a p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e t e n n e s s e e a s s o c i a t i o n o f u t i l i t y d i s t r i c t s
first quarter 2020
∙
volume 34
Tennessee Utility News TE CH NOLOGY I S SU E
BE ST CYBERSECUR I TY PRA CTICE S f o r U TILITI E S the
page 34
f ly i n g b l i n d n o m o r e
NEW SOFTWARE O PTI M I Z ES P U M P OP E R A T IO N S page 38
B YR DS T O WN BAC-T R EVO L UT I ON page 42
the third annual
TUEC Raffle Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the TUEC Scholarship Program
3 Cash Prizes of
$2,000 will be awarded!
drawings held
05.21.20 at the Operator Expo
$5 2
per ticket
Tickets are available to purchase from any TAUD Circuit Rider or staff member. You may also purchase tickets by visiting our main office during normal business hours. Questions? Call (615) 896-9022 or visit www.taud.org.
Tickets will be available until 1:00pm on 5/21/20. You Tdo not have to be present to win! E N N E S S E E U T I L I T Y N E W S | w w w. t a u d . o r g
taud superboosters American Development Corp. Core & Main Cumberland Insurance Agency Next Generation Underwriters Rye Engineering, PLC ServLine Southeastern Tank, Inc. Tennessee Utility Assistance United Systems & Software Wascon, Inc. Wiley Bros.-Aintree Capital LLC
Badger Meter BAR Environmental Branstetter Stranch & Jennings Brenntag Midsouth C.I. Thornburg Co., Inc. Consolidated Pipe & Supply GRW Engineers, Inc. Jackson Thornton & Co., P.C. James C. Hailey & Co. Master Meter, Inc. McWane Ductile S & S Utility Sales, LLC Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison, PLC Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. Southern Sales Co./Tencarva Tennessee 811 Utility Solutions & Automation W & W Engineering, LLC Xylem, Inc.
1ST Q UA R T E R
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s i lv e r g o l d
p l at i n u m d i a m o n d
Superboosters are Associate Members that provide sponsorship for TAUD conferences, special events and more...
ECO-TECH, Inc. John Bouchard & Sons Company M&H/Kennedy Valve McGill Associates, P.A. OHM Advisors
American Utility Contractors Carter & VerPlanck Ferguson Waterworks Industrial Plastic Works Insituform Technologies Kazmier & Associates, Inc. Kentucky Glass Lined Tank Systems Magnolia River Services Pay N Seconds Southern Pipe & Supply Stringfellow Inc. USDA Rural Development Veteran Management Services WK Dickson & Co., Inc.
3
v ifor tal tennessee's
2019/2020
board
of
future
direc tors
pa t r i l e y
president
Gibson County Utility District
nick newman
vice president
Memphis Light, Gas & Water
michael k. ada ms
secre tary
Water Authority of Dickson County
carter woodruff
treasurer
Consolidated Utility District
charlie anderson Bloomingdale Utility District
phillip combs
bruce giles
First Utility District of Knox County
drexel heidel
West Knox Utility District
michael johnson County Wide Utility District
a l l e n j o s ly n Big Creek Utility District j ay m u l l i n
Eastside Utility District
tim pelham
West Warren-Viola Utility District
freddie weston, jr. West Wilson Utility District
associate representative
M&H/Kennedy Valve
615.896.9022
7 : *
615.898.8283 www.taud.org t a u d @t a u d . o r g
e xe cut ive d i re ctor
bobfreudenthal@taud.org
penny funk
o ff i ce m anage r
pennyfunk@taud.org
beth hardiman
e ve n t pl an n i n g
&
m e m b e r se rvi ce s
bethhardiman@taud.org ˚ 615.900.1014
va n e s s a s o l i s n rwa s tat e d i r e c to r
Alpha-Talbott Utility District
ernie milteer
A D M I N I S T R AT I V E bob freudenthal
publications
&
advertising
vanessasolis@taud.org ˚ 731.352.8256
carol mims
bookkeeper
carolmims@taud.org ˚ 615.900.1013
melanie sain
accounting specialist
melaniesain@taud.org ˚ 615.900.1015
mark l. butler
finance
marklbutler@taud.org ˚ 615.557.5780
kirk smith
business development
kirksmith@taud.org ˚ 615.243.6490
donald l. scholes
ge n e r al cou n se l
donscholes@taud.org ˚ 615.579.7569
larry lewis
g ove rn m e n t re l at i o n s
larrylewis@taud.org ˚ (731) 234-0360
T R A I N I N G S TAT I O N brent ogles
e d ucat i o n m anage r
brentogles@taud.org ˚ 615.556.6002
kevin gilliam
tr a i n i n g spe ci al i s t
kevingilliam@taud.org ˚ 931.636.1671
allison ste phe ns hite
e d ucat i o n a s si s tant
alistephens@taud.org ˚ 615.900.1000
CIRCUIT RIDERS t o n y w ya t t
we s t t n f i e ld su pe rvi sor
tonywyatt@taud.org ˚ 731.415.9101
j o h n n y wa l k e r
m i d d le t n wat e r ci rcu i t r i d e r
johnnywalker@taud.org ˚ 931. 261.5826
adam hale
e a s t t n wat e r ci rcu i t r i d e r
adamhale@taud.org ˚ 423.418.2283
michael keeton
e n e rgy e ff i ci e n cy t e ch n i ci an
michaelkeeton@taud.org ˚ 865.660.6454
greg baker
grou n dwat e r spe ci al i s t / i t spe ci al i s t
gregbaker@taud.org ˚ 731.225.5240
d e way n e c u l p e p p e r
wa s t e wat e r t e ch n i ci an
dewayneculpepper@taud.org ˚ 931.607.6981
j.w. griffin
sou rce wat e r prot e ct i o n t e ch n i ci an
j.w.griffin@taud.org ˚ 731.819.2679
4
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tn utility assistance Tennessee Utility Assistance, LLC (TUA) provides the following services for Tennessee’s water, sewer, & natural gas utilities:
www.tnutility.org
Cross Connection Control Management GIS/GPS Mapping Services Municipal Advisory Services Accounting/Bookkeeping Services Utility Rate Reviews Annual Budget/Audit Preparation Assistance Capital Asset Plan Preparation UMRB & WWFB Order Compliance For more information, please contact: Brent Ogles, Cross Connection Control (615) 556-6002 / brentogles@tnutility.org Mark L. Butler, Municipal Advisor (615) 557-5780 / marklbutler@tnutility.org Melanie Sain, Accounting Specialist (615) 900-1015 / melaniesain@tnutility.org
welcome, T h ese m em b e r s j o i n ed th e A s soci at i o n i n th e fo u r th q ua r te r. SUPERBOOSTERS « SILVER « « GOLD « « « PLATINUM « « « « DIAMOND
associates: 502 Equipment Inframark, LLC McGriff Insurances Services Mike Smith Pump Service, LLC Parman Tractor & Equipment
Southern Constructors, LLC Spectra Tech LLC Spectrum Environmental UEMSI/HTV, Inc. Waypoint Analytical
With nearly 700 members, TAUD is the source for utilities and industry enterprises to network, share knowledge and strengthen the water, wastewater & natural gas utilities in Tennessee.
j |oViOnL U M tE 3o4 d a y b y v i s i t i n g w w w . t a u d . o r g
1ST Q UA R T E R
5
in this issue
R I S K AS S E S S M ENT & E ME R G ENCY R E SPO N SE DE A DLINE S S E T U NDE R A WIA sarah tuite , victor
BE S T CYBE RS E CURI TY PR ACTI CES f o r UTIL ITIES
the
jacob pucke t t
el azegui & jason vigh
FLYI NG BLI N D N O M ORE
6
N E W SO F T WA RE OP T I MIZES PUMP O PERA T IONS
BYRDSTOWN BAC-T R EV OL U TION
mike bernard
se th rye & l aura gordon
TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS
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al so feature d ERWIN UTILITIES AUTOMATES FLOW CALCULATIONS TO REDUCE REAL WATER LOSS lee h . brown , john williams , p. e . & mat thew rice , p. e . 2020 EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE FOR UTILITY EMPLOYERS don scholes
INCREASING THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF WASTEWATER PUMP STATIONS benoit beaudoin
d e pa r t m e n t s NEW MEMBERS EVENT CALENDAR REGION MEETING NEWS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS ACTIVITY FEE CONTRIBUTORS TRAINING STATION SCHEDULE SPOT THE DIFFERENCES CONFERENCE REGISTRATION ADVERTISING
executive editor penny funk managing editor & art direction vanessa solis assistant editor beth hardiman image credits freepik . com The Tennessee Utility News is published quarterly by the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts. TAUD assumes no responsibility for opinions or statements of facts expressed by contributors. Advertisements & editorials do not represent official policies of the Association. The right to publish, edit or deny publishing & material submitted for publication is reserved by TAUD. To submit editorial or advertising content, or to update your mailing information, please e-mail Vanessa Solis at vanessasolis@taud.org.
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Can you find the frog hidden somewhere in the graphics or photos of this issue? Same size & color as shown here. Answer on page 51 Happy Hunting!
7
TAUd tournament trail
Join us this season as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of TAUD's Tournament Trail!
West TN
2020
F R I D AY, M A R C H 2 0 TH Kentucky Lake Bass Challenge
Paris Landing State Park & Marina Powered by American Development Corporation
Middle TN
T H U R S D AY, A P R I L 1 6 TH Old Hickory Lake Big Bass Challenge
CAS PRIZ H ES!
Bull Creek Recreation Area Powered by J.R. Wauford & Co.
East TN
F R I D AY, A P R I L 3 RD Watts Barr Reservoir Lake Bass Challenge William B. Ladd Park & Boat Launch Powered by Southeastern Tank
8
Visit www.fishtaud.com for complete details TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS
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event calendar
conference & event details subject to change For the most current information or to register, please visit www.taud.org or call (615) 896-9022.
cram sessions 6-12 hrs Operator CE
M AY
4 -7
Knoxville & Murfreesboro
Register by April 20 Cram Session registration does not register you to take the exam!
annual meeting
JUN
4 hrs TAP/MUO/ Commissioner CE
9
TAUD Office & Training Station Murfreesboro
Register by May 22 register online
operator expo 6 hrs Operator CE
M AY
21
James E. Ward Ag Center Lebanon
Register by May 1 business of running a utility conference Operator/ TAP/ MUO/ Commissioner CE
Gatlinburg Convention Center Gatlinburg
AU G
12 14 thru
w w w . t a u d . o r g Register by July 24 1ST Q UA R T E R
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9
region meetings
region one 10 .17. 2 019
region leaders
Region meetings are held quarterly throughout the year and provide unique opportunities for networking with other utility professionals. Featured speakers present topics that are current, informative and beneficial to utilities and related industries. TAUD encourages you to be ‘in-the-know’ and get involved in your region.
