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CHAIR
Christopher Woodcock Woodcock and Associates, Inc.
CHAIR-ELECT
Ryan Thomas Shea Boston Water and Sewer Commission
PAST CHAIR
Chi Ho Sham Independent Consultant
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL
Cielo Sharkus Raftelis
SECTION DIRECTOR
Renee Lanza
GEI Consultants, Inc
ME DIRECTOR
Patsy Root
IDEXX Water
MA DIRECTOR
Peter Salvatore Boston Water & Sewer Commission
NH DIRECTOR
Sarah Trejo
Aquarion Water Company
RI DIRECTOR
Carleigh Samson Corona Environmental Consulting/University of Rhode Island
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Alane Boyd
Desert Rose Environmental
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Sarah Trejo – Editor and Chair
Water Quality Compliance Coordinator, Aquarion Water Company
Christopher Woodcock President, Woodcock & Associates, Inc.
Dilara Hatinoglu Graduate at the University of Maine
New England Water Wayfinder is published by
Tel: 866-985-9780 Fax: 866-985-9799 www.kelman.ca
Managing Editor Mathias Leiendecker
Design/layout Dia Chea
Advertising Sales Megan Stanley
Advertising Co-ordinator Stefanie Hagidiakow
Address Service Requested. New
MESSAGE FROM THE SECTION CHAIR
Why It’s Good to Belong to AWWA: A Reflection on Half a Century of Membership
Chris Woodcock, Section Chair, A Grateful Member of AWWA for 50 Years
Iwent to my first American Water Works Association Annual Conference in Kansas City in 1987; it wasn’t called ACE back then. Although I’d been with AWWA for nearly 10 years, I had never attended a big conference. After the first day of sessions, I remember taking a bus back to my hotel and being seated next to an older gentleman I had never met. We struck up a conversation, and he began to tell me all the great things about AWWA. As a somewhat new member of AWWA, I drank it all in. As we arrived at our hotel, I asked how he knew so much. He told me his name was John Robinson, that he had been a long-time member, and that he was now the President of AWWA.
I was astonished – the President of AWWA – talking to me! On top of that, he was a consultant with one of my firm’s biggest competitors. We had such a friendly chat. This was one of my first lessons about AWWA. Members are in this organization to help each other. We may compete against each other for work, but we are always there for each other to advance our knowledge of water supply.
When I first joined the AWWA, I was seeking more than just a membership – I was looking for a professional home. What I found was a vibrant, forward-thinking community of water professionals committed to public health, innovation, and excellence in water management. Over the years, AWWA has remained a consistent source of inspiration, learning, and professional camaraderie.
Back then, I could never imagine that I’d be a member of AWWA for nearly half a century. The idea of chairing an AWWA committee, being President of the New England Section of AWWA, and then 15 years later being Chairman of the current New England Section would never have entered my mind.
As I look back over five decades of involvement with AWWA, I can say with complete conviction that joining this organization was one of the most valuable decisions of my professional life. From the earliest stages of my career to my retirement, the AWWA has played an instrumental role in shaping not only my understanding of the water industry but also my connections within it, my leadership opportunities, and the trajectory of my professional growth.
One of the most significant benefits of my membership was the opportunity to join the Rates and Charges Committee. This experience broadened my understanding of utility finance and rate structures in a way no textbook or classroom ever could. Collaborating with professionals from across the country allowed me to gain fresh perspectives and practical knowledge that I was able to bring back to my own work. It was in these meetings, through rigorous discussion and shared expertise, that I developed a more nuanced view of the financial challenges and opportunities facing water utilities.
Another profound benefit has been exposure to new ideas and technologies. Through AWWA journals, conferences, and workshops, I’ve been able to stay at the forefront of an industry that is always evolving. Whether it’s the integration of digital tools in water system management or the latest in sustainable infrastructure, AWWA has always been a step ahead, offering members a preview of what’s next.
Networking, too, has been a cornerstone of my AWWA experience. The relationships I’ve built, many of which have become lifelong friendships, have enriched both my career and my life. Whether at the national conference or a local section event, I’ve always found the people of AWWA to be generous with their knowledge
“LOOKING BACK, MY 50-YEAR RELATIONSHIP WITH AWWA HAS BEEN MORE THAN JUST A MEMBERSHIP, IT’S BEEN A PARTNERSHIP. IT HAS GIVEN ME THE TOOLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND NETWORK I NEEDED TO THRIVE IN THE WATER INDUSTRY, AND IT CONTINUES TO BE A SOURCE OF ENERGY AND ENGAGEMENT TO THIS DAY.”
and committed to the greater good of the water industry. These connections have led to new opportunities, collaborative projects, and, perhaps most importantly, a deep sense of community.
Being able to present papers and share my own work at AWWA events has also been incredibly rewarding. These opportunities not only allowed me to contribute to the body of knowledge in our field, but they also challenged me to refine my thinking, articulate my ideas clearly, and learn from the feedback of peers.
I am retired now, but I was a consultant, and the connections
I’ve seen firsthand how fellow utility members are so engaging and helpful with each other in solving problems.
Looking back, my 50-year relationship with AWWA has been more than just a membership, it’s been a partnership. It has given me the tools, knowledge, and network I needed to thrive in the water industry, and it continues to be a source of energy and engagement to this day.
For anyone considering joining or becoming more active in AWWA, I offer this reflection as a sincere endorsement. If you are looking for a place to grow, to give back, and to stay connected with the pulse of the water world, there is no better home than the American Water Works Association.
Ensuring delivery and quality of drinking water is a serious responsibility that requires the navigation of multiple challenges, including aging infrastructure, the impacts of climate change, and emerging contaminants.
With over a century of engineering experience, our experts offer a trusted, adaptive approach to address water management issues proactively and provide solutions that bolster resilience in the face of uncertainty and change.
We are committed to your success in protecting New England's most precious resource
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Bridging Waters: How AI Can Advance DEIB in the Water Sector
Alane Boyd, P.E., NEAWWA Executive Director
AWWA’s vision of “a better world through better water” and its strategic goals focused on member experience, inclusion, and engagement are widely recognized as inspiring. These principles highlight the critical importance of collaboration and a shared dedication to advancing progress within communities and the broader water sector. The Association’s ongoing emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) is commendable. These are not simply aspirational words; they are essential to building an organization that reflects and serves diverse communities.
Membership is foundational to this effort. Every voice adds value, and greater inclusiveness only strengthens the Association, the water utilities and the members it serves. Many, including those who have served in leadership roles, believe strongly that AWWA should remain a place where all those in the water sector feel welcomed, heard, and empowered.
As the global water sector faces mounting challenges – aging infrastructure, climate impacts, and water inequity – artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool to reimagine how we manage and distribute this vital resource. Yet as we embrace these innovations, it’s critical that AI doesn’t just improve efficiency or cost-effectiveness, but also actively supports DEIB across the sector.
AI and Water Equity
AI can help identify and address inequities in water access by mapping underserved
WHAT DOES DEIB MEAN?
