The Pelican

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Transforming wastewater back into clean water takes a lot of work. This makes it all the more important to have readings you can rely on. Our level and pressure instrumentation is made precisely for this purpose: To ensure that when you measure, you get accurate and reliable data, so you know what’s going on in your processes. Everything is possible. With VEGA.

WE ARE PROUD TO SERVE YOU

Craig Kelman & Associates is both honored and thrilled that we have been selected as the new official publishing partner of CWPLa for The Pelican magazine, commencing Spring 2025.

As a publishing partner to nearly 100 professional associations across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, our organization brings extensive experience in publishing print and digital content across various industries on a multitude of platforms. Since our inception in 1980, we have been dedicated to delivering high-quality association communications including magazines, newsletters, directories, websites, and helping manage dynamic and robust social media presences.

Our expertise spans a diverse array of industries such as water and wastewater, healthcare, public works, education, transportation, and real estate, among others. We are excited to apply this breadth of experience to enhance the communication efforts of the Clean Water Professionals of Louisiana (CWPLa) and its members.

The dedicated team here at Kelman, led by Managing Editor Mathias Leiendecker (mathias@kelman.ca) and Marketing Manager Chad Morrison (chad@kelman.ca), is committed to meeting the evolving communication needs of CWPLa. We are eager to engage with the companies and individuals who will utilize the pages of The Pelican to disseminate their vital messages and reach you, their target audience.

We invite you to experience the refreshed look of The Pelican magazine in its latest edition and appreciate your warm welcome to the communications team. Thank you for allowing us to play a significant role in your ongoing engagement and outreach efforts.

Welcome to The Pelican!

Andrew Alleman, Past President

To the many members who remember “The Crock, ” I welcome you to our refreshed and reimagined magazine, “The Pelican.” As the Past President, I am thrilled to unveil this updated magazine for our members and am excited about the path forward for our organization.

The Clean Water Professionals of Louisiana is the Water Environment Federation Member association chapter for Louisiana. We will be guided by both our Vision “To be the champion for clean water in Louisiana” and our Mission “Through advocacy, education and connection

support Louisiana’s dedicated water professionals.” You, as the water professional, make up our membership, and we are here to serve you. So, please enjoy this revamped magazine with multiple articles from the Water Environment Federation (WEF).

We also ask that you reach out to hear more about the Clean Water

Professionals of Louisiana (CWPLA). Our new website has lots of information and events for you to participate in, https://cwpla.org/index.php, and you may reach out to any of our board members to learn more about the organization and how you can get involved. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at an upcoming water event in Louisiana!

“I am thrilled to unveil this updated magazine for our members and am excited about the path forward for our organization.”

New smart meters can quickly detect leaks and provide precise readings for more accurate billing, but the upfront purchase and installation costs can be daunting.

NRWA and CoBank have teamed up to offer a water meter leasing program.

Leasing lowers the initial cash outlay for your project with payments spread out over a 10-year period, making it more budget friendly while aligning with most meter warranties.

844-846-3135

NRWALeasing@CoBank.com NRWA.org/CoBank-Leasing

Meet Your 2025 Past President and Director

Past President

ANDREW ALLEMAN

Andrew serves as the Past President of the Clean Water Professionals of Louisiana. He is currently a project manager at Waggoner Engineering in Baton Rouge, LA leading projects for water and wastewater system planning and design services. He has experience in water treatment plant design, hydraulic modeling, Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Services (SSES), utility rates studies and program services for large complex projects. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Louisiana and Texas, dedicated to solving complex water and wastewater challenges for municipalities of all sizes. Andrew has 10 years of experience between working with Jacobs, formerly CH2M Hill, and Waggoner Engineering. He holds a Master’s degree and Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from Texas Tech University. Born in Lafayette, LA he transplanted back to Louisiana after growing up in Texas. His latest project has been raising his first child Allison born in March of 2025.

CHRISTIAN DRAGNA Director

Christian serves as Director of the Clean Water Professionals of Louisiana, bringing a passion for infrastructure, public service, and community impact to the organization. He is currently a Technical Sales Representative in the Environmental Division at QSM, covering North and West Louisiana, where he works closely with municipal and industrial clients in the water and wastewater sectors.

