New York Section AWWA

Monthly Newsletter for Section Leaders: Volume 1, Number 12 (April 2009)

2009-04-02T08:14:00.003-04:00

SECTION CHAIR’S EXIT MESSAGE

Shyam S. Mohanka, Ph. D., P.E., BCEE

Civil & Environmental Engineer

A great deal has been accomplished over the last year at the New York Section AWWA (NYSAWWA) and much remains to be done. My commitment to the NYSAWWA in 2008-09 was to focus on the existing programs and activities including proposed new initiatives that would give us a direction and a road map to achieve our long term goals. The Section’s long term goals were established in 2005 and many hard working volunteers are making progress on the key issues identified in the Long Term Goals.

In my 30 years of leadership positions with the NYSAWWA, I have experienced very few years where so much has been accomplished by so many. We are tackling the major challenge of losing many of our members to retirement by working closely with the AWWA, to forge a link with potential student members. We are establishing student chapters at RPI, Troy and SUNY ESF, Syracuse. Through these chapters we will encourage graduates to follow a path leading to careers in water profession.

Although our financial health is fine now, we must not forget that we are in the midst of the worst worldwide financial crisis since the great depression and it has impacted each and everyone in our community. If we are hurting, think of what is happening to others. In order that we continue to provide educational opportunities (Training Seminars, Tifft Symposium), programs (Annual Water Event, Summer Workshop and Board Meetings) and supporting activities ( WFP Golf Tournament, Fly in Delegates to Washington D.C., Publish Aquarius two times a year, Maintain our newly established Section’s Website, Support our Section Staff with adequate compensation and resources to do the job, NYSAWWA Reception at the ACE, AWWA Workshop, RMSO and ACE meetings, Support for Top ops, Best Tasting Water Contest and Meter Madness Competitions at the ACE and other associated services) this year and in the future, we must dig deeper to help. We have through our “Water for People” program major opportunities to influence the history of the world (How about millions of children saved from waterborne disease and malnutrition). These marks come with a price tag and therefore, we need your commitment to support the section’s efforts with your generosity and contribution.

I hope to conclude my term as the Section Chair with a great deal of satisfaction regarding the 2008-09 initiatives and future vision plan (Grow membership & retain current members, establish long range training plan for New York State, educate K-12 and college students on careers in water supply, strengthen relationship with LWWC, plan for 100th anniversary celebration in 2014 and develop leaders capable of serving in NYSAWWA and beyond) that has been recommended to the board for consideration. I look forward to serving on the Board as Past Chair during the term 2009-10 and as a member of several committees (100th Anniversary, Education Fund, Awards and Trustee Nominating) in future years. Given the names of those who have historically served as the Section Chair of this great organization, I am humbled by the opportunity you have given me to serve in that role in 2008-09.

WATER FACTS, NEWS, IQ & TIPS

Water Facts (The Global Water Crisis): Almost two in three people lacking access to clean water live on less than $ 2.00 a day. Poor people living in the slums often pay 5-10 times more for per liter of water than wealthy people living in the same city.

Water-Related Disease Facts (The Global Water Crisis): The water and sanitation crisis claims more lives through disease than any war claims through guns.

Drinking Water Factoids (EPA Publication “Factoids Drinking Water & Ground Water Statistics for 2008”): There are approximately 155,000 public water systems in the U.S. There are approximately 52,000 community water systems, but just 8% of those systems (4143) serve 82 % of the people. In 2008, 92% of systems met or exceeded drinking water standards, up from 79% in 1993. For regulations that were in place prior to 2001, nearly 95% of systems met the targets.

AWWA News Release (March 17, 2009): As part of its ongoing commitment to encourage efficient use of water resources, the AWWA, today announced it will partner with the Water Smart Innovations Conference and Exposition, October 7-9, 2009, in Las Vegas.

AWWA News Release (March 18, 2009): The AWWA will host its fifth annual career Fair for students, young professionals and job seekers from 1-4 p.m. June 16 during AWWA’s Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE09) at the San Diego Convention Center.

AWWA News Release (March 20, 2009): The AWWA today joined the United Nations and water advocates throughout the world in recognizing the 16th annual World Water Day on March 22, 2009. Eighty-five Water Day events have been planned across 27 countries as of this release. The United States and Canada will hold 37 such events, the most of any region in the world. More information on world Water Day 2009 can be found at http://www.worldwaterday.org/

AWWA & NYSAWWA MILESTONES (1990 -2009)

1990 – AWWA membership reaches 51,955. AWWA & AWWARF develop Water Industry Data Base, forerunner to Water Stats. E.Coli 0157:H7 in water system suspected as cause of disease outbreak in Cabool, MO.
1991 – February, Water for People (WFP) founded by AWWA. USEPA promulgates Lead & Copper Rule; implementation issues nearly precipitate state primacy crisis.
1992 – AWWA launches Water Week. Water supply suspected in cryptosporidiosis outbreak in Medford, Ore.
1993 – Cryptosporidium outbreak in Milwaukee. 370,000 were ill, and 110 deaths reported. This was the largest outbreak of waterborne disease in modern US record.
1994 – AWWA Annual Conference was held in New York City, New York. .
1994 – Manoj Ajmera was the first recipient of the AWWA Platinum Presidential Award from New York Section for membership recruitment
1995 – December, AWWA membership grows to 54,100. AWWA joins with USEPA and other organizations to establish the partnership for Safe Water. AWWA goes online with
1996 – SDWA reauthorized.
1997 – Flooding inundates water facilities in North Dakota and Minnesota. AWWA produces award-winning youth education videos starring Ethel Mermaid and Tad Pole.
1998 – Bacteriological water quality issues on the forefront with the promulgation of the Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment and Stage I Disinfection By-Products Rules. Giardia, Crypto breakthroughs at Sydney water plant brings worldwide attention. Y2K concerns prompt utilities to action.
1999 – December 31, Utilities prepare for possible Y2K computer malfunctions. 199 marks the 25th anniversary of SDWA.
2000 – AWWA membership reaches 56, 825. Walkerton, Ontario crypto reported outbreak.
2001 – As a result of September 11 terrorist attack water utilities tighten security measures. Filter Backwash Rule promulgated.
2002 – Bio-terrorism Act requires water systems serving 3,300 or more people to conduct vulnerability assessments and complete emergency response plans.
2003 – Long- 2 Enhanced SWTR and the Stage 2 DPD Rule are proposed.
2004 – AWWA Journal celebrates 90th anniversary. Journal circulation reaches 46,300.
2005 – Twenty-first edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water & Wastewater published.
2006 – AWWA membership stands at 57,566. AWWA celebrates 125th anniversary.
2008 – Jeff Zdrojewski was elected AWWA Vice-President from New York Section
2009 - Effective January 2009 AWWA initiated a new biweekly electronic newsletter “AWWA Streamlines” , merging E-Mainstream and Water Week and expanding AWWA’s strong news coverage to more members.

EVENTS CALENDAR

April 21-23, 2009 – New York’s Water Event ’09 in Saratoga Springs, New York
May 6-7, 2009 – AWWA Seminar on Water Demand and Conservation Management: Planning, Policy, and Rates, Orlando, Fla.
May 20-21, 2009 – AWWA Seminar on Distribution System Assessment and Rehabilitation, Charlotte, N.C

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Jeanne Cooke (Mountain View Mobile Home Park)

Robert M. Fuchs

Michael Goodwin (Saratoga Springs City School District)

Louis J. Ingrassia (Town of Wallkill Water & Sewer Dept.)

Robert Lecher (RepLogix LLC)

Seth J. Schneider (Malcolm Pirnie Inc.)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

FAR AWAY THERE IN THE SUNSHINE ARE MY HIGHEST ASPIRATIONS. I MAY NOT REACH THEM BUT I CAN LOOK UP AND SEE THEIR BEAUTY, BELIEVE IN THEM, AND TRY TO FOLLOW THEM. Louisa May Alcott

What Does Everyone Think of This One?

2009-03-12T09:24:00.000-04:00

Board Review - 100th Anniversary Logo Ideas

2009-03-11T10:38:00.002-04:00

Additional Logo Ideas

2009-03-10T09:24:00.002-04:00

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100th Anniversary Logo Contest

2009-03-05T13:45:00.001-05:00

This post will be updated as more submissions come in. Please provide your comments on what you like/dislike and the board will take feedback into consideration when voting on TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2009 AT 2:30 P.M.! Thanks to our members who are submitting ideas!

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Monthly Newsletter for Section Leaders: Volume 1, Number 11 (March 2009)

2009-03-05T13:30:00.002-05:00

SECTION CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Shyam S. Mohanka, Ph. D., P.E., BCEE

Civil & Environmental Engineer

Discussion of second tier critical issues facing the water industry

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

Water utility managers understand that delivery of adequate supply of safe water is essential for public health protection. However, the 2007 and 2008 AWWA State of the Industry reports identified that one of the inadequately addressed issues by the water utility managers is the absence of an “industry-wide strategic direction”. There is a need to rise above local and regional politics to make important water management decisions. Bureaucracy seems to get in the way when hard-line issues need to be addressed. Politics are very costly to water.

