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
Matthew (Mattie) Croaston matthew.croaston@minneapolismn.gov
Message from the Chair
Moving Forward Together
We all know that our work in the water industry isn’t getting easier. As demands on our water systems increase, the solutions are becoming more complex, and more difficult to manage as independent cities, utilities, and organizations. Our ability to meet future water needs and protect water quality will require that we work across jurisdictions, industry sectors, and the water cycle by collaborating. In fact, AWWA’s Water 2050 initiative states that collaboration is a cornerstone for achieving a sustainable and resilient water future.
There are many examples of successful collaboration and partnership-based solutions for water in Minnesota. They include collaborative, watershed-based source water protection planning efforts, nutrient management through partnerships with agriculture that identify best-cost strategies, and collaborative efforts for water sector workforce development to make sure we have a reliable pipeline of trained workers to support our systems in the future. All of these started with a recognition of shared goals, and an openness to working together.
Our Minnesota Section has spurred a number of collaborations in the last year, which started with simple conversations around shared interests and ideas. For example, our Water Loss Control Committee partnered with the Water Research Foundation to host a one-day seminar in May on reducing water loss and improving efficiency in utility distribution systems. Utilities, state agencies and private industry professionals worked together to share experiences and best practices with Minnesota Section AWWA and Minnesota Rural Water members. Another example, the new Minnesota Section Cybersecurity Committee (formed around common interest in growing knowledge and capacity around this important industry topic – collaborating!) is planning a webinar series for June to provide education and industry resources around cybersecurity for the water industry. The webinar series will be available to all operators in the state, including AWWA and MRWA members.
Collaboration starts with relationships. And relationships start with conversations. One of my favorite benefits of AWWA membership is the opportunity to meet people who share an interest in clean, safe drinking water and have found reward in working in the water industry. Participating in a District school, being active on one of our many committees and attending the Annual Conference are all amazing opportunities to meet new people and form new relationships. I have no doubt that our members have helped each other solve operational problems or identify a way that they could work together in some way that would benefit both of their utilities. I’d love to hear your story about the ways your utility, department, or organization is collaborating. And how partnerships have helped you to expand the reach of your project,
“Our
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ability to meet future water needs and protect water quality will require that we work across jurisdictions, industry sectors, and the water cycle by collaborating.”
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Message from the Director
What Will MN AWWA Look Like In 2050? Think About It.
In 2050, the AWWA MN Section stands as a beacon of innovation, education, and participation. This vibrant community, enriched by technology, showcases the integration of diverse professionals encompassing engineers, operators, manufacturers, vendors, government officials, health department personnel, and tech school representatives. The section hosts engaging events and meetings that invigorate and inspire attendees, ensuring that every interaction leaves a lasting positive impact.
Board and Governance Structure
The governance of the AWWA MN Section is structured to be inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking, with the following key elements:
Young Professionals (YPs) Inclusion
Voting Members: Young Professionals are integral voting members of the Board,
bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table.
Membership Recruitment Strategies
Six-Month Free Membership: To attract new members, the section offers a six-month free membership, contingent upon attendance at the state conference. This strategy not only boosts membership numbers but also encourages active participation.
Sponsored Activities
Enjoyable and Engaging: Sponsored activities are designed to be enjoyable and engaging for all participants, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
Technological Advancements
IT Specialist Role: The section employs an IT specialist dedicated to evaluating emerging technologies. This role is crucial for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring the organization remains at the
forefront of technological advancements. Ignoring the need for specialists could create significant obstacles.
Strategic Planning and Fun Activities
Aligning with Vision Strategies: While developing strategies that align with the five-year and twenty-five-year vision, the section emphasizes making activities fun and enjoyable. This approach not only promotes engagement but also ensures long-term commitment and enthusiasm from members.
What do you think? Are we on the right track? Make your feedback heard by reaching out to your friendly local MN AWWA representative! •
Six YP’s attended the YP Summit this past February in Dallas, TX.
• Tour at Kurita Facility in Brooklyn Park Earth Day Cleanup with the Friends of the Mississippi
Upcoming Events
• Saint Anthony Falls Outdoor StreamLab in May/June plus more tours later this year. Learn more at cse.umn.edu/safl/outdoor-streamlab
• Young Professionals Picnic in August
• Combined Event with CSWEA, APWA, and ASCE
• Food and Bags Tournament
• MN Young Professionals Mini Summit in the Fall
Why join your local YP chapter? For a chance to hear from other industry professionals around Minnesota, network with other young professionals, and build your skills in the water industry. To stay in touch with all YP happenings, please email mnawwayp@gmail.com to get added to the email list. Our concern for the environment is more than just talk
We are committed to publishing the magazine in the most environmentally-friendly process possible. So enjoy this magazine... and keep thinking green.
