Issuu

Waterline THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALABAMA RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION

48TH ANNUAL TECHNICAL TRAINING CONFERENCE

Address Service Requested: 2576 Bell Road, Montgomery, AL 36117

MONTGOMERY, AL | MARCH 15–18, 2026

INSIDE: • Executive Director’s Message • Water Leaks Give Me a Headache! • Upcoming Training & Events

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The Waterline

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Waterline

Volume 2025 • Issue 4

THE

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALABAMA RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION

FEATURES ARWA 48th Annual Conference Preview..................................11 There is a Huge Void on the Horizon: How Will We Fill It?.............................................................. 17 An ARWA Training Director’s Perspective................................ 19 Alabama Rural Water Association is a non-profit organization representing water and wastewater systems serving rural communities and towns and commercial firms which support these systems. We provide assistance to comply with State and Federal regulations, to help with management and operational problems, and to stimulate training initiatives.

Finding Infiltration Before It Finds You: ARWA’s Smoke Testing Program............................................ 21 Water Leaks Give Me a Headache!........................................ 24

The Waterline is published by:

Tel: 866-985-9780 Fax: 866-985-9799 www.kelmanonline.com Managing Editor: Lauren Drew, lauren@kelman.ca Layout & Design: Kiersten Drysdale Marketing Manager: Rod Evason, rod@kelman.ca Advertising Coordinator: Stefanie Hagidiakow

DEPARTMENTS Executive Director’s Message.......................................................................7 Crossword...............................................................................................29 Upcoming Training & Events.......................................................................30 ARWA Thank You Letters.............................................................................32 Advertiser Information Center.....................................................................34 Issue 4, 2025

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Thank You for Answering the Call, From Our Family to Yours ROB WHITE, IV, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

s I write this, the Christmas season is upon us. It’s a time when our thoughts turn to family, to gratitude, and to the values at the heart of our faith – service to others, sacrifice, and answering the call to love our neighbors as ourselves. I’ve been reflecting on how deeply those values run through Alabama’s water and wastewater industry. Somewhere along the way, I’ve found that the years have a way of sharpening things. The gratitude runs deeper. The awareness of how much I’ve depended on others grows clearer. And the why behind this work – why it matters, why we do it – stands out in ways I couldn’t have understood when I started, no matter how many times someone tried to tell me. You begin by learning how. If you stay long enough, you learn why. And what I’ve learned is this: Long before the Christmas lights go up, our operators, managers, clerks, and board members are living those values every single day. They’re the ones answering the 2 a.m. call when a main breaks on Christmas Eve. They’re the ones ensuring that families can gather around a table, fill a glass, and never give a second thought to where that water came from or where it goes when the dishes are done. In Matthew 23:11, we’re reminded that “the greatest among you will be your servant.” I’ve seen that greatness. I’ve seen it in late-night callouts and early morning rounds, in the patience you show a frustrated customer and the pride you take in work no one will ever notice. You wouldn’t call yourselves great – but by that measure, you are. RETURN TO CONTENTS

In Matthew 23:11, we’re reminded that “the greatest among you will be your servant.” I’ve seen that greatness. I’ve seen it in late-night callouts and early morning rounds, in the patience you show a frustrated customer and the pride you take in work no one will ever notice. You wouldn’t call yourselves great – but by that measure, you are.

So, as we close out another year, I want to take a moment to say something directly: thank you. Thank you for what you do in every moment of every day – for your neighbors and mine, for the towns and families across this state we all call home. Whether we’ve shaken hands yet or not, we’re connected. Every system you keep running, every customer you serve, touches the life of a fellow Alabamian. Thank you for the early mornings, the missed dinners, the weekends spent keeping systems running so others can enjoy theirs. I know what that costs – I’ve looked Jessica and the kids in the eyes on more occasions than I can count, left my plate getting cold and an empty chair at the table, and headed out to help keep the water flowing. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside you for many years now, and I remain deeply grateful for your dedication, your professionalism, and your servant’s heart.

I’m also thankful for your support of the Alabama Rural Water Association. We work tirelessly to serve you, and I’m proud of the ground we cover across this state. But we’re never satisfied. There’s always another system to reach, another challenge to help solve, another way to serve you better – and we pursue that relentlessly. Your membership, your trust, and your encouragement fuel that drive. It’s humbling, and we don’t take it for granted. The values you demonstrate don’t pause when the calendar turns. They carry forward – and so do we. In February, many of us will travel to Washington, D.C., for the NRWA WaterPro Rally. This is our chance to take the stories of rural water to the national stage. When we meet with legislators and advocate for the resources our systems need, we’re not just talking policy. We’re representing you – your challenges, your successes, and your unwavering commitment to the Issue 4, 2025

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

As we step into 2026, I’m optimistic about what lies ahead. There will be challenges – there always are. But I’ve seen what this workforce can do. I’ve seen the resilience, the ingenuity, and the quiet determination that defines Alabama’s water and wastewater professionals. communities you serve. We’re speaking up for the least of these, for the small towns and rural communities that too often go unnoticed. It’s stewardship on a broader scale, and it matters. Then in March, we come home. The 48th Annual Technical Training Conference will be held March 15–18 in Montgomery, and I hope you’ll make plans to join us. This conference has always been more than a collection of sessions and exhibitors. It’s where the rural water family gathers. It’s where we sharpen our skills, share what we’ve

learned, and invest in one another. It’s where we prepare – together – for another year of doing the work that matters most. Whether you’ve attended all forty-seven previous conferences or you’re considering your first, I want you there. This industry runs on the people in the room, and that means you. As we step into 2026, I’m optimistic about what lies ahead. There will be challenges – there always are. But I’ve seen what this workforce can do. I’ve seen the resilience, the ingenuity, and the quiet determination that defines Alabama’s water

and wastewater professionals. I’ve seen you be faithful in the small things, day after day, because you understand that those small things aren’t small at all. From our house to yours – Jessica, Abigail, Roman, Maverick, and me – I wish you a blessed and joyful Christmas season. Thank you for the honor of serving alongside you. See you in Montgomery. Rob White Executive Director Alabama Rural Water Association