The water supply industry is characterized by a very large investment with asset lifetimes ranging from 20 to 100 years. However, the very high replacement cost for existing infrastructure is pushing the water industry to seriously look for funding sources and water rate increase for making necessary repairs, replacements and regulatory mandated improvements. It is recommended that water utilities should formally develop a strategic plan to address the critical issues facing the water industry. The Strategic Direction Statement sets out long term vision, plans and aspirations to ensure that customers continue to receive a high quality service into the future at a sustainable and affordable cost. Here is a suggested Strategic Direction Statement over next 25 years for consideration:

. Provide continuous supply of safe water in sufficient quantity
. Ensure compliance with mandated regulatory improvements
. Plan for full cost recovery of infrastructure repairs, replacements, upgrades, including
Operation & maintenance of the water system
. Provide protection of water resources to ensure continuous supply of adequate quantity
of treatable water supply
. Implement workforce effective succession plan (Identify future workforce needs,
Allow the utility to compete effectively in the labor market and identify training,
recruitment and restructuring needs)
. Plan and educate all stakeholders (public, elected officials and decision makers) to
understand the true value of water and what it costs to deliver this service
. Implement effective, affordable state-of-the-art technology

. Minimize impact on the environment (Reduce energy use, proper handling of
Bio-solids & wastewater and consider impact of global warming/climate change)

TECHNOLOGY

Technology presented respondents with both opportunities and challenges as they tried to implement effective, affordable state-of-the-art advances. Members frequently recommended that water utilities must take advantage of membranes and energy-conservation technologies. The majority of publicly owned treatment works in the USA were constructed during the 1970s and 1980s. As these treatment plants begin to reach the end of their design lives, and as their effluent quality requirements become more restrictive, the need to rehabilitate or upgrade treatment is expanding and the use of innovative treatment technologies is vital.

ENERGY

Conserving energy and improving energy efficiency are the first step in reducing electricity and fuel use. Energy efficiency efforts reduce pollution and demand on resources, and can save money in many ways. With significant surges in energy prices during the last 12 months, it is time for water utilities to seriously consider renewable energy sources that are essentially inexhaustible (e.g. solar, wind, biomass). While fossil fuels are being depleted, renewable energy technologies provide a lasting source of energy. Utilities often resort to alternate, more expensive, polluting sources of energy during times of high-demand such as summer daytime hours. Reducing electricity use at the treatment plant facility during on-peak hours can help to minimize the need for utilities to operate beyond their base loads and can reduce their utility bill.

WASTEWATER

Wastewater, the least-mentioned issue for three years running, drew attention from respondents concerned about bio-solids disposal and storm water handling. The accumulated solids are the result of chemical coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation of raw water. Treatment and disposal of water treatment sludge and treatment of water filter backwash from a drinking water treatment system is eligible under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). CWSRF eligible project components include:

. Construction and/or replacement of sludge storage lagoons and tanks;
. Piping and pumping lines associated with sludge handling;
. Water treatment filter backwash piping, backwash water settling and/or storage tank and pumps, waste sludge piping, backwash recycle piping;
. Filter backwash and/or sludge treatment and disposal, including sludge handling equipment;
. Lime slurry storage and handling facilities;
. and Connection to municipal wastewater system.

Cost can be an important concern in waste disposal and often plays an important part in determining the disposal method used.

WATER FACTS, NEWS, IQ & TIPS

Water Facts (The Global Water Crisis): A person needs 4 to 5 gallons of water per day to survive. The average American individual uses 100 to 176 gallons of water at home each day.

Water-Related Disease Facts (The Global Water Crisis): 1.8 million children die each year from diarrhea – 4,900 deaths each day. No intervention has greater overall impact upon national development and public health than the provision of safe drinking water and the proper disposal of human waste.

AWWA Public Affairs Advisory (February 20, 2009): Drinking water utilities planning to introduce monochloramine into their systems should be aware of pockets of opposition from citizens’ groups in at least three states. The groups claim the disinfectant can cause rashes, respiratory problems and other negative health impacts. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Greg Kail at 303-734-3410 or gkail@awwa.org.

AWWA Public Affairs Advisory (March 2, 2009): During the week of March 16-20, 2009, WaterSense is launching its very first “Fix a Leak Week”, an opportunity to encourage individuals to improve the water efficiency in their homes by checking for and fixing leaks. For more information on “Fix a Leak Week” visit www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak

AWWA & NYSAWWA MILESTONES (1980-89)

1980 – The 15th edition of Standards Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater is published. R.Rhodes Trussell et al startle the industry with the achievement of a 13.5 gpm/sq.ft filtration rate at Los Angeles, Calif.
1981- AWWA celebrates first 100th anniversary. First AWWA Main Stream issue published. AWWA establishes Education, Engineering & Construction, and Research divisions.
1982 – Third amendment to National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NIPDWRs) – special monitoring requirements for corrosion and sodium goes into effect. AWWA launched Waternet. Iowa returns SDWA primacy to USEPA. AWWA Waternet is launched. AIDS makes news headlines.
1983 – USEPA sets 0.10 mg/l standard for total trihalomethanes.
1983 - Dr. William O. Lynch was elected AWWA President from New York Section
1984 – AWWA Journal circulation grows to almost 30,000.
1985 – December, AWWA membership rises to 38, 787. Abel Wolman Fellowship established.
1986 – Safe Drinking Water Act reauthorized. Challenger explodes 30 seconds after liftoff and nuclear accident at Chernobyl stunned the world.
1987 – Congress overrides presidential veto of Clean Water Act reauthorization. USEPA promulgates the Public Notification Rule, requiring water utilities to notify customers of any noncompliance with regulations, and the Phase I rule, setting maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs) for eight volatile organic contaminants. USEPA proposes Surface Water Treatment and total Coligorm Rules.
1988 – AWWA membership reaches 45,000. Water Industry Coordination Council founded. USEPA promulgates rule extending primacy to Indian tribes. Lead Contamination Control Act of 1988 amends SDWA.
1989 – USEPA proposes Phase II rule covering 39 organics and inorganic contaminants. AWWA Journal circulation exceeds 40,000. Zebra mussels become problem for northern water suppliers. Cryptosporidium found in 92% of source waters. Four people die in first outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in Cabool, GA. Exxon Valdez spills 11 million barrels of oil along the Alaska coast.

EVENTS CALENDAR

April 1-3, 2009 – AWWA Seminar on Financial Management, New Orleans, Louisiana
April 8-10, 2009 – Water Security Congress, Washington, D.C. (AWWA Conference)
April 8, 2009 – AWWA Web Cast on Water Resources in the West
April 22, 2009 – AWWA Web Cast on Trenchless Technology Applications in the Water Industry
April 20-23, 2009 – New York Section Annual Water Event, Saratoga Springs, New York

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Robert H. Auguston (field Point Mobile Home Park), Albert Baker (Breeze Eastern Comp.), Steven S. Bennett, Allen M. Hill and Rondell R. Potts (vulcraft of New York), Michael J. Boufis (Bethpage Water District), Ashley Brown (Malcolm Pirnie Inc.), Levi Carling (Town of Newfield), Michael E. Cook (U.S. Pipe), Bryan Gonzales and Scott John (Seneca Nation of Indians Tribal Utilities), Gary Holmes (NYSDEC), Thomas House (City of Oneonta WTP), Julie Hoy (Niagara Falls Water Board), David Osborn (Automatech Inc.), Rodney Peets (Ontario Water Utilities), Mark J. Searles (General Control Systems Inc.), Herb J. Werner (Fluid Metering Inc.) and Mark A. Yovella (Camo Pollution Control Inc.)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

THE ONLY THING TO DO WITH GOOD ADVICE IS PASS IT ON. IT IS NEVER ANY USE TO ONESELF. Oscar Wilde

Monthly Newsletter for Section Leaders: Volume 1, Number 10 (February 2009)

2009-02-09T20:07:00.002-05:00

SECTION CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Shyam S. Mohanka, Ph. D., P.E., BCEE

Civil & Environmental Engineer

Discussion of second tier critical issues facing the water industry

MACRO FACTORS

Macro factors can be described as major influences on the water industry that are outside the industry’s control. Among 2007 respondents, the two macro factors frequently mentioned were global warming/climate change and population growth. Regardless of your scientific interpretation or political stripe, it is clear that many parts of the world have experienced changing weather patterns and temperatures. Knowing how increasing temperatures will affect seasonal patterns of precipitation and what effects these changes will have on the water cycle is vitally important to water utilities. Water utilities must plan for uncertainties of climate change and its effects on water supplies and operations. Population increases and municipal and recreational uses, as well as growing uncertainties about the effects of climate change, call for a new approach to water use and water resource management. Although science hasn’t agreed on a model to predict the effects of rising temperatures, water utilities must make an attempt to do so and develop mitigation and adaptation strategies flexible enough to accommodate uncertainty.

