Business Office: 1402 Emerald Lakes Drive, Clermont, FL 34711
Web: www.fwrj.com
General Manager: Michael Delaney
Editor: Rick Harmon
Graphic Design Manager: Patrick Delaney
Mailing Coordinator: Buena Vista Publishing
Published by BUENA VISTA PUBLISHING for Florida Water Resources Journal Inc.
President: Richard Anderson (FSAWWA) Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority
Vice President: Joe Paterniti (FWEA) Clay County Utility Authority
Treasurer: Rim Bishop (FWPCOA) Seacoast Utility Authority
Secretary: Rim Bishop (FWPCOA) Seacoast Utility Authority
Moving?
The Post Office will not forward your magazine. Do not count on getting the Journal unless you notify us directly of address changes by the 15th of the month preceding the month of issue. Please do not telephone address changes. Email changes to changes@fwrj.com or mail to Florida Water Resources Journal, 1402 Emerald Lakes Drive, Clermont, FL 34711
Membership Questions
FSAWWA: Casey Cumiskey – 407-979-4806 or Casey@fsawwa.org
FWEA: Laura Cooley, 407-574-3318, admin@fwea.org
FWPCOA: Darin Bishop – 561-840-0340
Training Questions
FSAWWA: Donna Metherall – 407-979-4805 or Donna@fsawwa.org
FWPCOA: Shirley Reaves – 321-383-9690
For Other Information
FDEP Operator Certification: Ron McCulley – 850-245-7500
FSAWWA: Kim Kowalski – (407) 979-4814
Florida Water Resources Conference: 267-884-6292
FWPCOA Operators Helping Operators: John Lang – 772-559-0722, oho@fwpcoa.org
FWEA: Laura Cooley, 407-574-3318, admin@fwea.org
Websites
Florida Water Resources Journal: www.fwrj.com
FWPCOA: www.fwpcoa.org
FSAWWA: www.fsawwa.org
FWEA: www.fwea.org and www.fweauc.org
Florida Water Resources Conference: www.fwrc.org
Boom in
28 Florida Communicators Continue to Take Over at WEFTEC 2025! 38 Beyond a Burst of Optimism: Leveraging Lasting Gratitude for Yourself and Coworkers—Rev. Robert Turner, DMin. 40 SFWMD Celebrates Expansion of a Water Storage and Water Quality Project in Glades County
Water Distribution and Collection
Pacific Institute Analysis Finds Surge in Reported Water-Related Violence
Environmental Leaders Applaud Water First North Florida Approval
34 FWEA Chapter Corner: FWEA South Chapter: Celebrating Growth and Connection in South Florida—Melody Gonzalez
36 C Factor—Kevin G. Shropshire
Reader Profile—Glenn Whitcomb
42 Let’s Talk Safety: Eyes on Safety
Test Yourself—Charles Lee Martin Jr.
Departments
Benchmarking Leak Detection in the Digital Age: A Comparative Analysis of Methods—Paul Gagliardo
Education
Water Department Adds New Infrastructure Upgrade to Improve Safety and Resiliency
The Tampa Water Department is moving forward with a critical upgrade to its water treatment process at the David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility that will enhance water quality while reducing long-term operating costs.
The $42 million chemical systems improvement project represents the latest step in the department’s commitment to modernizing its water treatment infrastructure to serve a growing population and ensure safe, clean drinking water for future generations.
As part of the upgrade, the department will construct an onsite sodium hypochlorite generation facility, allowing the plant to produce its own liquid bleach for water disinfection. The project will also introduce a new, more resilient ammonia delivery system to meet increasing demand and improve operational reliability.
These improvements will help the department:
S Optimize the water treatment process
S Reduce reliance on transported chemicals
S Lower long-term operating and maintenance costs
S Increase chemical storage safety and redundancy
S Improve the taste and odor of drinking water for customers
“This project is a smart investment that strengthens the reliability of our water treatment system while delivering better water quality,” said Rory Jones, director of the department. “The work we do today will pave the way for a more sustainable, resilient tomorrow.”
The chemical systems improvement project is made possible through Progressive Infrastructure Planning to Ensure Sustainability (PIPES), Tampa’s $2.9 billion funding initiative to modernize its aging water and wastewater infrastructure. Thanks
to PIPES, the department is making critical improvements to its water distribution system and modernizing its 100-year-old water treatment plant.
Key facts about PIPES include:
S It establishes a schedule of gradual rate increases for water and wastewater services over a 20-year period.
S These increases will eventually align water and wastewater rates with the funding needed to catch up and continuously renew and replace infrastructure components as they reach the end of their useful life.
S In addition to gradually raising usage (consumption) rates, PIPES also implements a monthly base charge for water and wastewater services.
S Tampa was one of the last municipalities in Florida to implement a base charge. S
Aerial photo shows infrastructure work underway at the Tampa Water Department’s David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility.
AWWA Releases White Paper to Help Water Utilities Plan for Data Centers
Communities and water utilities grappling with the impacts and opportunities introduced by data centers have a new strategic resource at their disposal: the American Water Works Association (AWWA) white paper, “Cooling the Cloud: Water Utilities in a Data-Driven World.”
As artificial intelligence and digital services expand, data centers are emerging as increasingly common and high-impact customers for water utilities. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of how data centers affect water utilities and communities,
examining increased water demands and costs, infrastructure strain, and the need to assess alternative water supplies.
“While utilities are experienced in managing industrial customers, the rapid growth of data centers demands faster, more adaptive planning and coordination,” the paper observes. “Although data centers present unique concerns, the water sector possesses the foresight to meet the moment.”
Key insights include:
S With proactive engagement, thoughtful analysis, and collaboration, utilities can mitigate risks associated with data centers and support long-term system sustainability.
S The choice of cooling technologies employed throughout data centers can greatly impact water and energy consumption.
S Examples from Loudoun Water in Virginia and Aurora Water in Colorado illustrate how utilities are adapting through proactive planning, infrastructure coordination, and policy development.
S Emerging legislation in states like New York, New Jersey, and Minnesota reflects growing interest in regulating water usage at data centers.
The paper also outlines eight planning priorities for utilities anticipating data center development, ranging from evaluating customer impacts to financial modeling.
In addition to Aurora Water and Loudoun Water, contributors to the report include experts from Arcadis, MITRE, Freshwater Society, Kurita, Tetra Tech, and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators.
The full white paper is available on the AWWA Water Resources Planning and Sustainability page at www.awwa.org. S
LOOKING FOR A SCREW PUMP UPGRADE THAT’S BABA-COMPLIANT?
LAKESIDE REPLACES ALL BRANDS & TYPES… AND MEETS REQUIREMENTS.
Lakeside’s screw pumps offer the ideal and cost-effective “drop in” replacements for less reliable designs. Improve pumping performance and reduce maintenance costs with our superior dual upper bearing design and heavy-duty self-aligning lower bearing designs. For decades we’ve been the go-to source for replacing all screw pump brands. Replacements typically require little or no structural modifications. It’s what you expect from Lakeside Equipment—known for nearly a century for efficient and dependable operation in all wastewater, drainage and industrial applications.
Cleaner Water for a Brighter Future®
Speak to one of our experts at 630.837.5640, email us at sales@lakeside-equipment.com, or visit www.lakeside-equipment.com for more product information.
CLR Process
Magna Rotor Aerators & Accessories
Sequencing Batch Reactors
Package Treatment Plants
Submersible Mixers & Recirculation Pumps
Tyler Tedcastle to Lead FSAWWA in 2026
Tyler Tedcastle, P.E., is the southeast Florida regional sales manager for Carter VerPlanck, a DXP Company, since 2014 specializing in pumps and treatment process equipment. Prior to this role, Tyler worked as a design engineer at CDM Smith in Jacksonville focused on the design of collection/ distribution systems, pumping systems, and treatment plants. In these roles, Tyler has worked with various utilities throughout Florida and the Southeastern United States.
Tyler received his P.E. license in environmental engineering in 2013. He received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Florida (UF) in 2008. He also received his masters of engineering in environmental engineering and science from UF in 2012 by enrolling in its EDGE Program while working full time in Jacksonville.
During his time at UF, he was introduced to FSAWWA through the UF chapter. Through his involvement with FSAWWA at UF, Tyler learned about the water industry, including attending the Fall Conferences, participating in water taste tests as a judge, and helping run the Region XI Water Tower Competition. It was from these experiences that Tyler decided to pursue his career in the water industry and continue his volunteerism with AWWA.
As part of his participation with AWWA, Tyler has previously served as Florida Section chair elect, vice chair, treasurer, and trustee;
duck wrangler at conference duck races; chair of the Member Engagement and Development Council, Administrative Council, Young Professionals Committee, and UF AWWA; and member of various regional planning committees throughout Florida. Along with serving the Florida Section, Tyler has also served two terms each on the AWWA Young Professionals Committee and Manufacturers/
As a Florida native, Tyler currently lives in Pompano Beach with his wife, Ashley; daughter, Collins; and son, Myles. In his free time, he enjoys golf, fishing, hiking, and spending time with his family in the mountains or on the water.
As the chair for 2025-2026, Tyler looks forward to another great year for the Florida Section AWWA as it celebrates its 100-year anniversary! “I am honored and humbled to be elected as the chair for the Florida Section AWWA. I wouldn’t be here without the numerous mentors, friends, and colleagues in our industry who have helped guide me throughout my career. Although there are way too many people to name, I am truly grateful for their collective guidance and mentorship. I am also very fortunate to work for a company that fully supports me and FSAWWA. Finally, I am wholeheartedly thankful for my wife and family for their support to allow me the opportunity to accept the role of chair.”
The Tedcastle family.
Panthers
1. POLYMER REDUCTION: P6 PolyMix® Systems reduce polymer consumption by providing complete polymer/sludge mixing in a shear-sensitive manner. This patented mixing process allows long-strand polymer chains to remain intact and unbroken and wastewater floc to remain intact and unsheared. Typical applications result in a 25-50% REDUCTION IN POLYMER CONSUMPTION, thus saving the customer thousands of dollars in polymer expenses. By not breaking up the polymer chains, the dewatering equipment will experience less fouling, providing more reliability and reducing equipment cleaning costs.
2. DRIER CAKE SOLIDS: P6 PolyMix® technology optimizes the polymer and sludge mixing process, allowing INCREASE DEWATERED SOLIDS CONCENTRATION and INCREASED PERCENT SOLIDS CAPTURED. This unique mixing process results in more efficient sludge hauling, allowing customers to transport less water and more dewatered cake off-site.
3. ELIMINATION OF PUMP MAINTENANCE: P6 PolyMix® technology reduces pump parts and maintenance by utilizing the abrasion-resistant Discflo pumping principles of Boundary Layer/Viscous Drag. This principle can save the customer thousands of dollars in parts and maintenance over the lifetime of the equipment. All P6 PolyMix® systems in the municipal market include a 10-YEAR (extendable to 20 years) 100% WET END WEAR WARRANTY, No other pump manufacturer in the industry provides a wear warranty, let alone a 20-year wear warranty!
4. PUMPS & MIXES: P6 PolyMix® technology uses the unique principles of Boundary Layer/Viscous Drag for mixing polymer versus a mixer/check valve; this, paired with its unique InjeX™ polymer injection mixing chamber, is designed for MINIMAL POLYMER DEGRIDATION, allowing for maximum polymer savings. The hydraulic shear forces within the mixing pump provide a complete homogeneous wastewater polymer slurry fed to the dewatering equipment without breaking the long chain polymers or reducing floc size.
5. LOWER OPERATING PRESSURE AND INSTALLED HORESPOWER: P6 PolyMix® technology dramatically reduces the operating pressure by reducing back pressure within the piping system due to eliminating mixer/check valves. In some applications, customers have had a 75% REDUCTION IN PRESSURE Lower pressure allows the feed pump to operate at lower horsepower. HORSEPOWER SAVINGS OF UP TO 50% OR MORE are possible by installing a P6 PolyMix® system. Customers can see substantial long-term energy savings and reduced upfront capital costs associated with lower installed horsepower.
6. HOW IS IT APPLIED: P6 PolyMix® systems entirely replace bulky, expensive, outdated traditional sludge feed pumps. You can now replace thousands of dollars in equipment and regain valuable real estate space by switching to P6 PolyMix® and utilizing its unique compact design, patented process for eliminating mixer/check valves, and ultra-efficient polymer mixing process. Contact us to learn how P6 PolyMix® can revolutionize the efficiency of your BELT FILTER PRESSES, GRAVITY BELT THICKENERS, ROTARY THICKENERS, SCREW PRESSES, AND CRENTIFUGES.
Benchmarking Leak Detection in the Digital Age: A Comparative Analysis of Methods
Paul Gagliardo
As water scarcity becomes a pressing concern worldwide, proactive leak detection programs have become crucial. These programs are now at the forefront of water management strategies, combating challenges related to aging infrastructure, rising energy costs, and water affordability.