Christian transitioned into the clean water industry after an eight-year career as a high school coach and teacher. He holds an MBA from LSU Shreveport (2023) and a BA in Health and Physical Education from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Originally from Mandeville, LA and now based in Benton, LA, Christian is deeply committed to supporting sustainable infrastructure and advancing clean water solutions throughout his home state.

His leadership is driven by a team-first mindset, a strong belief in service, and a desire to be an asset to those working on the front lines of Louisiana’s water challenges.

Clean Water Partners In Your Work

Pontchartrain Conservancy is the state’s leader in scientific research and technological developments in clean water management.

Our Results

City of Harahan

$20,000/month budget savings

“The collaboration between the City of Harahan and Pontchartrain Conservancy has been a game changer. Through their expert guidance and hands-on training, we’ve saved $20,000 per month in wastewater management costs—money that is now being directed to enhance our city’s infrastructure and quality of life.

Our partnership has also opened doors to new, cutting-edge technologies in wastewater treatment that will make Harahan a model for sustainability in the region. I highly recommend partnering with Pontchartrain Conservancy in any water quality work.”

5.2 BILLION GALLONS OF WATER IMPROVED THROUGH OUR TECHNICAL TRAINING

--Tim Baudier, Mayor of Harahan

Let us put our 35 years of experience and the largest water quality database in Louisiana to work for you.

Assessment of current facility issues

Emergency response plans

Operations and maintenance plans

Home inspection programs

Assist with deficiency resolution

Technical training

Permit applications and reviews

Budget creation

Water audits

Vendor selection and oversight

Legal and policy research

Funding applications and more

Pontchartrain Conservancy PO Box 6965

Metairie, LA 70009

504.836.2215

“With homeowner education and improved sewer treatment, Bayou Liberty’s water quality transformed. Ditches once polluted are now clear, supporting mosquito fish and enhancing neighborhood life.”

--Dr. Elizabeth deEtte Smythe St. Tammany Parish Department of Planning and Development

TRUSTED SOURCE FOR TRANSPARENT, ACCESSIBLE DATA Our Expertise

waterquality@scienceforourcoast.org

Water Leadership Institute Announces

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is proud to announce the new participants for the Water Leadership Institute (WLI) 2025. This prestigious program is designed to educate, train, and provide opportunities that enable developing and emerging leaders to build strong, lasting relationships within the water sector.

WLI participants are selected via a competitive application process. The program continues to grow, and for the first time in 2024, WLI had two parallel cohorts to ensure the class size was small enough to maintain the integrity of the program while still expanding. The WLI Class of 2025 will follow the same pattern.

“We’re really excited to be able to host two parallel cohorts this year,” said

Julianne Jones, WEF’s senior manager of education and training. “With the interest in the program growing, we found a way to expand the program and keep the cohorts small to encourage more networking.”

The WLI Class of 2025 includes 84 water professionals, representing 27 states, Canada, New Zealand and Nigeria. This group marks the 13th class of graduates. To date, WLI has helped more than 580 alumni gain the key skills, strategies, and confidence they

The program continues to grow, and for the first time in 2024, WLI had two parallel cohorts to ensure the class size was small enough to maintain the integrity of the program while still expanding.

need to lead meaningful change in their organizations and in the water sector.

“Participating in the WLI program has been a massive highlight of my professional career to date and is something that I strongly recommend to anyone in the water sector wanting to increase their leadership skills and expand their professional network,” said Sean Trainor, a 2022 WLI graduate. For more information, visit www.wef.org/ events--education/career-resources/WaterLeadership-Institute.

BLUE COHORT

Participant Organization

Aaron Rice City of Grand Junction

Abhishek Sharda Brown & Caldwell

Afiya Wilkins Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality

Andrew Barbeau DuPage County

Andrew Beatty Loudoun Water

Andrew Hummel Burns & McDonnell

Bennett Parsons The Water Research Foundation

Bianca Milano Aquarion Water Company

Brian Bilodeau The Metropolitan District

Brigit Buff Plummer Associates, Inc.

