Breeze Fall 2025 by Kelman & Associates

Water for a changing world

Section Chair

Kathryn Jones HDR, Inc. kathryn.jones@hdrinc.com

Section Chair-Elect

Scott Anderson City of Bloomington smanderson@bloomingtonmn.gov

Section Past Chair

Doug Klamerus

CDM Smith

Ph: 651-252-3709 klamerusde@cdmsmith.com

AWWA Director

Tony Belden

Tony Belden Co., LLC Ph: 612-868-1097 tony@tonybeldenco.com

Section Secretary

Allison Wheeler Arcadis allison.wheeler@arcadis.com

Section Treasurer

Eric Volk City of New Brighton Ph: 651-755-0689 eric.volk@newbrightonmn.gov

Disclaimer The ideas, opinions, concepts, procedures, etc. expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the MNAWWA section, its officers, general membership, or the editor. The mention of trade names for commercial products does not represent or imply the approval or endorsement of AWWA. This magazine is presented solely for informational purposes

Breeze Magazine is published by

Ph: 866-985-9780 Fax: 866-985-9799 www.kelmanonline.com

Managing Editor - Julia Waterer

Design/Layout - Tabitha Robin

Marketing Manager - Jeff Kutny jeff@kelman.ca

Advertising Co-ordinator - Stefanie Hagidiakow

Content Manager

Matthew (Mattie) Croaston matthew.croaston@minneapolismn.gov

Message from the Director

Upcoming Section Election

The Section has two candidates for the Director position that is open for election this conference year: Uma Vempati, P.E., of Kimley Horn and Doug Klamerus, P.E., of CDM Smith Co. Both individuals have served as volunteers with the section and possess professional backgrounds relevant to the director’s role. The successful candidate will assume the Section Director position.

2026 Open Board Positions for

National AWWA

• President Elect, three Vice Presidents, Director at Large, Service Provider Director at Large

• Applications were due August 15, 2025

• Finalists will be announced by December 15

• Elections are scheduled for January 26 during the Winter Board Meetings in Vancouver, BC

Consideration of a Minnesota Statewide ‘Drive-In’

The Section may consider organizing a statewide ‘Drive-In,’ similar to the Washington D.C. fly-in, focusing on state government engagement regarding water resource preservation with state elected officials.

Strategic Plan Update from ACE

Implementation of the 2030 plan is underway, with strategies being monitored by the Board. One-year deliverables were reported across the five areas of the plan:

Sustainability & Resilience, Innovation & Circular Economy, Finance and Affordability, One Water Governance & Policy, and Equity

Access & Community Engagement. •

Tony Belden

Message from our Section Office

No Water, No Clouds

Ijust returned from a vacation where part of my daily view was the iconic Matterhorn Mountain. Located in Zermatt, Switzerland, the Matterhorn, with its uniquely bent-over peak, rises more than 14,000 feet up over the village and depending on where you are in the village, the view is slightly different. From our viewpoint we could easily see the steep, almost concave north face, where, in 1865, four climbers plummeted to their death after achieving the first ever summit of the famed mountain.

The day we arrived in Zermatt (below, left) it was so cloudy and rainy, we couldn’t even see the mountains. Looking out the window of our rented apartment, we just saw gray mist. The next morning, however, clear skies gave us a breathtaking view of what had been hidden just hours earlier (below, right).. Each day, we would sit and spend time watching the mountain, marveling over how its look changed depending on the level and angle of the daylight. One morning, there were only a few clouds in the sky, but one persistently stayed ‘clinging’ to the top of the mountain. We kept waiting patiently for the cloud to pass so we could get a clear picture, but the cloud remained, like a bit of cotton candy stuck to a cardboard cone. And it begged the question… why do clouds cling to mountains?

The Journey of Air and Moisture

Enter my search for answers to the question, which led me to reading about the relationship between air currents and moisture. From my science class learnings, I was aware that warm air, which holds more moisture, rises naturally because it is lighter than cold air. As air rises, it cools, and its ability to hold water decreases. When the air cools enough, the water vapor condenses into tiny droplets, forming clouds. What I did not know is how this process, when combined with mountains, creates the effect that we were witnessing.

Orographic Lift: The Mountain’s Influence

The principal reason clouds form and linger around mountains is a process known as orographic lift. As wind blows moist air toward a mountain range, the terrain presents an immovable barrier. With nowhere else to go, the moist air is forced to rise up the slopes. As the air ascends, the pressure decreases and the temperature drops. Eventually, the air becomes saturated and condensation begins –clouds are born.

Mountains are particularly effective at triggering this process because of their sheer elevation. Even a modest mountain can lift air thousands of feet, cooling it rapidly and wringing out its moisture like a sponge. This is why one often sees lush, cloud-draped summits in otherwise clear valleys – mountains act as natural cloud-makers.

The Formation of Cap Clouds and Lenticulars

Not all clouds are the same, and the kinds that form around mountains are as varied as the peaks themselves. One common type is the cap cloud, which forms directly over the summit, resembling a soft white hat. These clouds persist as long as moist air continues to flow up and over the mountain. This is what we were witnessing. It wasn’t the exact same cloud; it was a cloud constantly changing moving and re-forming at the top of the Matterhorn.