Diversity is about who is in the organization. It means having people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives – shaped by things like race, gender, culture, language, abilities, sexual orientation, and more.
Equity is about fairness. It means recognizing that people don’t all start from the same place and working to remove barriers so that everyone has a fair chance to succeed. Equity is about providing what each person needs to thrive – not just treating everyone the same.
Inclusion is about how people are treated. It means creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, heard, and valued for who they are. An inclusive environment welcomes different viewpoints and encourages people to fully participate.
Belonging is the feeling that comes from inclusion. It’s when people feel accepted, supported, and truly part of the team. Belonging means being able to show up as your full self and knowing that you matter.
communities, analyzing consumption and billing patterns, and predicting where infrastructure failures may disproportionately affect marginalized populations. For example, predictive models can help utilities prioritize repairs in neighborhoods most vulnerable to service disruptions or identify where water affordability is becoming a crisis.
Bias in Data, Bias in Outcomes
However, AI systems are only as fair as the data and assumptions behind them. If historical data reflects systemic inequities, such as underinvestment in
low-income communities, AI tools can unintentionally reinforce those patterns. Embedding DEIB principles in AI development means scrutinizing datasets, involving diverse voices in design, and making transparency and accountability central to algorithmic decisions.
Inclusive Innovation
A diverse water workforce is essential to designing inclusive AI. When engineers, analysts, community organizers, and policymakers from a wide range of backgrounds co-create AI tools, those
solutions are more likely to reflect the needs of all water users. Inclusion isn’t just an ethical goal – it’s a strategic advantage for innovation.
Proactive Steps in New England and the Northeast
This type of work is alive and well in New England and its surroundings. The following projects illustrate the proactive steps being taken in the area to integrate AI and DEIB principles within the water sector. Through collaborative efforts, research initiatives, and community engagement, the region is working towards a more inclusive and equitable water industry.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst has initiated a comprehensive research program focusing on sustainable and equitable access to clean water. This interdisciplinary effort brings together experts in engineering, computer science, and public policy to develop AI-driven solutions for water distribution and treatment. By employing machine learning and remote sensing technologies, the initiative aims to modernize aging water infrastructure while ensuring that improvements benefit all communities, particularly those historically underserved. The program emphasizes collaboration with state agencies and industry partners to translate research into actionable policies and technologies.
Engineering firm Tighe & Bond has actively engaged in confronting racial inequalities within the water and wastewater industry. In a collaboration, the firm contributed to a publication discussing systemic racism’s impact on the industry and proposed strategies for creating more inclusive environments. The paper emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing disparities to foster diversity and inclusion across all levels of the water sector.
The City of New London, Connecticut, has partnered with Arcadis to implement an AI-driven approach for replacing lead water service lines. By utilizing AI, the city can efficiently inspect and prioritize pipeline replacements, ensuring lead-free
drinking water for its 60,000 residents. This proactive initiative not only addresses public health concerns but also exemplifies equitable infrastructure investment by focusing on communities that may be disproportionately affected by lead exposure.
Syracuse, New York, has developed a machine learning system to assess the risk of water main failures. By analyzing historical data and pipe characteristics, the AI model predicts potential breaks, allowing the city to prioritize maintenance in areas most at risk. This approach enhances service reliability and ensures that resources are allocated equitably, particularly benefiting neighborhoods that have historically experienced infrastructure neglect.
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) has established a
comprehensive DEIB framework, including a dedicated committee that promotes an inclusive workplace. Initiatives such as cultural heritage celebrations, mentorship programs, and training on unconscious bias aim to foster a sense of belonging among employees. By integrating DEIB principles into its operations, MWRA ensures that diverse perspectives are valued, enhancing decision-making and service delivery.
Looking Forward
To fully realize the potential of AI in the water sector, we must embed DEIB at every stage: from the lab and control room to the boardroom and the communities served. By aligning technological advancement with social equity, we can build a smarter, fairer water future for all.
MESSAG
E FROM THE EDITOR
Spring in Full Swing in New England
Sarah Trejo, Editor
After a long, gray New England winter, spring is finally in full swing, and nowhere is it more evident than the riparian buffer zone along the stream behind my office. This strip of woods creates a path through the town for herds of deer and provides a resting spot for migratory birds. Every time I come into the office, I look out my window and see a noticeable difference in the growing vegetation and hear an increased number and variety of bird and frog calls.
The skunk cabbage was the first to show up in the swampy area by the stream. It has since exploded, making use of the sunlight as the birch, oak, and tulip tree leaves come in. I often see chipmunks chasing each other through their tunnels and across rocks. A couple of weeks ago, I even saw a raccoon calmly amble along the stream
and then disappear through a pipe in a culvert. I’ve heard that turkeys walk through, but I haven’t had the privilege of seeing them yet.
The resident and migratory songbirds provide a pleasant soundtrack through the open window. When I realize I’ve been staring at my computer screen for two hours without a break, I like to try to find them flitting among the leaves. I’ve heard songs from numerous species over the past few months. Thanks to the Merlin Bird ID app, I’ve identified eastern phoebes, northern mockingbirds, goldfinches, Carolina wrens, and eastern bluebirds. All in my metaphorical backyard!
We also have a pair of red-shouldered hawks that nest somewhere nearby. Since Water Quality folks are known for their sense of humor, we’ve named them Ad Hawk One and Ad Hawk Two, after the ad hoc
reports we run out of our LIMS database. The hawks seem to enjoy putting on a show – as I started to write this article, I was looking out my window for inspiration and spotted one of them sitting in a nearby tree. Before I could get a picture, it swooped down to the stream’s edge and caught something small in the skunk cabbage.
Soon it will be summer, and it will be one of my favorite twoweek periods at the office: wineberry season. The plants around my building grow an overabundance of the small, raspberry-like fruits. And although it’s an invasive species from eastern Asia, you can see birds, bees, and humans alike enjoying the berries. If you can’t find me around lunchtime in mid-July, I’m probably shoulderdeep in a wineberry bush, filling cups with berries to take home for topping ice cream or making jam to use in crinkle cookies.
All of this life is a testament to the care that state and local governments, environmental organizations, and water companies put into protecting natural resources. Even small areas like the one I work next to can support a huge variety of animals and plants. Ultimately, a healthier environment means higher quality water for our communities.
NEW TANKS
(270) 826-9000 ext. 260 5
EXISTING T ANKS (270) 826-9000 ext. 4601
FROM THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL DIRECTOR
Expanding Opportunities For Students and Young Professionals
Cielo Sharkus, PhD, Young Professional Director
AWWA has been part of my professional journey from the beginning, first as a student and now in my early career. Through webinars, scholarships, mentorship, and opportunities to present at ACE, I found support that helped me stay connected to the broader water community while completing my dissertation. Now, as the Young Professional Director and Chair of the Young Professionals and Student Committee for the New England Section, I look forward to building on that foundation and expanding opportunities for our students and young professionals. AWWA already offers so many valuable resources, and our committee is focused on making them more accessible, localized, and responsive to the needs of our New England members. Our committee is working to expand opportunities in a few key areas:
• Community building and networking.
