bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What's CT and How Do I Calculate It for My System?
Authors: Wu Mary S.
Published: June 2018

The question, “What is CT?” has been asked since the promulgation of the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR) in 1989. Simply, CT is disinfectant contact time, which is the product of C multiplied by T. This article answers the following questions: What factors affect CT? How do I calculate CT? and What are your options?
Work Ethic Alive and Well, Approach Just Different
Authors: Young Elmer D.
Published: June 2018

Reduced operational costs, improved customer service, more efficient work processes, and team activities are several of the positive changes that have occurred since TQM. Senior management at Metro Water Services of Nashville, Tennessee committed to changing its focus and adopting the new style of leadership embodied in the TQM philosophy. They unanimously agreed to follow three key principles: commitment to excellence; empowerment of employees; and customer satisfaction. The road hasn't always been easy, considering that we implemented this new way of working and managing while we also expanded three plants and increased our service area. Much remains to be accomplished, but the focus remains the same–excellence through continuous improvement.
Grassroots Group Forges Groundwater Protection Law
Authors: Dulka Wm. Anthony
Published: June 2018

The central Illinois community of Pekin is the first city in Illinois to develop an overlay zoning ordinance strictly for the protection of the community's well water groundwater recharge area. As the largest community in Tazewell County, the City of Pekin (population 32,254) took early action to protect its highly vulnerable community groundwater supply wells.
Overview of Surface, Groundwater Source Quality
Authors: Ainsworth Steve
Published: June 2018

This article offers a glimpse of the overall quality of the nation's source waters–both surface and groundwater–and offers several examples of what can happen when contamination occurs.
Work More Effectively With Your Board of Directors
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This month's question concerns developing a good working relationship with the water board of directors. The answer provides a list of the basic functions of the board and on the other hand, the system manager. The article states that this list of functions is a starting point from which to establish a good relationship, so that everyone is on the same page as to who is responsible for what.
Pry Bar Installs Meter Washers Quickly, Easily
Authors: Roberts Fred L.
Published: June 2018

As most of us know, it can be very difficult to install new washers in meters. To remedy this problem, we constructed a device that uses a pry bar with sharp ends to install new washers in meters. This brief article illustrates this procedure.
Code of Ethics Provides Solid Base for Professionalism
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This month's question asks whether there is a code of ethics for treatment plant operators. The answer states that not many states have a code of ethics for operators. An example is provided of the Texas Water Utilities Association Code of Ethics.
USEPA's Drinking Water Program Under Review
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: June 2018

Since the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was amended in 1986, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has not kept up with its mandates to issue new regulations. Regulatory deadlines are missed on a regular basis, usually because of resource limitations. USEPA even missed the court‐mandated schedules that resulted from the actions of the Oregon‐Based Bull Run Coalition. Most recently, the agency received an extension to the prior February 28, 1995, court‐ordered deadline for its Phase VIb rule. The new deadline is August 1, 1995, by which time a new schedule for Phase VIb must be developed. A new court‐ordered deadline will also be sought for the radionuclides rule, which was due in April 1995.
Water Pump Aid—The Prime of Your Life
Authors: Wilwerding Leo J.
Published: June 2018

If you use a gasoline‐powered centrifugal pump, you've probably been frustrated in trying to gain prime when pumping operations begin. The slightest air leak is enough to prevent pumping. The priming problem is especially evident when dewatering large‐diameter mains through drain hydrants. Small air leaks in either the drain valve or hydrant make it difficult for water to get up to the pump. The water pump aid described in this article acts to immediately create a high vacuum, bringing water to the pump in seconds. A list of materials and instructions for construction are listed in this article.
Fundamentals of Implementing a Water Conservation Program
Authors: Albani Rick
Published: June 2018

Developing a water conservation program is not a simple matter. There are many technical and policy issues that drive the process. These issues should be identified and evaluated jointly by policy makers and technical staff at the project's inception. This article highlights these key issues and concludes with examples of two Rhode Island water utilities that have recently implemented different types of water conservation rate structures.
Question of the Month
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This month's question asks about compliance with the Disinfectant/Disinfection Byproduct (D/DBP) Rule, the deadline for compliance, and whether the regulation makes provision for the haloacetic (bromochloroacetic) acid. The answer first addresses the compliance question, citing the Stage 1 proposed D/DBP Rule maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and for the total five haloacetic acids (HAA5). The article gives the time period required in which to comply after promulgation of the rule. Specific instruction regarding bromochloroacetic acid is given.
Spreading the Good News About Drinking Water
Authors: Thornley Stew
Published: June 2018

We were pleased with the overall results of our ongoing campaign to communicate good news. Instead of using survival tactics to defend ourselves against the media, we used principles of publicity seeking, attracting media attention to our monitoring results. Because of our new communications plan, we have established and strengthened our media relationships which, as we have learned, can only help us during times of crisis.
Time to Call Out the Water Brigade
Authors: Holmgreen Shirley
Published: June 2018