Municipal Water System Meets Grade Four Science Fair Project
By Erik Volk, City of New Brighton and Finn Springer, Valentines Hills Elementary School
On April 16, 2025, Valentines Hills Fourth Grader Finn Springer demonstrated how a municipal water system works. His project shows how the water is extracted from the aquifer, sent through filtration, and sent out to the distribution system. The highlight of the project is the miniature filter he built to demonstrate how greensand filters remove iron and manganese from the water. To demonstrate the process, he dumps water darkened with iron and manganese into
the top of the filter and it comes out clear at the bottom, just like a regular filter. Once the filter is full and starts to show breakthrough, he hooks up a garden hose to the bottom of the filter and backwashes. Once the filter has been backwashed, he puts in ‘back in service.’ Now that the science fair is over, the project is set up at New Brighton’s Water Treatment Plant #1. New Brighton Staff will use the project to demonstrate how the greensand filters work when they provide tours to other groups. •
MINNESOTA’S STRONG PRESENCE at the 2025 Water Week and National Water Policy Fly-In
Minnesota made a significant impact during the 2025 Water Week and National Water Policy Fly-In held in Washington, DC, from April 6 to April 12. The event, which brought together over 700 attendees from organizations such as AWWA, WEF, NACWA, AMWA, and WateReuse, served as a critical platform to advocate for the future of water infrastructure across the United States.
Advocating for Water Infrastructure
Our Minnesota Fly-in team focused on several key policy points during the event:
• Advocating for sustained water infrastructure funding and maintaining current funding levels.
• Calling for the passage of PFAS liability protection legislation. Supporting investments in cybersecurity and the Water Risk and Resilience Organization
Resilience Organization.
We’re pleased to share that we were successful in obtaining meetings with nine out of ten of Minnesota’s federal legislators! Encouragingly, all Representatives and Senators from Minnesota were supportive of our advocacy points. However, there was shared concern about possible cuts to existing funding and programs. We left feeling as though our voices were heard and that the legislators would act as strong advocates for water-related issues. The legislators also
highlighted the importance of continued dialogue, especially regarding the impacts of proposed changes in funding or programs and the effect they will have on Minnesota communities.
The Minnesota Delegation
This year’s Minnesota’s delegation to the Fly-In represented a diverse group of professionals from various water organizations – a united front in advocacy efforts. The team included:
• Rick Wahlen, City of Eden Prairie Ursinio Puga, AE2S
• Michelle Stockness, Freshwater Sam Paske, Met Council
• Tracy Ekola, Brown and Caldwell, WEF
Mark Enochs, MNX Inc.
• Uma Vempati, Kimley Horn
Michael Looft, City of Winthrop
• T.J. Stroebl, Kurita
Toni Amenrud, Xylem
A Successful Effort
The 2025 Water Week was an invaluable opportunity to connect with federal legislators and advocate for critical water infrastructure initiatives, but we need to be mindful of year-round opportunities to communicate with elected officials so our voices continue to be heard. •
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MN AWWA Launches Cybersecurity Committee to Foster Strength in Minnesota’s Water Utilities
The Minnesota Section of the American Water Works Association is excited to announce the formation of its new Cybersecurity Committee.
Recognizing the increasing threats facing critical infrastructure, including water utilities, this dedicated committee will serve as a vital resource in bolstering the cyber resilience of Minnesota’s water sector.
Spearheading this crucial initiative is Chad Donnelly, the Assistant Superintendent of Operations from the City of Richfield, who will serve as the committee’s Chair. Donnelly brings a wealth of operational experience and a keen understanding of the growing importance of cybersecurity in maintaining the integrity of water systems.
Joining Donnelly on the committee are a group of dedicated professionals committed to safeguarding Minnesota’s water resources. These initial members include:
• Steve Crumley – City of Minneapolis (Water Treatment and Distribution Services)
• Martha Burkhardt – St. Paul Regional Water Services
• Michael Petersen – City of Bloomington
• Andrew Ohrt – West Yost
This diverse team brings together expertise from municipal water systems and the private sector, creating a strong foundation for the committee’s work.
The MNAWWA Cybersecurity Committee is committed to keeping its membership informed about the everevolving cybersecurity landscape. To achieve this, the committee will actively collaborate with AWWA at the Association level to disseminate timely and relevant cybersecurity news and updates originating
from across the United States and within the Washington D.C. policy arena. This proactive approach will ensure that MNAWWA members remain abreast of current happenings, emerging threats, and best practices in the field.
The committee is enthusiastic about rolling out comprehensive cybersecurity trainings and fostering active engagement within the MNAWWA section. These initiatives will be designed to equip water utility professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, prevent, and respond to cyber threats effectively.
The ultimate goal of the MNAWWA Cybersecurity Committee is to provide support to Minnesota water utilities, empowering them to strengthen their defenses and protect their critical operations.
Recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by smaller and rural water systems, the committee is actively working
on establishing a strong partnership with Minnesota Rural Water Association. This collaboration aims to ensure that utilities across the board have access to the resources and support they need to enhance their cybersecurity posture and feel confident in their ability to manage potential threats.
The formation of the MNAWWA Cybersecurity Committee marks a significant step forward in protecting Minnesota’s vital water infrastructure. Through collaboration, education, and proactive engagement, this committee aims to become an indispensable resource for water utilities across the state, ensuring the continued delivery of safe and reliable water for all Minnesotans in an increasingly interconnected world.