• Scholarship and grant resources, including financial planning.
• Career development and mentorship.
• Leadership training and professional skill-building.
• Establishing campus chapters in Western Massachusetts and the Boston Metro Area.
We aim to create more opportunities for students and young professionals to build strong relationships, learn about the water sector, and feel supported as they advance in their careers. This includes facilitating training in leadership development, providing insights into diverse career options, and creating collaborative spaces across the region. Students and young professionals are at the heart of NEAWWA’s growth, and in the coming months, we will reach out to gather feedback from members about the types of programming and support that would be most beneficial. If you’re interested in joining the YP and Student Committee, we have several leadership roles available, and we would love to have you involved! Please feel free to reach out to me at csharkus@gmail.com if you would like to get involved.
Safety Toolbox: Summer 2025
June is National Safety Month, an annual observance dedicated to keeping each other safe both at work and in our everyday lives. For 2025, the National Safety Council (NSC) focuses on the following areas each week:
• June 1 - 7: Continuous Improvement
• June 8 - 14: Employee Engagement
• June 15 - 21: Roadway Safety
• June 22 - 30: Wellbeing
There are many ways to get involved in National Safety Month at your workplace, in your community, and at home:
• Take a CPR class
• Assemble an at-home first aid kit
• Volunteer in emergency-preparedness events
• Host regular safety talks with your coworkers
• Encourage employees to report workplace hazards and areas of improvement
• Enroll in a defensive driving class
NSC automatically provides members with free safety tools and resources, including safety talks, videos, articles, and posters. Non-members can also sign up as National Safety Month participants to receive these resources. Visit www.nsc.org/ workplace/national-safety-month to learn more.
2025 AWWA Fly-In Report
NEAWWA Government Affairs Committee
Every year during Water Week, delegates from AWWA, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Research Foundation (WRF), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), and the WateReuse Association gather in Washington, DC, to meet with their congressional representatives to discuss water policy and legislation. The annual AWWA Fly-In allows industry professionals to engage with federal officials and advocate as experts on water-related issues.
The New England Section sent delegates from all five of our member states to this year’s event, which took place on April 8-9, 2025. Delegates left AWWA one-pager handouts with all of the congressional offices, and invitations were made for continued dialogue on these topics and general information sharing. Also, an open invitation was extended to congressional members and staffers to visit our respective utility facilities and/or organizations. Summary reports of these meetings are included below.
Maine Report
Delegates: Patsy Root (IDEXX Water) and Roger Crouse (Kennebec Water District)
• Senator Angus King (I): Met with staffer Pat Bond, Senior Policy Advisor, who covers EPA, Energy, and Environmental issues. Pat stated King is working with Senator Pete Ricketts (R, Nebraska) on a Senate version of H.R. 2594 on cybersecurity and is supportive of PFAS/CERCLA and sympathetic to EPA adding two PFAS to CERCLA. Pat stated King agreed on funding state revolving funds (SFS) but also asked how water loss was being addressed. Pat advised that Maine is the “Winning” recipient of Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) taken from the SRFs. Pat stated that the low-income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP) may be a priority over the low-income water assistance program (LIHWAP), but understands the use and need.
• Senator Susan Collins (R): Met with Katherine Huskies, Legislative Aide on Water/Wastewater, EPA, Environment, and Senator Collins in the Capitol building’s Appropriations suite. Seemed supportive of the four topics, especially PFAS, not convinced CDSs out of SRFs are bad for Maine. Collins asked why costs were going up, and we responded labor, materials, and recruiting (hard to find help). Collins also asked about fluoride and mentioned the new announcement that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would reinvestigate its use.
• Representative Jared Golden (D, ME 2nd District): Met with Erik Kanter, Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director. Erik asked if there were any disruptions in the flow of money, such as SRFs. None yet. Seemed supportive of SRF, especially after Roger’s examples of their use. Very supportive of not having rate payers and utilities bear the burden of PFAS clean up. Generally, all-around supportive.
• Representative Chellie Pingree (D, ME 1st District): Met with Lisa Pahel, Policy Adviser on EPA, environment, drinking water/ wastewater. Supportive of the PFAS bill, had talked with the EPA and understands the utility’s position. LIHWAP will be harder to support vs. LIHEAP, which is a priority in Maine. Agreed to read and consider support of H.R. 2594 (cybersecurity). Pingree is a strong supporter of SRFs. Lisa asked how EPA cuts might affect utilities, said that is to be seen, but will likely be in technical support.
Peter Salvatore (left) and Ryan Shea (right), Massachusetts delegates, with Representative Stephen Lynch (center).
Massachusetts Report
Delegates: Ryan Shea and Peter Salvatore (both with Boston Water and Sewer Commission)
• Representative Stephen Lynch (D, MA 9th District) – Discussed AWWA’s Polluter Pays stance as it related to treatment and disposal of PFAS. Provided examples of SRF-funded projects within the Congressmen’s district. Asked a good question along the lines of: if Trump revoked Biden-era Infrastructure Funding, how would that impact current projects? I thought this was an interesting perspective and an insightful question.
• Representative Seth Moulton (D, MA 6th District) – Discussed the importance of AWWA’s approach to cybersecurity, including the Water Risk and Resilience Organization. Articulated different cybersecurity threats based on the utility size. Provided examples of SRF-funded projects in downtown Boston. Asked a good question along the lines of: what keeps you up at night as a water professional? The staffer was curious to see what we perceive as threats to the water industry. This question dovetailed into AWWA’s talking points nicely.
New Hampshire Report
Delegate: Samuel Currier (President/CEO, NH Water Works Association (NHWWA))
Other (non-AWWA) Delegates:
April Sargent (NH Water Pollution Control Association, Government Affairs Committee Chair)
Tracy Wood (NH Department of Environmental Services, Water Division)
Meghan Abbey (Underwood Engineering (Young Professional Advocate, Water and Clean Water)
Mia Currier (NHWWA Young Professional)
• Congresswoman Representative Maggie Goodlander (D, NH 2nd District): Met with Rep. Goodlander in person first thing in the morning before she needed to go to a hearing. Rep. Goodlander was in full support and very intrigued by our group’s dedication to “One Water.” Funding was our longest conversation, and she asked about EPA Region 1 and the level of involvement they have had of late.
• Representative Chris Pappas: Staff member Savanagh Rogers was able to meet our team and discuss our asks on April 9. Rep. Pappas and NHWWA have had an open line of communication and are regularly updating Pappas with NHWWA concerns and asks when it comes to federal regulation. Water risk and resilience organization (WRRO) was discussed heavily, and I was able to use real-life examples from my experience as an operator to tie together the need for a fully funded SRF and the need for WRRO. As Goodlander asked, EPA Region 1’s availability was questioned.