Caitlin Ruff Black & Veatch

Chad Whiting Massachusetts Water Resource Authority

Charles “Beau” Howard Inframark

Christa Cook Global Support and Development

Cody Schoepke City of Fond du Lac – (Fond du Lac Regional Wastewater Treatment & Resource Recovery Facility (WTRRF))

Curtis Huey Mechanicsburg Waste Water Treatment Plant

Daniela Lopez RJN Group

David Gisborn DC Water

Eric Nash PCL Construction, Inc.

Holly Fraychineaud Pontchartrain Conservancy

Jackie Kingdom Carollo Engineers

Jan Nowak Xylem

Janet Frost OWASA

GREEN COHORT

Participant Organization

Alexis Kontorousis Johnson Controls

Andrew Brocato GreenPoint Engineering

Andy Doerflinger STV Inc

Angel French City of Watertown PCF

Annie Cashon Burns & McDonnelll

Arisbeth Ibarra Nieblas Trinity River Authority of Texas

Ashley Voskuhl Water Environment Federation

Barbara Arnold Lower Allen Township

Ben Cario Arcadis, U.S.

Bethel Abate DC Water

Brad Schmitz Loudoun Water

Jared Bond City of Lynnwood

Jeffrey Hlad Metro Water Recovery

Jissell Muir Arcadis U.S., Inc.

Joanna Ibrahim Olokun Minerals

Jordan Lewis NC Department of Environmental Quality

JP Birmingham Plante Moran Realpoint

Kathryn Serra C.T. Male Associates

Kwasi Amengor University of Calgary

Lisa Mace Beca

Maygan Cline Geosyntec Consultants

Melissa Pierce Current Innovation, NFP

Brandon Scurto Northern Moraine Water Reclamation District

Carson Knutson City of Vacaville

Casey Johnson Anna-Jonesboro Water Commission

Courtney Thomas Black & Veatch

Demi Ladipo-Obasa DC Water

Ed Makowski Inland Empire Utilities Agency

Elaine Leonard HDR

Emma Housman Xylem

Farshid Shoushtarian Yokogawa

Hunter Nelson LabWare Global Services

Jay Essatu WSSCWater

Jayla Berry North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

Jenna Troppman Tetra Tech

Jens Dancer Gross-Wen Technologies

Juan Guzmán CDPHE/WQCD

Juliana Mejia-Franco SENTRY Water Monitoring and Control

Michael Rodriguez Inland Empire Utilities Agency

Mike Hess HRSD

Nick Lewis Gannett Fleming

Nikki Ong Carollo Engineers

Riese Rubin Water Environment Federation

RJ Tyson Kankakee River Metropolitan Agency

Sara Sietsema City of Willmar

Sian Bashkiroff City of Oxnard

Kabir Atobatele Nigerian Youth Parliament for Water

Krysten Marshall Garver

Laura Boyd Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati

Lenai Hunter Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District

Lindsay Diaz GHD

Madeleine Harris Eagle River Water & Sanitation District

Miguel Sibayan Imagine H2O Asia

Mike Firestone Mount Pleasant Waterworks

Peter Pommersheim South Essex Sewerage District

Powell Hinson Carollo Engineers

Rachel Chai University of South Alabama

Sam Broadnax Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans

Shawn Lin Geosyntec Consultants

Steve Mosley Industrial Flow Solutions

Tammy West Austin Water-City of Austin

CWPLa is looking for articles for future issues of The Pelican. We want to highlight people, projects, and facilities in the State of Louisiana. Please get in touch with Mathias Leiendecker at mathias@kelman.ca or Andrew Alleman at andrew.alleman@waggonereng.com for more information or to submit your article for consideration. Thank you so much for your contribution to The Pelican!

HYDROLOGIST

Günter Blöschl

Awarded Stockholm Water Prize 2025

The 2025 Stockholm Water Prize, the world’s most prestigious award for water-related achievements, has been awarded to Professor Günter Blöschl, a pioneer in hydrology whose groundbreaking work has transformed global approaches to flood risk reduction, water resource management, and climate-resilient hydrological science.

