to all plumbers, regardless of affiliation or association membership. To actually use the GreenPlumber logo and be referred as a GreenPlumber involves completing specific coursework and signing a separate licensing agreement. The article discusses the five‐course accreditation program that is run by the Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling contractors of California Education Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. To enhance the technical content of their training and accreditation modules, GreenPlumbers USA recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) to extract provisions contained within IAPMO's Uniform Codes. IAPMO and GreenPlumbers will also partner to develop additional programs and services that will advance the sustainability goals of both organizations.
The conservation conundrum: How declining demand affects water utilities
Authors: Beecher Janice A.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the significant financial challenge that utilities face in the rising infrastructure costs that must be recovered from a shrinking sales base. Fortunately, strategic coping methods are available such as forecasting, scenario‐building, and planning. Utility plans should incorporate long‐term goals and performance metrics as well as prudent investment strategies based on changing demand patterns. Cost recovery should recognize expenditures for cost‐effective investments in efficiency, and regulators can provide additional incentives as appropriate. As long as costs and demand continue to shift, more frequent rate adjustments will help reduce lag and ensure that rates are properly aligned with costs. Forward‐ looking rates can be established by using a “future test year” for revenues. A demand‐repression adjustment may be needed to recognize the effects of programs and prices on forecast use. Utilities will also need to examine rate‐design options and assess whether they exacerbate or mitigate revenue volatility, uncertainty, and distributional consequences.
Denver Water uses laughs for serious conservation
Authors: Depperschmidt Ann
Published: February 2018

This article discusses Denver Water's “Use Only What You Need” water conservation campaign, put in place by the water utility to meet a 22% reduction goal and encourage wise water use as a permanent way of life. The utility offers rebates, provides water audits, and fines people who don't follow watering rules, among other methods. The article discusses how the campaign uses nontraditional advertising tactics and a humorous approach to being environmentally conscious.
Achieving water conservation and energy efficiency with electric tankless water heaters
Authors: Luo Shimin
Published: February 2018

This article discusses reducing water loss and increasing energy efficiency by using electric tankless water heaters installed close to the point of use. This type of water heater reduces wait time for hot water to reach the fixture, along with the time it takes to adjust the temperature of the water. These hot water heaters require less piping for transporting hot water, and thus reduce the amount of leakage resulting from corroded pipes. Electric tankless water heaters also save energy by essentially using zero energy when there is no hot water demand.
Using IT, Part 4: How information technology can help us help each other
Authors: Davis Cheryl K. , McPherson James , Smith James F. , Curtis Catherine , Shah Anup
Published: February 2018

This final article in a four‐part series on how information technology can address workforce challenges focuses on how utilities can help each other maximize the cost‐effectiveness of their investments. The article discusses how BAYWORK, a San Francisco Bay Area collaborative of water/wastewater agencies working together in the area of workforce development, has maximized the cost‐effectiveness of workforce development investments through collaboration. Using IT to support interagency collaboration is an ambitious goal, representing the intersection of two areas in which water utilities have historically not excelled: collaboration on basic workforce development processes (e.g., recruitment and staff training); and, use of IT to support these processes. This article discusses current activities and future possibilities for using IT to help each other in relation to: workforce development‐related research; shared websites; video‐based documentation and training materials; webinars and video conferencing; and, employee knowledge management systems.
Five Steps to Evaluating Disinfectant Technologies
Authors: Spence Shannon , Vause Kurt
Published: February 2018

This article provides a brief discussion of inherently safer technologies (ISTs), which are standards for assessment of a utility's treatment methods. Evaluating changes to treatment processes requires a thorough consideration of the effects different alternatives will have on the quality of water provided to consumers and of the sustainability of the selected treatment process over time and under adverse conditions. The article also discusses a five‐step process published in 2009 by AWWA in a book titled, “Selecting Disinfectants in a Security‐Conscious Environment.” This process can be used by utilities to support their decision‐making process given competing priorities and risks. The steps are: assess the situation; identify options; evaluate options; select preferred option; and, implement.
Particulate arsenic release in a drinking water distribution system
Authors: Lytle Darren A. , Sorg Thomas J. , Muhlen Christy , Wang Lili
Published: February 2018

