bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing residuals management: Cost implications for coagulation and softening plants
Authors: Roth Damon K. , Cornwell David A. , Russell Jerry S. , Gross Mark , Malmrose Paul E. , Wancho Linda
Published: February 2018

The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) was charged with determining whether minimum federal Clean Water Act requirements should be established for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits on the discharge of residuals produced at water treatment plants. A key factor in USEPA's evaluation was the cost of residuals management at facilities where such treatment does not currently exist or where significant treatment changes would be required to meet such a technology‐based management requirement. AWWA initiated this project to provide independent cost information to aid in the USEPA cost‐benefit analysis. Cost estimates were developed for implementing residuals management at existing coagulation and lime‐softening plants of various sizes and solids production rates. In addition to capital costs, annual costs associated with residuals management were estimated and used to calculate the 20‐year current worth for residuals management. The work also provides guidance on focus areas where costs can be reduced.
Condition Assessment Essential for Effective Management of Buried Infrastructure
Authors: Livingston Bryon L. , Aillet Joe R. , Soon Soo Koon
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the crucial step of condition assessment in the development of an asset management plan for pipeline infrastructure. Using this method, utilities can focus on identifying specific sections of a pipeline that require repairing rather than replacing the entire pipeline. An investment profile for pipelines can be determined in order to proactively schedule improvements in conjunction with budgets. An example of condition assessment is presented where Lubbock, Texas, followed a three‐phase approach for pipeline assessment that included a review of historical data, hydraulic considerations (including transient pressures), finite element analysis, and corrosion potential in the soil. Finite element analysis and a geographic information system were used to prioritize which sections of the pipeline warranted physical inspection. The second phase validated the condition of the pipe using remote field eddy current transformer‐coupling technology and/or acoustic‐sensor leak‐detection technology to determine the condition of the pipe. The third phase involved development of a detailed mitigation plan to prioritize the replacement or repair of the segments of the pipeline with the highest potential of failure based on the condition assessment and field testing. The plan allows the city to budget replacement of critical segments over 5‐ and 10‐year periods as part of the normal capital improvement process. Risk management of pipeline leaks is also discussed.
Water Investing: Come on in—The Water's Fine
Authors: Maxwell Steve
Published: February 2018

This article discusses broader investor recognition and awareness of water investment opportunities, particularly the roll‐up and sale of USFilter in the mid‐1990s (and the accompanying publicity). It was probably the single watershed event that helped most with raising the visibility of water investing, the event that broke the ice for many investors. The article also looks at the down side of investing in the water industry, such as early attempts to build public companies on the idea of speculating in water rights. However, the article ends on an optimistic note about future opportunities in water industry investment.
Effects of water treatment residual addition on phosphorus in liquid dairy manure
Authors: Meals Donald W. , Fay James , Barsotti Michael
Published: February 2018

Treating livestock manure with drinking water treatment residuals (WTRs) can reduce soluble phosphorus (P) and decrease the risk of P losses from land‐applied manure. At the same time, such beneficial use could provide the water treatment industry with an economical alternative for management of its by‐products. A 10‐day experiment was conducted to assess the effect of addition of 1‐50% w/w alum‐based WTRs on the P content of liquid dairy manure. Reductions in manure‐soluble P concentrations of 6‐79% were achieved at doses ranging from 1 to 50%. Total P levels in manure were reduced by 9‐25% at WTR doses of 10‐50%. Most P reduction appeared to be achieved after 72 h following WTR addition. A WTR dose of 5‐10% could potentially achieve a 20‐30% reduction in soluble P content of liquid dairy manure; greater reductions in soluble P appear to be achievable with higher WTR doses.
Tapping New Savings: AWWA Water Conservation Division Supports the Use of Best Available Technology
Authors: Bracciano Dave
Published: February 2018

This article presents the AWWA Water Conservation Division, and discusses an ad hoc water‐efficiency research fund that focuses on advancing water efficiency nationally and testing emerging water‐efficient technologies. The fund was born out of successful partnerships that include the maximum performance (MaP) testing of popular toilet models. The article lists programs that promote water conservation, and how to use product information to implement conservation programs.
WaterSense® Makes Good Sense
Authors: Grumbles Benjamin H.
Published: February 2018