Attendees made water supply a top priority at the January 2008 World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland and the effects of population growth and climate change on water management dominated the program. In February 2008, eight major US water agencies united to form the Water Utility Climate Alliance, acknowledging that plans for future investment in water infrastructure must accommodate climate change projections (SFPUC, 2008). Clearly, the specter of climate change is recognized by the water community as a significant challenge to sustainable and reliable water supplies.

DRINKING WATER QUALITY

Survey responses reflected rising concerns about distribution water quality or quality at the point of use, with some respondents worried that infrastructure issues such as aging and corrosion adversely affected water quality for the end user. An engineer in the Northeast wrote, “I live near the most advanced treatment plant in Massachusetts, but my water goes through 80-year old pipes. Bottled water is sold here by the caseloads due to taste.”

The drinking water industry has increasingly focused its attention on water quality in the distribution system as the dynamic nature of these systems becomes better understood. Meeting existing and new regulations, a traditional driver for water quality in the distribution system, remains a challenge as revised laws such as the Total Coliform Rule and the forthcoming Stage 2 Disinfection By-Product Rule take effect. AWWARF’s research has established that distribution systems should be viewed not as a static network or inert pipes, but as biological and chemical reactors with complex interactions and outcomes.

Through compliance with existing regulations or their own progressive water-quality programs, many utility managers now have data that illuminates how the dynamics of source water quality, treatment processes, disinfectant residual, pipe materials and condition, and other factors affect the quality of finished water en route to customers’ taps. Because these inter-dependent elements vary widely from utility to utility, no standard guidance is possible. Utility managers should take into account their own system’s variables and AWWARF’s research can help them to understand the dynamics of their particular systems, prior to making changes to it.

CONSUMERS

Water professionals are concerned about the image of tap water versus bottled water, the lack of public communication about the true value and cost of tap water service, and the need for more education to improve conservation compliance. Water has a special problem because many people believe it should be free. So how can we overcome that dilemma and get everyone to value water? Unlike the bottled water industry, we in the municipal drinking water industry have not effectively marketed the value of our product and our service. In order for people to be willing to pay for a product or service, they must perceive it to have value. We need to sharpen our focus and reach out to our customers, our community leaders, and our elected officials and educate them just what it takes to get a safe and sufficient supply of water. Whether they operate in a municipally owned or investor-owned environment, water utility managers are recognizing that customers are their most strategic asset. Consumer satisfaction is important to water utilities to minimize customer complaints and associated costs, maintain customer goodwill, and increase customer support for utility improvement initiatives. Water utilities must provide superior customer service using information technology (IT) available today to deliver that service. Consumer education has been inadequately addressed, according to a utility manager in the West who stressed the importance of “keeping customers aware of water issues like they’ve become aware of electricity and natural gas issues.” An executive in the Midwest said, “People need to know that like cable TV and electricity, the cost to produce water rises.”

WATER FACTS, NEWS, IQ & TIPS

Water Facts: Millions of women and children spend several hours a day collecting water from distant, often polluted sources. Water systems fail at a rate of 50% or higher. Every $ 1.00 spent on water and sanitation creates on average another $ 8 in costs averted and productivity gained.
Water-Related Disease Facts: Human health improvements are influenced not only by the use of clean water, but also by personal hygiene habits and the use of sanitation facilities. Close to half of all people in developing countries are suffering at any given time from a health problem caused by water and sanitation deficits.

AWWA Legislative Alert (January 15, 2009): The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations today unveiled its proposal for infrastructure spending in the upcoming economic stimulus bill. It would provide $ 2 billion for drinking water infrastructure, $ 6 billion for wastewater infrastructure, and $ 1.5 billion for rural water projects of both types. Visit www.awwa.org/jobcreation for more information.

AWWA News Release (January 20, 2009): The American Water Works Association (AWWA), in partnership with the Water ISAC (Water Information Sharing and Analysis Centers), today announced that it will provide U.S. member utilities serving fewer than 50,000 people with an opportunity to test-drive the Water ISAC Pro Internet-based security information system.

The NYSAWWA Career Center: Both AWWA members and non-members can post jobs on the new Section Website to reach qualified candidates. The NYSAWW Career Center offers its organizational, individual and non-members an easy-to-use and highly targeted resource for online employment connections. For details contact Jane Mercurio at 315-455-2614.

AWWA & NYSAWWA MILESTONES (1970-79)

1970 – US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is created. W. Leslie Harris achieves a filtration rate of 10 gpm/sq. ft. at Contra Costa, California.
1970 – Shyam Mohanka was the first recipient of AWWA Academic Achievement Award from New York Section on his Ph.D. thesis on “Multilayer Filtration of Suspensions”.
1971 – Allen Hazen was the first recipient of AWWA “Water Industry Hall of Fame” Award from New York section.
1972 – Overriding President Nixon’s veto Congress enacts the Clean Water Act. Denver is selected as the new home of AWWA. Canada and USA sign the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
1973 – George E. Symons was elected AWWA President from New York Section
1973 – Gunther F. Craun and Leland J. McCabe call for standards of Chemicals in drinking water. Donald J. Ptak et al report the distressing occurrence of klebsiella in a chlorinated water supply.
1974 – December, AWWA membership climbs to 23,500. Congress passes Public Law 93-523, and President Ford signs the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) into law. AWWA’s new logo incorporated into Journal’s cover design. Research work by Rook, Bellar, Lichtenberg and Kroner confirms the presence of chloroforms and other chlorinated compounds in drinking water as a result of chlorination.
1975 - AWWA publishes the first issue of Opflow.
1976 – W.R. Hutchinson’s work paves the way for reconsideration of direct filtration of high quality waters in the United States.
1977 – USEPA promulgates National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NIPDWRs). It covers inorganic, organic, and microbiological contaminants and turbildity. First amendment to NIPDWRs dealimg with radionuclides goes into effect.
1979 – The AWWA Water Utility Council established. USEPA promulgates an interim primary drinking water standard for total trihalomethanes of 0.1 mg/l

EVENTS CALENDAR

March 1-4, 2009 – AWWA Joint Conference on Customer Service/Information Management Technology, Charlotte, North Carolina
March 4-5, 2009 – AWWA Seminar on Climate Changes and Water Utilities, Arlington, VA
March 11, 2009 – AWWA Web Cast on High Technology Tools for Operators
March 15-18, 2009 – AWWA Membrane Technology Conference, Memphis, Tennessee
March 25, 2009 – AWWA Web Cast on Perchlorate and Emerging Contaminants: Where Are We Now?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

TWENTY YEARS FROM NOW YOU WILL BE MORE DISAPPOINTED BY THE THINGS THAT YOU DIDN’T DO THAN BY THE ONES YOU DID DO. SO THROW OFF THE BOWLINES, SAIL AWAY FROM THE SAFE HARBOR, CATCH THE TRADE WINDS IN YOUR SAILS, EXPLORE, DREAM AND DISCOVER. Mark Twain

Monthly Newsletter for Section Leaders: Volume 1, Number 9 (January 2009)

2009-01-21T09:27:00.003-05:00

SECTION CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Shyam S. Mohanka, Ph. D., P.E., BCEE
Civil & Environmental Engineer

Discussion of second tier critical issues facing the water industry

WATER TREATMENT

Water Professionals are particularly concerned about disinfectant choices and disinfection by-products.

The Risks of Waterborne Disease – Even where water treatment is widely practiced, constant vigilance is required to guard against waterborne disease outbreaks. Well-known pathogens such as E. Coli are easily controlled with chlorination, but can cause deadly outbreaks given conditions of inadequate or no disinfection. A striking example occurred in May 2000 in the Canadian town of Walkertown, Ontario. Seven people died and more than 2,300 became ill after E. Coli and other bacteria infected the town’s water supply. Some emerging pathogens such as Cryptosporidium are resistant to chlorination and can appear even in high quality water supplies. Cryptosporidium was the cause of the largest reported drinking water outbreak in U.S. history, affecting over 400,000 people in Milwaukee in April, 1993. More than 100 deaths are attributed to this outbreak.

The Challenge of Disinfection Byproducts – While protecting against microbial contamination is the top priority, water systems must also control disinfection byproducts (DBPs), chemical compounds formed unintentionally when chlorine and other disinfectants react with natural organic matter in water. Cost-effective methods to reduce DBP formation are available and should be adopted where possible. However, the World Health Organization has strongly cautioned “In order to ensure the microbial safety of drinking-water, disinfection should never be compromised in trying to meet guidelines for any disinfection by-products”.

