The Pipeline Newsletter Vol. 1, No. 2

VOLUME 1 | NO 2

The Pipeline The Customer Meter Upgrade Project is Here!

Columbia Water began rolling out brand new water meters with advanced capabilities to all Columbia Water customers in June.

New Water Meter More than 150,000 meters will be installed in multiple stages over the next three years. The goal is to have 25,000 meters installed by the end of 2019. A comprehensive communications plan has also kicked off to ensure customers are notified when their meters will be replaced.

This Customer Meter Upgrade Project supports the City’s #EnvisionColumbia campaign for bringing innovative services to our community. This project will improve the way we read water meters and provide customers with more insight into their water usage.

Some of the benefits include fewer estimated bills, real-time alerts about Customer Water Meter Dashboard possible leaks, and the ability to better manage water use.

For information about our project and to see if you are scheduled for the upgrade, please visit our website at www.columbiascwater.net/meterupgrade.

New Partnership Ends Discharge into Saluda River Blue Granite Water Company and Columbia Water took a major step forward for water quality protection and the continued health and vitality of the Saluda River.

At 2:30pm on Friday, March 29, Blue Granite successfully interconnected its Friarsgate Blue Granite and Columbia Water ceremoniously pull the pipe Wastewater from the Saluda River. From left: Myra Reece (DHEC), Reese Hannon (Blue Granite), Clint Shealy (Columbia Water), Catherine Treatment Plant Heigel (Blue Granite) and Representative Chip Huggins.

(WWTP) to Columbia Water’s wastewater treatment system. As Public Service Commission in a result of this regional treatment October 2018. DHEC also worked connection and the cooperation with the parties to promptly and collaboration of the parties, review and approve construction treated effluent is no longer being and operating permits needed to discharged from the Friarsgate make the connection.

WWTP into the Saluda River.

In November 2017, the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) notified Blue Granite of the availability of a regional connection for the Friarsgate WWTP with Columbia Water. Thereafter, Blue Granite and Columbia Water worked collaboratively to negotiate and execute a wholesale interconnection and treatment agreement. This agreement was approved by the South Carolina

“We are pleased to achieve this milestone with Blue Granite Water Company and believe it will benefit water quality in the Saluda River and economic development in the Midlands for many years to come,” said Assistant City Manager, Clint Shealy. “This is yet another example of Columbia Water fulfilling one of Envision Columbia’s focus areas of enhancing our communities through innovative solutions.”

www.columbiascwater.net | 803-545-3300 | 1136 Washington Street – Columbia, SC 29201

DRINKING WATER

Drinking Water Week 2019 Assistant City Manager Clint Shealy recently accepted a proclamation on behalf of Columbia Water from Mayor Steve Benjamin and City Council. The document declared May 5-11, 2019 Drinking Water Week in the City of Columbia, South Carolina. This nationally observed public awareness Assistant City Manager Clint campaign is sponsored by Shealy accepts Drinking Water Week proclamation from Mayor the American Water Works Steve Benjamin.

Association (AWWA). For over forty years, the AWWA has helped water professionals and

the communities they serve come together in recognizing the vital role water plays in daily lives. This year’s theme “Protect the Source” inspired customers to take a personal investment in source water and its benefits to society.

Columbia Water staff Ketki Sheth (Canal Water Treatment Plant Lab Manager) and Jill Martinez (Canal Water Quality Advocate) kicked off the celebration with fun facts about the municipal drinking water. Brittany Kilpatrick with the Congaree Riverkeeper and Chenille Williams with the Environmental Educators Association of South Carolina (EEASC) shared tips to keep storm drains and rivers free of debris and trash. Special thanks to the Congaree Riverkeeper, EEASC, the City of Columbia Public Relations staff, and Columbia Water staff for making the week a true success.

Canal Plant Upgrades Continue If you’ve visited Riverfront Park recently, you may have noticed construction taking place at the Canal Water Treatment Plant. The most visible is the construction of one of two finished water storage tanks, commonly called clearwell tanks. The overall goal of the project is to replace aging infrastructure and modernize operations at the historic facility, which has been in operation since 1906.

Here are some facts about the project: • Each clearwell tank will hold five million gallons of water, enough to fill nearly eight Olympic-sized swimming pools.

• The project includes a new high service pump room that contains two 25 million gallon per day pumps and two 10 million gallon per day pumps.

• The total construction cost of the project is $44.4 million and it is projected to be complete in the summer of 2020.

MEET COLUMBIA WATER daniel cain

How long have you been with the City of Columbia and what do you do?