Trace contaminants have been shown to accumulate in solids found in drinking water distribution systems and can potentially be released to the consumer—s tap water. The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate the source of high arsenic in consumers— tap water at a small drinking water system and assess the effect of the installation of a treatment system for iron/arsenic removal. Before treatment, water samples collected from home taps showed high arsenic concentrations (as high as 299 μg/L) that were attributable to iron solids found in the distribution system. In 29% of the tap water samples, arsenic concentrations in first‐draw water samples were greater than arsenic levels in water entering the distribution system. Color measurements proved to be good predictors of arsenic and iron levels in the tap water, and turbidity was a relatively poor predictive measurement.
Permeation of BTEX compounds through HDPE pipes under simulated field conditions
Authors: Mao Feng , Gaunt James A. , Cheng Chu‐Lin , Ong Say Kee
Published: February 2018

Pipe‐bottle tests were conducted to investigate the permeation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) compounds through 1‐in.‐diameter high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe exposed to gasoline‐contaminated water and gasolinecontaminated unsaturated soil. Using the time‐lag method, the concentrationdependent diffusion coefficients of BTEX compounds were estimated to be on the order of ~2 to ~9 × 10‐9 cm2/s. Smaller pipes were more vulnerable to permeation than larger pipes, and pipes subject to periodic stagnation were more likely to exceed the maximum contaminant level of benzene than were pipes with continuous water flow. Under otherwise identical conditions, HDPE pipes buried in a soil of high organic matter were permeated to a lesser extent than pipes buried in a soil of low organic matter for exposure times exceeding 30 days.
Continuous Improvement: Detroit's Key to Sustainability
Authors: Mason David , Ellenwood George
Published: February 2018

This article begins by providing a brief overview of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD). DWSD's five step plan for long‐term sustainability is presented, which DWSD developed in answer to a nearly 50% reduction in workforce due to retirements over the past 10 years. The five steps are: define the strategic direction and key business objectives; develop customer‐driven performance measures; collect and communicate performance measurements; identify requisite knowledge and skills; and, bridge the gap in current and future knowledge and skills.
Using Neural Networks to Predict Treatment Process Performance
Authors: Veerapaneni Srinivas (Vasu) , Budd George , Bond Rick , Horsley Mike
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the application of a simple artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict microfiltration/ultrafiltration (MF/UF) performance with reasonable accuracy using data typically gathered online in an MF/UF facility. By developing a site‐specific ANN model, operators of MF/UF facilities could predict the performance of critical parameters such as transmembrane pressure (TMP) and plan accordingly. For instance, when the model predicts a higher rate of fouling based on feedwater quality, operating conditions could be modified to reduce the rate of increase of TMP, thereby reducing the required cleaning frequency of MF/UF systems.
Infrastructure: Inside and Out
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Because maintenance of America's infrastructure ‐ whether it be water, highways, wastewater, transit, bridges, or any other public works sector ‐ was not seen as a necessity during previous decades, today's managers are faced with figuring out how to revitalize failing facilities, fixtures, and appurtenances without the funds to do so. It can certainly seem an insurmountable problem.
Thinking Outside the Waterworks: Transitioning to a Decentralized Water System Model
Authors: Kirksey Will
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an alternative decentralized water system model that uses emerging and ecological engineering advances to allow for extensive local water treatment and reuse. Strategically deployed, locally focused technology – combining a variety of modular treatment processes, advanced ecological engineering, and inexpensive information systems – will ease the stress on water resources, help extend existing infrastructure life, and reduce the costs, energy consumption, and climate footprint required to provide water through a centralized system. The article provides specific steps to follow towards decentralization.
Municipal Water Distribution System Security Study: Recommendations for Science and Technology Investments
Authors: Spence Shannon , Porco John W.
Published: February 2018

This article highlights a recent study of municipal water distribution system security to determine potential threats and protective mitigation measures. The project includes three areas of analysis: chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) attacks as well as internal sabotage; state of the art security monitoring and decontamination technologies and processes; and, technological and operational research and development gaps that should be addressed. The article also discusses decontamination of all components of a distribution system, and the economic impact of an attack including the cost of recovery.
Water Infrastructure: D.C.'s Hot Topic of the Day
Authors: Curtis Tom
Published: February 2018

