January 2014

wso
WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

TM
Managing Our Most Valuable Resource

January 2014
www.wsomag.com
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE:
Power-saving hydroturbines
Page 12
Everything in Place
AMERSON PLANT SUCCEEDS WITH TOP-NOTCH TRAINING AND A MOTIVATED TEAM
Page 14
Gary McCoy Director of Water Treatment Macon, Ga.
TECH TALK:
Page 19
UV disinfection basics
TECHNOLOGY DEEP DIVE:

Page 20
Swimming tank robot
Contents
January 2014
QUALITY LEADERS
Agency: Urban RENEWal

BY JIM FORCE
Page 22
Middlesex Water works underground to update its water distribution infrastructure, reduce leakage and improve customer service.
Agency: So Long, Low Prole

BY JIM FORCE
Page 6
Customer outreach and customer appreciation form the foundation for excellent water operations at Daphne Utilities in Alabama.
ON THE COVER: Operators at the Frank C. Amerson Jr. Water Treatment Plant in Macon, Ga., nd that being proactive reaps rewards. So does providing input that can improve operations. The teams leader, Gary McCoy, director of water treatment, is shown at a control valve (Rodney Hunt) in the plants pumping station. (Photography by David Makkers)
Plant: Everything in Place

BY TRUDE WITHAM
Page 14
An award-winning Georgia water plant succeeds with top-notch training, motivated operators and a proactive approach.
ON TAP Page 3
TECHNOLOGY DEEP DIVE Page 20
INDUSTRY NEWS Page 36 PROJECTS AND AWARDS Page 36 WORTH NOTING Page 38 People/Awards; Education; Events
Whats in a Name? Or a Title?
Whats the potential benet of calling people who work on water systems something other than operator? Can that help elevate the industry?
BY TED J. RULSEH, EDITOR
It Swims. It Inspects. It Cleans.
Robotic underwater viewing systems provide a cost-effective method for assessing the condition of water storage tanks without taking them out of service.
BY TED J. RULSEH
@ WSOMAG.COM Page 5 Visit daily for news, features and blogs. Get the most from WSO magazine. SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE Page 12
WINNING THEM OVER Page 26
On a Mission
Coming Next Issue: February 2014

FOCUS: Distribution Systems
On Tap: Who are your allies? Quality Leaders Agency: Washington County (Va.) Service Authority Quality Leaders Operator: Doug Strempek, Norridge, Ill. Quality Leaders Plant: Beaver Water District, Lowell, Ark. Winning Them Over: Superhero characters in Billing, Mont. Technology Deep Dive: Digital imaging particle analyzer, Fluid Imaging Technologies Tech Talk: Getting a handle on energy Sustainable Practice: Solar energy in Sacramento, Calif.
Harnessing Water Power
The water and wastewater treatment plant staffs in Wyoming, Mich., deliver a consistent message about waters importance to environment and economy.
BY LINDA J. EDMONDSON
Mohawk Valley Water Authority uses hydroturbines to cut electric bills and generate income, while plant upgrades keep things running efciently.
BY LISA BALCERAK
PRODUCT FOCUS Page 28
Disinfection
BY CRAIG MANDLI
TECH TALK Page 19
The Basics of UV
CASE STUDIES Page 32
Disinfection with light is effective against a wide range of water-borne pathogens. It is also highly effective and leaves no potentially harmful byproducts.
BY JOHN ROWE, PH.D.
Disinfection
BY CRAIG MANDLI
PRODUCT NEWS Page 34 Product Spotlight: Dual-vessel purication system designed for quick setup
BY ED WODALSKI
ON TAP
BY TED J. RULSEH, EDITOR
Whats in a Name? Or a Title?

Whats the potential benet of calling people who work on water systems something other than operator? Can that help elevate the industry?
n the same week recently I heard from two professionals one each Change isnt new from the wastewater and drinking water sides about the merits of Wade notes that changes in job titles arent calling treatment plants something else, and giving people who work new: customer service representatives replaced in them different titles. clerks and phone operators; administrative assisFrom Sam Wade, deputy CEO of the National Rural Water Associatants replaced secretaries. He also observes that tion: The NRWA and state Rural Water Associations ... have launched the Water Environment Federation used to be the Water Pollution Conthe campaign to refer to the staff who operate water and wastewater systrol Federation, and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies tems as water or wastewater system operations specialists. was known as the Association of Metropolitan Sewage Agencies. From Jack Saltes, P.E., wastewater operations engineer for the WisTo Wade, changing the way we refer to water professionals will help consin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Water Quality: The attract new blood to an industry that is about to lose up to 65 percent of Water Environment Federation now refers to all wastewater treatment the workforce to retirement. The largest loss will be in our nations rural plants as water resource recovery facilities [WRRFs]. Suggestions have and small communities, which compose 92 percent of the community been made that the DNR also change the title wastewater treatment water supplies in the nation, he says. plant operator to water resource recovery specialist. In both cases the thought is that these designaToday, operation of water and wastewater systems is much tions better reect what water facilities do and the more complex, has legal liabilities and requires a variety skills, knowledge and expertise plant staff members have. Simply put, says Wade, these positions are of professional skills, knowledge and experience, including not just task-oriented jobs. They are professional certications of varying degrees. career tracks that deserve to be recognized as such.
SAM WADE
In concept, yes
I am inclined to agree. On the wastewater side, I have advocated for the terms clean-water plant and clean-water operator, on the grounds the plants and people should be known for the wonderful end product they produce, not for the unpleasant raw material that comes in. Water plants and their personnel seem less affected by any of the yuck factor associated with wastewater (or, more crudely, sewage). Still, an argument can be made for a name change. In Wades words: Today, operation of water and wastewater systems is much more complex, has legal liabilities and requires a variety of professional skills, knowledge and experience, including certications of varying degrees. Still, for the most part, it is a service taken for granted and viewed by the public more as a job rather than a professional skilled career track. A recent survey of over 1,850 system personnel of all-size systems and positions asked: Which title specialist, operator or technician projects the skills, knowledge and expertise in the industry today? Seventy-two percent selected technician or specialist over the title of operator. When this type of response comes from within our own industry it is a clear indication that it is time for change.
He believes specialist titles that better reect the professional nature of the careers will lead the public and government ofcials to view the people more favorably, leading to higher pay structures that will help attract more and better talent.
Whats the impact?

Will changing the names of plants and the titles of professionals by itself change public perceptions of the industry? Not likely but the names and titles we use now force the industry to swim upstream, especially on the wastewater side. In any case, its a discussion worth having. WSO is deeply interested in your thoughts. Please express your opinion by sending a note to editor@wsomag.com. I promise to respond, and we will publish a sampling of comments in a future issue. wso
Its your magazine. Tell your story.
WSO welcomes news about your water system for future articles.
Send your ideas to editor@ wsomag.com or call 715/277-4094

wsomag.com January 2014
Advertiser Index
Free Subscription Digital Editions Article Reprints Product Information Discussion Forums Online Exclusives Editors Blog
January 2014
wsomag.com
Aquionics, Inc. ....................... 31 ASA Analytics .......................... 39 Blue-White Industries ............... 4
Burkert Fluid Control Systems .. 13 Chlorinators Incorporated ...... 21 Scienco/FAST - A div. of Bio-Microbics, Inc. ............... 11
Scan this tag with your smartphone
USABlueBook .......................... 40 Van London - pHoenix Co. ..... 4
Get Social with
www.facebook.com/WSOmag www.twitter.com/WSOmagazine www.plus.google.com www.youtube.com/WSOmagazine

Published monthly by COLE Publishing, Inc. 1720 Maple Lake Dam Rd., PO Box 220, Three Lakes, WI 54562 Call toll free 800-257-7222 / Outside of U.S. or Canada call 715-546-3346 Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. CST Website: www.wsomag.com / Email: info@wsomag.com / Fax: 715-546-3786 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: A one-year (12 issues) subscription to WSO TM in the United States and Canada is FREE to qualied subscribers. A qualied subscriber is any individual or company in the United States or Canada that partakes in the consulting, design, installation, manufacture, management or operation of water treatment systems. To subscribe, return the subscription card attached to each issue, visit wsomag.com or call 800-257-7222. Non-qualied subscriptions are available at a cost of $60 per year in the United States and Canada/Mexico and $150 per year to all other foreign countries. To subscribe, visit wsomag. com or send company name, mailing address, phone number and check or money order (U.S. funds payable to COLE Publishing Inc.) to the address above. MasterCard, VISA and Discover are also accepted. Include credit card information with your order. ADDRESS CHANGES: Submit to WSO, P.O. Box 220, Three Lakes, WI, 54562; call 800257-7222 (715-546-3346); fax to 715-546-3786; or email nicolel@colepublishing.com. Include both old and new addresses. Our subscriber list is occasionally made available to carefully selected companies whose products or services may be of interest to you. Your privacy is important to us. If you prefer not to be a part of these lists, please contact Nicole at nicolel@colepublishing.com. ADVERTISING RATES: Call 800-994-7990 and ask for Kim or Phil. Publisher reserves the right to reject advertising which in its opinion is misleading, unfair or incompatible with the character of the publication. EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE: Address to Editor, WSO, P.O. Box 220, Three Lakes, WI, 54562 or email editor@wsomag.com. REPRINTS AND BACK ISSUES: Visit www.wsomag.com for options and pricing. To order reprints, call Jeff Lane at 800-257-7222 (715-546-3346) or email jeffl@colepublishing.com. To order back issues, call Nicole at 800-257-7222 (715-546-3346) or email nicolel@cole publishing.com. CIRCULATION: Average circulation is 33,038 copies per month.
2014 COLE PUBLISHING INC. No part may be reproduced without permission of publisher.
@wsomag.com
Visit the site daily for new, exclusive content. Read our blogs, find resources and get the most out of WSO magazine.
WATER IDEAS
Cleanliness is the single most important thing any system can do. When you walk into any business, especially a water treatment facility, it is expected to be clean.
How To Win a Water Treatment Plant Award www.wsomag.com/featured
Add Pizazz to Public Education

Step away from the PowerPoint presentation. Public education doesnt have to be dry and lifeless. Take a lesson from these organizations, and learn how to initiate innovative water education programs at your facility. See how the Louisville Water Company brands its water and how the Milwaukee Water Works partners with a local museum to provide educational opportunities. The possibilities are endless. www.wsomag.com/featured
CYBERSECURITY 101
Batten Down the Hatches

Find out what an encounter with ransomware taught this facility about cybersecurity. Although legislation is in the works to reduce risks to critical infrastructure, facilities can take several proactive steps now to protect SCADA systems and corporate data. What should you know? www.wsomag.com/featured
Emails & Alerts

Visit www.WSOmag.com and sign up for newsletters and alerts. Youll get exclusive content delivered right to your inbox, and youll stay in the loop on topics important to you.
RATE HIKE?
Sewer Bonds Forgiven

Earlier this year, Jefferson County, Ala., declared bankruptcy, which increased sewer rates and created a $1 billion deficit. Digital Editor Briana Jones examines the topic and asks the question: What does this mean for other distressed municipalities? www.wsomag.com/featured
Join the Discussion

www.facebook.com/WSOmag www.twitter.com/WSOmagazine
SO LONG,
Customer outreach and customer appreciation form the foundation for excellent water operations at Daphne Utilities in Alabama
STORY: JIM FORCE PHOTOGRAPHY: JEFF AND MEGGAN HALLER
LOW PROFILE
Daphne (Ala.) Utilities
FOUNDED: | 1953 EMPLOYEES: | 67 TREATMENT CAPACITY: | 7.1
n some communities, property owners come home from work to nd their lawn torn up by the utility department and start searching for the email address of their local council representative. Not in Daphne, Ala., where customers are king, and the utility makes every effort to be proactive and talk to them in terms they understand. Were not here to run a water utility, says Rob McElroy, general manager of Daphne Utilities. Were here to supply water to our customers. Thats an important distinction in the eyes of McElroy and his team of Danny Lyndall, operations manager, and Larry English, water quality manager. Costs are going to increase. Rates will go up, McElroy says. Having customers understand and support us is absolutely necessary. We have to communicate the value of water, in their terms. Effective customer communications are just one reason Daphne Utilities has pulled in more than its share of awards in recent years, including rankings as one of the nations best small places to work from The Wall Street Journal and Inc. Magazine. Other honors include multiple Awards of Excellence from the U.S. EPA. Youve heard the old saying Good enough for government work, says McElroy. Around here, we buck that attitude. Good enough is not good enough anymore.
AGENCY mgd SERVICE AREA: | City of Daphne and surroundings CUSTOMERS: | 11,000 SOURCE WATER: | Groundwater TREATMENT PROCESS: | Disinfection, pH adjustment INFRASTRUCTURE: 11 wells, 8 storage tanks, 7 treatment plants, 2 booster stations, 200 miles of distribution lines SYSTEM STORAGE: | 5.1 million gallons ANNUAL BUDGET: | $12 million WEBSITE: | www.daphneutilities.com
QUALITY LEADERS
Boosting production
Daphne Utilities serves some 11,000 water customers in the city of Daphne and surrounding communities on the east shore of Mobile Bay. It also supplies wholesale water to one small neighboring area. The utility, founded in 1953, is governed by a ve-member board appointed by the city council. Besides drinking water, it provides wastewater treatment at
an award-winning 4.17 mgd water reclamation plant and supplies natural gas to about 4,000 customers. Raw water is drawn from aquifers through a network of 11 wells 150 to 450 feet deep. The water is treated in a battery of smaller treatment plants at or near the well sites, and at a new treatment facility that increased total production capacity to 7.1 mgd. Peak customer demand is 6.5 mgd, and average summer demand is 4.5 mgd. During treatment, lime is added for pH adjustment and sodium hypochlorite and chlorine gas are used for disinfection. At the main treatment and production facility, disinfection is accomplished through onsite generation of sodium hypochlorite (a MicrOclor unit, manufactured by Process Solutions). Metering pumps (Siemens and Pulsafeeder), chemical pumps (Neptune) and chemical feed systems (Acrison and Coffman Systems) support the rest of the treatment process. Systemwide, treated water passes through several 100,000-gallon clearwells and eventually to the 200-mile distribution system, mostly 6to 16-inch PVC or ductile iron piping. Two booster pump stations are equipped with Gorman-Rupp pumps. High-service pumps were supplied by Peerless. Storage consists of seven above-ground tanks and one reservoir. A SCADA system (Dexter Fortson Associates) provides automated monitoring and control. About 60 percent of the system is equipped with radio-read metering (Sensus). Except for a drought in 2006, water supply has not been an issue in Daphne, where average rainfall exceeds 64 inches per year. What had been an issue was production capacity adequate wells and treatment to
Fluoride levels are checked at the Trojan Water Treatment Facility.
meet demand. For years, the utility struggled to meet demand in summer and often saw every well pump running 24 hours a day for months just to keep up. Without redundancy, any equipment issue created an immediate water shortage somewhere in the system. The utility remedied that over time with a $6 million capital construction program, which included three new wells and the new treatment facility.
Best practices
As straightforward as the water system is, the management program behind it is deep and comprehensive, reecting the philosophy and commitment of the Daphne team. McElroy, Lyndall and English follow a
Senior water treatment operator Eddie Ferguson is part of an award-winning team at the Daphne Utilities Trojan facility that believes customers are king.
Youve heard the old saying, Good enough for government work. Around here, we buck that attitude. Good enough is not good enough anymore.
ROB McELROY