Jeremy Jones & Louie Stevens meeting location
Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens in Unicoi attendance
54
s p e a k e r s and presenters
region nine region eight
Nate Bowe of McGill Associates, Mike Wethington & Chuck Page of ADC, Region Leader Louie Stevens, Josh Boggan & Dane Cutshaw of the Johnson City EFO, Louis Trivette of USDA RD, Lance Lowery of First Tennessee Development District, and Michael Keeton & Kirk Smith of TAUD. next meeting
Best Tasting Water Contest April 16, 2020 10
region eleven
region seven
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region four 11. 2 0 . 2 019
region leaders
Buster Harmon & Anthony Pelham
meeting location
regions two
and
1 2 . 11 . 2 0 1 9
region leaders
Brad Brummett & Bryan Gipson meeting location
Bass Pro in Kodak attendance
117
three
Kena Hyers & Chloe Poole presented the Region 2 Women in Water Scholarship to UT Senior Allie Bradshaw, Erich Webber of the Knoxville EFO, Kirk Morris of USDA RD, and Bob Freudenthal & JW Griffin of TAUD. next meetings
s p e a k e r s and presenters
Jeremy Cox of Thrivent, Bert Gore of Suez, Tennessee Associated Electric personnel,
Best Tasting Water Contests March 11, 2020 for Region 2 March 12, 2020 for Region 3
region five
Nick's Restaurant & Lounge in Cookeville attendance
117
s p e a k e r s and presenters
James Gibson of Consolidated Pipe & Supply, Ashley Richards discussed Women in Water, Jeff Brown of Tennessee Associated Electric, Kathy Quartermaine of TN811, Chris Ables of USDA RD, Jill Ritzman of TEMA, and JW Griffin, Mike Keeton, Johnny Walker & Kirk Smith of TAUD. next meeting
TBA
region three region four
region one
region two
region six
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region ten
11
region meetings region five 12 . 4 . 2 019
thank
region leaders
Michael Clay & Bruce Trotter
you
meeting location
Harpeth Valley UD in Nashville attendance
51
s p e a k e r s and presenters
Brad Gresham of Wachs Water Service, Nick Withrow & Toby Nidifer of Graybar, Dr. Dinah Kitchens with the Tennessee Department of Health, and Bob Freudenthal of TAUD. next meeting
TBA
region one McGill Associates, ADC, Wascon, Tennessee Associated Electric, S&ME, Southeastern Tank, & W&W Engineering
region
six
10 . 2 3 . 2 019
region leaders
Cathy Dradt & Bill Dunnill meeting location
Consolidated Utility District in Murfreesboro attendance
49
s p e a k e r s and presenters
James Gibson of Consolidated Pipe & Supply, Jason Kouba of TN811, Will Pride of the Columbia EFO, and Bob Freudenthal, Dewayne Culpepper, Kevin Gilliam, Michael Keeton, & Larry Lewis of TAUD. next meeting
TBA
12
regions two and t h r e e Thrivent, Tennessee Associated Electric, Suez, Spirits of Tennessee, ADC, Wascon, McWane Ductile, J.R. Wauford, Rye Engineering, Brann & Whittemore, CTI, Principal Environmental, S&ME, Barge Design, Graybar, Aulick, Cannon & Cannon, Gresham Smith & Partners, Source Technology, W&W Engineering, TN811, EcoTech, & Filter Magic region four Consolidated Pipe & Supply, Tennessee Associated Electric, Wascon, Rye Engineering, ADC, TN811, McGill Associates, Brann & Whittemore, & Walter A. Wood Supply
for more info
c o n ta c t :
TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS
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region seven 10.2.2 019 We wouldn't be able to do what we do without the continued support & generosity of our members. TAUD would like to thank the following members & local businesses for sponsoring our Region Meeting program & providing door prizes for attendees:
region leader
Lisa Porter
meeting location
Lawrenceburg Golf & Country Club in Lawrenceburg attendance
46
region five Wachs Water Service, Graybar, Spirits of Tennessee, ADC, Wascon, J.R. Wauford, Southeastern Tank, Hayes Pipe & Supply, & Rye Engineering
speakers
regions eight and e l e v e n Diamond Maps, Consolidated Pipe & Supply, Rye Engineering, Spirits of Tennessee, ADC, Core & Main, Rogers Hydrant Service, G&C Supply, & Graybar
The 4th Annual Region 7 4-man Golf Scramble was held following the meeting and lunch. The Golf Scramble was sponsored by ADC. next meeting
TBA
regions eight region leaders
Michael Johnson, Randy Gregory, & Chandrika Winston meeting location
Woodland Hills Golf & Country Club in Pinson 35
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and
10 .10 . 2 019
attendance
larry lewis 7 3 1 . 2 3 4 . 0 3 60 l a r r y l e w i s @ ta u d . o r g
presenters
Blake Staggs of Lawrenceburg Utility Systems, John Greer of the Comptroller's Office, Will Pride of the Columbia EFO, Doug Shelton of USDA RD, and Mark Butler, Dewayne Culpepper & Larry Lewis of TAUD.
region six Consolidated Pipe & Supply, ADC, ServLine, Rye Engineering, McWane Ductile, J.R. Wauford, Hayes Pipe & Supply, & TN811 region seven Lawrenceburg Utility Systems, Wascon, Rye Engineering, J.R. Wauford, ADC, Southeastern Tank, Walter A. Wood Supply, & McWane Ductile
and
s p e a k e r s and presenters
Ben Hill of Diamond Maps, James Gibson of Consolidated Pipe &
eleven
Supply, Brandon Orr of USDA RD, and Tony Wyatt, Dewayne Culpepper, Kirk Smith, & Larry Lewis of TAUD. After the meeting, a fundraiser was held for the Jay’s Warriors Scholarship. Thanks to the members of TAUD, a total of $3,000 was raised for the fund. next meetings
TBA
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conference highlights utility leadership The 2019 Utility Leadership Conference was held at the Music Road Hotel and Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, November 13-15. Over 200 utility personnel were in attendance for two days of educational sessions, with topics including: 2019 Legislative Update, the Purchase of Utility Districts by Private Utilities, TNPOP, Developing a Comprehensive Rate Study, Competitive Bidding, the TAUD Model Purchasing Policy, Legal Issues in Bidding Disputes, UMRB's Outlook on Water Loss, the Underground Utility Damage Enforcement Board, and Breach of Commissioner's Fiduciary Duty. Bidding seemed to be quite a hot topic this year! Conference attendees enjoyed buffet breakfasts and a buffet lunch catered by Calhoun's Restaurant. Afternoon breaks included beverages, cookies and freshly made popcorn provided by American
14
Development Corporation. On Wednesday evening, a Hospitality Hour provided attendees with appetizers, drinks and a relaxed atmosphere to network and fellowship. We'd like to extend a special thank you to American Development Corporation, Rye Engineering, ServLine, Southeastern Tank and Wascon, Inc. for sponsoring this reception. Don Scholes has made conference presentations available on the TAUD website at www.taud. org, under the "Conferences" tab select "Conference Presentations" and in the drop down box select "Utility Leadership Conference" and the year 2019. The 2020 Utility Leadership Conference is scheduled for October 28-30 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center with the Courtyard by Marriott and the Fairfield Inn and Suites as our host hotels.
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TENNESSEE
UTILITY PROFESSIONALS
of T O M O R R O W
Who We Are
The TAUD Tennessee Utility Professionals of Tomorrow is defined as any person between the ages of 25-45, or new to the water industry (within the last 10 years). Persons that best fit this group are those that are currently in a leadership position (or will be in the future) with a utility or outside agency. Members of TUPT work at water or wastewater plants, utility offices, engineering firms, regulatory agencies, manufacturers, educational institutions, sales firms, and more.
VO LU M E 3 4 15 For more| information, contact: JW Griffin 731.819.2679 | justingriffin@taud.org
1ST Q UA R T E R
Women in Water is a professional networking group dedicated to women actively employed in the water and wastewater industry. Our mission is to develop and mentor young female professionals by facilitating their involvement on research and technical committees, engaging members in networking events, seeking additional opportunities for further education, and promoting the water and wastewater industry in local communities.
Contact Us! admin@womeninwater.us 16
Women in Water is an initiative of the
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administrative professionals
TAUD would like to congratulate our 2019 TAP Inductees: Sheena Richardson with Roane Central Utility District, Scott Allen with First Utility Distri ct of Knox County, Rebecca S. Meadows with BonDeCroft Utility Distri ct, Kelsey Whitman with HB & TS Utility District, and Marcie Dixon and Rachael Krohn with the City of White House (not pictured). To date the Association has 70 TAUD Certified Administrative Professionals. For more infor matio n on the TAP program please contact Beth Hardiman at (615) 900-1014 or by e-mail at bethhardiman@ taud.or g.
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The 2019 Administrative Professionals Conference was held December 5th and 6th at the Airport Embassy Suites Nashville. This year's conference focused on security. Self Defense; Anytime, Anywhere was a session favorite of attendees. Leon Shields with Lenoir City Utilities Board presented this session and gave attendees a look into the minds of those committing mass shootings. His research and details provided from each case study captivated the crowd. He provided a common sense and practical approach to protecting yourself and your co-workers should you be faced with an active shooter. Additional Conference sessions included: Creating a Security Culture at Work, Cyber Security & Windows 7 End of Life, Credit Card Payment Obligations, Cyber Coverage, Public
VO LU M E 3 4
Records & Open Meeting Laws and a Q & A with John Greer and Don Scholes. This year's Administrative Professionals Conference provided 9 hours of TAP and 6 hours of Utility Municipal Official and Commissioner Training continuing education. The Association would like to say a special thank you to our lunch sponsors: Southeastern Tank, Inc. and WileyBros.-Aintree Capital. We'd also like to thank Janet Smith with Bailey Special Risk for sponsoring a Hospitality Hour at the Ten Bar & Grille after sessions on Thursday evening. We appreciate Women in Water for providing door prizes. The 2020 Administrative Professionals Conference will be held December 3rd and 4th at the Airport Embassy Suites in Nashville. We hope you'll make plans to attend. 17
the clock is ticking
risk assessment & emergency response deadlines set under awia
S ARAH TU ITE , VICTO R E LAZE G U I & JAS O N VIG H BUR NS & M CDONNEL L
Nothing is more vital to public health and economic stability than clean water from reliable sources. Yet, in today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, water has become a vulnerable target simply because it is so critical. A law enacted in October 2018 sets firm deadlines for completing risk and resiliency assessments (RRA) and updating emergency response plans (ERP). Under provisions (Sec. 2013) of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA), RRAs and ERPs must be completed by every water utility serving more than 3,300 people. In Tennessee alone, 265 municipalities must implement plans and meet the requirements. AWIA is designed to enhance the resiliency and continuity of community water systems as well as facilitate a framework necessary to deter, detect, delay, devalue and respond to a full range of naturally occurring and malevolent events. Reviews of physical security and cybersecurity measures must be included for utilities to successfully comply with certification requirements. 18
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what awia changes
The primary shift under the AWIA is a transition from assessments of potential intentional attacks to an “all hazards” risk and resiliency assessment. This encompasses not just hostile acts but also acts of nature, such as damage caused by extreme weather events, and supply chain incidents. Under the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Baseline Information on Malevolent Acts for Community Water Systems document, specific threat categories are identified with starting points outlined for consideration of threat likelihood, including firsttime requirements for cybersecurity measures. The goal is to help water utilities identify and characterize critical assets and prepare for associated threats. Vulnerable points at critical assets should be identified and steps for mitigating potential consequences of incidents should be documented and addressed in the system’s ERP. The overall objective is to use the exercise as a valuable planning tool that will broaden the water utility’s perspective and increase its capabilities to respond to evolving risks. The EPA is serious about compliance with this new requirement. Even though many water utilities are already operating on limited budgets, fines can range up to $25,000 per day RRAs and Emergency Response Plans that are not certified by their respective deadlines (see table below). Though the potential fines are certainly onerous, an even greater risk is the potential for tangible and intangible costs if utilities are unprepared for an actual incident, be it either malicious or natural.
