The Pipeline
Columbia Water Celebrates Completion of AMI Project
We did it! 150,000+ meters have been installed with the help of our partners! Just one of the ways Columbia Water is leading the way in providing high quality municipal services, effectively, efficiently and responsively. Click the image to see a video of our celebration.
Rosewood Water Project Community Meeting
Councilmen Howard Duvall and Will Brennan were in attendance and spoke at the Rosewood Water Project Community Meeting August 18. The event provided information and updates about infrastructure improvements in the Rosewood area. Columbia Water customer service representatives were on hand to answer billing or service questions.
Earlewood Planting
On Saturday, November 5, Columbia Water, Congaree Riverkeeper, and members of Sustainable Carolina met at Earlewood Park (1111 Recreation Drive) to complete the planting of over 100 native plants along the tributary to Smith Branch.
Funding for this cooperative project was provided in part by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control with funds from the United States Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.
Native species typically require less water and fertilizer once established and also provide habitats for pollinators and other wildlife. To learn more about native plants, proper irrigation, and more, visit: Blue Thumb Landscaper.
Consider registering for our Blue Thumb Landscaper conference.
VOLUME 5| NO 1
www.columbiascwater.net | 803-545-3300 | 1136 Washington Street – Columbia, SC 29201
Columbia Water Tower
Columbia Water and local organizations work together to beautify Earlewood.
Blue Thumb Landscaper Conference February 10, 2023 8:30am-3:00pm Busby Street Community Center 1735 Busby Street, Columbia SC 29203
Columbia Water and City Council members provide water project updates to Rosewood Community.
Water Distribution Hydrant Flushing
Columbia Water’s Water Distribution and Maintenance Division along with the City of Columbia’s IT department recently implemented an automated hydrant flushing program that uses Cityworks, the City’s Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). The CMMS is also used to support and track the preventive and corrective maintenance activities and labor and materials costs for its assets.
Columbia Water regularly flushes a selected set of hydrants to ensure water quality. Bringing this process into Cityworks enables efficient planning and assignment of biweekly and quarterly flushing and easy access to the data for tracking and reporting. The system is accessible to crews performing the work in the field via mobile devices. The related reporting supports both management of the work and DHEC requirements.
Broad River 02 SSES Drop-In
Columbia Water contractors held a community drop-in August 2 at the St. Andrews branch of the Richland Library. The team provided information to customers on the Broad River 02 SSES project (SS7424). Work is underway in the area surrounding Columbia High School to protect the environment and improve the quality of life by reducing sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), increasing sewer line capacity, and rehabilitating aging gravity sewer lines. For more on the project go to https://cleanwater2020.com/ projects/ss7424
MEET CLUMBIA WATER clem
walker
How long have you been with the City of Columbia and what do you do?
I have worked at Columbia’s wastewater plant more than 39 years. I have worked for the City of Columbia for over 36 years. I worked for the City of Columbia in 1983 as a plant operator for approximately 2 years. I switched to the maintenance department as an electrician for several years and as an instrumentation tech for several years. In 1991, the City of Columbia hired a private contractor (Wheelabrator EOS) to operate and maintain the plant. I worked for Wheelabrator EOS as an Electrical/Instrumentation tech. In 1994, when City of Columbia did not renew the contract, I was rehired by the City. My job is to diagnose problems and maintain the electrical process instrumentation at the wastewater plant and associated pump lift stations.
What is the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your work bio?
I like history. Learning about the past can sometimes give you a better perspective on the present and the possibilities for the future.
What’s the best experience you’ve had working for the City of Columbia?
I don’t know if I can list just one. In the past 39 years there have been plant expansions, upgrades, new processes, and new technologies to improve the safety, efficiency, and operation of the wastewater plant and lift pump stations. It’s always a good experience when you can learn the new equipment, processes, and technologies well enough to diagnose problems and keep the plant processes and equipment operating properly.
Pizza or Tacos, and why?
Its pizza for me. Cheese.
The Pipeline | 2
Columbia Water contractors and homeowners discuss Broad River Road area sewer work.
chris miller
MEET CLUMBIA WATER
How long have you been with the City of Columbia and what do you do?
I have worked for the City of Columbia for 20 years. My current job is Customer Care Field Supervisor, I supervise the customer care field team and assist with service orders and handle customer requests.
What is the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your work bio?
I truly enjoy leading and communicating with others. I won’t stop until the job is done and issues are corrected.
What’s the best experience you’ve had working for the City of Columbia?
The best experiences I have working for the City of Columbia are meeting and working with our customers. I’ve enjoyed making a career out of the opportunities I’ve received working here.
Pizza or Tacos, and why?
Pizza, It is just better!
Water Distribution and Maintenance
The Pipeline | 3
Employee Name Status Change Effective Date
Albergottie Promoted to Water Distribution Foreman
Roncone Promoted to Water Distribution Foreman James Chapman Completed CDL Class A 1/12/2022 Carlton Sutton Received CDL Class A Permit 2/7/2022 Stephen Henry Passed Water Distribution Operator* Level D 2/8/2022 Charles Dawson Received CDL Class A Permit 2/23/2022 Joel Trejo Completed CDL Class A 5/9/2022 Darius Burris Received CDL Class A Permit 5/31/2022 Alan Nardecchia Completed CDL Class A 6/15/2022 * LLR SC Environmental Certification
Stanley
Andrew
AWARDS
Wastewater Management Division (WMD)
The following staff were recently recognized as Employees of the Quarter for the 3rd Quarter:
• Marion Aiken (A Operator)
Recognized for being a mentor to staff throughout the years. Aiken is extremely knowledgeable of the City’s wastewater collection system and continues to ensure that safe practices are followed in the field.
• Courtney Singleton (Trainee)
Recognized for her outstanding work ethic and dedication to providing outstanding customer service.
Water Distribution and Maintenance Division (WDMD)
• Craig Boykin (A Operator)
Recognized for being an exceptional worker and very thorough in completing any task assigned to him. Boykin has been very instrumental in making sure safe practices are followed in the field.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Ebouni Moultrie (Administrative Specialist)
Recognized for always being willing to assist every employee in the division in accomplishing their job. Moultrie is extremely knowledgeable in the implementation of the Apprenticeship Program for the WDMD.
Columbia Water has so many dedicated, hardworking employees and we are extremely proud to announce the following award winners:
Employee of the Year, Lake Murray Treatment Plant
Jason Blount
Employee of the Year, Columbia Canal Treatment Plant
Matt Hutton
Employee of the Year, Wastewater Management
Catherine Clayton
Foreman of the Year, Wastewater Management
Rodric Moultrie
Employee of the Year, Water Distribution & Maintenance
Ebouni Moultrie
Foreman of the Year, Water Distribution & Maintenance
DuJuan Williams
15 years of service
• Richard Allison
• Bruce Livingston
Andrew Stubing was promoted to Technical Controls Supervisor at the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in December. Stubing, a Marine Corps veteran, joined Metro WWTP as an Electrical and Instrumentation Technician in February 2022 and quickly distinguished himself with the City, both technically and in his ability to work with employees, vendors, and contractors. In addition to his role at the plant, Stubing is continuing his studies and pursuing his second associate degree in science focusing on Electronic Engineering Technology.
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.