structured process in which they envision what the utility wants to be for customers and employees, then give people the training, personnel, support and equipment to realize the vision. Were one utility. We win or lose together, says McElroy. In the eight years Ive been here, weve never had a company meeting where we didnt talk about that. The key is what the Daphne team calls seeing The Matrix, an analogy drawn from the hit Danny Lyndall, operations manager movie of that name. of Daphne Utilities, at the Henry The Matrix is simply the way Lovette Water Treatment Facility. things interconnect, much as everything was interconnected in the lm. Performance at the plant or in the distribution system relates to customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction relates to customer support. Customer support enables proper funding of the utility, which in turn relates to the sustainability of service and performance. Employees are crucial to success. We try not to micromanage our staff, McElroy says. Managers are directed to grant pay raises based solely on individual merit, not by seniority or through cost-of-living adjustments.
Were one utility. We win or lose together. In the eight years Ive been here, weve never had a company meeting where we didnt talk about that.
ROB McELROY
The team at the Trojan Water Treatment Facility includes, from left, Jody James, operator III; Mark Brown, operator II; Larry English, water quality manager; Sam Bradley, water treatment operator; and Eddie Ferguson, senior water treatment operator.
We want to showcase the employees who are doing it right and that wed like others to copy, McElroy says. Across-the-board pay raises dont do that. We want our people to grow and succeed, and we encourage them to try things, learn things and risk failure in order to improve. We dont want people worrying about making mistakes. Were okay with the small mistakes as long as they help us to grow and evolve into something better.
Conserving resources
The staff also stresses improvement, efciency and innovation. We hate to waste valuable resources anywhere in our system, McElroy says. English points out that the utility often operates its wells at night to save on peak electric demand charges. The utility has operated its own biodiesel plant since 2007, making fuel for its eet and heavy equipment using used cooking oil turned in through a recycling program. The effort saves more than $10,000 a year on fuel. On the sewer side, a communitywide grease recycling program has helped the utility reduce sanitary sewer overows by 70 percent since 2006. McElroy believes these measures are evidence of another key to success understanding the role of a small-town utility and knowing how to solve complicated problems in cost-effective ways. Were self-reliant and innovative, he says. A lot of the professional conferences we attend address issues typically from the perspective of a major city. They often showcase big, expensive solutions to really big problems that dont always apply to small communities like ours. I dont necessarily want advice
Jody James monitors the MicrOclor controller (Process Solutions) used for on-site sodium hypochlorite generation.
from the Donald Trumps of the utilities industry. He encourages associations including AWWA and the Water Environment Federation to reach out more effectively to small utilities: Statistically, communities our size are the most common in the country. A lot of positive results can happen when, collectively, we improve the way we operate our utility systems.
Centered on customers
In the nal analysis, Daphne Utilities employees and managers come to work each day focused on customers. Special customer service programs are part of it, but attitude and philosophy are just as important. Visibility and open communication are big parts of the program. If we dont communicate with our customers, we wont get the Rob McElroy, general manager of rate increases we will need in the Daphne Utilities, at a park at the future, says McElroy. We face systems ofce in Daphne, Ala.
CUSTOMERS FIRST
If youre a customer of Daphne Utilities, you receive a special bag of goodies when you sign up for service, and you get a hotdog and have your car washed by utility employees at periodic customer appreciation days. These are just two of the customer relations activities put in place by Rob McElroy, general manager, and his staff. They help make sure customers understand how important they are to the utilitys success. You win with customer service, says McElroy. It doesnt have to cost a lot. Its usually unexpected by the customer, and it can reap enormous rewards. Customer service begins at the beginning. The utility greets each new customer with a bag containing all sorts of information about the utility, its services, where water comes from and how its treated, rates and contact information, and various municipal iers. The bag also contains information about local businesses, organizations and services, including maps, coupons and business cards. Your commercial customers are trying every way they know how to get this information in the hands of potential customers, says McElroy. You can help them be successful in this way and endear yourself to them while helping your new customers. Customer Appreciation Days occur several times a year. Team members set up tents, roll out the grills and serve hotdogs and beverages. We have our employees wash the cars of every single customer who comes to the ofce that day, says McElroy. Some of our customers come and hang out with us for hours. Our employees dont just wash cars. We prep them all carefully. We remind them, department by department and team by team, that these customers are the ones who fund their paychecks. The customer service program aims to impress and educate ratepayers, from courteous phone service (Pretend its your grandmother calling, says McElroy) to the cleanliness of the ofce bathrooms, to simply smiling and saying hello. McElroy and team members Danny Lyndall and Larry English have presented the customer service program at numerous conferences and in several publications. They stress that while public utilities do not have competition, they do compete for a share of customers budgets. We need to shoot straight with our customers let them know the value of water, says McElroy. Customers dont make up stories about you and your company. They simply repeat the stories you tell them through your words and actions. If you want remarkable things said about your company, you have to do remarkable things that your customers actually notice.
Larry English inspects pumps in the Henry Lovette Water Treatment Facility.
increasing regulations that will ROB McELROY cause us to spend millions of dollars but wont produce a single thing our customers will even notice. Thats a huge problem that ying under the radar is not going to solve. The focus on being seen and communicating value led the utility to launch a different kind of Consumer Condence Report (CCR) several years ago. Instead of a dry, boring document, Daphne Utilities CCRs look like action movie posters. Customers cant help but open it up out of sheer curiosity if nothing else, says McElroy. And remember, a CCR that is actually read has value. A CCR thrown into the trash by a customer who cant even understand what it is has no value and just wastes your money. Daphne Utilities won an EPA Consumer Condence Reporting Excellence Award in 2010 for a CCR designed to look like a 1950s rock-and-roll band poster. We are committed to being extremely transparent, McElroy says. When were working in a neighborhood, we have our supervisors go doorto-door to talk to people, tell them what has happened and whats going to happen. They hand out business cards and say, Call me, Im here to provide you answers. It really connects with people and costs almost nothing. The connection Daphne Utilities has with its community was never more evident than when it built its new treatment plant next to the high school a couple of years ago. The utility decided to use sodium hypo-
We face increasing regulations that will cause us to spend millions of dollars but wont produce a single thing our customers will even notice. Thats a huge problem that ying under the radar is not going to solve.
chlorite for disinfection, eliminating the risk of a chlorine spill or leak near the school. It decided to call the plant Trojan in honor of the schools mascot. wso
FEATURED PRODUCTS FROM:

Acrison, Inc.
201/440-8300 www.acrison.com
Peerless Pump Company

800/879-0182 www.peerlesspump.com
Coffman Systems, Inc.
813/891-1300 www.coffmansystems.com
Process Solutions, Inc.

888/774-4536 www.4psi.net
Dexter Fortson Associates, Inc.

205/432-2700 www.dfa-inc.com
Pulsafeeder, Inc.
585/292-8000 www.pulsafeeder.com
Gorman-Rupp Company
419/755-1011 www.grpumps.com
Siemens Water Technologies Corp.

866/926-8420 www.water.siemens.com
Neptune Chemical Pump Company

215/699-8700 www.neptune1.com
Sensus
800/638-3748 www.sensus.com
10
Accepted
facebook.com/WSOmag twitter.com/WSOmagazine plus.google.com youtube.com/WSOmagazine
Socially
2006
BOOTH
11
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
The upstream Byron Jackson hydroturbine (Flowserve) at the MVWA water treatment plant.
Harnessing Water Power

BY LISA BALCERAK
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOHAWK VALLEY WATER AUTHORITY
Mohawk Valley Water Authority uses hydroturbines to cut electric bills and generate income, while plant upgrades keep things running efciently
ecades ago, the Mohawk Valley Water Authority (MVWA) used throttling valves in the drinking water transmission system to prevent excessive pressure down the line. Seeing an opportunity to capture the power of water pressure and ow for electricity, MVWA installed two hydroturbines and a microturbine that provide revenue and savings that total $95,000 a year. The utility has also optimized its treatment plant to be more energy efcient, use less chemicals and produce less sludge. MVWA, in Utica, N.Y., serves 130,000 people in 18 municipalities. The service area in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains has elevations that vary by up to 800 feet. Most of the 23 pressure zones have their own pump stations and water storage. The 373-square-mile Hinckley watershed, which provides the water supply, is mostly within Adirondack Park. MVWA has rights to withdraw up to 48.5 mgd from the 25-billiongallon Hinckley Reservoir, owned by the New York State Canal Corporation. The utilitys 30 storage tanks When we throttled hold 60 million gallons. MVWAs water treatment plant (32 to relieve water mgd capacity, 20 mgd average) uses pressure, we were conventional coagulation, clarication and ltration. Following U.S. EPA wasting energy. requirements for disinfection byprodDICK GOODNEY, P.E. ucts, the authority installed granular activated carbon (GAC) lter media in its four lter beds and is pilot-testing in-situ carbon regeneration methods. MVWA has a staff of 90 and an in-house EPA-certied lab that does contract work for other area utilities. The annual budget for treatment and distribution is $21 million.
The microturbine at the Deereld reservoir.
Generating power
While designing a new treatment plant in 1992, MVWA knew that microturbines were a logical addition. When we throttled to relieve water pressure, we were wasting energy, says Dick Goodney, P.E., director of engineering. It made sense as part of the treatment plant to provide some type of energy recovery mechanism, and hydroturbines were the best option.
Two Byron Jackson hydroturbines (Flowserve) now provide 450 kW of capacity. An upstream turbine in the treatment plant basement controls the raw water ow and pressures into the chemical contact basins. The downstream turbine is several miles from the plant on the nished water line that runs to the distribution system. MVWA earns $80,000 in revenue annually from these two units by selling hydroturbine power to the local utility, National Grid.
12
Show-Off!
Looking for a Jack of all trades? Burkert has it the new multiCELL multichannel transmitter/controller. Beyond the standard versions, which offer various options for measuring pH, redox potential and conductivity, there are a number of additional software and hardware extensions available e.g. for additional ow measurement, control functions and signal inputs. With just one device you get exactly what you need for your measuring requirements, while saving you not only money but also handling and storage resources. For more info visit www.burkert-usa.com or call us at 800-325-1405.
More power
Seeing the success of the hydroturbines, and understanding local topography, utility staff contracted with the Wendel Duchscherer engineering company to study the feasibility of microturbines to capture more energy. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) provided a $5,000 grant for this $10,000 research study. The study identied several locations with potential for smaller inline turbines, including the Deereld Reservoir storage tank. A 25 kW turbine (Cornell Pump Co.) is now installed at the tanks control building and is coupled to a centrifugal pump (Goulds). The microturbine energy powers the standby open reservoirs water recirculation system, which pumps 2 mgd. By using the microturbine instead of grid power, MVWA saves $15,000 annually, for a payback of less than ve years. When we can get In another initiative to enhance a better, more efciency, MVWA has upgraded its efcient workplace treatment plant. Using funds from a National Grid incentive program, the thats sustainable, utility last year replaced old uoresit just makes sense. cent lighting with LEDs in 40,000 DICK GOODNEY, P.E. square feet of administration and process areas. Since the older lights were often slow to turn on, staff members often left them on even when spaces were unoccupied. The LEDs respond quickly and are only turned on when needed. Projected payback is ve years. To retain heat in the entire plant, MVWA replaced an old vinyl roof with an 18,000-square-foot single-membrane synthetic (EPDM) roof and added more insulation to meet state codes for R-value. Now, the facility costs less to heat and is more comfortable for employees. Research partially funded by NYSERDA is underway to evaluate a
more efcient HVAC system for the maintenance facility. The 20,000-squarefoot building now uses a 30-year-old gas-red boiler. Study results are due in early 2014, and the changeover is planned for 2015.
Reducing residuals
MVWA also looked for ways to save on chemicals, reducing costs and limiting water treatment plant sludge production. Over the years, the utility has been optimizing processes to minimize chemicals used for coagulation (alum) and pH adjustment (lime and soda ash). MVWA continuously tests incoming water and adjusts chemical dosages. We want to minimize chemical use because everything we add to the water eventually comes out in backwash sludge, Goodney says. By adding fewer solids in the form of chemicals, we have less sludge to handle. Whats most important for us is performance. We have to provide reliable water into our system. But looking at sustainability and WSO welcomes stories energy efciency, most of the about your green and environtime, they complement the performentally progressive initiatives mance improvements. When we for future Sustainable Practice can get a better, more efcient articles. Send your suggestions workplace thats sustainable, it to editor@wsomag.com or just makes sense. wso call 715/277-4094.
Dedicated to Municipal Wastewater Professionals

FREE subscription at:
www.tpomag.com
13
EVERYTHING IN
An award-winning Georgia water plant succeeds with top-notch training, motivated operators and a proactive approach
STORY: TRUDE WITHAM PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID MAKKERS
perators at the Frank C. Amerson Jr. Water Treatment Plant have found that being proactive reaps rewards. So does providing valuable input that can improve plant operations. We have ve committees at the plant, including an awards committee, and each operator takes part in one of these, says Gary McCoy, director of water treatment for the Macon (Ga.) Water Authority. The operators know the plant and go through every single building to make sure all the equipment is on the maintenance schedule and in good working order. Mock plant inspections and diligent follow-up correct any problems. Experience also helps. With more than 100 collective years in operations, the staff does it all, including lab work, routine maintenance and customer service. A new plant in 2000 exposed operators to different ltration technology and sludge handling equipment. Diligent training and mock equipment startups brought them up to speed. Other challenges include getting just the right chemistry to treat the lake water, and preparing for award competitions. Some of our operators have six months experience and some have much more, but they check their egos at the door and work together to make each other better. This is why we are successful, says McCoy. This success is reected in awards, including Plant of the Year and the Gold Award for 100 percent compliance from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) in 2012. It was the facilitys fourth Plant of the Year award for surface water plants with greater than 50 mgd capacity, and its eighth Gold award. These awards serve to motivate and help the staff to be better operators, says McCoy. If they dont win an award, they mope around like their spouse just left them.
Frank C. Amerson Jr. Water Treatment Plant, Macon, Ga.