Since before the Cape San Juan Water District on San Juan Island, Washington, was formed, those volunteers in the community responsible for operation of the water system have made a strong effort to keep everyone informed of the system's conditions and problems. Members of the brigade derive a lot of satisfaction because they help to preserve the district's fragile water supply, saving the district—and themselves‐‐a lot of money. The brigade also gets formal recognition by the water district at the community annual meeting.
Subsurface Outlet Box Prevents Clogging of Pumps
Authors: Groce George
Published: June 2018

The waste streams from the Manchester Water Treatment Plant are captured and clarified by a series of sedimentation lagoons. Because these lagoons are located below the hydraulic gradeline of the plant's headworks, we must pump the effluent from these lagoons to allow recycle. The lagoon level is regulated by a handwheel‐operated sluice overflow weir. The effluent that leaves the lagoon often contains leaves, sticks, and other floating debris, which routinely clogs the impellers of the solids‐handling pumps. We developed a subsurface lift station to limit the amount of solids passing through the system.
Water Use Assessment Popular in Conservation Program
Authors: Hathcock Lloyd
Published: June 2018

The City of Durham, North Carolina, established a Conservation and Public Education Program in 1993 to educate citizens on the importance of protecting and conserving Durham's water resources. This paper describes some of the program's most popular services including a water use assessment, shower head exchange program, and landscaping training.
Higher Energy Efficiencies Earn Big Bucks for EMWD
Authors: Odencrans Peter
Published: June 2018

Work smarter, not harder. We've all heard that's the way to get ahead, to earn more, to be successful. It's also the way for a water agency to improve its bottom line, as was noted by Southern California Edison (SCE) representatives who handed over more than $60,000 in incentives and rebates to Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) in December 1994 and February 1995.
20 Questions to Ponder About Your Commitment to Safety
Authors: Brown Randy
Published: June 2018

Sometimes we think that safety just happens. Years may go by without a serious injury or accident; then a serious incident occurs. We wonder how an accident like this could happen and soon learn that our safety program lacks not only the solid structure of policies and procedures but also a sense of priority in our everyday duties. A well‐managed safety program–like most reliable workplace programs–is built on a foundation of policies, programs, and procedures. Good managers plan for safety, budget for safety, and hold themselves accountable for safety. Safety, as you can see, doesn't “just happen.” If you'd like to see how well you are walking the talk, take this quiz. See for yourself just how committed you really are to safety.
Question of the Month: Electrical Grounding
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This month's question concerns grounding electrical lines to water pipes. The answer gives a brief history of AWWA's viewpoint on electrical grounding of water pipe, and provides a copy of the AWWA Statement of Policy on Grounding of Electric Circuits on Water Pipe as of January 22, 1995, and a copy of Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada's Operational Guidelines for Water Service Repair/Meter Installation or Renewal. The article calls attention to safety issues related to this practice.
City Facing Growth Boom Chooses Contract Operations
Authors: Briggs Jim , Chaney Kirby
Published: June 2018

Georgetown, Texas, a community of 20,000, straddles Interstate 35 about 30 miles north of Austin. A Texas Main Street Community, Georgetown has won praise for its Century Plan and restoration of its historic town square.
Ion Exchange: Sure Solution to Nitrate Contamination
Authors: Brown A. Thomas
Published: June 2018

The Kern County Housing Authority operates a farm labor housing center near Shafter, California. The housing center only operates six months of the year, when transient laborers work the nearby farms. The well supplying water for the North Shafter Farm Labor Center began experiencing nitrate contamination several years ago, causing the authority to purchase bottled water for the residents. To reduce the expense associated with bottled water, the authority obtained a grant to construct an ion exchange nitrate removal plant for the center. The treatment plant, which began operation in early April 1994, produces 480 gpm (30 L/s) of water with nitrate reduced from 62 mg/L to 30 mg/L.
Question of the Month
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This month's question asks if AWWA's Small Utility Network has any services available on the Internet, and if it has an email address. As of May 1996, the Small Utility Network went online. This article provides a screen shot of the AWWA home page and gives directions on how to get to the Small Utility Network page. This page offers a discussion forum, access to the past year's Question of the Month columns, the latest regulatory activity, job listings in the water industry, information on water suppliers, policy statements, white papers, etc. Contact information is also given.
What Makes a True Conservation Measure?
Authors: Vickers Amy
Published: June 2018

This paper explores the difference between conservation measures and conservation incentives and describes the basic types of each. While an incentive is used to increase customer awareness of the importance or value of reducing water waste, a measure is the efficiency device or practice that actually reduces water demand. By identifying the specific actions and tools that result in more efficient water use, a clearer picture can emerge of the strategy that is needed to achieve conservation goals.
Investigators Solve Mystery of Air in Lines
Authors: Calhoun Richard W.
Published: June 2018