This article presents the concept of a new Federal Water Infrastructure Bank (FWIB) to address the need of government financial support for water infrastructure projects. The FWIB could be capitalized by borrowing from the U.S. Treasury, at Treasury rates, and passing those low rates on to utilities. The article discusses the basic principles that must be met if such a bank is to be developed.
A “Utility for the 21st Century“—Creating a Path Toward Sustainability
Authors: Adams Lynn , Bigner Patty
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the “Utility for the 21st Century” initiative at Fort Collins Utilities (FCU), a municipally owned, multiservice provider of water, wastewater, storm water, and electric services in Fort Collins, Colorado. The article details FCU's development of sustainability planning. Once the overall objective was set, the logistics included establishing a core sustainability team and engaging an advisory panel of external stakeholders to provide perspectives to FCU as well as to become ambassadors to the community. Once the foundation was set, the rest of the strategy elements were developed into a fully actionable plan including such elements as goals, key performance indicators, strategies, and tactics, all of which were based on clear assignments, budget allocations, and timelines to close the accountability loop. The article offers an insert titled “What Is the Value of a Robust Optimization Model?”
Building a Sustainable Future: How Longmont Made its Vision a Reality
Authors: Adams Lynn , Rademacher Dale
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an effort by the city of Longmont, Colorado, to create a citywide sustainability plan, and to integrate the plan across organizational boundaries. Seven focus areas were defined with specific plans for accomplishing related goals. The article discusses the six steps to a comprehensive integrated sustainability program followed by Longmont that include: strategy formulation ‐ identify mission, issues, and boundaries; baseline assessment; internal/external communications; program analysis, prioritization, and selection; implementation plan development ‐ include assignments, accountability, budgets, and schedules; and, execution and measurement.
Expanding Environmental Stewardship
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Going green, climate change, and environmental stewardship are concepts being adopted around the world. Green initiatives have become a top priority in homes, schools, companies, and governments. From preparing for climate change to shrinking their carbon footprint, utilities have many opportunities to reduce their impact on the environment.
Collectively Solving Problems
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

In his first Journal AWWA column as Executive Director of the American Water Works Association, David LaFrance said that he intends to use the column as a means of discussing the methods by which AWWA will help its members plan for the critical challenges the water industry is facing. He named the column “Open Channel” to combine the name for a water conveyance system with his goal of straightforward discussions about the water industry. The two challenges he discussed in this month's column are infrastructure replacement and workforce management, including the following: a systematic and financially feasible plan from a customer standpoint that balances and communicates the infrastructure replacement necessity against the customer's financial impact while managing service level risks; and, efforts such as partnering with the Water Environment Federation on the Work for Water campaign to recruit new talent into the water field to replace the 30% of water industry workers who are expected to retire over the coming decade.
Confronting the Intersection of Water, Energy, and Air Quality at the Central Arizona Project
Authors: Modeer David V.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses how power plant emission control regulations represent a potential threat to the affordability of Central Arizona Project's (CAP's) primary renewable water supply. The article details CAP's energy source (the Navajo Generating Station ‐ NGS) and the long‐standing issue of air quality in Arizona, along with the rise in energy costs, the possible de‐commissioning of NGS, and time needed to develop alternative energy. It is hoped that CAP's response to the proposed Regional Haze Rules can serve as a case study for other water providers and those with a stake in maintaining affordable and sustainable water for future generations.
Impacts of climate change on infrastructure planning and design:Past practices and future needs
Authors: Means Edward G. , Laugier Maryline C. , Daw Jennifer A. , Owen Douglas M.
Published: February 2018

Climate change is challenging the way utilities plan and design their infrastructure. The variability of climate change repercussions adds new uncertainties to the fundamental assumptions of infrastructure engineering. Utilities are faced with the prospect of modifying existing planning and design practices to address the risks presented by climate change; however, the difficulty lies in determining for which climate risks utilities need to plan. This article evaluates the potential effects of climate change on water utility planning and design through survey and case studies. On the basis of these findings, various strategies for adapting to the wide range of projected climate change impacts are discussed. A general framework for evaluating the effects of climate change on facility planning and design is also presented. This framework helps utilities identify which aspects may be sensitive to climate change as well as options that can be used to reduce the risks associated with climate change uncertainty.
USEPA's New Regulatory Strategy
Authors: Roberson J. Alan
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) new regulatory strategy that could ultimately change the drinking water regulatory process as much as the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) amendments did. This new strategy can be implemented without creating new amendments to the SDWA. This article discusses the four major points that comprise the new strategy: address contaminants in groups, in addition to individually, with the goal of achieving enhanced protection of public health more cost‐effectively; foster development of new drinking water technologies to address health risks posed by a broad array of contaminants; use the authority of multiple statutes to protect drinking water; and, partner with states to develop shared access to all public water system monitoring data.
A Nontreatment Arsenic Action Plan
Authors: Carlo Penny , Davis Jason , Stringfield David , Schmidt Kenneth D. , Camara Lou , Misenhimer Gary
Published: February 2018