To kick off, we invite you to visit our new page on the MN Section website – and to participate in our inaugural webinar series on ‘Completing your Assessment.’ •
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MN AWWA Annual Conference's Trade Show takes place Wednesday, September 17'h
During Trade Show hours, no technical sessions are conducted. Time in the Exhibit Hall is meant for attendees to be focused on networking and talking with vendors, so that they can learn about and see the latest products and services being showcased by our 100+ exhibitors. The Exhibit Hall opens at 10:00 am, immediately following the Opening General Session. After that, activites are happening in the Exhibit Hall all day, including:
Buffet Lunch for all attendees Mid-afternoon snacks & reception
Competitions:
• Pipe Tapping Competition
• Hydrant Hysteria Competition
• Meter Challenge
Exhibitors Setup 7:00 - 10:00 am
Trade Show Open 10:00 am -3:30 pm
Exhibitors Break down 3:30 -5:00 pm
Attendees can vote on the best tasting water in the "Best in Glass" competition
"People's Choice" voting runs from 11:DO am - 1:DO pm
Final Judging Panel for "Best in Glass" at 2:00 pm
Booth Fee: $490* (for AWWA Members) includes two booth passes. Additional booth reps and electrical NOT included.
-kfee is higher for non-AWWA members ($715). Extra Large spaces (L1-L5) are $700 for AWWA members and $925 for non-members
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AWWA Fall Conference
Pioneer Hall
Planning and Communication Key to California Wildfire Response
Source: AWWA Connections
When a destructive wildfire raged through Eaton Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles County in January, it was all hands on deck for Pasadena Water and Power (PWP).
On January 7, staff at the community-owned utility were on high alert for a weather system bringing powerful, dry Santa Ana winds to the drought-plagued region. In response to the National Weather Service’s red flag warnings, emergency protocols were being followed, including having extra crews on duty and on call and pre-filling water reservoirs.
Jennifer Guess Mayo, PWP’s assistant general manager of external affairs, recalls being at home that evening when she heard news about a local fire. “It was very scary to have it that close,” she said. “The sky turned orange, and it was raining ash. We were checking on staff, family members and friends. Though my family’s home wasn’t threatened, we ended up hosting friends in the middle of the night.”
During the quickly evolving catastrophe, residents endured several days of zero containment of the dangerous Eaton wildfire. The city opened an emergency operations center with “all the key players in the room,” including the Pasadena Fire Department, Public Works Department, representatives from PWP water, and electric teams who tracked the emergency on SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) maps.
“There was a tremendously heartfelt outpouring of support for our colleagues who lost their homes but continued to do their jobs,” she said. “Calls were made to check on all PWP employees, and people were working very long shifts around the clock. The dedication was really palpable.”
Frequent Communications Key Strategy
Keeping PWP’s 67,000 customers informed was key to managing the disaster, especially since neighboring water agencies were responding to different conditions. The utility issued frequent press releases, social media updates, mass email notifications (in English and Spanish), and website posts using an interactive GIS (geographic information system) map of its water service area. This enabled PWP water customers to see which neighborhoods were no longer under the ‘do-not-drink’ notice.
“The GIS map was a useful tool,” Guess Mayo said. “It made everything much easier to communicate and enabled people to see visually that things were getting better each day. It was good to have something like that at the ready.”
PWP also posted Frequently Asked Questions providing information about how residents could safely use water for showering and washing dishes and clothes.
“It was important to alleviate our customers’ anxiety both immediately and during the span of the ‘do not drink’ notice,” Guess Mayo said. “We also provided information about what to do when they returned to their homes, like flushing their water lines.”
Fortunately, PWP did not receive reports of loss of water pressure or dry hydrants, although statewide firefighting resources were strained due to the Palisades Fire being fought concurrently in the Santa Monica Mountains.
“Pasadena suffered devastating loss, with hundreds of structures destroyed,” Guess Mayo said. “We feel the pain and heartbreak that comes with such destruction. Our neighboring City of Altadena endured even greater tragedy, losing thousands of structures. Our hearts go out to everyone affected as we stand in solidarity with each other.”
Because the Eaton Fire impacted several city water infrastructure facilities, including reservoirs/tanks, the utility issued a ‘do not drink’ notice for a week and half.
“With the fire still going, our infrastructure and facilities in the burned zones needed to be assessed for their integrity, so we made the call out of an abundance of caution,” Guess Mayo said.
The PWP team, including operations and construction crews, engineers, and water quality experts, worked around the clock and systematically assessed all potentially Eaton Fire-impacted water facilities.
“Kudos go to the amazing work of our water teams that worked with the Water Resources Control Board to make sure we could confirm safe drinking water quality and gradually lift the ‘do not drink’ notice,” Guess Mayo said.
PWP opened a bottled water distribution center in partnership with Los Angeles County Public Works, where employee volunteers gave away more than 500,000 bottles in several days. The utility also provided updates through a booth that PWP volunteers staffed for nearly two weeks at the local FEMA disaster center.
Jennifer Guess Mayo, Pasadena Water and Power’s assistant general manager of external affairs.
The Eaton Fire was fully contained on January 31 after burning for 24 days, and PWP is in recovery mode, still focused on the health and safety of its customers and staff.
“Our biggest priority is getting customers back into homes and easing that process as much as we can,” Guess Mayo said. That includes expediting new service connections, prioritizing getting water and energy services turned back on and alleviating some of the cost through temporarily expanding an existing water leak assistance program. “Some residents who were evacuated left the hose running to cool their roof, and that left the water meter running.” PWP also expanded the leak assistance program to help cover fire damage related leaks.
“Our call center has received some emotional calls and provided support and comfort in unprecedented times,” she added. “We heard from customers who needed to turn off their water service because their home was destroyed.”
Recovery from a windstorm and wildfire is a complex process that requires time, effort and collaboration. As communities are rebuilt, local utilities remain a key partner, working to restore infrastructure and strengthen preparedness through coordinated efforts, improved systems and a shared commitment to resilience. •
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.
