bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of US Public Health Laboratories: Microbial Pathogens on the CCL
Authors: Hilborn Elizabeth D. , Royster Michael O. , Drabkowski Doug J.
Published: February 2018

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) amendments of 1996 mandated that the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) develop a list of unregulated drinking water contaminants to be evaluated for potential regulation. In 1998, USEPA published the first Contaminant Candidate List (CCL) to meet this SDWA requirement. The microbial pathogens included on the CCL have various methods of transmission to humans, including drinking water, but few are included on statewide or national disease reporting systems. Thus, USEPA cannot estimate the illness caused by these pathogens or their overall effect on public health. The authors conducted a comprehensive survey of state public health laboratories (SPHLs) for fiscal‐year 1999 to determine which SPHLs received and analyzed human specimens for CCL pathogens, to determine the number of samples analyzed for each pathogen and the number of specimens that tested positive, and to document the analytical methods used. Ninety‐four percent of the SPHLs participated in the survey, but the number of specimens, verified pathogens, and analytical methods varied. Fewer than 5% of clinical specimens yielded evidence of infection with a CCL pathogen ‐ except for analysis of calicivirus, which was detected 40% of the time. Most SPHLs used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to analyze samples for only calicivirus. Because PCR can detect a variety of CCL pathogens, the authors concluded that SPHLs were underutilizing the sensitive PCR techniques for detection of CCL pathogens. This survey is a first step in evaluating the impact of CCL pathogens on public health, but further studies are needed to identify additional laboratories to participate in surveys and examine the potential human health risk factors that resulted in the identified pathogen infection.
Ditch Repair Requires Wetland Replacement Plan or Exemption
Authors: Stiegler Mayo H.
Published: February 2018

The Court of Appeals of Minnesota ruled that an approved wetland replacement plan or an exemption by the appropriate soil and water district was required before drainage ditch repair could be conducted.
Small Systems Can Help Shape National Water Policy
Authors: Scheltens John P.
Published: February 2018

US government officials may know that small systems are having difficulty meeting new water quality regulations but most probably aren't fully aware of how limited small systems' resources are. This article discusses how small systems can influence the policies coming out of Washington, but to do so, they must start building professional relationships with their representatives in congress.
Is It the Bottle?
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses the growing trend in bottled water consumption and poses some questions about how to improve the consumer's confidence in tap water.
Radon and Multimedia Mitigation: What USEPA Proposed
Authors: Schmidt Anita
Published: February 2018

Because it is much more cost‐effective to reduce radon exposure from sources other than drinking water, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) proposed both a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for radon in drinking water and a less stringent option ‐ an alternative MCL (AMCL) combined with a multimedia mitigation (MMM) plan that addresses radon risks in indoor air.
Water For People and USEPA—CREATING HEALTHY PARTNERSHIPS with Africa's urban poor
Authors: Sobiech Paul
Published: February 2018

In the settlement and squatter areas of African cities, the urban poor, particularly children, face untold health risks from raw sewage, unsafe water, and solid waste. Safe drinking water is often nonexistent, and the water of questionable quality that is available may be touted as “safe” by vendors and sold at a price few can afford. The needs of the urban poor are mounting as the inevitable migration of people from rural areas to the cities continues. Land tenure is rare; financing and constructing homes, water systems, and other infrastructure are risky ventures. Municipalities are not equipped, financially or technically, to meet the basic water and sanitation needs of this growing population. WATER For PEOPLE and the US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of International Activities, have joined forces to make a difference. In October 2000, they launched the Water For Africa partnership to help bring safe, sustainable drinking water to Africa's urban poor. Education, capacity‐building, and collaborative work with local stakeholder groups are under way in Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The social cohesion that is sometimes taken for granted in rural development projects is often absent because of the great diversity in religion, culture, and ethnicity, making settlement areas complicated environments in which to operate. To determine the assistance best suited for this complex environment, Water For Africa includes extensive evaluation in every project.
Trends in outsourcing for water utilities
Authors: Parmelee Mary A.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses how many utilities are choosing to outsource their information technology (IT), distribution, and even their manufacturing operations in order to lower operating costs and increase quality of service. A case study is given where the Truckee Meadows Water Authority turned to outsourcing as a way of saving large capital investment and subsequent IT maintenance responsibilities.
Field Evaluation of As Removal by Conventional Plants
Authors: Chen Abraham S.C. , Fields Keith A. , Sorg Thomas J. , Wang Lili
Published: February 2018