• Senator Maggie Hassan (D): Senator Hassan only had five minutes available to meet us in person, and we used that entire time to discuss funding for AWWA asks. Congressional Directed Spending has been something the Senator has not supported for quite some time, as she sits on the Federal Finance Committee. We were able to have a short discussion with her staff member, Nick Caron, to go over other NHWWA and AWWA asks. This office also asked about the importance of EPA Region 1.
• Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D): Janelle DiLuccia is the name of the staff member we met in Senator Shaheen’s office. Janelle has been there for some time now and has a great personal relationship with the NHWPCA team. PFAS was the heavy hitter in this meeting from both ends of the pipe. CDS are what seems like a very exciting thing for this office, so a long discussion about the ability to try to raise that budget and cap these CDS, so all SRF funding is at 100%. LIHWAP was another quick conversation we had that Shaheen’s office was in support of. This office also asked about the importance of EPA Region 1.
Vermont Report
Delegate: Matt Guerino (Champlain Water District)
• Senator Bernie Sanders (I): Met with Senator Sanders’ staff, and there was support of all topics discussed. They were most concerned with the financial impacts utilities are feeling right now, based on potential increases to imported goods.
• Senator Peter Welch (D): Met with Senator Welch’s staff, and there was support for all topics discussed. They were most interested in funding issues with utilities and the effects on the utilities.
Peter Salvatore, Massachusetts delegate, in front of the Capitol Building.
Ryan Shea, Massachusetts delegate, in front of the Capitol Building.
• Representative Becca Balint (D): Met with Representative Balint and a staff member. They were supportive of all topics discussed but most concerned with funding, cost impact, and how that is connected to development and increased housing in Vermont.
Rhode Island Report
Delegate: Steve Soito (Pawtucket Water Supply Board)
Other (non-AWWA) Delegates:
Janine Burke-Wells, Executive Director, Northeast Biosolids & Residuals Association (RI Clean Water Association/WEF)
Benjamin Levesque, Vice President, Tighe & Bond (RI Water Works Association, RICWA)
Laura Marcolini, president, Laura Marcolini & Associates, Inc. (RIWWA, RICWA)
Hannah McDonough, Operator/Maintenance Technician, Quonset Development Corp. (RICWA)
Jennifer Harrington, General Counsel & Legislative Liaison, Narragansett Bay Commission (RICWA)
• Senator Jack Reed (D): Met with Rachel Mitnick, Legislative Assistant. Senator Reed was in an Appropriations Committee meeting and was not available to meet. We expressed our thanks to the Senator for his continued support for drinking water SRF, clean water SRF and Water Infrastructure and Innovation Act (WIFIA) funding for critical drinking water and clean water infrastructure projects. We expressed how important these programs are to help us keep rates affordable for our customers. Rachel seemed optimistic that funding would continue in fiscal year 2025, but she could not predict how funding would look for fiscal year 2026. We asked for the Senator to support a Senate companion bill to HR 1267 for water systems PFAS liability protection. We shared AWWA’s support of a collaborative approach to establish the Water Risk and Resilience Organization. We also asked for the Senator to continue to support LIHWAP,
especially as we serve disadvantaged communities in our service area. Rachel asked that we keep communication open regarding any issues at the local level that their office could assist us with.
• Representative Seth Magaziner (D, RI 2nd District): Met with Raisa Majid, Legislative Assistant. Magaziner was in a Homeland Security Committee meeting when we arrived, but he stepped out and was able to spend a few minutes with us. Discussed the AWWA Fly-In one pagers and asked for Rep. Magaziner’s support of the associated bills in the House. I shared our experience with utilizing DWSRF funds for our water meter replacement and service line inventory project.
• Representative Gabe Amo (D, RI 1st District): Met with Christina Rankin, Legislative Director. Amo was able to spend a few minutes with us. Rep. Amo is interested in AI Data Centers and the resources and infrastructure needed to support this industry. The topic of water reuse was discussed, and the availability and capacity to support this industry in RI. We discussed the AWWA Fly-In one-pagers and asked for Rep. Amo’s support of the associated bills in the House.
• Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D): Met with Ed Higgins, PhD, Water Policy Advisor, Environment and Public Works Committee. Senator Whitehouse was not available to meet due to a prior commitment. We shared the same information as in the previous meetings. We discussed the PFAS Liability Protection Act at length and the challenges to drinking water and clean water utilities in treating/removing these compounds, and the challenges associated with managing the residuals produced from the treatment process. Ed expressed interest in keeping an open line of communication on this topic.
NEAWWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
SAVE THE DATE!
OCTOBER 29 TO 30, 2025
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR, ONE BROADWAY, EVERETT, MA 02149
WAVE OF THE FUTURE: INNOVATIONS IN WATER TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABILITY
The New England Section AWWA is excited to announce our inaugural annual conference, set for October 2025 in the Boston Area! This event will bring together industry leaders, professionals, and emerging talent to explore cutting-edge innovations in water technology and sustainability.
The Wave of the Future conference is a premier gathering of experts, innovators, and industry leaders dedicated to advancing the future of water technology and sustainability. This event will explore groundbreaking research, cutting-edge solutions, and transformative policies shaping the water sector.
Through engaging presentations, panel discussions, case studies, and hands-on workshops, attendees will gain insights into emerging trends in water treatment, conservation, smart infrastructure, climate resilience, and much more. Whether you’re a scientist, engineer, policymaker, or industry professional, this conference provides a unique platform to exchange ideas, forge collaborations, and drive meaningful progress toward a sustainable water future.
Join us to ride the next wave of innovation in water technology and sustainability!
Registration is now open for Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Career Fair Organizations at https://ne-awwa.org/meetinginfo.php?id=33&ts=1746572513
For more information on the venue, please visit https://www.encorebostonharbor.com
DIGITAL TWINS AND WATER AGE MODELING AND WATER AGE
Adigital twin is an integrated data-driven representation of the real-world physical system and process. Water Age Modeling is one of the digital twin tools that allow the modeler to better understand how the water distribution system actually operates, how to address water network issues, and how to determine the optimal approach among multiple alternatives.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines water age as the time water spends in the distribution system before use. Water age is a simple but useful parameter that provides a quick, general assessment of potential water quality within a water distribution system.
Water age is an acceptable surrogate to model the distribution system’s water quality level. For example, a distribution system with high water age suggests the possibility of significantly reduced disinfectant residual and high levels of disinfection by-products. Water age is not measurable by any conventional devices, and water age is determined by a calibrated hydraulic/ water quality model.
This article is an example of water age modeling that investigated a 20-million-gallon storage tank start-up, quantified the surrogate water quality parameters, and determined an optimal and cost-effective solution to address water quality concerns.
Background
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is a wholesale system serving 53 communities with approximately 3.1 million customers. To provide additional finished water storage within its northern low service area, MWRA designed and constructed a new covered storage tank near the open Spot Pond reservoir.