According to the 2023 Utah State University report, “Water Main Break Rates in the USA and Canada: A Comprehensive Study,” which surveyed over 800 utilities and covered 400,000 mi of pipelines, break rates have remained consistent for most pipe materials over the last decade. Overall water main failures between 2018 and 2023 decreased by 20 percent, from 14 to 11.1 breaks per 100 mi per year. This decrease seems to correlate with reduced inventory of cast iron and asbestos cement pipe (both of which have the highest failure rates). As pipes age, their susceptibility to breaks tends to rise, exacerbating the situation. Approximately 260,000 water main breaks occur each year.
Furthermore, the escalation of energy prices directly impacts water supply costs, encompassing treatment and pumping expenses. Baseline tap water costs about $5 per 1000 gal
and rises proportionally with usage, reaching over $10 per 1000 gal. Notably, water rates in the United States have been steadily increasing at an annual rate of 5 percent since the early 2000s.
Advancing Water Sustainability Through Loss Reduction
Water utilities are facing a growing need to curb real water losses from their systems. The 2021 City Water Optimization Index Report reviewed water systems in 51 cities in the U.S. and found that over half of them experienced nonrevenue water levels of at least 25 percent, with a dozen cities facing nonrevenue water levels of over 40 percent. Many of these cities are situated in high-water-stressed regions. According to the United Nations, a territory that withdraws 25 percent of its renewable freshwater resources is classified as water stressed. Moreover, projections from the World Resources Institute for 2040 indicate that this problem is expected to worsen. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, 44 countries are projected to confront either “extremely high” or “high” water stress levels by 2040.
Paul Gagliardo, MPH, P.E., is a senior technical fellow at Gagliacqua Consulting in Encinitas, Calif.
The need for water utilities to address real water losses aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and holds significant environmental implications for water sustainability. Reducing real water losses promotes responsible and efficient water use, achieving Goal 6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all. Additionally, it contributes to Goal 13, which aims to combat climate change by reducing the amount of potable water lost to leaks as droughts and heatwaves intensify and by minimizing the amount of energy used and the carbon dioxide emitted to process water that replaces what is lost. Consequently, mitigating real water losses plays a critical role in securing a sustainable water future for cities worldwide.
The History of Leak Detection Methods
Most utilities will repair a leaking pipe when the water reaches the surface and becomes visible, as it is relatively easy to identify the leak location and conduct repairs; however, detecting and pinpointing leaks that do not surface is a more challenging task.
District metered areas (DMAs) was one of the first methods introduced to address this issue. The DMAs are segments of the distribution system separated by valves and flow meters, which allows the measurement and comparison of input flows with meter readings to determine usage; this is more common in Europe and the United Kingdom than in North America. The nighttime flows can also be measured to determine if there are leaks in the system area. By comparing input and output flows, the water balance is calculated to determine real water losses in this section of the system. If a discrepancy is noted, field inspectors are sent to the field to pinpoint leak locations. In the 1990s, the introduction of the first leak correlator became commercially available for utilities. The correlator was developed to accurately pinpoint leaks on pressurized pipes
Continued on page 12
Figure 1. Operators using a handheld acoustic correlator.
Figure 2. A correlating continuous acoustic monitor.
by utilizing acoustic sensors placed on both sides of a suspected leak location. The sensors collect and transmit sound data to a processing unit, where the noises are correlated and the time difference it takes for the noise to travel is calculated, enabling precise leak location identification. Initially, these were handheld units used by leak inspectors out in the field.
In the 2000s, another significant innovation was developed: fixed-base acoustic sensors. These sensors are capable of performing the same task as the correlator, but without the need for an operator. They are permanently installed throughout the pipe network and continuously collect data, which are then transmitted back to a central location for detailed analysis.
In the 2010s, software-based solutions
emerged, which are purely analytical and rely on data obtained from the utility regarding pipe age, pipe type, and break history. They also use open-source data related to local factors, such as soil type and other environmental and geological data. These are analyzed using an artificial intelligence-based algorithm to determine the likelihood of failure.
Another groundbreaking advancement was introduced at the same time that leverages synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology from satellites to remotely detect the presence of potable water underground.
Exploring Leak Detection Techniques: Pros and Cons
The water industry’s focus on leak detection
has spurred a surge in products and services from new companies. Each of these approaches has its own pros and cons and the offerings can be broadly categorized into the following groups.
Handheld Acoustic Correlators
Handheld acoustic correlators, also known as traditional boots on the ground (BOTG), are essentially enhanced versions of the centuryold listening stick operated manually by field technicians (Figure 1). They operate on the principle that a leak in a pressurized pipe generates a noise that travels a certain distance along the pipe. These correlators are connected to listening points, like valves or fittings, to collect readings. Unlike single-point acoustic devices, correlators use two acoustic listening systems, placed on either side of the leak, to pinpoint its location based on the acoustic signal strength observed at each device.
Pros: This cost-effective and minimally invasive technique is commonly used in conjunction with other leak detection methods to precisely identify the leak’s exact location.
Cons: This fully manual process heavily relies on the expertise of human operators for successful detection. Due to its labor-intensive nature, covering an entire service area in a single year becomes challenging—or even impractical—for utilities. In many cases, it can take four to five years to inspect the entire system using this approach. Moreover, ensuring proper training for leak detection personnel and obtaining high-quality acoustic devices are critical factors for achieving accurate results.
Correlating Continuous Acoustic Monitoring
Correlating continuous acoustic monitors (CCAM) or fixed-base acoustic systems are also sound sensors or correlators (Figure 2), but unlike traditional BOTG methods, they consist of a set of equipment that is permanently or semipermanently mounted to the pipes or attached to hydrants. These systems continuously collect data and transmit them to a central location for analysis, enabling operators to be alerted to leaks over time. In some cases, the equipment is moved to another part of the system after a specified time, following a “lift and shift” program.
Pros: The CCAM is a noninvasive approach.
Cons: The CCAM comes with a significant capital cost. Typically, it is focused on monitoring specific areas of the distribution system for long-term observation and is not easily or inexpensively relocated. The installation of permanently fixed leak detection devices requires battery power to operate the sensors and backhaul data to a central processing platform, limiting the productive life of these systems. Additionally, the units have a
Figure 3. A district metered area.
Figure 4. An in-situ acoustic sound sensor.
battery life of five to six years, requiring periodic maintenance and replacement.
District Metered Area
The DMAs with flow meters, or virtual DMAs, aim to analyze flows during minimum consumption periods (usually at night) to differentiate legitimate consumption from leakage within the DMAs (Figure 3). When discrepancies are identified, leak detection activities are initiated to locate and repair these leaks. This can be achieved, either physically through pipe modifications and flow meters, or virtually through modeling and the establishment of a virtual twin program.
Pros: Smaller DMAs tend to be more cost-effective and easier to model, making them a favorable option in certain cases.
Cons: The implementation of DMA leak detection can be costly, especially if significant modifications are required to isolate an area for accurate input and outlet flow measurements.
Tethered or Floating Systems
Tethered or floating devices are acoustic/ sound sensors (Figure 4) deployed within a pipe through an opening, such as a hydrant, by field personnel. As they are pulled through the pipe, they can triangulate leaks and identify gas pockets caused by leaks using acoustic signals.
Pros: These devices can be easily removed via the tether or further downstream using nets or natural exits. Apart from leak detection, these systems are also utilized for condition assessment studies, employing ultrasonic or video tools to collect data. Cons: These systems are invasive and may require a
special access point to be constructed for launching and recovery, depending on their size.
Software-Based Condition Assessment Solutions
Software-based condition assessment tools are predictive systems that employ proprietary artificial intelligence or open-source algorithms to analyze pipe systems and forecast future failure risks (Figure 5). These advanced algorithms are trained using historical break data, along with information on pipe age, type, soil conditions, and other parameters collected from the utility. It is important to highlight that these tools are primarily designed for condition assessment and asset planning, rather than specifically identifying likely leak locations.
Pros: The software’s predictive capabilities enable utilities to proactively address potential issues and optimize their maintenance strategies for system resilience. Not only does it require less capital investment, but it can identify the sections of pipe with the highest density of leaks. Additionally, it is less intrusive as it uses readily available information about the system and its environment.
Comparing Leak Detection Methods:
Unassisted Boots on the Ground Versus Satellite Imagery Leak Detection-Guided Approach
Cons: Software-based condition assessment tools might require upfront costs for procurement, training, and hardware installation, and integration into existing systems.
Satellite Imagery Leak Detection
Another technology was developed that leverages SAR from satellites (Figure 6) to remotely detect the presence of potable water underground. The SILD technology has the capability to “see” up to 2 meters below the surface, and its functionality remains unaffected by weather, foliage, or hardscape. Patented algorithms can efficiently
Traditional unassisted BOTG leak detection efforts are customarily carried out by inspecting pipelines from one end to the other at random areas assigned by the utility. This point-to-point method is usually carried out by retained contractors or inhouse crews. Leaks are pinpointed using acoustic equipment by accessing listening points along the pipeline route. These listening points include meters, curb stops, valves, hydrants, and any other physically available appurtenance.
The SILD solution surveys many mi of pipeline with a single scan. Leveraging proprietary
Continued on page 14
Figure 5. Condition assessment tools can analyze pipe systems and predict failures.
Figure 6. Satellites can detect potable water underground.
algorithms and a geographic information systembased map, the technology pinpoints likely leak locations, focusing on the 5 to10 percent of the total surveyed area that necessitates proactive attention. Subsequently, field crews are deployed to these pinpointed areas for physical inspection, using the same acoustic equipment as the traditional methodology, but maximizing the efficiency of leak detection efforts.
When comparing and evaluating these methods, establishing a performance benchmark is critical to compare results accurately. Both the utility and the solution provider should conduct comprehensive benchmarking analyses. Utilities can benchmark the performance of their current technology to assess its technical efficacy and value proposition, serving as a baseline for comparing alternative approaches. Similarly, technology providers can benchmark the performance of their solutions against traditionally used methods.
A benchmarking analysis, however, requires standardized performance metrics to ensure fair comparison among alternative technologies. This can present challenges when a new technology performs the task in a fundamentally different manner than the traditional methodology. In such cases, defining appropriate metrics becomes crucial to accurately assess the effectiveness of the innovative solution.
The traditional unassisted BOTG leak detection method can be compared to the SILD method using the following metrics:
S Leaks found per crew day
S Leaks found per mi physically inspected
S Mi inspected per crew day
S Listening points per mi accessed
S Percent of nonsurfacing leaks
S Cost per leak found
There are an adequate number of traditional unassisted BOTG projects to analyze and calculate
a valid performance metric for this methodology. Two unique traditional leak detection contractor databases were reviewed in this analysis. The first is comprised of 1858 projects conducted in North America between 2009 and 2018, while the second database encompassed 289 projects from 2017 to 2021, for a total of 2147 projects. Together, these databases identified and pinpointed a total of 18,784 leaks.
The performance metrics (Table 1) from one SILD provider is based on 1440 projects completed worldwide between 2016 and 2025, covering regions such as North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, Asia, and Japan, and identifying a total of 184,339 leaks during this period.
The SILD technology excels in identifying pipeline areas with higher concentrations of leaks, as they are not evenly distributed throughout the system. This is evidenced by the leaks found per mi inspected and the leaks found per crew-day metrics. Notably, the SILD projects average 1.5 mi of pipeline inspected per crew day, while the traditional approach covers 3.9 mi per day.
Additionally, SILD project crews averaged 135 listening points per mi, compared to 35 per mi in traditional projects. Best practices recommend accessing all possible listening points available during traditional BOTG inspections, maximizing the number of acoustically observed leaks within the inspected zone. This detailed approach, however, may reduce the mi of pipeline inspected on each crew day due to increased inspection time per listening point.
Evaluating Alternative Leak Detection Methods
The traditional unassisted BOTG method has a wealth of recorded data, making it suitable for a
LEAK DETECTION PROGRAM PERFORMANCE METRICS
data-based comparison to the SILD methodology, while other leak detection methods have relatively limited publicly available performance data. One of these methods includes fixed-base correlating CCAM systems that are permanently installed in selected pipe sections by the utility. These systems continuously monitor the pipeline section, and upon detecting a leak, a field crew is dispatched with correlators to pinpoint the leak’s location for repair. Given the fundamental difference of the fixed-base system as a continuous monitoring program, it necessitates the development of modified performance metrics to enable a comparative analysis with other leak detection methods.
In one study, a SILD technology was evaluated side by side with a fixed-base acoustic leak detection system over a year-long period. The comparison was made possible as both systems were monitored and operated for the same duration of 12 months, covering an identical 100mi service area. Each technology autonomously identified points of interest related to potential leaks and promptly reported them to the utility. Subsequently, BOTG field leak inspectors were dispatched to the identified areas for leak pinpointing. During the study, the SILD detected and pinpointed 117 leaks, while the CCAM technology identified 20 leaks within the same time period. This study showed the ability of SILD technology to find more leaks within a given area and a given time. The quicker leaks can be detected and repaired, the larger the value proposition regarding water loss reduction and money saved.