BUILT: | 2000 POPULATION SERVED: | 160,000 SERVICE AREA: | 255
square miles J. Lucas Lake TREATMENT PROCESS: | Conventional DISTRIBUTION: | 1,664 miles of water mains SYSTEM STORAGE: | 37 million gallons KEY CHALLENGE: Staying abreast of new technology and regulatory rules ANNUAL BUDGET: | $3.94 million WEBSITE: | www.maconwater.org
SOURCE WATER: | Javors
Better process
Macon Water Authority owns the 60 mgd Amerson conventional treatment plant along with the Rocky Creek and Lower Poplar Street Water Reclamation Facilities. The authoritys division of water operations also oversees 75 acres of wetlands on plant property. The Amerson facility, built beside the newly constructed 5.8-billion-gallon Town Creek Reservoir (now named Javors J. Lucas Lake), replaced a century-old water treatment plant that was heavily damaged in a 1994 ood. The city-owned lake and 3,000 acre buffer were built to meet future needs.
14
PLACE
QUALITY LEADERS
The new Frank C. Amerson Jr. plant (construction work shown in progress at the Javos J. Lucas Lake basins) exposed the team to new ltration and sludge-handling technology.
PLANT
15
Ocmulgee R iver water is pumped to the lake, which provides up to a ve-month supply, and then to the Amerson plant for treatment with lime, chlorine dioxide, alum, potassium permanganate, granular activated carbon (GAC), chlorine, uoride and phosphate. An additional booster pumping station connects the river intake and the Amerson plant, bypassing the lake. This alternative raw water pumping method allows continuous operation during maintenance or in case of emergencies. Operators trained for six months on the Amerson plant equipment. The solids press building, high-service pumps, Wonderware SCADA software (Invensys), Leopold ClariVac oating sludge collector (Xylem) and generators were all new to them. The team conducted mock startups to make sure operators were comfortable with the equipment. The new plant offered many improvements. The old plant had steam-operated turbines and boiler, says McCoy. We now have variable-frequency drive pumps that automatically ramp up and down according to system demand. GAC lters replaced anthracite media, and plate presses replaced sludge drying beds. Our GAC lThe plant team includes, front row, from left: Adrian Stokes, operator trainee; Jocelyn Hunt, assistant plant manager; Gary McCoy, director of water treatment; Sylvia McCrary, laboratory supervisor; Adrian Ashley, Class III operator; ters are top-of-the-line, and great back row: Andy Tate, instruction supervisor; Ronnie Evans, Class II operator; Chuck Mixon, Class I operator. for organics removal, McCoy says. We dont have a problem with dis Sylvia McCrary, laboratory supervisor, water laboratory license, infection byproducts, since the lters remove most of the organics that 25 years can interact with the chlorine to form DBPs, such as trihalomethanes. William Brown (20-plus years), Dale Moorehead (20-plus years) The process adds lime to the solids to raise the pH before dewatering. Soland Chuck Mixon (11 years), Class I operators ids are collected by Macon Soils, a Macon Water subsidiary, and distrib Lisa Horne (eight years), Ronnie Evans (seven years) and Bill Maine uted to farmers. (seven years), Class II operators Versatile team Adrian Ashley, Class III operator, (one year) Twelve operations staff keep the Amerson plant running smoothly. David Smith, Adrian Stokes and Randal Cole, trainees They report to McCoy, who holds a Class I operator license and has been The plant is staffed around the clock with an inside and outside operwith Macon Water for 10 years. He reports to executive director Tony ator on each shift. The inside operator conducts lab tests, monitors the Rojas. Team members include: SCADA system and handles customer service complaints. The outside Jocelyn Hunt, assistant plant manager, Class I, 21 years at the plant operator conducts plant checks every two hours, backwashes the lters and runs the Clari-Vac system and lter presses. Operators perform routine equipment maintenance and comAmerson Jr. plant and its people Top Operator (GAWP): Bill municate to centralized maintehave won awards including: Maine (2010), Dale Moorehead nance staff and the buildings and 2009 Best Tasting Drinking (2006), Chuck Mixon (2005) and grounds crew what needs to be Water in North America (AWWA) Jocelyn Hunt (2003) done to maintain the buildings, 19 Besides the Plant of the Year 2010 and 2011 Plant Safety of 2012 Operators Meritorious tanks and 57 lift stations. the Year, Georgia Section of the and Gold awards from the Georgia Service Award (GAWWA): Mixon Routine lab tests include turAmerican Water Works Association Association of Water Professionals and Hunt bidity, iron and manganese, hard(GAWWA) (GAWP) in 2012, the Frank C. ness, alkalinity, chlorine, chlorine
HIGHLY DECORATED
16
Gary McCoy, director of water treatment.
pended particles that will not settle. We use chlorine dioxide to oxidize iron and manganese to prevent taste and odor problems. Since the plant serves as an administrative facility after hours, operators are responsible for customer service after 7 p.m. and on weekends and holidays. This includes sending on-call personnel to restore water service, dis-
GIVING BACK
Gary McCoy has devoted most of his life to water treatment. As director of water treatment for the Macon (Ga.) Water Authority, he worked his way up through the ranks. His success came from hard work, networking with peers and tirelessly volunteering on various committees. I started as a janitor in my hometown at the City of Cartersville water plant, he says. I noticed that the operators were making good money a lot more than I was so I asked for an opportunity to train as an operator, became certied and was hired. McCoy has won many awards: Top Operator, Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP), 1998. Operator Meritorious Service Award, AWWA Georgia Section, 1999.
Some of our operators have six months experience and some have much more, but they check their egos at the door and work together to make each other better. This is why we are successful.
GARY McCOY
patching field service and line maintenance crews, handling water complaints and writing work orders for water main repairs.
Staying proactive
Preparing for the Plant of the Year award competition kept the Elizabeth McEntire Award for outstanding service to GAWP, 2003. operators on their toes. We won AWWA George Warren Fuller for distinguished service to the water eld, 2009. the rst award in 2002, but were GAWP Nathan M. DeJarnette Award for accomplishments in facility operations, 2009. only eligible every other year, William J. Greene, Jr. Award for outstanding service to Georgia AWWA, 2010. says McCoy. We won every time I won these awards because I have a great relationship with my peers in the industry, says McCoy. I started except twice. Were judged in the volunteering in different areas, including GAWPs Distributor of the Year Committee. Volunteering is how I give back. large systems category, so theres a He was elected to the GAWP 5S Society in 2004 for volunteering to promote scholarships on behalf of the lot of competition, like the city of association. In 2009, he chaired the GAWWA, and in 2010 he was elected for a three-year term on the national Atlanta, Gwinette County, ColumAWWA Board of Directors. He attends other AWWA state conferences and speaks on behalf of the national AWWA. bus Water Works, Dekalb County McCoy considers the industrys future: I serve on the AWWA Diversity and Inclusion Committee, where I help and other large utilities. ensure that the industry stays diverse. Im also concerned about infrastructure. An AWWA study, Buried No Longer, My administrative assistant, found that in the next 25 years, it will take more than a trillion dollars to upgrade water system infrastructure. Janice Wright, is a detail-oriented Recently, McCoy and 60 AWWA members attended the associations annual Washington, D.C. Fly-in to lobby person, so I asked her to assist in their legislators. They asked Congress members to support the Water Resources Development Act of 2013, which conducting mock plant inspections, which the operators took very seriincluded a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Authority pilot program that would make low-interest loans ously. We graded the plant and the for large water infrastructure projects. operators performance and let In June 2013, the Senate passed the pilot program to move this through, McCoy says. My colleagues and I them know how they could improve are proud to have helped this come to pass. on their overall knowledge and also correct plant weaknesses. dioxide, chlorite, aluminum, uoride, pH and phosphate. Operators use McCoy assigned three operaHach turbidimeters, spectrophotometers and chlorine dioxide analyzers, tors to the operations committee, which met monthly and sent him and a Sartorius pH meter. Most lab tests are run every hour, and a few every reports. The members provided valuable feedback, such as suggesting two hours, to make sure the plant is producing consistent-quality water. changes in feed rates to improve turbidity removal. Operators inspected Treating the lake water can be a challenge. We perform a daily jar everything from lab chemical expiration dates to backow preventers. test to optimize the correct chemical dosage thats required to best treat Being proactive is what this committee was all about, says McCoy. the water, says McCoy. With the low turbidity in the lake, we someOf course, our main job is to produce a quality product, and were very times have to use polymer as a weighting agent to eliminate the ne susfortunate to have a water board that provides us with the necessary tools
17
Chuck Mixon, left, and Dale Moorehead monitor plant operations at the central SCADA system console.
to keep producing safe, good-tasting water.
Motivated operators
The operators train and motivate each other, says McCoy, whether discussing the merits of a particular plant adjustment at a monthly staff meeting, or helping each other train for state certication exams. After attending a conference, they suggest different approaches to tasks and apply Ronnie Evans works a control valve what they have learned to improve (Rodney Hunt) in the pumping operations. station. Operations and maintenance staff worked together on a project to keep leaves from plugging the intake bar screen. They installed a device to deect the leaves downriver and regularly wash down the screen to prevent leaves from sticking to the bars. McCoy sets the plants operating parameters but lets operators make
The front entrance to the Frank C. Amerson Jr. Water Treatment Plant.
We have an open house during AWWA National Drinking Water Week and conduct tours throughout the year. We speak at various public meetings when requested and participate in career days at area schools.
GARY McCOY
decisions and mistakes so they have the opportunity to learn. I dont need to micromanage, says McCoy. They are all water professionals. McCoy doesnt foresee a need for upgrades: We have lots of capacity, and in fact were averaging only 25 mgd now. But by 2016 we may see more stringent regulations, such as the new coliform and THM regulations that will make it necessary to change our method of operation. The plan is to continue with community outreach and environmental activities. We have an open house during AWWA National Drinking Water Week and conduct tours throughout the year, McCoy says. We speak at various public meetings when requested and participate in career days at area schools.
During the open house, the FEATURED PRODUCTS FROM: public can learn about drinking Hach Company water production while touring 800/227-4224 the plant. They also learn how www.hach.com Macon Water works to protect the Invensys Operations Management communitys water supply and 949/727-3200 www.iom.invensys.com natural resources. Hunt assists with annual river clean up, moniLeopold a Xylem Brand 704/409-9700 tors solids that are returned to the www.fbleopold.com river and creates source water proRodney Hunt Co. tection plans. 800/448-8860 McCoy and his staff plan to www.rodneyhunt.com continue pursuing awards, which Sartorius Corporation motivate staff and encourage them 800/321-1135 to improve plant operations. His www.sartorius.us advice to other plant managers: Allow operators to visit other plants for new ideas and, if the budget allows, have them attend local conferences for networking. Be proactive, he says. Get your operators involved and keep them abreast of whats going on. They are your eyes and ears of plant operations. Become more hands on, and you will be successful. wso
18
TECH TALK
The Basics of UV
Disinfection with light is effective against a wide range of water-borne pathogens. It is also highly effective and leaves no potentially harmful byproducts.
BY JOHN ROWE, PH.D.
Among its advantages, UV disinfection is safe and environmentally friendly there are no chemicals for system operators to handle and no potential for chemical releases to the environment. UV leaves no smell or taste in the treated water, and in fact the process can improve the waters taste by destroying organic contaminants. We told the communitys operator that UV treatment should be used in combination with other forms of disinfection and ltration. UV systems in drinking water are most commonly used as a secondary treatment process and as a primary disinfectant. They are not intended to treat water that is visually contaminated, and they cannot convert wastewater to safe, potable water. he UV rays alter the DNA of parasites, yeasts, molds, algae, UV technology is endorsed by the EPA. It destroys bacteria such as E. coli, viruses like those that cause bacteria and viruses, so that even though they are technically still hepatitis and polio, and virtually all other waterborne alive, they cannot reproduce, are powerless to infect a host and are pathogens. This includes Cryptosporidium and Giardia considered inactivated. parasites, which are resistant to chlorine disinfection. UV also eliminates harmful micropollutants such as herbicides and pesticides. It works at least 20 times as fast as chlorine and The role of UV is more cost-effective. Chlorine-resistant pathogens and concerns about potentially cancercausing disinfection byproducts (DBPs) from chlorine treatment have led Future potential to new EPA guidelines that require municipalities to eliminate or reduce Looking ahead, solar water disinfection has been comprehensively chlorine usage. We pointed out that ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection researched in Switzerland, and scientists have proven that natural sunhas become an answer. light can effectively treat small volumes of water inexpensively. In this UV treatment has been used in Europe and North America for process, contaminated water is poured into transparent plastic bottles, decades. The rst applications were in France starting in 1910. UV techand the bottles of water are exposed to full sunlight for six hours. nology is a highly effective, cost-efcient and proven way to destroy The sunlight treats the contaminated water through two synergetic micropollutants and microorganisms. It has earned the condence of pathways. First, UV-A radiation damages the DNA of organisms present thousands of municipalities for disinfecting wastewater, drinking water in the water, and second, the process raises the waters temperature, damand industrial process waters. aging the proteins in pathogenic organisms. If the waters temperature The UV light spectrum lies between the shortest wavelength of light rises above 120 degrees F, the disinfection process occurs three times faster. visible to the human eye, and X-rays, which of course are invisible. Specic wavelengths within this band of the light spectrum are characterABOUT THE AUTHOR ized as germicidal. Water treatment systems use a UV light source with a John Rowe, Ph.D., is a professor of water resources at Okefenokee Technical protective covering (usually a watertight quartz sleeve) immersed in College in Waycross, Ga. He can be reached at jrowe@okefenokeetech.edu. wso water to be treated.
he operator of a small water system asked about an alternative disinfectant to chlorine. The community was interested in an economically feasible choice because the U.S. EPA Phase 2 Disinfectant and Disinfection Byproducts Rule was about to take effect. The aquifer in southeast coastal Georgia and northern Florida has elevated organics levels, and chlorine disinfection can lead to the formation of trihalomethane contamination. We told the operator that increasingly, over the past decade, it has been challenging to produce safe, clean drinking water. Outbreaks of water-borne diseases in the United States and Canada have made people aware that water contaminated with microorganisms can cause serious illness or even death. The challenges posed by contaminated water are more common in the developing world, but there are growing indications that industrialized countries have not managed their water resources properly. We also noted that condence in the ability to protect human health from contaminated drinking water has been eroded by questions about the safety and effectiveness of traditional chlorine disinfection.
The UV rays emitted by the lamp inactivate harmful microorganisms and parasites. As the water rushes by the lamps, microorganisms are exposed to a lethal dose of UV energy. The rays alter the DNA of parasites, yeasts, molds, algae, bacteria and viruses, so that even though they are technically still alive, they cannot reproduce, are powerless to infect a host and are considered inactivated. The process has a 4-log effectiveness, which means it destroys 99.99 percent of the target organisms.
Clear benets
19
TECHNOLOGY DEEP DIVE
1) The HydroView Professional model includes rotating brushes that can clear debris from tank walls to enable closer inspection. 2) Sample images of water tank walls taken by the camera on Aquabotix robots.
3) The robotic inspection devices are powered by as many as eight motors. 4) The inspection unit is easily deployed through a tank hatch.
It Swims. It Inspects. It Cleans.

Robotic underwater viewing systems provide a cost-effective method for assessing the condition of water storage tanks without taking them out of service
BY TED J. RULSEH
ater tank inspection can be a costly process, often requiring tanks to be drained and taken out of service. Finished water is wasted and service to customers can be disrupted. Aquabotix Technology Corp. has developed an alternative in a robotic inspection system that can be sterilized, inserted into the tank and driven around using computerized controls. Its the same basic concept as in video pipe inspection cameras, except that this system operates in three dimensions instead of on a linear course. One version of the device includes rotating brushes that can actually scrub deposits off the tank walls. Durval Tavares, company president, worked 20 years on underwater technology with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, R.I. After a career change to the nancial sector, he returned to his roots in the water business, aiming to develop products that would make a difference in peoples lives. That includes making work life easier for people who inspect potable water tanks.
Being able to see the condition of those tanks helps water authorities extend tank life and provide higher-quality water service to consumers, Tavares said. He talked about the Aquabotix technology in an interview with Water System Operator.
wso: Without this technology, how are water tanks inspected? Tavares: One way is to empty the tank and have people enter through a hatch and check it out. The problem is you have to shut off the water supply from that tank while you do the inspection. You also waste a lot of water by dumping it so you can do the inspection. Another way is to put a diver into the tank. That can be a costly and complicated process because youre putting a human being inside the fresh water supply. The person doing the inspection and the equipment have to be bathed in a disinfectant solution. Youre also putting the diver at risk because inside these tanks its easy to lose track of where you are. It looks the same everywhere you go.
20
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AQUABOTIX TECHNOLOGY CORP.
wso: What are the specific
advantages of your approach to inspections? DURVAL TAVARES Tavares: Our vehicles record exactly what the inside of the tank looks like so that the water authority can make decisions on good information. There are no lubricants and no other pollutants on the vehicle. Its made of metal and ABS plastic. We recommend that the vehicle be doused in a chlorine solution before placing it in the tank so they dont risk contaminating the water.
Our vehicles record exactly what the inside of the tank looks like so that the water authority can make decisions on good information. There are no lubricants and no other pollutants on the vehicle.
The operator can use a PC and a game-console-type control box with joysticks, or control the vehicle with an iPad. In that case, they can actually turn the vehicle left and right, up and down, by turning the iPad.
wso: Please describe how these vehicles work. Tavares: We make two vehicles for water tank inspections an entrylevel HydroView Inspector and a higher-end HydroView Professional. Both can go down to 250 feet. They come with two cameras, one in front and the other mounted on top of the vehicle. That second camera can be aimed in any direction. You can swim the vehicle along the inside of a tank, and as you do that you can have the top-mounted camera facing at 90 degrees to the travel direction, so you can record the condition of the wall as you travel around. Both models record high-denition digital video and high-denition still images on an internal memory. After the inspection you can go back, review the recording and select the pictures to include in a report. The vehicles have depth sensors, temperature sensors and heading sensors that tell you the direction of travel, as with a compass. They come with an internal LED light, and 800 lumens of external LED lighting can be added. wso: What is the method of propulsion and steering? Tavares: The Inspector model has three high-precision Swiss-made motors. A rear propeller lets you control the pitch of the vehicle, and two front propellers let you control forward/backward motion and turning. The Professional model has eight motors. Three are dedicated to hovering and one controls lateral movement. For the remaining four
wso: What has been the markets reaction to this technology? Tavares: There has been a lot of interest. Weve delivered several to water authorities, and weve had contractors who do water tank inspections purchase them. Tank inspection companies nd that they can provide a better service to customers because they can do the job quicker and with less impact on the customers operations. wso: Does it take a large water utility to justify the purchase of a vehicle? Tavares: No. A tank inspection typically costs $1,500 and up. If you inspect 10 tanks, you have essentially paid for a HydroView Professional right there. wso: What other applications does this technology have? Tavares: It can be used to inspect water intakes for water treatment plants and the water intakes and outlets for power plant cooling systems. Otherwise it can be used for anything from marine craft inspection, to search and recovery efforts, to inspecting tanks in aquaculture. wso
Tank inspection companies nd that they can provide a better service to customers because they can do the job quicker and with less impact on the customers operations.
motors, you have all four control forward/backward movement, or have two for forward and back and put brushes on the other two. Then if you see a buildup on the tank wall, you can have the brushes scrape it off so you can inspect and see what is underneath. The motors spin at up to 3,000 rpm. One rotates clockwise and the other counterclockwise. If they both turned in the same direction, the vehicle would walk the wall and you would lose control.
DURVAL TAVARES
wso: What is the power source for the vehicles? Tavares: They are powered by built-in lithium-ion batteries that are fully sealed. Battery life is two to three hours, which is plenty of time to complete a tank inspection. wso: How does the inspection operator control the vehicle? Tavares: They need to be tethered because Wi-Fi and radio signals will not travel through water. The vehicles can pull a cable length up to 500 feet. The cable can extend from the ground to the top of the tank and into the tank. A person standing on the ground can control the vehicle.
21
Urban
STORY: JIM FORCE PHOTOGRAPHY: JEFFREY HERRING
RENEWal
Middlesex Water works underground to update its water distribution infrastructure, reduce leakage and improve customer service
A section of 6-inch cast iron pipe, circa 1900, being replaced in South Amboy, N.J.
22
n the nationwide campaign to improve municipal infrastructure, the Middlesex Water Company is pulling its weight. Just last September, the company wrapped up the latest project in a 20-year program to rehabilitate water mains, service lines and hydrants throughout areas of New Jersey where it provides water services. In South Amboy, the company spent some $4 million to clean and line 11,900 linear feet of 6- to 8-inch water main, enlarge another 9,000 feet of main from 4 to 8 inches, and replace 31 hydrant assemblies and 475 water service lines. The project, called RENEW, is meant to bring aging water lines up to modern standards and ensure service for the full lifetime of the pipe, according to Richard M. Risoldi, vice president and chief operating ofcer. The company, which owns and operates water utility and wastewater systems in New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania, upgraded a portion of South Amboys water lines in 2011. The recent work is a continuation of a planned upgrade to the companys 730-mile water distribution system. Rehabilitation of mains, rather than more costly replacement, is often the most viable solution, helping to restore the original useful life of older pipe while maintaining operating costs, says Risoldi. The RENEW program translates into less lost water through leaks, and enhanced water quality and pressures for our customers. Funding for the project has come from the New Jersey State Revolving Loan Fund.
Rehabilitation of mains, rather than more costly replacement, is often the most viable solution helping to restore the original useful life of older pipe while maintaining operating costs.
RICHARD M. RISOLDI
wells in the northern part of the service territory. Four small treatment plants disinfect the groundwater before distribution. The largest plant uses air stripping to remove volatile organic compounds. The company purchases 3 mgd from a neighboring utility. The Middlesex County operation includes 24 million gallons of storage. Seven million gallons ow by gravity from an elevated storage tank, and the remainder is pumped from above-ground storage facilities into the distribution system. The system is managed through a state-of-theart enterprise resource planning (ERP) system (Oracle) connected to a geographic information system (Esri) and a Water GEMS hydraulic model (Bentley). The ERP system includes mobile workforce management. This technology connects all the dots, according to Risoldi: Our mobile workforce management system is connected via our ERP system to customer service. As our staff is made aware of a problem, an electronic activity form is lled out and sent wirelessly to our eld people, who investigate the issue and make the necessary repairs. The information on the repairs is sent back to customer service and made part of the customer record.
Well connected
Headquartered in Iselin, N.J., publicly traded Middlesex Water was incorporated in 1897. Its workforce numbers more than 270. In Middlesex County, the company serves more than 60,000 retail customers, including about 2,200 in South Amboy. Raw water for about 75 percent of the service area is drawn from the Delaware and Raritan Canal. It is treated with conventional disinfection, coagulation, ltration and post-chlorination at the 55 mgd Carl. J. Olsen Surface Water Treatment Facility, named for the companys fourth president. The rest of the area is served from four wellelds containing 31
Middlesex Water Company, Iselin, N.J.