Apparently, there is also a formation called the lenticular cloud, often mistaken for UFOs because of its smooth, lens-like shape. Lenticulars occur when stable, moist air flows over a mountain and forms standing waves. At the crest of the wave, the air cools and condenses into a cloud, creating a dramatic, stationary formation that can hover for hours.

Mona Cavalcoli

Why Do Clouds Linger?

Once formed, clouds can cling to mountaintops for prolonged periods, especially if weather conditions remain favorable. Persistent winds, abundant moisture, and stable atmospheric conditions all contribute to the longevity of these clouds. Sometimes, the wind on the leeward side of the mountain (the side sheltered from the wind) causes the air to descend and warm, dissipating the clouds. But on the windward side, where air is continuously forced to rise, clouds can seem to hang on indefinitely.

Clouds and Microclimates

The presence of clouds on mountains is not just a meteorological curiosity; it also shapes entire ecosystems. Clouds provide crucial moisture to alpine environments, nourishing unique plant and animal life that depend on frequent, gentle precipitation. In some places, “cloud forests” thrive thanks to the reliable cloak of mist that the mountains attract.

These clouds also influence temperature, reflecting sunlight and keeping conditions cooler on the mountain tops than in the valleys below.

This effect can be so pronounced that an entirely different climate exists just a few hundred meters higher up the slope.

It’s still just a darned impressive sight

Beyond the science, the sight of clouds clinging to mountains has been a source of inspiration across cultures. In many traditions, mountains shrouded in clouds are considered sacred, mysterious, or even the dwelling place of spirits and gods. Artists and poets have long been fascinated by the ever-changing dance of mist and summit, capturing its beauty in words and images.

Modern travelers and photographers like us are equally captivated, waiting and watching for the moments when the mountains wear, or lose, their crowns of cloud. The interaction of earth, air, and water, shadow, and vapor makes for breathtaking vistas and moments of reflection. So now, when I see a mountaintop capped with mist, I know that it is more than just a pretty sight – it’s a result of ‘no water, no clouds.’ •

A 10,500 ft view: Mona and her Dad enjoy the Alps from the top of the Gornergrat Railway in Switzerland.

2025 State Fair Best Tap Water Winner: City of Chaska

Source: City of Chaska Facebook page

We are the champions (sing along if you know the tune)! Our tap water beat out the competition to bring home bragging rights as the 2025 Minnesota State Fair Tap Water Taste Test champion! Shoutout to our Water & Sewer Department for all the work they do making sure we have safe and reliable (and tasty) drinking water! Thanks to the Minnesota AWWA for sponsoring this fun way to promote tap water. •

“Thanks to the Minnesota AWWA for sponsoring this fun way to promote tap water. ”

Continuoulyinhibit algaegrowthand reducepostclarifier treatmentissues

Fullaccesswhenopenbetweenbaffleandweir

Exclusivehingesystemlockscoversopenwithno tethers,cablesorstruts Lightweight,safe,reliableandeffective

Loweryourlaborcostswithacleanersolution

Remembering John Sierzega

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of John Sierzega. John passed unexpectedly on July 3. John has worked with Sherwin Williams for 28 years. John’s work involved an approach that can be modeled for success. He’s always been focused on solving the issue and delivering a solution, not just making a sale. He knew that the correct answer didn’t always involve his products, but he was still willing to help provide a solution to a client. He would take the time to gather a great depth of knowledge about the products and services he was offering. He knew that with this approach, over the long run, success would come, and it did. John will be missed for his passion and professionalism in his work.

planning many of the events for the Annual Conference. He served as the Social Chair for several years, organizing the very popular MAC Social as part of the conference. John had an affinity for food and drink, so the Social Chair was a great role for him. John helped plan the Section’s 100th Anniversary Conference, and made sure it was a showcase for the section.

John was a member of AWWA throughout his professional career, a portion of that time with the Minnesota Section. John was part of the MAC committee,

While at the conference each year, John was instrumental in including new members to AWWA and the conference. His large personality and big smile were always a welcoming sight. Many people that now have active roles within the section were first greeted by John when they started coming to the conference and joining AWWA. The Thursday night Whiskey Tasting started organically and has become a mainstay and very popular entertainment spot that conference attendees plan for each year. John was an integral part of starting and then growing that event. When something needed attention, John would raise his hand and give his full effort to the task. He mentored new attendees, which is a big part of growing membership. John later served on the National Association MAC, where he was involved in setting up dinners and bourbon tastings for the committee. There’s that food and drink passion again.

John had a passion for people, the water industry, and being kind. Many of the members have personal accounts of how he made an impact on them either personally or professionally. John was one of the good ones, trustworthy and fun. Whether sharing a meal or just grabbing a beer, he was always happy to join in. He moved around to different

“John had a passion for people, the water industry, and being kind. Many of the members have personal ACCOUNTS of how he made an impact on them either personally or professionally.”

regions a little bit during his career, making lasting impressions along the way. When he moved on, the people he was leaving would be happy for him and sad to see him go. That’s how we all feel now. It turns out that John wasn’t here for a long time, but he was here for a good time. Rest in peace John, and cheers to you. •

“When he moved on, the people he was leaving would be happy for him and sad to see him go. That’s how we all feel now. It turns out that John wasn’t here for a long time, but he was here for a good time. Rest in peace John, and cheers to you.”