In January of 1996, the Clayton County Water Authority, which serves 196,000 people in south‐metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, began receiving disturbing calls from customers. Air was accumulating in the mains of an industrial area of the distribution system. An exhaustive search determined the cause of the problem to be a malfunctioning dry sprinkler system. Compressed air from the sprinkler pipes was being pushed back into the water distribution lines. Cooperation and teamwork were crucial to the discovery and correction of the air problem.
Freeze‐drying Stops Sludge Problems Cold
Authors: Weir Robert K.
Published: June 2018

One of the biggest problems facing many utilities today is how to thicken, dry and dispose of waste solids produced by water treatment plants. In an attempt to save on handling costs, Denver Water in Denver, Colorado, has developed an approach to freeze‐drying that involves pumping sludge from deep inside a lagoon and redepositing it on the lagoon's ice covered surface. By freezing thin layers of sludge on ice or land this process optimizes the freeze‐drying process. This paper provides a detailed description of Denver Water's sludge freezing process.
Survey Challenges Ideas About Customers
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This month's question asks about surveying to measure customer satisfaction with small water systems. The answer cites a 1993 AWWA Research Foundation customer opinion survey whose results indicated that there is a lot of room for improvement in customer satisfaction. Survey findings are discussed, with emphasis on the fact that public concerns frequently do not match what utility managers concerns are. The article discusses several manager misconceptions that the survey exploded that include: popularity of bottled water; public support of drinking water research; and, public mistrust of water utilities.
Meter Changing Tool—Spanner—a Big Winner
Authors: Jackson Carl
Published: June 2018

The city of Plattsburg uses 1 1/2 in. to 2 in. (38‐ to 50‐mm) water meters to supply their wholesale customers. They have devised a method of spreading the meter setter apart so that the meter and gaskets can be installed without the usual struggle. This device provides the benefits of easing the service personnel's effort as well as reducing the amount of time and number of staff used to provide this service.
Steel Tanks Elevated to New Heights in Florida
Authors: Peters Jim , Sawyer Donald
Published: June 2018

A few years ago, the city of Tallahassee, Florida, had to construct three new water storage tanks with overflow elevations higher than those of several older tanks to meet an increased demand for water. The city conducted several studies and determined that the best way to add needed storage in developed areas of the city was to raise the old tanks to the same elevation as the new ones. The project involved raising a 750,000‐gal (2.8 million‐L0 tank 39 ft (12 m) and a 500,000‐gal (1.9 million‐L) tank 46 ft (14 m). This paper describes the safety and technical requirements of this project.
PVC Stand Means Safe Discharge, No Backsiphonage
Authors: Marzi Kenneth W.
Published: June 2018

Flushing out new water lines through a 3/4‐in. corporation tap for bacteria tests presented one utility with the problem of how to discharge the water. New federal regulations prohibit the discharge of chlorinated water to storm sewers so the utility had to use sanitary sewers. In order to safely discharge the water and avoid cross connection problems the utility constructed a PVC stand that sits over a sanitary manhole and discharges the water while maintaining a sufficient air gap to prevent possible backsiphonage.
Eye Safety: Don't Lose Sight of It
Authors: Brown Randy
Published: June 2018

Do you ever think about what you would miss if you lost your eyesight in a job‐related accident? Night skies full of stars, burning red sunsets, and your child's first steps‐‐these, and many other images, would be missing from your life experience. The good news is eye specialists report that most, if not all, eye injuries can be prevented with proper protection. The author discusses prevention and protective equipment and cites examples of accidents involving sulfuric acid, electricity and lime.
SDWA Reauthorization: Speculating on the Future
Authors: Pontius Fred
Published: June 2018

Reauthorization of the Safe Drinking Water Act is long overdue. A victim of politics, reauthorization died in the closing hours of the 103rd Congress. In January 1995, the beginning of the 104th Congress, expectations were high that reauthorization would be completed early. Political reality has set in and other priorities have held Congress' attention. SDWA reauthorization now is not expected until spring 1996 or later.
Subtleties of Iron and Manganese Removal From Groundwater
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This month's question concerns the treatment of iron and manganese. In general, it involves high dosages of chlorine and a reactive filter medium. Various treatment schemes are discussed and include: permanganate with greensand or other oxide‐coated filter media; iron with free chlorine in an oxidation scheme; alum coagulant; using more than one oxidant requires careful sequencing of chemicals; special consideration is required for the concentration and type of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) present, oxidant demand of the water, and the removal of colloidal solids through coagulation. The article urges the use of pilot or full‐scale testing to determine the appropriate treatment strategy. AWWA resources are listed for further information.
Applying Self‐assessment to Filter Optimization
Authors: Barsotti Michael G. , Fay James W. , Consonery Phil J.
Published: June 2018