knowing your infrastructure & risks
The EPA doesn’t establish a specific methodology for completing the RRA, so the most efficient and effective process for complying with AWIA requirements is up to the utility. A good first step for accurate risk assessments is to determine what is most critical from an infrastructure, physical and cybersecurity standpoint. An accurate protection plan requires thorough knowledge of the system and an awareness of the “downstream” impact should single point-of-failure assets be damaged or destroyed. While the final component of this process is an ERP, it all starts with a detailed understanding of the community water system’s infrastructure. While some utilities have robust asset management plans and a thorough list of assets, some may have inherited a partial list or no asset list at all. Often, this information is stored inside an employee’s head
po pu l at i o n se rve d
r i sk & re si l i an ce a s se s sm e n t
e m e rg e n cy re spo n se pl an *
t n wat e r sys t e m s affe c t e d
≥100,000 50,000-99,999 3,301-49,999
03.31.2020 12.31.2020 06.30.2021
09.30.2020 06.30.2021 12.30.2021
10 16 239
*Emergency response plan certifications are due six months from the date of the risk assessment certification. The dates shown above are certification dates based on a utility submitting a risk assessment on the final due date. 1ST Q UA R T E R
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rather than a digitized, GIS-based system. As employees retire or leave for other reasons, the risk of losing this knowledge base increases. A water system should consider the worst-case scenario as a plausible occurrence. With the reality of today’s threat environment, worst-case scenarios can and do happen. Additionally, proper planning can assist with minimizing the “what if?� questions that can oftentimes burden the assessment process. What are the hazards that can take water services offline and impact the ability to serve customers? One plausible example is the fact that most utilities have a single source of supply, which brings a host of associated risks. Is a secondary source available? Is an emergency connection contract to another utility in place? Exploring these vulnerabilities and considering solutions form the foundation of the ERP.
prioritizing to build resiliency
One of the most valuable aspects of this exercise will be prioritizing risks. This should begin by considering the largest potential impacts to the
Offering multi-discipline engineering, land planning and recreation, and consulting services
b e s t pr ac physical security Maintaining a physically secure environment at any utility facility often means a loss of convenience. Gaining access to a facility may require multiple steps including unlocking a gate, keeping track of an access badge, scanning in while being sure no one is tailgating from behind, and signing an access log. Plant supervisors may have to deal with employees who are irritated or resistant to such measures. Still, employee buy-in is crucial because employees are often the most effective security measure (or in some cases the greatest risk) for any facility. The ability to effectively deter or mitigate a threat is only as strong as its weakest link. Employees are often in the best position to spot unusual activity or situations. But they also can unknowingly be a great vulnerability through an access point left unlocked or suspicious activity gone unreported. Identifying an effective method of influencing security best practices while maintaining regulatory compliance is one of the most common challenges security professionals encounter. Totally eliminating the vulnerability of human error is impossible. However, increasing employee security awareness and leveraging employees to support and enhance security detection and deterrence capabilities is not. Consider these best practices when supporting the physical security component of AWIA compliance: Obtain executive leader sponsorship. Create, distribute and provide training on security-related changes and regional risk assessment mitigation solutions that impact the general employee population, including security systems, policies and procedures. Create and distribute security-related marketing materials, such as posters, pamphlets, email communications and presentations.
mcgillassociates.com 865.540.0801
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tices for cybersecurity Under the AWIA, cybersecurity measures are addressed for the first time as a requirement in risk assessments and emergency plans. Given that almost every water utility incorporates some level of network capability, it’s a timely and relevant inclusion. Risks associated with hacking have steadily increased and even if the system doesn’t allow a hacker to physically open or close a valve, for instance, that hacker could trick a sensor to display normal monitoring levels while a devious person physically tampers with it. The same rules apply to understanding both cyber and physical assets and it is critical to gain a full understanding of how IT systems interact with infrastructure and physical security systems. This can be an eye-opening exercise. These best practices can help inform the AWIA compliance process: Segment your networks until the right cybersecurity elements are in place. While there’s often a push from a workload perspective to converge operational networks with IT infrastructure, this opens up considerable vulnerability. Air-gapped networks can be compromised. Sometimes updates aren’t performed, so that taking down the network and impacting service is avoided. Keep systems up to date with available patches. When incorporating new technology, establish training programs and processes so that employees can use the tools effectively. Test and measure frequently. Incorporate devices that provide visibility into IT infrastructure so that operators can understand the traffic patterns, increasing their ability to identify malevolent forces.
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consuming public from a malevolent act or natural event. The next step is to create a prioritized capital budget to fund needed upgrades. For example, if you lose a pump on your intake structure or power to your pump station, can you keep it running? If your chemical tank is ruptured and you lose supply of a specific coagulant, can you get more or keep treating water in another way? The risk assessment identifies a utility’s most vital vulnerabilities and helps rank them for action. The ERP is that action plan. While it’s based on the results of the assessment, it also includes several other elements, including planning partnerships with other utility departments, coordination with local law enforcement and public health officials, and a public relations and communications strategy for emergency situations. It’s helpful to walk through the scenarios and responses related to potential incident types, from a tornado or act of terrorism to a simple loss of power. The probability of the scenario helps determine the priority of the risk — and the budget that should be allocated to minimize the chances of negative effects.
achieving effective threat management
The introduction of AWIA will help a utility better prepare for the possibility of hostile and naturalbased threats. It presents a great opportunity to establish or build upon water system resiliency and physical and cybersecurity programs. In summary, these steps should be followed:
01 Dust off past assessments, specifically any that
were conducted in response to the Bioterrorism Act of 2002.
02 Take an all-hazard approach by identifying the
range of threats specific to the unique environment of each critical asset.
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delay physical access by intruders for as long as possible.
07 Foster a security culture with staff who understand security risks and best practices and take ownership for solutions.
08 Proactively act on your
ERP. With the evolution of technologies and heightened threat environment, acting on your plan is a must.
03 Secure executive sponsorship from key utility and elected leadership as appropriate.
04 Avoid one-size-fits-all
solutions. Water infrastructure often passes through multiple jurisdictions, so it can be a challenge to identify local codes and site-specific requirements for security measures.
05 Look beyond technical
solutions. Sometimes a change in policy or procedure can address a risk faster and at lower cost than implementing a technological solution.
06 Consider a layered approach
that concentrates security measures around the most critical assets in a design intended to
Utilities should view this new compliance requirement as an opportunity to improve a number of processes while, most importantly, securing continued safe and abundant supplies of clean drinking water. Don’t delay. Get started now. Sarah Tuite, PE, is a project manager in the Water Group at Burns & McDonnell. She focuses on municipal water supply and treatment. Victor Elazegui, CPP, PSP, is a senior physical security consultant at 1898 & Co., part of Burns & McDonnell, specializing in security management initiatives including the development of security standard operating procedures, as well as corporate and regulatory compliance. Jason Vigh is a cybersecurity manager at 1898 & Co., part of Burns & McDonnell. His background includes work for a wide range of industries, including financial services, information technology consulting and aviation.
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Different Purposes, One Goal It’s easy to tell if you’re using the right lure, that tug on the line is all you need to feel. A wellstocked tackle box is necessary for success on the water. When it comes to water treatment, you need the same options and flexibility from your chemical partner. American Development Corporation offers a full line of treatment options. We start with jar testing to find the right chemical for your treatment plant and finish with a mini-bulk system that eliminates drum and tote handling. And along the way, we offer 24/7 technical support and service. We can’t help you catch more fish, but we can help you maximize your treatment process.
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utility spotlight
erwin utilities automates flow calculations to reduce real water loss
LE E H . BRO WN, JO H N WILLIAM S, P. E. & MATTH E W RICE , P .E . ER WI N U TIL ITIES
Erwin Utilities Authority (EU) is a multi-service utility that serves approximately 5,300 water customers, 3,500 wastewater customers, 9,000 electric customers, and 2,700 fiber internet customers. The water department operates four water plants, two of which are true groundwater sources. The other two sources are groundwater under the influence of surface water. Erwin Utilities maintains 112 miles of water distribution main, and supplies water to a neighboring water utility district. Distribution staff includes a Director and six certified utility workers who all hold Distribution II licenses and share time between the water distribution system and the wastewater collection system. Despite EU’s small size, the mountainous terrain requires nine pressure zones. The pressure zones provide natural district metering areas (DMA) which have proved critical for managing water loss. Erwin Utilities has maintained a non-revenue water as percent by cost of operating the system of less than 7% for each of the last 5 years.
database scripts read data from our Customer Information System (CIS) daily, transform it to GIS-friendly data, and then import it into our GIS. The process is completely automated and updates the customer data into our GIS every 24 hours without human interaction. The database scripts were written in Java and run on an independent server from the GIS and CIS. This information can be used to calculate water loss within district metering areas each month. EU’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system uses Survalent® software. Because EU is a multi-service utility, a single SCADA system to serve all utility services was selected so that three separate SCADA systems do not have to be maintained. Flow meters at
Erwin Utilities has all assets down to the meter in an ESRI-based Geographic Information System (GIS). This system has proven to be a valuable resource for controlling water loss. Custom 24
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all of EU’s water plants and booster stations are connected to the SCADA system. This allows daily flow totals into pressure zones to be monitored and trended. The pressure zones also serve as natural DMAs. Tank levels are also trended in SCADA to the nearest hundredth of a foot. Foxboro IGP10 water level transducers are installed at each tank.
nine DMAs. This was time consuming and tedious to review the data and perform the calculations. Because of the time involved, minimum night flow analysis was only conducted when time would allow. Given Erwin Utilities small staff size, the need to automate the calculation of night flows became evident.