This article presents the WaterSense® program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) innovative voluntary market transformation program for water‐efficient products and programs. Its purpose is to help utilities confidently promote products and services that use less water and perform as well as or better than conventional models. To ensure product quality, USEPA develops rigorous efficiency and performance criteria and requires independent, third‐party testing and certification before a product can earn the WaterSense label. WaterSense‐labeled products and fixtures are discussed, along with WaterSense partnerships with landscape irrigation professionals, plumbing manufacturers, distributors and retailers, a WaterSense‐labeled certification program, building brand recognition, and helping utilities better manage capacity expansion.
Customer Service and Finance Departments Critical to Water Conservation Success
Authors: Green Deborah
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the importance of a strong partnership between a utility's customer service (CS) and finance departments and its water conservation staff, and how it is critical to the success of any utility's water conservation efforts. Utility water conservation (water efficiency) coordinators have several points of interface with CS and finance departments and depend on CS and finance staff for before‐ and after‐billing data to document reductions in water use from water conservation programs.
Wetlands Mitigation Rules Finalized
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: February 2018

The 2004 National Defense Authorization Act (PL 108‐136) required development of regulations consistent with Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 that establish equivalent standards and criteria for permittee‐responsible mitigation, mitigation banks, and in‐lieu fee programs. On March 27, 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) announced proposed revisions to compensatory mitigation regulations. The purpose of the proposed revisions was to improve the effectiveness of compensatory mitigation, expand public participation, and increase the efficiency and predictability of the regulatory process. The proposal also complemented efforts to implement the 2002 National Wetlands Mitigation Action Plan, as well as respond to the recommendations of the 2001 National Research Council (NRC) comprehensive report evaluating wetlands compensatory mitigation (2001). On Apr. 10, 2008, USEPA and the Corps published a final rule that improves and consolidates existing regulations and guidance and establishes equivalent standards for all types of mitigation under the CWA Section 404 regulatory program. The new rule, which goes into effect June 9, 2008, is intended to promote greater consistency, predictability, and ecological success of mitigation projects. The rule does not change when compensatory mitigation is required, but it does change where and how it is required. This article discusses required mitigation plans and selecting the best mitigation option.
USEPA Training Fosters Collaboration
Authors: Lamb Patricia , Zabec Myra
Published: February 2018

In early 2004, Charlotte‐Mecklenburg (North Carolina) Utilities (CMU) reached out to local and federal officials to create a one‐of‐a‐kind training event for CMU staff and the Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) Hazardous Materials (hazmat) Response Team. Although the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has developed and presented training on policies and procedures for water contamination event response, there was a gap in practical training for field response activities during a hazardous contamination event or a terrorist act. The original intent of the project was to train the CFD hazmat team and CMU staff in working at crime scenes, to train the hazmat team in water sampling, and to train affected CMU staff in recognizing when the hazmat team should be called in to conduct sampling. This article discusses how the original idea was expanded to include training for the USEPA's national counterterrorism evidence response team (NCERT). The initiative resulted in an extraordinary collaboration between USEPA's newly formed Homeland Security Division, CFD, Mecklenburg County Emergency Management, Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Police Department's special weapons and tactics team, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and CMU, providing educational and professional networking opportunities for all.
Plumbing codes and water efficiency: What's a water utility to do?
Authors: Pape Thomas E.
Published: February 2018

Plumbing codes are enacted to protect the public's health and safety. The growing water supply‐demand crisis in the United States and across the globe now requires that plumbing codes not impede and even support water efficiency standards, regulations, and community conservation efforts. Of interest to any water utility is the fact that some plumbing codes conflict with water efficiency, and these codes are impeding their ability to implement demand management. Utility managers have the ability to enact plumbing code changes in their service territory. Such plumbing codes must be amended at the local level because the amendment process by the model code agencies will not affect local plumbing codes until after 2011. Water utilities need to take action with local code enforcement jurisdictions to ensure that the plumbing codes do not conflict with the growing demand for water conservation.
Innovative water conservation supports sustainable housing development
Authors: Maddaus Michelle L. , Maddaus William O. , Torre Marshall , Harris Richard
Published: February 2018

The water industry is facing challenges related to growing populations and fixed water supplies. Innovative ways to allow continuing development while creating efficient, sustainable communities is a key goal. A partnership between a private builder in California and the East Bay Municipal Utility District in Oakland, California, is one example of such innovation. The authors demonstrate how to create a sustainable development with no net water supply increase. This information is applicable to any community that is or will be experiencing water shortages in the future and will be a model for other developers and water utilities in water‐scarce areas to follow for several reasons: water supply shortages create opportunities for innovation; water savings in the range of 20‐30% are possible for onsite reductions; offsite mitigation is possible where significant conservation potential exists within current service areas; and, creating a zero footprint for new development is one way to enhance the goal of sustainability.
Water budgets and rate structures: Innovative management tools
Authors: Mayer Peter , Deoreo William , Chesnutt Thomas , Summers Lyle
Published: February 2018