ESTABLISHED: | 1897 SERVICE AREA: | 55
square miles
POPULATION SERVED: | 450,000 SOURCE WATER: | Delaware TREATMENT CAPACITY: | 67
QUALITY LEADERS
AGENCY
and Raritan Canal, four wellelds mgd TREATMENT PROCESS: | Conventional INFRASTRUCTURE: 55 mgd treatment plant, 31 wells, 4 welleld treatment plants, 730 miles of distribution lines, 5 pumping stations SYSTEM STORAGE: | 24 million gallons ANNUAL REVENUES: | $110.4 million (2012) WEBSITE: | www.middlesexwater.com
23
BATTENING DOWN THE HATCHES

Its an accident of geography, but one of the biggest challenges faced by Middlesex Water Company is its location along the East Coast, an area prone to damaging oods and storms in recent years. In dealing with such events, the companys emergency response and diverse geographic structure have helped signicantly. Bernadette M. Sohler, vice president of corporate affairs, says the company has a fully integrated emergency management team, with coordinators in each of seven regional companies. They are connected as part of a single incident command structure, she says. They report and manage developments, coordinate activity and leverage assets, shuttling human resources and equipment around as needed. During Superstorm Sandy in October 2012, all power was out and reneries were shut down in the companys New Jersey service area, resulting in a diesel fuel shortage. The emergency team obtained fuel from its subsidiary in Delaware, which was less affected by the storm. The fuel was needed to power company facilities, which were on emergency generators for an extended time. Were located in the path of storm surges and hurricanes, says Sohler. Emergency preparedness is a big deal and one of our highest priorities. The company has constantly revisited and adjusted its plans as storms have become more widespread, more frequent and longer-lasting. In such emergencies, Middlesex Water assists other area water and wastewater utilities. We work to maintain relationships with the municipalities we serve, our wholesale customers and the state emergency response team throughout the year, says Sohler. We communicate constantly during emergencies. We want to serve as a resource wherever we are needed.
then ushed. These were old unlined vintage pipes consisting of bare iron, says Brian Carr, senior project engineer. Water causes oxidation and mineral deposit that restricts the inside diameter, by up to half in Shane Inman, left, construction foreman, and Gary Colfer, construction some cases. inspector, oversee the installation of new 8-inch ductile composite iron pipe in South Amboy as part of the RENEW program. The aim was to remove the mineral deposits, restore the original diameter, and then trowel a 1/16-inch coating of cement on the inside walls, so that the iron would no longer come People are concerned about a project that is a bit disruptive like this. in contact with the water. We worked with 600-foot sections, We did a lot of public education before the project started, meeting with Carr says. We disconnect the secthe town council and meeting with the people who were affected. tion and supply water temporarily BRIAN CARR to the customer through a bypass Dispatchers watch the mobile application in real time. They can see pipe that lies on the ground and is disinfected and properly marked for the trucks moving and view all of the outstanding work routed to our safety reasons. mobile personnel. It has improved our response time and personal proThe customers are on the bypass system for an average of three weeks. ductivity. Its very efcient. The SCADA system uses Wonderware They have water continuously except for the few minutes it takes to con(Invensys) as the operator interface software. nect and disconnect the bypass piping. Temporary hydrants are installed The Middlesex Water team performs all routine maintenance on valves, to maintain re protection. The companys cleaning and lining contracsmall mains and hydrants. Other work, including annual leak surveys in tor took video images of the piping before and after the repairs. Company specic sections of the system, has traditionally been contracted out. Howofcials inspected and approved the work. The oxidized material removed ever, the company is now implementing its own leak detection system. from the sections was collected and landlled.
South Amboy renewal

The RENEW project in South Amboy included water mains in a specic area targeted through analysis of water quality and load and pressure data, dating back several years. To clean and line the old 6- and 8-inch mains, the lines were rst scraped with an abrasive rotary tool and
Improving service
In other parts of the South Amboy system, 4-inch pipe was replaced with 8-inch pipe, laid in an open trench next to the old lines. The new pipe is cement-lined ductile iron. Concurrent with main cleaning and enlargement, the RENEW project renewed service lines to some 475 cus-
24
Richard M. Risoldi, vice president and chief operating ofcer of Middlesex Water Company.
tomers and replaced 31 hydrants. The old service lines were galvanized for the most part, with some plastic, and were in bad shape, says Carr. The new lines are all copper. The work required service technicians to enter homes to pull meters and clean the service lines. That took a strong public education effort on the front end. People are concerned about a project that is a bit disruptive like this, says Carr. We did a lot of The main pump room at public education before the projthe Middlesex Water ect started, meeting with the town Company treatment facility in South Amboy. council and meeting with the people who were affected. We issued press releases, sent letters, posted information to our website and over social media, and even created a short video to educate customers about the project, the process and how it ultimately would benet them. The biggest issue was getting the town and customers comfortable with the project to see that shortterm inconvenience translated to long-term value. Youre dealing with people who are not used to this, Carr says. While the latest work wrapped up in November, Middlesex Water plans to resume the RENEW program next spring. Weve done about 85 miles of cleaning and lining to date and have 125 miles left to do, says Carr.
Life extension
Were seriously thinking about the use of materials that will not just bring back the normal life span of these lines but will actually extend their life.
RICHARD M. RISOLDI
And while that will help restore the useful life of the piping serving the citizens of this Central Jersey area, its only the beginning, as far as Middlesex Water is concerned. Were restoring the mains so they can carry water, but these pipes are aging, says Risoldi. Were seriously thinking about the use of materials that will not just bring back the nor(Continued on page 27)
25
WINNING THEM OVER
LEFT: Wyoming Clean Water Plant staff members visit schools to work directly with students. Here, fth-graders work on a watershed education project. BELOW: A fthgrader prepares her watershed experiment with simulated antifreeze.
On a Mission
The water and wastewater treatment plant staffs in Wyoming, Mich., deliver a consistent message about waters importance to environment and economy
BY LINDA J. EDMONDSON
hen is the last time someone asked you how much water it took to manufacture the chair you sit on? Or the cheese you enjoyed on your sandwich? These are a few of the questions water utility staff members in Wyoming, Mich., pose to tour groups. The goal is to emphasize how water helps communities thrive and the importance of clean water to economic growth. Its part of a public education that reaches multiple levels, from third grade to college graduates and beyond.
Two decades education

Wyoming (population 73,000), the largest suburb of Grand Rapids, lies in what was once known as the Manufacturing Belt. In 1966, the city began sourcing its water from the Lake Michigan Water Supply System, but business and population growth soon pushed demand beyond capacity. The system was expanded in 1973 and throughout the 1990s. Wyomings rst water and wastewater treatment plant tours 20 years ago were led by thensuperintendent Dan Wolz, who had a passion for connecting with kids. Dan saw the value in bringing science to area kids, especially environment and conservation issues, in an easily understood way, recalls Myron Erickson, P.E., now Clean Water Plant superintendent. At the programs peak, the outreach program reached some 1,200 students a year.
WSO welcomes stories

about your public information and education efforts for future Winning them Over articles. Send your suggestions to editor@wsomag.com or call 715/277-4094.
Unfortunately, like many other municipalities, weve had to consolidate operations and staff and gure out how to do more with less, Erickson says. We cut back on plant tours to about 10 or 12 a year. But thats still a couple hundred visitors every year, from third graders to graduate students. There are no better examples of applied science than can be seen at our Drinking Water and Clean Water plant tours. Visitors observe how water moves through each plant. Handouts include literature available from the AWWA, the Water Environment Federation and the U.S. EPA. Engineering students from area colleges and universities come to learn about plant design and mechanics; biology and chemistry students see the biochemical side of water treatment; and nursing students learn about the importance of protecting public health.
Economic benets
Regardless of visitors age or education, the department delivers the same basic message. While environmental resources afford us many benefits, from health to recreation, we still need economic activity for communities to thrive, Erickson explains. But if you conduct economic activity at the expense of the environment, sooner or later everyone suffers. Drinking water and wastewater treatment plants facilitate economic activity with the goal of protecting the environment and ensuring that clean water is available for all needs for generations to come.
26
(Continued from page 25)
New 8-inch ductile iron pipe, ready to deploy.
BROAD SERVICES
A treatment staff member interacts with students at the departments exhibit during Engineering Week. From its beginnings in 1897, Middlesex Water Company has grown into a comprehensive provider of residential, commercial, industrial and municipal water and wastewater services. Most recently, the company won a 50-year contract to operate and maintain the water and wastewater systems of Dover (Del.) Air Force Base. The company has business units in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Besides its Middlesex system in the central part of the state, the company operates the water and wastewater systems of the City of Perth Amboy and provides water service in southern New Jersey through the Pineland Water and Wastewater Companies, and its Bayview System. The company also operates the water, wastewater and stormwater systems of the Borough of Avalon and provides billing and meter reading. The Tidewater Utilities Group serves water and wastewater customers and provides contract operations in Delaware. The company serves customers in northeastern Pennsylvania through its Twin Lakes Utilities afliate. Middlesex Water maintains regulated business that collects, treats and distributes water on a retail and wholesale basis to customers in parts of New Jersey and Delaware. Nonregulated contract services include operation and maintenance of municipal and private water and wastewater systems in those two states.
My goal is for everyone who comes for a tour to be able to explain to anyone else, in everyday language, the purpose of these plants and how they function, and also their importance to our economy.
MYRON ERICKSON, P.E.
Everyone leaves the plants with new awareness of how important water treatment is to society. At the start of every tour, we try to surprise attendees by pointing out items food, chairs, clothing that require water to produce, says Erickson. Then we explain how that water was sourced and what it takes to get it back into the environment. Another aspect of the utilitys outreach is internships. We bring in engineering and nonengineering college students to teach them about an important function and interest them in a water management career, Erickson says. He works with schools that offer water treatment associate degrees requiring internships. In 2012, Wyomings two interns were newly graduated mechanical and civil engineers. It was the perfect pairing of their experience with our own, Erickson says. Weve already implemented some of their recommendations from an energy audit they conducted and will eventually move
forward with some of their longterm ideas, too.
Final goal
Erickson points out that water utilities tend to operate under the radar of public awareness. Drinking water facilities may not be near the city center; wastewater treatment plants are often on city outskirts near the receiving stream. Water utilities arent at the top of employment opportunity lists, either. Unfortunately, actively promoting water careers isnt a focus for us any longer, but the critical need to educate all ages about the importance of water to society and the environment, and the need for water conservation, will never change, says Erickson. My goal is for everyone who comes for a tour to be able to explain to anyone else, in everyday language, the purpose of these plants and how they function, and also their importance to our economy. And most people leave able to do that.
wso
mal life span of these lines but will actually extend their life. The company is looking at cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining as one way to accomplish that. Were experimenting now, looking at costs. If theyre reasonable, were looking to do that next, Risoldi says. FEATURED PRODUCTS FROM: Larger-diameter mains 30 Bentley Systems inches and above are also get800/727-6555 ting attention: Were developing www.bentley.com a larger asset condition assessEsri ment, determining the condition 800/447-9778 www.esri.com of our larger mains and determining which technology were going Invensys Operations Management 949/727-3200 to use. These are older mains and www.iom.invensys.com concrete pipes. Theyre known to Oracle fail. We want to be proactive in 800/392-2999 their repair. wso www.oracle.com
27
PRODUCT FOCUS:
BY CRAIG MANDLI
DISINFECTION
Potable water disinfection requires specialized chemical feeders and chlorinators and accurate measurement of chemical dosing. UV disinfection is a growing technology. Here are some of the industrys latest disinfection offerings. external surface area/mass ratios. Testing of one fabric product showed that although the felt layer was only 4 mm thick and weighed 2.5 grams, it reduces 2 mg/L chlorine at greater than 75 percent efciency. 215/5463900; www.jacobi.net.
Emergency gas scrubber

Dry chemical emergency gas scrubbers from Pural are low-maintenance options for controlling a worst-case toxic gas release such as a chlorine leak. The system consists of a packedbed chemical reactor with a media containment vessel, dry-scrubbing media and a blower. 800/222-6367; www.pural.com.
Chemicals
Sodium Hypochlorite
Sodium hypochlorite from American Development Corporation is an oxidizer effective against bacteria and viruses. Residuals are read the same as for other disinfectants and must be removed in waste streams before discharge. Safety factors include fewer personal protective equipment requirements and no self-contained breathing apparatus. 888/542-8561; www.adc-chem.com.
Chlorinators
Hypochlorite injection system
The Chloritrol valveless metering system from Fluid Metering enables accurate, maintenance-free injection of sodium and calcium hypochlorite. One pump in its high-pressure valveless duplex pump design injects the sodium hypochlorite directly into the water main. The second pump removes out-gas bubbles from the inlet side of the high-pressure pump head. 800/223-3388; www.fmipump.com.
Sodium Chlorite
ADOX sodium chlorite from DuPont Clean Water Technologies is used primarily in the generation of chlorine dioxide using DuPont MG III generators. Chlorine dioxide is being used in a growing number of industries due to its highly selective oxidizing properties, which result in a lower dosage requirement. It remains a truly dissolved gas in water and retains its useful oxidative and biocidal properties throughout a broad pH range (2 to 10 pH). Additionally, it does not chlorinate organics to form halogenated disinfection byproducts such as THMs and HAAs. It is utilized to disinfect potable water around the world and is approved for use by the EPA and the World Health Organization. 302/999-2709; www. dupont.com.
Sodium hypochlorite generator