The Champlain Water District's Peter L. Jacob Filtration Facility in Northwestern Vermont treats low‐turbidity raw water from Lake Champlain's Shelburne Bay with the goal of producing consistent high‐quality finished water. From 1980 to 1989, the facility consisted of two deep‐bed, dual‐media filters and one converted deep‐bed, multimedia filter, preceded by flocculation basins operated in the direct filtration mode. In 1991, a phased three‐year facility upgrade was completed, that made modifications to the flocculation basins and additions to the filtration and disinfection barriers. This article discusses the means by which the facility was evaluated. The district invited an independent third‐party assessor to review the treatment facility in 1994. This paper discusses in detail the self‐assessment process, the recommendations that were issued, and the actions which resulted from the assessment.
Living Organisms Vital in Testing for Toxicity
Authors: Posavec Steve
Published: June 2018

This article discusses Part 8000, Toxicity, of the 19th Edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. It deals with plant and animal life and how they provide information on water quality. The advantage of toxicity testing is that, rather than test for a variety of chemicals in a water sample, the reaction of selected aquatic life is used to make a judgment on whether the water is safe. Topics covered include: use of various species; whole effluent toxicity (WET) testing; supplementary sections added to 19th edition; and, bacterial bioluminescence test.
Regulations for Irritants Irritate Reader
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This month's question concerns secondary containment coatings. The reader takes exception to the BOCA National Building Code including irritants in its definition of high‐hazard use groups materials and states that it would be extremely costly to comply with many of the associated regulations and, in some cases such as irritants, may be unwarranted. An example is given where the reader takes exception to the safety requirements. The answer states that the example was referred to an industry professional for consideration, and he determined that the utility must consider all layers of government that could possibly have regulatory authority over the installation and consult with the appropriate representatives before proceeding with any construction. The article recommends consulting with the state drinking water program for their insight into the local, state, and federal guidelines that pertain to the specific installation. Finally, the article recommends having a certified engineer approve the installation, and put his seal on the project.
Microscopic Organisms Help Determine Quality
Authors: Posavec Steve
Published: June 2018

This article discusses Part 9000 of the 19th Edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. This part discusses the use of microscopic organisms to provide information on the safety and usefulness of drinking water as well as whether pathogens have been removed by the disinfection of wastewater. Topics covered include: bacteriological tests; fecal coliform testing; the addition of a membrane filter partition procedure; new technique for the determination of coliforms; heterotrophic plate count; and, testing for pathogens.
Respirators—Now You Can Breathe Easy!
Authors: Brown Randy
Published: June 2018

In July 1998, changes to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health's 30 CFR Part 11 will affect how nonpowered particulate respirators, including dust masks, half‐face respirators, and full‐face respirators, are tested and certified. This article discusses the nine new classes of filter designation, employee training in regulatory change, employee medical testing, and the fit testing and inspection of respirators.
Making a Streaming Current Monitor Filter
Authors: Saulmon Tom
Published: June 2018

This article talks about the construction of a filter system designed to prevent the Catawba River Treatment Plant's streaming current monitor from becoming consistently clogged with leaves and other debris. Materials, assembly, and benefits of the device are discussed.
Continuous Pilot Plant Sludge Slowdown
Authors: Hart Vincent , Shepard Tim
Published: June 2018

At the Quindaro Water Treatment Plant in Kansas City, Kansas, a dual‐train, 3.5‐gpm (0.2‐L/s) pilot plant has been operating continuously since 1996 to evaluate enhanced coagulation and plant process performance. In the past, the pilot plant had been operated only during the week. The pilot plant took 1‐2 days to stabilize, and that allowed for 3‐4 days of data collection per week. The Board of Public Utilities desired a continuously operating pilot plant, which would allow data collection seven days a week. This article outlines the benefits of having such a plant, as well as the problems encountered with continuous operation.
Actinomycetes a Matter of Taste—and Odor
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This question asks about treating actinomycetes in the source water from a small, shallow lake. The article provides a brief overview of actinomycetes, including five taste and odor‐causing compounds they are attributed to, their three different strains and two different cell forms, conditions in which they thrive, detection methods, different control methods for different sources, and alternative solutions for controling the taste and odor issues associated with actinomycetes.
Who Pays for Growth of the System and How?
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This question asks about cities using plant investment fees to offset the cost of water system expansion. These fees are also known as system development costs (SDCs) and place a portion of the cost of growth directly on those causing the growth, rather than the existing customers. The article discusses various aspects of SDCs.
Saw Cutting Trailer
Authors: Strommen Dan
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the construction of a saw cutting trailer in the absence of any trucks available to do saw cutting without inconveniencing employees. Included in the article is a listing of equipment needs and costs, as well as instructions on assembly.
Getting the Jump on Cryptosporidium With UV
Authors: Johnson Roger C.
Published: June 2018