Water budgets, volumetric allotments of water to customers based on customer‐specific characteristics and conservative resource standards, are an innovative means of improving water‐use efficiency. Once thought to be impractical because of technological constraints, water budgets linked with an increasing‐block rate structure have been implemented successfully by more than 20 utilities. Key issues identified in this examination of water budgets and their potential value to North American water utilities include: different practical approaches to water budget rate structures; the benefits and challenges of these approaches; the potential uses of water budgets during drought; and, important steps in the water budget implementation process.
Reducing the Effects of North America's Hardened Landscapes
Authors: Schuyler Ridge ,   The Nature Conservancy
Published: February 2018

This article addresses the challenge of excessive sedimentation in the rivers, streams and reservoirs across the United States. Over the next 50 years, it is expected that roughly half of our reservoirs’ storage capacity will be lost to dirt. To confront this ecological and economic challenge, four jurisdictions that make up the majority of the Rivanna watershed in Virginia (which encircles Charlottesville) came together and formed the Rivanna River Basin Commission (RRBC). The commission brought together a group of local water experts to study the problem; they found that the most significant sedimentation appeared to come from instream erosion, due to major changes we have made to our landscape such as the conversion of forestland and farmland to homesites. These homesites have replaced the forest canopy, understory and leaf litter on the forest floor, which easily absorbed rainwater runoff, with rooftops and roads that harden the landscape and accelerate the flow of water runoff toward rivers and streams, thus eroding stream banks and stream beds. The article discusses work underway on minimizing the effects of hardening such as rainwater harvesting, and readjusting storm water management goals.
Tap Water Pharmaceuticals: Back to the Future
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: February 2018

This article discusses legislative and regulatory proposals for pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) that have been detected in the drinking water of metropolitan areas. The article discusses PPCPs as emerging contaminants, the emergence of chloroform paralleling the emergence of PPCPs, the arousal of public attention by recent media coverage of PPCPs, efforts to regulate PPCPs in drinking water, and consideration of PPCPs for the draft third CCL (CCL3).
Water System Security: Here Today … Gone Tomorrow?
Authors: Babcock Robert F.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the Vulnerability Assessment Capital Improvement Plan (VA CIP), funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to improve water system security by implementing changes identified in the public water system VA, assess utility accomplishments, and identify remaining needs for security capital improvements projects. The VA CIP follow‐ up contract was established to assist Michigan water systems in implementing their VA CIP and to demonstrate improved water system security in the state; it was not a compliance assessment. All Michigan communities that were required to complete a VA were in compliance with the BTA. These systems were asked to participate in this project in order to determine the status of the public water system security program and allow the state to better direct future efforts and grant‐funding opportunities. Study results are discussed.
Metering secondary water in residential irrigation systems
Authors: Richards Gregory L. , Johnson Michael C. , Barfuss Steven L.
Published: February 2018

With rapid growth and limited water supplies, many water systems throughout the United States, in particular those in western states, are aware of the need for water conservation. Supplying secondary water is an approach that reduces demand on potable water and allows for more connections. However, unmetered secondary water use has resulted in an increase in overall water use. The regulation of secondary water would provide utilities increased control of water supplies and would allow residential users to actively conserve water used for outdoor purposes. The authors explore current practices that water suppliers are using, including filtration and innovative meter designs, to conserve precious water resources. Their experiences show that not only is secondary metering a future necessity, it is also a current possibility. Water suppliers can use this information to learn from the experiences of other systems and plan the future of their own distribution systems.
Preserving Quality a Key Component of System Operation
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Water professionals know that water quality in the distribution system can be compromised by any number of variables. This month's articles address several of these parameters, including specific behaviors of large‐diameter pipes, water flow through pipes, system effects of the types and locations of storage facilities, main repairs, and cross‐connections and other types of contamination. In addition, the potential cost associated with a distribution system rule, being considered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), is also examined.
New Technology Determines Exact Spatial Location of Water and Sewer Pipes
Authors: Miner Gary
Published: February 2018