The SciCHLOR sodium hypochlorite generator from Scienco/FAST uses SciCELL technology to produce 10, 20, 40 or 60 pounds of sodium hypochlorite on demand from salt, water and electricity. The system includes an integral brine tank, chlorine storage tanks, control panel, multi-pass SciCELL unit and recirculation pump. 866/652-4539; www.sciencofast.com.
Chlorination/Dechlorination Equipment
Tablet dechlorinator
The Zde-Chlorinator unit from Integra Chemical Co. is a tablet dechlorinator for hydrant ushing and other tasks. It is compact and lightweight, made of 6061-T6 highstrength aluminum. Holding up to 4 Vita-DChlor tablets, it can dechlorinate the average 30-minute hydrant ush. It is available with a permanent diffuser or a removable ushing elbow that directs water safely. The ushing elbow comes with a removable secondary screen for low ows, high ows of 200 to 1,000 gpm and 2.5-inch NST, providing versatility to connect the coupler for a hose, gate valve, diffuser or ow/pressure testing kit. 800/322-6646; www.vita-d-chlor.com.
Analyzers/Sensors
Chloramination analyzer
The ChemScan UV-2150/S chloramination analyzer from ASA Analytics provides parameters for chloramination process control and monitoring in one analyzer. Total ammonia and total chlorine measurements allow control of ratios and disinfection residuals. Free ammonia analysis helps avoid surplus ammonia in the distribution system, helping to prevent nitrication. Monochloramine and total chlorine analysis enable peak chloramination process control. The analyzer can be used at the plant for process control or in distribution for monitoring, water blending and chemical boost. 800/665-7133; www.asaanalytics.com.
Fibrous activated carbon dechlorination

Granular activated carbon (GAC) from Jacobi Carbons is effective in removing free chlorine. The dechlorination performance of GAC is sensitive to the ratio of external surface area to mass and is enhanced by small particle sizes. New brous forms of activated carbon, including cloths or felts, offer high
Diaphragm metering pump

The ProSeries Chem-Pro diaphragm metering pump from BlueWhite Industries has a large pump enclosure and control pad, a protective snap-on control pad cover and a single-layer injection-molded PVDF
28
diaphragm. Remote start/stop is standard; a 4-20 mA output is available. The unit has upgradeable rmware, a large single-piece junction box and terminal block connectors inside the junction box that include additional ports for external wiring. PROFIBUS, PROFINET and Ethernet are available. 714/893-8529; www.blue-white.com.
Compact pH and ORP value transmitter

The Type 8202 from Burkert Fluid Control Systems is a compact and modular device for measuring pH or ORP in uids. It houses a replaceable and standard 120 mm pH or ORP probe screwed into a sensor holder. It has integrated PT1000 temperature sensors for required temperature compensation. The electronics can transmit both temperature and the desired analytical value simultaneously. 800/325-1405; www.burkertusa.com.
lution color LCD screen for on-screen data trend graphs. It has SMART-enabled pH, eliminating eld calibration of pH probes. Troubleshooting is done with an on-screen user manual and display of faults, warnings and diagnostics. Stepby-step QuickStart on-screen prompts allow commissioning in less than two minutes. An internal data logger records live parameters and milliamp current outputs, allowing correlation to actual measurement values to assist in diagnostics and tuning. It comes host-ready for network commissioning with HART and PROFIBUS DP communication connectivity. 800/854-8257; www.rosemountanalytical.com.
Free-chlorine analyzer system

The Signet 4630 free-chlorine analyzer system from GF Piping Systems measures free chlorine in applications with stable pH, temperature and chlorine levels. Designed with amperometric-based sensing technology, it has a clear ow cell, ow regulator, sensors, lter and rotameter in one compact unit. It is EPA 334.0 compliant and has reagentfree measuring, a built-in ow regulator, a panel that includes 100240 VAC power supply, two 420 mA outputs, two mechanical relays and optional automatic pH/temperature compensation. 800/854-4090; www.gfpiping.com.
Chlorine residual analyzer

The REGAL Model CRA 5000 chlorine residual analyzer from Chlorinators Incorporated continuously measures free and total chlorine in water and wastewater disinfection. It can be used to monitor chlorine residual only or integrated with the REGAL Model 7009/7010 SMARTVALVE for compound loop (feedback) chlorination and feed-forward dechlorination. It uses advanced amperometric technology with intuitive setup and control. All conguration and operation functions are made on a four-push-button keypad integrated with a two-line LCD display with multicharacter format to provide easy-to-read data and command functions. 772/288-4854; www.regalchlorinators.com.
Amperometrtic analyzer
Chlorine measurement with the CLF10 sc amperometric analyzer from Hach Company does not require reagents. It uses self-diagnostics to alert users when the process has changed or the instrument needs servicing. Diagnostic features include the Cal Watch algorithm for warning of pH and chlorine calibration deviation and a noncontacting ow sensor for notication of insufcient sample ow. Cal Watch is customizable and can be adjusted for accuracy and interaction frequency to t users needs. It can be used with any Hach sc digital controller. 800/227-4224; www.hach.com.
Electronic chlorine cylinder scale

The ECS 1502 dual-cylinder scale from Eagle Microsystems has a PVC base and stainless steel hardware and a single stainless steel strain gauge load cell that senses the weight of the cylinder. Each scale has a 300-pound capacity. The electronic readout is encased in a NEMA-4X berglass enclosure for wall mounting. All standard functions are operated from the front panel without opening the enclosure. The standard 4-20 mA analog output communicates with SCADA systems. The indicator has an easy-to-read LED display that shows total weight, weight remaining, gross weight and rate by weight. 610/323-2250; www.eaglemicrosystems.com.
Level transmitter
Flowline EchoPod DL14 level transmitters, distributed by Harrington Industrial Plastics, measure sodium hypochlorite generation. They provide continuous level measurement data to the chlorine generation controller. As the level falls, chlorine production increases. As it rises, production decreases; production stops when the system is full. 909/597-8641; www. hipco.com.
Chlorine sensor
The Model CDA-22 chlorine dioxide sensor from Electro-Chemical Devices is a high-accuracy polarographic amperometric unit that measures chlorine dioxide in concentrations from 0.05 to 20 ppm and operates at temperatures from 32 to 122 degrees F. It ts into chlorine monitoring systems in municipal systems. 800/729-1333; www.ecdi.com.
Multi-input process analyzer

The AquaSelect multi-input process analyzer from HF scientic is a exible analysis platform for process applications. With a user-friendly interface, easy-to-use menus and up to four inputs or parameters, it suits complex process operations. It is compatible with a wide range of analog and digital sensors, including the HF scientic AdvantEDGE series of measurement probes. (continued) 888/203-7248; www.hfscientic.com.
Dual-input analyzer
The 56 dual-input analyzer from Emerson Process Management Rosemount Analytical uses chlorine and ozone sensors and a high-reso-
29
PRODUCT FOCUS:
DISINFECTION
Chlorine colorimeter
The SC450 from Orbeco-Hellige is a rugged, waterproof, hand-held colorimeter that has the ability to test two ranges of free and total chlorine. Able to test for a wide range of water quality parameters, it is ideal for use in the eld or laboratory. The company manufactures a full range of water-quality instruments, reagents and accessories for testing over 100 parameters. 800/9225242; www.orbeco.com. head can be congured on the left or right for installation in restricted environments or on skids. The sealed design and uid recovery eliminate waste and ensure operator safety. Operation is intuitive via a menu-driven interface with 3.5-inch TFT color display. 800/282-8823; www.wmpg.com.
Multiparameter measurement device

The MultiLab IDS from YSI, a xylem brand, simultaneously measures any three of pH, ORP, BOD or conductivity, or three of the same parameters. The line includes single-, dual- or three-channel devices, as well as smart digital probes for optical-based BOD5, pH, ORP and conductivity measurement. It has an easy-to-use menu-driven operation and high data integrity and security. 800/897-4151; www.ysi.com.
Multiparameter spectrophotometer probe

The i::scan miniature multiparameter spectrophotometer probe from s::can Measuring Systems uses light-emitting technology for measurement. Measurement can be done directly in the media or in a bypass installation with a ow cell. The unit can be mounted directly in a main. With typical energy consumption less than 1 watt, it can be powered by a battery or solar panel in remote locations. Automatic cleaning is available by compressed air if installed directly in the media or by an automatic brush if installed in a ow cell. 888/694-3230; www.s-can.us.
Detection Equipment
Portable ground microphone
The Tmic ground microphone from Fluid Conservation Systems allows technicians to hear sounds from a water distribution network. The sensor tip connects magnetically to a listening rod or can be placed on the pipe or valve, transmitting leak noise to the operators headset via Bluetooth. Its onboard memory stores noise levels and displays the information on the LED screen, allowing instant comparison between previous and current spot readings. It comes with a range of listening rod extensions and has a built-in LED ashlight for operation in low light. 800/531-5465; www.uidconservation.com.
Free chlorine sensor

The FCL500 series free chlorine sensor from Sensorex Corporation uses advanced amperometric technology for accurate monitoring of free chlorine. With three models covering the 0 to 2 ppm, 0 to 5 ppm and 0 to 10 ppm ranges, it can be used in new installations or as a eld replacement. It has an upgraded temperature correction curve for improved performance, and its membrane has a mesh reinforcement clamp for stability and durability. The 4-20 mA isolated signal output is enhanced to eliminate ground loop errors, reduce noise and block high-voltage transient surges. It interfaces with PLC, SCADA and other process control systems. A large electrolyte reservoir with an easily replaced membrane cap and solution reduce maintenance intervals and maximize sensor life. 714/895-4344; www.sensorex.com.
Microbiological Control
Activated carbon
DARCO H2S activated carbon from Cabot Norit Activated Carbon removes hydrogen sulde from air streams and eliminates sewage odors. It is produced by steam activation at high temperature without any impregnant, reducing the risk of bed res from exothermic reactions. It is produced as a 4x8 mesh granular carbon to provide a low pressure drop in gas phase applications. 800/641-9245; www.norit.com.
Chlorine measurement system

The high-performance, low-maintenance Potentiostatic Free Chlorine system from Van London pHoenix Co. features a measuring method in which the electrodes potential is electronically controlled in relation to the liquid, providing a linear current/concentration relationship and a stable zero value in oxidative absence. It is recommended to place the sensor in measurement cell SZ 7231 or SZ 7233 provided with overow in order to maintain constant sample ow. 800/522-7920; www.vl-pc.com.
UV Disinfection Equipment
UV-LED transmittance monitor
The PearlSense T254 monitor from Aquionics measures percent UV transmittance (UVT). UV-LED technology provides stable readings in all conditions. The design uses a single lamp and sensor, eliminating drift. It provides low operating cost, long lamp life
Chemical metering pump

The Qdos 30 chemical metering pump from Watson-Marlow Pumps Group delivers 5,000 to 1 ow from 0.002 to 8.0 gph at 100 psi, while integrating through IP66 manual, analog and PROFIBUS control options. The unit is fully sealed. Control features include uid level monitoring, uid recovery, line priming and intuitive ow calibration. The pump
30
with virtually zero warm-up time and a small footprint. It offers mercury-free operation and can be used in congurations including handheld battery operation, in-process installation or mounting on a bracket in an open channel. 800/925-0440; www.aquionics.com.
UV disinfection system
Megatron water disinfection systems from Atlantic Ultraviolet Corp. use germicidal UV lamps to eradicate pathogens. They handle a wide range of applications from 70 to 560 gpm. Multiple units can be interconnected to achieve higher ows or dosages. They are self-contained and provide continuous disinfection without special attention or measurement. Features include manual or automatic wipers, Type 316 stainless steel construction, a digital UV monitor, lamp operation indicators and sampling ports. 631/273-0500; www.ultraviolet.com.
Aftermarket UV lamps
UV Superstore offers UV lamps and quartz sleeves as replacements for numerous UV disinfection systems. The lamps and sleeves meet or exceed OEM specications. 770/307-3882; www.uvsuperstore.com.
Closed-vessel UV system
The WEDECO LBX 850e closed-vessel UV system from WEDECO a Xylem Brand, is energyefcient and fully validated according to the U.S. EPA UV Disinfection Guidance Manual and National Water Research Institute guidelines. It uses Ecoray lamps. 704/409-9700; www.wedeco.com/us. wso
What makes it all work is the people. I am really proud of our team. We look for responsibility and a good work ethic. We can teach wastewater operation or lab technique, but we cant teach character. Each person brings that with them the rst day.
James Pendleton, Plant Superintendent Harpeth Valley Utilities District Wastewater Treatment Plant, Nashville, Tenn.
People.
The greatest natural resource.

tpomag.com
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE
Keeping it GREEN since 1979
www.colepublishing.com
31
CASE STUDIES:
BY CRAIG MANDLI
DISINFECTION
Amperometric chlorine residual analyzer solves iron-clogging issue
Problem
A military base in North Carolina installed chlorination systems at two well sites. High iron levels in the groundwater clogged the membrane of the residual analyzers measuring probe and kept the chemical feed pumps from dosing at the rate needed to achieve the free chlorine residual required for drinking water disinfection. vinegar pH buffer eliminated the fouling issue. The scalable 4-20 mA output provided the continuous signal required to maintain automatic residual control with the metering pumps.
Solution
After two months of cleaning, membrane replacement and recalibration, the contractor replaced the analyzers with an FX-1000P-CS amperometric chlorine residual analyzer with integral PID controller from Foxcroft Equipment & Service Co. The bare electrode design with constant cleaning and distilled white
RESULT
The analyzer helped the base regain compliance while reducing the downtime, expense and labor to clean and recalibrate the analyzers every one to two weeks. 800/874-0590; www.foxcroft.com.
Ozone system resolves hydrogen sulde, disinfection and color issues in well water
Problem
The Four Way Special Utility District (SUD), Eastern Angelina County, Texas, operates multiple potable water plants, serving both urban and rural customers. Well No. 3 ows at 1.1 mgd and serves over 2,000 rural customers. The presence of hydrogen sulde, color due to the presence of tannic acids, and sulfur-reducing bacteria were issues for the district. mate. The commission granted approval for an integrated ozone treatment system incorporating onsite oxygen production, ozone generation and a Mazzei GDT3090 Ozone Transfer skid to replace the current aeration system.
Solution
The SUDs consultant, Goodwin-Lasiter Inc., proposed ozone treatment as the solution and submitted a design/treatment proposal to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. It was recognized that ozone systems employing the efcient Mazzei Injector Company GDT contacting system in the consultants design would provide precise control of the ozone dosage to achieve treatment objectives while avoiding the formation of byproducts such as THMs and bro-
RESULT
The ozone system is now in operation at Plant No. 3. Finished water monitoring/testing is reported as better than projected, eliminating hydrogen sulde, color and disinfection issues. 661/363-6500; www. mazzei.net.
Analyzer monitors organics in source water

Problem
Seasonal variation, heavy rainfall and accidental contamination often affect raw water quality at the Los Filtros Water Treatment Plant in Puerto Rico, requiring immediate attention. The facility produces drinking water for 256,000 residents, receiving water from the Guaynabo and Bayamon Rivers. process efciency. The analyzer was packaged with an HMI control panel and a remote telemetry system.
RESULT
The facility captured multiple organic contamination events on the inuent source water stream. Phase 1 testing of the package presented an average monthly reduction of 22,917 pounds of chemical coagulant for $9,831 in savings. A 23 percent reduction was seen in sludge formation. Facility personnel are condent that the potential for DBP formation is limited. 877/779-2888; www.realtech.ca.
Solution
Facility manager Nancy Ma. Cceres Acosta coordinated with Daniel Smith of Montanas Electric and Orlando Laguer of Nator Corporation to integrate a coagulation optimization package. Preliminary source water testing indicated variable concentrations of organic matter, known to consume coagulant and lead to the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). A Real Tech UV254 analyzer was installed to monitor organics for coagulant dosing with dual stream capabilities to evaluate
32
UV disinfection helps facility comply with surface water treatment rule

Problem
The White Tanks Regional Water Treatment Facility in Surprise, Ariz., treats water from the Colorado River delivered by a 336mile canal. Using surface water requires the facility to comply with the U.S. EPA Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, designed to protect against Cryptosporidium and Giardia.
REPRINTS Extra! Extra!