In a study based in the United Kingdom, a comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate leak detection performance using DMAs against SILD remote observation technology. The study involved surveying and inspecting the same DMA areas, and the results revealed an increase in the leak detection efficiency when the SILD technology was employed. Specifically, the leak per crew-day metric increased by 700 percent, rising from 0.4 to 2.8 leaks per day. This performance improvement demonstrates the effectiveness and potential of the SILD technology in optimizing leak detection efforts.
Summary
There are many options of proactive leak detection solutions for utilities to choose from. It is incumbent on the customer to analyze their existing program and any solution they are considering to determine their efficacy. The solutions should be compared with benchmark metrics that allow for fair and true direct comparisons, as described in this article; only then can an informed decision as to the best option be made. S
Table 1. Performance Metrics for Leak Detection Programs
√ Double Interlocking Constructio
Innovative Aluminum Cover Design for Water and Wastewater Application
Piece Extruded Hing
√ 6” (Standard) or 3” Wid Deck Plank
Gasketed Interlock & Edge Handle
√ 20+ 606 T6 Aluminum Extrusion
√ 50 psf Live Load (Standard Design
√ 400 Lbs. Concentrated Loa √ L/240 Live Load Deflection Limi √ Hinged & No Hinged Cover Panel
Easy Panel Remova √ NEBB Leak Test Certifie
Interlock Beam/Support Member
Santoprene Gasket
Slide Latching System
Flush or Top Moun
Sturdy Wal Safe Cove
Slip Resistant Striation
Parting Thoughts and Thanks—For the A-E-I-O-U (and You!): Qualities That Define Our Water Community
ILisa Wilson-Davis Chair, FSAWWA
t is hard to believe how quickly this year has flown by. When I stepped into the role of chair, everyone told me the year would go fast—and
day feels full. At times you feel the weight and responsibility of the role, but on the flip side, it is amazing how deeply I feel the joy of it.
This year has been extraordinary, and much of that joy came from one simple thing: the people who give their time to this section and our industry. Although the official chair term is one year, this journey for me has been years (okay, maybe a decade or two) in the making, through building relationships, learning, growing, watching others lead, and preparing to serve in this role.
In thinking about how to wrap this year in one
describe both who we are as volunteers and what we strive to be as an industry.
So, I am closing my chair year with six vowelanchored headings, one volunteer word, and one industry word that capture the heart of this journey. And honestly, these words reflect the arc of several years of service, involvement, and shared progress.
How fitting that as I close out my chair year, the Florida Section is about to begin its next century of 100 years of serving Florida’s communities, protecting public health, and advancing the profession of water.
Just like vowels give structure to the spoken word, our volunteers give structure and strength to our section’s work—and water gives purpose to
A: Awesome Volunteers Who Adapt
Our volunteers are truly awesome, in the full, awe-inspiring sense of the word. They raise their hands, they show up, and they give their limited time without needing applause or credit. They are the steady heart of this section.
Our industry must continually adapt. Regulations shift, expectations rise, technologies advance, funding cycles tighten, and transparency is now a requirement; and yet we keep recalibrating and realigning because the stakes of our work demand it.
Our awesome volunteers empower that adaptation. When our sector needs to pivot, reset, or rethink, it is the willingness to jump in and make the change real that turns adaptation from an idea into action, because the “why” never changes: protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and delivering drinking water to our communities.
E: Excellent Volunteers Who Evolve
Excellence is a posture. Throughout this journey I saw excellence in many small and some larger things: in region chairs handling new community partnerships, in committee members squeezing in event coordination between their own workloads, in council members holding
Members of FSAWWA at the 2025 AWWA Water Matters Fly-In.
The 2021 AWWA Membership Summit held virtually during COVID-19.
hours, and in our headquarters team and the Water Utility Council pivoting to reschedule the annual Tallahassee Fly-In at the last minute because it actually snowed in Florida this year! Excellence shows up quietly and builds momentum loudly.
In this industry we must evolve. Forward is our only real orientation; we must keep moving. Water demand is changing, water quality challenges are changing, and expectations from customers are changing. We evolve because tomorrow will be shaped by the choices we make today, and our excellent volunteers help transform that evolution—from concept to reality.
I: Incredible Volunteers and Innovation
The incredible part of this section is the heart: the willingness and the desire to make things better. I have seen this over the years in the smallest acts: a volunteer who said, “I’ll take that,” a person who said, “I’ll make those calls,” and someone who said, “Give it to me and I’ll get it done.”
We are an industry built on innovation. Whether in membranes, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances response, asset management analytics, water reuse, or nutrient removal, we are all involved. Our innovation is grounded in the same spirit that our volunteers model every day, the spirit of “We can make this better!” Their incredible dedication fuels the innovations that move our industry forward.
O: Outstanding Volunteers Who Optimize
We use the word outstanding a lot, and in describing the numerous volunteers I have met over the years, I genuinely mean it in the truest
definition: they stand out. Every time I turn around, someone is stepping up.
In our industry, we are always trying to optimize: maximize reliability, minimize risk, drive efficiency, reduce impacts, and increase resiliency. The work of optimization is never complete—but it is always worth it. So, the outstanding volunteer spirit we see in this section is what helps make optimization observable, because it is people who organize and own the effort, and also overcome obstacles to turn opportunities into outcomes!
U: Unbeatable Volunteer Force and Unbeatable Utilities
A shout-out to all of our volunteers: you are unbeatable. It is because of your tireless efforts, as well as the fact that you keep trying, you keep caring, and you keep saying “yes,” even when the easier answer could be “no.” That relentless spirit is what makes our volunteer force so exceptional and so essential.
And our Florida water utilities—also unbeatable. We move forward. We plan. We protect. We prepare. We do the work most people never see. And just like our volunteers, we stay committed, because delivering drinking water matters every single day. Even when we know most people never think about us until they need us, we are there, every hour of every day.
Y: Yahoo! Yes to Young Professionals!
And then there is “Y.” Because quite simply and truly—Yahoo! This is the moment to celebrate each other and to celebrate our industry that provides critical and essential services. I’m sure many of you have heard me say this: “Get out and brag!” Then you tell two more people, and so on, and so on, and so on. We are awesome!
And what would “Y” be without our young
professionals who bring an energy that recharges the whole section and drives the ongoing evolution of our industry. They jump in, they stretch, they ask smart questions, they reframe the obvious, they dare to try things a different way. They are our future, and more importantly, they are part of the now. Their ideas, their technological fluency, their networking instinct, their willingness to be bold fuel our section’s momentum. Watching their growth throughout my journey has made me more excited about the decades ahead. They are proof that the work we are doing today is already shaping tomorrow’s leaders.
Gratitude and Thanks
As I close this stage of my journey, I want to simply say, “thank you.” Thank you to every person who has given even one hour this year. You strengthened this section, you strengthened this industry, and you strengthened me. In addition, a special thank you to our headquarters team; your behind-the-scenes work, coordination, planning support, and constant responsiveness are the backbone that keeps this section moving. I am grateful that this one-year role has been built on many years of shared work, friendship, learning, and purpose, and I know that spirit will continue well beyond the passing of the gavel.
And here is the inspirational truth I hope we all carry: Our volunteers are the reason the future of Florida water is possible and what we do together is awesome, excellent, incredible, outstanding, and unbeatable. Again: Yahoo!
Let’s keep leaning forward, lifting each other up, showing up, and continue to be the vowelpowered superheroes, because the next 100 years will be shaped by the choices, the spirit, and the service we offer today.
Our future is bright—because you are in it. S
Region IV Water Model Tower Competition volunteers.
Members of FSAWWA at the Fall Conference with duck race winners.
Operators: Take the CEU Challenge!
Members of the Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association (FWPCOA) may earn continuing education units through the CEU Challenge! Answer the questions published on this page, based on articles in this month’s issue. Circle the letter of each correct answer. There is only one correct answer to each question! Answer 80 percent of the questions on any article correctly to earn 0.1 CEU for your license. Retests are available.
This month’s editorial theme is Distribution and Collection. Look above each set of questions to see if it is for water operators (DW), distribution system operators (DS), or wastewater operators (WW). Mail the completed page (or a photocopy) to: Florida Environmental Professionals Training, P.O. Box 33119, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. 334203119, or scan and email a copy to memfwpcoa@gmail.com. Enclose $15 for each set of questions you choose to answer (make checks payable to FWPCOA). You MUST be an FWPCOA member before you can submit your answers!
EARN CEUS BY ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM PREVIOUS JOURNAL ISSUES! Contact FWPCOA at membership@fwpcoa.org or at 561-840-0340. Articles from past issues can be viewed on the Journal website, www.fwrj.com.
Benchmarking Leak Detection in the Digital Age
Paul Gagliardo
(Article 1: CEU = 0.1DS/DW02015462)
1. What percentage of nonrevenue water levels did over half of the 51 cities in the 2021 City Water Optimization Index Report experience?
a) At least 10 percent
b) At least 25 percent
c) Over 50 percent
d) Less than 5 percent
2. Which technology can detect potable water up to 2 meters below the surface, regardless of weather or foliage?
a) Handheld acoustic correlators
b) Tethered or floating systems
c) Satellite imagery leak detection (SILD)
d) District metered areas (DMAs)
3. Which leak detection method is primarily designed for condition assessment and asset planning, not for pinpointing leak locations?
a) Handheld acoustic correlators
b) Satellite imagery leak detection
c) Software-based condition assessment solutions
d) Tethered systems
4. What is the average leak size found by the SILD method?
a) 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm)
b) 3.2 gpm
c) 4.5 gpm
d) 5 gpm
5. What is a disadvantage of DMA leak detection?
a) Requires satellite imagery
b) Costly if significant modifications are needed
c) Cannot detect leaks at night
d) Only works on metal pipes
Water Distribution and Collection Systems
(Article 2: CEU = 0.1DS/DW02015463)
1. What is the primary function of a water distribution system?
a) To improve drinking water quality
b) To provide fire protection
c) To transport potable water from treatment facilities to customers
d) To collect stormwater
2. Which component is used to control water flow and isolate sections for maintenance?
a) Pumps
b) Curb stops
c) Corporation stops
d) Valves
3. What is a key advantage of a grid system layout in water distribution?
a) Lower cost
b) Redundancy in supply
c) Simpler sizing
d) Increased water stagnation
4. Which material is commonly used for water distribution pipes due to durability and corrosion resistance?
a) Brass
b) Mortar-lined asbestos cement
c) Ductile iron
d) Copper
5. What is a major challenge facing aging water infrastructure?
a) Increased water pressure
b) Available easements/rights of way for replacement pipelines
c) Overuse of fire hydrants
d) Frequent main breaks and contamination risks
SAVE THE DATE FOR 2026 FWRC
April 26-29, 2026
Daytona Beach Ocean Center
CALLING ALL EXHIBITORS
Less than 30 booths remain in the Exhibit Hall!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your business and connect with the water community.
Do you know about all of the exciting perks of becoming an FWRC Sponsor? Unlimited Exhibit Hall Passes, Logos included on signage in high-traffic areas and on our website. Sponsors are also featured in printed programs and through push notifications in the FWRC app. Visit fwrc.org/sponsor to become a sponsor today!
READY TO RESERVE YOUR HOTEL?
Hotel blocks open December 8, 2025!
Hotel blocks will be available for reservations starting December 8, 2025. Remember to use the links provided on the FWRC website to ensure that rooms are reserved with the negotiated discounted conference rates.
Visit fwrc.org to reserve your room(s).
Register Now for the 2026 Florida Water Resources Conference Contests!
Participants are encouraged to sign up for the Operations Challenge and Top Ops competitions, which will be held at the Florida Water Resources Conference in Daytona Beach, scheduled for April 26-29, 2026, at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center.
Treatment plant operators from across Florida will compete in the annual Operations Challenge. Participants will be timed in five separate operational competitions to determine the state’s representative for the national Operations Challenge at the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC 2026) in New Orleans.
Top Ops Competition Operations Challenge
The annual statewide Top Ops contest will also be held at the 2026 conference. Top Ops is the “College Bowl” of the water industry. Teams of one, two, or three water operators or laboratory personnel from the FSAWWA regions compete against each other in a fast-paced questionand-answer tournament at the conference.
A moderator poses a wide range of technical questions and math problems, and the team scoring the most points in the final round is awarded the Florida Section AWWA Top Ops championship. The winning team will earn a trip to next year’s American Water Works Association (AWWA) Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE26) in
The contest promotes team building, leadership, education, and pride within a utility. Any utility that didn’t have a team in the 2025 contest is especially encouraged to participate in next year’s event.
For information and entry forms, contact Chris Fasnacht, Operations Challenge chair, at 407-254-7224.
Washington, D.C., where it will compete with teams from other sections in the national Top Ops contest.
Utilities throughout the state are encouraged to enter. Teams do not have to consist of employees of the same utility, and multiple utilities can sponsor a team.