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2025 MN AWWA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
This is a list of current AWWA members, as of the time this magazine went to print. Don’t see your name listed here? If you are not an AWWA member, or believe you are but don’t see yourself listed here, please contact us so we can help you join or to check on your membership status. AWWA is the world’s largest association of water professionals, and a way to have access to the most up-to-date industry information and resources, not to mention it’s the best way to network with other water professionals. Questions about membership? Just ask us! Contact Liz Wahlen (liz@mnawwa.org) or Mona Cavalcoli (mona@mnawwa.org) or visit us on the web at www.mnawwa.org.
Joe Ackerman Minneapolis Water Works (612) 661-4821 joseph.ackerman@minneapolismn.gov
Maya Adelgren
University of Minnesota Twin Cities (612) 756-5378 adelg004@umn.edu
Mike Albert City of Eden Prairie malbert@edenprairie.org
Oscar Alcala Chavez (763) 957-1909 o.alcalachavez@kurita-water.com
Sabirah Aleem Saint Paul Regional Water Services sabirah.aleem@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Solomon Alemu Saint Paul Regional Water Services (651) 246-8798 solomon.alemu@stpaul.gov
Chuck Allan (952) 988-8427 callan@minnetonkamn.gov
Dave/Laurie Allen (612) 782-9716 dsa@sl-ser.com
Andrew Allmann City of Eden Prairie (952) 294-5903 aallmann@edenprairie.org
Richard Alt City of Cottage Grove (651) 458-2842 ralt@cottagegrovemn.gov
Adib Amini (540) 244-1239 amini4@wisc.edu
Brian Amudson DeZURIK, Inc. brian.amundson@dezurik.com
Tim Amundsen City of Excelsior (952) 653-3676 tamundsen@excelsiormn.org
Anita Anderson Minnesota Department of Health (218) 302-6143 anita.c.anderson@state.mn.us
Brandon Anderson City of Apple Valley banderson@cityofapplevalley.org
Brett Anderson Minneapolis Water Works brett.anderson@minneapolismn.gov
Chris Anderson City of Granite Falls (320) 564-2530 water@mvtvwireless.com
Craig Anderson Wells Public Utility Comm craig@wpuc.net
Scott Anderson Saint Paul Regional Water Services scott.anderson@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Scott Anderson City of Bloomington (952) 563-4867 smanderson@bloomingtonmn.gov
Todd Anderson (218) 333-1854
Heidi Andrist Rochester Public Utilities (507) 292-1215 handrist@rpu.org
William Angerman (507) 288-3923 bangerman@whks.com
Alan Armstrong Evoqua|Xylem (941) 313-0726 alan.armstrong@xylem.com
Steve Arndt (651) 248-9194 sarndt@ci.farmington.mn.us
Marie Asgian Minneapolis Water Works (612) 673-5682 marie.asgian@minneapolismn.gov
Jamie Atkins Saint Paul Regional Water Services jamie.atkins@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Michael Atwood Elk River Municipal Utilities matwood@ermumn.com
Randy Atwood Ford Meter Box Company, Inc. (651) 315-6635 ratwood@fordmeterbox.com
Brian Austinson Owatonna Public Utilities brian.austinson@owatonnautilities.com
Chuck Autio (952) 548-6378 cautio@hopkinsmn.com
Tim Bagstad Saint Paul Regional Water Services (651) 266-6283 tim.bagstad@stpaul.gov
Clairissa Baker cbaker@aqueousvets.com
James Bakken Preston Public Utilities Commission (507) 765-2491 jbakken@prestonmn.org
Brian Balquist (651) 456-8138 brian.balquist@kimley-horn.com
Annika Bankston Minneapolis Water Works (612) 673-2191 annika.bankston@minneapolismn.gov
Tim Barrett City of New Brighton (612) 867-7994 tim.barrett@newbrightonmn.gov
Donald Bartell DeZURIK, Inc. (724) 462-5340 don.bartell@dezurik.com
Alex Bartley Minnesota Department of Health alex.bartley@state.mn.us
Randy Bartz TNEMEC Company (952) 746-1909 randy@coatingresourcesinc.com
Glenn Bauer Sauk Centre Public Utilities Commission (320) 352-6538 wastewater@scpuc.com
James Traen Downhole Well Services, LLC (651) 238-1198 jim@downholewellservices.com
Dave Traut (320) 251-5090 dave@trautwells.com
Kathy Travis Saint Paul Regional Water Services (651) 266-6874 kathy.travis@stpaul.gov
Nicholas Trudeau Thief River Falls Water (218) 681-6809 ntrudeau@trfmn.gov
Mike Tschida tschida33@hotmail.com
Madelyn Tusler Saint Paul Regional Water Services madelyn.tusler@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Andrew Tussing (507) 645-3088 andrew.tussing@northfieldmn.gov
Travis Tveit
Saint Paul Regional Water Services travis.tveit@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Paul Twite
Delano Municipal Utilities ptwite@delanomn.us
Steven Valtinson Minneapolis Water Works
Lawrence Van Hout
Widseth Smith Nolting (320) 762-0699 larry.vanhout@wsn.us.com
Mary Van Milligen City of Woodbury mary.hurliman@woodburymn.gov
Jordan Vandal (218) 343-2782 jordanvandal@fdlrez.com
Racquel Vaske Saint Paul Regional Water Services racquel.vaske@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Eli Vasser City of Woodbury (319) 899-4777 elijah.vasser@woodburymn.gov
Krista Vaughn Minneapolis Water Works krista.vaughn@minneapolismn.gov
You’re facing challenges with lasting implications. We’re delivering world class solutions with lasting results. Tomorrow’s reality is unfolding today, and our forward-thinking approach will keep you one step ahead.