During a year‐long study, weekly samplings and analyses were conducted at five US water treatment facilities—two coagulation–filtration plants, two iron‐removal plants, and one lime‐softening plant. These municipal treatment facilities had a treatment capacity of 1.4–600 mgd (5.2–2,271 ML/d). The study was conducted to evaluate the performance of these full‐scale plants for consistently removing arsenic (As) from raw water containing 2.6–97.9 μg/L of total As. The two coagulation–filtration plants and one iron‐removal plant consistently removed As to < 10 μg/L; however, the other iron‐removal plant and the lime‐softening plant did not.
How Effective is the TCR in Assessing Outbreak Vulnerability?
Authors: Nwachuku Nena , Craun Gunther F. , Calderon Rebecca L.
Published: February 2018

Previous studies have shown that waterborne disease outbreaks can occur in systems that have not exceeded the maximum contaminant level (MCL) regulations for coliform bacteria. The utility of the revised Total Coliform Rule (TCR), which has been in effect since Dec. 31, 1990, was evaluated as an indicator of outbreak vulnerability of public water systems. This study compared TCR violations for water systems that had and had not reported an outbreak during 1991–98. Few outbreak systems had violated the MCL in the 12‐month period before the outbreak, and MCL and monitoring violations did not differ significantly for the outbreak and nonoutbreak systems studied. These findings suggest that the TCR is not able to identify those water systems that are vulnerable to an outbreak. Requirements may need to be supplemented by an additional indicator and additional monitoring for systems that currently collect few samples. When evaluating the adequacy of an indicator, it is important to consider waterborne agents and the frequency of sample collection. The thoroughness of a sanitary survey is also important to detect and correct deficiencies that might lead to an outbreak. Current TCR monitoring focuses on the detection of coliforms in the distribution system after treatment; however, it may be more effective—especially for small groundwater systems—to monitor source water quality and assess the potential for contamination from sewage discharges and surface water runoff rather than to increase distribution system monitoring.
Chemical surface deposit removal—a new tool for water treatment and storage facility maintenance
Authors: Reimann‐Philipp Ulrich
Published: February 2018

This article discusses how advanced chemical cleaning of storage facilities can help safeguard posttreatment water quality in the distribution system. A case study is given that demonstrates that chemical cleaning can eliminate chlorine demand in storage tanks, facilitate maintenance by restoring scaled surfaces, and improve water quality. Although conventional cleaning of the tower removed sludge, it proved less efficient at minimizing chlorine demand. The study also showed that pipeline maintenance had the potential to further improve the town's water quality.
Kinetics of Nitrosomonas europaea INACTIVATION by chloramine
Authors: Oldenburg Patrick S. , Regan John M. , Harrington Gregory W. , Noguera Daniel R.
Published: February 2018

The effect of pH on the inactivation of Nitrosomonas europaea by chloramines was tested for a range of chloramine concentrations. Cell viability was assessed using the most probable number (MPN) technique and a culture‐independent bacterial viability test. For pH 7 to 9, N. europaea inactivation followed Chick‐Watson kinetics with n = 1 and k ranging from 2.5 × 10–03 L/(mgCl2·min) at pH 7 to 2.4 × 10–04 L/(mgCl2·min) at pH 9 in the bacterial viability–based tests. For the MPN‐based tests, k was approximately 1,000‐fold higher. Although CT99 values from the MPN‐based experiments agreed with CT99 reported elsewhere for ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB), the lower inactivation rates estimated from the bacterial viability tests were more consistent with AOB persistence in distribution systems, suggesting that MPN may overestimate chloramine biocide effectiveness. Finally, the counteracting effect of pH on N. europaea inactivation and chloramine decay indicates that pH control is likely to have a site‐specific effect on nitrification.
A Different Look at Diversity
Authors: McCain Katie
Published: February 2018

This article describes a 2002 Summer Workshop for AWWA Section Leaders held at AWWA Headquarters in Denver, CO. The topic of the workshop was “Change Management: Navigating the Rapids.” Besides modules on change, the workshop also offered a module on “true colors” that dealt with a method of grouping personality types that evolved from the Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator. The article discusses how, by recognizing different personality types, working together in groups can actually be more rewarding and successful.
Acidic Methanol Methylation for HAA Analysis: Limitations and Possible Solutions
Authors: Xie Yuefeng , Rashid Inni , Zhou Haojiang (“Joe”) , Gammie Leslie
Published: February 2018

Acidic methanol methylation is a common derivatization process for haloacetic acid (HAA) analysis. The Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg and EPCOR Water Services in Edmonton, Alta., conducted a study on acidic methanol methylation for HAAs. Using the current methylation conditions (US Environmental Protection Agency method 552.2), the authors observed incomplete methylation of HAAs, especially for trihaloacetic acids, which could significantly affect the accuracy of these HAA analytical results. The effects of methylation time, methylation temperature, volume of acidic methanol, and composition of acidic methanol on methylation efficiency were studied. This research suggests that acidic methanol methylation efficiency could be improved by increasing the volume of acidic methanol, methylation temperature, methylation time, or all three. The authors also investigated other common analytical problems associated with acidic methanol methylation. Additional studies are suggested to further optimize the acidic methanol methylation procedure for HAA analysis.
Factors Affecting biofilm accumulation in Model Distribution Systems
Authors: Ollos Peter J. , Huck Peter M. , Slawson Robin M.
Published: February 2018