No video, audio, or digital recordings will be allowed during the competition. For registration forms, more details, and to receive the competition rules, contact the Top Ops Committee chair, Andrew Greenbaum, at 352-667-4138 or at agreenbaum@regionalwater.org, or visit www.fsawwa.org/topops. S
Desalination and Reuse Market on the Cusp of the Biggest Boom in History
Installed desalination capacity has grown by 40 percent since 2020, while global water reuse capacity has surged by 52 percent over the same period, according to findings from the newly released Desalination and Reuse Handbook 2025–2026 from the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA).
Produced by Global Water Intelligence (GWI), in partnership with IDRA, the newly published handbook reveals a market entering its fastest growth phase in history, as utilities and industries worldwide increase investment in unconventional water sources to address escalating drought and scarcity challenges.
With regions from the Middle East to North America experiencing record-low water availability, desalination and reuse are becoming essential components of long-term water security strategies. The handbook provides critical intelligence for utilities, regulators, technology suppliers, and industrial users looking to navigate this evolving market.
About Global Water Intelligence
A leading market intelligence and events company, GWI serves the international water industry. Over the last 25 years it has built its business around being a trusted interface between its clients and their markets, providing customers with high-level intelligence that enables them to make the most informed strategic decisions for their business. It covers municipal markets and every industrial vertical (a group of companies that focus on a shared niche or specialized market spanning multiple industries), as well as technology, finance, and economics.
Key Features of the 2025–2026 Edition
Important findings in the handbook include:
S The Desalination Market in 2025: Updated global capacity data, investment trends, and regional analysis.
S The Water Reuse Market in 2025: Insights into the policies and technologies driving the 52 percent increase in reuse capacity since 2020.
S Featured Projects: Details of over 190 desalination projects contracted in 2024–25 and 200 wastewater reuse projects since 2022.
S Reference Directories: Comprehensive listings of more than 200 companies, including engineering, procurement, and construction contractors; technology suppliers; and engineering firms.
Access to the handbook is included with a GWI executive membership and is also available through GWI DesalData and Water Desalination Report subscriptions. Download a free sample and get access at www.globalwaterintel.com/documents/idradesalination-and-reuse-handbook-2025-2026. S
FWEA FOCUS Utility Council Fly-In, Distribution and Collection Updates
AJoan Fernandez President, FWEA
s we close out another successful year, it’s fitting that this December issue focuses on the essential backbone of our water and wastewater infrastructure: our collection and distribution systems. These systems work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that clean water reaches our communities and that wastewater is safely conveyed for treatment. The professionals who design, operate, and maintain these systems embody the spirit of dedication and innovation that defines our industry. As we reflect on accomplishments and look ahead to the challenges of tomorrow, let’s be thankful for these professionals who play a huge role in protecting public health and sustaining Florida’s water future.
Water Distribution
Across Florida, utilities and water professionals are making significant strides to modernize and strengthen the state’s water distribution systems. Many communities are
investing in asset management programs to prioritize maintenance and replacement of aging pipes and valves. These efforts help utilities proactively address leaks, breaks, and service disruptions, which are challenges that are becoming increasingly important as infrastructure ages and populations grow. By combining datadriven decision making with long-term planning, Florida’s utilities are setting a strong foundation for reliable water delivery well into the future.
Technology is also transforming how Florida manages its distribution systems. Smart meters, real-time monitoring, and advanced leak detection tools are now being implemented across the state to improve operational efficiency and customer service. These technologies allow utilities to quickly detect and respond to system issues, reduce water loss, and provide more accurate usage data to consumers. In many cases, the integration of geographic information system mapping and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems has provided even greater visibility and control over system performance, helping utilities make informed decisions in real time.
Sustainability and resilience continue to guide Florida’s infrastructure initiatives. With the state’s unique climate challenges, including sea level rise, saltwater intrusion, and extreme weather events, utilities are investing in measures that enhance system resilience and water quality protection. Projects such as system hardening, looped
distribution networks, and backup power supplies are ensuring that critical water services remain uninterrupted during storms and emergencies. Finally, collaboration remains at the heart of Florida’s progress. State agencies, regional water management districts, and local utilities are working together to share best practices and secure funding for essential improvements. Through partnerships and programs, like the State Revolving Fund and Resilient Florida grants, utilities are able to implement projects that improve reliability, sustainability, and service for communities across the state. Florida’s proactive approach to upgrading its water distribution systems reflects a shared commitment to ensuring safe, dependable water for generations to come.
Collection Systems
Across Florida, utilities are making major advancements to modernize and strengthen their wastewater collection systems. Many communities are investing in comprehensive asset management programs to assess the condition of gravity sewers, force mains, and lift stations. These efforts help utilities prioritize maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement activities to reduce inflow and infiltration, prevent sanitary sewer overflows, and extend
The state capitol rotunda.
From left to right are Kara Mills, City of Boca Raton; Shay Hill, JEA; Joan Fernandez, CDM Smith and FWEA president; and Rep. Campbell from District 99.
utilities are improving system reliability and protecting the environment from unintentional discharges.
Technology continues to play a key role in improving how wastewater systems are managed. Utilities are adopting smart monitoring tools, SCADA systems, and realtime flow tracking to enhance operational awareness and efficiency. Advanced inspection methods, such as closed-circuit television and sonar assessments, allow teams to detect defects and blockages before they become critical. These innovations not only help reduce maintenance costs; they also enable quicker response times and more-informed decision making for longterm system health.
Resilience and sustainability are top priorities for wastewater infrastructure across the state. Florida’s low-lying geography, high groundwater tables, and increasing frequency of intense rainfall events make collection systems particularly vulnerable. To address these challenges, utilities are implementing strategies such as hardening pump stations, installing backup power systems, and improving system capacity to handle wetweather flows. These investments are ensuring
that wastewater services remain dependable and environmentally responsible—even under extreme conditions.
Utility Council Fly-In
A water Fly-In, hosted annually by the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA) and the Florida Water Environment Association Utility Council (FWEAUC), is a two-day advocacy event held in the state capital of Tallahassee where utility professionals, water industry leaders, and association members meet with legislators, policy makers, and regulatory staff to brief them on current drinking water and wastewater issues, influence legislation, and raise awareness of utility priorities. Participants receive updates on regulatory or federal and state policy topics, share local utility impacts, and collaborate with a unified voice before convening at the state legislature to engage with elected officials.
The Fly-In is a strategic opportunity for these associations to bring the water and wastewater sector’s technical, operational, and infrastructure concerns directly to the legislative arena and reinforce the importance
of drinking water and wastewater systems to Florida’s public health, environment, and economy.
The recent Joint FSAWWA/FWEA Utility Council Fly-In, held from October 14 through October 16, was a tremendous success. Over the course of two days, participants conducted more than 70 meetings with state legislators, agency officials, and policy staff to advocate for Florida’s water and wastewater priorities. The event highlighted key issues, such as infrastructure funding, resiliency planning, and workforce development, while emphasizing the essential role utilities play in protecting public health and the environment. This year’s strong turnout and engagement demonstrated the power of collaboration and the unified voice of Florida’s water professionals in shaping sound water policy for the future.
As always, I welcome your questions, ideas, and collaboration on any initiatives you’re passionate about. Whether you want to discuss a column or article topic, get involved with FWEA activities, or simply connect, feel free to reach out. You can contact me anytime at fernandezji@cdmsmith.com or at 954.882.9566. S
Florida Communicators Continue to Take Over at WEFTEC 2025!
WEF Communications Scholarship Program Includes Florida Participants
Now in its fifth year, the WEF Communications Scholarship Program hosted 10 communicators from the United States and Puerto Rico, including two from Florida. Jeremy Lanier of Toho Water Authority and Aliyah Moktadier of Pompano Beach joined eight other scholars to attend their first WEFTEC this past October in Chicago, kicking off with deep dish pizza and locals singing for the Bears whenever they scored.
Created in 2021 to recognize an underrepresented group of professionals in attendance at WEFTEC, as well as promote the public communication and outreach community, the WEF Communications Scholarship provides funding for up to 10 scholars to attend WEFTEC by covering conference registration, airfare, hotel accommodations, and meals. Scholars participate in a curated program that highlights the “best of WEFTEC” and communications-related networking, technical sessions, and informal learning sessions or learning exchanges.
Applications for WEFTEC 2026 will be available in the late spring/early summer of next year. Individuals working primarily in marketing, communications, education, and/or outreach and who have not attended WEFTEC previously are encouraged to apply. More information and the application form can be found at www.wef.org.
Shea’s surprise award announcement at the Operations Challenge awards ceremony at WEFTEC.
Florida Communicator Receives Two Awards
Congratulations to Shea Dunifon, immediate past chair of the WEF Public Communication and Outreach Committee (PCOC) for receiving, not one, but two awards at WEFTEC! Shea was recognized by the Community Leadership Council as a recipient of the Volunteer Service Recognition pin for her service to the public communication and outreach community. She is the second past chair of both the WEF PCOC and FWEA PCOC chair to receive the award.
Shea also received the Operations Challenge Spirit Award for Volunteer of the Year as nominated by the Operations Challenge contestants. Shea has been judging the laboratory event in the Operations Challenge at WEFTEC since 2019 and has served as the laboratory event’s head judge for Florida since 2021. This past September she stepped in to serve as the head laboratory judge at WaterJAM for the Virginia Water Environment Association’s state competition.
Congratulations Shea!
A group photo at WEFTEC of the 2025 WEF communications scholars with mentors and WEF public communication and outreach community leadership.
Shea Dunifon (right) with Juli LaRock showing off their WEF volunteer service recognition pins.
FWEA CHAPTER CORNER
Welcome to the FWEA Chapter Corner! The Member Relations Committee of the Florida Water EnvironmentvAssociation hosts this article to celebrate the success of recent association chapter activities and inform members of upcoming events. To have information included for your chapter, send details to Melody Gonzalez at gonzalezm@bv.com.
FWEA South Chapter: Celebrating Growth and Connection in South Florida
Melody Gonzalez
Spread the Word!
It’s an honor to serve as chair of the Florida Water Environment Association’s South Florida Chapter, an organization that has grown from a small local group into a strong, passionate, and connected community of water professionals.
provide a dedicated platform for members
in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Under the leadership of our founding chair, Juan Oquendo, we laid the foundation for what would become a vibrant and inclusive network. David Hernandez and Layla Llewelyn followed, steering us through pivotal years; Layla, in particular, led the chapter with resilience during the pandemic. Later, Arturo Burbano brought renewed focus to technical programs, and Abnery Picon continued that momentum with record event attendance and expanded student engagement.
Members appreciation event in 2025.
I’m proud to now build upon this legacy alongside a passionate and talented steering committee.
Activities in 2025
This year has been one of reconnection and impact. We’ve hosted well-attended technical seminars and networking events that continue to strengthen collaboration among utilities, consultants, and industry partners. We’ve also expanded our outreach programs, supporting local universities and student engineering clubs and helping inspire the next generation of engineers and water professionals in our community.
Our chapter continues to reflect the unique character of south Florida, a diverse, resilient, and forward-thinking community. Together, we are addressing topics like perand polyfluoroalkyl substances, reuse, and climate resilience, while fostering leadership opportunities for both emerging and seasoned professionals.
As we look ahead, our goals remain clear: to grow membership, enhance technical engagement, and create inclusive spaces where all voices are heard. I am deeply grateful to our volunteers, members—and especially to our sponsors—for their unwavering support and commitment. We couldn’t have done it without all of you.
The South Florida Chapter’s story is one of people coming together with purpose. If you would like to join our team of volunteers, please do not hesitate to reach out at to me at gonzalezm@bv.com.
I’m very excited for all we’ll continue to achieve, together.
Melody Gonzalez is a project engineer and Coral Gables office leader with Black & Veatch in Miami, Member Relations Committee chair, and FWEA South Chapter chair. S
Melody Gonzalez
Back to 2017—our humble beginnings.
One of our online events during the pandemic.
When It Matters Most
¸ Wastewater treatment plant planning and design
¸ Wastewater collection and reclaimed water transmission
¸ FEDP and WMD regulatory permitting and compliance
Our Florida Offices barged esign.com
¸ Gainesville, FL
¸ Jacksonville, FL
¸ Margate, FL
¸ Miami, FL
¸ Hydraulic and hydrologic modeling and analysis
¸ Pump station planning and design
¸ Storage tank design and rehabilitation
¸ Miramar Beach, FL
¸ Orlando, FL
¸ Panama City, FL
¸ West Palm Beach, FL
Don’t wait for a critical need.
Explore how we solve wastewater challenges before they become problems, contact:
Kevin Kennoy, PE
Kevin.kennoy@bargedesign.com
850-333-0199
¸ Planning and design
¸ Biosolids
¸ Wastewater master planning
¸ Regulatory compliance
The Year in Review
Kevin Shopshire President, FWPCOA
ow, how is it December already?