The city of Hanford, California, is nearing completion of a five‐year effort to bring its drinking water supply into compliance with the new federal arsenic standard of 0.010 mg/L. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) adopted the new standard in January 2001, replacing the old standard of 0.05 mg/L. Water systems were required to comply with the new standard by January 2006. USEPA granted the city of Hanford a compliance order, extending the deadline until December 2009 to allow time to implement an action plan the city developed in 2005. Hanford is now in the last phase of the project, which is to confirm compliance after one year of quarterly sampling.
The Labyrinth of Capital Planning and Budgeting for Water Infrastructure
Authors: Baird Gregory M.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the process of capital planning and budgeting. Because water and wastewater utilities are the most capital‐intensive sectors in the economy, they require a more significant capital planning effort. Operating budgets and the increasing importance of capital planning and sustainability planning are discussed, along with the role of the finance officer, and the capital improvement plan (CIP). The article states that the fundamental long‐term view of a publicly owned utility should be focused on how future rate increases can be minimized by today's capital and operational decisions.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance discusses the issue of explaining the inherent risks in operating a water distribution system that is buried underground where no one can see it. LaFrance discusses the importance of reinvesting at increasing rates in our distribution systems to avoid rising numbers of ruptured pipes, lost water, service disruptions, and poor water quality. By reinvesting, he points out that distribution systems will continue to remain out of sight where they belong.
More NIMS and Another Class: Why Me?
Authors: Spence Shannon , Houser Lance E.
Published: February 2018

In this article, the author recounts lessons he has learned while working for the City of Logan, Utah, that involved training he received for the Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Command System (NIMS).
Modeling HAA biodégradation in biofilters and distribution systems
Authors: Grigorescu Alina S. , Hozalski Raymond M.
Published: February 2018

A one‐dimensional plug‐flow reactor equation with pseudo‐first‐order biodegradation kinetics was used to model the fate of haloacetic acids (HAAs) in biologically active filters and water distribution systems. Overall, the model calculations suggested that biodegradation was likely to lead to significant HAA removals in biologically active filters but not in most distribution systems. Relatively high total biomass densities (e.g., > 105 cells/cm2) were needed for significant HAA removals (i.e., > 10%) in both systems. Such biomass densities are unlikely in US distribution systems where relatively high total chlorine residuals inhibit the development of biofilm on the pipe walls. Biodegradation of HAAs is possible in distribution systems with intentionally low total chlorine residuals (as in some European systems) or where the residual has been depleted, such as high‐residence‐time locations or dead ends. Biologically active filters can be very efficient at removing HAAs, however, because these filters typically contain relatively high biomass densities.
World Workforce Management As A Global Issue
Authors: Batten John J.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the issues facing the future workforce generation, along with the realization that it is a global issue, not just a US phenomenon. The global water industry is facing a shrinking pool of talent to draw the workforce of the future from. Increasingly, informed customers, improved technology, and continued financial pressures on local governments will require workers to be more skilled and more adaptable in their work functions. In addition, managers will have to demonstrate more leadership to adapt to the complexities of the market, understand implications of regulatory changes, proactively communicate with the organization and the public, and interact with elected officials. The article presents opinions of the participants of the International Water Association's (IWA's) recent Utility Management conference in Barcelona, Spain. The European response to workforce planning is presented, along with the U.S. response.
The Water Sector Professional‐A System's Most Vital Asset
Authors: Gelb Nanci
Published: February 2018

This article highlights various workforce projects of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), in partnership with AWWA and the Water Environment Federation, to promote the water sector as a career choice to ensure that there is a large enough pool of qualified professionals to meet current and future needs.
The Pendulum Swing of Revenue Stability and Conservation
Authors: Baird Gregory M.
Published: February 2018