Annular reactors fed with synthetic or actual water were used to examine the effects of chlorine or monochloramine, easily biodegradable organic matter (BOM), flow velocity (shear stress), pipe material, and temperature on biofilm accumulation as measured by biofilm heterotrophic plate count (HPC) values. Under the conditions studied, the disinfectant residual was the most important factor for biofilm accumulation. In the absence of a BOM supplement, temperature appeared to have essentially no effect, whereas shear appeared to be important. In the presence of a BOM supplement (500 μg/L), temperature was important at lower shear stress, although shear conditions themselves had little effect. The condition leading to the highest levels of biofilm HPCs was a high level of easily degradable BOM combined with the absence of a disinfectant. Other individual factors (temperature, substratum, and shear stress) were less important in producing this result.
The Public Notification Rule: Community Relations
Authors: Keegan Michael , Keegan Thomas
Published: February 2018

This is the last of a three‐part series covering the new Public Notification Rule (PNR) requirements. Part one introduced the new requirements and discussed the steps necessary to develop a comprehensive crisis communications plan. Part two provided information on how to develop an effective media plan and offered tips on dealing with the media. This part of the series offers advice on effectively communicating with the public in a crisis. The information gathered regarding community relations, along with the information collected regarding compliant notification and media relations (discussed in parts one and two of this series), is vital to successfully fulfilling the responsibilities of the PNR.
Update on USEPA's drinking water regulations
Authors: Pontius Frederick W.
Published: February 2018

Pontius continues his annual tradition of providing an updated assessment of US Environmental Protection Agency regulations and a regulatory outlook. The current status and agenda for the coming year are outlined. In addition, the author discusses several important regulatory actions expected in 2003, including proposal of the Stage 2 Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts Rule, the Long‐Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, the final Groundwater Rule, and the final Radon Rule. A section on biological and chemical warfare agents is also included. Because the regulatory political horizon is continually changing as budgets shrink and players and priorities change, the information in this article can help water providers stay abreast of the most current regulatory demands. Because it takes years to implement major treatment changes, utilities must review regulations regularly and assess the expected effects of future rules to plan effectively.
Selecting Filter Membranes for measuring DOC and UV254
Authors: Karanfil Tanju , Erdogan Ilke , Schlautman Mark A.
Published: February 2018

Seventeen filter membranes produced from eight membrane materials by four major manufacturers were evaluated for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and ultraviolet (UV254) absorbance measurements and thus for specific UV absorbance determinations. Hydrophilic polyethersulfone filters from two manufacturers and a hydrophilic polypropylene filter were the best options among the filters tested for complying with the US Environmental Protection Agency's Disinfectants/Disinfection By‐products Rule. These filters should be rinsed with a minimum of 30 mL distilled and deionized water/cm2 filter surface area (e.g., 500 mL on a 47mm disc filter) prior to use. During sample filtration, an initial 25 mL of the filtrate on a 47‐mm filter must be wasted before samples for DOC and UV254 measurements are collected to minimize the impact of dissolved organic matter (DOM) losses to filter membranes. Other filters were not recommended because of one or a combination of the following factors: (1) they did not have an absolute pore size of 0.45‐μm, (2) they exhibited higher degrees of organic carbon leaching and were more difficult to render clean, and/or (3) they showed significant DOM uptake. Before a filter for DOC and UV254 measurements is selected, it is essential to conduct filtered blank experiments and to demonstrate that there is no gain or loss of DOC and UV254 during filtration. It is also important to recognize that there may be significant lot‐to‐lot variations in the levels of contamination on filters.
Using Innovation to Respond to Infrastructure Needs
Authors: Helgeson Thomas J. , Marquez Jerry
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the automated mapping/facilities management/geographic information system (AM/FM/GIS) that the city of Altamonte Springs, Florida, implemented to organize its large collection of record drawings (construction plans, as‐built plans, original design plans, etc.) and to gather the cumulative knowledge of many employees who had worked in the department for many years before they retired. The article discusses the benefits and advantages of the AM/FM/GIS system.
Atrazine producers on regulatory hook for water monitoring, mitigation
Authors: Scharfenaker Mark A.
Published: February 2018

U.S. public water suppliers, who have been struggling for years to control atrazine levels in their treated water supplies, will get unexpected help starting this year under a new federal pesticide regulatory program. The program requires producers of the widely used herbicide to monitor and mitigate atrazine levels in surface water sources of drinking water. This help will include the limited possibility of watershed‐wide bans on atrazine use.
Applying GIS to a water main corrosion study
Authors: Doyle Garry , Grabinsky Murray
Published: February 2018