This year has flown by. It seems like I just sat down in this big chair of expectations, attempting to lead this
First of all, thank you for re-electing me to the president position for 2026. I’ve spent the year trying to improve myself, our organization, and our members’ involvement. With your help and support, I hope to continue these efforts in 2026.
A Look Back at 2025
My Columns
In my monthly writings I initially challenged you all to reflect on yourself:
a training course. I spent a couple of my columns discussing our state short schools and I even took the facility management course. I offered involvement in our committees. We also discussed environmental stewardship; did anyone at least plant a tree this year? I planted a mango tree here in Rockledge.
I reported on one region’s efforts to include high school programs, teaching the next generation. I spent some columns discussing different methods of learning. Have you had a chance to network (in person) or invite a sales person to your facility for more learning?
Since we live in Florida, we had to discuss hurricanes. Does your facility have a hurricane procedure? I discussed the importance of safety training, and that accidents do still occur, regularly involving topics we all are trained on.
FWPCOA Activities
We held our quarterly board of directors meetings around the state. Were you able to attend one of the weekend events? We were in Deltona at the training center, Fort Pierce a couple times at the short schools, West Palm Beach at the Florida Water Resource Conference (FWRC), and Cape Canaveral. I also tried to incorporate social events during these weekends.
This year Mr. Jim Parrish took over the big shoes of Mr. Tom King as Education Committee chair. Mr. David Pickard was selected as an honorary life member. We celebrated 50-year memberships for several members, honored the retirement requests
Mr. Patrick “Murf” Murphy making friends while on the Space Coast.
The FWPCOA board of directors meeting in Cape Canaveral.
Mr. Tim McVeigh is recognized for his many years of effort bringing the Online Institute to life.
Mr. Al Monteleone receives an appreciation award for his many years of teaching.
of several longtime committee chairs, and honored those members we lost this year.
As I mentioned, we held one of our board meetings at a very successful FWRC, and its planning committee is currently planning new programs, funded by proceeds from the conference. More details on this to come in January.
I’ll give you all the nudge again, to see when the board of directors meeting is near your region, so that you can come on out and get involved. As I stated before, at more than 6,300 members, we need your help.
We are also now transitioning to a new online training platform, and considering a new platform of test proctoring. More details on those programs to come!
On to 2026
Committee Members Needed
I am again currently reaching out to existing committee chairs. If you’re interested in joining one of our many other committees, please do! You can find all of our current committees on our website at www.fwpcoa. org. At the top, click on “About” and then “Committees.” You can contact the members, to reach out directly about involvement.
Board Meetings
We are also setting up our January board of directors meeting location. The March location will be in Fort Pierce, prior to the short school. From that point forward, we’ll see where we land. Do you want us to come to your region? We need a room large enough for 30 to 40 people, a hotel, and some good local donuts or bagels (insert your own laughing emoji here).
I look forward to serving our organization for 2026. I look forward to meeting new members, or members who are “new” to me. I am very, very grateful to all of our members who give their time and effort to the advancement of the needs of our members, through this organization.
I wish you all the best of holidays, and look forward to working with you in 2026! S
FWRJ READER PROFILE
Glenn Whitcomb City of Deltona
Work title and years of service.
I’m public works director for the City of Deltona and have been employed there for about 20 years.
What does your job entail?
I oversee the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the public works department and water departments, including engineering, traffic, field operations, fleet maintenance, and stormwater. I also oversee the utility operations, including field operations, water and wastewater plant operations, customer service, and reclaimed water operations.
What education and training have you had?
I’m a certified public manager and have taken various water and wastewater plant operations, water distribution, wastewater collections, stormwater operations, backflow tester, backflow repair, reclaim site inspector, and management classes.
What do you like best about your job?
I like being able to help our residents by solving problems that arise within our industry and community. I also enjoy working with such a great group of employees that we have here at the City of Deltona.
What professional organizations do you belong to?
I belong to FWPCOA.
How has the organization helped your career?
The organization has been very instrumental to the growth of my career by attending the training that it provides. I also became an instructor for FWPCOA, which keeps me updated on any new changes in technology, along with regulatory rule changes.
What do you like best about the industry?
The advancing technology that is constantly changing. Also, the camaraderie of the people who are involved in this industry. There are a bunch of very talented individuals in this business and they all have some very interesting stories and experiences. I have learned a lot from these individuals about operations, management, and life in general.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I do volunteer work within FWPCOA, including being the secretary-treasurerelect on the executive board, chair of the Systems Operations Committee and the Backflow Committee, and trustee for the Florida Water Resources Journal and the Florida Water Resources Conference. I also teach distribution level III classes and wastewater collection level II and III classes, along with backflow tester and backflow repair classes.
I also like hunting and fishing and spending time with my family, including my six grandchildren, wife, and two sons.
Beyond a Burst of Optimism: Leveraging Lasting Gratitude for Yourself and Coworkers
Rev. Robert Turner, DMin.
What if the fulfilling work life you’ve been searching for is within plain sight, in the everyday moments you typically overlook?
Cultivating a consistent state of gratitude and appreciation—for ourselves and for coworkers—is a deeply transformative practice. It shifts your focus from a sense of lack and limitation to one of abundance and hope, encouraging greater resilience, deeper connections, and a more authentic sense of well-being. By intentionally recognizing the good, you open yourself to more positive experiences, creating a cascading benefit for your career, as well as for those who work around you. This isn’t just a transient burst of optimism; it’s a conscious decision to integrate a constructive mindset into every aspect of your profession.
For Self
Start a Gratitude Journal
Utilize a notebook or a digital document to reflect on your achievements and strengths, recording the best moments of the workday. Also, list three things that you believe you did especially well, focusing on your effort or character. Weekly, review your list and identify trends, such as recurring accomplishments or positive traits. Acknowledge and affirm these qualities. Remember to celebrate every win, regardless of its perceived significance. Cultivate the practice of discovering the extraordinary in the everyday. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary life experiences is remarkably small—a mere one degree. When confronting a challenge or crisis in confidence, go back to your journal to remind yourself of your capabilities and successes.
Practice Self-Compassion
The question then becomes: How can you develop effective strategies to not only move beyond workplace challenges, but also to consistently cultivate and sustain an active sense of gratitude and appreciation?
Consider the following actionable objectives.
Treat yourself with the same kindness and support you would offer a coworker. Be strategically mindful and pay attention to the quality of your thoughts. During moments of self-incrimination, pause and acknowledge the feeling without passing judgment. Speak to yourself kindly, with encouraging phrases like, “This is painful, but it’s only temporary and I’ll get through it stronger than before.”
Engage in small acts of self-care daily that reenergize and nourish you, whether it’s a brisk walk in the morning air or the preparation of a favorite meal. When you prioritize your own needs, you lay the foundation for growth and put yourself in the best position to genuinely value the needs of others.
Use the Mental Subtraction Tool
Reflect on what your job would be like without certain positive things, boosting a greater appreciation for their presence. Choose one dimension of your job you often dismiss, such as your coworkers or supervisor. Now imagine the absence of that beneficial circumstance or relationship and how your professional situation would be hindered without it. Return to the present and accept the gift again with a deeper sense of gratitude, consciously acknowledging its value. Often, a sense of entitlement works against a mental state of gratitude. When good things are always present in our lives, we forget their immense value. Gratitude reminds us of what we have, which fosters a healthy sense of self.
For Others
Practice Verbal Affirmation
Go beyond office hierarchy obligations to express targeted and meaningful appreciation.
Establish a daily habit to genuinely thank at least one person, clearly acknowledging what they did and how it favorably impacted your day, such as, “Thank you for coming with me to the manager’s office; it eased my anxiety to have your support.” When you witness someone’s great character or effort, reach out and let them know, such as, “I really appreciate the coffee on my desk every morning; it’s such a thoughtful treat.” Set a weekly goal to thank someone for something they did; a gesture that left an impression, like the coworker who personally delivered a care basket to your desk when you were returning after an absence.
Invest Yourself in Acts of Service: Pay It Forward
Show appreciation through action. On a regular basis, perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone, without expecting validation or reciprocity. Reach out to a coworker with a specific need—whether they have expressed a request for help or not— signaling your interest and willingness to assist. This can be as small and simple as offering a colleague a special treat for lunch. When offering assistance, consider what is uniquely important to them. If it’s a clean office, tidy up the conference and/or breakroom for them.
Find opportunities to coach, mentor, or share your knowledge, paying forward the support you’ve received from others.
Engage in Active Listening
Show appreciation by acknowledging and valuing the thoughts and feelings of others, even when there is disagreement. During interactions, be present in the moment and grateful for the opportunity to connect. Set aside digital devices or other distractions that may degrade the quality of your communication. Provide nonverbal cues that send a clear message that you are open and receptive, such as maintaining eye contact and nodding occasionally. Lean forward and actively listen, taking special notice of their tone, gestures, and facial expressions. To fully absorb information, resist the tendency to mentally rehearse a response while someone is still talking. Ask clarifying questions that facilitate common ground, and then reiterate what you understood to demonstrate full engagement.
Gratitude in Action
As you integrate these simple yet effective
practices into your professional life, you’ll witness a significant shift in perspective. By focusing on the good, expressing thanks, and appreciating the value of small moments, you’ll cultivate a heart of gratitude that permeates every area of your life—not just at work. When you intentionally practice gratitude in the workplace, it not only transforms your individual experience, it also extends outward, strengthening relationships and facilitating an environment where mutual well-being can thrive.
Now, it’s time to leverage this potential and watch as gratitude transforms your relationships, your profession, and your overall happiness. With consistent time and practice, gratitude will become a natural part of your daily rhythm, bringing more fulfillment into your life and work.
Rev. Dr. Robert Turner, PCC, BCC, is a speaker and consultant, working with executives who want to intensify their leadership brilliance and success. Leveraging his more than 30 years of experience, his clients pivot to a mindset of clarity and confidence so they continue to produce and collaborate at extraordinary levels. Learn more at ExecutiveCoachTurner.com. S
SFWMD Celebrates Expansion of a Water Storage and Water Quality Project in Glades County
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Glades County, many other state and local officials, and various other stakeholders recently broke ground on the second phase of the Lake Hicpochee Project.
The project is part of the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program and will provide many environmental benefits, including reducing harmful discharges to the Caloosahatchee Estuary, improving water quality, and providing additional water storage capacity in the region.
“I grew up in Florida and the community here is very important to me. I am very invested in the future of our heartland, as well as the future of our children and grandchildren, and I want them to be able to enjoy South Florida like I do,” said Ben Butler, SFWMD governing board member. “We live, work, and recreate here, so investing in our environment and water management infrastructure is vital to maintaining our quality of life in the state of Florida. Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature,
we continue to have historic progress and momentum to conserve our natural resources and protect our waterways. I also greatly appreciate our hard-working staff members at SFWMD who routinely advance important projects that support our mission.”
“The expansion of this project is critical because it improves water quality and expands water storage in the greater Everglades ecosystem,” said Adam Blalock, FDEP deputy secretary for ecosystem restoration. “The state of Florida continues to make record investments to protect our natural resources and preserve our way of life. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and the hard work of our partners, including the SFWMD, we are proud to celebrate another major accomplishment.”
Lake Hicpochee was one of three lakes that were historically considered the headwaters of the Caloosahatchee River. The channelization of the Caloosahatchee River (C-43) in the 1800s created an artificial connection between the
actions damaged the hydrology and ecology in the entire basin and the Caloosahatchee Estuary.
The SFWMD completed the first phase of the project, which included a flow equalization basin and a pump station in 2021. This project provided water storage and increased capacity for water quality improvements in the Caloosahatchee basin. It also improved the timing and the volume of water deliveries to the Caloosahatchee River.
The second phase of the project builds upon the success of Phase I and includes:
S Construction of an additional 2,200-acre flow equalization basin
S Construction of a new pump station with three 75 cubic-feet-per-second pumps
S Construction of two new water control structures
S Increased water storage capacity to 9,300 acre-feet
The expansion is expected to be completed
From left to right are Bobbie Spratt, City of LaBelle commissioner; Jackie Ratica, City of LaBelle commissioner; Hattie Taylor, Glades County commissioner; Ben Butler, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) governing board member; Tim Stanley, Glades County chair; Charlette Roman, SFWMD governing board member; Drew Bartlett, SFWMD executive director; Paul Gray, Audubon Florida; Jeff Barnes, Glades County commissioner; Jeff Patterson, Glades County Commissioner; Adam Blalock, Florida Department of Environmental Protection deputy secretary; and Kimberly Clement, Glades County School board member.
LET’S TALK SAFETY
This column addresses safety issues of interest to water and wastewater personnel, and will appear monthly in the magazine. The Journal is also interested in receiving any articles on the subject of safety that it can share with readers in the “Spotlight on Safety” column.
Eyes on Safety
Nearly 500,000 eye injuries occur in the workplace every year in the United States. Experts say that 90 percent of those injuries could have been avoided if workers were more safety conscious and if they used the proper eye protection.