The North Shore Water Commission provides water to the southeastern Wisconsin communities of Glendale, Whitefish Bay, and River Hills. The commission has one water treatment plant that draws its source water from Lake Michigan. Concern over Cryptosporidium, a microscopic waterborne parasite, led the commission to set goals to implement and exceed the requirements of the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), a component of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The SWTR requires water utilities using surface waters to achieve a 3‐log (99.9 percent) removal‐inactivation of viruses and will soon include requirements for Cryptosporidium. This article discusses some of the issues involved in testing for Cryptosporidium, including different types of technology such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation and ozone.
Protecting Your Workforce Against Violence
Authors: Brown Randy
Published: June 2018

This article addresses the issue of violence in the workplace. It lists types and sources of violence, and gives ideas on how to protect employees and deal with irate customers.
Minnesota Operators Respond to 1997 Floods
Authors: Thornley Stew
Published: June 2018

The floods of 1997 left many cities in the Upper Midwest reeling as they displaced residents and interrupted services. This article talks about the flooding in Minnesota, detailing how water operators and AWWA volunteers worked in unison to serve the devastated community. The article also discusses the aftermath of the flood and the priorities that were set to restore conditions to an acceptable state.
Safety Shower Can Get You into Hot Water Fast
Authors: Smith Mark
Published: June 2018

It is recommended that safety showers maintain about 20 gpm flow for 15 minutes at greater than 50 degrees Fahrenheit (greater than 10 degrees Celsius.) In many parts of the United States, winter water temperatures are significantly below this level. Commercial devices that heat water instantaneously are complex and expensive. This article offers an alternate simple solution. Included is a list of the necessary equipment, a total cost estimate, as well as a schematic diagram of the device.
Plugging Billion‐Gallon Losses in Tennessee
Authors: Counts Larry
Published: June 2018

In 1992, the Johnson City (TN) Water and Sewer Department made a commitment to develop and manage the department with the goal of providing a quality service and product to customers. One area of improvement that was needed was to determine the amount of lost or unaccounted‐for‐water in the distribution system. In analyzing the problem, there was uncertainty on how to address the issue. Many of the statistics seemed to be fabricated. After contracting with an engineering firm to perform a water supply and distribution study, the consultants determined that there was an unaccounted‐for‐water percentage of 49.1 percent. This article discusses how a team was established to study the problem and develop a plan for reducing water loss to below 25 percent.
Virginia's Approach to Cross Connection Control
Authors: Puckett Richard
Published: June 2018

In Virginia, the State Board of Health Waterworks Regulations and the Safe Drinking Water Act regulate waterworks owners or water purveyors. The State Health Department is the primacy agency. Since the mid‐70's, a cross‐connection control program has been a requirement of the waterworks operation permit. This article outlines that program. Topics include: responsibilities of the water works owner; containment measures; education as a key to success; required protection; degrees of hazard; device standards; device installation, testing, and maintenance; and, general program procedures.
10 Common Questions About Cryptosporidium
Authors: Frey Michelle , Hancock Carrie , Logsdon Gary
Published: June 2018

This article answers 10 commonly asked questions about Cryptosporidium.
Get a Crip With Meter‐Setting Spreader Device
Authors: Berendes Tom
Published: June 2018

This article describes a meter‐setting spreader device. The tool is used during meter installation for: holding the tail pieces in correct alignment; replacing the meter in support for unsupported piping; holding the tail piece against the meter while loosening the meter nuts thus eliminating the need to dig the gasket out of the coupling; spreading and holding the setting during meter and gasket replacement; providing electrical continuity; requiring only one wrench for loosening and tightening coupling nuts; and, providing a light and compact tool. Materials and construction information are also listed.
Enhanced Coagulation for Treating Spring Runoff Water
Authors: Gregory Dean
Published: June 2018

The Fort Collins Water Treatment Facility (Colorado) is a 70‐mgd (270‐ML/d) plant that uses two raw water sources: Horsetooth Reservoir, and the Cache la Poudre River. Due to water rights, the treatment plant desires to treat 100 percent Poudre River water during the period of spring snowmelt, when the river is at peak flow. Due to the challenging water quality of the river during runoff, the plant has been forced to blend river water with that of the reservoir to meet its in‐house finished water quality standards. To avoid blending and to treat 100 percent of the source water, it was necessary to conduct extensive bench‐ and pilot‐scale experiments to develop the desired process chemistry. The results presented here are the culmination of three runoff seasons' worth of experiments.
Roll Up Your Sleeves, Get Involved in Shaping Regs
Authors: Pontius Frederick W.
Published: June 2018