The AWWA Manual M36 “Water Audits and Loss Control Programs” details a method for identifying minimum night flows (MNF) in district metering areas. In it, the Water and Wastewater Authority of Wilson County outlined a process by which water did not pump to the tanks between 1:30am and 3:30am. The utility monitored tank levels and calculated the minimum night flows in gallons per minute in each DMA. Following Wilson County's lead, Erwin Utilities began monitoring the MNF in each DMA to actively identify leaks and reduce real losses.
Tank level drops are used to automatically calculate night flows during periods of assumed low usage during 1:00am and 3:00am. Tank level data is exported from SCADA to Erwin Utilities’ internal web-based program known as PISANO, or Powerful Intranet System and Network Organizer. This program analyzes the data to determine when the tank level is falling for at least 15 consecutive minutes. The program also calculates the gallons per minute night flow in each DMA.
Erwin Utilities began evaluating the minimum night flows in each district metering area by analyzing SCADA tank level data and using a spreadsheet to calculate the MNF for each of the
Night flows are displayed in the program and automatically trended. Each day, distribution staff compare the automatically calculated night flows to target night flows that are known for each DMA. When night flows increase above target flows, distribution staff know that a leak survey should be performed. Erwin Utilities Authority has installed a pilot Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) system and is currently evaluating a fixed base leak detection system to work in conjunction with the AMI system. These improvements will help Erwin Utilities control real water loss and help the utility achieve the mission of providing safe, reliable, and efficient water service.
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c o u n s e l' s c o r n e r
2020
employment law updates for utility employers
DO N S CH OL E S TAU D
Sometimes there seems to be no end to the laws and regulations which the federal government and state government pass which govern the employer-employee relationship. Then, the courts get involved and address specific issues in disputes about such laws and regulations which must be implemented. Well, here are a few new things for utility employers to consider for 2020.
changes in overtime provisions
Unless a utility employee is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the employee must be paid time and half when the employee works
more than 40 hours in a sevenday workweek.1 Generally, an employee is exempt when he or she meets the following criteria. • The employee is paid a salary. • The employee earns more than the FLSA salary threshold to be considered exempt. • The employee is considered an executive, administrative, or professional employee based upon his or her primary job duties. The United States Department of Labor adopted a new rule which became effective on January 1, 2020, which increased the salary threshold for employees to be exempt from overtime pay from
$455 per week to $684 per week (from $23,660 per year to $35,568 per year). This new rule does not change the primary job duties tests to qualify as an executive, administrative, or professional employee. This new rule does not change that criterion that an exempt employee must be paid a salary. Therefore, an employee who makes less than $684 per week or less than $35,568 per year must be paid overtime even when the employee is paid a salary and meets the job duties tests for an executive, administrative, or professional employee. Any employee who earns less than the new salary threshold and was previously considered an exempt
State and local government employers may elect to compensate nonexempt employees for overtime worked by using compensatory time at time and a half for up to 240 hours provided the employer and employee agree to the payment of overtime worked using compensatory time rather than cash payments.
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employee is now entitled to be paid overtime when the employee works more than 40 hours in a seven day workweek.
revised form w-4 for 2020
The IRS has revised Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Certificate, for 2020. The revised Form no longer uses the concept of withholding allowances to account for additional income, deductions, and tax credits to determine the amount an employer withholds from an employee’s paycheck for income taxes. Employees can now enter those amounts directly on the Form which amounts will be used to calculate the withholding amount. The Form was changed to address the effects on income tax withholding caused by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 passed in late December of 2017. This Act lowered tax rates, created new exemptions and eliminated others which caused some workers to be surprised by their refund amounts for the 2018 tax year which were lower than expected or non-existent (which may also occur for the 2019 tax year).
The new Form W-4 is required for all new hires in 2020 and for employees who have completed a Form W-4 before 2020 and want to make changes to their withholding in 2020. Employers may not require current employees to complete the new Form W-4, but they may ask their employees to do so. The IRS released Publication 15-T in late December which will be used by employers and payroll providers to calculate federal income tax withholding based on both pre-2020 Forms W-4 and the new 2020 Forms W-4.
using irs 20 factor test for determining employer-employee relationship
The General Assembly enacted Public Chapter 337 in 2019 which provides that in determining whether a person is an employee or independent contractor, Tennessee will use the twenty (20) factors described in the twenty-factor test used by the Internal Revenue Service as set forth in IRS Service Revenue Ruling 87-41. These factors include the following: (1) Instructions; (2) Training (3) Integration; (4) Services rendered personally; (5) Hiring, supervising and paying assistants; (6) Continuing relationship; (7) Set hours of work; (8) Full time required; (9) Doing work on employer’s premises (10) Order or sequence set; (11) Oral or written reports; (12) Payment by hour, week, month; (13) Payment of business or traveling expenses; (14) Furnishing of tools and materials; (15) Significant investment; (16) Realization of profit or loss; (17) Working for more than one firm at a time; (18) Making service available to general public; (19) Right to discharge; and (20) Right to terminate. General descriptions of how these factors weigh in favor or against a person being considered an employee is set forth in the new law, but are too
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long for this article.2 No one factor is generally determinative. This Public Chapter became effective January 1, 2020. This issue may arise for utility employers when the utility hires a person to perform services and exercises a substantial amount of control over how the person provides these services to the utility. Whether a person providing services is an employee or independent contractor is important for determining an employer’s obligation in the context state wage and work regulations, unemployment compensation obligations, and Tennessee drug-free workplace programs. These factors do not govern who is an employee for purposes of the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Law which is set forth in that Law.
fmcsa drug & alcohol clearinghouse
Effective January 6, 2020, employers who hire employees to drive commercial vehicles must register with the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in order to conduct required drug and alcohol violation history inquiries for prospective and current employees. The Clearinghouse is a centralized database that employers will use to report drug and alcohol program violations and to check that current or prospective employees are not prohibited operating a commercial motor vehicle.
The FMCSA drug and alcohol testing regulations mandate that an employer of a person who must operate a commercial motor vehicle must conduct a pre-employment query for a prospective employee in the Clearinghouse prior to hiring the employee. The employer must also query the
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Clearinghouse annually for all currently employed CDL drivers. Employees of local governments who operate vehicles that require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are subject to the drug and alcohol testing regulations of the FMCSA. There is no exemption from such testing for employees of local governments even if the local government employer has only one or two employees who must have a CDL. Once an employer has registered with the Clearinghouse, the employer may designate a third party administrator who can report violations or conduct queries on behalf of the employer. A third party administrator is generally the vendor the utility has hired to conduct its drug and alcohol testing program as mandated by the FMCSA regulations. Will a fee be charged for using Clearinghouse for required inquires? Of course. However, there is no fee just to register with the Clearinghouse.
employment discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sex, race, color,
national origin and religion. Title VII generally applies to employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local governments.3 In Equal Employment Opportunity Comm'n v. R.G. &. G.R. Harris Funeral Homes, Inc., 884 F.3d 560 (6th Cir. 2018), an employee of R.G. &. G.R. Harris Funeral Homes, Inc. who was born biologically male informed the employer that she intended to transition from male to female and would represent herself and dress as a woman while at work. The employee was terminated shortly thereafter. The employee filed a complaint with the EEOC alleging that she had been terminated as a result of unlawful sex discrimination. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers the State of Tennessee) concluded that the funeral home’s discrimination on the basis of transgender and transitioning status “falls squarely within the ambit of sex-based discrimination” forbidden under Title VII. Id. at 572.
In April of 2019, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal of this case on the question of “whether Title VII prohibits discrimination against transgender people based on (1) their status as transgender or (2) sex stereotyping.” The Court has also agreed to hear another case on the issue of whether discrimination against an employee because of sexual orientation constitutes prohibited employment discrimination “because of . . . sex” within the meaning of Title VII. These cases will be heard in 2020. The Court’s decisions on these cases will likely determine whether the Title VII’s prohibition against discrimination on the basis of sex includes discriminatory actions based upon an employee’s sexual orientation or gender identity. There you have it. New things to learn for 2020.
2
https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/111/pub/pc0337.pdf The Tennessee Human Rights Act prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals on the basis of the individual's race, creed, color, religion, sex, age or national origin and covers employers with 8 or more employees. 3
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increasing the energy efficiency of wastewater pump stations
BEN OIT BEA U DO I N MAI D L A BS TECHNOLOGI ES Would it be nice to reduce the electric bill of the wastewater collection system by 10% or more? Installing more energy efficient pumps is expensive. Reducing the run time of the pumps is easier and can be applied almost everywhere. Maintenance costs and equipment wear would also decrease with reduced pump run times. This article explains how to calculate the potential savings of this technology on a collection system. One-third of lift stations have intermittent anomalies affecting volumetric flow results. Those who say their lift stations are not affected are those who don’t know that the stations are affected. Over the years, 129 “what-if ” functions
tech conference
pre se n tat i o n
Benoit Beaudoin will be conducting a session on increasing energy efficiency in collection systems at TAUD's Utility Technology Conference in Knoxville. Approved CE for CS licenses.
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were added to the original flow formula to compensate for these anomalies. In 2004, over 220 pieces of industrial and municipal equipment, including compressors, conveyors, air conditioning, aerators, different sizes of motors and pumps were closely monitored by 100 electric diagnostic instruments. Again, one-third of them had electrical anomalies that had not degenerated enough to create alarms or to fail. Being able to discover these anomalies while non-critical is an easy way to substantially reduce the maintenance cost of operating lift stations. Over 150 lift stations were analyzed in order to compare the pumps capacities and their run times within the same stations. Extreme values were removed. They were probably from defective lift stations. Two-thirds of the station had a pump capacity difference of 10% or less. The average difference for all the stations was 14%. Much higher than expected. Their run time difference was 28%. For each percentage a capacity gained, 2 percent was lost in run time.
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flow ba se d ope r ations
recover from a flow rate that would become too high. With a flow meter on the water coming in the station, the level of operation could be adjusted based on flow rate. When the flow rate is low, and historically it was low at that time of day, a constant speed pump should start just below the high-level alarm and stop after a fixed delay to profit as much as possible from the lower head of operating at higher levels.
fixed le vel s oper ations
what can be changed in a lift station to increase energy efficiency? 01 The level of operation. Pumps operating at higher levels are more efficient because they are pumping against a lower head.