Professor Blöschl, based at the Technical University of Vienna (TUW), is internationally recognized as a leading voice in hydrology. His research spans key areas such as flood estimation, scaling, and adaptation strategies, and has laid the foundation for new scientific fields: regional process hydrology and sociohydrology. These disciplines explore how climate, land use, and human behavior influence water systems, offering critical insights in an era of increasing climate uncertainty.

“Professor Günter Blöschl is the world’s leading flood hydrologist,” said the Stockholm Water Prize Committee.

“His observation-based connection between climate and floods revealed that the last two decades have been markedly flood-prone compared to the historical record.”

One of Blöschl’s most remarkable achievements is the construction of a 500-year flood database, which analyzes

long-term flood patterns and the complex drivers behind them. His work has shown that urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural practices disproportionately impact smaller floods, challenging previous assumptions and underscoring the need for more context-specific adaptation strategies.

“Wow, this is such an honour,” said Professor Blöschl upon receiving the award. “It really makes me think about how lucky I am to be working with such brilliant people.”

Over the years, he has collaborated with other esteemed scientists, including past Stockholm Water Prize laureates Taikan Oki and Andrea Rinaldo, further strengthening global water science networks.

Anette Scheibe Lorentzi, Chair of the Stockholm Water Foundation, added:

“With his ground-breaking research, Professor Blöschl has made invaluable contributions to our understanding of flood risk reduction and sustainable water resource management. In the face of a changing climate, this knowledge is more important than ever.”

The 2025 Stockholm Water Prize honors not only Professor Blöschl’s lifetime of achievements but also the enduring relevance of science in shaping a safer, water-secure world.

• Fully Programmable Sampling

• 7" Color Touchscreen

• High-Impact, Acrylic/ABS Enclosure

• Heavy Duty, Piston Vacuum Pump

• Modular Refrigeration

The WAVE™ by Emerald Coast Manufacturing is an electronically controlled, heavy duty vacuum wastewater sampler capable of fully programmable composite sampling with a high level of accuracy.

The WAVE’s powerful vacuum system generates stronger purges that remove contamination and can draw samples from greater distances than other samplers on the market, up to 200 Feet.

The WAVE’s integrated touch screen and userfriendly interface provide for straightforward control of sample volume, time and temperature, and the high impact acrylic/ABS body make this all-climate unit able to withstand even the harshest outdoor environments.

Emerald Coast Manufacturing: Pioneers in Wastewater Sampling Technology

Revolutionizing

Efficiency and Precision with

The WAVE™

Emerald Coast Manufacturing has set a new standard in the wastewater industry with its ﬂagship product, The WAVE™, an electronically controlled, heavy-duty vacuum wastewater sampler. Designed to tackle the challenges of wastewater sampling head-on, The WAVE™ exempliﬁ es durability, accuracy, and innovation, delivering reliable performance in both outdoor and indoor environments.

Innovation at the Core

The WAVE™ stands out with its patented vacuum technology, offering unparalleled precision in sample collection. Traditional peristaltic samplers often struggle with calibration issues due to wear-and-tear on pump tubing, leading to inconsistent results. In contrast, The WAVE™ eliminates these inefﬁ ciencies by employing a vacuum system that delivers precise, repeatable sample sizes every time–ensuring compliance with EPA transport velocity standards.

User-Friendly Design

Emerald Coast Manufacturing designed The WAVE™ with usability in mind. Its intuitive 7-inch color touchscreen interface allows users to customize the sampling process to ﬁt their needs, from programming sample sizes (20–500 mL) to setting ﬂow intervals, temperatures, and sampling schedules. The device also supports multiple sampling modes, including composite and sequential, and offers comprehensive data logging features, providing operators with a full overview of their sampling history.

A Low-Maintenance Solution

With minimal moving parts and no need for pump tubing replacements, The WAVE™ reduces maintenance requirements and ensures a lower total cost of ownership. Wastewater professionals can focus on their applications without worrying about routine upkeep, making it a cost-effective investment over the long term.

Built to Last

This technology allows the unit to pull samples from distances of up to 200 feet, with vertical lifts of nearly 30 feet. Combined with its ability to perform powerful pre- and post-purge cycles, The WAVE™ minimizes the risk of cross-contamination, making it a dependable choice for wastewater professionals.