COUNT ON CORE & MAIN’S COUNT ON CORE & MAIN’S

A Leading Specialized Distributor of Water, Wastewater and Storm Drainage Products, and Related Services.

Solutions and support you can count on.

Save the Date! Minnesota Young Professionals

Leadership Summit

By Joshua Brown, City of Minneapolis

Coming November 6, 2025!

Are you a young professional that wants to grow their leadership skills and expand your network of other young professionals in the drinking water sector? The Young Professionals group will be hosting a one-day leadership summit at the Maple Grove Public Works Building on November 6. The day will be filled with talks from local leaders in the industry, discussions with other members who have taken on leadership roles, tools for stepping up in your workplace, and meeting new people across the water sector. Stay tuned for more information that will be announced at the Annual Conference in September but make sure to mark your calendars! •

photos from recent YP outings in and around Minnesota!

Our mission is to make sure you have it—for personal use like drinking and swimming as well as environmental benefits. We have inhouse experts dedicated to water and wastewater treatment, bringing a highly specialized team to local communities and industries to clean, conserve, and protect local water supply.

The cost of quality water and wastewater systems can be overwhelming; our team works hard to find the best-value option and funding support. Our relationship-based engineering methods have allowed us to design some of the most advanced and first-of-their kind treatment facilities in the country. We plan and design systems and processes to exceed regulatory requirements, meet capacity demands, and easily maintain, collect, and treat water and wastewater in a practical, cost-effective approach.

KEEP FUNDS FLOWING:

How SRFS Overhauled an Outdated Wastewater System In Colorado

Source: AWWA Connections

When the Security Sanitation District southwest of Colorado Springs set out to renovate its wastewater treatment plant, it had been 30 years since the last update.

While the district hadn’t violated federal regulations for effluent quality, “we were bumping up against those numbers all of the time,” said Roy Heald, general manager of the district. “These upgrades were badly needed. We basically went through the entire plant and upgraded every component or system while the facility was still functioning.”

The Security Sanitation District, southwest of Colorado Springs, recently completed a $38 million overhaul.

The project took seven years and $38 million – a hefty price tag for a district with an operating budget of less than $3 million. To pay for the project, the district was able to secure two loans – of $15 million each –through the Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund (WPCRF), a federal program that provides funding for low-cost loans to water districts for infrastructure improvements.

For Security Sanitation District, the interest rate was one of the lowest they’d seen in the state for this type of funding – below 2%. “It was a smoking deal,” Heald said, “especially for that much money. That’s the biggest benefit.”

Without the low interest rate, securing these loans would have been impossible, he said. The district initially sought $15 million at the start of the project, but as design progressed, they realized they’d need more than double that amount.

The comprehensive overhaul touched every component of the plant, including upgraded headworks with new screening,

installation of a new integrated fixed film activated sludge (IFAS) system (which is a different treatment process than they used before), redid the sludge handling and dewatering systems, and replaced the ultraviolet disinfection system. These improvements were made while the facility remained operational – a logistical challenge that added layers of complexity for the team.

The results are transformational. “The plant has been operating flawlessly as far as effluent quality,” Heald said. The upgrades have enabled the facility to meet stringent discharge permit requirements for nutrients and metals like ammonia, nitrogen, copper, zinc, and cyanide. “It’s better for the environment, and we’re a long way from violating our permit numbers,” he added.

Heald and others have been trying to convince U.S. Congress of the importance of revolving funds like these, as policymakers consider cuts to these programs.

“It’s a travesty,” he said, “because this program is set up well and it works well.

The Security Sanitation District’s upgrades included the installation of a new dewatering screw press.

Heald is a former board member of the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority, which distributes this type of financing on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A revolving fund means that the authority uses the initial

federal investment to offer loans at lowinterest rates; as utilities pay back their loans and interest, the fund grows.

It is estimated that for every federal $1 invested through an SRF, the authority can allocate $2 – effectively doubling the investment in water systems.

While the upgrades at the Security Sanitation District are a testament to the power and necessity of SRF funding, Heald says the program is a lifeline for smaller

systems across the country. “Smaller systems don’t have the luxury of choosing between funding options – they’re kind of stuck,” he said. And that means that either costs are borne by residents or perhaps worse, that improvements don’t happen at all.

For Heald and many others, the SRF program is more than a funding mechanism –it’s a lifeline for communities striving to provide safe, reliable water and sanitation services. “Keep hammering on how important the program is for small entities,” he urged AWWA and its members. “It’s money well spent.”

If your utility has benefited from federal infrastructure funding and you would like to help AWWA tell the story about the importance of these programs, please complete our quick survey. Your responses will help us share real-world case studies to congressional offices and other stakeholders as they evaluate the need for additional infrastructure funds. •

SCORE BIG WITH WCS LEAK DETECTION

Need to find a water leak fast?