This article presents mapping technology from Geospatial Corporation that can provide utility managers with three‐dimensional drawings that can help them manage and maintain their systems more efficiently and aid them in planning future system expansions, especially in situations where there are no as‐built drawings for water utility pipelines. The Smart Probe? technology from Geospacial Corporation can bolster the effectiveness of a water or wastewater utility's asset management system through an array of data collection instruments contained within several types of pipeline probes, as well as a proprietary software package that extracts the collected data and transfers it into various geographic information system (GIS) databases.
New Aspects of Flow Measurement Errors in Large–diameter Pipes
Authors: Spitzer David W. , Furness Richard
Published: February 2018

Flowmeters are commonly used to determine the amount of water that is transferred between different business entities. The performance of many types of flowmeters is influenced by limitations of flowmeter technology, installation, calibration, operation, and maintenance. This article focuses on one aspect of flowmeter performance, straight‐run requirements for accurate flow measurement and the long‐term effect these requirements can have on flow measurement errors.
An analysis of potential costs for small community cross‐connection control
Authors: Pontius Frederick W. , Evans William B.
Published: February 2018

Cross‐connection control and backflow prevention are not new concerns for water utilities. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is considering regulation of drinking water distribution systems, and one component of this regulation may address cross‐connection control programs. A national regulation would potentially affect approximately 60,000 US community water systems and nontransient‐noncommunity water systems serving fewer than 10,000 people. The authors performed an analysis to assess the potential cost of possible USEPA cross‐connection control program requirements. Potential regulatory program elements that could be expected as part of a water utility cross‐connection control program were identified, and a methodology was developed to provide a transparent technical analysis of cost factors. The methodology was applied to determine an order‐of‐ magnitude total cost that could result from comprehensive adoption of cross‐connection control requirements for small community water systems. Insights gained from this analysis are discussed to inform assessment of national costs for future potential cross‐connection control regulations.
Estimating chloramine C × T for the synergistic inactivation of Cryptosporidium with ozone followed by chloramine
Authors: Sivaganesan Mano
Published: February 2018

A statistical model was developed to account for the error in estimating the required chloramine concentration times time (C × T) to inactivate Cryptosporidium oocysts with ozone followed by chloramine in drinking water. Generally, either a modified in vitro excystation method or an animal infectivity method is used by researchers to investigate the inactivation kinetics of Cryptosporidium in sequential inactivation studies. Published data from three sequential inactivation studies were pooled to obtain a closed‐form formula for the required chloramine C × T to achieve a specified inactivation level of Cryptosporidium. In a previously published paper, a multiple linear regression analysis was used to calculate the required chloramine C × T using the same data in which uncertainties caused by factors such as lot variability and random error were not accounted for. This article proposes a mixed linear modeling approach that accounts for these uncertainties and thus generates higher C × T values than the values reported previously.
Protecting Drinking Water Sources Through Collaboration
Authors: Codrington Ann , Hudak Tracey
Published: February 2018

Not every utility is able to make source water protection a top priority. Fortunately, the responsibility of protecting drinking water sources does not have to fall on the shoulders of utilities alone. This article discusses how local leaders, from community groups to elected officials, are taking important steps to protect sources of drinking water, often in partnership with drinking water utilities. Because of the local nature of drinking water protection, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recognizes that the best way to help states and communities is by cultivating collaborations and partnerships at the national level that enable the collection of information and the development of tools, in effect, forging relationships that will benefit efforts in the field. Since 2004, USEPA has sponsored 17 collaborative workshops to promote local source water protection planning and implementation, and to assist with the integration of source water protection into related programs at the federal, state, and local levels.
Lime Chemical Bridging, Sticking, and Flow Problems Solved
Authors: Vigorito Anthony P.
Published: February 2018

This article reports on a situation at the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District where problems developed with the flow of lime from the concrete bulk storage bins to the main hopper that feeds the lime slurry machines. Large amounts of airborne lime dust developed as a consequence of the operators using a shovel to move the lime, and the plant's vacuum systems were inadequate to deal with the dust. As a result, the operators were experiencing injuries due to this situation. The article describes the installation of a liner in the concrete lime storage bins that allowed the lime to flow smoothly into the hopper opening. Also, a new air‐filtering system was installed to deal with the dust. Morale has increased because operators no longer spend time hoeing and can be given other tasks including working on plant machinery.
Conquering Workforce Challenges
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Even if they were happening one at a time, shrinking budgets, rising rates of retirement, fewer workers to fill job vacancies, loss of tacit knowledge and experience, and lack of skilled candidates to fill job openings would be the stuff of managers' nightmares ‐ but all of these issues are happening concurrently. In addition, there are a few intriguing tidbits about the workplace of the future to consider: four generations will be in the workplace for the first time in history; more women will be in the workforce; more culturally diverse workers will become part of the workforce; and, demographic changes may leave employer's no choice but to refashion policies and practices to fit the values of younger workers. Tomorrow's workplace will be a new world for every industry, but only those organizations that have prepared will be able to easily navigate the coming wave of change. It's critical in the current work environment to have plans in place to address workforce issues as they arise ‐ if they haven't already.
Recruit and retain great employees: Proven approaches you can implement now to address the workforce gap
Authors: Isbell Marcia , McCain Katie , Meadors Darla , Post Arlene , Schneider Sue
Published: February 2018