Breaking down these injuries, it adds up to more than 2,000 work-related eye injuries each day! Most injuries occurred while the workers were performing their regular jobs. Of those injuries, between 10 and 20 percent were disabling. This means the damage to one or both eyes was serious enough to result in temporary or even permanent loss of sight.
Besides serious eye injuries, some workers may also be at risk of developing diseases from eye exposure. Some infectious diseases can be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the eye. Direct exposure to blood splashes, respiratory droplets from coughing, or from touching the eyes with contaminated fingers or other objects are often culprits. The good news is that safety experts and eye doctors believe that eye protection can lessen the severity of eye injuries, and in some cases, even prevent them.
`The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that the majority
Workplace Injuries
The top causes of eye injuries in the workplace are:
S Flying objects (bits of metal and glass)
S Tools
S Dust and small particles
S Chemicals and thermal burns
S Harmful radiation
S A combination of these or other hazards
Protective Eyewear Basics
Follow these basic safety tips to help prevent eye injuries:
S Always wear the proper eye-safety gear. There are several types from which to choose, depending on the task you are performing:
• Glasses
• Goggles
• Face shields
• Welding helmets
S Follow all operating procedures correctly.
S Know where the first aid and eye cleaning stations are located and how to use them properly.
hands after touching chemicals to prevent accidentally rubbing harmful substances into
Do not assume that wearing regular eyeglasses
will protect your eyes. Regular eyeglasses are not designed for protection, and often they don’t provide it. Don’t chance it.
S Make sure all protective eyewear fits properly and is not damaged. If it has been damaged, throw it away immediately.
Protective eyewear should be made of polycarbonate plastic. If you are working with liquids, your goggles should be splash-proof. Never rely on eyewear that is not designed for safety, such as reading glasses or sunglasses. So why don’t workers use protective eyewear when there’s so much at risk? Researchers at Liberty Mutual Insurance found that the top issues cited are:
S Discomfort or poor fit
S Lack of availability
S Wrong style
S Inconvenience
S Interference with eyeglasses
S Cost
S Inappropriateness for the task
In addition, they’ve learned that workers tend to skip eye protection if they don’t perceive the task to be risky, if it will only take a short time to complete, or if the employer doesn’t provide the right eyewear along with consistent encouragement, training, and enforcement that stresses a safety culture in the workplace.
Don’t make excuses, and don’t be one of the workers who thought it would never happen to them. A workplace eye injury can threaten your vision, your employment, or both.
Do You Work a Desk Job?
You’re likely sitting in front of a computer most days and have begun to realize that blue light is a real thing. Digital eye strain emitted from
screens is the culprit. Thankfully, there are several potential solutions.
S Computer glasses with special lenses or lens coatings can help filter blue light emitted from screens. Talk to your eye doctor about these lenses if you spend two or more hours a day in front of a screen or under an LED light.
S Limit screen time before bed. Ideally, put away your devices a couple of hours before you retire for the night.
NEW PRODUCTS
By following a few safety precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk of eye injury. It takes only a few moments to think “eye safety” and put on safety goggles. A few seconds of eye protection could save you a lifetime of problems.
For additional information go to the Prevent Blindness website at www. preventblindness.org. S
Flow-Tronic has announced the launch of the IFQ Monitor 2, a user-friendly monitor, advanced data-logger, and converter for its flow sensors. The IFQ Monitor is designed for seamless integration within the company’s established devices, including the RAVENEYE® 2 (+), Beluga, Beluga A/V, or Phoenix 2 flow sensors. The IFQ Monitor 2 will ensure accurate liquid flow measurement in open water and full-pipe applications, providing this data to end users in a variety of flow, velocity, and level units of measurement, developed with the operator in mind. The tool was created to integrate seamlessly with existing sensor technology and enhance monitoring, ultimately giving crucial insights to the operators who use the devices.
With ease of installation and precision in mind, the new monitor touts two RS485 inputs for two Flow-Tronic velocity sensors, and 4–20 mA inputs for up to two level sensors. Operating on Flow-Tronic’s FUZION software, it allows for quick configuration and easy data management, leading to more efficient analysis and decision making. The result is faster analysis, smarter decision making, and greater confidence in the accuracy of every reading.
To ensure operational resiliency and security, all data gathered by the IFQ Monitor
2 is stored in dual 32GB SD and 32MB backup memory systems, with .csv or .tsv exports that can be configured to suit the operator’s needs. This flexible data management system helps facilities track trends, generate reports, and share critical information across teams. A 5-inch color touchscreen display puts real-time system data at the user’s fingertips, offering an intuitive interface that makes monitoring fast and simple, empowering users to react quickly and keep systems running smoothly.
As part of Flow-Tronic’s commitment to continuous innovation and precision, the new IFQ Monitor 2 is now available for order, with initial deliveries scheduled for December 2025. (flow-tronic.com)
RThe MD50 Colorimeter from Lovibond combines a simple user interface with advanced optics to deliver the accurate and reliable results users require. With a total of 10 models, each for measuring a single parameter, the MD50 packs a lot of features into a durable, hand-held instrument. (www.lovibond.com)
RThe BW DIGI-METER® F-2000 Paddlewheel Flow Meter from Blue-White
features a digital readout on an LCD screen, displaying both flow rate and total flow. Water range is between 0.4 and 8000 gpm, and it can fit 3/8- to 12-inch pipe sizes. Every F-2000 flow meter is easy to read and easy to use, operating on either an AC/DC transformer or 4 AA batteries (which vary by model). Model variations include:
• Rate and totalizer. Transformer or battery operated.
• 4-20mA, 0-10 VDC analog output, flow rate, and totalizer. Transformer operated.
• Analog output, batch processing, flow rate alarm, proportional chemical metering, flow rate, and totalizer. Transformer operated. (www.blue-white.com)
R
The FLEX-TEND Force Balanced Flexible Expansion Joints from EBAA Iron are designed to protect water pipeline systems from the stresses produced by ground motion either from seismic activity or gradual soil subsidence. The Force Balanced FLEX-TEND, unlike conventional flexible/expansion joints, does not generate an axial thrust that must be compensated for. (www.ebaa.com)
Water Distribution and Collection Systems
A city’s vital functions depend on its complex and often aging infrastructure of water distribution and collection systems. A successful water utility operation relies on the design, maintenance, and rehabilitation of this network to ensure a safe and reliable water supply, while also managing wastewater efficiently.
Water distribution systems are networks of pipes, pumps, storage facilities, and valves that transport potable water from a treatment facility to customers. A well-designed system delivers water at adequate pressure and quality, ensuring reliability for both domestic use and fire protection. In addition to providing water for residential use, distribution systems supply water for agricultural and commercial uses.
Wastewater collection systems are essential infrastructure designed to transport sewage and wastewater from homes and businesses to treatment facilities. These systems, composed of pipes and mains, manholes, pumping stations, and treatment plants, ensure the safe and efficient removal of waste, protecting public health and the environment.
Water Distribution Systems
Water distribution systems are usually operated by government authorities or private companies. These entities ensure that the water is safe for consumption and flows smoothly through the pipes to reach the end user. The logistics of a water distribution system depend on where it is located and who operates it.
Water systems are responsible for operating and maintaining their distribution systems, which extend from the designated entry point to the distribution system—typically the source or water
treatment plant—up to the service connection, after which the piping is the property owner’s responsibility.
System Components
A distribution system includes many components.
Pipes: These are the primary component of the distribution network, ranging from large transmission mains to smaller service lines connecting to individual properties. Common materials include ductile iron, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and reinforced concrete, chosen for durability and corrosion resistance.
Pumps: Pump stations are necessary to move water to higher elevations or to maintain pressure in the system, especially in areas with flat or varied topography.
Valves: Valves are critical for controlling water flow, isolating sections for maintenance and draining the system. Common types include gate valves, butterfly valves, and pressure-regulating valves.
Storage facilities: These include ground-level tanks, elevated water towers, and reservoirs that store treated water. Storage provides for daily demand fluctuations, emergencies, and fire protection.
Fire hydrants: These provide access to the water system for fire department use and are a significant consideration in network design.
Meters: Water meters measure and record the amount of water consumed by customers.
Design Topologies
The layout of a distribution system significantly impacts its performance, cost, and reliability.
Grid system: Following a rectilinear street layout, this system connects mains in a rectangular pattern. This provides redundancy, allowing water to be supplied from multiple directions if a pipe fails.
Ring system: Similar to a grid, a ring system circles a service area with a main, from which submains branch off to customers. This layout is easier to size than a grid and still provides good circulation.
Radial system: This layout supplies water from a central reservoir to different zones, which then distributes water outward to consumers. While efficient for pressure, it is less reliable, as a single failure can affect an entire zone.
Dead-end system: With a single path for water flow, this design is simple and low-cost, but lacks redundancy. Water stagnation can also be a problem, affecting water quality.
Key Challenges
There are many challenges to keeping a distribution system functioning.
Aging infrastructure: Many systems feature older pipes, leading to frequent main breaks, contamination risks, and significant water loss. The average age of water pipes in the United States has increased significantly over the last several decades.
Water loss: Leaks from deteriorating pipes result in wasted resources, lost revenue for utilities, and potential points of contamination entry.
Management complexity: The vast, often hidden, and complex nature of distribution networks requires sophisticated management and maintenance programs.
Wastewater Collection Systems
Wastewater collection systems, or sewerage systems, are networks designed to collect and transport used water from homes, businesses, and industries to a treatment plant. A wellfunctioning system is critical for public health and environmental protection.
Components
A collection system has many components. Sanitary sewers: These are a series of smaller pipes (laterals and branches) that collect wastewater from properties, and larger pipes (mains and trunks) that transport the waste to treatment facilities.
Manholes: These are access points placed at strategic locations, like pipe junctions and changes in direction or elevation, to allow for inspection and maintenance.
Pumping stations (lift stations): These are needed in areas where gravity flow is not possible, such as flat terrain or low-lying areas. Pumps lift the wastewater to a higher elevation so gravity can take over again.
Force mains: Pressurized pipes used to transport wastewater from a pumping station.
Types of Systems
Various systems make up the collection component.
Sanitary sewer systems: These carry only domestic and industrial wastewater, keeping it separate from stormwater.
Combined sewer systems: In older urban areas, combined sewer systems collect both wastewater and stormwater runoff in the same pipes. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm these systems, leading to combined sewer overflows that discharge untreated sewage into waterways.
Storm sewer systems: These are separate networks of pipes and conduits designed to collect and manage stormwater runoff.
Design and Operation Considerations
Location and terrain affect collection system design.
Gravity flow: Whenever possible, sewer pipes are sloped to rely on gravity for conveyance. A minimum velocity of about 2 feet per second is needed to prevent solids from settling and causing blockages.
Pumping: When gravity flow isn’t feasible, pumping stations are integrated into the system to move wastewater.
Capacity: System components must be sized to handle the anticipated volume of wastewater generated by the connected population.
Infiltration and Inflow: Minimizing the intrusion of groundwater (infiltration) and stormwater (inflow) into sanitary sewer systems is a major challenge. The infiltration and inflow can overwhelm system capacity and increase treatment costs.
Pipe Rehabilitation and Replacement
Pipe rehabilitation is the process of repairing or restoring existing pipelines without replacing the entire pipe, which is especially important for aging infrastructure. Unlike traditional “dig and replace” methods that require extensive, disruptive excavation, modern rehabilitation techniques use advanced technologies to work from within the pipe.
While rehabilitation offers significant savings, replacement may be necessary for pipes that are too severely damaged or have completely collapsed. The best method for a specific project depends on the pipe’s material, diameter, location, and condition.
In the end, the most cost-effective option
Continued on page 46
depends on specific circumstances and the condition of the pipes.
Cured-In-Place Pipe Lining
Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) is one of the most widely used trenchless rehabilitation techniques, with applications for sewer, water, and industrial pipelines. It’s effective for repairing pipes with cracks, leaks, and corrosion.
Preparation: The pipe is thoroughly cleaned and inspected with a camera to identify problem areas.
Liner installation: A flexible, resin-saturated liner—made of felt or fiberglass—is inserted into the old pipe through a manhole or other access point.
Curing: The liner is expanded with air or water pressure to fit snugly against the host pipe. Heat (steam or hot water) or ultraviolet light is then used to cure and harden the resin, creating a durable, jointless “pipe within a pipe.”
Reinstating laterals: Robotic cutters are used to re-establish connections to other pipes, such as sewer laterals.
Key Benefits of CIPP include:
Minimal disruption: As a trenchless method, CIPP requires little to no excavation, protecting landscaping, roads, and other surface structures.
Structural enhancement: It creates a new, strong pipe with a minimum lifespan of 50 years.
Improved flow: The new, smooth interior surface of the pipe improves hydraulic flow and capacity.
Pipe Bursting
Pipe bursting is a trenchless technique for replacing an existing pipeline with a new one of the same or larger diameter.