02 Delaying the start of additional pumps. 03 By not pumping into a pressurized
pump at the same time as other pumps. The logic behind this is simple but its application is very difficult. This will be the subject of a second article.
Most lift stations have high and low level alarms. This means anything operating within that range is acceptable. The way control systems are designed, the pumps usually operate in the lower portion of that range instead of the upper portion, where the pumps would be more efficient. It is done this way for safety reason, to be able to
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With a flow meter calculating the capacity of each pump at each cycle, when the flow rate increases, the levels of operation gets lower. When the flow rate is high, the controller should calculate the expected run time of the pumps using their updated capacities
fac t s about pumps • A higher head means lower pump capacity (also called outflow or pump flow rate). • Multiple pumps running together are not as efficient as one pump alone. • For constant speed pumps: Pumps stop at the lowest safe level in the well. Lower than that should generate an alarm. A first pump starts ∙ at a level low enough to allow the pumps to run from 1 to 5 minutes, or ∙ based on an average cycle duration, or ∙ to keep a volumetric capacity that can compensate safely for important flow surge. Additional pumps start at a level a little higher to compensate for higher incoming flow rates (also called inflow). • For variable speed pumps, a fixed low level is set, and the speed of the pumps is adjusted to keep that level. • When multiple pumps from multiple lift stations are trying to pump into the same pressurized pipe at the same time, all these pumps become less efficient.
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and start the pump with the highest capacity first. This means a pump would start at a level that is lower than the fixed lead level that was previously starting a pump. This way, a pump would run alone for a longer period before starting additional pumps, therefore increasing the efficiency of the system. When the inflow is higher than the capacity of both pumps, why wait to reach the lag level to start a second pump? When this occurs, the second pump should start as early as possible. The capacity of the station is set to temporarily store part of the inrush volume. This is increased by starting the pumps earlier than before and by doing the same thing with the additional pumps. With variable speed pumps, the solution is simpler. The level of operation of the pumps should be proportional to the flow entering the station. Since the flow out of the pumps is usually about equal to the flow entering the station, simply adjusting the level of operation proportionally to the speed of the pumps would do. So, when the required speed is low, the level of operation should be high to profit from a lower head. When the speed must be increased to keep the level, then the level should be lowered at the same time. For both types of pump systems, variable and constant speed pumps, the level of operation varies proportionally to the flow rate. This means additional savings will be created by not having to clean the grease ring as often as before.
When the flow rate is low, use the highest possible safe levels to operate the pumps. When the flow rate is high, run them low. variable speed pump lift stations, the PLC code must be changed to accept the flow metering suggestions. Because of the low cost of editing PLC software, most variable speed lift stations should use this mode of operation. It is different for constant speed pumps since a $3,500 instrument must also be installed. To calculate the potential benefits of using a flowbased operating system to a constant speed pump lift station, follow the steps outlined in the chart on the opposite page. In conclusion, you must know the levels of operation of the pumps, the highest and lowest safe levels and the actual pump capacities by using pump curves to calculate savings for a flow-based operating system. Benoit Beaudoin is the president and founder of Maid Labs Technologies. Maid Labs Technologies, which stands for Municipal & Industrial Data, makes lift station diagnostic and flow metering instruments and software. Since 1986, their team concentrated its research on lift station volumetric flow and diagnostics.
To implement this concept in a lift station with variable speed pumps one must alter the PLC code in order to vary the level with the speed of the pumps. This costs nothing more than a programmer’s time. Implementing this concept on a lift station with constant speed pumps is done by adding a flow metering instrument able to calculate the inflow in real time. This will allow one to calculate the pumps capacities, and to suggest to the PLC when which pump should be started and stopped. Like for
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best cybersecurity practices for utilities
the
J A C OB P UC K E T T U NI T E D S YS TEM S & S OFTWAR E Cybersecurity is a topic that is regularly front-page news. Large and small businesses are targets for cybercriminals, and more recently, cyberattacks have become a growing threat to critical infrastructure sectors, including water utilities. These threats have become commonplace in the industry and are becoming increasingly successful. The increased use of industrial control systems has improved water and wastewater service while increasing reliability. While these systems have greatly benefited operations, the reliance on industrial control systems has left water utilities vulnerable to intentional cyber-attacks as well as an unintended cyber breach.
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Recently, the EPA was tasked with the implementation of cybersecurity best practices for water & wastewater utilities and developed a 10-question cybersecurity exam with the goal of preparing utilities to prevent and respond to cyber threats to address this need. Potential attackers search for weaknesses to exploit, giving them access to the utility’s systems and may then perform malicious activities through this gained access. Once a criminal gains access to a system, they may operate for weeks or even months before their actions are noticed. By this time, they may have gained complete access to the system as well as customer and other sensitive information. While the possibility exists that these attackers are highly skilled hackers, the likelihood of an attack originating internally is equally as or more so probable than an outside intrusion. Disgruntled employees may intentionally disrupt a system or undereducated employees may inadvertently give a cybercriminal access to the system via phishing emails or simply clicking an infected link online. Regardless of the source of the intrusion, the threat of cybercrime has become a very real one for the utility industry. Many water and wastewater utilities simply don’t have the resources for information technology 35
and security specialists on staff. What can be done to ensure that your operation is secure? Below we outline some cybersecurity basics as well as tips and tricks for protecting your infrastructure.
cybersecurity basics
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting critical systems and infrastructure from attack or intrusion. This requires strong technical controls, effective management practices, and multiple levels of control. In addition, it is crucial that utilities continuously monitor and improve these controls. The development of strong cybersecurity policies, risk management, and business continuity plans is imperative. These policies and procedures should consist of multiple layers of protection across computers, networks, programs, and data essential to the operation of the utility. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework is an excellent place for utilities to start. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework consists of five functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.
The Identify function consists of developing a robust organizational understanding of cybersecurity best practices in order to manage risk to systems, assets, and data. This includes asset management and inventory, as well as risk assessment and the development of risk management plans. The Protect function involves the implementation of practices and tools that protect the system and help to ensure the delivery of services. This implementation typically consists of determining who has access to which parts of the system, creating awareness of potential risk and implementing training initiatives, taking steps to ensure that data is secure and backed up, the development and implementation of network security policies, as well as other protective technology.
cybersecurit y b e s t p r ac t i c e s
While the development of a robust cybersecurity and response plan can seem daunting, there are several best practices that utilities can easily implement today: • Perform quarterly asset inventories, including audits, to identify vulnerabilities. • Develop a comprehensive risk management plan beginning with risk assessment and prioritization. Begin by creating a list of highest cybersecurity risks and how they will be addressed. • While it is ideal that utilities implement complete network segmentation, at minimum control system hardware and software should be segmented to avoid unnecessary exposure. • Implement strong password requirements and, at a minimum, require users to change their network password every 90 days. • Implement safeguards that limit unauthorized physical access. • Install and maintain independent cyber and physical safety systems. • Educate and train employees on cyber threats with the goal of creating a culture of awareness and proactivity. • Ensure that all systems have up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software and implement threat detection and monitoring software. • Create redundancies in your system to limit the effects of a service outage or intrusion.
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The third function, Detect, involves implementing tools to identify the occurrence of a cybersecurity event or intrusion. The goal of this function is to allow the utility to detect unusual activity as well as any intrusion or breach in the system. The key is to continually test detection processes and procedures to ensure that the appropriate individuals are made aware in a timely and adequate fashion.
functions can be a cumbersome process, but it is essential to ensuring that your system and customer data are protected. The increased use of interconnected systems exchanging sensitive data, the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems, coupled with typically weak cybersecurity measures utilized by utilities has created an environment that is primed for target. Even the smallest attack could have profound consequences. A system breach could lead to interference with operation of water treatment equipment, resulting in chemical over- or underdosing, unauthorized changes to programmed instructions in local processors enabling individuals to take control of drinking water distribution or wastewater collection systems, reduced pressure flows of water into fire hydrants, overflow of untreated sewage into public waterways, delayed detection of intrusion or water contamination, and access to customer data and sensitive info. While a cyberattack or breach can have grave consequences, there are steps that utilities can take to protect their system and their customers.
Respond, the fourth function, calls for the development and implementation of policies and activities to address and respond to cybersecurity threats. Risk assessment and response planning and mitigation are critical elements of the Respond function. Utilities need to develop timely response processes and procedures that can be executed and maintained by the operation as well as activities that can be utilized to prevent the expansion of an event such as network segmentation. Utilities are highly interconnected operations; for example, the utility billing system communicates with the meter reading system that also probable with shut off valves. Segmentation into different cybersecurity zones can allow a utility to isolate threats and avoid the spread of malicious software to their entire system. We suggest segmenting your network into these main areas: back-office operations, external Jacob Puckett can be reached by email at jacobp@united-systems.com systems (mobile devices, laptops, tablets), hosting, SCADA, water system controls, Measure and customer-facing systems. Once the Every hardware and software utilized in each of Drop‌ these respective areas have been identified, switches and routers can be utilized to separate them from the rest of the network, Bill creating a network segment. Every Drop... The final function, Recover, involves recovery planning, system improvements in response to the intrusion or attack, and communication to stakeholders, partners, VISIT OUR WEBSITE: vendors, and customers. www.united-systems.com Cybersecurity is multifaceted and everchanging. Keeping up with all the necessary AMR / AMI | SOFTWARE | WATER LOSS
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Will Taylor (615) 388-4877 Region Manager, South willt@united-systems.com
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flying blind no more:
new software optimizes pump operations MIK E BERN A R D SM I T H S ECK MAN R E I D
If you looked down at your dashboard and saw your car's tachometer needle in the red, what would you do? For those of us that know how to drive a stick, I hope the answer that popped into
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your head was “Shift” or maybe “Let off the gas”. Redlining a car isn’t good for it, right? Would you even consider buying a new car that didn’t have a dashboard? How could you properly operate
it if you had no idea how fast the engine was turning, how fast the vehicle was going, no idea what gear you were in, and no idea whether there was any gas in the tank? We wouldn’t dream of buying, much less operating a vehicle like that. So why do we do it with our pumps every day? I will bet that right now many of you are operating pumping systems worth far more than your cars, and you are flying blind without any real data on how those systems are operating.