The Future of Chlorine Disinfection – Despite a range of new challenges, drinking water chlorination will remain a cornerstone of waterborne disease prevention. Chlorine’s wide array of benefits cannot be provided by any other single disinfectant. While alternative disinfectants (including chlorine dioxide, ozone, and ultraviolet radiation) are available, all disinfection methods have unique benefits, limitations, and costs. Water system managers must consider these factors, and design a disinfection approach to match each system’s characteristics and source water quality. In addition, world leaders increasingly recognize safe drinking water as a critical building block of sustainable development. Chlorination can provide cost-effective disinfection for remote rural villages and large cities alike, helping to bring safe water to those in need. Where safe, piped water supplies are not available, chlorine can also be used for treating water in individual households, dramatically reducing risks of waterborne disease.

SECURITY

Threats to drinking water supplies are not new. Almost every water supply system is at risk to natural hazards, such as floods, drought, earthquakes, landslides, storms, and high winds. Security was the second most critical issue in 2004, but with heightened security measures now in place and the absence of recent domestic terrorist attacks, security has dropped in the rankings. However, respondents stressed that the water utilities must be fully prepared for both human-caused terrorism and natural disasters. Interest in such problems has increased greatly since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. There are no federal standards or agreed upon industry best practices within the water infrastructure sector to govern readiness, response to security incidents, and recovery. Efforts to develop protocols and tools are ongoing since the 2001 terrorist attacks. In response, Congress has provided $ 780.00 million in appropriations for security at water infrastructure facilities (to assess and protect federal facilities and support vulnerability assessments by non-federal facilities) and passed a bill requiring drinking water utilities to conduct security vulnerability assessments (P.L. 107-188). When Congress created the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2002 (P.L. 107-297), it gave DHS responsibilities to coordinate information to secure the nation’s critical infrastructure, including the water sector.

The threats are minimal, but real, and water system owners, operators, and managers should take them seriously. Formal emergency response plans should be in place. Many systems already have emergency preparedness plans in place. The age of innocence that water system owners, managers, and operators enjoyed for many years has come to an end.

WATER FACTS, NEWS, IQ & TIPS

Water Facts: Less than 1% of the world’s fresh water (or about 0.007% of all water on earth) is readily accessible for direct human use. A person can live weeks without food, but only days without water.

Water-Related Disease Facts: 88% of all diseases are caused by unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene. At any given time, half of the world’s hospital beds are occupied by patients suffering from a water-related disease.

AWWA News Release (January 6, 2009): Shovel-Ready Projects would stimulate economy and drinking water infrastructure investment could create 400,000 jobs. The American Water Works Association (AWWA), is urging Congress to include water infrastructure projects in the stimulus legislation now being considered. Additional information on the impact of water infrastructure funding can be found at www.awwa.org/jobcreation.

AWWA News Release (January 8, 2009): The American Water Works Association has been selected to receive the prestigious CINE Award for the DVD “Water Reuse for a Sustainable Future”. This DVD is designed for water providers who want to inform communities, water boards, mayors, governors, etc. on the positive potential of reuse for creating a more sustainable water supply.

AWWA & NYSAWWA MILESTONES (1960-69)

1960 – Walter R. Conley and Raymond W. Pitman report the value of polymer use for achieving high filtration rates at Hanford, Washington.
1961 – W.R. Conley identifies ways to optimize dual media design with anthracite sand filters. Harry N. Lowe Jr. contemplates the problems of water supply on the moon.
1962 – USPHS revises its 1946 drinking water standards with the “Manual of Recommended Water Sanitation Practice”. AWWA endorses it as “Minimum
criteria of quality for all Public Water Supplies in the United States”. All 50 states accept standards as either guidelines or regulations. Neptune Microfloc introduces a three-component mixed media filter.
1963 – John C. Copley was elected AWWA President from New York Section. The interstate compact for the Delaware River Basin Commission is approved by Congress and signed by the governors of New York, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
1964 – December 31, AWWA membership reaches 16,403. Neptune introduces the first encoder register with the ability to electronically communicate a meter reading. S.R. Weibel et al report on waterborne disease outbreaks from 1946 to 1960.
1965 – Cannonsville Reservoir supplying the city of New York is placed in service.
1966 – The Federal Water Pollution Control Act amended, enacted and signed into law. The AWWA Research Foundation is founded.
1967 – AWWA opens Washington, D.C., office for Environmental, Legislation, and Regulatory Information Stewart L. Udall proposes the use of advanced waste treatment for recycling and reusing water.
1968 – Neptune demonstrates the feasibility of reading water meters over telephone lines.
1969 – NASA develops innovative recycling programs and astronauts take drinking water to the moon. W. R. Conley and K.Y. Hsuing describe the design and application of multimedia filters.

EVENTS CALENDAR

February 4, 2009 – AWWA Web Cast on Economic Stimulus Plan – How it
Impacts on the Water Industry
February 11, 2009 – AWWA Web Cast on Advanced Disinfection of Pipeline and Storage Facilities
February 12-13, 2009 – AWWA Research Symposium: Emerging Organic Contaminants, Austin, TX.
February 17-19, 2009 – AWWA/WEF Utility Management Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana
February 25, 2009 – AWWA Web Cast on Quagga/Zebra Mussel Control
February 26-27, 2009 – AWWA Seminar: Media Relations in Water & Wastewater, Los Angeles, CA.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Russell Betters (NYC DEP)
Alexander Kevin Eng (Dvirka & Bartilucci)
Leslie J. Kessler (PureSafe Water Systems Inc)
Vincent Kopicki (Department of Public Works)
Kevin Madonna (Kennedy & Madonna LLP)
Donna Mancuso (Suffolk County Water Authority)
Michael Perlow (Michael Perlow Jr. Co.)
Paul Sposato (Fire-End & Croker Corporation)
Bjorn Voneuler (ITT Corporation)
Dale A. Walker (Olean Water Department)
Robert Wiltshire (R.M. Headlee Co.)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

YOU DON’T PLAY BECAUSE YOU GROW OLD. YOU GROW OLD BECAUSE YOU DON’T PLAY. DON’T BE THE FIRST TO GROW OLD. Thomas Alva Edison

New Website Launched

2009-01-06T15:19:00.002-05:00

New York Section AWWA has launched its new website! Check out the great changes we have made, including several enhancements to the homepage - we now have included a general statement about who we are and what we do, right on the main page. It should be easier to find what you're looking for, the site offers more flexibility with highlighting events and projects. The most important change is that the Section will no longer outsource maintenance of the website - our staff is handling this right in-house!

Other changes include:

link to scholarship information
job page (yet to be developed)
"contact us" link and information
space and ability to post our volunteer resources in a more organized manner

Jane, Jessica, and I are all very excited to hear what you have to say about the new look. Please comment here, send us an email, or give us a call!

Go to the website now!

Monthly Newsletter for Section Leaders: Volume 1, Number 8 (December 2008)

2008-12-18T13:32:00.002-05:00

SECTION CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Shyam S. Mohanka, Ph. D., P.E., BCEE
Civil & Environmental Engineer

Discussion of one of the top five critical issues facing the water industry

Workforce - A survey of 116 utilities conducted by the Black and Veatch Corporation for the American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AWWARF) and the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) found that these utilities expected to lose 14 percent of staff to retirement within five years and 27 percent in ten years. The general public is unaware of the importance of public works or what has to happen in order to provide clean, safe water to our homes. Couple this with the fact that salaries are often 25 to 40 percent below similar industry positions and as such, workers aren’t flocking to town hall looking for jobs. Management’s challenge will be to capture the operational knowledge of retirees, to modify the training of the replacement workforce for the new (higher tech) utility, implement true leadership succession planning, improve the retention of desired workers and enter into partnerships with their local community colleges and other learning institutions to improve the preparedness of the new worker pool.

Succession planning is the process of ensuring that the right people, appropriately trained, are in the right place and at the right time to accomplish the utility’s mission and objectives. The critical steps involved in succession planning are as follows:

. Assess the current workforce
. Analyze the future workforce
. Identify required transitions and existing gaps
. Develop Strategies to fill the gaps and make the transition to a high performing
Organization

The effective succession planning will identify workforce needs, allow the utility to compete effectively in the labor market and identify training, recruitment and restructuring needs.

The solutions we begin crafting today will result in an easier transition down the road. When it’s all said and done, hard work now will result in a deeper understanding of our utilities, a better experience for system personnel (those on the way out as well as those on the way in) and confidence that we won’t compromise the public health of our communities.