Geographic information systems are proving to be a valuable tool in plotting areas of water system infrastructure deterioration and how it corresponds with various soil properties.
Turnkey automation comes to the water industry
Authors: Rizzo David
Published: February 2018

Although the basic components of any filtration system include the filter console, the communications link, the acutators, and the instrumentation, it is the turnkey integration of these components into a prepackaged, preengineered ‐ and even preprogrammed ‐ system that marks this as a major step forward. This article discusses how, combined with the use of pneumatically operated actuators, the “total solution” can reduce installation costs by 30‐40%, ensure reliability, reduce maintenance, and increase safety. In addition, a single‐source system ensures a single point of responsibility for installation and support.
Small System Security—There Is Help and Hope
Authors: Blaha Frank J.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses resources that are available to help small water systems meet the new Safe Drinking Water Act requirements for completing a vulnerability assessment. It lists the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) website as the most important for water security resources, which also has links to information from other groups such as the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, the National Rural Water Association, the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies, the AWWA Research Foundation, and the American Water Works Association. Another source of information is the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (WaterISAC), a secure site that contains sensitive security information and is maintained by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. The six elements required of a vulnerability assessment as defined by the USEPA are listed and specific tools for small systems, including software, are given. Emergency response plan (ERP) information is available at the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators' website, and the article also recommends several AWWA and USEPA documents that contain information for revising ERPs.
Effects of treatment changes on chloramine Demand and Decay
Authors: Wilczak Andrzej , Hoover Linnea L. , Lai H. Hubert
Published: February 2018

The practical experiences gained at the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) in California and factors from the literature affecting combined chlorine (chloramine) demand and decay were reviewed. The main goal was to emphasize the importance of a stable chloramine residual entering the distribution system to minimize system maintenance. The rate of chloramine loss was not constant but varied in EBMUD's system as a result of source water quality and water treatment changes. A high degree of total organic carbon removal by either granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption or nanofiltration would be required to improve chloramine stability beyond that of conventionally coagulated and settled water. Ozonation with or without hydrogen peroxide contributed to an increased chloramine demand. Filtration of the ozonated water through biologically active GAC/sand filter media substantially increased chloramine demand. New filter media, either GAC or anthracite/sand, did not exhibit this negative effect on chloramine demand. Free chlorine or chlorine dioxide applied to the filter effluent prior to chloramine formation helped maintain a stable chloramine residual.
Congressional infrastructure earmarks on the rise
Authors: Scharfenakery Mark
Published: February 2018

Otherwise referred to as “earmarks” (or pork barrel spending by detractors), special needs grants provided in the US Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) annual appropriations bills have mushroomed from 18, which amounted to $171.0 million in USEPA's fiscal year (FY) 1997 budget, to 494 amounting to $326.4 million in the agency's FY2003 budget, all of which comes at the expense of other agency programs. The totals since 1995 exceed 1,500 grants approaching $3 billion, nearly rivaling the $3.8 billion USEPA recently reported that states have delivered for 1,776 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) project loan agreements in its first five years of operation since Congress created it in 1996. Opposed by USEPA and states because they divert available funds from the state controlled DWSRF and Clean Water SRF (CWSRF) programs and their project prioritization processes and self‐sustaining natures, such earmarks nevertheless amount to an increasingly sought‐after source of attractive grants for infrastructure projects that run the gamut from multimillion‐dollar upgrades funded over several years to one‐shot grants as low as $22,500 for quick fixes.
Applying the LT2ESWTR Microbial Toolbox at a Surface Water Treatment Plant
Authors: Cornwell David A. , Brown Richard A. , Macphee Michael J. , Wichser Robert C.
Published: February 2018

The proposed and final versions of the Long‐Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR) have not been published, but water suppliers are already gearing up for the challenges of compliance with the rule. This article discusses LT2ESWTR regulations in terms of their effect and implication for a surface water treatment plant. A case study applied the expected requirements of the LT2ESWTR to the Richmond, Virginia Water Treatment Plant (RWTP). The components of the microbial toolbox were analyzed in terms of cost, feasibility, and applicability to the Richmond facility. For RWPP, the most feasible and cost‐effective toolbox alternatives available were: a 0.5‐log credit for a watershed control program; a 0.5‐log combined filter effluent turbidity credit; a 1.0‐log demonstration of performance credit using full‐scale aerobic spore monitoring or pilot‐scale microbial challenge studies; and, inactivation with ultraviolet light. Although this study is specific to Richmond, the findings can be used by other utilities facing similar situations with similar alternatives available to them resulting from application of the microbial toolbox. This article is not available in its entirety in the printed issue of the Journal; only the expanded summary is available in print. The PDF of the entire article can be found on‐line at www.awwa.org.
Use of pulsed‐UV processes to destroy NDMA
Authors: Liang Sun , Min Joon H. , Davis Marshall K. , Green James F. , Remer Donald S.
Published: February 2018