The workforce gap is real, and now is the time to act to ensure sufficient future staffing to meet service expectations. Many utilities are facing tremendous difficulty in recruiting and hiring qualified employees. They also may find it difficult to retain good employees whose knowledge and skills are in demand in this growing employee's market. Utilities have been using dated recruiting methods resulting from the recent era of lean operations and hiring freezes. Utility culture has not changed to meet the critical job factors sought by younger generations. This article provides solutions to workforce sustainability issues that utility managers can adopt and implement in their organizations with minimal financial investment. Employers must provide the same level of attention to workforce planning as they do to asset management and other strategic business priorities. Examples of successful application of workforce planning practices by specific utilities are shared to illustrate proven effectiveness and open the door for collaboration. Other resources to assist utilities are also given.
DBP formation during chlorination and chloramination: Effect of reaction time, pH, dosage, and temperature
Authors: Hua Guanghui , Reckhow David A.
Published: February 2018

Despite extensive efforts in the identification of new disinfection by‐products (DBPs) by environmental scientists, a significant fraction of the total organic halogen (TOX) in drinking water still cannot be accounted for by known specific DBPs. The formation and control of these unknown DBPs have not been well established. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reaction time, pH, dosage, and temperature on the formation of unknown TOX (UTOX) during chlorination and chloramination. Results showed that greater conversion of UTOX to measurable by‐products occurred with increasing reaction time, pH, dose, and temperature during chlorination. The UTOX‐to‐TOX ratio increased with reaction time but decreased with pH and dose during chloramination. The formation of unknown brominated and iodinated DBPs decreased as chlorination or chloramination pH increased. TOX formation was significantly reduced at high pH values during chloramination. For best control of DBPs, the authors recommend that water utilities using chloramines perform chloramination under alkaline conditions. Given that dihaloacetic acids and trihaloacetic acids exhibited distinct responses to the evaluated parameters, the authors also recommend that these be considered different classes of DBPs in future studies.
The Wisdom of Protection
Authors: Zimmerman Gary J.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Gary Zimmerman describes a recent trip he took to Wisconsin, that included meeting with the Wisconsin Section Board of Trustees and its Administrative Director, Jill Duchniak, and attending the ribbon‐cutting ceremony for the new microfiltration facility at Manitowoc, WI. He relates his own personal family roots in Manitowoc, and correlates his grandmother's folksy wisdom with the subject matter of this month's Journal on source water.
Implementing Sustainable Approaches to Water Management
Authors: Bailey Robert , Searle Thomas
Published: February 2018

This article provides three examples of implementing sustainable approaches to water management. It first discusses how Singapore uses a water portfolio management approach that diversifies and identifies key water sources. PUB, the national water agency of Singapore, plans for, manages, and safeguards Singapore's water resources through its Four National Taps program that uses local catchment water, imported water, NEWater, and desalinated water. This program has allowed PUB to create a long‐term water supply strategy structured to manage Singapore's water challenges and ensure a reliable and resilient water supply. The second example highlights Australia's Gippsland Water Factory (GWF) as a leader in sustainability and innovation by delivering a range of benefits from recycled water for the Gippsland region. The recycled water will benefit local industry, the environment, and the community. In addition, electricity will be produced onsite using renewable energy technology, which will help power operational activities and minimize environmental effects on the site and in the region. A public education facility, the Vortex Centre, will raise community awareness about water conservation and sustainable water management. The third example is Masdar City, a zero‐carbon and zero‐waste sustainable city that is being developed in Abu Dhabi, and is an example of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE's) commitment to mitigate global climate change. Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company is addressing the issue of sustainable energy sources and environmental practices through a program focused on developing and commercializing advanced and innovative technologies in renewable, alternative, and sustainable energies.
People
Authors: Miner Gary
Published: February 2018