Uma Vempati (612) 209-1912 uma.mnawwa@gmail.com
Jordan Vennes City of Bloomington (952) 563-4533 jvennes@bloomingtonmn.gov
Becca Vermace (952) 842-3762 bvermace@barr.com
Diego Vilcahuaman DeZURIK, Inc. diego.vilcahuaman@dezurik.com
Chris Voeltz Saint Peter Water Utilities chrisv@saintpetermn.gov
Cindy Voigt Duluth Public Works & Utilities (218) 730-5071 cvoigt@duluthmn.gov
Eric Volk City of New Brighton (651) 755-0689 eric.volk@newbrightonmn.gov
Tony White City of Burnsville (952) 895-4552 tony.white@burnsvillemn.gov
Rochelle Widmer Minneapolis Water Works rochelle.widmer@minneapolismn.gov
Jason Wiehle City of Fridley Water Department (612) 710-4734 jason.wiehle@fridleymn.gov
Justin Williams City of Lino Lakes (651) 982-2452 jwilliams@linolakes.us
Timothy Wilson Dixon Engineering, Inc. (641) 903-4193 timwilson@dixonengineering.net
Brian Wimberger bwimberger@azuria.com
Ben Withers EMA, Inc. bwithers@ema-inc.com
Susan Wojtkiewicz (715) 790-6624 swojtkiewicz@donohue-associates.com
Joesph Wokson City of Maple Grove (763) 494-6380 jwokson@ci.maple-grove.mn.us
Anika Wold Minneapolis Water Works (612) 299-2708 anika.wold@minneapolismn.gov
Nate Wold Minneapolis Water Works nate.wold@minneapolismn.gov
Jake Wolf Saint Paul Regional Water Services jake.wolf@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Brendan Wolohan
Carollo Engineers, Inc. (612) 790-1895 bwolohan@carollo.com
Jeremy Wry (651) 266-1664 jeremy.wry@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Tayler Yankovec SEH, Inc. (320) 249-2779 tthom@sehinc.com
James Yapp Saint Paul Regional Water Services james.yapp@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Scott Yarwood Minneapolis Water Works (612) 661-4942 scott.yarwood@minneapolismn.gov
Jeff Yeschick Arcadis U.S., Inc. (612) 373-0200 jeffrey.yeschick@arcadis.com
Darrel Ykema City of Luverne dykema@cityofluverne.org
Jason Yonke Moorhead Public Service (218) 477-8070 jyonke@mpsutility.com
Kevin Young SEH, Inc. (320) 229-4306 kbyoung@sehinc.com
Mike Zaborowski (507) 457-8272
Will Zafft City of Eden Prairie wzafft@edenprairie.org
Tom Zangs Saint Paul Regional Water Services (651) 266-6277 tom.zangs@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Maria Zaske (612) 709-5807 maria.zaske@mooreengineeringinc.com
Joe Zauner jzauner@american-usa.com
Carol Zehrer Tonka Water, A Kurita Brand (763) 957-1972 c.zehrer@kurita-water.com
Nancy Zeigler (612) 810-7422 ndzeigler@aol.com
Daniel Zienty (507) 740-2865 daniel.zienty@bolton-menk.com
Kent Zimmerman City of Apple Valley (952) 953-2400 kzimmerman@cityofapplevalley.org
Mitch Zwieg City of Brooklyn Park mitch.zwieg@brooklynpark.org
We all know people who excel at their job, who go the extra mile, who exceed expectations.
Being recognized by your peers is the highest form of flattery, so why not take the time to nominate someone for an award this year?
MN AWWA is currently seeking award nominations for
• George Warren Fuller Award
• Leonard M. Thompson Award
• Operator Meritotious Service Award
• Next Generation Award
• Jon Eaton Excellence in Volunteering Award
2025 MN AWWA BUYERS’ GUIDE
When making purchasing decisions about products and services in the wastewater industry throughout Minnesota and beyond, please support the companies whose advertising makes the Breeze magazine possible. You will find them quickly with our convenient, easy to use Buyers’ Guide. On the following pages, you will find information that will help you meet your purchasing requirements throughout the year ahead. The initial section of this Guide lists categories of products and services along with the various companies that can provide them to you. The following section provides an alphabetical listing of those companies, as well as the contact information you will need to reach them.
CATEGORIES
Activated Carbon
Carbon Enterprises, Inc.
Vessco, Inc.
Anthracite
Vessco, Inc.
Asset Management
Bolton & Menk
CUES
M.E. Simpson Co., Inc.
Automatic Meter Reading
Mid American Meter
Winwater Works
CCTV Inspection
CUES
Chemical Processing & Feed Systems
Hawkins
Integra Clear Co.
Vessco, Inc.
Coagulation & Flocculation
Hawkins Vessco, Inc.
Coatings, Lining & Corrosion Control
Bolton & Menk
ESS Brothers and Sons, Inc.
Hiperline
Thul Specialty Contracting
Construction Management
Bolton & Menk
CDM Smith
Rice Lake Construction
Stantec
Dechlorination
Integra Clear Co.