WATER FACTS, NEWS, IQ & TIPS

Water Facts: 2.6 billion people in the world lack access to improved sanitation
Water-Related Disease Facts: For children under age five, water related diseases are the leading cause of death
Water Conservation Tip: Households using automatic timers consume 50% more water than households that operate systems manually. Only use the automatic timer when you’re out of town, and then be sure you have a rain sensor
AWWA Public Affairs Advisory (December3, 2008): This Friday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) will release the results of its 2003-2005 monitoring study examining a broad range of organic compounds in source and finished water at nine drinking water plants across the country. The study was a part of the National Water-quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program of the USGS and characterized the occurrence of 277 organic compounds in the drinking water supply to better understand their sources. More information about the data release or NAWQA program can be found at http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/.

AWWA & NYSAWWA MILESTONES (1950-59)

1950 – Wallace & Tiernan introduces the continuous amperometric chlorine residual recorder. Filter Material Standard B 100 is published.
1951 – AWWA appoints the first committee for investigation of research projects; work eventually revolves into the Research Foundation. Malcolm Pirnie outlines the objectives of a national water policy. Hazen & Sawyer is founded.
1952 – AWWA Transmission and Distribution of Water Division established
1953 – Wallace & Tiernan introduces automatic residual control
1954 – AWWA Journal circulation reaches 10,000
1955 – New York City receives from the US Supreme Court an amendment to the 1931 decree that enables it to develop the West Branch of the Delaware River. American Cast Iron Pipe Company ships its first ductile-iron pipe.
1956 – AWWA Directors issue policy statement opposing the “Cross Connections of Water Supplies with other supplies of uncertain nature regarding the return of used water to mains”. First hermetically sealed meter developed
1958 – US Congress passes the Water Supply Act, making storage available to cities and industries from federal multipurpose reservoirs
1959 – The World Health Organization (WHO) issues the first edition of international standards for drinking water. John R. Baylis reviews the development of filter bed design and washing methods.
1959 – NYSAWWA membership stands at 900 after 45 years

EVENTS CALENDAR

January 14-15, 2009 – NYSAWWA Winter Board Meeting, Saratoga Springs, NY
January 25-27, 2009 – AWWA Water Resources Symposium, Portland, Oregon
January 28, 2009 – AWWA Web Cast on Advanced Technologies in Metering
January 29-31, 2009 – AWWA Membership Summit, San Antonio, Texas

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Bethany Acquisto (Daigler Engineering PC)
Patricia Cerro-Reehil (NYWEA)
Bryan Connor (Ti-Sales Inc.)
Christina Marie Corrigan (Malcolm Pirnie Inc.)
Adam Cummings (MRB Group)
Charles R. Fernandez (All’s Well Drinking Water Svc. & Rpr.)
Thomas Lauro (Westchester County Water Agency)
William C. Link (Pace University)
Brian M. Rohan (Rohan Engineering PC)
Frank Russo (Holzmacher McLendon & Murrell PC)
John E. Ryan (Water Authority Western Nassau County)
Dennis Scorcia and Tom Warren (Fluid Metering Inc.)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

TO ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS, WE MUST NOT ONLY ACT, BUT ALSO DREAM; NOT ONLY PLAN, BUT ALSO BELIEVE. Anatole France

Monthly Newsletter for Section Leaders: Volume 1, Number 7 (November 2008)

2008-11-07T07:51:00.003-05:00

SECTION CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Shyam S. Mohanka, Ph. D., P.E., BCEE
Civil & Environmental Engineer

Discussion of one of the top five critical issues facing the water industry

Infrastructure – Drinking water treatment plants, sewer lines, drinking water distribution and storage facilities ensure protection of public health and the environment. As a nation, we have built this extensive network of infrastructure to provide the public with access to water and sanitation. Much of the drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in the US was built 30 years following World War II, mirroring the increase in population.

Huge infrastructure assets installed after World War II are due for replacement, but funding may be elusive. Another difficulty is the imbalance between the cost of delivering water service and the rates that can be charged before outraging customers, taxpayers, and politicians. It is important to consider replacement of old systems. Other issues in this infrastructure category include cross-connection concerns, water leakage and accounting, and water storage. The declining infrastructure has collateral effects on other issues as well. Time and money are spent on treatment requirements to send through old, decaying infrastructure, negating the level of treatment.

EPA is committed to promoting sustainable practices that will help to reduce the potential gap between funding needs and spending at the local and national level. The Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative guides our efforts in changing how the nation views, values, manages, and invest in its water infrastructure. The EPA is working with the water industry to identify best practices that have helped many of the nation’s utilities address a variety of management challenges and extend the use of these practices to a greater number of utilities. We believe that collaboration with a coalition of leaders, with EPA playing a prominent role can build a roadmap for the future promotion of sustainable infrastructure through a Four Pillars approach:

. Better Management of Water and Wastewater Utilities,
. Rates that Reflect the Full Cost Pricing of Services,
. Efficient Water Use, and
. Watershed Approaches to Protection.

Congress is again considering economic stimulus legislation, possibly in a “lame duck” session after the November elections. Legislation recently approved by the House of Representatives (H.R. 7110) included $ 6.5 billion for Clean Water infrastructure projects. Those funds would immediately provide work in the fields of construction, engineering, environmental planning and add lasting value to America’s vital infrastructure.

WATER FACTS, NEWS, IQ & TIPS

Water Facts: 1.1 billion people lack access to an improved water supply – approximately one in six people on earth (Ref: 2006 United Nations Human Development Report)

Water-Related Disease Facts: every 15 seconds, a child dies from a water-related disease (Ref: Number estimated from statistics in the 2006 United Nations Human Development Report)

News: On Friday October 3, 2008 EPA released the prepublication version of its preliminary determination not to regulate perchlorate. The prepublication of the preliminary regulatory determination includes a fact sheet and is available here.

AWWA & NYSAWWA MILESTONES (1940-49)

1940 – 2,275 rapid sand filter plants active in USA, 120 in Canada. 67% of the US population’s drinking water is either filtered or disinfected. AWWA creates standard
C-502, the first on fire hydrants and Eric Johnson takes over editorial responsibility for the Journal.
1941 – Toledo, Ohio, completes construction of an entirely new Lake Erie water supply system designed by Greeley and Hansen.
1942 – US Public Health Service adopts drinking water standards. Henry Marks invents the Amperometric Titrator for measuring chlorine
1944 – AWWA Journal circulation climbs to 5,400 more than doubling within a decade.
1945 – Fluoride added to drinking water to help prevent tooth decay in Grand Rapids, MI. On March 31, 5,606 members of AWWA reported. J.M. Montgomery Consulting Engineers is founded.
1945 – A new pattern of NYSAWWA meeting places (Upstate locations as well as in New York City) was established in the fall of 1945.
1946 – Typhoid death rate has dropped to 0.15 per 100,000 in USA. CH2M Hill Consulting Engineers is founded.
1947 – Camp Dresser & McKee is founded.
1948 – AWWA Management and Water Resources divisions established. AWWA issues controversial statement endorsing fluoridation. Federal Water Pollution Control Act passed by US Congress. Linn H. Enslow was elected AWWA President from New York Section.

EVENTS CALENDAR

November 5 – AWWA Web Cast on Environmental Values in Water Industry
November 12 – AWWA will host a special “Brown Bag” Web Cast titled “The New Administration: A Forecast”
November 13/14 – AWWA Seminar on “Mapping Your Course to a Successful Workforce Plan”, at the Hilton Ft Worth in Texas
November 16 -20 – Water Quality Technology Conference & Exposition, Cincinnati, Ohio
November 19-20 – Edwin C. Tifft, Jr. Water Supply Symposium, East Syracuse, New York

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Jack Bozeat (Village of Nyack Water Department)
Chris Caralyus (American Design Consultants)
David N. Gardinier (City of Rome)
Joseph Gazzal and Bert Moon (Mohawk Valley Water Authority)
Anthony Palamara and Patrick M. Sherlock (Onondaga County Water Authority)
William Perkins (Village of Skaneateles)
Verl Preston (Test America Laboratories)
Eugene B. stock (West Canada Vellaey Central School)
Joseph Zarecki (Zarecki & Associates, LLC)
Joseph H. Tompkins

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

THE WORK GOES ON, THE CAUSE ENDURES, THE HOPE STILL LIVES AND THE DREAMS SHALL NEVER DIE. Edward Kennedy

Monthly Newsletter for Section Leaders: Volume 1, Number 6 (October 2008)

2008-10-10T10:02:00.005-04:00

SECTION CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Shyam S. Mohanka, Ph. D., P.E., BCEE
Civil & Environmental Engineer

Discussion of one of the top five critical issues facing the water industry

Water Resources - One of the most critical issue facing drinking water managers involve water resources. Water is a limited resource that must be managed cooperatively, including supply, quality, and regulatory issues. We are fortunate in that New York State is considered water rich and, possibly with the exception of Rockland County, source water supply is not a critical issue.

When drinking water, we must think of its source. Up until 1986, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) focused on treating water, but it was amended in 1986 and 1996 to protect the sources of drinking water through its Wellhead Protection and Source Water Assessment and Protection programs, respectively. These programs serve to protect drinking water from source to tap by creating barriers between drinking water sources and potential contaminants.