Excavation: Small access pits are dug at both ends of the pipe section to be replaced.
Bursting and pulling: A specialized “bursting head” is pulled through the old pipe. The head fractures the old pipe and pushes the pieces into the surrounding soil.
Installation: Simultaneously, a new highdensity polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is pulled directly behind the bursting head, replacing the old line.
Key benefits of pipe bursting include:
Upsizing capability: This is the only trenchless method that can replace and increase the diameter of the existing pipeline to meet higher capacity demands.
High durability: The new, factory-made pipe is nonjointed, corrosion-resistant, and impervious to root intrusion.
Effective for severe damage: Pipe bursting can be used to replace pipes that have already collapsed or are too deteriorated for other methods.
Sliplining
Sliplining is one of the oldest and simplest trenchless rehabilitation methods, used to improve the structural integrity of a pipeline.
Access: Access points are excavated to insert the new pipe.
Insertion: A new, smaller-diameter pipe (the liner), typically made of HDPE, is inserted into the existing host pipe.
Grouting: The space between the old and new pipes (the annular space) is filled with pressurized grout to secure the liner.
Key considerations include:
Diameter reduction: This method reduces the overall diameter of the pipe, which can slightly reduce flow capacity.
Limited applications: It is most effective for relatively straight pipe sections.
Cost-effective: Sliplining tends to be less expensive than other trenchless methods.
Spray-In-Place Pipe Lining
Spray-in-place pipe lining (SIPP) is a trenchless method that applies a protective, structural coating to the inside of a pipe. It is wellsuited for smaller-diameter pipes and complex bends.
Preparation: The pipe is thoroughly cleaned to ensure proper adhesion of the coating.
Application: A robotic spray head, controlled by computer, moves through the pipe applying a thin, even coat of epoxy, polyurea, or other polymer.
Curing: The lining cures and bonds with the existing pipe to form a seamless seal.
Key benefits of SIPP include:
Seals leaks: SIPP is very effective at sealing leaks and providing corrosion resistance.
Minimal flow reduction: The lining is very thin, so it minimally reduces the pipe’s internal diameter.
Geometric versatility: It can be applied effectively in pipes with irregular geometries and bends.
Advanced Rehabilitation Techniques
Several advanced techniques are available for pipe rehabilitation.
Leak detection: Advanced sensors and technologies help utilities identify and locate leaks in water mains to reduce nonrevenue water loss.
Smart systems: The use of supervisory control and data acquisition systems and advanced sensors
allows for real-time monitoring of water pressure, flow, and quality in distribution systems, enabling proactive management and maintenance.
Cost Savings and Environmental Impacts of Pipe Rehabilitation
Pipe rehabilitation can result in many cost savings and have different effects on the environment.
Direct Cost Savings
Reduced labor: Trenchless methods require fewer workers and less time onsite compared to extensive dig-and-replace projects.
Lower restoration expenses: Since little to no digging is required, there is minimal damage to landscaping, roads, sidewalks, and foundations, which drastically reduces the cost of restoring the property.
Minimal equipment costs: Rehabilitation avoids the need for heavy excavation machinery and bypass pumps, which can represent a significant portion of a replacement project’s total bid.
Smaller material costs: Rehabilitation, particularly CIPP, uses less new material than total replacement. It requires only the lining material instead of an entirely new pipe.
Indirect Cost Savings
Reduced downtime: For commercial properties and busy areas, the faster completion time of rehabilitation minimizes disruption to daily operations, saving businesses money.
Avoided social costs: Public projects save money by minimizing traffic congestion and delays, which benefits the community by avoiding lost productivity and frustration.
Increased property value: The durability and extended lifespan of a rehabilitated plumbing system can positively affect a property’s value.
Long-term savings: Many rehabilitation techniques are highly durable and can extend
a pipe’s lifespan by decades, reducing the need for future repairs.
Reduced waste: Pipe rehabilitation generates less material waste than replacement, which contributes to lower disposal costs.
Environmental Advantages of Pipe Rehabilitation
Reduced material waste: Replacing an entire piping system generates substantial construction waste, including miles of metal or PVC pipe, insulation, and other materials that often end up in landfills. Pipe rehabilitation techniques, such as CIPP lining, slip lining, or internal epoxy coatings, reuse the existing infrastructure, significantly reducing waste.
Lower carbon footprint: Pipe replacement requires manufacturing, transporting, and installing new materials, each step contributing to carbon emissions. Rehabilitation eliminates much of this impact by working within the existing pipe system, reducing the need for heavy equipment, long-haul shipping, and energy-intensive fabrication.
Minimal Disruption to Surroundings: Pipe rehabilitation typically involves less excavation or demolition. This means fewer impacts on surrounding ecosystems, less soil disruption, and a smaller environmental footprint overall, especially critical in urban, industrial, or sensitive environments.
By embracing advanced technologies and prioritizing long-term asset management, water and wastewater utilities can address the pressing challenges of aging infrastructure and ensure the reliable and sustainable delivery and collection of water for future generations. Water distribution and collection systems can also be more sustainable, with less waste and more efficient distribution. With the help of new technologies, there can be enough water for everyone. S
Pacific Institute Analysis Finds Surge in Reported Water-Related Violence
New analysis shows sharp increase in incidents where water is a trigger, weapon, or casualty of violence
Violence over water resources reached record levels, continuing a trajectory of steep growth in such incidents over the past quarter century, and especially in the last several years, according to a new assessment from the Pacific Institute, a global water think tank that combines science-based thought leadership with active outreach to influence local, national, and international efforts in developing sustainable water policies.
More than 420 events were reported in 2024, nearly a 20 percent increase over 2023, and a 78 percent increase over 2022. Only 24 such incidents were reported globally in 2000.
Water Conflict Chronology
The findings are drawn from the Water Conflict Chronology, the world’s most comprehensive database on water-related violence, created and maintained by the Institute. The database extends over 4,500 years and tracks instances where water and water systems have been a trigger, target or casualty, or weapon of violence. The chronology now includes over 2,750 incidents of violence associated with water resources and systems and shows a clear worsening of waterrelated violence in recent decades.
The chronology helps researchers, policymakers, and media explore patterns and drivers of water-related conflict. Each entry in the database includes details on:
S Date and location
S The form of water conflict (casualty, trigger, weapon)
S Brief descriptions
S Citations or sources
All entries are compiled and reviewed by researchers at the Institute, based on open-source information, incidents from historical records, news reports, eyewitness accounts, and information from other conflict databases.
The data show a steep upward trend across several categories. In 2024, 61 percent of incidents involved attacks on water infrastructure, 34 percent stemmed from disputes over water access or control, and 5 percent involved the deliberate use of water as a weapon of war.
“The growing number of violent incidents
The number of events in the chronology between 2010 and 2024, showing the increase over the past decade.
The number of water conflict events from 2010 to 2024 by conflict type. When an event is categorized as more than one type, it is counted in each group. Continued on page 50
Test Yourself
What Do You Know About Water Treatment Arithmetic?
Charlie Lee Martin Jr., Ph.D.
1. The potassium permanganate dose in milligrams per liter for well water with 3.6 mg/l iron before aeration and 0.6 mg/l after aeration, and with a manganese concentration of 0.9 mg/l both before and after aeration, is
a. 1.23 mg/l. b. 1.55 mg/l. c. 1.66 mg/l. d. 1.92 mg/l.
2. The detention time of a clarifier 100 feet in diameter and 25 feet deep that receives a flow of 12 million gallons per day (mgd) is a. 1.17 hours. b. 2.93 hours.
c. 4.81 hours. d. none of the above.
3. The noncarbonate hardness of well water with an alkalinity of 155 mg/l as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and a total hardness of 110 mg/l as CaCO3 is
a. 0 mg/l as CaCO3
b. 155 mg/l as CaCO3
c. 110 mg/l as CaCO3.
d. none of the above.
4. The carbonate hardness of well water with an alkalinity of 165 mg/l as CaCO3 and a total hardness of 130 mg/l as CaCO3 is a. 35 mg/l as CaCO3
b. 130 mg/l as CaCO3
c. 165 mg/l CaCO3.
d. none of the above.
5. The noncarbonate hardness of well water with an alkalinity of 135 mg/l as CaCO3 and a total hardness of 200 mg/l as CaCO3 is a. 200 gallons.
b. 65 gallons.
c. 135 gallons.
d. none of the above.
6. The feed rate in pounds per minute when the optimum lime dosage is 150 mg/l and the flow is 10 mgd is
a. 5.4 lbs/minute. b. 1.8 lbs/minute.
c. 8.7 lbs/minute. d. none of the above.
7. The number of pounds per minute of soda ash to remove 70 mg/l of noncarbonate hardness as CaCO3 from a flow of 6 mgd is
a. 2.58 lbs/minute.
b. 1.58 lbs/minute.
c. 4.32 lbs/minute.
d. none of the above.
8. The number of hours an ion exchange unit will operate that is capable of softening 1,500,00 gallons of water when treating an average of 600 gallons per minute is
a. 41.7 hours.
b. 45.7 hours.
c. 35.7 hours.
d. none of the above.
9. The number of gallons of water with a hardness of 17 grains per gallon that may be treated by an ion exchange softener unit with an exchange capacity of 20,000,000 grains is
a. 1,176,471 gallons.
b. 1,250,000 gallons.
c. 2,000,000 gallons.
d. none of the above.
10. The estimated bypass flow in gallons per day (gpd) around an ion exchange softener unit that treats 500,000 gpd where the source water hardness is 25 grains per gallon and the desired product water hardness is 7 grains per gallon is
a. 180,000 gpd. b. 160,000 gpd.
c. 140,000 gpd d. none of the above.
Answers on page 54
References used for this quiz: Formulas can be found in the appendix of CSUS Water Treatment Plant Operation, 3rd edition
involving freshwater resources underscores the urgent need for international attention,” said Dr. Peter Gleick, senior fellow and cofounder of the Institute. Ensuring access to safe, affordable water for all and safeguarding civilian water systems in accordance with international law are critical to preventing further expansion of violence.”
Water Violence is Widespread
While violence over water has been reported around the world, the Middle East, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa saw the highest concentration of cases. Roughly 12 percent of 2024 incidents were reported in connection with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and 16 percent were reported in connection with the war between Russia and Ukraine, with widespread attacks in both regions on civilian water systems, dams, treatment plants, and energy supplies critical for water infrastructure.
The update shows a rise in cyberattacks targeting water utilities. Recent surveys of water agencies in the United States and United Kingdom revealed hundreds of attempted breaches targeting systems that manage operations of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and equipment. It also adds data on violence against environmental and community activists defending freshwater resources, especially in Latin America.
“Our data show that water systems, freshwater resources, and those working to manage or protect them are increasingly affected by violence,” said Morgan Shimabuku, senior research specialist at the Institute. “Continued attention is needed to ensure that economic development proceeds in ways that sustain water resources and the communities that rely on them.”
Regional Analysis
Water conflicts were reported in all major regions around the world in 2024. Violence over water in the Middle East (coded as Western Asia in the report and database), Southern Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa continue to dominate the database, consistent with trends in recent years. Subnational conflicts between farmers and pastoralists in Africa, urban and rural water users, religious groups, and family clans continue to far outnumber transboundary events where two or more nations are involved.
The new analysis indicates several regions and issues of special concern in 2024. A fact sheet from the Institute includes selected examples of incidents that took place in 2024 and 2025.
Additional data, figures, and information can be found at www.worldwater.org/waterconflict. S Continued from page
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) and WellOwner.org have released a new educational video to help the millions of Americans who rely on private wells keep their drinking water safe.
The “Test. Tend. Treat.” video highlights the importance of annual testing and inspection for private wells and offers a practical checklist for protecting water quality. In recent years, increasing concerns over emerging contaminants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and pesticides in groundwater, have made regular water quality testing even more crucial for ensuring the quality of water in private wells.
“Safe water starts with you,” the video explains, reminding viewers that, unlike public water systems, private wells are not regulated and require ongoing maintenance from their owners.
The video shares a simple three-step approach that well owners can follow:
• Test your water for bacteria, nitrate, and other local contaminants. The NGWA recommends that private well owners conduct annual inspections and water testing of their systems.
• Tend to your system with professional inspections and safe storage practices to prevent contamination.
• Treat your water if testing reveals problems, using the right solution for your home.
“Private water wells provide millions of Americans with safe drinking water every day, but that safety can’t be taken for granted,” said Terry S. Morse, chief executive officer of NGWA. “This new video shows how a few simple steps every year can help make sure water is safe and wells are operating properly.”
The new video is available now on YouTube and Wellowner.org. Wellowner.org is operated by NGWA, with assistance from the Rural Community Assistance Partnership. It offers private well owners several resources on water well maintenance and a “Find A Contractor” page that allows the public to find certified local water well contractors in their area.
R
In order to continue to protect groundwater in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) still has a water shortage order imposing modified restrictions in a designated area of Northeastern Cape Coral in Lee County for residents and businesses that use private wells for irrigation. This restriction does not apply to homes and businesses on city water.