Vessco, Inc.
Dewatering
Northern Dewatering
Disinfection
E.H. Renner & Sons, Inc.
Vessco, Inc.
Electric Motors
E.H. Renner & Sons, Inc.
Electric Pump, Inc.
WW Goetsch Associates, Inc.
Electrical, Instrumentation, Controls and Generators
Electric Pump, Inc.
Mid American Meter
Ziegler Power Systems
Equipment Sales
Jet Line Sales & Service
Engineers/Consultants
AE2S
Apex Engineering Group
Arcadis US, Inc.
Barr Engineering Co.
Bollig Engineering
CDM Smith
ISG
Moore Engineering, Inc.
SEH
Stantec
Widseth
Fabrication
ESS Brothers and Sons, Inc.
Filtration
Bolton & Menk
Carbon Enterprises, Inc.
Vessco, Inc.
Financial Services
Arcadis US, Inc.
Stantec
Fire Hydrant Flow Testing
Integra Clear Co.
Gas Detection
Vessco, Inc.
Geotechnical Engineering
Barr Engineering Co.
GIS Mapping
ISG
M.E. Simpson Co., Inc.
Widseth
Grit Removal, SCADA
Screening Equipment
Northwestern Power Equipment Co., Inc.
Vessco, Inc.
Groundwater Development
Bolton & Menk
Inflow & Infiltration
CUES
ESS Brothers and Sons, Inc.
Hiperline
SEH
Thul Specialty Contracting
Infrastructure Rehabilitation
Bollig Engineering
CUES
ESS Brothers and Sons, Inc.
Hiperline
Rice Lake Construction
Thul Specialty Contracting
Widseth
Intake Screens
Northwestern Power Equipment Co., Inc.
Vessco, Inc.
Leak Detection
M.E. Simpson Co., Inc.
Water Conservation Services, Inc.
Manholes
ESS Brothers and Sons, Inc.
Hiperline
Jet Line Sales & Service
Thul Specialty Contracting
Membrane Bioreactors
Vessco, Inc.
Meters and Meter Testing
Flow Control Automation
M.E. Simpson Co., Inc.
Mid American Meter
Northwestern Power Equipment Co., Inc.
Winwater Works
Nutrient Removal
Vessco, Inc.
Odor Control
Electric Pump, Inc.
Vessco, Inc.
Operation Services
Waterly
Parts and Service
Electric Pump, Inc.
Jet Line Sales & Service
Minnesota Pump Works
Vessco, Inc.
WW Goetsch Associates, Inc.
Ziegler Power Systems
Permitting & Compliance
Barr Engineering Co.
Stantec
Pipe & Appurtenances
AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe
Winwater Works
Pipe Cleaning & Video
Inspection
CUES
Jet Line Sales & Service
2025 MN AWWA BUYERS’ GUIDE
Pipe Repair Products
Winwater Works
Pipeline Products
Flow Control Automation
Jet Line Sales & Service
Pumps/Pump Systems
Arcadis US, Inc.
E.H. Renner & Sons, Inc.
General Repair Service
Hawkins Minnesota Pump Works
Northern Dewatering Vessco, Inc.
WW Goetsch Associates, Inc.
Pump Stations & Valve Vaults
Bollig Engineering
Electric Pump, Inc.
General Repair Service
Minnesota Pump Works
Storage Tanks/Reservoir
Northwestern Power Equipment Co., Inc.
Thul Specialty Contracting Vessco, Inc.
Real Time
Monitoring & Control Waterly
Residuals/
Waste Management Vessco, Inc.
SCADA
AE2S
CDM Smith Electric Pump, Inc.
Sewer System Evaluation
Minnesota Pump Works
WW Goetsch Associates, Inc.
Widseth
Systems
Bollig Engineering
Pittsburg Tank & Tower Maintenance Co.
Stormwater/Water Quality AE2S
CDM Smith Vessco, Inc.
Widseth
Subsurface
Utility Engineering ISG
SEH
Surveyors
Stantec
Widseth
Tank Inspection and Repair
Pittsburg Tank & Tower Maintenance Co.
Tank Maintenance
Pittsburg Tank & Tower Maintenance Co.
Telemetry
Electric Pump, Inc.
Valves for Waterworks
Flow Control Automation
Northwestern Power Equipment Co., Inc. Winwater Works
Water Loss Control
M.E. Simpson Co., Inc.
Mid American Meter
Water Tank
Engineering & Inspection ISG
Pittsburg Tank & Tower Maintenance Co.
SEH
Water Quality
AE2S
Barr Engineering Co.
E.H. Renner & Sons, Inc.
Flow Control Automation
Water Storage Tanks
Northwestern Power Equipment Co., Inc.
Pittsburg Tank & Tower Maintenance Co.
Vessco, Inc.
Water Well
Rehabilitation & Maintenance
Bergerson-Caswell, Inc.
E.H. Renner & Sons, Inc.
General Repair Service
Water/Wastewater
Treatment Systems
AE2S
Arcadis US, Inc.
Barr Engineering Co.
Bollig Engineering
Bolton & Menk
CDM Smith
Electric Pump, Inc.
Flow Control Automation
General Repair Service
Hawkins Hiperline
Integra Clear Co. ISG
Janssen Machine Company
Minnesota Pump Works
Northwestern Power Equipment Co., Inc.
Rice Lake Construction
SEH
Vessco, Inc.