I have been working with the City of Columbia since November 2018, but I have been living in the city since August 2001 when I started at USC. My title is Operations Supervisor at the Canal Water Treatment Plant (WTP). Since I’m relatively new, I’m learning as much as I can about our specific plant as well as the City. I view my role as a liaison between plant operators and their needs as well as a guide for their personal and professional growth.

What is the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your work bio?

Growing up, I loathed yard work! Now, I enjoy it!

From setting up a garden bed for our boys to cutting the lawn to pruning trees and shrubs. I would suspect that now our boys are entering the loathing stage.

What’s the best experience you’ve had working for the City of Columbia?

The best experience I’ve had here is being a part of the long history and legacy of the Canal WTP as we proceed with construction and updates to carry us forward. Part of those changes is growing our staff both in numbers and knowledge. Bringing individuals on board with diverse non-traditional water treatment backgrounds and experiences such as myself will help us all to succeed.

Pancakes or waffles, and why?

Waffles. But pancakes are a close second. Waffles are thicker and they don’t get soggy as quickly in syrup.

The Pipeline | 2

WASTEWATER

The 2018 Consumer Confidence Report is Available!

The City of Columbia published its annual water quality report, known as the Consumer Confidence Report, in June 2018.

The report, which can be found at www.COLACCR.com, showed no drinking water violations for 2018.

The City of Columbia’s drinking water met all state and federal requirements during 2018. The City’s DHEC-certified laboratory Consumer Confidence Report performs more than 200,000 analyses each year to ensure that the water the City supplies to its customers meets all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DHEC standards. Additional analyses are performed by DHEC, the state agency that regulates and oversees public water systems. Samples are tested at every stage of the treatment process and at hundreds of points throughout more than 2,400 miles of pipeline that make up the City’s distribution system.

For a hard copy of this report, please call 803-545-3300.

Lake Katherine Project Update In May, Columbia Water began construction in the Gills Creek area associated with the Lake Katherine Sewer Capacity Enhancement Capital Improvement Project. The project provides much-needed capacity enhancing improvements to the area’s aging sanitary sewer system. Residents and local businesses along the project area, Penn Branch, Lake Katherine, and Gills Creek, will be notified as construction nears their location. Construction involves the replacement of existing gravity sewer (approximately 12,700 linear feet) with new larger gravity sewer to handle current and projected sanitary sewer flows.

Increasing capacity is vital to complement the recent growth and development upstream of this area and reduce sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) during wetweather events.

Columbia Water has developed a list of high-priority projects to be funded by the Capital Improvement Program. For more information, or to view a map of current and upcoming projects, visit our website: www.columbiascwater.net/capital-improvement-projects/

DHEC enforcement training at the Metro WWTP.

DHEC Trains at the Metro WWTP Plant Columbia Water’s WWTP Superintendent David Wiman, Assistant WWTP Superintendent Mike Foisy, and WWTP Laboratory Manager Sarah Hickman worked with DHEC management to provide an all-day training event for DHEC enforcement personnel from across the state.

The training covered proper paperwork evaluation, portable sampler operation, wastewater treatment plant evaluation, microbiology examination and a solids handling overview.

Lake Katherine Project Map

The Pipeline | 3

WASTEWATER

Aerial Creek Crossing Inspections The Wastewater Management Division (WMD) recently completed the Aerial Creek Crossing Inspection Plan as an implementation of a Consent Decree requirement. This plan is designed to allow WMD staff to visually inspect and evaluate wastewater pipelines that cross water bodies (aerial crossing pipelines) and stream bank encroachment areas which have a higher likelihood of an SSO. There are a significant number of sewer pipelines that convey wastewater over or adjacent to a water body throughout Columbia Water’s service area. Due to their proximity to or intersection with a water body, each of these locations has potential to impact the environment in the event of a collapse. Recommendations for short and long-term improvements are included in the plan. And, in the future WMD staff will use Cityworks® technology, Columbia Water’s computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), to plan and schedule aerial creek crossing and stream bank encroachment inspections on a two-year basis. In the event of a major flood or rain event, WMD will visually inspect these locations and report them using Cityworks® technology.

Before and after images of an aerial creek crossing rehab at Riverhill completed by City Forces.

In the event of a major flood or rain event, WMD will visually inspect these locations and report them using Cityworks® technology.

MEET COLUMBIA WATER robert yanity

How long have you been with the City of Columbia and what do you do?