This article announces that CH2M HILL employees from around the world have raised more than $170,000 in support of Water For People, an international nonprofit organization based in Denver, Colorado, that works in developing countries to establish programs for locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities, and health and hygiene education. Together with cash and in‐kind contributions, CH2M HILL and its employees committed more than $220,000 to advance the work of the charitable organization. Water For People estimates that $29 will provide clean water or sanitation services in a developing country for a person's lifetime.
Water Sustainability: a Looming Global Challenge
Authors: McCarthy Dan
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the looming global challenge of water sustainability and the public's assumption that high‐quality water will continue to be easily accessible to all people when they want it. The article discusses three factors that are affecting the availability of freshwater resources, including: population growth; economic growth; and, climate change. Successfully meeting the challenges of uneven distribution of water around the world, depletion of groundwater, changing rainfall patterns, and other water industry trends can be achieved by developing and implementing sustainable solutions that will ensure effective management of the entire water cycle and will help communities prepare for an uncertain future. The article stresses that sustainability planning is no longer an isolated challenge; regional solutions require integrated planning among municipal, industrial, and agricultural water users.
Cause for Celebration
Authors: Zimmerman Gary J.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Gary Zimmerman celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first large‐scale use of chlorination as a disinfection technology at the Boonton Reservoir of the Jersey City Water Works in 1908. He mentions other topics presented in this month's Journal, including disinfection practices, the results of AWWA's Disinfection Systems Committee survey, and the 2008 State of the Industry Report.
Effectiveness of switching disinfectants for nitrification control
Authors: Carrico Bree A. , Digiano Francis A. , Love Nancy G. , Vikesland Peter , Chandran Kartik , Fiss Matt , Zaklikowski Anna
Published: February 2018

The effectiveness of a one‐month switch from chloramines to free chlorine for control of nitrification and the consequences of this strategy were evaluated in three distribution systems. Nitrification was observed in two of the systems, and may have been influenced by greater loss of disinfectant residual in cast‐iron pipe sections. Free chlorine inhibited nitrification episodes, though evidence of nitrification was observed several months after the return to chloramines. Ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) were found attached to pipe‐wall specimens removed from a distribution system during and at the end of the free‐chlorination period, suggesting AOB persisted during free chlorination. Consequences of disinfectant switching include breakpoint chlorination reactions that caused periods of low disinfectant residuals and increased total trihalomethane (TTHM) concentrations. The highest TTHM concentration might not be observed until long after the return to chloramines at locations with long residence time where free chlorine remains.
The Federal Budget Debacle
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: February 2018

The federal budget picture is so complicated that only a few members of Congress understand it. Disputes over the federal budget and spending are an annual event. Political posturing and ideological disagreements in an election year typically result in a budget impass and the possibility of a government shutdown. This article examines the federal budget process and the forces driving it.
NASA uses new oxidation technology for groundwater remediation
Authors: Boudreaux Erin
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a project by the National Aeronautics & Space Administration's (NASA's) Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, that involves aggressive groundwater and soil remediation to treat an area of onsite petroleum hydrocarbon contamination. Faced with the challenge of removing the contamination while maintaining the integrity of underground utilities, piping, and infrastructure, NASA and its consultant Tetra Tech (Pasadena, California) chose RegenOx?, a proven, noncorrosive, and cost‐effective in situ chemical oxidation technology developed by Regenesis (San Clemente, California).
Water For People Promoting Environmental Stewardship in Guatemala
Authors: Miller Nina
Published: February 2018

This article discusses Water For People's support of watershed management in Guatemala, and provides elements of an interview with Water For People – Guatemala's country coordinator, Edgar Fajardo. Sustainability from watershed management is Fajardo's ultimate goal, with specific objectives including the following: conservation of water and soil; appropriate development of natural resources; and poverty reduction. Fajardo sees watershed management as an enhancement of the community empowerment model long used by Water For People, and its success depends on a long‐term commitment. The article explains how interconnected the communities of each watershed are, and thus, watershed management affects whole regions of Guatemala. Because of water scarcity, there is a need to develop new water sources in Guatemala such as a rainwater catchment project in a mountain village in the region of Nebaj. Fajardo points out that watershed management is inherently political; and, the article describes how, as an organization, Water For People works with local governments to increase their capacity for the water regulation and infrastructure support that are their responsibility. The article includes an inset that discusses the partnership between Water For People and ITT Corporation to address the global sanitation crisis.
Emerging compounds: A concern for water and wastewater utilities
Authors: Fono Lorien J. , McDonald H. Stephen
Published: February 2018