This article uses the pendulum swing to illustrate the imbalance between revenue stability requirements and water conservation objectives. The unique factors that make up a utility's water demand and revenue characteristics are discussed, along with the steps required to quantify these factors, including: reviewing possible internal adjustments; conducting studies and scenario testing; tracking and monitoring trends; developing risk mitigation tools; and, promoting community education and outreach.
Match Maker, Match Maker
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance discusses a current dilemma facing the water industry, that of finding a perfect match between our industry's workforce needs and our employees’ skills and personal desires. Succession planning is a major driver of this dilemma, with some 30‐50% of the existing water industry employees becoming eligible for retirement in the next 10 years. LaFrance discusses methods by which AWWA hopes to attract and retain qualified new employees, such as partnering with Water Environment Federation (WEF) on the Work for Water Website.
Rapid microbial methods can improve public health protection
Authors: Allen Martin J. , Payment Pierre , Clancy Jennifer L.
Published: February 2018

Regulatory, political, and institutional barriers have prevented broader use of rapid, simple, and inexpensive microbiological tests for Escherichia coli. By permitting greater use of chromogenic microbiological methods for compliance requirements by trained and certified operators of smaller public water systems, the cost of compliance should remain the same or decrease than when using distant laboratories. In fact, the lower cost of such methods would allow more frequent testing. New microbial methods allow greater public health protection because they are more sensitive to smaller amounts of contaminants in addition to allowing faster turnaround times, which would allow faster notification to the public. This article describes the current status of chromogenic enzyme tests; the experiences of Alaska and some Canadian provinces/territories in their onsite use, especially for facilities serving remote areas; and, the barriers that must be addressed before they can be broadly adopted for treatment performance or compliance monitoring.
Building an Improved Total Coliform Rule
Authors: Via Steve
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a September 2008 agreement in principle (AIP) recommending a number of key changes to the Total Coliform Rule (TCR) that were agreed upon by the TCR Distribution System Federal Advisory Committee (TCRDSAC).
Safeguarding the Source
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Growing population numbers, increasing demand, limited alternate sources of supply, and climate change all contribute to the concern of providing sufficient safe water in the future. These conditions have spurred utilities to incorporate integrated resource management, source water protection, reuse, conservation, and other tools to guard the quality and quantity of their supplies.
It Begins With a Source
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance begins his discussion by fondly reminiscing about summer vacations at his grandparent's cottage on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, where the running water came from the lake in a 50‐ft. pipe with a screen box at the end of it. He goes on to discuss current water industry source water challenges that include ensuring an adequate supply of water to the population at water quality levels mandated by government regulations. He mentions alternative sources of water to supplement comprehensive water resource strategies, along with AWWA M57, Algae: Source to Treatment that discusses methods of sampling and detecting algae, and managing the effects of algae on a water supply.
The Threat From Hydrofracking
Authors: Rush Paul V.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses how, in little more than two years, hydrofracking has gone from obscure oil industry jargon to perhaps the greatest threat the New York City water supply faces today. Hydrofracking, the practice of drilling for natural gas using high‐volume hydraulic fracturing, uses chemicals that pose a threat to the unfiltered, freshwater supply for New York City. The article cites information from a one‐year study conducted through a joint venture of Hazen & Sawyer and Legett, Brashears & Graham. This assessment was completed in December 2009 and has been used to evaluate the supplemental environmental review conducted by New York State and to support the city's position on natural gas drilling in the watershed. The risk assessment also reports on the potential threat to the New York City water supply infrastructure due to the horizontal drilling required in hydrofracking. The lack of regulatory control, and secondary impacts from the hydrofracking practice are also discussed.
Developing system head curves for closed systems
Authors: Walski Thomas , Hartell Wayne , Wu Zheng
Published: February 2018

System head curves can be readily developed for pumping systems with a tank on both the suction and discharge side of the pump. However, many pressure zones in water distribution systems do not have a tank on the discharge side of the pump, and the usual methods for creating system head curves do not work for such systems. This article discusses the development of a new method to determine system head curves for closed systems and the implications for pump selection and operation. The analysis indicates that system head curves fluctuate much more widely for systems without discharge‐side tanks than they do for those with such tanks.
Lossless network skeletonization
Authors: Hirrel Timothy D.
Published: February 2018