Spot Pond Covered Reservoir Start-up
In 2015, MWRA completed the construction of the Spot Pond Covered Reservoir (SPCR), a 20 million-gallon (MG) two-cell buried concrete storage reservoir, to enhance the system operation and the emergency storage within the pressure zone. The tank’s bottom elevation is 164.5 feet (Boston city base). The design highest
Table #1: SPCR Level at Initial Startup
John Chan, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
Technical Selection
hydraulic grade line (HGL) is 195 feet, and the maximum water depth is 31.5 feet.
The start-up of the Spot Pond Covered Reservoir Cell #1 began on August 28, 2015, and Cell #2 began its operation on November 12, 2015. Table 1 summarizes the Cell #1 actual operating levels and the resulting tank turnover rate. As anticipated, the SCADA data reported that the tank cycled about 2 feet of storage and only 6.3% of its volume, indicating that the tank was not being sufficiently cycled.
The tank turnover was anticipated to be less than the optimal water levels because a 48-inch distribution main (Section 57) effectively allowed the SPCR to be bypassed. As depicted in Schematic #1 by flow arrow #2, while the tank was designed for flow-through operation, the 48-inch crossing main circumvented the tank cycling by directing the flow to the downstream outlet pipe.
Section 57 and New Control Valve
As depicted on Schematic #2, a planned new 48-inch control valve was added to Section 57. Table 2 summarizes the tank turnover percentage before and after this new valve was installed.
The new 48-inch Section 57 control valve in the closed position enhanced the tank turnover rate, but it also created two dead-end pipes with potentially unacceptable high-water age. The water quality concerns included the loss of disinfectant residual, the buildup of biofilm, and increased risk of nitrification.
A Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) was developed and implemented to periodically open this control valve once a day, bi-weekly, flushing out the stagnant water.
The Section 57 periodical open and close operation improves the Spot Pond tank and distribution system water quality, but the measurement of the water quality changes is not technically feasible.
Water age modeling was an effective tool to quantify the current valve SOP water quality change and to compare to two additional open-close operation alternatives.
Water Age Modeling Scenarios
Water age modeling was conducted to investigate:
1. The effectiveness of the Section 57 control valve for enhancing the tank water quality.
2. The optimal Section 57 valve operation to maintain both the tank and the dead-end water quality.
Five model scenarios were modeled:
1. Section 57 valve is in the open position.
2. Section 57 valve is in the closed position.
3. Section 57 valve is opened for 2 days biweekly.
4. Section 57 valve is opened for 1 day biweekly.
5. Section 57 valve is opened for 1 day every week.
Chart #1 plots the modeling results for scenarios #1 and #2.
The upper red line is the Scenario 1 model water age with the Section 57 valve in open position, and the lower green line is the Scenario 2 water age results with the Section 57 valve in the closed position. The Section 57 valve closure reduces the water age in the tank by approximately 50%, a significant improvement to the northern low service area water quality.
Summary and Conclusion
The average water ages for Scenarios 3, 4 and 5 are substantially lower than scenario 1, and their average water ages are only slightly higher than scenario 2. Periodical valve opening is a good operational option to resolve the water quality in the dead ends, while still maintaining water quality in the storage tank and the distribution system.
Chart #2 plots the model results of all five scenarios, and Table #3 summarizes the water age of the three Section 57 valve operation schedules.
Scenario 3 peak water age is substantially higher than Scenario 2. The high peak water age suggests a slug of lower quality water could be conveyed to the customers downstream to the tank.
Although Scenarios 4 and 5 show peak water ages that are 13 hours higher than Scenario 2, their peak water ages are 13 hours less than Scenario 3 and 33 hours less than Scenario 1. Scenarios 4 and 5 were considered good common ground options.
The Section 57 control valve is remotely controlled by SCADA. If this valve’s remote control function were lost, Table 3 also includes the estimated labor hours to manually operate this valve. Scenario 4 has lower labor hours than Scenario 5.
Technical Selection
The surge or peak in water age is a water age value higher than average, and it indicates a period of lower water quality than average. In addition to the labor cost comparison, chart #2 shows that Scenario 4 has two surges in water age each month, while Scenario 5 has four surges monthly. It was concluded that Scenario 4 is the optimal valve operation.
Digital twin predicts how a physical system will operate under various data-driven scenarios. Use of the hydraulic model and water age model as a digital twin of system operation allowed MWRA to evaluate several options for system operations without an extended period of water quality sampling program and analysis.
Table #2: SPCR Level Before and After Section 57 closure
Table #3
CASE STUDY:
Asahi/America Electrically Actuated Type-14 Diaphragm Valve in Water Treatment Plants
Introduction
In municipal water treatment plants, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), commonly known as bleach, plays a crucial role in disinfection by effectively eliminating pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. However, due to its highly corrosive nature, handling and transporting sodium hypochlorite require specialized equipment.
To mitigate these challenges, plastic valves are preferred over metal alternatives due to their superior resistance to corrosion, chemical compatibility, and durability. This article examines the role of Asahi/America’s plastic Type-14 Diaphragm Valves with a Series 19 MAV Multi-Turn Actuators, Type-21 Ball Valves, and Ball Check Valves in a new municipal water treatment facility.
The end user, the primary wastewater treatment facility for a major US city, has been in operation for over 60 years. The organization has chosen Asahi/America to support its ongoing system expansions and modernizations, ensuring compliance with evolving wastewater regulations and meeting the increasing demands of the city’s water treatment infrastructure.
Importance
of
Thermoplastic Valves
in Sodium Hypochlorite Disinfection Systems
Sodium hypochlorite solutions used in water treatment, typically ranging from 10-15% concentration, may pose a significant corrosion risk to conventional metal components such as steel, brass, and copper. To address this issue, thermoplastic valves are widely implemented in water treatment systems due to their distinct advantages:
• Chemical Resistance: Valves made from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride), and CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) offer excellent resistance to sodium hypochlorite, preventing material degradation and chemical reactions.
• Corrosion Resistance: Thermoplastic valves maintain integrity over time, even under prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals, ensuring operational reliability.
• Durability: Thermoplastic valves generally have a longer service life compared to some of their metal counterparts, reducing maintenance costs and minimizing system downtime.
Asahi/America Valves Utilized in the Water Treatment Projects
This specific municipal water treatment expansion project involves the installation of several large tanks designed for the storage and distribution of sodium hypochlorite and sodium bisulfite. While sodium hypochlorite serves as a disinfectant, sodium bisulfite is used to neutralize chlorine by-products in the treated effluent. Asahi/America’s valves play a critical role in managing these chemicals safely and efficiently. The key valve types used in the project include:
Type-14 Diaphragm Valves:
• Function: Diaphragm valves provide precise flow control and reliable isolation in systems handling sodium hypochlorite. They are preferred over ball valves in highly corrosive environments due to their enhanced chemical resistance.
• Material: The diaphragm valves installed in this project feature CPVC bodies with a specialized PTFE diaphragm. The diaphragm consists of a three-layer design (PTFE/PVDF/EPDM) that improves off-gassing resistance and extends valve longevity.
• Advantages: Diaphragm valves ensure excellent sealing performance, making them highly effective in chemical dosing applications.