Implementing these amendments, however, placed additional financial and human resource demands on the states. Knowing the steps to take to protect wellheads and source water is the easy part for water utilities. What is not so easy is finding the funding to finance the project. But money is out there; it’s just a matter of knowing where to look. For example, states can solicit money from local source water protection organizations and other environmental groups, use state general revenue funds, state fee programs, capital programs, planning programs, community development block grants, state revolving funds, and partner with local businesses, urban programs, wetland programs, land acquisition programs, and education programs. When putting together a funding package, the USEPA suggests asking the question, “What else is going on in my watershed or wellhead protection areas?” A broad-based approach that includes various land uses and stakeholders within a watershed can open more funding sources than can a more narrowly-based approach. Including wetlands as a part of the plan, for instance, could open up financing opportunities through the US Department of Agriculture’s Wetland Reserve Program, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

However, most people in the water industry have come to recognize that a significant increase in federal funding isn’t likely to happen soon, and utilities need to raise rates to fund their cost of service. In August 1997, EPA issued a source water assessment and protection guidance for states to use to complete source water assessments for their public water systems. States, water systems, and the public can work together using federal funding to protect the highest priority sources identified in the assessments.

WATER FACTS, NEWS, IQ & TIPS

EPA Works with Builders on Water Sense New Homes Program (www.epa.gov/watersense) - As part of its efforts to encourage water efficiency across the country, the USEPA announced on August 1, 2008 that five builders will participate in the Water-Efficient Single-Family New Homes Pilot Program. The builders will construct homes designed to meet the Water Sense program’s draft specification for new homes. “Building green means saving green and blue,” said Benjamin H. Grumbles, EPA’s assistant administrator for water. “Water-efficient homes are the wave of the future; they save water, energy, and money, and that’s good news for families and communities across America.

AWWA & NYSAWWA MILESTONES (1930-39)

1930 – Typhoid death rate falls to 2.5 per 100,000 population in USA. M.M. Braidech recommends the ammonia-chlorine process as a means of taste prevention and effective sterilization.
1931 – Abel Wolman and Arthur Gorman produce landmark study on waterborne disease focusing on typhoid fever during 1920-30. AWWA’s 50th Annual Conference was held in Pittsburgh, PA. U.S. Supreme Court rules that New York can obtain 440 mgd from the Delaware Watershed.
1933 – Malcolm Pirnie was elected AWWA President from New York Section. Century of Progress Exposition, Chicago; Sewer pipe in Congress Hotel leaks into filtered water supply, causing amoebic dysentery outbreak; 1,409 ill - 98 deaths.
1934 – December 31, AWWA has 2,350 members. Journal AWWA’s circulation reaches 2,400. AWWA Annual Conference was held in New York City, New York.
1935 – USFilter’s General Filter Group launches iron and manganese removal in Ames, Iowa.
1936 – AWWA establishes a General Policy Council.
1937 – Harry Jordan becomes AWWA’s first full time administrator and new Journal AWWA editor. AWWA Annual Conference was held in Buffalo, New York.
1938 – Reeves Newsom was elected President from New York Section.
1939 – December, A. Griffin reports on research on chlorine residual curves and the “breakpoint” of chlorination. CBI builds the first all-welded Watersphere tank in Longmont Colorado.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Dale G. Albeck (Broome County Health Department)

Dennis Johnson
Raveendram Narayanan and Mace Rothman (City of Long Beach)
Doug Kinsley (Village of Waverly)
George Sigelakis (Sigelock Systems LLC)
Randall R. Trombly (County Living MH Court)

EVENTS CALENDAR

November 5 – AWWA WEBCAST on Environmental Values in the Water Industry
November 16-20 – AWWA Water Quality Technology Conference, Cincinnati, OH
November 19-20 – NYSAWWA Tifft Symposium, Syracuse, NY

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

YOU CANNOT ESCAPE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TOMORROW BY EVADING IT TODAY Abraham Lincoln

Water for People Golf Tournament

2008-09-22T15:53:00.015-04:00

We had a nice, sunny day with some wind for our annual Water for People Golf Tournament at The Links at Union Vale in Lagrangeville. Below are some photos of the day!

Monthly Newsletter for Section Leaders: Volume 1, Number 5 (September 2008)

2008-09-17T12:12:00.004-04:00

SECTION CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Shyam S. Mohanka, Ph. D., P.E., BCEE, Civil & Environmental Engineer

Discussion of one of the top five critical issues facing the water industry

Business Factors (Financing repairs/replacements/upgrades) - In the category of business factors, water professionals are primarily concerned about the expense and financing of infrastructure replacement and the imbalance between the cost of delivering quality water service and the rates that can be charged. It is absolutely essential to have adequate funding and realistic water rates for financing repairs, replacing aging and failing infrastructure, and handling necessary upgrades including operation and maintenance of the water system facilities. Other business issues include financing to meet new regulations, security financing, utility privatization and consolidation, and the general overall increased degree of difficulty in sustaining new construction and operations of small water systems.

Clearly adequate financing whether for infrastructure or regulatory compliance or other critical issues is a significant challenge for the water industry. Most people in the water industry have come to recognize that a significant increase in federal funding isn’t likely to happen soon, and utilities need to raise rates to match their cost of service. It will be the best policy to plan for full cost recovery and the importance of getting into a dialog with customers about the true value of water. We don’t perceive a crisis now, but being prudent planners we know that if we don’t put into place a funding plan for total cost recovery and start maintaining a general public awareness about the importance of water infrastructure, we could have a crisis.

2008-09 Chair’s Initiatives

Establish NYSAWWA Education Fund – The Education Fund will become a permanent source of funding for education, training and scholarship programs. Charitable donations from individuals & organizations (Members & Non-Members, Water Companies, Consultants, Manufacturers, etc.) will form a financial basis. The Education Fund will allow NYSAWWA to reach out to operators of water systems by underwriting their training costs. Several fellowship categories (NYSAWWA Education Fellow, NYSAWWA Sustaining Education Member and NYSAWWA Education Charter Member) will be established to recognize contributors. The operation and management of this fund will be handled by the newly established Education Fund Committee.

Recognition of Section Leaders & Volunteers – Section Chair’s citation certificates will be issued to Board Members, Committee Chairs and Volunteers for handling special projects successfully during the term 2008-09. These certificates will be issued at the annual water event in April 2009.

Establish Outstanding Water Utility Awards – Awards will be established for best management, operation and maintenance of large, medium and small water systems in New York State. Selection of water systems will be based on compliance with Part 5, SSC, SDWA, Plant Maintenance & Personnel Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness of a water system.

Establish Outstanding Engineering Design Awards – Awards will be established to identify and reward the best water treatment plant design in New York State. Final selection will be based on verification of finished water quality, ease of operation & maintenance, built-in safety and security features, emergency preparedness of the WTP during emergencies and cost.

Establish Centennial Celebration Calendar – The planning calendar will include initiatives to be implemented during pre-centennial years (2008-13) and celebration plans during the centennial year (2014). The Centennial Celebration calendar will serve as the road map leading up to the centennial celebrations in 2014.

WATER FACTS, NEWS, IQ & TIPS

Water Security Division, June 2008 – A Water Quality Event Detection System challenge has been posted (www.epa.gov/watersecurity) on June 27, 2008. Potential participants include researchers, software developers, product vendors, or anyone else with software capable of detecting anomalous conditions in drinking water. The schedule calls for initial public presentation of results in summer 2009

Water Saving Tips – Check for leaks in taps, pipes and hoses. It’s an easy way to save water. One slow drip can waste 20 gallons of water daily (7,000 gallons per year)

AWWA & NYSAWWA MILESTONES (1920-29)

1920 – The AWWA Standardization Council formed. Journal AWWA begins publishing bi-monthly. Beekman C. Little was elected AWWA President from New York Section.

1921 – US Public Health Service adopts drinking water standards for coliform, and inorganic chemicals. Abel Wolman becomes editor of Journal AWWA.

1922 – American Cast Iron Pipe Company installs first cement-lined pipe.

1923 – John R. Baylis develops a fixed piping grid system for surface wash in filtration. George W. Fuller was elected AWWA President from New York Section.

1924 – Wolman expands Journal AWWA to 12 issues a year. On February 9, The Shandaken Aqueduct opens to supply New York City. December 1, AWWA membership expands to 2,134. AWWA Annual Conference was held in New York City, New York

1925 – Harry F. Huy was elected AWWA President from New York Section

1926 – The first Leopold Duplex Concrete Filter Bottom is installed in Wilkinsburg, Pa., a suburb of Pittsburgh. AWWA Annual Conference was held in Buffalo, New York

1927 – Membrane filter become commercially available.