Skeletonization has commonly been used to reduce the amount of data needed to simulate the performance of a hydraulic network. However, traditional methods of skeletonization can have a detrimental effect on solution results. This article describes a method of network skeletonization that produces results that are essentially identical to a solution without skeletonization, thus improving solution efficiency without creating a downside. This method is applied within a hydraulic solution approach that differs significantly from the method commonly used and offers distinct advantages over previous methods.
Novel Approaches Address New Challenges
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Disinfection is one of the most critical components in the multiple barrier approach to the protection of public health. Since the 1800s when Dr. John Snow made the connection between the incidence of cholera and water coming from the Broad Street pump, the practice of disinfection has evolved into a sophisticated process that incorporates many methods. As this month's articles show, novel treatments continue to be developed as new challenges arise.
Does an unknown mechanism accelerate chemical chloramine decay in nitrifying waters?
Authors: Krishna K.C. Bal , Sathasivan Arumugam
Published: February 2018

Accelerated chloramine decay has been observed after the onset of nitrification in water utilities. The reason for such rapid loss is not known. To investigate the role of chemical parameters in accelerated chloramine decay, mildly and severely nitrified bulk water samples were collected from laboratory‐scale reactors. After samples were filtered through a 0.2‐pm polycarbonate membrane filter, chloramine decay tests were conducted by adjusting similar initial chloramine residuals. Accelerated chloramine decay and significant nitrite and total ammoniacal nitrogen loss were observed in severely nitrified water. To discern whether increased nitrite levels and pH were responsible, chemical decay coefficients were determined by adjusting initial chloramine residual, nitrite, pH, and temperature in the mildly nitrified sample. The chemical decay coefficient determined in a severely nitrified sample was three to four times higher than that in a mildly nitrified sample, indicating that changes in adjusted parameters that occurred during nitrification could not explain the rapid chemical chloramine loss in severely nitrified water.
Making a Business Case for Data Management
Authors: Miles Gabi
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the experience that the city of Gastonia (North Carolina) Water Supply and Treatment Division (WSTD) had when it started using Hach's Water Information Management Solution (WIMS) to save energy and run the plant more efficiently. In addition, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has designated the plant as ISO 14001‐certified, a classification that addresses various aspects of environmental management and requires additional data collection and reporting. The new information management program has helped operators, division managers, and even city council members ‐ all of whom depend on easily accessible data to make budgets and predict the availability of resources.
Which Came First, the Environment or the Environmental Professional?
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance describes how, unbeknownst to him, he became an environmental professional early in his career, working on issues involving the environment as opposed to advocating strictly for the environment. LaFrance discusses triple‐bottom‐line analysis as placing traditional financial analysis on an equal footing with environmental and societal analyses. He goes on to discuss how managing the balance between the triple‐bottom‐line components ‐ economic, societal, and environmental ‐ is the key to sustainability. For water professionals, the goal of sustainability and the need to protect the environment are inseparable. Although the triple‐bottom‐ line approach provides a level playing field on which to evaluate each of these three components, it is equally clear that without a managed and protected water environment, our societal and economic objectives are not achievable.
Fighting water with water: Behavioral change versus climate change
Authors: Strassberg Valerie , Lancaster Brad
Published: February 2018

Modern water infrastructure is designed to make water invisible; as a result, the majority of water customers have no understanding of the tour their water takes from its origin to treatment to household to treatment again and back to the source. Rainfall is addressed by flood control and is shuttled away into expensive and maintenance‐intensive infrastructure. These systems have three major effects on sustainability: alteration of the natural ecosystems; increased reliance on engineered infrastructure; and, reliance on imported resources rather than local onsite resources. This article gives water suppliers strategies for implementing integrated water resource management concepts into existing and future development. Specific examples of laws and initiatives that include community engagement in improving onsite control and use of storm water and graywater and decreasing potable water demand are provided. By engaging the community and improving understanding of the constructed environment, utility managers can begin to forge a new path that manages water with water by slowing, spreading, and reusing more of its flow.
Environmental conflict resolution by water utilities: Applications and lessons learned
Authors: Kubala Susan S. Raines and David
Published: February 2018

This article gives basic information about environmental conflict resolution (ECR) processes, discusses why and how to apply them in the context of a water utility, and provides an in‐depth example of collaborative watershed management in north Georgia. The ECR trend is the result, at least in part, of the growing realization that most natural resources are better managed at the resource level than they are at the level of political jurisdictions. By working collaboratively to monitor, assess, and protect water resources at the watershed level, it is possible to benefit from an efficiency of production that does not exist at the level of individual water and sewer authorities. This will also have a deeper, more holistic, protective effect on the water resource itself. Instead of undertaking piecemeal efforts that have questionable benefits, resources can be managed more effectively.
Perchlorate, bromate, and chlorate in hypochlorite solutions: Guidelines for utilities
Authors: Stanford Benjamin D. , Pisarenko Aleksey N. , Snyder Shane A. , Gordon Gilbert
Published: February 2018