• Automation: Both manually and electrically actuated diaphragm valves are employed. The electrically actuated valves utilize Series 19 actuators, customized with local control stations designed to meet the end user’s operational syntax and light color requirements.
Rob Cloutier, Asahi/America
Type-21 Ball Valves:
• Function: Many ball valves are primarily used for manual isolation in pipelines that do not require the highest level of corrosion resistance. These include lower-concentration sodium hypochlorite lines, sodium bisulfate lines, and standard water lines.
• Material: The ball valves in this project are constructed with CPVC bodies, FKM seals, and vented balls to mitigate the potential damage caused by off-gassing in sodium hypochlorite lines. The vented ball feature in Asahi/America’s Type-21 Ball Valve allows for media to off-gas upstream, preventing the buildup of media within the ball cavity.
• Advantages: Known for their durability and quick shut-off capabilities, ball valves provide an effective solution for less chemically aggressive applications.
In addition to a standard ball valve, Asahi/America also offers a Vented Ball option, specifically for media that off-gasses like Sodium Hypochlorite. The Vented Ball prevents a pressure buildup inside the ball and valve cavity. As Sodium Hypochlorite tends to release gas over time, the trapped gas can expand and create additional pressure within the valve body. This special Vented Ball design allows the pressure to safely release upstream when the valve is in the closed position. This feature ensures a reliable operation, safety in off-gassing chemical applications and extended valve life.
Ball Check Valves:
• Function: Check valves prevent backflow of sodium hypochlorite within the system, safeguarding equipment from potential contamination and chemical damage.
• Material: The ball check valves used in the expansion project feature CPVC bodies with FKM O-rings.
• Advantages: These valves are essential in maintaining the integrity of the treatment system by ensuring unidirectional flow and preventing chemical cross-contamination.
Conclusion
This particular municipal water treatment expansion project demonstrates the critical role of Asahi/America’s plastic valves in enhancing the efficiency and safety of sodium hypochloritebased wastewater disinfection systems. The Type-14 Diaphragm Valve’s ability to precisely control flow is essential in ensuring accurate chemical dosing, which safeguards system efficiency and water quality.
The implementation of the Series 19 MAV actuators, along with the first adoption of Asahi/America’s local control boxes, underscores the project’s commitment to improving operational flexibility and automation.
With the use of Asahi/America’s PVC and CPVC high quality valves, the municipality can expect a long-lasting performance in their sodium hypochlorite application due to the strong chemical resistance and durability in corrosive environments.
COMMUNITY DRIVEN SOLUTIONS: HELPING A VETERAN DEVELOP HIS NONPROFIT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
Heather Mullen, EI, American Water Works Association
In the humanitarian engineering realm, water, sanitation, and hygiene (or WASH) are often understood as problems faced by communities in low-income or otherwise resource-constrained countries. While these are very real issues in other countries, they are also realities for people living, working, and raising families in the United States. This challenge presents a unique opportunity for technical professionals to volunteer to work hand-in-hand with underserved communities in the United States on the development of solutions that help them secure their right to safe, accessible, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services.
For a decade, Community Engineering Corps has utilized the collective technical expertise, volunteer networks, and resources of our founding partners, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Water Works Association and Engineers Without Borders-USA – powerhouses in the infrastructure and development
sectors – to connect volunteers for meaningful opportunities to grow their skill set and network while addressing infrastructure inequities in underserved communities in the United States.
To illustrate the important work that Community Engineering Corps does, here’s an example of a project Community Engineering Corps accomplished here in the northeast, helping a veteran develop his nonprofit to provide holistic services for veterans.
Jeff Ingalls was a 20-year Veteran of the US Navy. During his service, he was held captive for over two weeks and sustained a traumatic brain injury. Ingalls was diagnosed as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) upon returning home to North Woodstock, New Hampshire. Through Jeff’s search for support, he found that there were deficiencies in counseling services and assistance provided to the military veteran community. Therefore, Jeff took it upon himself to bridge this gap and founded
Vet’s Rest Stop (VRS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides holistic services for veterans, including temporary housing for veterans experiencing homelessness. VRS was a manifestation of Ingalls’ lifetime of service, providing others with “a hand up, not a handout.”
After receiving a generous donation from a community member, VRS made plans to build a community center and a tiny home community for Veterans in need of shelter and community during times of transition. The generosity of local communities did not stop there. Jack Daly, VRS board advisor, recounts the many nonprofits and community organizations active in the area that contributed in one way or another to the project: “The Rotary Club, the Interact Club, the church, local firefighters and local high school students donated equipment and materials and volunteered their time” to support construction work. In need of engineering expertise to design the septic system to treat wastewater for the tiny homes and central common house, VRS looked to the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) for assistance.
RCAP Solutions connected VRS with AWWA and Community Engineering Corps (CECorps) in hopes of tapping into our highly skilled network of volunteers to provide the technical expertise needed. Members of AWWA and Engineers Without Borders USA combined forces to provide pro bono engineering services to VRS. In support of VRS’ mission “to assist Veterans of the US Armed Forces who are in need of counseling and mentoring due to facing issues such as addictions, underemployment, medical issues, homelessness, domestic relations issues, personal issues and the like,” the volunteer team developed the preliminary designs and engineering report required to obtain New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services construction approval for an individual sewage and disposal system servicing five tiny homes and the community center.
The CECorps volunteer team kicked off the project in late April 2021 and completed it in late September 2022. The team, comprised of early- and late-career professionals, collaborated on a work plan to initially scope the project with VRS, conducted initial assessment trips to collect site data, and developed several iterations of septic system designs for the transitional Veteran housing community. The CECorps project process mimics that of traditional engineering consulting firms’ smaller-scale projects, but the difference is that our services are free of charge to our community partners. Throughout the project process,
which averages about 18 months, the volunteer engineers with CECorps developed a meaningful relationship with the folks at VRS and have continued to remain in contact with the community partners to this day.
In addition to completing the design, Sienna Roberge (Civil Engineer at Haley Ward and Project Lead on the VRS Sanitation project) and Dan Flores (Senior Civil Engineer at SFC Engineering Partnership, Inc. and Responsible Engineer in Charge on the VRS Sanitation project) worked with their team to secure the proper permitting for this project to be completed. While CECorps projects do not complete construction services on projects, they do provide technical support for construction approval and oversight, as needed.
Volunteer engineers working with CECorps grow individually in their careers but also grow in service to their community as they engage in meaningful work that uplifts others. Roberge talks about her CECorps experience as a gift. Not only was she able to connect with other water and wastewater engineers in her region, but she also got to build meaningful relationships with industry contacts. She was even able to connect VRS with a local septic system servicer who presented a Lunch and Learn to her office, and they ended up donating the wastewater treatment system used on the project. Like many CECorps volunteers, Roberge leveraged her experience with CECorps to grow her network, improve her professional communication skills, and develop her project management skills.