1928 – Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California formed. AWWA works to help found Federation of Sewage Works Association. William W. Bush was elected AWWA President from New York Section.

1929 – American Cast Iron Pipe Company develops mechanical joint for gray iron pipe.

EVENTS CALENDAR

NYSAWWA Training (click link for courses)

October 1 – AWWA WEBCAST on Carbon Sequestration Rule
October 15 – AWWA WEBCAST on Total Coliform Rule: Proposed Revisions
Oct 20-23 – Backflow Prevention Device Tester Training & Certification, OCWA Building, Syracuse

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Roy Hanville (Wagner Hardwoods LLC)
Stacey Keon (Pulsafeeder Inc. A Unit of IDEX Corp.)
Bruce Kiselica (USEPA, Region 2)
Matt McTarnaghan (Village of Genesco)
Carl Mende (DynaTech Control Solutions Inc.)
Brian Petrie (Lock City Supply Inc.)
Brian W. Pittitt (Total Piping Solutions Inc.)
Daryl M. Piontek (Total Piping Solutions Inc.)
Bruce Singleton, P.E.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

TO ACHIEVE ALL THAT IS POSSIBLE, WE MUST ATTEMPT THE IMPOSSIBLE, TO BE AS MUCH AS WE CAN BE, WE MUST DREAM OF BEING MORE. Gale Baker Stanton

Article on Droughts for Aquarius

2008-08-27T10:25:00.000-04:00

The Publications Committee is looking for an article on the US drought situation, for our next Aquarius. If you have an article on this topic, please submit your paper with high resolution photos/charts, to aquarius@nysawwa.org for the committee to consider, by September 19, 2008. You will be notified by October 22, 2008 if your paper is selected.

Monthly Newsletter for Section Leaders: Volume 1, Number 4 (August 2008)

2008-08-11T09:56:00.004-04:00

CHAIR'S MESSAGE

Shyam S. Mohanka, Ph. D., P.E., BCEE
Civil & Environmental Engineer

Discussion of one of the top five critical issues facing the water industry
Regulatory Impact on the Water Utilities - Water Professionals are generally concerned about compliance with new regulations, the scientific basis of new regulations and the value of new regulations relative to their cost. Continuing to regulate contaminants one by one is not sustainable in the long term and there must be a balance between real-world abilities and the need to meet increasing regulatory requirements. Streamlining drinking water regulations and their implementation is essential to the long-term efficacy and viability of the US regulatory program.

Over the 30-year history of the Safe Drinking Water Act, an immense regulatory maze and administrative superstructure has developed that may now be at risk of collapsing under its own weight. Lack of adequate funding to comply with new regulations is a matter of great concern for water utilities, especially the construction and operation of water system facilities to meet the ever increasing mandated improvements. The regulatory tangle and administrative superstructure has strained financial and personnel resources especially at a time when state agencies and water utilities face shrinking budgets and economic downturn. In fact, traditionally low water rates might need to be raised to cover the actual costs of state primacy.

Everyone agrees that drinking water regulations and regulatory oversight are necessary, but if the US regulatory program is to survive, we must regulate smartly, efficiently, and economically.

Water for People Charity Golf Tournament
The 4th annual Water for People Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled on September 15, 2008 at the “Links at Union Vale” near Poughkeepsie, New York. Our goal in 2008-09 is to raise approximately $ 15,000.00 through various fund raising events, as well as personal and corporate donations. As a water professional, you realize the vast importance of safe drinking water. Your support will help many people take their first step out of life threatening health concerns and poverty. Thank you for supporting the 4th annual charity golf tournament and considering this request on behalf of the Water for People and those we serve around the world.

Sponsorship and registration forms are available at http://www.nysawwa.org/ or contact Jessica in the Section Office.

WATER FACTS, NEWS, IQ & TIPS

The Water Policy Institute (http://www.waterpolicyinstitute.com/) – A non-partisan, member driven organization of water leaders, including scientists, academics, water users, industries, water suppliers, government entities and non-governmental organizations was formed in May 2008. Its purpose is to collaboratively develop innovative, sustainable solutions for water supply and quality issues, and to provide leadership on legal, regulatory and policy issues involving water locally, nationally, and internationally. Christine Todd Whitman, former EPA Administrator and past Governor of New Jersey, is the Chair of the institute.

Water Saving Tips – Turn off the water while you shave and you can save more than 100 gallons a week.

AWWA & NYSAWWA MILESTONES (1910-19)

1910 – Thousands flee Naples, Italy to escape cholera epidemic and chlorine purification at the Boonton plant approved in New Jersey
1911 – AWWA Annual Conference was held in Rochester, New York
1912 – Charles Wallace and Martin Tiernan create gas chlorination system for drinking water. Niagara Falls Water Treatment Plant first utilizes liquid chlorine for disinfection.
1914 – First federal drinking water standards adopted (limited to bacteriological quality and legally binding only on water supplies used by interstate carriers). Many state and local governments adopted 1914 standards as guidelines. Standards were revised in 1925, 1942, and 1946.
1914 – Journal AWWA begins publication as a quarterly with a circulation of 1,200. Typhoid statistics show death toll to be 16.2 per 100,000 as of 1913. Henry C. Hodgkins proposes dual distribution systems as a conservation measure. Greeley and Hansen engineers founded.
1914 – AWWA drafts first constitution creating geographical “Sections”, the concept still used today. New York Section was established and held its first meeting at the Manhattan Hotel, New York City on January 10, 1914. The New York section, at first included members from New Jersey was the first AWWA section to be inaugurated in 1914.
1915 – Nicholas S. Hill Jr. was elected AWWA President from New York
1915 – Panama Canal opens, with Ross valves regulating pressure that controls its gates. S.T. Powell observes effect of ozone on algae growth.
1916 – Kentucky, Ultraviolet disinfection process used. Francis F. Longley reports on the status of disinfection of US water supplies. Joseph Race’s landmark article advances the ammonia-chlorine process of disinfection. AWWA Annual Conference was held in New York City, New York. Black & Veatch is founded.
1917 – John M. Goodell becomes editor of Journal AWWA. Northern Gravel begins production of filter media and support gravel.
1918 – Abel Wolman and Linn H. Enslow develop the Wolman-Enslow chemical formula for treating water with chlorine at filtration plants.
1919 – Journal AWWA becomes a bimonthly. AWWA Annual Conference was held in Buffalo, New York

EVENTS CALENDAR

September 15 – Water for People Charity Golf Tournament, Links at Union Vale, NY
September 17 – AWWA WEBCAST on PVC Pipe in the Field
September 21-24 – AWWA Distribution System Symposium & Exposition, Austin, TX

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Bruce W. Barton (Village of Endicott Water Dept.), David Dunston (American Water), Nicholas R. Fisher (Village of Silver Springs), James F. Gaughran (Suffolk County Water Authority), Michell Goldstein (Skanska USA Civil), Harry J. Hagan, Rita Mitchell (Clinton County Health Dept.), Joseph Toscano (Severn Trent Services), Philip Erik Whitney (City of Ithaca DPW W & S Division) and David A. Winter

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. Dale Carnegie

AWWA Summer Workshop in Denver

2008-07-28T14:17:00.004-04:00

Connie Schreppel and I attended the AWWA Summer Workshop in Denver, last week. There were lots of people there, representing almost all 43 Sections in AWWA. We met and heard from the new executive director, Gary Zimmerman, who plans to bring AWWA from GOOD to GREAT. He has great vision and is already implementing change. Lots of staff from AWWA were there and available to talk to about programs, events, and initiatives. Some ideas we got:

Reaching new audiences and potential members through the internet - blogging, facebook/myspace, web 2.0, and enhancing websites to be more interactive.
Making conferences successful, setting objectives, using SurveyMonkey to assess our events.
Reaching out to new potential members, currently outside of the water industry. In addition to high school and college students, look at displaced (laid off) workers, ex-military personnel, people returning to the workforce.
Working with our boards to improve the work we do (through self-evaluation and other tools).

We will bring ideas back to the board at our meeting in mid-August.

We also learned that AWWA is working on affiliation agreements between AWWA and its Sections. This will be undertaken by a committee of volunteers (the majority are AWWA Board Members) representing many Sections.

Any comments? We would like to hear from you!

Monthly Newsletter for Section Leaders - Volume 1, Number 3 (July 2008)

2008-07-07T09:02:00.004-04:00

SECTION CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Shyam S. Mohanka, Ph. D., P.E., BCEE
Civil & Environmental Engineer

Most Critical Issues Facing the water industry – According to the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) 2007 State of the Industry Report, the most critical issues facing the water industry involve:

regulatory factors (Complying with new regulations)
business factors (Financing repairs/replacements/upgrades)
water resources (water supply/shortage and Source water protection)
infrastructure (aging and failing infrastructure)
workforce (lack of qualified workers/salary/prestige and Aging workforce/loss of industry knowledge)

In addition to the top five issues, second tier of critical issues include:

water treatment (Concerns about disinfectant choices and disinfection by-products)
security (Preparation to handle terrorism and natural disasters)
macro factors (Impact of global warming/climate change and population growth)
drinking water quality (All issues associated with water quality and safety)
consumers (Image of tap water versus bottled water, the lack of public communication about the true value and cost of tap water service, and the need for more education)
industry leadership (Absence of an industry wide strategic direction)
technology (Need to implement effective, affordable state-of-the-art technology)
energy (Concerns about high price of energy in recent years)
wastewater (Bio-solids disposal and storm water handling).