Our team of five highly experienced leak detection specialists is available 24/7. We've successfully pinpointed thousands of water main breaks, saving our clients valuable time and money. Stop guessing—let us show you exactly where to dig. We're fast, efficient, and ready to help. This

One Water Solutions Start Here

Through

History of Stormwater and Wastewater in Minneapolis

The evolution of stormwater and wastewater drainage systems in Minneapolis reflects its development into a modern urban community.

By the City of Minneapolis

Combined sewers drain to the Mississippi River (1870–1938)

The oldest City sewer was built around 1870 and runs under Washington Avenue South. Early sewers discharged both stormwater and sewage directly to the Mississippi River. From 1870 to 1895, 124 miles of egg-shaped sewers were built in Minneapolis. While the bottom section of the pipe was for sanitary flow, the top section was for larger flows during rainstorms. Smaller pipes were built from concrete, but larger pipes were built with brick. Around 1896, clay became the preferred material for pipes up to 33” in diameter, and

remains so today. In 1922, the first separate storm drain system was built, initially in new developments and near lakes to prevent pollution and flooding at these lakes, but the older areas were still served by combined sewers. Brick construction was replaced by reinforced concrete pipe around 1930.

Combined sewers did improve sanitary conditions at homes and businesses, but raw sewage was still flowing into the Mississippi River. In 1930, the Mississippi River had floating islands of sewage, scum on the water surface and dead fish present. Typhoid fever outbreaks were frequent because the water supply got contaminated.

In 1933, the Minneapolis - St. Paul Sanitary District was created to build the region’s first sewage treatment plant along with interceptor sewers to move the wastewater to the plant.

Combined sewers drain to a treatment plant (1938–1960)

The Pig’s Eye Sewage Treatment Plant began operations in 1938. Combined sewer flow was diverted from the Mississippi River to the plant by large interceptor tunnels on either side of the river. Overflow regulators improved the water quality in the Mississippi

River by diverting normal dry weather flow to the interceptor sewer, but occasionally relief overflows into the Mississippi during heavy rainstorms still happened.

A Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) happens when stormwater and sewage from a combined system discharge to a body of water. During times of heavy rainfall, the regulators kept the treatment plant from getting overloaded, prevented sanitary backups in homes and pressure surges that might have damaged the pipe system.

Combined sewer separation starts (1960 –1985)

The newer areas in Minneapolis had separate storm and sanitary sewers, but older areas still had combined sewers. With the population and businesses in Minneapolis growing, so did the number of hard

“In 1986, aided by state and federal funds, Minneapolis began an aggressive program to continue separation of storm and sanitary sewers. More than 2,500 commercial and residential rainleaders were removed, which allowed eliminating 26 of the original 34 overflow regulators. Rainleaders are downspouts that discharge stormwater to the sanitary sewer system.”

surfaces. As a result, more storm runoff was discharging into combined sewers, which resulted in more overflows and basement back-ups.

In 1960, Minneapolis began reconstructing 600 miles of residential streets, including new storm drains for older areas. Areas that had flooded in the past were given high priority. Also, other county and state projects being built in Minneapolis also included new storm drains.

Continued separation of storm and sanitary (1985–1996)

In spite of the new storm drains, large amounts of combined stormwater and sewage still overflowed into the Mississippi River. In 1986, aided by state and federal funds, Minneapolis began an aggressive program to continue separation of storm and sanitary sewers.

More than 2,500 commercial and residential rainleaders were removed, which allowed eliminating 26 of the original 34 overflow regulators. Rainleaders are downspouts that discharge stormwater to the sanitary sewer system.

A separated drainage system (1996 – present)

While CSOs have been greatly reduced, they can still occur. In 2002, a study identified remaining CSO sources and solutions to fix these problems. The City of Minneapolis and the Met Council fund initiatives to eliminate CSOs, including:

• Requiring rainleader and area drain disconnections

• Drainage system improvements

• Community outreach and education programs

• Stormwater management practices that minimize runoff and pollution to our waters, from both public and private property •

When you partner with MSA, it’s more than a project. It’s a commitment.

If it involves water, MSA Professional Services has the expertise to address it. Big or small, we do whatever it takes to meet each need, working to make Minnesota municipalities stronger in the process.

Paving Rings

-Storm Vent Pipes Max Adaptor

Manhole Insert Flex-Seal Aqua Seal

Gator Wrap Infi-Shield

Wimco

Ladtech HDPE Rings

Handhole Vault

LEADING THE WAY:

How the Transformative Water Leadership Academy Prepares Utility Professionals for Future Water Challenges

T“As the water sector continues to evolve in response to pressing challenges – climate, workforce transitions, and the growing need for more collaboration – the TWLA is vital to the future of the water workforce.”

he Transformative Water Leadership Academy (TWLA) is a collaborative program of AWWA and the WaterNow Alliance. TWLA intentionally brings a diverse selection of water leaders together to explore issues of public health protection, environmental stewardship, the future of the water workforce, community engagement and public trust. The program encourages innovative, solutions-oriented thinking. Participants develop a capstone project to support their community and utility, while also building their network of water sector changemakers. Not only does the program impact local utilities and institutions, but it also empowers the next generation of water leaders to be better equipped to face the challenges impacting the future of the sector. TWLA instills confidence in its future water leaders, expands professional networks, and encourages action.