Widseth
LISTINGS
AE2S
6901 East Fish Lake Road, Suite 184 Maple Grove, MN 55369
763-463-5036
justin.klabo@ae2s.com www.ae2s.com
AMERICAN Ductile and Iron Pipe PO Box 2727 Birmingham, AL 35202 1-800-442-2347 www.american-usa.com
Apex Engineering Group
3800 8th Street North, Suite 101 St. Cloud, MN 56303 320-640-9720
Ziegler Power Systems 8050 County Road 101 Shakopee, MN 55379 888-320-4292
www.zielgercat.com/equipment/ power-systems
To reach water professionals through Breeze magazine and its targeted readership, contact Jeff at your earliest convenience to discuss your company’s promotional plans.
Jeff Kutny, Marketing Manager 1-866-985-9789 | jeff@kelman.ca
DEI Is More Than Just An Acronym
By Stew Thornley, Minnesota Department of Health
As one of the co-chairs of the Minnesota Section Diversity & Member Inclusion Committee, I am also the editor of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Corner for the section’s quarterly magazine, Breeze. We want to use this feature to profile and hear testimony from our members and their experiences in whatever ways they relate to DEI. We also want to reassure members that we remain committed to DEI even as other people and organizations back down for fear of retribution.
One of the terms that has gotten traction is ‘DEI Hire,’ an implication that people who don’t check all the mainstream boxes (race/ nationality/gender/orientation/religion)
get opportunities only because of their demographic status. Those who have opposed the term claim that doing away with DEI will return us to a period when people were hired on ‘merit.’
As one who won the birth lottery (gaining U. S. citizenship by accomplishing nothing more than entering the world in the right place – something I cannot take credit for), I wonder when opportunities were ever completely based on merit. I’m a total mainstreamer in regard to all the features I noted in the last paragraph, and for a long time I blithely accepted my privileged status and the accompanying benefits.
I don’t know if I ever got a job or opportunity by being chosen over someone
My Water Journey: A Path from Inspiration to Impact
By Uma Vempati, P. Eng.
My water story begins far away from the lakes and rivers of Minnesota, in a small rural community in southern India. Growing up, water wasn’t something we ever took for granted – it was intermittent, untreated, and unpredictable. Imagine living with the reality that your household might only get water for an hour every two or three days, and even then, you couldn’t predict exactly when. That was our daily reality. Yet, paradoxically, we lived near an incredible engineering marvel: the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, at the time the second tallest dam in the world. Standing in its shadow, I was always struck by the dramatic contrast between the remarkable
human achievement of harnessing water and the everyday struggles we faced for its basic supply.
My father, an accountant at a cement manufacturing plant, taught me discipline and the importance of hard work, but it was this juxtaposition of scarcity and abundance, of challenge and achievement, that fueled my passion to become an engineer. Early on, I realized that my heart gravitated naturally toward environmental and water issues. By the time I finished high school, my mind was made up – I was going to dedicate my life to water engineering.
After completing my undergraduate degree in India, I traveled halfway around the world to pursue higher education at North Dakota State University. It was here, thanks to my supportive faculty, that I was first introduced to AWWA and WEF. Little did
else because I checked all the right boxes for the times.However, I’ve come to realize that the pool of competitors was much smaller because it was so much harder for people who didn’t look, speak, act or worship like me to even be considered. I’m the one whose accomplishments should be questioned, not the people who have overcome prejudice and discrimination to get where they are.
Maybe I can’t do much about the benefits I received because of my status, but I can at least stop fooling myself into thinking anything I’ve achieved has been solely on ‘merit.’
Meanwhile, please read the story of an industry and AWWA leader who didn’t have it as easy as I did.
I know, this introduction would become the cornerstone of my career.
Moving to Minnesota marked the start of a significant chapter. As I became active in the Minnesota AWWA Young Professionals committee, opportunity knocked unexpectedly in 2008. The MN AWWA executive committee needed an Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, and I said “yes,” stepping through that open door without hesitation. This initial “yes” became a turning point, opening a new world of connections, mentorship, and experiences. Suddenly, I found myself learning from industry giants like Jon Eaton, Bert Tracy, Steve Schneider, Pete Moulton, Bill Spain, and Stew Thornley. Through this role, I gained comprehensive insight into every aspect of MN AWWA –something that profoundly shaped my career trajectory.
I advanced to become Secretary/ Treasurer in 2011, serving for three fulfilling years. In 2015, with the unwavering support of the Minnesota section, I was honored to be elected Director-at-Large, joining AWWA’s national Board of Directors. This role coincided with an exciting period when AWWA began exploring how its century-old expertise could impact global water challenges, particularly in countries like India.
This was a full-circle moment for me, bringing my journey back to my roots. Alongside AWWA’s CEO David LaFrance and various AWWA presidents, I traveled to India, participating in conferences, exchanging knowledge, and planting seeds of sustainable water management in the land where my dreams first began. Those experiences enriched me personally and professionally,
reaffirming my commitment to giving back –a commitment that continues to this day.
In 2020, another honor awaited –I served as Chair of the MN AWWA Section. Simultaneously, I had the privilege to chair AWWA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee from 2020–2023, further broadening my understanding of how diverse perspectives strengthen our industry. Today, I am fortunate to lead and contribute to significant water projects across the Midwest region. I can confidently say that every step of my journey, especially my deep involvement with AWWA, has profoundly shaped who I am as a professional and as a person.