Troy Hall Water Division manager Moorhead, Minn.
Want More Stories?

Get more news, information,
and features with
Solution
After evaluating technologies and suppliers, White Tanks installed two TrojanUVSwift units from Trojan Technologies in August 2009.
Online Exclusives
Exclusive online content for Water System Operator
RESULT
The units have worked effectively and efciently. Daily Cryptosporidium monitoring has revealed zero violations. The SCADA communication system is set to send an alarm to the control center automatically in the event that the combination of plant ow, UV transmittance and reactor power level results in operation outside the validation limits for the equipment, says Joseph Cornejo, White Tanks operator. Facility output is 13 to 14 mgd with each of the two units capable of treating 20 mgd. This allows for facility volume expansion while achieving 3-log inactivation of Cryptosporidium and Giardia. 888/220-6118; www. trojanuv.com. wso
www.wsomag.com/online_exclusives
Featured in An Article?
We provide reprint options
January/February 2012
www.wsomag.com
wso
TM
BRIGHT IDEAS:
Automated meter reading in Davie County, N.C.

Page 36
Plant upgrades in Rockville, Md.

Page 30
GREAT!
STORY: TED J. RULSEH PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHN BORGE
TASTES
Water plant supervisor Kris Knutson adjusts an ozone gas feed valve. Ozonation has helped Moorhead Public Service correct recurring odor issues caused by source water variation. (Gas owmeter by ERDCO Engineering Corporation, valve by Modentic Industrial Corp.)
Technology and teamwork help Moorhead Public Service deliver consistently high-quality water from a highly variable source in Minnesotas Red River
TECH TALK:
Keys to success with wireless SCADA

Page 38
Every day is Earth Day.
Tastes Great!
MOORHEAD PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERS HIGH-QUALITY WATER FROM VARIABLE SOURCES
Page 10
QUALITY LEADERS
PLANT
he Red River is best known for periodic oods that afict North Dakota, most notably around Grand Forks. Much farther south, in Moorhead, Minn., the river is known for something else, though mainly to the staff at the water treatment plant. Up here, its not a big river, says treatment plant operator Dan Haman. Local events can have a large impact on it. A rain event can often wash interesting water into the river, especially if the weather has been dry for a while. Years ago, that led to complaints from customers about odor and bad taste in the water coming from the tap. That no longer happens. In 1995, Moorhead Public Service added ozonation to its treatment process, and it proved to be a reliable cure. In fact, for the past two years, Moorheads water has been voted the best tasting in the state in a competition held by the Minnesota section of the American Water Works Association. Troy Hall, Water Division manager, credits the treatment technology, along with a talented operations team, with keeping the process on track. When we look at the SCADA and see our water-quality trends, we want to see atlines everything just humming along, says Hall. Through teamwork, thats what weve accomplished.
Variable source
What the Moorhead team calls the North Treatment Plant (10 mgd capacity) was built in 1995. The old 6 mgd treatment plant is now rarely used: The staff operates it periodically just to make sure it remains functional and available for emergencies. When the plant operates, it treats well water only. The new plant, with 10 full-time and two part-time staff members, was designed specically to deal with variable source water in the Red River. The utility also draws well water from the Buffalo Aquifer, but the river provides about 85 percent of the source water on an annual basis. Theres a reason its called the Red River, says Nate Halbakken, lead treatment plant operator. Which is to say its not what one would call
POSTERS
Starting At
THE MPS TEAM
Staff members at the Moorhead Public Service water treatment plant are: Troy Hall, Water Division manager, 19 years of service, Class A license Kris Knutson, water plant supervisor, six years, Class A Nate Halbakken, lead water treatment plant operator, nine years, Class A Jason Yonke, lead water treatment plant operator, 14 years, Class A Gena Dahl, water plant chemist, four years Dan Haman, water plant operator, six years, Class C Daryl Brahos, water plant operator, four years, Class C Christopher Capecchi, water plant operator, one year Christopher Knutson, water plant operator, one year, Class D Alan Neer, water plant operator, four years, Class A Leslee Storlie, part-time water plant operator, one year Kevin Young, part-time water plant operator, one year
When we look at the SCADA and see our water-quality trends, we want to see atlines everything just humming along. Through teamwork, thats what weve been able to accomplish.
TROY HALL
Water treatment plant operator Dan Haman adjusts gas ow on ozone generator from WEDECO, a division of Xylem.
Hall cites SCADA work as an example of the teams cooperation. For the past decade, we have done all our SCADA work internally, he says. Its not a perfect SCADA, but it has been built by people who really care about the end result. When we want to make a change in how a process works, we all work together. Ive done some SCADA work in the ofce. Kris and Dan have done screen development for various purposes. It has evolved almost entirely inhouse. We also select and install our own instrumentation.
Problem solvers
Teamwork has helped the Moorhead staff resolve a variety of process issues. Several years ago, pH variability was a constant challenge. Working together, staff members made the correction by installing pH probes, making plumbing changes, and doing SCADA programming. In another instance, rising non-carbonate hardness in the Red River was taking a toll on the soda ash feed pumps. A former operator located a peristaltic pump model (Watson-Marlow) that appeared better suited to the task. Operators, an instrument technician and electricians from the utilitys electrical side worked together to test and install the new pumps. In a few months, we went from having to service the pumps every week to having almost no problems, says Haman. Another improvement involved installing a meter in the intake line to sample Red River water for conductivity as a way to predict total hardness in the river in real time. The team did the job, including data analysis and SCADA programming, entirely in-house, installing a used instrument purchased on the Internet for a few hundred dollars. Future plans include installing instrumentation at the river pumping station, about three miles (two hours of in-pipe travel time) from the plant. Im excited about that, says Haman. Well be able to see changes in the water before it gets to the plant and so deal with them more effectively. Hall calls it a privilege to lead a staff with many and diverse talents. The strengths of our people make it all work, he says. We try our best every day to use the strengths of the people we have. The results show up daily in the water glasses of Moorhead residents. wso
Were met with a new challenge each day. Were all cross-trained, and that means we can rely on each other for just about everything. We take our jobs very seriously, and the key thing is knowing that were in compliance and not polluting our waters.
Jeff Chartier An Original Environmentalist
SUPERINTENTENT Town of Bristol (N.H.) Sewer and Water Department
Part-time water treatment plant operator Leslee Storlie uses a Thermix stirrer from Thermo Scientic Water Analysis in a lab testing protocol.
Moorhead (Minn.) Public Service

FOUNDED: | 1896 POPULATION SERVED: | 42,000 TERRITORY: | Cities CAPACITY: | 16
Members of the MPS Water Division team are, back, from left, water plant staff members Dan Haman, Kris Knutson, Nate Halbakken, Troy Hall, Jason Yonke, Chris Knutson, Alan Neer, Chris Capecchi and Daryl Brahos; front row, distribution crew members Jared Heller, Chris Perlichek, Matt Andvik, Phil Shequen and Matt Mehl.
SYSTEM STORAGE: | 7.9 SOURCE WATER: | Red TREATMENT PROCESS: INFRASTRUCTURE:
KEY CHALLENGE: | Source ANNUAL BUDGET: | $4.5
of Moorhead and Dilworth, Oakport Township mgd million gallons River (85%), Buffalo Aquifer (15%) Lime/soda ash softening, ozonation, dual media ltration 190 miles of water mains, three water towers, two ground storage tanks, two reservoirs on plant sites water variability million (operations)
activated carbon were fed at the river pumping station, but at times that wasnt enough. When taste and odor problems arose, complaint calls came in bunches.
Reliable process
WEBSITE: | www.mpsutility.com
clean. The Red is subject to wide variations in organic matter and hardness, related to weather and the nature of the watershed, Hall observes. Normal ows range from about 3,000 to 5,500 cubic feet per second. The main feeder streams include the Otter Tail River, with generally high water quality; the Bois de Sioux River, with very poor water quality; and the Wild Rice River. Every river system that feeds the Red is variable, depending on how much rain were getting at the time, says Hall. At the old treatment plant, which used lime and soda ash softening and dual-media ltration, the wide source water variations overwhelmed the process. At the time, the source water included about 60 percent river and 40 percent well water. Potassium permanganate and sometimes
The MWH engineering rm (then known as Montgomery Watson) designed the new treatment plant. The Moorhead team has steadily improved on the design with instrumentation and updates to the SCADA system, originally supplied by Instrument Control Systems (ICS). One river pump station and two well pump stations deliver raw water directly into the plant. The waters mix in an inuent chamber, and the ow then enters two 5.5 mgd softening basins (Inlco Degremont). Typically, only one basin operates at a time, and when both operate, they work in parallel. Water in the basins is fed with lime and soda ash, along with ferric sulfate as a coagulant and polymer for occulation. Ammonia is also added in the softening stage for bromate control in the downstream ozonation process. The WEDECO ozonation/recarbonation chamber (Xylem) has six cells fed with variable amounts of ozone and carbon dioxide, depending on raw water conditions. Residual ozone is sampled at various points in the chamber. Before nal ltration, uoride is added, along with sodium hexametaphosphate for heavy metal sequestration and corrosion control. The
plants four dual-media lter cells each hold two feet of anthracite coal atop 12 inches of sand. The ltered water goes to the clear well, where chlorine is fed to combine with ammonia and form chloramines for disinfectant residual. The water is then delivered to the reservoirs and water towers (7.9 million gallons total system storage).
Ozone does it
Hall notes that ozonation is KRIS KNUTSON the key to odor and taste control. We ozonate at very high pH [at times 11 or higher] so that we benet from some advanced oxidation, he says. Ozone has been a really big improvement since it came online in 1995. It helps break down the organic material. Sometimes we feed CO2 with the ozone as the pH is dropping down close to that of the product water. That helps with taste and odor, too. But it wasnt technology alone that conquered the variability of Red River water. The plant staffs diligence had a lot to do with it. Since we started this plant, we have probably doubled or tripled the amount of online instrumentation, says Hall. Our SCADA gives us a lot of information about water quality and whats happening in the process, and were constantly trying to improve that. The systems programmable logic controllers and other control hardware are from Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation), and the SCADA software is from IntelliSys Inc. Online instrumentation in the treatment plant and water system includes:
We dont like to keep secrets between positions. We expect all our operators to be very familiar with the SCADA. As a supervisor, I try to involve the operators so they can help me out with data analysis, maintenance tasks, or whatever happens to come up.
Water from Moorhead, Minn., won the rst two Best in Glass taste competitions held by the state section of the American Water Works Association at its annual conference in September in Duluth. The event includes a vendor show where water samples from communities that enter the competition are subjected to a taste test and a popular vote among the attendees. The eld is narrowed to the top three vote-getters, which go to a second round of tasting by a panel of three from Minnesota section members and a celebrity judge. In both 2009 and 2010, we won both the popular and the panel vote, says Troy Hall, Water Division manager for Moorhead Public Service. The ofcial winner is the sample selected by the panel of judges. Another honor awaits: The plant is to be featured during 2012 on an episode of the Discovery Channels Dirty Jobs program, showing the process of cleaning the softening basins. Says Hall, It has been a fun year.
Water Division manager Troy Hall
The strengths of our people make it all work. We try our best every day to use the strengths of the people we have.
TROY HALL
The SCADA is programmed with the U.S. EPA ozone contact time (CT) requirements for disinfection. The ozone analyzers feed data directly into the SCADA, which calculates the actual CT value in real time. In operations, we adjust the ozone, pH or whatever parameter is necessary to make sure the actual plant CT value is above the EPA requirements, says Haman. Once we meet the disinfection requirement, 99 percent of the time the odor and taste issues are taken care of.
MORE INFO:
Emerson Process Management
800/854-8257 www.raihome.com 800/553-0550 www.erdco.com 800/227-4224 www.hach.com
35
OI Analytical
800/653-1711 www.oico.com
(See ad page 29)
ERDCO Engineering Corporation
Rockwell Automation
Hach Company
414/382-2000 www.rockwellautomation.com
Three total chlorine analyzers from Wallace & Tiernan (Siemens Water Technologies Corp.) Monochloramine/ammonia analyzer, five pH monitors, and eight turbidimeters from Hach Company Two pH controllers (CO2 auto control), four ozone analyzers and two conductivity meters from Rosemount Analytical (Emerson Process Management) Organic online analyzer from s::can Measuring Systems Benchtop lab equipment includes a turbidimeter and spectrophotometer from Hach Company, total organic carbon analyzer from OI Analytical, an IC chromatograph from Dionex, now sold as Thermo Scientic Water Analysis, and an Orion pH meter from Thermo Scientic Water Analysis. The team tests raw water for hardness and alkalinity every four hours and tests the nished water every eight hours. The ozone analyzers test the water in the ozone contact chamber every 20 seconds. Ozone dosage is adjusted manually based on monitoring for ozone residual. We have to adjust the ozone feed rate as water quality changes on a good day, just a couple of times; on a bad day, once an hour or more, says Haman.
As a team
The staffs success derives in part from the team atmosphere its leaders try to create. Theres a lot of overlap in the way we do things a lot of cross-training, notes Kris Knutson, water plant supervisor. We dont like to keep secrets between positions. We expect all our operators to be very familiar with the SCADA. As a supervisor, I try to involve the operators so they can help me out with data analysis, maintenance tasks, or whatever happens to come up. Halbakken adds, We communicate with each other. If one of us sees a problem, we alert the others. Everybody is always looking to keep the best product going out of the plant at all times. If that means someone has to be called at three in the morning to deal with a problem, everybodys open to that. Everyones willing to help out. Notes Haman, We try to work to each others strengths and shore up our weaknesses. For example, Nate is better at plumbing than I am, so Ill give him plumbing jobs. In turn, he can give me data to analyze to nd out when is the best time to order lime. We each have our little projects and our specialties.
s::can Measuring Systems

888/296-8250 www.s-can.us
ICS Healy-Ruff
763/559-0568 www.icshealyruff.com
Siemens Water Technologies Corp.

866/926-8420 www.water.siemens.com
Inlco Degremont, Inc.
804/756-7600 www.degremont-technologies.com
Thermo Scientific Water Analysis

800/225-1480 www.thermoscientic.com/water
IntelliSys, Inc.
800/347-9977 www.intellisyssoftware.com
Watson-Marlow Pumps Group

800/282-8823 www.wmpg.com
Modentic Industrial Corp.

www.modentic.com.tw
Xylem
MWH Global
303/533-1900 www.mwhglobal.com
704/409-9700 www.xyleminc.com
Reprinted with permission from WSO / Month 0000 / 2012, COLE Publishing Inc., P.O. Box 220, Three Lakes, WI 54562 / 800-257-7222 / www.wsomag.com
wso
TM

January/February 2012
www.wsomag.com
BRIGHT IDEAS:
Automated meter reading in Davie County, N.C.

Page 36
Water plant supervisor Kris Knutson adjusts an ozone gas feed valve. Ozonation has helped Moorhead Public Service correct recurring odor issues caused by source water variation. (Gas owmeter by ERDCO Engineering Corporation, valve by Modentic Industrial Corp.)
Plant upgrades in Rockville, Md.