Chair’s new initiatives – 2008-09 new initiatives have been drafted to support section’s long term goals adopted during the 2005 summer workshop and include the following proposals:

Establish NYSAWWA Education Fund – Permanent funding source for education/training/scholarships to the operators of small & medium water systems
Establish Outstanding Water Utility & Engineering Design Awards – Awards to Water Utilities (Best operation & maintenance of a water system in New York State) and Consulting Engineers (Best WTP Design in New York State)
Develop NYSAWWA Centennial Celebration Calendar – The planning calendar will serve as the road map leading up to the centennial celebrations in 2014
Recognition of NYSAWWA Leaders & Volunteers – Chair’s Citation or Certificate of Appreciation for Board Members, Committee Chairs and Volunteers for handling special projects during the term 2008-09

AWWA & NYSAWWA MILESTONES (1900-1909)
1900 - Approximately 20 Slow Sand Filter facilities in USA and 5 in Canada. Typhoid deaths 36 per 100,000
1901 – William R. Hill was elected AWWA President from New York and AWWA Annual Conference was held in New York City, New York
1902 – First Rapid Sand Filtration plant built in Little Falls, N.J., USA
1905 – First Standard Methods for Examination of Water & Wastewater published by APHA
1906 – New York City experiments with ozonation, it works, but is costly. Slow Sand Filters used for water treatment in Philadelphia, PA. July 10, 1906, AWWA has 596 Members
1909 – William P. Mason was elected AWWA President from New York

WATER FACTS, NEWS, IQ & TIPS
Bottled Water in News - An Associated Press article on “Bottled versus Tap Water” dated June 18, 2008 notes that consumers, feeling the pinch of the current economy, are shunning bottled water. The report highlights not just the cost implications, but also the environmental impact associated with the bottles. In addition, consumers are quoted as questioning the health benefits of bottled water.

Water Conservation Tips – A leaky toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons per day (Source: US Environmental Protection Agency).

EVENTS CALENDAR
August 6 – AWWA WEBCAST on Pump Station Maintenance

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Martha Bednarz (Envista Corporation), Gary Brosman (South Farmingdale Water District), Shihua Chen (Valparaiso City Utilities), Paul Dalia (Lexington Technologies), John L. Fick and Jay Garcia (Pall Corporation), Scott Gibson (City of Ithaca), James D. Mastic (Mastic’s Mobile Home court), Michelle McCadden (utility Service Company Inc.), Heather McVeigh and Udomlug Sinphonlai (Westchester County Health Department), Joel A. Merrill (Municipal), Harold Miller ((Skanska), Abhinav Poddar and Richard Rados (Hamilton College), Matthew M. Rodak and Brian Russell (Stearns & Wheler LLC) and John Silvanic (childfen’s Home RTF Inc.

Change isn’t something to stay away from – it’s the challenge, the excitement, the incentive, the reason you move forward. It’s the basic driver. The issue is whether we create the agenda for improvement or others create it for us. Stephen Gordon

Chair's Newsletter - Volume 1 Number 2 (June 2008)

2008-06-30T10:21:00.004-04:00

Shyam S. Mohanka, Ph. D., P.E., BCEE

Civil & Environmental Engineer

Established in 1914, New York Section AWWA provides a forum for water supply professionals to assure the delivery of drinking water of the highest quality and sufficient quantity. 2008-09 happens to be our 95th year of service. Throughout the last 94 years, past section chairs, volunteers and staff have done a great job in keeping up with challenges facing the water industry. Our efforts were further streamlined and improved after the establishment of the section office in 1994.

We sponsor educational programs and professional activities to promote the protection and conservation of our drinking water, and to educate about changing technologies. The members of the New York Section are all members of the AWWA and receive all benefits offered by AWWA. In addition, the New York Section offers member discounts to all section events (Annual Conference – New York’s Water Event, Annual Water Supply Symposium and over 50 Training Seminars). The Section also provides scholarships to college students, a DVD/VIDEO library (members can borrow videos at no cost), an up-to-date and comprehensive section website (http://www.nysawwa.org/), and a Section newsletter (Aquarius) three times per year. The Section also coordinates the statewide Best Tasting Water Contest.

My goals & objectives for the term 2008-09 will be to undertake several new initiatives (Establish NYSAWWA Education Fund, Establish NYSAWWA Outstanding Water Utility & Engineering Design Awards, Develop NYSAWWA Centennial Celebration Plans and Calendar and Recognition of Section Leaders and Volunteers) in support of section’s Long Term Goals adopted during the 2005 summer workshop. In the next several monthly issues of the E-Newsletter, I will try to identify critical issues facing the water industry including my own new initiatives proposed for the term 2008-09. As always, I am looking for your comments. Please feel free to E-Mail me your suggestions.

WATER FACTS, NEWS, IQ & TIPS
EPA tests plans to protect water from terrorists – Water utilities would get warning of viruses, bacteria or chemicals that could be introduced into drinking water systems by terrorists under a test monitoring program set for expansion beyond Cincinnati. For more details visit EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/watersecurity

Water Conservation Tips - On average, a family of four flushes the toilet more than 7,000 times a year. By replacing an older model toilet with a high-efficiency toilet, a family of four could reduce the water use from the toilet alone by 50 to 60 percent.

AWWA & NYSAWWA MILESTONES (1890-99)
1891 - John M. Diven was elected AWWA President from New York.
1892 –AWWA Conference was held in New York City, New York.
1893 – George Warren Fuller becomes Allen Hazen’s successor at the Lawrence Experimental
Station
1894 – Chemists Percy & Grace Frankland conducted bacteriological studies; then co-authored “Micro-organisms in Water”
1897 – Winnipeg, Canada, installs the first municipal softening plant in North America
1898 – AWWA Annual Conference was held in Buffalo, New York. Central States Water Works Association formed. Included OH, IN, KY, WV, Western PA

EVENTS CALENDAR
July 16 – AWWA Web Cast (Nano Technology in our Water World)

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Terry Babcock (Adams Center Water District), Jim Besha (Albany Engineering Corp.), Kevin John Coe, Michael DeMartino & John Field (Fort Drum), Christopher Garrow (Town of Jay), Kristen Gobbo (Pall Corporation), David A. Goff (Adirondack Educational Center), Richard Gunnerson (Shady Lane Park Inc), Ron Haskins & Frederick R. Holley (Village of Webster), Mark W. Keller (Bee & Jay Plumbing & Heating Corp.), Charles LaBrake (North Franklin Educational Center), Timothy S. Lawler & Michael L. Levy (Garden City Park Water District), Anthony Martinez, Tom Pasquel, David W. Quinta & Peter Savino (Village of Ossining-Water Department), Paul Miklos (Erie County Water Authority), Mark J. Moran (Eastman Kodak Co. R/W Dept.), Carl W. Stone & Arno Talesnik (Meadowlake Realty LLC), Louise Velasco (OAOC) and Richard Wright (Colton Water & Sewer District)

“I FIND THE GREAT THING IN THIS WORLD IS, NOT WHERE WE STAND, BUT IN WHAT DIRECTION WE ARE MOVING.” Oliver Wendell Holmes

And the winner is...

2008-06-24T08:51:00.001-04:00

Photo #5
will be on the next cover of Aquarius. Thanks to everyone who voted!

Drinking Water Week - The Today Show

2008-06-19T10:46:00.003-04:00

New York and New Jersey Sections visited The Today Show set during Drinking Water Week in May. Check out this video of our 3 seconds of fame, promoting the Only Tap Water Delivers campaign.

Heat Duct Cleaning

2008-06-19T09:32:00.000-04:00

The heat ducts were just cleaned on Tuesday this week, following installation of a new furnace and air conditioner on Monday. Here is what the heat ducts looked like before beginning the cleaning.

We're sure that the air quality at the office will be better this coming fall and winter! Also more efficient as well.

Aquarius Cover Photo Possibilities

2008-06-17T08:43:00.000-04:00

Please view the photos below and let me know your top 5 choices, in order of preference, to use as the cover photo for the Summer 2008 Aquarius. You can either email me at marianpotter@nysawwa.org or provide a comment on this post (see below) with your preferences.

Photo #1

Photo #2

Photo #3

Photo #4

Photo #5

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Photo #9