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Have you ever been told that variable frequency drives (VFDs) save you money? For my entire career, I have been told that putting a VFD on a pump would save my clients money. Who was I told that by? VFD sales people. Know what they left out? A lot. First, VFDs are expensive, so you don’t really save money unless you operate the VFD in a way that results in energy savings greater than the cost of the equipment. This is compounded by the fact that VFDs are not 100% efficient. You can expect a 3-4% loss across the VFD, which is why they produce so much heat. You can therefore expect to pay out roughly that same amount of energy again to cool the room to reasonable temperatures. But that’s not the real challenge. The real challenge is associated with how centrifugal pumps work on VFDs. That is a really complicated subject, and one that I personally don’t believe is taught very well either in our engineering schools or in our operator training. I am on a quest to change that. I would like to personally invite you to attend the Friday morning session at the Technology Conference where we will tackle this exact topic. In the first hour of that training, I will teach you how pump curves are created by manufacturers, how system curves are generated by engineers, and how the two interact. Sound boring? Well to spruce things up a bit, I created a small pumping system from components I bought from Amazon. com. Together, we will build the pump curves and system curves for a couple of different scenarios and discuss the effect on the pump. We will talk about what happens when we operate two or three pumps together, and what happens if those pumps have different curves. We will also talk about some of the implications of running the pumps on VFDs. We will then discuss how hard it is to predict where each pump is operating, and if that operating point is hurting the pump. Did you know that either spinning a pump too fast or spinning it too slow can cause cavitation that
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damages the pump? How fast is too fast? How slow is too slow? We will discuss that topic using a realworld example, and I will show you how most of us have been flying blind for far too long. Over a decade ago, I realized that Consolidated Utility District in Murfreesboro had a pumping system where the pumps were being damaged by running too fast. The operators had no possible way of knowing that to be the case. This sent me on a quest to find a software “dashboard” that could help the operators run their pumps correctly. Twelve years later, I finally found that dashboard. It is provided by a company called Specific Energy. The second hour of our training event will introduce you to Specific Energy. Specific Energy is a Texasbased software developer that has created a platform to help operators better operate their pumps, managers better manage those assets, and engineers to better engineer the systems. It is the first such software that I have ever seen that is equally valuable to all three job classifications. For operators, the software provides a real-time dashboard that shows exactly how each pump in the system is operating, and will either suggest better operating points, or even control the VFDs to get to those points if allowed. For managers, the Asset Management component tracks the health of each pump over time and predicts when repairs or replacement of the pump would be less expensive than continuing to run a worn-out pump. Instead of running pumps to failure, managers can now decide based on real data when it would be cheaper to repair or replace them. And for engineers, the historical data that the software generates can be used to determine whether conditions in the pipeline have changed over time due to sediment accumulation or tuberculation, and whether a different pump may be more appropriate to the real-world conditions. Their presentation
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tech conference
pre se n tat i o n
Mike Bernard will be presenting a special, 3 hour session on how Specfic Energy can optimize pumping systems during TAUD's Utility Technology Conference in Knoxville. CE has been approved for all licenses.
will include live data from several installations in Texas as well as their newest installation at CUD's Stones River Water Treatment Plant. We may even entice Murfreesboro’s operators to make changes to the pumping system while we watch the software respond.
waterhammer in piping systems, and how it can also be used in wastewater pumping systems. They have innovated a system that can actually be used to replace flow meters in wastewater systems and provide far better data on the station performance and overall asset management. We presented this same workshop in October, and the feedback was fantastic. Several of the operators that attended told me afterwards that this is the first time in their career that they have really understood how pumps work. That is so rewarding to me, and I want to bring this training to as many people as I can.
The third hour of the training will demonstrate how this software can also be used to reduce
Partner with us for greater control through
Advanced Technology Energy conservation due to precise, updated equipment and a focus on energy management Improved cost analysis through technological benchmarking and profiling systems Firewalls, software and systems updated regularly for improved cyber security GIS mapping accessible in the office and in the field
Learn how to gain more control for your community AllianceWater.com
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TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS
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apply by
april 1
$2,000
schol arships avail able Each year, in conjunction with TAUD, the Tennessee Utility Education Corporation (TUEC) Scholarship Program offers a one-year scholarship in each of the three grand divisions of Tennessee. They are awarded to students intending to major in a field related to operations of a public utility at an accredited college or university. The recipient must be a dependent child of a full-time employee of a TAUD member or a TAUD governing board member or, the recipient must be employed by a TAUD member. Under certain circumstances, applicants that are the dependent child of a part-time employee of a TAUD member may also be considered. Each applicant’s ranking will be based on leadership responsibilities, awards, honors, academic record, career goals and financial need. The recipient must intend to study a major which is related to or can be used by the student in the operations of a public utility.
visit www.taud.org for application requirements
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utility spotlight
the byrdstown bac-t revolution
Byrdstown Water Department is First to Automate LAU RA G O RDO N & S E TH RY E, Bacteriological Testing in TN RYE ENGI NEER I NG PLC You can call them pioneers or call them visionaries. But whatever you call them, Byrdstown Water is revolutionizing water quality testing in Tennessee. In November of 2019, the Byrdstown Water Department became the first water system in the State of Tennessee to implement the TECTA automated bacteriological testing (Bac-T) device. TECTA is the only automated system approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) for testing drinking water. It is a complete, self-contained automated microbiology testing system capable of providing laboratory-grade results on-site with unprecedented time-to-result performance. In Tennessee and across the United States, public water systems must deliver safe and reliable
tech conference
pre se n tat i o n
Seth Rye will be conducting a presentation about TECTA Pathogens Detection Systems at TAUD's Utility Technology Conference in Knoxville. Approved CE for WT/DS licenses.
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P. E.
drinking water to their customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If the water supply becomes contaminated, consumers can get seriously ill. Fortunately, public water systems take many steps to make sure drinking water is safe. One of the most important steps is regular testing for coliform bacteria and E. coli. Coliform bacteria and E. coli are present in the environment and their presence in drinking water indicates that pathogens could be in the water system. Testing drinking water for all possible pathogens is complex, time-consuming and expensive. However, with TECTA Technology, it is an easy and simple process. So, why automate Bac-T testing? According to Buster Harmon, Byrdstown Water Treatment Plant Manager: “We needed a method of testing that takes all the guesswork and potential for human error out of the bacteriological testing process and the TECTA B4 has done just that. Compared to traditional methods, the TECTA is simpler to verify and very easy to use. There’s nothing to it.” Traditional enzyme-substrate methods of BAC-T testing rely on multiple steps, multiple pieces of equipment, human vision and perception of color to determine bacteriological contamination of a
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detected total coliforms and E. coli in three hours. This will really cut down on the response time in the event we have a positive sample from our water system in the future,” said Harmon. Not only does the TECTA identify positive samples faster than traditional methods, it also improves efficiency by automatically notifying the operator via email. “Once you start a sample, the machine takes it from there. No one has to be at the plant to tell if it was a good or bad sample. When the sample is finished, the TECTA emails the results to two addresses here at Byrdstown. We can start a sample whenever we need to and no one has to make a special trip to come in and read the results. The emails are also great for documentation purposes and the reports are backed up on the internal storage of the TECTA machine,” added Harmon.
PICTURED: (ABOVE) Buster Har mon of Byrdstown Water Department, po uring a water sample into the T ECTA B4’s Total Colifor m & E. Coli test cartridge; (INSET) the T CTA B4 automated bacteriological testing system
drinking water sample. The most popular of these methods require a full 24-hr incubation period before samples can be visually compared by a trained lab technician. However, with the TECTA method, positive Bac-T samples can be identified in as little as two (2) hours (up to 18 hours) depending on level of contamination. “TECTA has already improved operations at our water plant. We don’t have to wait 24 hours anymore to see the results. We’ve run multiple tests with spiked samples including a natural pond water sample that the TECTA
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With any automated technology, there is a need for quality control and verifications of proper function. The TECTA B4 and B16 units come with a verification cartridge that must be run periodically to ensure that the optical sensors in the unit are functioning properly. Additionally, temperature verifications are conducted throughout the incubation process by the TECTA unit. TDEC governs the quality control of the unit in the individual lab setting and requires that any system using TECTA undergo a three-month trial period of side-by-side comparisons with the laboratory’s existing test method. “The trial been going really well. So far, all of the samples we have run against our traditional method have had identical results. When we finish the trial, we plan to use the TECTA to run our compliance samples, repair samples, and samples run for other
43
Pellissippi State Community College Can I work full time? Yes. The Water Quality Technology cohort program is specifically designed for people working full-time, offering a mix of traditional evening classes, some fasttrack classes that may be completed in 5, 7 or 10 weeks and some online courses.
What is Prior Learning Assessment? Through Prior Learning Assessment, you may be able to earn academic credit for the knowledge you gained outside a traditional academic environment. Credit may be earned for life experiences, a former career, employee training, military service, independent study or even volunteer work.
Water Quality Technology Cohorts What is a cohort? A cohort is a group of students following the same schedule and progressing through a degree program together. A cohort schedule follows a predetermined course sequence and class schedule, so the students and faculty know the time and date of each class, from beginning to end of the program. Accelerated pathway cohorts serve an additional role, allowing part-time students to earn a degree more quickly, thanks to shorter-length courses. Peer support is invaluable whether you’re tackling a new concept or trying to complete a degree. Working together and earning a degree together is a win-win for everyone.
Water Quality Technology Program Schedule, Spring 2020: • WTRQ 1001 - Orientation to Water Operations
How do I apply? 1. Complete Pellissippi State admission application at www.pstcc.edu/admissions 2. Complete 2019/2020 FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov 3. Complete TN Reconnect application at www.tnreconnect.gov 4. Contact Brock Evans to register for cohort advising or any questions you might have.
What about Certifications? Classroom instructional materials align with those used for state-level certifications, so graduates from this program will be prepared for state-level certification in water and wastewater treatment operations. Once the student passes the exam, they become certified operators in water treatment or wastewater treatment.
Contact: Brock Evans Btevans@pstcc.edu 865.226.9245
• WTRQ 1210 - Regulations & Compliance • WTRQ 1410 - Water Facilities & Maintenance
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1800789. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
PSCC 319120625
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systems,” said Harmon. “After using the TECTA B4 during the trial period, I have more confidence in this method than my other method,” he added. Buster Harmon has witnessed the full evolution of Bac-T testing in Byrdstown. “In the old days, we used to have to drive all of our samples two hours one-way to Nashville for testing. Then 18 years ago, we began using the traditional 24-hour enzyme substrate method in our lab. Now, we have standardized on the TECTA method, which automatically runs our tests for us with reliable, repeatable results. This standardization will ensure consistent results that our customers can have confidence in,” said Harmon. “This method is the next big thing for a lot of reasons, including value. The TECTA B4 is an all in one solution. We went from having to buy and maintain costly incubators and ultraviolet reading equipment, to just one tabletop device that’s about the size of computer printer. It does it all and we have not had to increase the price of our testing on per sample basis,” he added. Byrdstown selected the TECTA B4 unit which has the capacity to run four samples at a time. This decision was made based on the number of samples per month that Byrdstown normally runs. “We run a minimum of about 12 samples per month, therefore we selected the B4 unit. It allows us to start tests independently in each of the four cells at anytime throughout the day or night. Even if I already have a test running, I can begin another test without violating the integrity of the test. If we were a larger system, we would have probably gone with the B16 unit which holds up to 16 samples,” said Harmon. While Byrdstown Water is the first water system in Tennessee to use TECTA, the first unit was actually installed for academic purposes at Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville by Dr. Art Stewart for the Water Quality Technology program. The unit is currently being used to train water sector professionals in industry methods of laboratory water quality testing.