Constructed with a high-impact, allweather acrylic/ ABS body, The WAVE™ is engineered to withstand harsh conditions. Its modular refrigeration system, featuring a robust 1/3 HP compressor, ensures consistent cooling even in climates as extreme as 125°F. This reliability makes it ideal for public and private operators, engineers, scientists, and consultants who demand consistent performance.

Commitment to Quality and Service

Emerald Coast Manufacturing prides itself on delivering exceptional service and support. Every unit is backed by the company’s WaveGuard Warranty, which covers all parts for two years from the date of shipment. In addition, the company’s team offers personalized training and ongoing assistance to ensure users can make the most of their investment.

Made in the USA

Emerald Coast Manufacturing is dedicated to superior craftsmanship and innovation. All products are designed and manufactured in the United States, a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and reliability.

A Trusted Partner for Wastewater Professionals

From engineers and consultants to government ofﬁcials and environmentalists, Emerald Coast Manufacturing provides wastewater professionals with the tools they need to succeed. The WAVE™ embodies the company’s mission to disrupt the status quo by delivering advanced, reliable, and user-friendly solutions for the wastewater industry.

Contact Information

For more information about The WAVE™ or to contact Emerald Coast Manufacturing, visit EmeraldCoastMFG.com or call (850) 469-1142

WEF Encourages Congress to Protect Against Proposed Cuts to Federal Funding

As the White House’s FY2026 discretionary budget proposal moves through Congress, clean water advocates across the country, including Louisiana, are speaking out against one of its most controversial elements: proposed cuts to federal water infrastructure funding.

For decades, programs like the EPA’s State Revolving Funds, USDA Rural Development grants, and HUD Community Development Block Grants have enabled communities to upgrade outdated water and wastewater systems, comply with federal regulations, and respond to emerging threats like PFAS contamination and climate-driven weather extremes. Now, those very programs are facing reductions that could ripple across Louisiana’s most vulnerable regions.

The Clean Water Professionals of Louisiana (CWPLa), in partnership with the Water Environment Federation (WEF), is taking a stand to protect this essential federal support.

While federal dollars make up only a fraction of overall water infrastructure spending, they play an outsized role in helping communities afford and implement major projects. In many cases, federal funds bridge the gap between long-overdue needs and the financial reality of ratepayer-funded utilities.

According to the 2025 Infrastructure Report Card from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), just 30% of the funding needed for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure is currently being met nationwide. Meanwhile, water bills have risen nearly five times faster than inflation over the last decade,

a burden falling disproportionately on ratepayers in low-income and rural areas.

For Louisiana’s small towns, parishes, and underserved neighborhoods, the loss of federal support would likely translate into project delays, regulatory noncompliance, or dramatic rate hikes.

REAL CONSEQUENCES FOR REAL COMMUNITIES

Federal funding helps bring critical infrastructure projects to life. These include:

• Upgrades to aging treatment plants

• Replacement of lead service lines

• Modern stormwater and green infrastructure

• PFAS detection and removal systems

• Drought and flood resiliency improvements Without these investments, Louisiana communities are left more vulnerable to climate shocks, environmental hazards, and compliance risks.

Many of the challenges utilities face today are increasing in complexity. Regulatory pressure from initiatives like the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) and pending PFAS standards means utilities are being asked to do more – and do it faster – with limited financial flexibility.

WHO’S HIT THE HARDEST?

Not all communities will be impacted equally by the proposed funding reductions. Smaller utilities, rural areas, and disadvantaged communities, many of which already struggle with limited resources, are likely to bear the brunt.

These areas often lack the tax base or large customer base needed to selffinance expensive upgrades. Without the assistance of programs like the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving

As Congress debates the FY2026 budget over the coming months, the window for advocacy is now. Water is essential to every aspect of life, from the kitchen tap to economic recovery and disaster resilience.

Funds, many will be forced to delay urgently needed projects indefinitely.