This article states the importance of public participation in the development of new regulations. Since the enactment of the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Amendments, more than 75 public stakeholder meetings on various regulatory issues have been held. These meetings are committed to informing and involving interested parties in the process of making rules. The frequency of stakeholder meetings is expected to remain at a high level throughout implementation of the 1996 SDWA Amendments. USEPA is using several mechanisms to encourage and allow public involvement. Further information is given as to how to take advantage of these opportunities.
Disaster Lies in Your Future—Are You Ready?
Authors: Brown Randy
Published: June 2018

This article discusses disaster preparedness for a utility and lists four phases of emergency management: mitigation; preparedness; response; and, recovery. The article states that it is necessary to perform a hazard summary for the water system, then a vulnerability assessment for each segment of the water system, and finally, each hazard needs to be applied to each segment of the system. It discusses how to develop an emergency preparedness manual.
Landscape Irrigation Conservation—a Pilot Study
Authors: Hawn Joellyn
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a landscape audit program for larger landscapes implemented during the summer of 1997 by the city of Olympia, WA. Topics covered include: program goals; site selection; property audits; site reports; presentations to customers; and, an overview of potential savings.
THM Concerns—What to Tell Your Customers
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This question of the month asks how to respond to customer inquiries concerning epidemiological reports that link trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water to spontaneous abortion. It is recommended that a utility should: inform women in the early stage of pregnancy that they may wish to consult their physicians for advice; make it known that THM levels can be minimized by boiling water for one minute or by using a home treatment device that is officially certified by NSF International as effective for THM removal; make known the relevant data of the study in question; and, make known the THM occurrence in the water supply. References and other resources are listed.
Automated Meter Reading Tackles High Bills
Authors: Higgins Michael J. , Schulz Michael
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the Village of Roselle's automated meter reading system. Topics include: fielding customer complaints; using automated meter readings to detect and inform customers of potential leaks; collecting data for a water consumption database; using leak alarms; isolating problem accounts; and, methods for detecting a water leak.
En Garde! The Motor–Pump Shaft Guard
Authors: Witek Michael
Published: June 2018

This article describes the motor‐pump shaft guard and two of the problems it solves: by covering the moving shaft of the pump, a worker is protected against injury should he or she accidentally bump into the shaft; and, the guard keeps the excess grease that creeps out of the shaft from splattering all over the walls and ceiling of the plant. Equipment, costs, and construction are discussed.
Rack Up a Win With Creative Hydrant Rack
Authors: Nothelfer Kim
Published: June 2018

The City of Saginaw Water Department came up with a hydrant rack to solve the problem of hydrant storage. The hydrant rack allows for the storage of different‐length hydrants and allows personnel easy and safe access to them. Materials, costs, construction, and benefits are listed.
Dealing With Chlorine Dioxide By‐products
Authors: Gregory Dean
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the magnitude of chlorite ion (ClO2) and chlorate ion (ClO3) formation and analytical methods for measuring chlorine dioxide byproducts; specifically, amperometric titration versus ion chromatography. The Fort Collins, Colorado, water treatment facility produces chlorine dioxide by using a generator that causes chlorine gas to react with a 25% sodium chlorite solution under vacuum conditions. The experiences of this water treatment facility are discussed as a case study.
Portable, Rolling All in One Meter Testing Unit
Authors: Seman Tony
Published: June 2018

This article describes a portable rolling meter testing unit. It is used to consolidate all testing equipment and tools in one unit to save time and reduce the need to physically carry heavy items back and forth to the utility truck. Materials, cost, and construction are discussed.
Forming Chloramine and Maintaining Residual
Authors: Cohen Y. Koby
Published: June 2018

As the US Environmental Protection Agency implements new total trihalomethane (TTHM) and other disinfectants/disinfection byproducts regulations, more and more surface water treatment plants will have to switch to chloramine to minimize formation of contaminants. Blending chloramine and free chlorine will become a major problem when blending occurs in the distribution system. This article discusses adding ammonia to all chlorinated sources, monitoring the system to evaluate the effects on water quality, and then making changes and adjustments as needed.
Utility's Innovation Keeps New Mains Cleaner
Authors: Korntreger Cershon , O'Donnell Linda
Published: June 2018

Contractors for the city of Philadelphia often fail sanitary release tests after laying new water mains because pipes are delivered uncapped to construction sites. High turbidities, high heterotrophic plate counts, and coliforms can result when water mains are contaminated by dirt, mud, debris, or dirty water, either before or after the pipe is placed in the trench. This article describes how the Philadelphia water department developed caps for the water industry that provide an alternative to excessive flushing and excessive chlorine dosages in maintaining sanitary construction practices.
Operator Horror Stories
Authors: Ritchlin Lance
Published: June 2018