Bench‐scale experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of using pulsed‐ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and pulsed‐UV/hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) processes to destroy N‐nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). The effects of various UV and H2O2 dosages and source waters, as well as nitrate (NO3–) and initial NDMA concentrations, were investigated as control parameters for both completely mixed batch reactor and continuously stirred tank reactor tests. The presence of compounds that interfere with UV light (e.g., NO3–) and the formation of total trihalomethanes after pulsed‐UV treatment were also studied. Pulsed‐UV technology was highly effective for destroying NDMA. The pseudo–first‐order rate constants were calculated to be in the range of 1.4 to 12.2 min–1. This technology offers other benefits (e.g., disinfection) and can be applied directly to drinking water treatment. However, potential concerns in pulsed‐UV photolysis of NDMA include (1) the formation of undesirable chemicals as reaction intermediates and (2) possible reformation/regeneration of NDMA after chlorination of pulsed‐UV–treated effluent. Pulsed‐UV with a small amount of H2O2 could be used to control the reaction by‐products and to inhibit the reformation of NDMA by using hydroxyl radicals generated during an advanced oxidation process. In contrast, pulsed‐UV with a larger amount of H2O2 could inhibit NDMA decay by direct photolysis.
Improving resilience against the effects of climate change
Authors: Bloetscher Frederick , Meeroff Daniel E. , Heimlich Barry N. , Brown A. Randolph , Bayler Donald , Loucraft Maria
Published: February 2018

Water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and other effects of climate change, especially in low coastal regions such as south Florida. Alternative water and wastewater recovery programs that work now may not be applicable in 100 years. Florida Atlantic University evaluated options that the water utility in the coastal community of the city of Pompano Beach, Fla., could apply to improve resilience to climate change effects. Immediate issues were that groundwater level rise resulting from sea level rise would create significant challenges to the utility's plans for new wells, aquifer recharge, hydrodynamic barrier programs, and reclaimed water programs. A number of potential solutions lie beyond the utility's control, and regional solutions will be needed to resolve long‐term effects. A rethinking of long‐term water management should include adaptation programs that consist of vulnerability analysis, infrastructure assessment, short‐ and long‐term applicability of current practices when considering effects of climate change, development of a toolbox of potential technical and management solutions, and a planning framework for increasing resilience and sustainability using adaptive management to deal with uncertainties.
Assessing the carbon footprint of water supply and distribution systems
Authors: Boulos Paul F. , Bros Christopher M.
Published: February 2018

Water utilities are demonstrating increasing concern about the growing threat of climate change. The vast majority of energy consumed by these utilities is used to pump water and is a significant source of greenhouse emissions. Moreover, a large percentage of that energy is then lost in the distribution system through pipe friction, across control valves, and at customer taps. Energy loss is wasteful in systems requiring pumping. In gravity systems, it is a potential free energy source squandered. This article describes a simple approach for calculating the carbon footprint of the energy use in distribution systems and introduces a method for assessing distribution system efficiency. The new measure will enable the water industry to conceive and formulate optimized decisions for potential energy savings to reduce its carbon footprint, thus contributing to healthier air quality, minimizing environmental impacts, and improving water efficiency and infrastructure sustainability.
Bromate reduction in simulated gastric juice
Authors: Cotruvo Joseph A. , Keith Jason D. , Bull Richard J. , Pacey Gilbert E. , Gordon Gilbert
Published: February 2018

Bromate decomposition kinetics with simulated stomach/gastric juice was studied to contibute to more accurate determination of the risk of environmentally relevant exposures to bromate. Any presystemic reduction in the stomach would yield lower risks. Bromate is rapidly reduced by hydrogen sulfide (H2S); half‐lives were 153 min at zero H2S and 2, 24, and 32 min at 10−4, 10−5, and 10−6 M H2S, respectively. Half‐lives at 10−4 and 10−5 M are biologically relevant for the retention time for water in an empty stomach. Common dietary inorganic reducing agents (ferrous, iodide, and nitrite) generally enhanced bromate reduction with H2S. Oxidizing agents (hypochlorous acid/chlorine, chloramine, and ferric ion) usually modestly reduced decomposition rates with H2S. Consumption of chlorinated or chloraminated drinking water containing bromate would not materially affect the extent of presystemic bromate reduction. Current studies by the authors are quantifying bromate reduction from the greater systemic liver and blood metabolism, where rapid reactions with glutathione and other reducing agents occur.
Oslo Consumers Willing to Pay More for Improved Services
Authors: Venkatesh Govindarajan , Ugarelli Rita
Published: February 2018

The city of Oslo in southern Norway has a population of about 600,000 people and is supplied with water by three water treatment plants—Oset, Skullerud, and Langlia—that draw raw water from Maridalsvannet, Elvåga, and Langlivannet lakes, respectively. Treated water from the four plants reaches consumers in the domestic, industrial, and commercial sectors of the city through approximately 35,000 water pipes with a total length of more than 1,500 kilometres. Sewage and stormwater (i.e., rainwater and snowmelt) are transported to two wastewater treatment plants—Bekkelaget Vann As (BEVAS) and Vestfjorden Avløpselskap (VEAS)—through more than 54,000 pipes with a total length of about 2,200 kilometres. Water and sewage pumping stations pressurize the respective flows. The treated effluent wends its way into the Oslo Fjord, which is contiguous with the Atlantic Ocean. Like all urban water and sanitation agencies, the Oslo VAV (water and sewage works) has challenges, and “sustainable development” is becoming a key point on its agenda. Govindarajan Venkatesh, a researcher in the Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and Rita Ugarelli, adjunct professor at NTNU and research scientist at SINTEF [the largest independent research organization in Scandanavia], interviewed Per Kristiansen, assistant director and head of the operations department at the Oslo VAV, at his Oslo office regarding the management of Oslo's water and wastewater system.
An Ongoing Quest
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Filtration is not a static process in which a formula can be applied so that safe, high‐quality water is produced. As Gary Logsdon notes in Water Filtration Practices, “… it is a dynamic process [in which] conditions within the filter and quality of the water produced by the filter can change from hour to hour.” This variability makes it necessary to monitor the numerous aspects of filter performance and make adjustments as needed.
Disaster Preparedness Through Simulation Training
Authors: Pearson R. Mark
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a project by St. Paul (Minnesota) Regional Water Services (SPRWS) who hired AECOM Technical Services (then Consoer Townsend Envirodyne Engineers) to prepare the Emergency Response and Recovery Preparedness Manual in 2003 for the McCarron's Water Treatment Plant. The manual contains an activation chart for putting a response and recovery team in place, and resources that define each team member's role and specific responsibilities before, during, and after a disaster. The manual also contains a record of every tabletop and simulation training event as examples of how to run an efficient incident response and recovery effort. Development of the manual included the following steps: interviews with key staff members; development of an activation chart; listing potential disaster events that might affect the facility; development of checklists and worksheets for each team and team member; development of resources tuned to specific disaster events; tabletop training exercises; and, simulation training exercises.
Life as a Japanese‐American Engineer in the Water Industry
Authors: Tamada Ron
Published: February 2018

In this article, the author describes the experience of the Japanese‐American people, and in particular his family, in the United States over the last 2 generations. In his career working with four consulting firms in Texas, he has not encountered many Japanese‐Americans in the water industry and believes race has not been an issue that affected his career opportunities. He is currently the chair of the Diversity Committee for the Texas Section of AWWA.
The Chinese‐American Engineer's Perspective: The ABCs of Being Chinese
Authors: Sue Stephanie
Published: February 2018

The author describes her experiences growing up as an American‐born Chinese (ABC) in the southeastern United States, where there were few Asian‐Americans. In her college experience, she encountered more ethnic diversity, and pursued a degree in environmental engineering where she was a member of another minority ‐ a female engineer. She offers insightful advice to other engineers who wish to be successful in a diverse and ever‐changing workplace.
AWWA's Water Conservation Division
Authors: Opitz Eva
Published: February 2018

This article presents AWWA's Water Conservation Division, including its mission, a list of the most critical needs and challenges facing the water conservation field, and a brief discussion of each of its four working committees that include: the Planning, Evaluation, and Research Committee; the Water Efficient Programs and Technology Committee; the Communication, Education, and Legislation Committee; and, the WaterWiser Advisory Committee.
Enough is Enough
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance discusses pros and cons of water utility‐sponsored conservation programs. He sums it up by concluding that conservation is a good thing, and offers seven unscientific, nonpeer‐reviewed tips to make a utility‐sponsored program a successful one.
Water Emergency Roundtable Discussion Guide
Authors: O'Grady Bridget
Published: February 2018

The Association of State Drinking Water Administrators' (ASDWA's) Drinking Water Security Committee (DWSC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Region 5's (Chicago, Ill.) Water Security Advisor, and the city of Evanston (Ill.) Water Division have partnered to create a document titled Water Emergency Roundtable ‐ Outline for Discussion. The outline combines government and private‐sector resources to enhance the water utilities' resilience to all types of disasters, whether natural or human‐caused. The outline is based on an earlier event hosted by Evanston in September 2009, where Evanston brought together its staff, critical water customers, and essential emergency response personnel to have an informal discussion about expectations, roles, capabilities, and limitations among these three groups in the event of a major water emergency.
Managing leaks using flow step‐testing, network modeling, and field measurement
Authors: Boulos Paul F. , Aboujaoude Adel S.
Published: February 2018

Water distribution systems can experience large volumes of leakage that result in major financial, supply, and pressure losses. The authors describe a simple and efficient approach that combines flow step‐testing and network modeling and solves the leakage detection problem using a direct application of hydraulic analysis and field‐testing. The leak in a pipe segment is explicitly determined by analyzing the rate of change in the discrepancy between field‐measured and modeled flow values. The method is well suited to bracket high leakage areas in the distribution system and is applicable to any pipe material. It was applied to an actual water distribution system, and results were validated by a leak detection survey using acoustic devices. The proposed method should prove useful to water utilities attempting to locate excessive pipe leaks in their distribution systems and thus conserve a precious natural resource while simultaneously reducing their energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Show Me the Money
Authors: Roberson J. Alan
Published: February 2018

This article provides a regulatory update on fluoride, chromium VI, potentially lowered MCLs, perchlorate, and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). The current contention in Congress over the national budget is discussed, along with AWWA's “measured response” to the Obama Administration's proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2012, which cuts funding for two State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan programs. The Water Infrastructure Bank funding option will be emphasized by AWWA in its upcoming “Water Matters” 2011 Fly‐In.
Fasten Your Seat Belts: Main Breaks and the Issuance of Precautionary Boil‐water Notices
Authors: Baird Gregory M.
Published: February 2018

Utilities are facing many challenges while trying to juggle multiple priorities, from regulatory changes to public opinions. Making long‐term plans and adequately communicating those plans is crucial to a utility's successful management. As utilities face revenue and budget restrictions, they may be forced to choose a run‐to‐failure scenario. However, although there are many reasons for pipe failure that may be out of a utility's immediate control, the level of operability of the valves is controllable. Utilities must accurately locate and assess the condition of their valves in order to reduce the overall costs for a run‐to‐failure approach. As water stewards, informing the public of health hazards is also an important duty.
Selecting Disinfectants in a Security‐Conscious Environment: Six Utility Case Studies
Authors: Seidel Chad , Ghosh Amlan , Morley Kevin
Published: February 2018

This article presents an overview of six case studies documenting water utilities' methods and outcomes for selecting disinfection processes. These case studies illustrate the unique, site‐specific considerations that underlie achieving the goals and meeting the disinfection needs of each water system. A summary of the case studies was included in AWWA's written testimony to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, submitted as part of a hearing on chemical security at drinking water utilities.
Sustainable Power and Innovation Provide Clean Drinking Water and Energy
Authors: Hangartner Ralph
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an environmentally friendly and energy‐independent mobile water treatment plant developed by Swiss‐based Trunz Water systems. The self‐contained units remove viruses and bacteria from polluted freshwater sources, and some systems are capable of purifying brackish water and seawater using a reverse osmosis system. The units come with a borehole pump, solar racks, optional wind generator, and an automatic backflush system. A demonstration project for the unit was recently carried out at an orphanage in Diani, Kenya.
National compliance costs from a potential revision to the nitrate regulation
Authors: Weir Lauren , Roberson J. Alan
Published: February 2018

National compliance costs resulting from the existing nitrate regulation are high and would increase substantially if the nitrate regulation were to be revised downward in the future.
Investigating dissolved lead at the tap using various sampling protocols
Authors: Cartier Clément , Laroche Laurent , Deshommes Elise , Nour Shokoufeh , Richard Guillaume , Edwards Marc , Prévost Michèle
Published: February 2018

The authors investigated factors influencing the occurrence of dissolved lead in tap water using different sampling protocols. The principal factor affecting the concentration of dissolved lead at the distribution system taps was the length of lead service lines (LSLs). However, dissolved lead levels in first‐litre samples were also associated with lead particles being trapped in the aerator. Collecting the first‐litre sample after 30 min of stagnation provided a good estimate of lead concentration in premise plumbing and LSLs, even though it could sometimes underestimate peak lead concentrations in the LSLs. Also it gives mean exposure estimates close to that obtained using random daytime sampling. Lead levels remained relatively high in flushed samples despite short (26‐s) contact time between the water and lead pipe, illustrating high rates of mass transfer.
Resistance of the invasive pest mussel Limnoperna fortunei to anoxia: Implications for biofouling control
Authors: Perepelizin Pablo V. , Boltovskoy Demetrio
Published: February 2018