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TECTA B 4 & B16 The TECTA B4 and B16 are unparalleled for testing drinking water, managing wastewater and conducting environmental monitoring. They are known for the following: • Easy to use with quick, reliable results • Fastest E. coli and Total Coliform test available • Single-use, on-site tests using water samples anywhere, at any time of day • Simple operation that does not require specialized personnel • No sample preparation or visual interpretation of results required • Provides continuous monitoring and automated interpretation • Saves money by reducing operational costs and eliminating the need to ship samples • Communicates results wirelessly to computer, tablets and even smartphones The TECTA B4 instrument can be used for a variety of drinking water applications including: • Raw (Source) Water by providing important intelligence early in the treatment process, avoiding water quality surprises later down the road. • Pre/Post Treatment Steps by reducing the time it takes to get test results from days to hours, while making it easier to detect treatment failures much earlier, leading to improved system efficiency and preventing water quality disasters. • Finished Water since the TECTA B4 can rapidly confirm water quality before it leaves the treatment facility and enters the distribution network helping quickly to identify whether the source of the problem is in the treatment plant or the distribution system. • Broken/Unplanned failures of pipes by providing the fastest feedback possible on compromised water quality saving time and money by providing the “all-clear” much sooner, allowing crews to get back to work and water services to get back on-line. • Response to Customer Complaints by providing the reassurance about water quality or an early warning that will save time and money down the road and reducing adverse impacts to public health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently pending the approval of the TECTA B4 and B16 instruments for wastewater testing. 45
activity fee contributors These utility & associate members contributed to Activity Fees in support of TAUD’s legislative efforts. Activity Fees are vital in assisting the Association with its work lobbying on behalf of the utility industry. TAUD would like to recognize the voluntary support given by the following members:
a s soci ate m e m be rs alder & cox, inc. alliance water resources american development corporation bam2 inc. bar environmental, inc. bass, berry, and sims buchanan pump service and supply c.r. barger & sons, inc. cannon & cannon, inc. cdm smith cleary construction inc. columbia chrysler dodge jeep ram fiat consolidated pipe & supply co. core and main, lp cumberland machine co. fisher & arnold, inc. ford meter box company, inc. foxpe fulghum, macindoe & associates g & c supply company, inc. gresham smith & partners hawkins, inc. hmb professional engineers, inc. hsi, inc. hussey gay bell - nashville, llc icm inc. j.r. wauford & co. engineers jackson thornton & co., p.c. james c. hailey & company kazmier & associates, inc. ky/tn section awwa lda engineering m&h/kennedy valve mattern & craig mcwane ductile moore construction co., inc. mueller company nexbillpay next generation underwriters ohm advisors parker, lawrence, cantrell & smith performance contracting
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utility members
powell & meadows insurance agency, inc.
precon corporation rocky top bg distributing rye engineering, plc s & s utility sales, llc sensus sherrard roe voigt & harbison smith contractors, inc. smith seckman reid, inc. southeastern tank, inc. southern sales co. - tencarva municipal stowers machinery corporation stringfellow, inc. tennessee 811 tennessee engineering group tennessee wastewater systems, inc. tlm associates, inc. trilec vermeer heartland- tennessee veteran management services w & w engineering, llc walter a. wood supply co. wascon, inc. wiley bros.-aintree capital llc wk dickson & co., inc.
25 utility district adamsville utilities allardt water works alpha-talbott utility district anderson county water authority baxter waterworks bedford county utility district bells utilities big creek utility district big sandy waterworks bloomingdale utility district blountville utility district bolivar water system bon aqua-lyles utility district bondecroft utility district bristol-bluff city utility district brownlow utility district cagle-fredonia utility district camden water & sewer carderview utility district carthage water department cedar grove utility district center grove-win. springs utility district centerville water & sewer charlotte wastewater system cheatham co. water wastewater authority chuckey utility district citizens gas utility district clay gas utility district clifton gas & water department cold springs utility district consolidated utility district cordell hull utility district covington public works/utilities cowan board of public utilities crab orchard utility district crockett public utility district cross anchor utility district cumberland city water & sewer cumberland gap water & sewer decherd water system dekalb utility district
TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS
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utility members dewhite utility district dowelltown-liberty water dupont dyersburg suburban consolidated ud east fork utility district eastside utility district elizabethton water utilities elk river utility district erin water system estill springs water system fall river road utility district first utility district of hardin county first utility district of hawkins county first utility district of knox county friendship utility department gallaway utilities gibson county municipal water district gibson county utility district gladeville utility district gleason water & wastewater glen hills utility district goodlettsville wastewater system gordonsville wastewater system grand junction water system grand valley lakes poa grandview utility district greenbrier water system greeneville water commission griffith creek utility district h. b. & t. s. utility district hallsdale-powell utility district hamilton co. water & ww authority harbor utility district hardeman-fayette utility district harpeth valley utilities district harrogate utility department hartsville trousdale water & sewer dept. hendersonville utility district henning utilities hixson utility district hohenwald utilities holiday shores water service holston utility district horton highway utility district humphreys county utility district huntingdon water & sewer huntsville utility board huntsville utility district intermont utility district jackson county utility district jackson energy authority jamestown gas & water jefferson cocke county utility district jellico water system kimball sewer system kingston water & sewer knox chapman utility district lafollette utilities laguardo utility district lake county utility district lakeview utility district lauderdale county water system lawrenceburg utility systems lexington utilities lincoln county board of public utilities lincoln memorial university
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linden utilities livingston utilities luttrell-blaine-corryton utility district madison suburban utility district mallory valley utility district marshall county board of public utilities maury county board of public utilities mcewen water system mckenzie water commission memphis light gas water division metro-moore county utility department michie water system middle tn natural gas utility district middleton water system monteagle rural utility district monterey water & wastewater moscow water department mosheim water & sewer department mt. carmel wastewater mt. pleasant water/ww/gas munford utilities new canton utility district new johnsonville water new market utility district niota waterworks nolensville/college grove utility district norris water commission north overton utility district north utility district of rhea county north west utility district northeast henry county utility district northeast knox utility district northwest dyersburg utility district northwest henry utility district o connor utility district oak ridge utility district oak ridge water system oakland water system obion utilities ocoee utility district old gainesboro road utility district old knoxville highway utility district oliver springs water department oneida water & wastewater department paris board of public utilities pegram wastewater system persia utility district plateau utility district pleasant view utility district poplar grove utility district portland utility system powell valley utility district quebeck-walling utility district ramer water department red boiling springs water reelfoot lake util/plan district reelfoot utility district of lake county ridgely waterworks ripley utility system river road utility district roane central utility district roane county wastewater rockwood water, sewer & gas rossville water system russellville-whitesburg utility district rutherford water department
rutledge waterworks department samburg utility district savannah valley utility district scotts hill water system second south cheatham utility district selmer utility division sevier county utility district sevierville water systems sewanee utility district shady grove utility district sharon water system smith utility district smyrna water system sneedville utility district south blount county utility district south bristol-weaver utility district south cumberland utility district south elizabethton utility district south giles utility district south paris coop water system south pittsburg water and gas south side utility district spring city water & sewer springfield water & sewer springville utility district surgoinsville utility district sweetwater utilities board sylvia-tn city-pond utility district tellico area services system tellico plains water & sewer thompsons station wastewater system toone water system tracy city public utility trezevant water & sewer troy water system tuckaleechee utility district tullahoma utilities authority unicoi county gas utility district unicoi water utility district vanleer water works waldens ridge utility district wartburg wastewater plant wartrace waterworks & sewerage watauga river regional water authority water authority of dickson county watertown water & sewer watts bar utility district west knox utility district west overton utility district west robertson water authority west stewart utility district west tn public utility district west warren-viola utility district west wilson utility district westmoreland water system white house utility district whiteville water & wastewater wilson county water authority winchester utilities woodbury water & sewer woodlawn utility district
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upcoming training
Classes listed occur while this issue is current. For more information or to register for any of these classes, please visit www.taud.org or call Ali Hite, Education Assistant, at (615) 900-1000.
ALCOA
al coa p ubl ic wor ks operat ion c en t er | 7 2 5 un iv e r s al st. 5.4**
Knoxville Collection System Cram
6 hrs. CS
BLOUNTVILLE
bl o unt v il l e u t il it y dist r ict of f ic e | 3 0 1 0 t n -1 2 6 3.24 Safe Drinking Water Act Update 3.30**** Fundamentals of Water Distribution
6 hrs. WT/DS 6 hrs. DS
CHATTANOOGA
east si de u t il it y dist r ict | 3 0 1 8 h ic kory val l e y r d.
Get complete information & register online at www.taud.org. Choose “Training”, then “List View”, or select a specific category: W A TER T R EA T M E N T D I STR I B UTIO N W A STEW AT E R C OL L E C TIO N CE R T I F I C A TI O N P R E P C ON F E R ENCE S B A C K F L OW TR A IN IN G SA F E T Y N A T UR A L G A S C OM M I S SI O N E R MU N I C I PA L UTI L I TY O F F ICIA L
Fees vary depending on class
Members Non- Members 48
$85-$360 $90-$720
3.12 3.13 3.26 4.8 4.28** 4.28 4.29*
Confined Space Trench Excavation Competent Person Safe Drinking Water Act Update Cross Connection Program Administration Bacteriological Compliance Bacteriological Sampling Bacteriologial Monitoring & Reporting
6 hrs. 6 hrs. 6 hrs. 6 hrs. 18 hrs. 6 hrs. 12 hrs.
Any Cert. DS/CS WT/DS Any Cert. WT/DS WT/DS WT/DS
COOKEVILLE
co ok e v il l e wat er q ual it y con t r ol | 1 8 6 0 s. jef f er s on av e. 3.27
Safe Drinking Water Act Update
6 hrs. WT/DS
HENDERSONVILLE
he nde r s onv il l e w t p | 1 2 5 in daian l ake r d. 3.25** Membrane Water Treatment
12 hrs. WT
JACKSON
jea t rain ing c en t er | 3 2 0 hw y 4 5 b y -pass 3.16**** Fundamentals of Water Distribution 3.16**** Fundamentals of Water Treatment 4.14 Intro to GPS Data Collection 4.21 Safe Drinking Water Act Update 4.22 Confined Space
6 hrs. 12 hrs. 3 hrs. 6 hrs. 6 hrs.