Hypochlorite solutions contain oxyhalide species such as perchlorate, chlorate, and bromate that form during and after manufacture. Such oxyhalide species have the potential to contaminate finished drinking water if adequate control measures are not taken to minimize their formation during manufacture, shipment, and storage of hypochlorite solutions. This article describes the rate of formation of perchlorate in hypochlorite solutions and discusses the chemistry behind a series of control strategies that utilities and manufacturers can implement to minimize oxyhalide formation and introduction into drinking water. Factors affecting the formation of perchlorate include temperature, ionic strength, hypochlorite concentration, and the presence of transition metal ions. The authors conclude that with proper manufacture, storage conditions, and handling, formation of perchlorate, chlorate, and bromate can be minimized. If care is not taken during manufacture and storage of hypochlorite solutions, however, perchlorate, chlorate, and bromate levels can exceed health‐based guidelines in drinking water.
Delivering Safe Water to the Moon
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance discusses the state of the nation's drinking water distribution system and how, because of its age, it is in desperate need of replacement. Despite the need for replacement, distribution systems are still required to deliver safe drinking water, and therefore, optimizing distribution systems operations is critical. The Partnership for Safe Water (PSW) launched a new program this year to help utilities optimize operations and enhance water quality in their distribution systems. Data from a utility's self‐assessment review is used to develop an optimization action plan specifically customized for that utility. The article provides contact information for the program.
Malaysian Water Tariff Influences Water‐saving Habits
Authors: Venkatesh Govindarajan , Heng Chan Chiang
Published: February 2018

The Langkawi Archipelago, in the Andaman Sea of the Indian Ocean, comprises a cluster of 99 islands just off the shores of the Northern Kedah State in Peninsular Malaysia. During low tide, the number of islands expands to 104. Many of these islands are rocky outcrops separated by narrow canals through which only sampans—little boats—can travel. Langkawi Island (approximately 185 square miles) is the largest of the islands. It is not much smaller than Singapore, but has a population of only 100,000 people, compared with Singapore's 5 million. The water demand has been growing in concert with a rise in population and an increase in per‐capita water consumption. G. Venkatesh talks with Chan Chiang Heng, advisor to the Engineering and Water Supply Division of the Taliworks Corporation of LGB Group in Malaysia.
Sustainable water supply infrastructure for Hong Kong
Authors: Man Alan , Ng Bobby , Shou Stephanus , Vickridge Ian
Published: February 2018

Only about 20% of Hong Kong's water requirements can be supplied from local surface water sources. As a result, considerable effort and investment, such as the “reservoirs in the sea” and dual water supply concepts, have been undertaken to ensure that sufficient high‐quality water can be provided to meet Hong Kong's growing water demand. This article reports on Hong Kong's shift from supply‐side management (i.e., continual increase in developing infrastructure to meet increasing demand) to demand‐side management (i.e., reducing demand so that existing supplies can continue to provide a consistent and wholesome supply) and leakage reduction. Reduction in consumption and effective control of leakage are essential to ensuring that the region's water infrastructure will continue to meet the needs and expectations of Hong Kong's people as effectively as it has in the past.
Water Issues Know No Borders
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Everyone ‐ and everything ‐ depends on water. Living organisms need water to survive; businesses (whether agricultural, commercial, or industrial) need water to produce their wares. Multiple, growing demands for this resource wouldn't be a problem if all of the world's supply of water was available (i.e., infinite) and equitably distributed. Unfortunately, that's hardly the case.
Workforce Challenges—and Solutions—Abound
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Losing critical knowledge can have a long‐lasting and harmful effect on an organization. Challenges posed by an aging workforce, retiring experts, difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff, and the need to continually improve operational efficiency exacerbate knowledge management (KM) efforts and keep this issue on the front burner at most utilities. KM, as noted by AWWA's Workforce Strategies Committee, relates to a collection of processes that govern the discovery, creation, codification, dissemination, and utilization of knowledge. Although there are many types of knowledge, elements of KM exist in everyone's job, thus making KM a critical aspect of workforce management as well as utility operations.
The Value of AWWA Membership—Something Big
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