The treatment technologies discussed in this article explore the removal of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). There are no regulations currently restricting CECs, but with the recent media attention and increasing public awareness of the issue, as well as improving technology to detect these substances, regulations may be on the horizon. The future regulatory scenarios to address these CECs will be of most interest to utility managers. There are several source control alternatives as well as treatment technologies that can help to reduce CEC concentrations in drinking water. This article summarizes the effects, removal, and regulatory responses to CECs and outlines where more research is needed. Water utilities are encouraged to begin planning for long‐term upgrades and policies to address CECs. In addition, the authors encourage cooperation between water and wastewater utilities.
Examining mergers in small CWSs: The role of regulatory compliance
Authors: Lee Min‐Yang A. , Braden John B.
Published: February 2018

This research investigated merger and consolidation in the water industry to gain insight into the causes driving these activities. An economic model was developed to analyze data from more than 6,000 mergers of community water systems in six midwestern states. The model considered such variables as number of water quality and monitoring violations, whether or not a system already purchased water, and system ownership (public versus private). Small water systems that were acquired were more likely to have violated the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Publicly owned firms were less likely to be acquired, perhaps because of the high political costs associated with selling government assets. Systems that purchased water and thus already had interconnected infrastructure also were more likely to merge. Merger has not been fully explored as a mechanism to increase regulatory compliance. These findings suggest that policies that lower the political, regulatory, and physical cost of mergers may help make it a more effective tool to boost SDWA compliance.
Effects of Changing disinfectants on lead and copper release
Authors: Boyd Glen R. , Dewis Kylee M. , Korshin Gregory V. , Reiber Steven H. , Schock Michael R. , Sandvig Anne M. , Giani Richard
Published: February 2018

More and more utilities are using chloramines in place of free chlorine for greater residual stability and better compliance with both the Total Coliform Rule and the stringent requirements of the Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts Rule. However, new information about disinfectantinduced changes in oxidation reduction potential, lead and copper chemistry, scale formation, and scale destabilization involving natural organic matter has contributed to greater understanding of factors influencing increased corrosion and metals release. This article consolidates and updates information about potential effects of changing disinfectants on lead and copper release in drinking water distribution systems. The findings indicate the importance of chemical properties and electrochemical behavior in understanding how corroding metals and alloys respond to transition from free chlorine to chloramines and vice versa.
Committee Report: Disinfection Survey, Part2—Alternatives, experiences, and future plans
Authors:   Awwa Disinfection Systems Committee
Published: February 2018

In 2007, the AWWA Disinfection Systems Committee conducted its fourth survey of drinking water disinfection practices. Part 1 of the survey report was published in the October 2008 issue and describes the survey process and respondent demographics, recent changes, and water quality. This article describes selection rationales and operational details of survey respondents using various forms of chlorine (about two thirds used chlorine gas, about one third used nongaseous forms of chlorine) and alterative disinfectants including chloramine (30%), ozone (10%), chlorine dioxide (8%) and ultraviolet light (2%). Respondents— status and projections with regard to new microbial disinfection by‐products regulations are summarized along with future plans.
Agreement Shaping Revision of Total Coliform Rule Signed
Authors: Via Steve
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a final agreement in principle reached by the Total Coliform Rule Distribution System Federal Advisory Committee (TCRDSAC) in response to two charges given it by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) that include the following: a revision of the Total Coliform Rule (TCR) to improve implementation while maintaining or improving public health protection and distribution system water quality; and, to determine what data should be collected, research conducted, and/or risk management strategies evaluated in order to more effectively inform the public about distribution system contaminant occurrence and associated public health risks. The agreement represents a commitment by the USEPA to prepare a proposed rule that reflects the substance and effect of the TCRDSAC's recommendations. It is also a promise by the other parties represented to not impede the revised rule proposal or subsequent promulgation and implementation as long as the revisions are consistent with the agreement. The article provides a sidebar that explains a reduced monitoring recommendation for both community and noncommunity water systems. A second sidebar lists assessment triggers, a third sidebar presents examples of sanitary defects, and a forth sidebar lists members of the TCRDSAC.
An Evolving Culture of Security and Preparedness in the Water Sector
Authors: Morley Kevin M. , Moyer Jack
Published: February 2018