As of Oct. 1, 2025, the water level at the U.S. Geological Survey Monitoring Well L-4820 in
NEWS BEAT
the water shortage area has increased to -85.14 feet (NAVD), or about 9 feet since record low levels in April. This increase is the result of the restrictions that were put in place. As a reminder, if the water level falls below -103.01 feet NAVD, serious and possibly irreversible harm may be caused to the aquifer.
Throughout the wet season SFWMD has been closely monitoring water levels in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer. The City of Cape Coral started providing city water to the southern portion of the water shortage area. The city utilizes water from a different aquifer, and as people hook up to city water and abandon their Mid-Hawthorn well, aquifer levels improve as the demands are reduced. This is a trend that monitoring has documented when the city has expanded its utility service into an area.
The SFWMD will continue to monitor aquifer conditions and coordinate with the City of Cape Coral and Lee County to take appropriate actions as necessary to protect the water resources in Cape Coral. It’s important that residents with wells in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer continue water conservation measures as Cape Coral continues its efforts to expand water service to the residents within the affected area.
R
The Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI) announced that it has partnered with PRO: An ACI Center of Excellence for Advancing Productivity as Allied Organizations to increase collaboration among designers, contractors, and suppliers while finding new ways to boost construction efficiency. The partnership will offer a platform for sharing knowledge and creating solutions for productivity issues in the field.
“Post-tensioning is a key component of modern concrete design and construction, and PTI’s collaboration brings invaluable expertise to PRO’s mission,” said Phil Diekemper, executive director of PRO.
The PRO partnership with PTI will:
• Promote collaboration to solve barriers to productivity in concrete construction
• Support technologies that improve productivity
• Develop and advocate for consensus-based codes and standards
• Identify and support research for measuring and advancing productivity
• Provide technology transfer, professional development, course content and resources to industry professionals
For nearly 50 years, PTI has created design and construction standards, run education
programs, and published technical resources that promote post-tensioning worldwide. Its efforts have helped establish post-tensioning as a trusted construction method.
The PRO works to improve efficiency in the concrete industry. Its goal is to solve constructability problems by uniting industry leaders to share knowledge. Through training, partnership, and proving new technologies, PRO aims to raise productivity by improving the use of labor, time, and materials.
“This affiliation is another step forward in our effort to support economical and efficient concrete construction,” said Tim Christle, executive vice president of PTI. “Combining PRO’s focus on constructability with PTI’s posttensioning expertise lets us help the industry leverage the power of PT concrete and bring value to every project.” R
A groundbreaking was recently held for the new inflow pump station at the critical EAA Reservoir Project. The EAA Reservoir, located south of Lake Okeechobee, will store over 78 billion gallons of water—in an area larger than Manhattan—and deliver up to 470 billion gallons of clean water annually to the Everglades and Florida Bay. It also supports the Biscayne Aquifer, the primary source of drinking water for south Florida.
“The EAA Reservoir is a critical component of Everglades restoration,” said Alexis Lambert, Florida Department of Environmental Protection secretary. “Restoring America’s Everglades is one of the most ambitious environmental restoration projects ever undertaken and will restore the natural flow of clean water south to where it’s needed most. With every project we are delivering real results on time, under budget, and with strong returns for Florida’s taxpayers.”
The new inflow pump station will have nine pumps and will be one of the largest pump stations in the state of Florida. The pump station will have the capability to move approximately 3 billion gallons of water per day from Lake Okeechobee into the EAA Reservoir.
For decades, Florida’s water system was altered to prevent flooding, but at the cost of cutting off the natural flow of water to the Everglades. This project is designed to correct that—redirecting water south, restoring ecosystems, and significantly reducing harmful discharges to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries. Once complete, the reservoir will provide lasting benefits for Florida’s coastal communities and unique natural environment. S
C L A S S I F I E D S
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES - Classified ads are $22 per line for a 60 character line (including spaces and punctuation), $60 minimum. The price includes publication in both the magazine and our Web site. Short positions wanted ads are run one time for no charge and are subject to editing. ads@ fwrj.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Utilities Plans Examiner Coordinator
$72,705 - $112,531/yr.
Utilities Treatment Plants Mechanic I
$51,148 - $71,970/yr.
Utilities Lift Station Operator II
$62,171 - $87,479/yr.
Apply Online At: http://pompanobeachfl.gov
Open until filled
POLK COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:
UTILITIES DIVISION
WATER PLANT and WATER POLLUTION OPERATORS –**MUST HAVE A CLASS (C) WATER LICENSE
$22.38HR - $32.45HR. Water Operator I
$24.66HR - $35.77HR Water Operator II
$27.19HR - $40.79HR Water Operator III
INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIAN $23.03HR.
DISTRIBUTION & COLLECTION SYSTEM OPERATORS
$16.37HR - $17.53HR.
Hourly, Nonexempt.
See BOCC Link Careers | Polk County Jobs | polk-county.net
Supervising Professional Engineer Bureau of Water Supply Planning
St. Johns River Water Management District Apopka, Jacksonville, or Palatka, Florida
Salary Range $100,000-$123,000
Starting salary based on qualifications and experience.
Lead a team of scientists, engineers, and hydrologists evaluating potential impacts to water resources resulting from groundwater and surface water withdrawals and developing solutions to address impacts while ensuring water supply needs are met. Requires working closely with stakeholders and consumptive use permittees to identify and develop local and regional projects as a part of Minimum Flows and Levels Prevention and Recovery strategies.
For further information visit: https://www.sjrwmd.com/jobs/
Environmental Leaders Applaud Water First North Florida Approval
The St. Johns River and Suwannee River water management districts have approved Water First North Florida, a collaborative effort to restore river and spring flows and secure long-term water supplies for the region. The initiative will recharge the Floridan Aquifer with high-quality reclaimed water while supporting ecosystem restoration, economic growth, and community water needs.
Here’s what environmental leaders and stakeholders are saying about the project.
“Water First North Florida reflects the kind of forward-thinking, science-driven approach we must take to ensure a resilient water supply for north Florida. By investing in practical and innovative solutions now, we are protecting the natural systems that define our region and support the needs of the communities that depend on them. This project is a powerful example of what we can achieve when sound science, strong partnerships, and shared commitment come together to secure our water future.” – Mike Register, executive director, St. Johns River Water Management District
“This represents over a decade of planning and research. Water First is our most promising path forward to ensure a sustainable water supply, both for today and for future generations. As pressure on our water resources continues to grow, it’s essential that we explore innovative approaches to safeguard this critical resource. We’re proud to collaborate with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, St. Johns River Water Management District, and our local utilities on this important initiative to protect our unique water resources in the Suwannee district and meet the water supply needs for growth in north Florida.” – Hugh Thomas, executive director, Suwannee River Water Management District
“The project demonstrates the kind of innovation and collaboration that define Florida’s approach to protecting our water resources. By investing in science-based, regional solutions, we are strengthening the long-term health of our aquifer, restoring iconic springs and rivers, and ensuring sustainable water supplies for our communities and economy.” – Adam Blalock, deputy secretary of ecosystem restoration programs, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
“This is a monumental step forward in protecting our region’s water resources and providing sustainable water supply for years to come.” – Rick Hutton, principal engineer, Gainesville Regional Utilities
“The St. Johns County Utility Department is proud to join our state and local partners in this landmark regional project to protect our springs and rivers, support water supply, and deliver a sustainable solution for generations to come.” – Teri Pinson, senior engineer, St. Johns County Utility Department
“The project represents an ambitious step toward addressing one of the region’s most serious water challenges. With broad collaboration among agencies, utilities, and conservation partners, this effort can help sustain the rivers, springs, and wetlands that define north Florida’s landscape. We’re excited to move forward with the stakeholder engagement part of this project, bringing strong science and the dedication of the region’s partners to bear on these daunting issues.” – Julie Wraithmell, executive director, Audubon Florida
More information about the project will appear in the January 2026 issue of FWRJ.
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation
7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4®): 1402 Emerald Lakes Street, Lake County, Clermont, Fl. 34711
Contact Person: Mike Delaney
Telephone (Include area code): 352-241-6006
8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer): 1402 Emerald Lakes Street, Clermont, Fl. 34711
9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank)
Rick Harmon - 1402 Emerald Lakes Street, Clermont, Fl. 34711
Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address)
Rick Harmon - 1402 Emerald Lakes Street, Clermont, Fl. 34711
10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.)
11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box T None
Full Name
Complete Mailing Address
12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one)
The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: T Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months o Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement)
13. Publication Title: Florida Water Resources Journal
14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: November 2025
15. Extent and Nature of Circulation
a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run)
b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail)
(1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies)
(2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies)
(3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS®
(4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail®)
c. Total Paid Distribution [Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)]
d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail)
(1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541
(2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541
(3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail)
(4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means)
e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4))
f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e)
g. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3))
h. Total (Sum of 15f and g)
i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100)
* If you are claiming electronic copies, go to line 16. If you are not claiming electronic copies, skip to line 17.
16. Electronic Copy Circulation
a. Paid Electronic Copies
b. Total Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a)
c. Total Print Distribution (Line 15f) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a)
d. Percent Paid (Both Print & Electronic Copies) (16b divided by 16c Í 100)
T I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are paid above a nominal price.
17. Publication of Statement of Ownership
Average No. Copies Each Issue No. Copies of Single Issue Published During Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date
Average No. Copies Each Issue No. Copies of Single Issue Published During Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date
T If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed in the December 2025 issue of this publication.
o Publication not required.
18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Mike Delaney
Date: 10/06/25
I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who
or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).
January
April
Conservation and Reuse
May .....................Operations and Utilities Management
June ....................Biosolids Management and Bioenergy Production
July .....................Stormwater Management; Emerging Technologies
August ................Disinfection; Water Quality
September..........Emerging Issues; Water Resources Management
October ..............New Facilities, Expansions, and Upgrades
November...........Water Treatment
December ...........Distribution and Collection
Technical articles are usually scheduled several months in advance and are due 60 days before the issue month (for example, January 1 for the March issue).
The closing date for display ad and directory card reservations, notices, announcements, upcoming events, and everything else including classified ads, is 30 days before the issue month (for example, September 1 for the October issue).
For further information on submittal requirements, guidelines for writers, advertising rates and conditions, and ad dimensions, as well as the most recent notices, announcements, and classified advertisements, go to www.fwrj.com or call 352-241-6006.
Test
Continued from page 50
1. D) 1.92 mg/l.
The potassium permanganate dose in milligrams per liter for well water with 3.6 mg/l iron before aeration and 0.6 mg/l after aeration, and with a manganese concentration of 0.9 mg/l both before and after aeration, is 1.92 mg/l.
2. B) 2.93 hours.
The detention time of a clarifier 100 feet in diameter and 25 feet deep that receives a flow of 12 mgd is 2.93 hours.
3. A) 0 mg/l as CaCO3
The noncarbonate hardness of well water with an alkalinity of 155 mg/l as CaCO3 and a total hardness of 110 mg/l as CaCO3 is 0 mg/l as CaCO3
4. B) 130 mg/l as CaCO3
The carbonate hardness of well water with an alkalinity of 165 mg/l as CaCO3 and a total hardness of 130 mg/l as CaCO3 is 130 mg/l as CaCO3
5. B) 65 mg/l as CaCO3
The noncarbonate hardness of well water with an alkalinity of 135 mg/l as CaCO3 and a total hardness of 200 mg/l as CaCO3 is 65 mg/l as CaCO3
6. C) 8.7 lbs/minute.
The feed rate in pounds per minute when the optimum lime dosage is 150 mg/l and the flow is 10 mgd is 8.7 lbs/minute.
7. A) 2.58 lbs/minute.
The number of pounds per minute of soda ash to remove 70 mg/l of noncarbonate hardness as CaCO3 from a flow of 6 mgd is 2.58 lbs/minute.
8. A) 41.7 hours.
The number of hours an ion exchange unit will operate that is capable of softening 1,500,000 gallons of water when treating an average of 600 gallons per minute is 41.7 hours.
9. A) 1,176,471 gallons.
The number of gallons of water with a hardness of 17 grains per gallon that may be treated by an ion exchange softener unit with an exchange capacity of 20,000,000 grains is 1,176,471 gallons.
10. C) 140,000 gpd.
The estimated bypass flow in gpd around an ion exchange softener unit that treats 500,000 gpd where the source water hardness is 25 grains per gallon and the desired product water hardness is 7 grains per gallon is 140,000 gpd.
Superior Quality, Unmatched Efficiency with
ZEEWEED* ULTRAFILTRATION
Why Veolia’s ZeeWeed Technology is the Smart Choice:
• UF barrier produces high-quality drinking water
• Removes suspended solids, bacteria and viruses
• Extremely compact plant footprint
• Proven performance in all types of water sources
• Produces an ideal RO feedwater
• Fully automated operation that requires minimal chemical addition