Page 30
TECH TALK:
Keys to success with wireless SCADA

Page 38
Troy Hall Water Division manager Moorhead, Minn.
Tastes Great!
MOORHEAD PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERS HIGH-QUALITY WATER FROM VARIABLE SOURCES
Page 10
GREAT! GREA
STORY: TED J. RULSEH PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHN BORGE
TASTES
Technology and teamwork help Moorhead Public Service deliver consistently high-quality water from a highly variable source in Minnesotas Red River
When we look at the SCADA and see our water-quality trends, we want to see atlines everything just humming along. Through teamwork, thats what weve been able to accomplish.
TROY HALL
QUALITY LEADERS
PLANT
he Red River is best known for periodic oods that afict North Dakota, most notably around Grand Forks. Much farther south, in Moorhead, Minn., the river is known for something else, though mainly to the staff at the water treatment plant. Up here, its not a big river, says treatment plant operator Dan Haman. Local events can have a large impact on it. A rain event can often wash interesting water into the river, especially if the weather has been dry for a while. Years ago, that led to complaints from customers about odor and bad taste in the water coming from the tap. That no longer happens. In 1995, Moorhead Public Service added ozonation to its treatment process, and it proved to be a reliable cure. In fact, for the past two years, Moorheads water has been voted the best tasting in the state in a competition held by the Minnesota section of the American Water Works Association. Troy Hall, Water Division manager, credits the treatment technology, along with a talented operations team, with keeping the process on track. When we look at the SCADA and see our water-quality trends, we want to see atlines everything just humming along, says Hall. Through teamwork, thats what weve accomplished.
THE MPS TEAM

Staff members at the Moorhead Public Service water treatment plant are: Troy Hall, Water Division manager, 19 years of service, Class A license Kris Knutson, water plant supervisor, six years, Class A Nate Halbakken, lead water treatment plant operator, nine years, Class A Jason Yonke, Y Yonke, lead water treatment p reatment lant o reatment p lant perator, 14 years, 14 y 14 years, Class A Jason Yonke, lead water treatment plant operator, 14 years, Class A Gena Dahl, water plant c lant hemist, four y lant c our years our y years Gena Dahl, water plant chemist, four years Dan Haman, water plant o lant perator, six y lant o ix years, ix y years, Class C Dan Haman, water plant operator, six years, Class C Daryl Brahos, water plant o lant perator, four y lant o our years, our y years, Class C Daryl Brahos, water plant operator, four years, Class C Christopher C Christopher apecchi, water plant o lant perator, one year lant o y year Christopher Capecchi, water plant operator, one year Christopher Christopher K nutson, water Christopher Knutson, water plant operator, one year, Class D Alan Neer, water plant o lant peralant o Alan Neer, water plant opera tor, four years, Class A Leslee Storlie, part-time water Leslee Storlie, part-time water plant operator, one year Kevin Young, Y Young, part-time water Kevin Young, part-time water plant operator, one year
Hall cites SCADA work as an example of the teams cooperation. For the past decade, we have done all our SCADA work internally, he says. Its not a perfect SCADA, but it has been built by people who really care about the end result. When we want to make a change in how a process works, we all work together. Ive done some SCADA work in the ofce. Kris and Dan have done screen development for various purposes. It has evolved almost entirely inhouse. We also select and install our own instrumentation.
Problem solvers
Teamwork has helped the Moorhead staff resolve a variety of process issues. Several years ago, pH variability was a constant challenge. Work Working together, staff members made the correction by installing pH probes, making plumbing changes, and doing SCADA programming. In another instance, rising non-carbonate hardness in the Red River was taking a toll on the soda ash feed pumps. A former operator located a peristaltic pump model (Watson-Marlow) that appeared better suited to the task. Operators, an instrument technician and electricians from the utilitys electrical side worked together to test and install the new pumps. In a few months, we went from having to service the pumps every week to having almost no problems, says Haman. Another improvement involved installing a meter in the intake line to hardsample Red River water for conductivity as a way to predict total hard analyness in the river in real time. The team did the job, including data analy sis and SCADA programming, entirely in-house, installing a used instrument purchased on the Internet for a few hundred dollars. Future plans include installing instrumentation at the river pumping station, about three miles (two hours of in-pipe travel time) from the plant. Im excited about that, says Haman. Well be able to see changes in the water before it gets to the plant and so deal with them more effectively. Hall calls it a privilege to lead a staff with many and diverse talents. The strengths of our people make it all work, he says. We try our best every day to use the strengths of the people we have. The results show up daily in the water glasses of Moorhead residents. wso
Variable source
What the Moorhead team calls the North Treatment Plant (10 mgd capacity) was built in 1995. The old 6 mgd treatment plant is now rarely used: The staff operates it periodically just to make sure it remains functional and available for emergencies. When the plant operates, it treats well water only. The new plant, with 10 full-time and two part-time staff members, Water treatment plant operator Dan Haman adjusts gas ow on ozone generator from was designed specically to deal with variable source water in the Red WEDECO, division of Xylem. River. The utility also draws well water froma the Buffalo Aquifer, but the river provides about 85 percent of the source water on an annual basis. Theres a reason its called the Red River, says Nate Halbakken, lead treatment plant operator. Which is to say its not what one would call
LASER REPRINTS
Starting At
Water Division manager Troy Hall
Moorhead (Minn.) Public Service

FOUNDED: | 1896 POPULATION SERVED: | 42,000 TERRITORY: | Cities CAPACITY: | 16
Members of the MPS Water Division team are, back, from left, water plant staff members Dan Haman, Kris Knutson, Nate Halbakken, Troy Hall, Jason Yonke, Chris Knutson, Alan Neer, Chris Capecchi and Daryl Brahos; front row, distribution crew members Jared Heller, Chris Perlichek, Matt Andvik, Phil Shequen and Matt Mehl.

We dont like to keep secrets between positions. We expect all our operators to be very familiar with the SCADA. As a supervisor, I try to involve the operators so they can help me out with data analysis, maintenance tasks, or whatever happens to come up.
Water from Moorhead, Minn., won the rst two Best in Glass taste competitions held by the state section of the American Water Works Association at its annual conference in September in Duluth. The event includes a vendor show where water samples from communities that enter the competition are subjected to a taste test and a popular vote among the attendees. The eld is narrowed to the top three vote-getters, which go to a second round of tasting by a
The strengths of our people make it all work. We try our best every day to use the strengths of the people we have.
TROY HALL
of Moorhead and Dilworth, Oakport Township mgd million gallons River (85%), Buffalo Aquifer (15%) Lime/soda ash softening, ozonation, dual media ltration 190 miles of water mains, three water towers, two ground storage tanks, two reservoirs on plant sites water variability ANNUAL BUDGET: | $4.5 million (operations) WEBSITE: | www.mpsutility.com
SYSTEM STORAGE: | 7.9 SOURCE WATER: | Red TREATMENT PROCESS: INFRASTRUCTURE:
activated carbon were fed at the river pumping station, but at times that wasnt enough. When taste and odor problems arose, complaint calls came in bunches.
Reliable process
The MWH engineering rm (then known as Montgomery Watson) designed the new treatment plant. The Moorhead team has steadily improved on the design with instrumentation and updates to the SCADA system, originally supplied by Instrument Control Systems (ICS). One river pump station and two well pump stations deliver raw water Part-time water treatment plant directly into the plant. The waters mix in an inuent chamber, and the operator Leslee Storlie uses a Thermix stirrer from Thermo Scientic ow then enters two 5.5 mgd softening basins (Inlco Degremont). Typi Water Analysis in a lab testing cally, only one basin operates at a time, and when both operate, they work protocol. in parallel. Water in the basins is fed with lime and soda ash, along with ferric plants four dual-media lter cells sulfate as a coagulant and polymer for occulation. Ammonia is also each hold two feet of anthracite ozoadded in the softening stage for bromate control in the downstream ozo coal atop 12 inches of sand. The nation process. ltered water goes to the clear well, The WEDECO ozonation/recarbonation chamber (Xylem) has six where chlorine is fed to combine cells fed with variable amounts of ozone and carbon dioxide, depending with ammonia and form chloraon raw water conditions. Residual ozone is sampled at various points in mines for disinfectant residual. The the chamber. water is then delivered to the reshexametaBefore nal ltration, uoride is added, along with sodium hexameta ervoirs and water towers (7.9 milphosphate for heavy metal sequestration and corrosion control. The lion gallons total system storage).
The SCADA is programmed with the U.S. EPA ozone contact time (CT) requirements for disinfection. The ozone analyzers feed data directly into the SCADA, which calculates the actual CT value in real time. In operations, we adjust the ozone, pH or whatever parameter is necessary to make sure the actual plant CT value is above the EPA requirements, says Haman. Once we meet the disinfection requirement, 99 percent of the time the odor and taste issues are taken care of.
MORE INFO:
Emerson Process Management
800/854-8257 www.raihome.com 800/553-0550 www.erdco.com 800/227-4224 www.hach.com
OI Analytical
800/653-1711 www.oico.com
(See ad page 29)
ERDCO Engineering Corporation
Rockwell Automation
Hach Company
414/382-2000 www.rockwellautomation.com
KEY CHALLENGE: | Source
As a team
s::can Measuring Systems

888/296-8250 www.s-can.us
clean. The Red is subject to wide variations in organic matter and hardness, related to weather and the nature of the watershed, Hall observes. Normal ows range from about 3,000 to 5,500 cubic feet per second. The main feeder streams include the Otter Tail River, with generally high water quality; the Bois de Sioux River, with very poor water quality; and the Wild Rice River. Every river system that feeds the Red is variable, depending on how much rain were getting at the time, says Hall. At the old treatment plant, which used lime and soda ash softening and dual-media ltration, the wide source water variations overwhelmed the process. At the time, the source water included about 60 percent river and 40 percent well water. Potassium permanganate and sometimes
Ozone does it
Hall notes that ozonation is KRIS KNUTSON the key to odor and taste control. We ozonate at very high pH [at times 11 or higher] so that we benet from some advanced oxidation, he says. Ozone has been a really big improvement since it came online in 1995. It helps break down the organic material. Sometimes we feed CO2 with the ozone as the pH is dropping down close to that of the product water. That helps with taste and odor, too. But it wasnt technology alone that conquered the variability of Red River water. The plant staffs diligence had a lot to do with it. Since we started this plant, we have probably doubled or tripled the amount of online instrumentation, says Hall. Our SCADA gives us a lot of information about water quality and whats happening in the process, and were constantly trying to improve that. The systems programmable logic controllers and other control hardware are from Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation), and the SCADA software is from IntelliSys Inc. Online instrumentation in the treatment plant and water system includes:
The staffs success derives in part from the team atmosphere its leadICS Healy-Ruff ers try to create. Theres a lot of overlap in the way we do things a lot 763/559-0568 Siemens Water Technologies Corp. of cross-training, notes Kris Knutson, water plant supervisor. We dont www.icshealyruff.com 866/926-8420 like to keep secrets between positions. We expect all our operators to be www.water.siemens.com Inlco Degremont, Inc. very familiar with the SCADA. As a supervisor, I try to involve the oper804/756-7600 Thermo Scientific Water Analysis ators so they can help me out with data analysis, maintenance tasks, or panel of three from Minnesota section members and a celebrity judge. www.degremont-technologies.com 800/225-1480 whatever happens to come up. www.thermoscientic.com/water In both 2009 and 2010, we won both the popular and the panel Halbakken adds, We communicate with each other. If one of us sees IntelliSys, Inc. vote, says Troy Hall, Water Division manager for Moorhead Public Service. 800/347-9977 Watson-Marlow Pumps Group a problem, we alert the others. Everybody is always looking to keep the The ofcial winner is the sample selected by the panel of judges. www.intellisyssoftware.com 800/282-8823 best product going out of the plant at all times. If that means someone has www.wmpg.com Another honor awaits: The plant is to be featured during 2012 on to be called at three in the morning to deal with a problem, everybodys Modentic Industrial Corp. an episode of the Discovery Channels Dirty Jobs program, showing www.modentic.com.tw Xylem open to that. Everyones willing to help out. the process of cleaning the softening basins. Says Hall, It has been 704/409-9700 Notes Haman, We try to work to each others strengths and shore up MWH Global www.xyleminc.com a fun year. our weaknesses. For example, Nate is better at plumbing than I am, so Ill 303/533-1900 give him plumbing jobs. In turn, he can give me data to analyze to nd www.mwhglobal.com out when is the best time to order lime. We each have our little projects rom Wallace Wallace & Tiernan (Siemens W (Siemens and our specialties. Three total chlorine analyzers from Reprinted with permission from WSO / January 2012 / 2012, COLE Publishing Inc., P.O. Box 220, Three Lakes, WI 54562 / 800-257-7222 / www.wsomag.com Water Technologies Corp.) nalyzer, five pH monitors, and and eight eight Monochloramine/ammonia analyzer, urbidimeters from Hach Company turbidimeters Two pH controllers (CO2 auto control), four ozone analyzers and two conductivity meters from Rosemount Analytical (Emerson Process Management) Organic online analyzer from s::can Measuring Systems s::can Measuring Systems Benchtop lab equipment includes a turbidimeter and spectrophotometer from Hach Company, total organic carbon analyzer from OI Analytical, an IC chromatograph from Dionex, now sold as Thermo Scientic Water Analysis, and an Orion pH meter from Thermo Scientic Water Analysis. The team tests raw water for hardness and alkalinity every four hours and tests the nished water every eight hours. The ozone analyzers test the water in the ozone contact chamber every 20 seconds. Ozone dosage is adjusted manually based on monitoring for ozone residual. We have to adjust the ozone feed rate as water quality changes on a good day, just a couple of times; on a bad day, once an hour or more, says Haman.
10
Read about original environmentalists like Jeff each month in Treatment Plant Operator.
ELECTRONIC REPRINTS
Starting At
FREE subscription at www.tpomag.com
25
Order through our website
www.wsomag.com
33
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
BY ED WODALSKI
NEWS
1|AMETEK point level switch 2|Badger Meter ow monitor
The Z-tron IV point level switch from AMETEK Drexelbrook features an all-electronic design. Cote-Shield circuitry enables the switch to ignore coatings and buildup on the sensing element. Dust or tunneling wont produce a false signal. The switch only reacts to actual high- or lowlevel conditions. The one-piece design allows for easy installation through a single 3/4-inch vessel opening. 800/553-9092; www.drexelbrook.com. The ER-500 series ow monitor from Badger Meter is designed for challenging environments. Meters can be connected to a network for remote monitoring and process automation. Models support multiport linearization tables for increased accuracy. Alarm parameters warn of changes in process or pipeline. 800/876-3837; www.badgermeter.com.
PRODUCT
Dual-vessel purication system designed for quick setup