In a study aimed at using oxygen deprivation as a control method for biofouling caused by the invasive bivalve Limnoperna fortunei, the authors estimated the survival rates of small (7 mm) and large (20 mm) mussels exposed to anoxia (below 0.16±0.02 mg/L dissolved oxygen) at 20 and 27°C under laboratory conditions. At 20°C 100% sample mortality (SM 100) of small mussels was attained in 20.7 days (LT50, lethal time to kill 50% of the mussels = 9.5 days) and large mussels in 29.3 days (LT50 = 18.0 days). At 27°C, small and large mussels achieved SM 100 much faster (11.6 and 10.2 days) and had correspondingly lower LT50 values (4.7 days for both sizes). Mortality rates differed significantly between size classes at 20°C but not at 27°C. Comparison with other invasive mollusks indicated that L. fortunei is less resistant to anoxia than Corbicula fluminea but more resistant than Dreissena polymorpha. Thus it was concluded that oxygen deprivation may be a viable alternative for the control of mussel fouling in industrial installations.
Modeling approach to treatability analyses of an existing treatment plant
Authors: Lu Owen , Krasner Stuart W. , Liang Sun
Published: February 2018

To comply with the Stage 1 and 2 Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts Rules, utilities have modified or changed their treatment processes, based typically on historical water quality. However, when there has been a significant degradation in source water quality, it has been a struggle to maintain compliance at many plants. The objective of this study was to develop long‐term planning tools to determine the potential effect of source water quality changes on the ability of existing treatment facilities to continue to comply with current and anticipated disinfection by‐product standards. These studies also evaluated the maximum concentrations for combinations of influent total organic carbon and bromide that the existing facilities could effectively handle and treatment costs under a worst‐case scenario. The planning tools were developed based on actual water quality and full‐scale operational data from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's water treatment plants. The tool was originally developed in 2007 and was calibrated and validated with newly available data in 2009.
Project Governance and Change Management: Getting it Right at Scottish Water
Authors: Simpson Stephen , Rayner Paul
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an approach used by Scottish Water that uses best practice sponsorship and governance within its civil engineering projects combined with change management to achieve successful project outcome. This approach is called the “Vision to Reality” program. An example is presented of how Scottish Water is applying the Vision to Reality approach to its Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Refresh project.
Aquifer storage and recovery program remedies Wichita's groundwater problems
Authors: Desilva Viraj , Ary Deb
Published: February 2018

The creative combination of water rights acquisition, engineering, and technology enabled wichita, KAN., to find a solution to improve the sustainability of its water supply and meet the water needs of its citizens.
Sustainable distribution system asset management: Risk mitigation through control point management
Authors: Wilson Cliff
Published: February 2018

Asset management may be able to capture savings of 20‐30% of life‐cycle costs over time; however, for a large organization, the cultural and procedural changes required for full implementation will not occur for four to seven years. A phased risk mitigation method of control point, information, and pipeline management is a quicker and more economic approach. Utilities have emphasized determining the probability of pipe failure in order to predict the timing of replacement activities and reprioritize capital project plans by focusing on the uncontrollable part of their system (i.e., static assets, pipes). A control point management phased approach focuses on reducing costs by minimizing the consequences of pipe failure, economically assesses the condition of related pipes, and integrates control point information required to create a more practical and cost‐effective prioritization plan.
Defense Department Monetizes and Outsources Water and Wastewater Facilities with “Hybrid” Government
Authors: Spratt Steve
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a contract that transferred ownership and management of the MacDill Air Force Base water and wastewater facilities to the Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA). The contract will be carried out over 50 years at a value of $200 million. The MacDill acquisition marks the first time the FGUA has purchased a utility owned by the federal government. In the past, sellers were private investor‐owned companies that local governments wanted to transition to public ownership. Unlike past acquisitions, which are typically acquire‐upgrade‐manage or sell, MacDill is the longest‐term contract for the FGUA, running through 2061. Over the past decade, FGUA has acquired and upgraded dozens of water and wastewater facilities. Whether continuously managing facilities or transferring them back to the “host” government, FGUA involves local governments in its decision‐making process by providing them with a seat on the FGUA board of directors. FGUA has continued its evolution with the MacDill partnership, again saving the taxpayers' money and allowing the assisted government to focus on its core mission. FGUA's acquisition of the MacDill water and wastewater system demonstrates how strategies in this vital industry are evolving and how important public‐private collaborations are working. The article contains an insert discussing the nature of a governmental utility authority.
Reducing Costs Through Open Procurement and Alternative Project Delivery
Authors: Baird Gregory M.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses some necessary adjustments that can be made by water utilities to achieve greater cost savings in order to address both sustainability and affordability concerns. These adjustments include developing open procurement and selection policies and practices to attain additional capital project and operational savings. Many municipalities and utilities may be leaving 10‐20% of savings on the table with outdated procurement policies that limit best value, life cycle cost analysis, new technologies, methodologies, and materials. For example, utilities should consider adopting open procurement practices to allow for alternative project delivery options such as design‐build and open materials selection such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). To achieve the best solution and cost for each project, the appropriate project materials and delivery method should always be selected based on careful evaluation and financial analysis. Innovation and continued change dictate that the best low‐cost solutions are evaluated and implemented.