This article relates several “horror stories” of incidents that operators encountered during their regular work shifts. Incidents include: chlorine ejectors that wouldn't open; a dead and decaying possum in a valve box; dead skunks in an aboveground storage tank; a deserted treatment plant; a missing patrol car; complaints that the drinking water was causing hair to fall out; an attack of killer bees; an inebriated operator caused storage tanks to overflow and others were critically low; and, failure to purge the air from distribution pipes after they were drained for maintenance‐caused shattering of fixtures.
Valves for Variable‐ and Constant‐Speed Pumping
Authors: Sarrouh Sami F. , Hernandez Jose N.
Published: June 2018

The Cleveland Water District wanted to design two water pump station prototypes using the latest technology and design strategies available. This article is not intended to be a complete discussion of valve types, but does explain why ball valves are selected as the pump check in a water distribution system and how to size them for water pump station applications. A step‐by‐step methodology is given. The pump check procedures described in this article were tried in two hydraulically different stations with excellent results.
Special Valve Helps Prevent Media Disruption
Authors: Bane Randy
Published: June 2018

This article describes an air blower dump valve to prevent the rush of blower air from disrupting the clarifier media. Installed on the blower discharge plumbing, this device remains open when the blower is not in operation. When the blower turns on, approximately 90 percent of the air supply is vented to the atmosphere. Materials, costs, construction, tools needed, and use are discussed.
Corrosion Controlled with Carbon Dioxide Addition
Authors: Rissel John
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a situation at Brick Township, New Jersey, where the delivered water went from being in equilibrium with a thin calcium carbonate film, to being an aggressive water over a three‐year period from 1993 to 1996. This caused a reduction in the quality of the delivered water as demonstrated by noncompliance with the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). Additionally, the water changed quality (unanticipated pH increases) in the distribution system and probably deteriorated the mortar linings of ductile‐iron mains. The addition of CO2 to the process tripled delivered water bicarbonate alkalinity concentrations and allowed a 50% increase in calcium hardness. These improvements reversed the corrosive characteristics of the delivered water, stabilized the water in the distribution system, and returned Brick Utilities to compliance with the LCR.
Ethics Deserve Priority in Liability Issue
Authors: McDonald Joe
Published: June 2018

This question of the month is from a small water system that was considering annexing part of a neighboring water system. The decision had come down to a concern over the potential hazard and liability associated with a section of 14‐in. (350‐mm) water line. The water line in question shares a common ditch with a sewer line for approximately 4,000 ft. (1,200 m) and there is less than a foot of horizontal separation between them. The water system considering the purchase follows the Recommended Standards for Water Works of the Upper Mississippi River Board of State Public Health and Environmental Managers (commonly known as the 10 State Standards).
Utility Strives to Stay Competitive, Remain Public
Authors: Jones Marcellus
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the experience that the Las Vegas Valley Water District Operations and Maintenance Department had with identifying tasks that could be done by outside contractors, and enlisting employees in efficiency moves to keep itself competitive, increase customer satisfaction, and avoid a private company takeover of management and core operations.
Operating Experiences at VOC Treatment Facilities Part 2: Air Stripping
Authors: Dyksen John E. , Raczko Robert F. , Cline Gary C. ,   AWWA Organic Contaminants Committee
Published: June 2018

In 1991, the Organic Contaminants Control Committee of the American Water Works Association Water Quality Division completed a report on 68 air stripping and granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment facilities in the United States. In a followup, the committee contacted each facility to obtain operating experiences and operation and maintenance costs associated with the use of these technologies to remove volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) from drinking water. The committee's followup findings are summarized in this two‐part article. Part 1, which appeared in last month's Opflow, presented the findings regarding the GAC facility questions; Part 2, which follows, highlights the air‐stripping facility findings.
Plant Security Tested by Devious Plot
Authors: Weltering Larry
Published: June 2018

Water treatment plants are designed to deal with contamination of raw water sources. However, most water treatment plants are not prepared to handle infiltration of the plant itself and possible destruction of property and injury to staff and visitors from a planned terrorist attack. The staff at the water treatment plant in Neenah, Wisconsin, learned recently just how vulnerable they were when a small band of unwanted visitors threatened the security and safety of their drinking water.
Filter Backwashing: When and How
Authors: MacPhee Michael J. , Becker William
Published: June 2018

This article, part of a series developed by the Coagulation and Filtration Committee, discusses backwashing basics for optimum filter operation. Topics covered include: three parameters for determining when to backwash a filter; backwash flow rate; filter media selection; temperature factor; granular activated carbon; air scour; and, surface wash.
Water Accounting for Management and Conservation
Authors: Beecher Janice A. , Flowers John E.
Published: June 2018