If I could offer one key lesson from my journey, it would be to embrace opportunities as they come, rather than waiting for the perfect moment or debating
whether an opportunity fits perfectly. Saying “yes” to that first role as Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer was my critical first step. Being actively involved opened paths I couldn’t have imagined. I always encourage young water professionals to engage actively, find ways to serve the community, and trust that each step will lead to greater clarity and fulfillment.
I hope my story inspires you to act, engage, and contribute to the Minnesota water community. Let’s all strive to protect and manage our planet’s most precious resource: water. Together, we can ensure a thriving future for ourselves and generations to come.
Elsewhere in the magazine: Uma is also on the cover of the magazine, far left, as well as page 15 center, as a part of the MN AWWA delegation to attend the Fly In. •
“If I could offer one key lesson from my journey, it would be to embrace opportunities as they come, rather than waiting for the perfect moment or debating whether an opportunity fits perfectly.”
on the Red River.
IJC-Backed Wastewater Treatment Project Sees Reduction in Nutrient Pollution into Red River
Source: International Joint Commission
The wastewater facility in Halstad, Minnesota has seen an approximately 70% reduction in the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus released into the Red River annually thanks to a wastewater treatment optimization program funded by the Red River Basin Commission (RRBC) and International Joint Commission (IJC).
In 2021 and 2022, the RRBC and the IJC partnered with the US Environmental Protection Agency to hold a series of seminars and site visits to wastewater treatment facilities in the Red River basin. The site visits yielded some potential low-cost solutions for improving water quality and a pilot project was approved for the city of Halstad. Project funds were used to install automated aeration upgrades at the Halstad wastewater facility and for the purchase of a handheld spectrophotometer for water testing.
“The total cost of our optimization program was $20,000 and yielded a w70% reduction in nutrients discharged from the Halstad plant. That is a significant return on investment! Hopefully, municipalities along the entire transboundary will look to EPA’s optimization strategy to improve outcomes for their communities and watersheds,” stated an enthusiastic Rob Sisson, one of the IJC Commissioners.
Since this work was completed in early 2023, the city has seen marked reductions in both nitrogen and phosphorus, nutrients responsible for water quality issues along the Red River and Lake Winnipeg at its outlet. Halstad officials had considered shutting down the facility in favor of a wastewater lagoon, but these preliminary optimization results indicate that these smaller, cost-effective improvements to a facility can prove beneficial and should be considered in future planning.
The IJC’s portion of the funding for these seminars and the Halstad upgrades came through the International Watersheds Initiative, which promotes managing transboundary watersheds across international jurisdictions as whole entities.
“One of the reasons we contributed to this initiative is because of the applicability of the idea to many facilities and – if we can learn from each other and work togetherthe potential to have a cumulative positive impact. The International Watershed Initiative can support this kind of work that can helps us all think like a watershed,” said Merrell-Ann Phare, IJC commissioner.
In 2022, the IJC’s International Red River Watershed Board (Board)
Secondly, the facility paid a contractor for control upgrades to be able to have automated timing of aeration blowers in the treatment tanks. This work was completed in early 2023.
Secondly, the facility paid a contractor for control upgrades to be able to have automated timing of aeration blowers in the treatment tanks. This work was completed in early 2023.
The facility, over the course of several months, adjusted the aeration cycle to optimize nitrogen removal. Over the same cycle the facility recycled as small percentage of waste sludge to the headworks to improve phosphorus removal. The following graphs depict the changes in discharge concentrations over time for Nitrogen and Phosphorus.
The facility, over the course of several months, adjusted the aeration cycle to optimize nitrogen removal. Over the same cycle the facility recycled as small percentage of waste sludge to the headworks to improve phosphorus removal. The following graphs depict the changes in discharge concentrations over time for Nitrogen and Phosphorus.
The graphs depict the changes in discharge concentrations over time for Nitrogen and Phosphorus.
received a revised Directive from the IJC to include monitoring of contaminants in the watershed. The IJC had previously sent
a letter to governments recommending approval of Board-suggested monitoring targets in the Red River.
The Red River basin
“The total cost of our optimization program was $20,000 and yielded a 70% reduction in nutrients discharged from the Halstad plant.”
Quick Facts
• The Red River basin occupies substantial portions of North Dakota, northwestern Minnesota, southern Manitoba and a very small portion of northeastern South Dakota. It covers 116,500 square kilometers or 45,000 square miles, excluding the Assiniboine River basin, which joins the Red River at Winnipeg.
In a December, 2019 letter to the IJC, the Board recommended that concentrations, or specific levels of total phosphorus and nitrogen in the water, would best be limited to 0.15 milligrams per liter (0.15 parts per million) and 1.15 mg/l (1.15 ppm), respectively. The loading targets (i.e., amount of nutrients in the river passing by the international boundary) are 1,400 tons/year for phosphorus and 9,525 tons/year for nitrogen.
In addition to monitoring phosphorus and nitrogen levels, five other water quality objectives were previously established for the Red River and are monitored by the Board. They are:
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Chloride (Cl), Sulphate (SO 4) and E. coli.
• The Board’s responsibilities are outlined in an amended 2022 Directive.
• The IJC is an independent body established by the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 to help the governments of Canada and the United States prevent and resolve disputes over use of the waters shared by the two countries. It officially designated the Red River Board as an international watershed board in August 2021. •
MN AWWA
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