The challenges facing the sector prove a need for outside-the-box thinkers. It can be difficult to find a voice to express new ideas, and it can be lonely to be the sole innovator in a sea of this is how things have always been done. TWLA provides water professionals with the confidence to be the catalysts for change at their utility.

Jenyffer Vasquez, a graduate from the 2024 cohort, shared how her participation in TWLA expanded her confidence in advocating for change and sharing newfound perspectives.

Before TWLA, I rarely had the confidence to lead or speak up about issues important to me. TWLA provided an opportunity to be exposed to open dialogue and conversations with other water professionals that enriched my perspective. It was so rewarding to hear stories and challenges that were similar to mine in a room of water sector leaders across the nation. Through the program, I learned how important it is to not only to be in the room, but also to raise your hand and bring others in! Since graduating, I’ve been promoted [and] see the endless possibilities in getting involved and the impact that I can make in my role. I am no longer shy to share new ideas on enhancing water use efficiency programs but also workforce development strategies. I have led our team in a newly established workforce development task force, working on enhancing opportunities to highlight the water industry and continue partnerships with local colleges. This program helped completely shift my perspective on leading and illustrated that we all have the power to grow into these roles! By surrounding herself with diverse leaders of shared experiences, Jenyffer was able to feel more comfortable stepping into a leadership role, knowing she was supported by those around her. Each cohort consists of individuals from diverse regions all over the country, representing both large to very small systems, embodying the communities they serve. The

TWLA provides a platform for participants to discuss big issues with their peers, and to bring their own unique, lived experiences into the conversation. These differing perspectives expose the cohort to new ideas to implement in their own community and enhance their capacity to listen to others to lead more effectively.

A motivator for establishing the Transformative Water Leadership Academy in 2022 was to sustain the water workforce and equip the next generation of water workers with leadership skills to advance their career within the sector. It can be difficult to be sure-footed in the next career step, and TWLA provides the tools and resources for participants to explore their career ambitions while in the program. With a mentoring program and a network of experienced professionals, TWLA graduates are brought into a supportive culture that supports their career goals.

Jori Nelson, a graduate from the 2024 cohort, reflected on her career shift during her participation in the TWLA.

Prior to joining TWLA, I found myself frequently being one of the youngest people in the room, feeling like an imposter at times, but also striving to figure out my way to the next level of my career. The most valuable part of TWLA for me was gaining connections with other water industry professionals who were in similar situations in their careers. Since completing the TWLA, I have moved into a consulting position and continue to work with water utilities on a daily basis. I have moved to a different region of the country (Washington State) where I did not know anyone professionally and felt like I was starting over. Through TWLA, I realized a big part of my adjustment was going to be relying on my network that existed across the country. For Jori, taking a career leap, and moving across the country, was empowering because of her ability to rely on the network she built within TWLA.

The TWLA leaves an impact on more than just the participants during their time in the program. The program leaves a lasting impact on the individual, utility and the community. The TWLA program highlights the importance of community-minded leadership, through the implementation of a capstone project. Daniel Koge, of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and a 2023 TWLA graduate, shares the value of implementing his capstone on his own personal leadership and the sustained impact it has on his community.

Before TWLA I never truly believed in my ability to transform my community. TWLA gave me the direction, resources, mentorship, and vision to build my capstone project as a program framework to establish a local summer program under the “Watership” moniker (a play on ‘water’ and ‘internship’). Succession planning is a marathon not a sprint, and TWLA’s exposure to concepts and ideas beyond the typical short-term action planning allowed me to truly address the philosophical question; why water? TWLA’s welcoming atmosphere, access to once-in-a-lifetime experiences and resources beyond one single organization, and fostering of lasting professional relationships is the same vein that my Watership was built upon for college students looking for a career; you better the people and their vision, you better the future. As both a beneficiary and leader of this recipe for success, I’m better equipped with the understanding of my utilities strengths and have more confidence to undertake the leadership role for Watership and continue the mission of providing safe, dependable, and affordable water to our customers. Now on its second cohort this summer, neighbor island water utilities have taken notice of Watership’s successes and expressed interest in collaborating with our team to do so, further validating the payit-forward real-world value that TWLA (and its capstone) brings to water leaders. Access to such impactful and high-quality trainings for early-mid career professionals are few and far between, let alone Hawaii residents, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to participate in TWLA. While Daniel’s continued work to empower his community and strengthen the water workforce is commendable, it’s not unique –and that’s a good thing. This is the culture the TWLA builds across the nation. TWLA can be categorized as professional development, however, it’s so much more than that. TWLA instills the values of connection, collaboration, and innovation to transform the water industry.

As the water sector continues to evolve in response to pressing challenges – climate, workforce transitions, and the growing need for more collaboration – the TWLA is vital to the future of the water workforce. Each new cohort strengthens the culture of the TWLA, by empowering a network of leaders equipped with tools, confidence and connections to drive change. As the program continues to grow, it will only further its impact on leaders, local utilities and communities, to shape a more sustainable and resilient future for the water industry.