As water costs and prices rise, the benefits of water accounting and loss control are becoming more obvious. This article discusses the benefits of shifting the focus from a single performance standard to a more refined system of accounting. US Environmental Protection Agency's Water Conservation Plan Guidelines introduce terms that identify where all the water produced goes. By using this system of water accounting, managers can track water throughout their systems and identify opportunities for improvement. As experience with water accounting grows, this system can be fine‐tuned and adopted to provide additional guidance for reducing avoidable leaks and losses.
Portable Tank and Pump Provide Backup Supply
Authors: Preece Cam , Labelle Marcel , Woolls Joe
Published: June 2018

The Portable Water Storage Tank and Pump Assembly Unit has supplied water to customers who depend on water even during routine shutdowns. The tanks can also be used to mix a solution of sodium hypochlorite and water for use as a portable chlorine injector or to disinfect walls and floors of reservoirs and tanks after cleaning. They can also be filled with water and sodium thiosulphate for use as an injector system to dechlorinate when flushing or draining water mains.
Enhanced Treatment Helps Control DBPs
Authors: Alvarez Matt , Clark Sarah , Schneider Orren
Published: June 2018

This article describes how enhanced coagulation and enhanced softening are good methods of precursor removal and thus effective in reducing the formation potential of trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, and other disinfection byproducts (DBP). Precursor removal also provides increased disinfection flexibility and helps utilities achieve higher levels of disinfection to mitigate microbial risks with lower DBP formation.
Diverter Means Safety First During Flushing
Authors: Rhaly Joel
Published: June 2018

This article describes the Flushing Diverter, a piece of equipment that has proved to be a safe, economical method of diverting water away from property or people during the flushing process.
Solving Customers' Taste and Odor Complaints
Authors: Burlingame Gary A.
Published: June 2018

This is the first of a two‐part series on getting to the source of taste and odor problems. The first installment addresses the importance of the first response to a customer complaint when solving taste and odor problems. The second installment, which will appear in next month's issue, will detail how to identify and solve problems.
Long‐term Plan Key to Emergency Response
Authors: Peralta Steve
Published: June 2018

The article discusses short‐term and long‐term emergency response plans and gives case studies.
Tapping into Financial Resources for System
Authors: Yarlott Nelson
Published: June 2018

This question of the month concerns finding funding for improvements to small water systems. Eligibility for funding is discussed, along with the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program as a source, and procedures for applying for these funds are provided. Also, other national resources for small system funding and technical support are given.
Kansas City's Bottled Water Experiences
Authors: Hall Susan , Miller Ellen G.
Published: June 2018

This article describes the Kansas City (MO) Water Services Department experience with bottling and selling its own water. The reasons for doing this included the city's extensive strategic planning process during the 1990s, emphasizing customer service and additional income sources, and an excess of treatment plant production capacity of 240 mgd because of less‐than‐expected growth in industrial usage. The process covers such issues as working with a marketing consultant, benchmarking decisions, marketing techniques, startup costs, management issues, and goal fulfillment.
Doing What's Right—Ethical Decision Making for Operators
Authors: DeNileon Gay Porter
Published: June 2018

This article discusses ethical decisions in the workplace, specifically looking at treatment plant operators. Only a handful of states have an official code of ethics for operators. A listing is given of the nine rules of professional conduct for water system operators of the New England Water Works Association. It has been adopted by several other New England states. Alaska's ethics code not only pertains to an operator's duty to the public but also to the environment. Resources for more information are given.
What You Need to Know Before Taking a Certification Exam
Authors: Canning Sandra , De la Cruz Suzanne
Published: June 2018

This is the first of a series of columns dealing with operator certification and job issues written by the Association of Boards of Certification board of directors and staff. This article discusses certification exams, the topics covered on the exams, and job analysis.
Optimizing Your Plant's Filter Performance
Authors: Pizzi Nick
Published: June 2018

With all the talk about water plant optimization, we would do well to review a few of the operational techniques for filters. The normal cycle for a rapid sand filter begins with the placement of a cleaned filter into service and follows through the steps of filter ripening, effluent production, and subsequent head loss increase. It finally results in particle and turbidity breakthrough, bringing the need for the backwash sequence. During these stages, flow rates through the filter can increase or decrease, and different quality pretreated water can be introduced. What is done with these steps can greatly affect finished water quality.
Confined‐Space Safety Questions
Authors: Brown Randy
Published: June 2018

This article explains confined space, gives examples of confined spaces in the water utility industry, discusses the hazards presented by confined space, the safety of workers in confined space situations, defines the role of a confined space attendant, and rescue and emergency procedures for confined space.
What to Look for in Centrifugal Pump Maintenance
Authors: Salvina Louis C.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses factors that contribute to good centrifugal pump performance. These factors include the following: pump design and operation; development of a preventive maintenance plan; pump installation and its effect on pump operation and vibration.