I started working for the City in November 2018. I am the Utilities Communication Manager and our team focuses on community outreach and promotion for all of our drinking water, wastewater and stormwater campaigns. This includes Trash the Grease/Wipes, Drains Aren’t Dumps and Trash the Poop. Come to the next Wag-Along Wednesday for the Fireflies and you may see us out there!

What’s the best experience you’ve had working for the City of Columbia?

Since I have been here, we have had the opportunity to work at several festivals and events, including the Soda City market, the Tasty Tomato Festival and Fireflies games. It is a lot of fun to educate our customers at such cool events.

Beer or Wine, and why?

Beer for sure. I love the craft beer movement in Columbia, and it is an industry we hope to tap into for promoting our drinking water campaigns. After all, no water, no beer!

What is the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your work bio?

I am an outdoors person and love to kayak. On the weekends, you may catch me floating down the Broad River or Saluda River.

The Pipeline | 4

STORMWATER

Fourth Annual Blue Thumb Landscaper Conference Draws Largest Crowds Yet

Attendees enjoy the Fourth Annual Blue Thumb Landscaper Conference.

On February 21, Columbia Water and Richland County Stormwater Management held their fourth annual Blue Thumb Landscaper Conference in the Eau Claire Print Building. Pesticide applicator credits were available to the more than 80 professional landscapers in attendance. Topics for the 2019 conference included fire ant management, native plants that specifically attract birds, and encouraging sustainability without compromising profit margins. The annual Blue Thumb Landscaper Conference’s agenda is specifically designed for local landscapers and each year’s program is based on needs and interests generated from the prior year’s conference.

Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Workshops and Sale On Saturday, April 6, Columbia Water partnered with the City of Columbia’s divisions of Public Works and Parks and Recreation, and Richland County Stormwater Management to host a rain barrel and compost bin workshop and sale at Edisto Park in the Rosewood neighborhood. Participants had the choice of attending the free workshops, purchasing barrels or bins, or doing both. City Parks and Recreation also had an interactive compost game available, so there were activities for all ages.

More than 50 people attended the workshops and/or purchased barrels or bins.

Installing rain barrels and backyard composting is encouraged by Columbia Water and Richland County Stormwater’s Blue Thumb outreach campaign as a way for individuals to reduce stormwater runoff on their property.

Backyard composting is also supported and encouraged by the City of Columbia’s Solid Waste and Recycling Division and the larger Don’t Waste Food SC initiative.

Participants learn the benefits of rainwater collection and backyard composting.

The Pipeline | 5

STORMWATER

Storm Drain Art Project Partnership with One Columbia and Richland County Columbia Water and Richland County Stormwater Management has partnered with One Columbia to identify two neighborhoods and two Richland County Library branches that are interested in adding some new public art in their community. One Columbia, a non-profit that works to promote Columbia’s arts, culture and history, helped facilitate a call for qualifications followed by design submittal from local artists. Representatives from each of the four “drain” locations voted to select one artist, Jessica Dame, to install a permanent art fixture on their identified drain.

The purpose of the project is to raise awareness of stormwater pollution and the effects that pet waste, lawn clippings and excess lawn chemicals have on area waterways when they enter storm drains. The art installation at the Richland County Library Cooper Branch was completed on July 19. Installations for the Rosewood and Summit neighborhoods and the Richland County Library North Main Branch are scheduled to be completed by late summer/early fall.

Residents can get involved, too! Learn how to participate in storm drain marking events by visiting myriverstartshere.org.

Storm drain art at Richland County Library Cooper Branch. (Photo by Richland County)

MEET COLUMBIA WATER AJ jessee

How long have you been with the City of Columbia and what do you do?

I have been with the City a little under 10 years. I am the Stormwater Manger.

My job has many tasks including keeping the City’s stormwater quality high and staying in compliance with our Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit from DHEC. I suppose my real job is the same as everyone else who works at the City, doing what I can to help the people of Columbia.

What is something interesting about you that we wouldn’t learn from your work bio?

I love any kind of racing! Right now, I race bicycles, but I have also raced dirt bikes and street bikes.

What’s the best experience you’ve had working for the City of Columbia?

It’s really hard to pick one. I have made a lot of friends and memories at the City. I guess my best memory is being a part of the cleanup efforts after the 2015 flood. Seeing so much destruction from the flood was really awful, but the way so many people came together to help each other afterwards was simply amazing to see.

Pizza or tacos, and why?

Tacos! There is no such thing as a bad taco.

It doesn’t matter if it’s from a gourmet place downtown or a Taco Bell off the interstate, they’re all great. I always say, the worst taco I ever had was still really good.

The Pipeline | 6

CUSTOMER CARE

Follow Columbia Water on Instagram

Have You Downloaded the MyColumbiaSC App?

Columbia Water recently joined Instagram! The account kicked off in April with an Earth Day post to celebrate the importance of the environmental awareness and the world’s water systems. Be sure to follow @ColumbiaSCWater for the latest news, community events, and giveaways. Give a shout out from your Instagram account with #ColaWater.

The City of Columbia introduced a new mobile application last year for area residents and Columbia Water customers.

The app, called MyColumbiaSC, allows users to access City services and report issues with the tap of a phone screen.

MyColumbiaSC is free to download and available now on both Android and Apple devices.

Give a shout out from your instagram account with #ColaWater.

MEET COLUMBIA WATER dechandra golden

How long have you been with the City of Columbia and what do you do?

I have been working for the city for a year and a half. I work in the Water Field Service Department. I assist the techs in the fields with locations of meters and customer account information. I also dispatch orders, close orders, and work on office filing.

What’s the best experience you’ve had working for the City of Columbia?

The best experience I have had working at the City of Columbia would be the interaction with those coworkers who have turned into close friends.

Cats or dogs, and why?

Neither, I’m not an animal person.

What is the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your work bio?

From my work bio you wouldn’t think that I taught dance as well. And, I am aspiring to open a dance studio especially for kids who have a passion to dance but whose parents can’t afford it.

The Pipeline | 7

CAUSE FOR APPLAUSE

Wastewater Maintenance Service Recognition Awards 25 years • Marion Aiken • Alvin Faust 20 years • Neco Green 15 years • Nathaniel Freeman

10 years • Francis Fox • Rodric Moultrie 5 years • Thomas Peters • Jennifer Mann • Ebouni Moultrie • Michael Johnson • Zachary Reed

Columbia Water Wins SC811 Award Columbia Water has been recognized as the Most Improved Partner for the first quarter of 2019 for their dedication to safe digging practices for the SC811 Preferred Partner Program.

This notable achievement is due in large part to Wateka Smith, Safety Coordinator, for being the driving force with collaborating, coordinating and strengthening the relationship between the City of Columbia and SC811.

Congratulations Columbia Water and Wateka!

City of Columbia Public Utilities Safety Achievement June is National Safety Month and the South Carolina Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) recently announced their 2019 Safety Achievement Award recipients. The Safety Awards programs are a way of rewarding employers for Representing City of Columbia Public Utilities were from left: Prentiss the success of their safety Wateka Smith, Demetrius and health programs. Several Brooks, Rumph, and James Johnson. departments within the City of Columbia performed well and reduced their Recordable Incident Rate (RIR) from 2017 to 2018. The Public Utilities Department was recognized as a top performer, reducing their RIR by 40%. The City of Columbia, Public Utilities Department, along with other safety-minded recipients, received the Palmetto Shining Star, LLR’s top award, for their achievements in safety. The City of Columbia is the only municipality in the state of South Carolina recognized for this outstanding safety achievement out the 39 businesses/ employers being honored.

Columbia Water Ops Challenge Team Qualifies to Compete at WEFTEC Columbia Water’s Ops Challenge team “Fifty Shades of Greywater” took 2nd place in both the Laboratory and the Process Control events at the 2019 WEA Technical Conference & Expo in From left: Brandon Christensen, June. And, placed 3rd at Melissa Engle, Candace Mathis, and Dustin Gloor. the 2019 South Carolina Environmental Conference (SCEC) in March to qualify for the international event at the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) in September. Team members are: Melissa Engle, Candace Mathis, Brandon Christensen, Dustin Gloor, and Captain Sarah Hickman.

Environmental Conference Highlights Adrian Martin, Jill Martinez, and Chris Williams earned first place in the 2019 SCEC Top Ops Quiz Bowl. They represented South Carolina at the American Water Works Association Annual Conference and Exhibition (ACE19) in June 2019 and finished 8th out of 17 teams. This is the 3rd year in a row that our team has represented the state of South Carolina in the national conference.

STORYTELLERS & SHUTTERBUGS

Storytellers & Shutterbugs

Share photos and worksite tales with our community through The Pipeline! We’re always looking for original ideas, timely topics, and project pics. To submit your articles or ideas, please contact us at ColumbiaWater@columbiasc.gov.

Columbia Water

1136 Washington Street Columbia, SC 29201 www.columbiascwater.net Ph: 803-545-3300 @ColumbiaSCWater The Pipeline | 8