Community Engineering Corps is proud to join VRS in providing “a hand up” to the greater veteran community in New Hampshire. We take pride in providing technical assistance to organizations like VRS and connecting them with other technical service providers in their community.
Becoming a volunteer will help you address the injustices that underserved communities in the US face and lead a more purposedriven career.
Community Engineering Corps has the following open volunteer opportunities in New England:
• Plymouth County, MA – Water
(https://communityengineeringcorps.org/CECorps-OpportunitiesPost/Plymouth-County-MA-Drinking-Water)
Join us:
1. Sign up by indicating your interest on the Volunteer Interest Form (www.communityengineeringcorps.org/volunteers)
2. Join or develop a team.
3. Find a project by reviewing the open projects on the Community Engineering C =orps website (www.communityengineeringcorps.org)
4. Consult for underserved communities!
So, find your team! In the meantime, get inspired through our Impact Page (www.communityengineeringcorps.org/impact) and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/cecorps)
If you have any questions about the program, available projects, or if you’d like to get involved, please contact Heather Mullen at hmullen@awwa.org.
Embrace Digital Tools to Enhance Water Utility Operations
The digital revolution continues to extend benefits to water utilities through powerful and expansive data management, fostering collaboration across operations, maximizing utility assets, and improving customer service.
Amymarie R. Corriveau, Travis B. Wagner, and Varun Srinivasan
American Industry has seen revolutionary inflection points over the centuries due to technological improvements. Throughout the 19th century, innovations such as railroads and electricity brought America from a largely agrarian nation to the cusp of an industrial powerhouse. At the dawn of the 20th century, industrial innovations led to better steel production that fueled the economy and allowed for urbanization. The expansion of the telephone and mass transit increased efficiencies and shortened distances. As the assembly line was popularized, America was primed for exponential growth in wealth and population. Fuel sources changed from wood and coal to petroleum and electricity, travel became faster, and communication was easier.
Ongoing Advances
The 20th century also experienced inflection points, with increased industrialization, automation, suburban expansion, computers, and the internet. In the first two decades of the 21st century, the digital revolution took root, replacing mechanical innovation with intelligent machines and electronic systems. Today, we are surrounded by technologies such as virtual assistants, automated home appliances, and language translators using artificial intelligence (AI) running on the cloud. Such innovations deliver neverbefore-experienced value and insights, and automation continues to bring new efficiencies to industrial operations.
According to the World Economic Forum, this latest phase of the industrial revolution has blurred the lines between
physical, biological, and digital systems and technologies. Specifically, advancements such as augmented reality and digital twins are changing how we do business across multiple industries. Populations have become dependent on handheld devices that deliver information in real time, all at one’s fingertips. Industries around the world are leveraging the latest technologies to innovate and progress. The automotive industry is developing self-driving cars, and the healthcare sector is developing better diagnostic tools and nanomedicines.
The water industry also stands to benefit from advanced digital adoption to improve aging infrastructure, water scarcity, climate-change adaptation, water quality management, and workforce shortages. A host of new technologies has surfaced, with the potential to help utilities solve
Technical Selection
many of these challenges. The key to unlocking the potential of these new digital offerings is associated with something most organizations already possess – data.
Working with Existing Data Investments
Typically scattered across departments, the utility industry’s surplus of data often remains underused. In fact, the amount of data available at many utilities exceeds what staff can use in daily operations. This is further complicated by data existing in disparate silos managed by different departments, resulting in a lack of ability for the right person to find the right information, at the right time, to make the right decision.
The digital revolution is revealing the positive business impact of transforming data from raw facts into informed, actionable decisions. In the digital era, data are collected from various sources – sensors, field crews, paper, and other information systems. The data are then transformed into information through analysis, organization, and contextualization, providing meaningful patterns and trends. Knowledge is derived from these patterns are connected to an existing understanding and experience, which allows for predicting future scenarios. Finally, wisdom is attained when this knowledge is applied judiciously to make proactive, informed decisions.
The digital revolution’s strength lies in its ability to automate and expedite this process. Advanced analytics, AI, and realtime data can provide timely, actionable insights that empower individuals, businesses, and utilities to make informed choices, optimize operations, and drive innovation. Digital twins and AI enable users to visualize, analyze, and optimize complex systems, such as a treatment
Test outcomes / Recommend actions
Straamnlina O&M / Automate business decisions
Analyze events / Troubleshoot issues
Visualize cross-department data / Find discrepancies
plant, like never before. AI can analyze vast data sets and extract meaningful insights, often uncovering patterns and trends that are beyond human capability. These tools empower users to apply data-driven insights and streamline processes in new ways.
As illustrated in Figure 1, the progression of data to informed decisions generates benefits at each stage of the transformation. To be useful, data must be structured,
Technical Selection
organized, and validated. This enables users to gain access to data and find connections or discrepancies to enable collaboration. If managed appropriately, data can be transformed into information by being presented in a meaningful format.
For example, data from a vibration sensor in a pump has no meaning of its own. However, when data from the sensor is analyzed and shown as a trend, the user can troubleshoot issues. This information can then be transformed by placing it in the context of historical actions and events to provide knowledge. If users combine data from the vibration sensor with historical events such as the last time the pump was imbalanced or misaligned, normal operating thresholds for the pump can be determined, which can help streamline operations and maintenance (O&M). This knowledge can be used to create a model to predict when pumps will fail, providing wisdom to the user, which could help detect issues before they escalate, preventing damage, costly repairs, and downtime.
Water and Advanced Technologies
Technologies such as AI, Internet of Things, and real-time control have the potential to transform the ways water is collected, treated, distributed, and managed. Many offer significant benefits to utility operators. Innovations and best practices have been adopted by water utilities across the United States that significantly improve operational efficiencies. For example, advances in realtime monitoring, coupled with proportionalintegral-derivative controls, have enabled wastewater treatment facilities to lower energy use for aeration and chemical use for nutrient removal. Real-time control of water distribution system pumping using supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, a hydraulic digital twin, and AI-based predictive modeling has significantly reduced energy costs while improving customer service. Versions of these tools have been around for several years but are now becoming feasible for more utilities to implement thanks to lessexpensive sensors, better models, cloud computing, and a more technology-savvy workforce. Consider further how digital twins and AI can be applied.
Digital Twins
A digital twin, sometimes called a virtual twin, is a digital representation of an object, system, or process that simulates real-world performance. A digital twin is updated from near-realtime data and uses simulation, machine learning, and reasoning to help with decision-making. Digital twins can incorporate data from sensors, simulations, computer-aided design, and other sources to provide real-time insights and help water utilities optimize operations, reduce chemical and energy costs, and improve water quality and customer service.
Water operators will need to identify their specific challenges and determine whether a digital twin is a practical way to address them. A utility in the northeastern United States turned to digital twins to automate public notifications for combined system overflows to ensure they were in compliance with regulations and could protect public health. Utility staff could sleep better at night knowing that a digital twin was monitoring their system for overflows and ensuring that the public would be notified without having to manually monitor their system at all hours of the day or night.