THE ECONOMIC CASE FOR WATER

Beyond public health and environmental protection, investment in water infrastructure is a powerful economic engine. According to a 2020 study by the Value of Water Campaign, every $1 invested in water infrastructure returns $4 in economic benefit. These benefits include:

• Job creation

• Property value increases

• Boosts to local business and industry

• Improved quality of life

In a state like Louisiana, where water resources are deeply tied to agriculture, industry, and tourism, the returns are even more pronounced.

Want to get involved? Visit www.cwpla.org to access CWPLa’s federal advocacy resources and learn how you can make your voice heard.

Alocal municipality in North Central Louisiana is once again delivering clean, reliable water to its residents, thanks to a successful filter rehab project completed with the help of Newterra, QSM, and our dedicated Media Services team.

The rehab involved replacing worn gaskets and valves and replenishing the system with fresh carbon media. These upgrades not only restored functionality but also improved the overall efficiency of the filtration system. Thanks to careful coordination and expert execution, the entire project was completed with minimal downtime to the community.

Successful Filter Rehab in North Central Louisiana

Proactive maintenance and rehabilitation are key to avoiding service disruptions and maintaining compliance. Life depends on clean water. Every project like this reinforces why we do what we do.

Our Media Services team in action – ensuring reliable drinking water for the community.

CWPLA on the Geaux!

The Joint Engineering Society Conference, held on February 5-6 in Lafayette, focused on the hands-on technical side of infrastructure, particularly in Water and Wastewater. The conference provided engineers and vendors with the opportunity to engage with the latest technologies and innovations. Topics covered included upgrading lagoon systems, addressing drinking water contamination, advancing water valve technologies, and the growing need for PFAS removal in water treatment. Numerous vendors showcased advanced products in water treatment, wastewater management, and environmental monitoring. Engineers had the chance to ask technical questions, participate in face-to-face discussions, and explore the practical applications of these tools to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. This event served as an excellent platform for professionals

to stay informed on cutting-edge technologies while fostering collaboration between engineers, vendors, and other stakeholders in the water and wastewater sectors. Our very own Christian Dragna, Technical Sales Rep for QSM and board member, was in attendance, contributing to these important discussions and further strengthening our organization’s presence in the industry.

Christian also attended the Louisiana Police Jury Association Convention from February 12-14. Founded in 1924, the Police Jury Association of Louisiana works to improve parish government

“In addition to informative breakout sessions, attendees had the chance to interact with over 100 vendors in the exhibit hall between sessions, further enhancing their understanding of the latest industry solutions and innovations.”

across the state. Membership is open to all 64 parishes, whether governed by a Police Jury, Parish Council, or Parish Commission. The convention offered a valuable opportunity to engage with key decision-makers and industry leaders. It served as a critical platform for discussing infrastructure updates and legislative efforts aimed at addressing the challenges facing public utilities in Louisiana. In addition to informative breakout sessions, attendees had the chance to interact with over 100 vendors in the exhibit hall between sessions, further enhancing their understanding of the latest industry solutions and innovations.

SEPTEMBER 27 –OCTOBER 1, 2025

98th Annual Technical Exhibition & Conference

McCormick Place Convention Center | Chicago, Illinois

Conference: September 27 - October 1, 2025 | Exhibition: September 29 - October 1, 2025

About WEFTEC

Join a community of innovators, experts, and leaders at WEFTEC!

WEFTEC, the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference, is the largest annual water quality exhibition in North America and offers water quality professionals the best water quality education and training available.

What Will You Find At WEFTEC?

Discover the Power of Networking and Making New Connections

From the Opening General Session to rooting for your favorite team during the Operations Challenge, experience the unique ways WEFTEC brings water quality leaders together to form valuable and supportive relationships.

Meet water sector experts and suppliers, connect with water sector colleagues, and join the important conversations to help drive the future of water quality.

Who will you meet at WEFTEC?

WEFTEC attracts a wide cross-section of the global water sector each year, allowing you to exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences that will broaden your perspectives and deepen your understanding of the sector.

For more information, please visit www.weftec.org/reg-and-hotel/registration/conference-registration-and-policies.

The Pelican is made possible by the companies below who convey their important messages on our pages. We thank them for their support of the CWPLa 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. To reach professionals through The