For more information on TWLA, email Lauren Steavpack, lsteavpack@awwa.org •

Minnesota Delegation Attends US Water Alliance’s OneWater Summit

By Matt Croaston, Content Manager, Breeze Magazine

In July, water professionals and community partners from Minnesota attended the US Water Alliance’s One Water Summit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This convening offered attendees an invaluable opportunity to connect with their peers from different cities, counties, and advocacy organizations to share ideas, discuss challenges, and build power around a one water system. Participants came from every corner of the continental United States and beyond (Hawaii, Texas, Alabama, and so many more states). Some told stories of the decades-long drought in the Colorado River and the anxiety that comes with an uncertain water future in a river basin that provides most of the nation’s fruits and vegetables. Others shared experiences of rebuilding community trust in neighborhoods impacted by drinking water contamination from sewage overflows and legacy pollution. For those in the Minnesota delegation, it was not just a chance to broaden our horizons, but to gain tools and strategies we can apply to our work here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Minnesota attendee Haley Foster, Communications and Outreach Coordinator with the City of Minneapolis’ Surface Water and Sewer Division summarized her experience: “Attending the One Water Summit was a powerful reminder that the challenges we face, whether it’s water equity, climate resilience, or infrastructure renewal, can’t be solved in silos. I appreciated the opportunity to learn from national leaders and bring back ideas to strengthen our local work, especially around equitable engagement, and integrated stormwater management. I left feeling inspired by the people and partnerships driving change across the country and proud to be part of Minneapolis’ efforts to advance more integrated and inclusive water solutions.”

The summit went beyond panel discussions and PowerPoint presentations. Participants engaged in a variety of activities including site visits of urban farms and river restoration projects as well as learning labs where folks practiced storytelling and active listening. All in all, the Minnesota delegation left Pittsburgh with a renewed commitment to making sure all Minnesotans have access to safe, healthy, affordable and refreshing drinking water. •

Engineering

Environmental

“Virtual design lets us help you be fully-integrated in the design process and get what truly works for your team!”

Steve Seibert, ead BIM/Revit Specialist

www.ae2s com Award-Winning Best Place to Work

Water Engineering and Beyond

WE DON’T JUST MAKE PIPE. WE PROVIDE

EVERY DAY, WE MAKE AMERICAN BETTER AMERICAN never stops innovating. We’re always breaking new ground in our technology, processes, and quality. This commitment to the future means ever-higher reliability, conﬁdence, and sustainability – aligning with your needs. Throughout our history, the Right Way has meant giving you conﬁdence in our products and our expertise. And, above all, your future.

Philadelphia Uses ‘Blue-Collar Bivalves’ to Enhance Urban Water Quality

Source: AWWA Connections

Aonce-stagnant canal in northwest Philadelphia is now the site of a ground-breaking experiment in water purification – and it’s powered by mussels.

The Manayunk Canal, long disconnected from the Schuylkill River and plagued by poor water quality, has been revitalized through a reconnection project that introduced fresh, flowing water. “It instantly brought in new fish, new wildlife,” said Brian Rademaekers, public information officer at the Philadelphia Water Department. “Much higher quality water. But Lance is also taking advantage of this new change in water quality to expand his mussels research.”

That would be Lance Butler, a senior scientist who has been working on the canal since 1998. The canal is about two miles upstream from one of the department’s drinking water intake facilities.

“The concept of restoring the system with historic levels of freshwater mussels didn’t emerge until 2014,” Butler said. “By surveying both the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, we realized how many mussels we actually have, what species are present, and which taxa are now locally extirpated.”

The idea was simple but powerful: reintroduce native mussel species to act as natural water filters. “They’re indiscriminate filter

feeders,” Butler said, “siphoning all types of food particles, including zooplankton, phytoplankton, bacteria, and other particulate matter. However, they’re very particular in what they ingest and what they reject. Studies have shown that certain species are capable of removing more than 75% of pathogenic bacteria – like E. coli – out of the water within 24 hours.”

Biofiltration studies by the department’s scientists have shown that a single mussel is capable of filtering 6 to 10 gallons of water per day, with some freshwater mussel species filtering as much as 14 gallons per day. Multiply that by tens of thousands, and the impact becomes significant. “In some streams, in low-flow conditions, studies have shown that healthy mussel beds can process as much as 95% of the flow,” Butler said. “They are, in my opinion, mini water treatment plants. … We call them blue-collar bivalves.”

The project has become more than a scientific experiment; it’s grown into a way to educate and involve the community in water quality efforts. Mussels in the Classroom, for example, is a program that engages students in hands-on learning and stewardship. “We construct recirculating aquaculture systems for classrooms, and we provide juvenile mussels,” Butler said. “Teachers educate students about this organism and its relationship to drinking water and clean water and wastewater – and the ecology behind it.”

Mussel Maniacs, a program available to the public, allows adults and teens to help with building cages for controlled releases of matured mussels, among other tasks. The Fairmont Water Works Interpretive Center provides hands-on opportunities for residents to understand the lifecycle and importance of freshwater mussels.