AI
Used in the water sector for several years, AI has the potential to revolutionize the way water systems are operated. With the recent popularity of generative AI and the increase in data scientist engagement in the water industry, there are opportunities to leverage historical data sources alongside models to optimize daily system operations, predict future demand, and improve water quality. Operators can use AI tools to predict asset failures and optimize maintenance needs, leading to less downtime, more efficient O&M practices, and better customer service. For example, by analyzing historical performance data, AI/machine learning can rapidly identify anomalies and forecast potential equipment failures or deterioration. These predictive models help utilities schedule maintenance proactively, reducing downtime and avoiding costly emergency repairs.
Water utilities have already put AI into practice to accelerate the identification of service line materials and find lead service lines as efficiently as possible. Predictive modeling offers utilities some of the highest accuracy but with the lowest cost, allowing field inspectors to focus their efforts on homes and businesses with the highest risk of lead. State regulators have provided guidelines for the use of predictive modeling techniques. As these applications continue to grow, responsible AI practices must be adopted to ensure that AI-driven predictions are accurate, fair, and transparent. An important part of responsible AI practices is ensuring that the data used to train AI models is accurate and representative of the system to minimize biases and improve model performance.
Data-Driven Outcomes
Although digital innovation and its seemingly limitless potential can be exciting, the real transformation is revealed through end-user outcomes. For example, over the past two decades, O&M staff have implemented asset management programs to safeguard critical assets while optimizing maintenance expenses. Utilities have used asset management systems to track and manage assets, their maintenance histories, and associated costs. As a result, O&M staff have maximized the life span of assets through informed decisions about repairs, replacements, and upgrades. It’s possible that the next generation of asset management will be real-time, conditionbased asset management that uses data-driven insights to alert operators of deteriorating equipment. This will allow utilities to prioritize maintenance activities according to the real-time health of the infrastructure rather than relying on fixed schedules. Beyond direct benefits, digital offerings also bring intangible benefits to the entire enterprise, such as the elimination of data silos and improved collaboration.
Eliminating Data Silos
A data silo occurs when two or more systems related to a single asset run in parallel. When silos exist, each system lacks the ability to contextualize the
information in a meaningful way. Even worse, people who need data can’t access it in a timely, efficient manner. An example is the collection and reporting of water quality data. Measurements such as pH and turbidity, and other data are collected by sensors and monitoring in a SCADA system, while other critical (and required) water quality parameters collected by laboratories are stored in Excel spreadsheets or a laboratory information management system. Many of these systems aren’t integrated, so it can be difficult to identify trends, respond quickly to water quality issues, and quickly generate alerts or reports. Data integration solutions can integrate these disparate data sources and enable real-time, simultaneous monitoring of multiple parameters.
Improving Collaboration
Technology has the potential to ensure no department at a utility is working in a silo. Integrated systems that combine asset management, work order management, and financial tracking can help water utility operators manage their work efficiently, enable better collaboration between different departments, and ensure that all staff have access to accurate and up-todate information.
Cloud-based solutions, mobile apps, and geographic information systems can further enhance collaboration by centralizing access to mission-critical information. For example, cloud-based solutions now provide synchronized access to data from anywhere, 24/7. This realtime access provides front-line staff with a complete picture of the latest information to respond to assets in need. Operators and field crews can view the latest information available, including details about the asset’s location, its latest maintenance activities, and inspection results, equipping staff with the most important, real-time information to respond to an emergency. Information that may once have been on paper or restricted to departments in an office is now at the fingertips of operators and field crews.
Data Science As A Service
Like the Software as a Service (SaaS) model, Data Science as a Service (DSaaS)
entails outsourcing data scientists and services to solve a utility’s specific challenges. Such an approach entails collecting operational data from utilities (often time-series data), preparing the data for analysis, and applying a variety of AI models selected and interpreted to drive valuable business insights (Figure 2) without the need to invest in internal data science resources. A critical DSaaS consideration is for the outsourced firm to have water sector experience to evaluate model results and apply them effectively to utility operations.
DSaaS typically necessitates uploading or connecting operational data to a cloud platform, where the service provider’s engineers and data scientists can perform computationally intensive analysis, often challenging for local hardware. The data required to implement DSaaS typically isn’t confidential and doesn’t require connectivity to operational or control systems (i.e., SCADA). However, it’s good practice to ensure proper data security because of the need to store and process data using security protocols such as SOC 2 compliance.
DSaaS helps utilities gain predictive insights with their historical and realtime data so they can allocate resources
before problems occur. Examples include reducing equipment maintenance and replacement costs by predicting inefficiencies and failures, reducing inventory management costs using demand-driven forecasting, and improving treatment efficiency and quality with predictive modelling.
Expanding Data Capabilities
The digital revolution has ushered in an era of unprecedented technological innovation, reshaping daily interactions. It’s more than a technological phenomenon; it’s an opportunity to revitalize the water industry and solve age-old problems with leading-edge solutions. By harnessing the power of digital technologies, aging infrastructure can be rejuvenated, climate change can be combated, and the water industry can be revolutionized. These powerful tools and technologies can attract and retain new generations of staff.
The key lies in being able to organize, access, and transform water utility and treatment plant data into actionable insights. Digital and data transformation provide the industry a chance to streamline operations that take care of public water systems now and into the future.
New Section Members
Name Company Name
Alan Austin The Town of North Kingstown
Alba Jordan
Aleksey Morozov Town of Falmouth
Brett Boisjolie Massachusetts DCR-DWSP
Christopher Wiggs Quiddity Engineering, LLC
Dan Harris Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Gabriel Marques
Viana Oliveira
Gregory Schultz White River Technologies
Hanh Lai Viken Detection Corp.
Isabel Perez
Jason Duff MA DCR Office of Water Resources
John Westerling City of Worchester
Karen Bettencourt Mott MacDonald
Kerri Lopes
Name Company Name
Marc Weller Greenville Water District
Meher Khanna
Nancy Collins
Nina Fraulini IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
Paul Rodman
Peter Tedder Pennichuck Water Works, Inc.
Richard Shepard Tighe & Bond, inc.
Ron Bliss
Sara Cohen MA DCR Office of Water Resources
Scott Medeiros Inframark
Steven Palmer
Thomas Barber Springfield Water & Sewer Commission
Timothy Shea USAF
New England Section Events
Protecting Public Health Webinar: Addressing Legionella in Water Distribution Systems and Customer Buildings: Learning from the Grand Rapids, MN Outbreak
May 15, 2025
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Virtual
48th Annual CTAWWA-NEAWWA Joint ACE Luncheon
June 9, 2025
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Earl’s Kitchen + Bar Denver
1600 Glenarm Place, Unit 140
Denver, CO 80202
2025 New England Section
Annual Conference Wave of the Future: Innovations in Water Technology & Sustainability
October 29-30, 2025
Encore Boston Harbor
One Broadway Everett, MA 02149
New England Water Wayfinder is made possible by the companies below who convey their important messages on our pages. We thank them for their support of NE 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.
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