Here are three simple ways to start to discover AWWA's value. If what you need is an authoritative document about some facet of the water industry, you might try looking through our books, periodicals, manuals, standards, or e‐learning classes. If what you would benefit from is meeting face to face with industry experts on a specific water‐related topic, then you should attend one of AWWA's many conferences and seminars where experts speak on a variety of current industry issues. If what you want to do is help to create and shape water industry knowledge for others, then you should look at AWWA's committee structure to see where you can best fit in.
Galvanic Corrosion Article Draws Comment
Authors: Frankel G.S.
Published: February 2018

Letters includes comments from Journal readers.
Inside and Out, Infrastructure Is Where It's At
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Experts from numerous fields are stressing the need to better allocate resources, manage demands made by a burgeoning population, and adjust our expectations of how well things will work. Water utilities are among those on the frontline having to address these issues. This month's feature focus article addresses the issue of funding infrastructure repair/replacement costs, while the peer‐reviewed articles focus more on operational concerns that specifically address temperature and contaminant intrusion in the distribution system.
Survey Says … There's a Glimmer of Light at the End of the Tunnel
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

One thing is for sure and that is that last year there was a plethora of survey results indicating that awareness is increasing about the need to reinvest in and replace water infrastructure. Although solving water infrastructure challenges will likely remain a primary challenge for the foreseeable future, indications are that solutions and strategies are gaining momentum and that, at a minimum, we can begin to see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
It Is All Connected
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

When one thing is done, it actually isn't done but remains as the influence of the next thing. To a great extent, this idea of connectedness is true for the water industry. For example, potable water becomes wastewater, wastewater becomes source water for potable water, and so on. The discrete uses of the water are connected; as one form of water ends, the other form begins. In this circular pattern of connectedness, the water forms are related to each other and their beginnings and endings are dependent on each other.
Watershed Perturbations and Water Quality
Authors: Rosario‐Ortiz Fernando
Published: February 2018

This column marks a first in Journal AWWA's history: an introduction to the issue written by the guest editor who helped build the issue's companion focus on DOM. The Journal thanks Fernando Rosario‐Ortiz, assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Colorado, Boulder, for his time, effort, and diligence in developing the DOM companion focus and encouraging authors to submit peer‐reviewed papers for this issue.
New Tools Help Utilities Tune Up Operations
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Metering technologies, pricing, energy, declining revenues, water loss, information technology ‐ all are common concerns among utilities. New approaches to fine‐tuning efficiencies in these and other areas, as presented in this month's feature articles, provide additional means of streamlining utility operations.
Back to the Future
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Distribution systems carry the most precious commodity on earth ‐ water. Headlines abound regarding the deteriorating state of infrastructure, not just in the United States, but around the world. This month, many aspects of that issue are addressed and solutions proposed, from taking advantage of cloud computing to tank management to a special tool to help utilities build tomorrow's infrastructure.
Get Prepared for a Paradigm Shift
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Finding the people to fill vacant jobs isn't the only workforce challenge water and wastewater utilities will face. As with other professional organizations in the field, they will need to be flexible and open to making changes in long‐established management practices, to embrace new expectations from the next generation of employees, to capture historical knowledge held by retiring employees, and to be aggressive in the search for talent.
Are You Kidding Me?
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

In July this column addressed the critical issue of making sure water and wastewater services remain affordable for all water customers ‐ not just the top half of earners. Since then several readers have sent comments to me about this important subject. One in particular caught my attention and contained a link to a Nov.13, 2009, electronic article from SlashFood.com titled “Meet the World's Water Sommelier.” The article focused on a man named Michael Mascha who gave up being a wine sommelier to become equally enthusiastic about water and its subtle and distinct differences. As a point of clarification, remember I am a tap water enthusiast. This is not a column about the virtues of bottled water, and the above‐referenced article has done nothing to alter my relationship with tap water.
Did Potable Reuse Just Become More Feasible in California?
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

A recent decision by a California court states that a city's reuse water rates that distribute reuse service costs to all ratepayers ‐ including those who do not receive reuse water ‐ did not comply with the state's Proposition 218, which places requirements on how user fees may be adjusted. Generally, the ruling says that treated‐water customers should not share in the cost of a reuse water system if they are not receiving reuse water. On its face this decision creates a challenge for financing reuse systems by limiting the customer base that is paying for them. On the other hand, it may create an opportunity and a rationale for more fully integrating reuse water across entire systems.