The CP 20K-10 activated carbon dual-vessel skid system from TIGG Corp. is designed for short-term water purication projects and compliance monitoring. Units can be run in series or parallel and are capable of purifying more than 2.16 mgd. Each system can purify water at a maximum ow of 1,500 gpm (in parallel mode) and holds up to 40,000 pounds of granular activated carbon (GAC). It has a maximum pressure of 125 psi and maximum operating temperature of 130 degrees F. Using a two-vessel system running in series allows water to ow through the carbon bed in the primary vessel and then through a carbon bed as a secondary vessel, says William Bland, chief engineer for TIGG. Both activated carbon adsorption vessels in TIGGs CP20K-10 Skid System have three sample ports. This permits an operator to check for contaminant breakthrough at different levels in the carbon bed and determine when the vessels media is almost spent, Bland says of the carbon bed, which can last for months without replenishment, depending on the amount and type of contaminates that it processes. The dual-vessel system enables spent carbon to be changed out without having to shut down the purication process. Spent carbon can be reactivated or taken to a landll for disposal. With few moving parts, the system requires little maintenance. The biggest issues are making sure the tank lining integrity stays intact and that the valves are in working order, Bland says.
3|CW Industries reversing rocker switch 4|FLIR E-Series thermal cameras 5|
GRS-6024 series momentary action full-size reversing rocker switches from CW Industries are available in DPDT center-off construction. The RoHS compliant switches are rated at 40 amps, 12 volt DC and feature self-cleaning contacts. Made of heavy duty nylon with copper alloy terminals, the switches have a male 0.25-inch quick-connect terminal for ease of installation and can be mounted in a 1.58- by 0.948-inch panel opening. 800/285-2121; www.peerlesselectronics.com.
E-Series (E4, E5, E6, E8) thermal cameras from FLIR Systems are designed to track electrical and mechanical overheating, moisture ingress, missing insulation, air leaks and other thermal issues. The camera features a 3-inch color LCD display, wide-angle focus-free lens, intuitive on-camera button controls, onboard digital camera and MSX (multispectral dynamic imaging), which integrates visible details from digital photos onto IR images. 866/477-3687; www.ir.com.
include self-priming and dry-run capabilities, temperature range of 5 to 212 degrees F, solid particle handling of 0.079 inches and soft particle size handling of 0.25 inches. Approved for use in ATEX atmospheres, a heating jacket is available. 909/557-2900; www.psgdover.com.
The SLC4 and SLC8 seal-less drive eccentric disc pumps from Mouvex, part of the Pump Solutions Group, are designed for general
Mouvex seal-less drive eccentric disc pumps
6|HEMCO island canopy hood
industrial applications, as well as for chemical-based compounds. The pumps can handle up to 145 psi (SLC4) and 87 psi (SLC8). Features
Island canopy hoods from HEMCO are designed to collect and exhaust corrosive vapors, heat, steam and odors when mounted over areas with water baths, hot plates or portable equipment. Hoods are made of one-piece composite resin and can be wall-mounted or suspended from the ceiling. Optional side panels prevent cross drafts. 800/779-4362; www.hemcocorp.com.
4 1 2 3 5 6
34
CP 20K-10 skid system from TIGG Corp.
ging or connection to energy management systems. The conductivity, pH/ORP and disinfection W100W has three models for use with amplied electrodes, nonamplied electrodes with a BNC connector or nonamplied electrodes without a connector. 508/429-1110; www.walchem.com.
Manway gaskets also should be replaced each time the cover is opened during changeouts. The units 12-valve pipe rack design enables liquid to enter the adsorption vessel from the side rather than the top, resulting in a lower prole. Internal piping distributors ensure even ow and even water treatment. Engineered for easy setup, the 37.5-foot long by 10-foot wide, skid-mounted system can be placed on at, compacted ground. There is no need for footers or a concrete pad foundation, reducing setup costs. Available for rent or purchase, the skid system sets up in one day and ships on a single atbed truck for easy delivery. 800/925-0011; www.tigg.com.
The MultiSmart intelligent pump station controller from Flygt a Xylem Brand, can control up to six pumps. Default settings can be adapted to suit the requirements of individual pump stations, while a remote control feature reduces the frequency of site visits. An alarm feature prompts the operator to carry out necessary maintenance to prevent problems occurring in the system. Based on eld tests, the controller can reduce pump station energy consumption by 35 percent. 704/409-9700; www.ygtus.com.
9|Xylem intelligent pump station controller
10|Rockwell Automation voltage monitor 11|Dialight LED ood light
The Allen-Bradley i-Sense voltage monitor from Rockwell Automation reads incoming power, providing data that pinpoints volt-
age-based power events and reveals any consequent relationship between voltage sags and downtime. 414/382-2000; www.rockwellautomation. com/industries/water.
7|
The FL900AV ow logger from Hach, together with the AV9000 analyzer, dampens EMF and RFI noise for smoother, more accurate measurements. Velocity measurements can account for water temperature swings and salinity concentrations. Advanced diagnostics verify that the sensor is working properly. 800/368-2723; www.hachow.com.
Hach FL900AV ow logger
DuroSite and SafeSite LED ood lights from Dialight are designed for hazardous and industrial applications. The 14- by 14-inch lights deliver 10,750 lumens at 107 watts and are available in various NEMA optical congurations. Features include 20 kV surge protection, tempered glass lens and powder-coated aluminum housing. 732/919-3119; www.dialight.com.
8|Walchem W100W controller
The W100W controller from Walchem has three control outputs, large icon-based display and multiple language support. Other features include universal sensor input, while the cooling tower/boiler model has an optional analog (4-20 mA) output for recording, data log-
12|Reed Manufacturing deburring tool
The DEB1 deburr and chamfer tool from Reed Manufacturing Co. is designed for PVC, CPVC, ABS, PE and PP pipe up to 2 inches in diameter. Features include a slip-resistant knurled grip and blade that can be sharpened or replaced. 800/666-3691; www.reedmfgco.com. (Continued on page 37)
11 8 7 9 10 12
35
NEWS
Franklin Electric relocates headquarters
Franklin Electric relocated to its new World Headquarters and Engineering Center in Fort Wayne, Ind. The 118,800-square-foot facility houses the companys 245 employees with room for future growth, as well as a 24,000-square-foot testing lab.
INDUSTRY
Projects & Awards

Pittsburgh agency and Veolia Water extend partnership
The Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority extended its partnership with Veolia Water to continue providing interim executive management services through December 2014. During the partnerships rst year, Veolia experts helped the authority improve customer service and performance by conducting in-depth diagnostics of operations, developing recommendations for improvement, and supporting PWSA employees on initiatives aimed at reaching new performance metrics. The total impact of the initiatives is nearly $2.4 million annually.
Calgon Carbon wins 10-year contract for reactivation services

Calgon Carbon Corporation and its European operating group, Chemviron Carbon, won a 10-year contract with Thames Water in the United Kingdom to reactivate spent activated carbon used to treat drinking water.
FCS names leak detection distributor

Fluid Conservation Systems named Utility Services Association its distributor for leak detection products in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana.
Xylem to supply Swedens largest UV disinfection facility for drinking water

Xylem won a contract to provide UV drinking water treatment to the largest such project ever in Sweden. The project will help deliver clean drinking water to 900,000 people across 16 municipalities. The facility will be sized to handle a potential 25 percent increase in water volume to support population growth. Xylem will provide four WEDECO K-Series UV disinfection systems, to upgrade the Sydvatten AB Waterworks in southern Sweden. The systems were chosen for exible design, low cost, low environmental impact and ability to handle large volumes efciently.
Spiroo Systems launches website

Spiroow Systems launched its redesigned website, www.spiroowsystems.com. The site provides access to product information and applications, case studies, dedicated blog and sales representative locator.
MIOX launches website

MIOX Corp. launched its new website, www.miox.com. The site includes videos highlighting company history, a tour of on-site chemical generators, product information and press releases.
Echologics wins pipe assessment contract with WSSC

Washington (D.C) Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) chose Echologics, a division of Mueller Co., to perform acoustic condition assessment of selected water distribution mains. The contract is valued at $850,000. Echologics will assess the condition of 35 miles of 6- to 14-inch cast-iron distribution mains that are scheduled to be replaced starting in July. WSSC will use data from the assessment to identify pipe sections that are in the poorest condition and set replacement priorities.
Primary Flow Signal launches Canadian website

Primary Flow Signal, designer and manufacturer of ow metering solutions for water, wastewater, industrial and oil and gas applications, launched a dedicated website for its Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, location: http://pfscanada.ca.
NSF manager appointed to Michigan AWWA board of trustees

The American Water Works Associations Michigan Section (MI-AWWA) appointed Bruce Bartley to its board of trustees. Bartley is technical manager of NSF International Global Water Division.
Flowserve wins order for desalination plant pumps and energy recovery devices
Flowserve Corporation won a multimillion dollar order from M.N. Larnaca Desalination to provide a complete pump package and energy recovery devices to be used at a 15.9 mgd seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant in the Republic of Cyprus. The project will use Flowserve Calder Dual Work Exchange Energy Recovery units with DMX pumps in the high-pressure feed service. wso
Bruce Bartley
SJE-Rhombus unies subsidiaries under PRIMEX brand

SJE-Rhombus unied the companys engineered municipal water control solutions businesses, CSI Controls, Control Works and Best Controls Company, under the PRIMEX brand.
Carbonair air strippers certied to NSF/ANSI 61-G

Carbonair Environmental Systems received NSF/ANSI 61-G certication for its line of STAT low-prole air strippers. Designed to remove volatile organic compounds, including disinfection byproducts such as chloroform, bromoform and other trihalomethanes (THMs), from municipal and industrial drinking water, the NSF mark ensures products have been independently tested to meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) development process. wso
Its your magazine. Tell your story.

WSO welcomes news about your water system for future articles.
Send your ideas to editor@ wsomag.com
36
(Continued from page 35)
NEWS
13|Carbonair low-prole air strippers
STAT low-prole air strippers from Carbonair Environmental Systems are designed to remove volatile organic com-
PRODUCT
pounds, including disinfection byproducts such as chloroform, bromoform and other trihalomethanes (THMs), from municipal and industrial drinking water. Certied to meet NSF/ANSI 61G requirements, the air strippers can achieve 99.9 percent or greater VOC removal and handle ows up to 1,000 gpm per unit. Multiple tray congurations and blower options enable the units to meet customized site requirements. 800/526-4999; www.carbonair.com.
14|Yaskawa medium voltage AV drive
The MV1000 medium voltage AC drive from the Drives and Motion Division of Yaskawa America is designed for energy savings and improved process control. Features include modular design, high efciency and low harmonics. Smart Harmonics technology reduces input total harmonic distortion (THD) to less than 2.5 percent without lters, exceeding IEEE 519-1992 requirements by nearly 50 percent. The MV1000 uses two 5-voltage step bridges per phase to generate 17 level line-to-line voltage output to the motor. Several motor control modes are available for a range of applications. 800/927-5292; www.yaskawa.com.
Go to wsomag.com to view the e-zine.
15|Blue-White engineered skid systems
Chem-Feed engineered skid systems from Blue-White Industries are available for single- or dual-metering pump congu-
rations. Made of 6061-T6 powder-coated welded aluminum, features include ow indicator, self-lling calibration cylinder (ooded suction not required), Plast-O-Matic ball valves, pressure relief valve, gauge guards and metal-free check valve. Skids are wall mountable with optional bracket. 714/893-8529; www.blue-white.com. wso
Follow us on
www.facebook.com/WSOmag twitter.com/#!/WSOMagazine
13
15 14 Serving municipal water treatment systems across North America. 37
Worth Noting
PEOPLE/AWARDS
Dennis W. Doll, chairman, president and CEO of Middlesex Water Company, has been elected to a one-year term as president of the National Association of Water Companies. Steve Melanson of Connecticut Water received the grand prize in the National Association of Water Companies Living Water Awards, recognizing private water professionals who are living water through commitment to quality, service and community. Dr. Glen Daigger, International Water Association president and CH2M HILL chief technology ofcer, has been selected to join the Water Environment Research Foundation Board of Directors. Jane Lubchenco, former undersecretary of commerce for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Kathryn Sullivan, undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and a NOAA administrator, received the 2013 Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence recognizing outstanding achievement by those who contribute to the conservation and protection of fresh water. WSO welcomes your contribution to this listing. To recognize members of your team, please send notices of new hires, promotions, service milestones, certications or achievements to editor@wsomag.com.
WSO invites your national, state or local association to post notices and news items in the Worth Noting column. Send contributions to editor@wsomag.com.
EVENTS
Feb. 4-5
Michigan AWWA and the MWEA Joint Expo, Lansing Center. Visit www.mi-water.org.
Feb. 18-20
Illinois Rural Water Annual Conference, Efngham. Visit www.isawwa.org.
Feb. 25-28
AWWA-WEF Utility Management Conference, Hyatt Regency Savannah, Ga. Visit www.awwa.org.
Feb. 26-27
International Conference on Stormwater and Urban Water Systems Modeling, Marriott Courtyard Toronto (Ontario) Brampton. Visit www. chiwater.com.
New Jersey
The New Jersey Agricultural Research Station is offering these courses in New Brunswick: Jan. 13-March 12 Advanced Collection Systems Licensing Prep Evening Course, Holly House Jan. 16 Instrumentation for Water/Wastewater Operations, Extension Conference Center Jan. 22 Writing Skills for Utility and Operations Personnel, Cook Campus Center Jan. 30-Feb. 6 Safe Drinking Water Act Regulatory Update Feb. 12-13 Ladder Logic: Water/Wastewater Electrical Training, Extension Conference Center Feb. 27 Math Refresher for Water and Wastewater Operators, Extension Conference Center Visit www.cpe.rutgers.edu.
EDUCATION
AWWA
The American Water Works Association is offering these webinars: Jan. 29 Water Rates Done the Right Way Feb. 5 Identifying and Addressing Raw Water Ammonia Feb. 12 The Future of Direct Potable Reuse as a Water Supply Visit www.awwa.org.
Alabama
The Alabama Rural Water Association is offering these courses: Jan. 15 Process Control Strategies, Fayette Feb. 19 Hands-On Pump O&M and Electrical Troubleshooting, Lineville Visit www.alruralwater.com.
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Environmental Training Center is offering these courses: Jan. 7-9 D Water and Wastewater Operator, Stillwater Jan. 10 Open Exam Session, Tulsa Jan. 13 General Refresher for Water Operators, Stillwater Jan. 13-14 C Water Operator, Stillwater Jan. 21-23 D Water and Wastewater Operator, Tulsa Jan. 27 General Refresher for Water Lab Operators, Stillwater Jan. 27-30 C Water Laboratory, Stillwater Feb. 4-6 D Water and Wastewater Operator, Stillwater Feb. 7 Open Exam Session, Stillwater Feb. 14 Open Exam Session, Tulsa Feb. 19 General Refresher for Water Operators, Tulsa Feb. 19-20 C Water Operator, Tulsa Feb. 25-27 D Water and Wastewater Operator, Tulsa Visit www.accuratelabs.com.
Florida
The Florida Section of AWWA is offering these courses: Jan. 31 Florida AWWA eLearning, online Feb. 28 Florida AWWA eLearning, online Visit www.fsawwa.org.
Illinois
The Illinois Section of AWWA is offering these courses: Jan. 29-30 High-Tech Operator Course 3: Data Management workshop, Lombard Village Hall Community Room Feb. 19 WATERCON Exhibtors Webinar Visit www.isawwa.org.
Texas
The Texas Water Utilities Association is offering these courses: Jan. 7-9 Basic Water, Sinton Jan. 13-17 Effective Instructional Techniques, Amarillo Jan. 27-29 Utilities Safety, Mineola Feb. 4-6 Far West Texas Regional School, Fort Stockton Visit www.twua.org.
Michigan
The Michigan Section of the AWWA is hosting the Borchardt Conference for drinking and wastewater treatment Feb. 25-26 at Rackham Graduate School in Ann Arbor. Visit www.mi-water.org.
38
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is offering these courses: Jan. 16 Regional Utility Management Training, Chippewa Falls Jan. 28-29 Distribution Certication, Moraine Park Technical College, Fond du Lac Feb. 4-6, and 11-13 Groundwater Supply and Distribution Certication, Green Bay Feb. 12 Essentials of Hazardous Materials Management, Green Bay Feb. 18-19 Zeolite Softening, Volatile Organic Compound and Iron Removal Certication, West Bend Feb. 20 Lime Softening Certication, West Bend Feb. 25-27 and Mar. 4-6 Groundwater Supply and Distribution Certication, Madison Visit http://dnr.wi.gov. wso
Marketplace Advertising
Its black and white.

In each issue of Municipal Sewer & Water, youll read about sanitary sewer, stormwater and water system professionals just like you. Youll discover: n Who are the innovators in system repair and maintenance n How they make sound decisions that improve service and save money n What tools and technologies drive efciency and performance n Where to go to nd the latest equipment and advice
No gray area here.

Municipal Sewer & Water has what you need. And its FREE. Subscribe today at www.mswmag.com or call 800-257-7222.
Check out the latest Product & Industry
at wastewaterpr.com
Your online source of the newest products and information for the liquid waste industry
NEWS
39

January 2014

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

January 2014

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

wso

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

Managing Our Most Valuable Resource

TECHNOLOGY DEEP DIVE:

Swimming tank robot

Agency: Urban RENEWal

Agency: So Long, Low Prole

Plant: Everything in Place

TECHNOLOGY DEEP DIVE Page 20

Whats in a Name? Or a Title?

It Swims. It Inspects. It Cleans.

WINNING THEM OVER Page 26

Coming Next Issue: February 2014

Harnessing Water Power

PRODUCT FOCUS Page 28

TECH TALK Page 19

CASE STUDIES Page 32

Whats in a Name? Or a Title?

Whats the impact?

Its your magazine. Tell your story.

Send your ideas to editor@ wsomag.com or call 715/277-4094

Aquionics, Inc. ....................... 31 ASA Analytics .......................... 39 Blue-White Industries ............... 4

Scan this tag with your smartphone

USABlueBook .......................... 40 Van London - pHoenix Co. ..... 4

Get Social with

www.facebook.com/WSOmag www.twitter.com/WSOmagazine www.plus.google.com www.youtube.com/WSOmagazine

Managing Our Most Valuable Resource

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

Add Pizazz to Public Education

Batten Down the Hatches

Emails & Alerts

Sewer Bonds Forgiven

Join the Discussion

wsomag.com January 2014

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

Fluoride levels are checked at the Trojan Water Treatment Facility.

wsomag.com January 2014

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

wsomag.com January 2014

FEATURED PRODUCTS FROM:

Peerless Pump Company

Coffman Systems, Inc.

Process Solutions, Inc.

Dexter Fortson Associates, Inc.

Siemens Water Technologies Corp.

Neptune Chemical Pump Company

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

wsomag.com January 2014

Harnessing Water Power

The microturbine at the Deereld reservoir.

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

Dedicated to Municipal Wastewater Professionals

Frank C. Amerson Jr. Water Treatment Plant, Macon, Ga.

wsomag.com January 2014

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

Gary McCoy, director of water treatment.

to keep producing safe, good-tasting water.

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

TECHNOLOGY DEEP DIVE

It Swims. It Inspects. It Cleans.

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AQUABOTIX TECHNOLOGY CORP.

wso: What are the specific

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR