Pipeline The VOLUME 6 |
NO 3
Drinking Water Week
The Mayor and Columbia’s City Council presented the Drinking Water Week Proclamation on Tuesday, May 7. During the week of May 5-11, 2024, the City of Columbia and communities across America celebrated Drinking Water Week, by highlighting the importance of safe drinking water for our community and recognizing the tireless efforts of our local water professionals who ensure its availability.
L to R: Councilman Peter Brown, Lake Murray WTP Superintendent Corey Jarels, Communications Manager Ben Wildt, Drinking Water Compliance Manager Alejandra Beier, Assistant City Manager Clint Shealy, Director of Customer Services Tiffany Latimer, Councilwoman Aditi Bussells, Canal WTP Superintendent Tyler Dillman, Field Operations Manager Jeremy Yates, Councilman Edward McDowell, Jr. (seated), Water Treatment Operations Manager Trey Varn, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, Councilwoman Tina Herbert, Councilman Will Brennan, and Councilman Tyler Bailey.
City of Columbia A Proclamation
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia’s water is our most valuable natural resource; and
WHEREAS, only the City of Columbia’s tap water delivers public health protection, fire protection, support for our economy and the quality of life we enjoy; and
WHEREAS, any measure of a successful society – low mortality rates, economic growth and diversity, productivity, and public safety are in some way related to access to safe water; and
WHEREAS, we are all stewards of the water infrastructure upon which future generations depend; and
WHEREAS, each citizen of our city is called upon to help protect our source of waters from pollution, to practice water conservation, and to get involved in local water issues by getting to know their water.
THEREFORE, I, Daniel J. Rickenmann, Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, along with my fellow members of Columbia City Council, do hereby proclaim May 5-11, 2024 as “Drinking Water Week”
in the great City of Columbia and urge my fellow citizens to recognize and participate in its observance.”
Bluethumb Landscapers Home Workshop
To emphasize topics more relevant to home landscapers, the Columbia Water Communications Team partnered with Richland County Stormwater Management once again to host the Bluethumb Landscapers Workshop on April 6, 2024.
The theme for the second workshop was “Planting with Water in Mind,” and participants and presenters were enthusiastic about putting the information they learned into practice. They are eager for more workshops like this one. The lineup of presenters was very knowledgeable and so helpful to the participants. Discussions are underway for a fall workshop to help home landscapers prepare to close down gardens that is beneficial come springtime.
Presentations
Stormwater and Rain Barrels, presented by Leslie Wilson, with Richland County Stormwater Management. Leslie provided information to help participants understand what ‘Stormwater’ really means and how a rain barrel could assist in multiple ways.
What is a rain garden? And, how you can start thinking if this is right for your landscape? presented by Lynn Derrick, Owner of Spring Pond Farm in Eastover. Owning and operating a 75-acre holistic hobby farm that grows over 70 varieties of both vegetable and fruit crops organically takes a lot of work and provides a tremendous amount of practical knowledge. Lynn is a Certified Clemson Master Gardener, Master Rain Gardener and Master Pond Manager and runs the Ask-A-Master-Gardener Program for Richland County. He explained about the constructs of the garden and gave examples of how it can improve the look of your yard or garden.
Native Plants for the Waterwise Garden, presented by Lynn Yenkey, Manager of W. Gordon Belser Arboretum (University of South Carolina arboretum). Lynn explained how using South Carolina plants could help you save water, time, and energy while helping our local birds, butterflies, and bees too.
All About SC Snakes, presented by Ari Hippensteal, Community Outreach Manager SC Wildlife Federation. Ari discussed SC snakes with an emphasis on the venomous ones, while trying to deconstruct the fearful narrative commonly associated with snakes.
The Benefits of Compost, presented by Ericka Coman, from ReSoil Compost. Ericka explained the many wonders of compost and how it can assist in growing happiness in your garden.
Watershed Champions, presented by Dr. Madilyn Fletcher, Gills Creek Watershed Association. Dr. Fletcher’s program recognizes residents in the watershed who are taking steps to improve water quality and environmental habitat in Gills Creek through actions they take in their own gardens and yards.
Home landscapers enjoy the Master Gardener program on rain gardens with Lynn Derrick and visit his booth with follow-up questions.
MEET COLUMBIA WATER Jerry Lindsay
How long have you been with the City of Columbia and what do you do?
I have been with the City of Columbia for 24 years, and I am a supervisor over the construction side of Wastewater Maintenance.
What is something interesting about you that we wouldn’t learn from your work bio?
I’m the proud father of three children, and a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan.
What’s the best experience you’ve had working for the City of Columbia?
My best experience working at the City of Columbia, was working on the FEMA Flood project in 2015. Being able to assist families in their time of need, while repairing sewer mainlines and restoring creek banks to their original state.
Pen or Pencil? And why?
Pencil, because no one is perfect. You can always erase and start over, as there is always room for improvement.
Amber T. Patton
Amber’s smile was infectious. A dedicated and supportive colleague, Amber Patton made a lasting impression on her teammates and the customers she assisted during her time at the City of Columbia’s Customer Care Department. Nearly a decade ago, Amber started as a Customer Care Representative and was soon promoted to supervisor in the Customer Care Call Center. Always courteous and polite, Amber was a team player that did not mind working overtime to assist customers in need. She was also very knowledgeable about the industry and provided good feedback for process changes and department procedures. Amber was always available to help coordinate events for the department such as celebrations, luncheons, training meetings, and more. The Customer Care Team is so very saddened by Amber’s passing, but will always remember and honor her.
“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”
Author unknown
The Customer Care team would like to thank City Manager, Teresa Wilson, ACM Clint Shealy, and the entire City of Columbia family for their support, thoughts and prayers and ask for continued prayers and blessings for Amber’s family.
KUDOS
Nakeisha McCoy
Ms. Poole commended Nakeisha “Keisha” McCoy for the amazing customer service she provided. Ms. Poole stated that our department has some of the best customer service and everyone is so friendly, but Keisha went above and beyond. She has been dealing with this issue for the last few months and after speaking with Keisha she’s learned so much. Ms. Poole says Keisha is wonderful and represents the department with professionalism and compassion.
Bashirah Jones
Ms. Hart wanted to share how helpful and knowledgeable her interaction was with Bashirah Jones. She provided Ms. Hart with easy directions to start up her service.
Courtney Robinson
Ms. Kirk wanted to express how compassionate Courtney Robinson was when she called about her account. Courtney was empathetic and energetic and, Ms. Kirk was amazed by how she saved her from a possible water interruption at her location. She called Courtney a jewel and an asset to our Customer Care Department.
Additionally, Ms. Rowe also spoke with Courtney and was very pleased with her experience. She stated Courtney was knowledgeable, pleasant, courteous, and is a great asset to our team.
Denita Gaulman
Mr. Bowers wanted to give kudos to Denita Gaulman for her excellent customer service in assisting him with his water bill issues. Mr. Bowers had been dealing with several water challenges for a while and was so appreciative for Denita’s patience and concern in getting his water bills in order. He also sent an email to Councilman Brennan complementing and expressing his thanks to Denita and our team.
Kaylee Wymer
Kaylee Wymer has once again turned a customer’s experience with our Customer Care department into a positive one. Ms. Holmes says she has called many times to resolve this issue and Kaylee was absolutely amazing.
Marisa also had to share how positive her experience was with Kaylee. Marisa owns a hair salon on Whaley St., and her account was disconnected while she was servicing clients. Understandably frustrated with losing water on a busy day, she called, and Kaylee promptly dispatched the order to reconnect services and confirmed an agent would soon restore her water.
Samantha Rowell
Mrs. Poole says she was so happy to have spoken with Samantha. She has been trying to update her account since her spouse passed away, and Samantha offered understanding, and compassion throughout the process. She took charge and updated the account properly.
A Postcard:
Dear Mr. Wildt,
I want you to hear some good news and a compliment!
Monica Brown, in the Engineering Section of the City’s Water Department, and her boss Christopher Williams, really listened to me and worked hard to see that my needs were met.
Tree roots have grown around my water meter making it difficult to read and throwing my bill off --- by a lot. You have great people working in our City Water department and I am very grateful! I wanted you to know.
Sincerely – Mrs. Walsh
WATER DISTRIBUTION & MAINTENANCE
WATER DISTRIBUTION & MAINTENANCE
Water Distribution & Maintenance
DISTRIBUTION & MAINTENANCE
CANAL WATER TREATMENT PLANT
CANAL WATER TREATMENT PLANT
CANAL WATER TREATMENT PLANT
Canal Water Treatment Plant
CANAL WATER TREATMENT PLANT
CANAL WATER TREATMENT PLANT
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
Wastewater Treatment Plant
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
Customer Care
CUSTOMER CARE
CUSTOMER CARE
CUSTOMER CARE
CUSTOMER CARE
CUSTOMER CARE
Worth Noting!
Both the Canal Water Treatment Plant and the Lake Murray Water Treatment Plant received the prestigious AWOP Award this year!
According to Tyler Dillman, Canal Superintendent, the AWOP (Area Wide Optimization Program) Award is an annual recognition for exceeding the already stringent compliance regulations imposed on water treatment plants. While drinking water treatment plants must meet strict government regulations, AWOP standards are even higher. For instance, government regulations typically require filtered water turbidity to be .3 or lower, but to earn the AWOP Award, plants must maintain turbidity below .1 for the entire year.
The award is presented by SC Department of Environmental Services annually at a conference attended by most water utilities in the state. CONGRATULATIONS TEAM!
SERVICE RECOGNITION AWARDS
Columbia Water has so many dedicated, hard-working employees and we are extremely proud to announce the following award winners:
30 Years of Service
Freddy Alexander, Wastewater Management
Angela McCullough, Special Projects
25 Years of Service
Michael Britton, Customer Care Field Services
10 Years of Service
Lisa Blankenship, Wastewater Treatment Plant
Donald Cook, Lake Murray Water Treatment Plant
Tenisha Guider, Customer Services Meter Reading
Jennifer Mann, Wastewater Management
Ebouni Moultrie, Water Distribution & Maintenance
Thuwaybabint Nhan, Customer Care Field Services
Arnold “Kent” Waddill, Water Distribution & Maintenance
5 Years of Service
Temetrius Brown, Wastewater Management
Ronald Ellison, Water Distribution & Maintenance
Frank Eskridge, Utility Operations
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.
Freddy Alexander
Jennifer Mann Angela McCullough
Donald Cook
Michael Britton Tenisha Guider
Lisa Blankenship
Ebouni Moultrie Thuwaybabint Nhan
Temetrius Brown Ronald Ellison Kent Waddill Frank Eskridge