DS WT DS/CS WT/DS Any Cert.
KINGSPORT
pe t dai ry b uil ding | 1 1 1 3 kon n ar o c k r d. 3.17 Cross Connection Renewal 3.18** Cross Connection Basic
6 hrs. Any Cert. 12 hrs. Any Cert.
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class length
knox v il l e ut il i t i e s boar d | 4505 mi ddl ebr o ok pk.
2 days (*) 3 days (**) 4 days (***) 5 days (****)
hal ls dal e-p ow e l l ut i l i t y | 3745 cunn ing h a m r d.
questions?
KNOXVILLE 3.25 3.26
Wastewater Issues & Regulation Update Collection Systems Issues & Update
4.14 Cross Connection Renewal 4.15** Cross Connection Basic
6 hrs. WW 6 hrs. CS
6 hrs. Any Cert. 12 hrs. Any Cert.
615.900.1000
*a l i s t e p h e n s @ t a u d . o r g
LAWRENCEBURG
l aw r enc eb ur g ut i l i t y sy st ems | 160 7 n . l o cu st av e. 4.20
Safe Drinking Water Act Update
6 hrs. WT/DS
LEBANON
jam e s e. war d ag c ent er | 925 e. badd o ur pkw y.
5.21 Operator Expo 6 hrs. Any Cert.
LENOIR CITY
l e noir c it y c ent er | 7698 c r e ek wo od par k blv d. 3.25 5.27 5.28
Safe Drinking Water Act Update Trench Excavation Competent Person Confined Space
6 hrs. WT/DS 6 hrs. DS/CS 6 hrs. Any Cert.
Providing Products for Our Greatest Resource:
WATER
For more information on these and other products, call: NATURAL GAS, WATER & WASTE WATER PRODUCTS Atwood, TN: 1-800-238-3836 Dandridge, TN: 1-800-325-2305 SIGNS & SAFETY PRODUCTS
1-800-223-8594
Striving to Serve Since 1974
www.gcsupplyco.com 1ST Q UA R T E R
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MARYVILLE
c i t y of mary v il l e operat ion s c en t er | 3 3 2 hom e av e. 5.4**
Knoxville Distribution System Cram
6 hrs. DS
c i t y of mary v il l e mun ic ipal bl d g. | 4 0 0 w. br oadway av e. 5.4**
Knoxville Wastewater Treatment Cram
12 hrs. WW
al coa wat er f ilt rat ion pl an t | 3 0 2 sa m ho u st on sc ho ol r d. 5.4**
Knoxville Water Treatment Cram
12 hrs. WT
MURFREESBORO
taud t rai ni ng stat ion | 8 4 0 com m er c ial ct. 3.17** 3.24 3.30** 4.3 4.7 4.7** 5.4** 5.4** 5.4** 5.14 5.27 5.28
Practical Math for Distribution Operators CPR/AED/Basic First Aid Class Cross Connection Basic Cross Connection Renewal Cross Connection Program Administration Practical Math for Water Treatment Operators Murfreesboro Water Treatment System Cram Murfreesboro Wastewater Treatment Cram Murfreesboro Collection System Cram Arc Flash/Electrical Safety Training Intro to GPS Data Collection Emergency Operations
6 hrs. 6 hrs. 12 hrs. 6 hrs. 6 hrs. 12 hrs. 12 hrs. 12 hrs. 6 hrs. 6 hrs. 3 hrs. 6 hrs.
DS Any Cert. Any Cert. Any Cert. Any Cert. WT WT WW DS Any Cert. DS/CS Any Cert.
consol i dat e d u t il it y dist r ict | 7 0 9 n e w sal em r d. 5.4**
Murfreesboro Distribution System Cram
6 hrs. DS
UNION CITY
union c i t y publ ic wor ks | 3 1 5 n . f if t h st. 4.30
50
Trench Excavation Competent Person
TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS
6 hrs. DS/CS
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Find 10 differences between the original photo (top) and the altered photo (bottom).
game
-
1ST Q UA R T E R
spot the differences
og ! d fr Fin page 38 on
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operator M AY expo T - S H I R T C O N T E S T j a m e s e . wa r d ag c e n t e r 94 5 e . b a d d o u r p k w y l e b a n o n , t n
OPE R AT OR INFO
May 20th May 21st
co n t e s t d e ta i l s:
0! Win $20
3:00 - 5:00pm 7:30 - 8:25am
To receive Continuing Education credit, you must arrive no later than 8:30am cst, attend three demonstrations which apply to your license, as well as the Rules & Regulations Update, and submit a completed CE form after the last session. Everyone must attend the full day (8:30am-3:30pm) in order to receive CE. No partial credit will be given.
DEADLINE 4/17/20 • 10 in. x 10 in. • One color • Must be industryrelated. No endorsements! • Mail to: Penny Funk P.O Box 2529 Murfreesboro, TN 37129
TUEC RAFFLE WIN $2K!
TAUD's third annual Tennessee Utility Education Corporation Raffle will be held during the Expo. Tickets are $5 each and are available to purchase from any TAUD staff member. Proceeds from this raffle help to fund the TUEC scholarship program.
3 CASH PRIZES
OF
$ 2 ,AWA 0 0R D0E D
WILL BE
See ad on the inside front cover of this issue for complete details.
HOTEL INFO
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We encourage you to make reservations early as room blocks will fill up quickly.
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u t i l i t y r e g i s t r at i o n
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______
$________
paym e n t i n f o r m a t i o n Please send payment information or check to: TAUD | P.O. Box 2529 | Murfreesboro, TN 37133 Fax: (615) 898-8283
payment enclosed
e x p. d a t e
card number
please invoice
amount due
s i g n at u r e
name on card billing address
zip
email for receipt
Please make checks payable to TAUD. If preferred, you may pay by Master Card, American Express, Discover or Visa. Only provide your credit card information on forms that are to be direct mailed or faxed. WE CANNOT ACCEPT credit card information on forms that are submitted via email, even if sent as an attachment. No refunds will be issued for this event. Substitutes are always welcome.
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j a m e s e wa r d a g c e n t e r ¡ l e b a n o n
o p e r ato r e x p o
M AY
v e n d o r r e g i s t r at i o n
r e g i s t e r o n l i n e at w w w.tau d . o r g
circle t-shirt size for each registrant t- shirts only guaranteed if registered by may 1
please make copies of this form for more than 4 registrants
registrant 1 registrant 2 r e g i s t r a n t 3 (additional $40/$45/$50 fee; see below) r e g i s t r a n t 4 (additional $40/$45/$50 fee; see below)
S M L XL
2X
3X
S M L XL
2X
3X
S M L XL
2X
3X
S M L XL
2X
3X
at t e n t i o n s u p e r b o o s t e r s !
c o m pa n y
Even if you do not owe booth fees for this event, you must register to guarantee your booth diamond pl at i n u m space!
mailing address city
s tat e
phone number
taud members
booth registration for two (after may 1) attending only (no booth/exhibit)
non - members
booth registration for two (by may 1)
attending only (no booth/exhibit)
s i lv e r
r e g i s t r a t i o n f e e s booth registration for two (by may 1)
gold
zip
additional fees
$425 ______ x $40 = $_______ $525 ______ x $45 = $_______ $350 = $_______ $775 ______ x $50 = $_______ $550 = $_______
b o o t h i t e m /s e r v i c e /s p o n s o r s h i p r e q u e s t s additional tables (registration includes one 6' table)
outdoor area/large equipment display (no fee; indicate size needed)
______ x $10 = $_______ __________ = $_______
- bring extension cords (no fee; check box if needed) - bring hoses (no fee; check box if needed) meal sponsorship t-shirt sponsorship (shirt sponsor requests must be received by april 24) electricity
water hookup
$150 = $_______ $200 = $_______ total amount due:
= $_______
paym e n t i n f o r m a t i o n Please send payment information or check to: TAUD | P.O. Box 2529 | Murfreesboro, TN 37133 Fax: (615) 898-8283
payment enclosed
e x p. d a t e
card number name on card billing address
please invoice
amount due
s i g n at u r e zip
email for receipt
Please make checks payable to TAUD. If preferred, you may pay by Master Card, American Express, Discover or Visa. Only provide your credit card information on forms that are to be direct mailed or faxed. WE CANNOT on. tforms 54 T E N N E SACCEPT S E E U Tcredit I L I T Y card N E Winformation S | www aud.org that are submitted via email, even if sent as an attachment. No refunds will be issued for this event. Substitutes are always welcome.
advertiser index
Alliance Water Resources 40 American Development Corp. 23 C2RL Engineers 32 C.I. Thornburg 22 G & C Supply Company 49 Joel B. Spaulding 24 McGill Associates 20 Pittsburg Tank & Tower Co. 27 Southeastern Tank Back Cover Tennessee Utility Assistance 5 United Systems & Software 37 Wascon, Inc. 28
Associate Members are welcome to advertise in any of TAUD's publications, including the Tennessee Utility News (TUN) magazine, the annual TAUD Membership Directory and Training Station Wall Calendar.
adve rtise with tau d
A quarterly magazine, the TUN has an average annual circulation of over 20,000 recipients, consisting of readers in the water, wastewater and natural gas industries. This includes managers, operators, state legislators, rural and economic community development officials, as well as state and federal agencies. The TUN is also available to read on e-reader and tablet devices, via issuu.com.
Two of TAUD's most valuable resources, the Membership Directory & Training Station Wall Calendar are published annually. While the Directory is only distributed to members of the Association, the Calendar is directly mailed to every active operator and utility in the state. By advertising in one, or all, of TAUD's publications, you're not only making an investment in your business, but also ensuring that your message directly reaches your target audience. For more information, please contact Vanessa Solis at (731) 352-8256 or by e-mail at vanessasolis@taud.org.
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P.O. Box 2529 Murfreesboro, TN 37133 www.taud.org
HELPING H2O DELIVER ROI.
From Linden to Bristol and beyond, we find ways to preserve every penny while preserving every drop of water. When it comes to water storage, we have provided customers with creative, cost-efficient solutions for more than 40 years. From quote to build to routine inspection, we consistently find a way to ensure the highest standards for every tank and the water inside. Build a better tank, put more money in the bank. Call 615-466-5220 for a quote, or visit our website.
Where there’s water, we find a way. 60 Vesta Road • Lebanon, TN 37090 • p. 615.466.5220 • f. 615.466.5222 M U N I C I PA L WAT E R & WA S T E WAT E R
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I N D U S T R I A L WAT E R , WA S T E WAT E R & F I R E P R O T E C T I O N
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D I S I N F E C T I O N B Y- P R O D U C T M A N A G E M E N T