While research and aquaculture techniques for marine mussels has been well vetted, in part due to their commercial value, “the science of freshwater mussel propagation and culturing is relatively new and under-represented in scientific literature,” Butler said. One of the major reasons for this is the complexity of propagation: Unlike mussels in marine systems, freshwater mussels need a host fish to reproduce. After fertilization, females store the larvae in an internal pouch (marsupium) through winter; once it finds its host fish, it breaks the holding pouch, releasing thousands of larvae into the water column in hopes that a select few attach to the gills and eventually grow into a juvenile mussel.

This is somewhat of a precarious process; in nature, Butler says, 1 in 10,000, or 0.01%, make it to adult age. “We’re trying to get that number to between 30%-50%,” he said. So they propagate them in a lab, which has taken time to perfect, before releasing them in the wild. “We are cutting our teeth – learning from subject matter experts and modifying their techniques to maximize efficiencies and survivorship of our native mussels.”

Now, Butler and his team are looking forward to studying mussels’ persistence in various habitat types and expanding their introduction in the field.

The Philadelphia Water Department manages drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, and Butler sees freshwater mussels playing a part in each. “They’re not the panacea,” he said. “They are part of the toolbox to address water quality and improve habitat in our urban waterways.”

“Biofiltration studies by the department’s scientists have shown that a single mussel is capable of filtering 6 to 10 gallons of water per day, with some freshwater mussel species filtering as much as 14 gallons per day. Multiply that by tens of thousands, and the impact becomes significant”

Scientists at the Philadelphia Water Department pose for a picture while they lower a cage of mature mussels – grown in a lab – into the Schuylkill River.

A student observes juvenile mussels in a lab managed by the Philadelphia Water Department, which runs educational programs for local kids and adults.

Mussels of Minnesota

Source: MN DNR

Most people are not aware of the many different kinds of animals that live under the water of our lakes and streams. Mussels are one of these often-overlooked animals. Freshwater mussels inhabit lakes and rivers throughout the world, with North America supporting more species than any other continent.

Mussels are members of the second largest group of animals in the world, the Mollusks. Being members of the Phylum Mollusca, mussels are closely related to other bivalves, marine mussels and clams, as well as snails and even octopuses. Freshwater mussels, also called naiads or unionids by scientists, consist of a soft body enclosed by a hard shell made up of two shell halves called valves. Inside the shell a thin tissue called the mantle completely surrounds the soft body. This mantle is also the part of the body that secretes the two valves of the shell. The valves, which are held together by an elastic-like hinge, have the ability to be closed by two strong adductor muscles whenever the animal senses a threat.

Mussels living in our lakes and rivers filter oxygen and particles from the water, cleansing the water in the process and absorbing what they consume into their bodies and shells. It is for these reasons that mussels, often spending their entire life in a small area of the stream bed, are sensitive to changes in their environment and serve as indicators of the health of our lakes and streams.

Degradation of our lakes and rivers from runoff of silt and chemicals as well as physical changes from damming, channelization, and dredging, have taken their toll on native mussels in North America. As a result, according to conservation groups such as the American Fisheries Society and The Nature Conservancy, mussels are one of North America’s most imperiled groups of animals. Of the 302 known species of freshwater mussels recognized in North America, about 65% are considered endangered, threatened, or of special concern. In Minnesota, 28 of our 51 native mussel species are listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern, five species are presumed extirpated (are now extinct from MN), and at least two more species are in imminent danger of extirpation.

Featured Research

DNR’s Center for Aquatic Mollusk Programs (CAMP) is busy rebuilding populations of threatened and endangered native mussel species. The mussels were propagated at CAMP’s lab in Lake City. Recently the lab ‘gave birth’ to some 14,000 federally endangered baby snuffbox mussels. The snuffbox mussels will continue to grow in the lab over the summer, then they’ll be placed in containers to

Clam Counter Minnesota Mobile App

Mussel lovers rejoice! Many of you have voiced your interest in contributing to mussel conservation – now you can make your contribution using the Center for Aquatic Mollusk Programs (CAMP) Clam Counter app! This tool will help you identify all 51 freshwater mussel species found in Minnesota, with multiple reference photos for each species. It also allows users to ‘report a mussel’ to the DNR, helping CAMP staff gather valuable data on species distribution across streams and rivers throughout the state. •

KATIE WELLE President

overwinter in the river, eventually to be released in the Mississippi near Hidden Falls Park in St. Paul in 2019. About 10 different threatened and endangered mussel species are being propagated at the CAMP lab.

Great Lakes Native Mussels. Photo from greatlakesnow.org.

Fresh Ideas: Molly & ACE25 Denver

By Matt Croaston, Content Manager, Breeze Magazine

Do you remember that impressive poster at last year’s Duluth conference on the topic of Innovations in Sampling to Characterize Disinfectant Use Tradeoffs in U.S. Water Systems for Minimizing Exposure to Opportunistic Pathogens? Well, Molly’s excellent poster earned her a trip to Denver to compete in the national competition at this year’s ACE conference. Her research was an EPA funded project looking at trade-offs between disinfection byproducts and opportunistic pathogens. The project surveyed utilities across the continental US and Alaska and includes a case study of the Legionnaire’s disease outbreak in Grand Rapids, MN. One of the key conclusions of Molly’s work was that while disinfection is often effective in preventing opportunity pathogens from growing in the distribution system, home premise plumbing may be an area for potential pathogen growth. In Denver, Molly presented on her research with the University of Minnesota and was honored once more as the winner of the Fresh Ideas poster competition at ACE. Congrats to Molly!