This article presents the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and other recent natural disasters as testimony that the United States needs to invest in response, recovery, and resiliency in order to reach a balance between traditional security and preparedness. The ultimate goal is to establish an all‐hazards approach to risk management that is integrated into the culture of an organization. The article provides examples of successful implementation of the goals and objectives of the Water Sector Specific Plan (Water SSP; DHS, 2006) which is based on the all‐hazards risk management framework established in the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP; DHS & USEPA, 2007). The article describes how the water sector has demonstrated leadership by being the first to establish metrics for assessing security and preparedness relative to the goals and objectives outlined in the Water SSP. The article discusses the following topics: the intrastate mutual aid and assistance initiative called WARN (Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network); the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) that provides a system for public‐private collaboration on critical homeland security issues; the partnership between AWWA and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) National Homeland Security Research Center to investigate advances in hydraulic modeling; AWWA's Guide to Evaluating and Selecting Disinfection in a Security‐Conscious Environment that evaluates the attributes of each disinfection method (effectiveness, water quality, reliability, safety, security) and provides tools to help utilities select the method that best suits a system's operating conditions, site constraints, and other unique circumstances; and, AWWA business continuity planning seminars, along with the efforts of the AWWA Standards Council to prepare standards on security operations and management, and emergency preparedness.
Florida City Expands Wastewater Facility to Service Expanding Population
Authors: Kline Michele , Hathaway Todd
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an effort by the Palm Coast Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to expand its treatment capacity, and to produce reclaimed water for use within the city as well as meet the following tertiary effluent limits: carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand, 5 mg/L; total suspended solids (TSS), < 5 mg/L; and, total nitrogen (TN), 10 mg/L. To meet these challenges, the WWTP incorporated an additional process train comprising a Kruger AE‐DENITRO single‐ditch system followed by two new circular clarifiers to treat an additional design flow of 2.275 mgd for biological treatment. The AE‐DENITRO ditch system consists of five 40‐hp brush aerators, two 4.4‐hp submersible mixers, and one effluent weir. The process uses phased isolation ditch technology by alternating between aerobic (nitrification) and anoxic (denitrification) phases to help reduce the effluent TN. Tertiary treatment at the plant is discussed, along with an expansion of the plant's automation instrumentation and control process.
Integrated analysis of NOM removal by magnetic ion exchange
Authors: Singer Philip C. , Boyer Treavor , Holmquist Abigail , Morran Jim , Bourke Michael
Published: February 2018

The magnetic ion exchange (MIEX®) process has been shown to be effective for the removal of natural organic matter (NOM) from drinking water. The process involves application of the resin in a pretreatment mode to remove NOM before subsequent coagulation, oxidation, and disinfection. Many batch and continuous‐flow studies have been performed on a variety of waters to determine the requisite resin doses for effective NOM removal. This work examined the results of several of those studies; compared the results of batch, pilot‐scale, and full‐scale tests; and integrated the findings into a composite picture describing MIEX process performance. Results indicated that dissolved organic carbon can be efficiently removed by effective resin doses of 0.5‐1.0 mL of resin per litre of water treated or bed volume rates on the order of 1,000 L of water treated per litre of resin regenerated and that batch test results can be used to scale up to plant‐scale performance.
How Does WaterSense® Select Products for Specification Development?
Authors: Tanner Stephanie
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the criteria used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to decide which products it will endorse with the WaterSense label. Several aspects of the selection process are reviewed, including: initial screening of water efficient products; preliminary analysis of potential water and cost savings; in‐depth market and technology assessment research and analysis; and, developing a research agenda and notifying the public. A sidebar of WaterSense label evaluation principles is included in the article.
The Role of “Water Offsets” in Water Stewardship Certification
Authors: Larson Wendy , Richter Brian ,   The Nature Conservancy
Published: February 2018

This article begins by providing a brief overview of the water scarcity challenge as a problem of sustainability, maintaining steady growth in living standards while continuing to serve the needs of the community that can only be met by clean and ample water resources and the services they provide. The evolving concept of “water offsets” is presented and described as activities that “neutralize” the hydrologic effects of water use. Examples of water offset are provided, along with methods that are currently being explored to quantify water offsets.
Ground Water Rule Compliance
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the basic requirements for compliance to the Ground Water Rule beginning December 1, 2009. Topics covered include: sanitary surveys to review and evaluate eight elements including source, treatment, distribution system, finished water storage, pumps, pump facilities, and controls, monitoring, reporting, and data verification, system management and operations, and operator compliance with state requirements; source water monitoring; analytical methods for fecal indicators; corrective action requirements; compliance monitoring; and, compliance deadlines. A list of guidance manuals to assist groundwater systems and state primacy agencies in compliance with the Ground Water Rule is provided.