Originally from Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, Molly studied Biology and Genetics at Iowa State. After graduating, Molly began working as a lab tech at the Mayo clinic. While she valued the importance of this work, Molly couldn’t see herself working in a lab for the rest of her life. While studying at Iowa State, classmates and professors suggested that environmental engineering would be a natural fit for her talents and interests. For Molly, a career in environmental engineering offered an exciting opportunity to pursue her passion while giving back to her community. She applied and was accepted to the University of

“I would encourage anyone interested to go for it. It was super fun and AWWA supported me by covering my travel expenses and making it possible for me to attend ACE”

Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering where she recently completed her Masters in Environmental Engineering. This summer, Molly joined Black and Veatch as a Process Engineer and is excited to begin tackling various water projects for the firm.

Molly lives in Northeast Minneapolis with her darling orange tabby cat Beansprout. In her free time, she enjoys going for walks around the lakes in Minneapolis, and catching up on her favorite reality competition shows like Rupaul’s Drag Race and Survivor. •

Molly and her winning Fresh Ideas poster at ACE25.

MN AWWA

Celebrating Membership

Congratulations to the below members for Achieving Membership Milestones!

AWWA is proud that so many of our members stay members of AWWA for a long time. And we celebrate specific membership milestones to honor such dedication to AWWA.

The Silver Water Drop Award is presented to members who have 25 consecutive years of AWWA Membership. This year,

we recognize the following long-serving members of the Minnesota Section:

• Tracy L. Ekola

• Gregory J. Stonehouse

• Brenda Eschenbacher

• Russ Lupkes

• John Packard

• David L. Witucki

• James H. Traen

• John P. Ross

AWWA Life Member Status is bestowed on members who have both 30+ years of membership and are 65+ years of age. This year, we are proud to recognize:

• Philip C. Olsen

• Todd K. Nordine

• Anthony J. Belden •

We also welcome the following NEW MN AWWA members, and thank them for their dedication to clean water in Minnesota.

Samuel Abbott

Paul Bailey, City of Eagan

Tareq Bastawisy, University of Minnesota

Peter Bauer

Jon Beck, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Matt Binsfeld

Rachel Boulden

Todd Butz, Orthos Liquid Systems

Bounkheana Chhun, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Jacob Conway, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Brett Dickie, Grand Rapids Public Utilities

Dave Dilts, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

John Favourite, City of Eagan

Dakota Fay, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Brian Finnegan, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Grace Foster

Rob Fritts, Rep Rite Burk & Associates

Paul Frost

Jose Galeano, City of Crystal

Phil Haataja, safeHANDSystems, LLC

Kyle Hanson, City of Lakeville

Collin Hartogh, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Brian Hays

Dylan Heise, Minnesota Department of Health

Amanda Hoeschen, City of St Cloud

Jeremy Kieker, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Jonathan Kirk, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Randy Kleist, City of North Mankato

Kurt Krie, City of Red Wing

Seth Ledet, Minnesota Department of Health

Cullen Loughlin, City of Crystal

Blake Matti

Ryan Maurer, City of Crystal

Isaiah Maydole

Michael Mayer

Bill McAllister, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Rachel McCarten, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Haripriya Naidu

Ethan Napierala, SEH

Zach Nelson

Erik Newman, Duncan Company

Ruth Olson

Jacob Orlowsky

Nate Pearl, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Jason Popko, Bergerson-Caswell, Inc.

Ethan Prior, Arcadis

Jackson Rasmussen, Black and Veatch

Breanna Real

Isac Rivera Robledo, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Chris Robinson, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Carissa Roell, AE2S

Kristen Rosenboom, Bollig Engineering

Nick Roth, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Emily Schabert, Kimley-Horn

Scott Schmidt, City of Eyota

Scott Schramm

Jacob Schroeder

Paul Scott, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Estrella Serrano Ortiz, Metropolitan Council

Amira Sinclair, Arcadis

Jordan Skender, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Ali Swanson

Andrew Tussing

Michael Twu, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Yesenia Vega, Stantec

Danielle Voellinger

David Weum, Minnesota Department of Health

Rylee Wheelock, Saint Paul Regional Water Services

Kevin White

Paul Widmer, Adolfson & Peterson Construction

Ehsan Zadehali, University of Minnesota

Jason Zumwalt, City of Eagan

City of Battle Lake

MN AWWA

Breeze is made possible by the companies below who convey their important messages on our pages. We thank them for their support of The Minnesota Section of the American Water Works Association (MN AWWA) and its publication, and encourage you to contact them when making your purchasing decisions. To make it easier to contact these companies, we have included the page number of their advertisement, their phone number, and, where applicable, their website.