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ARWA 48TH ANNUAL TECHNICAL TRAINING CONFERENCE

TAPPING INTO TOMORROW SKILLS, SYSTEMS, AND SUSTAINABILITY RENAISSANCE HOTEL | MONTGOMERY, AL | MARCH 15–18, 2026

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ARWA 48TH ANNUAL TECHNICAL TRAINING CONFERENCE

TAPPING INTO TOMORROW SKILLS, SYSTEMS, AND SUSTAINABILITY RENAISSANCE HOTEL | MONTGOMERY, AL | MARCH 15–18, 2026

For nearly five decades, water and wastewater professionals across Alabama have gathered each spring for one event that stands above the rest. This March, we’re doing it again – and this year’s conference promises to be one of our best yet. The 48th Annual Technical Training Conference returns to the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery, bringing together operators, managers, clerks, and decision-makers from utilities large and small. Whether you’re looking to earn continuing education hours, sharpen your technical skills, or simply connect with peers who understand the challenges you face every day, this is the event you don’t want to miss.

A Special Welcome We’re honored to welcome Edward F. Poolos, the newest Director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, who will address attendees during our Monday morning opening session. Director Poolos brings fresh perspective to ADEM’s leadership, and his remarks will set the tone for what we expect will be an informative and energizing week of training.

More Training, More Value This year’s conference delivers an impressive lineup of training sessions covering the full spectrum of water and wastewater operations. From regulatory compliance and emerging contaminants to hands-on technical skills and leadership development, you’ll find plenty of CEH-eligible sessions to maintain your certifications – all in one place, over four action-packed days. 12

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Connect with Key Partners One of the greatest benefits of attending the Annual Conference is the opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives from state and federal agencies. This year, you’ll have direct access to experts from ADEM, USDA Rural Development, EPA,

the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), and more. Whether you have questions about permits, funding applications, emergency preparedness, or compliance issues, this is your chance to get answers and build relationships with the people who can help your utility succeed. RETURN TO CONTENTS

Explore the Exhibit Hall With 160 booths featuring more than 120 companies, our exhibit hall is one of the largest gatherings of water industry vendors in the Southeast. From meters and pipe to treatment systems

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and technology solutions, you’ll find the products, services, and expertise to tackle your utility’s biggest challenges. Take time to explore, compare options, and connect with vendors who understand the unique needs of Alabama’s water and wastewater systems.

Four Focused Training Tracks To help you get the most from your conference experience, we’ve organized this year’s sessions into four specialized tracks: • Leadership and Decision-Maker Technical Training – Workforce development, WaterISAC cybersecurity, Alabama 811 updates, PFAS litigation, ultrasonic metering, alternative funding options, and AI tools for utility management. • Utility Clerk Training & Development – Billing and collections best practices, customer service strategies, record keeping essentials, Excel quick wins and AI tools, plus insurance and HR fundamentals. • Water Technical Training – Tank maintenance and inspection, Lead and Copper Rule (LCRI) compliance, PFAS treatment solutions, distribution system water quality, ADEM drinking water updates including eMOR, and turbidity regulations. • Wastewater Technical Training – Non-backwashing filtration technology, lift station optimization, wastewater Issue 4, 2025

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ARWA 48TH ANNUAL TECHNICAL TRAINING CONFERENCE

surveillance and epidemiology, ADEM regulatory updates, smarter sewer management for preventing overflows, Schreiber plant operations, and phosphorus removal optimization. No matter your role or experience level, you’ll find sessions designed to help you do your job better and serve your community more effectively.

Beyond the Classroom Great conferences aren’t just about what happens in the training rooms.

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They’re about the connections made in the hallways, the conversations over lunch, and yes – the friendly competition that brings out everyone’s best: • John A. Garrett Scholarship Golf Tournament – Tee off Sunday afternoon for a great cause. • Great American Water Taste Test – Alabama State Finals – Cheer on utilities competing for Alabama’s Best Tasting Water. • Toss for a Cause Cornhole Tournament – Monday evening fun supporting the JAG Scholarship Fund. • Women in Water Luncheon – Connect, inspire, and celebrate with Alabama’s women water professionals. • Society of Water Professionals Luncheon – Exclusive event for SWP members. • Industry Celebration Banquet – Cap off Tuesday with an elegant evening of dining and entertainment. • 35th Annual Industry Awards Luncheon – Celebrate excellence at the grand finale.

Book Your Room Now Room blocks are officially open, but they won’t last forever. Book by February 14, 2026 to secure the conference rate. Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa (Host Hotel) • $186/night | Group Code: ALW Overflow Hotels: • Embassy Suites – $196.50/night | Group Code: 901 • Staybridge Suites Montgomery Downtown – $179/night | Group Code: Alabama Rural Water Association Note: Nightly rates do not include parking.

Register Today By the time you’re reading this issue of The Waterline, full attendee information, session schedules, and registration are available on our website at alruralwater.events. Join us March 15–18, 2026 for Alabama’s premier water industry event. We’ll see you in Montgomery!

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ARWA 48TH ANNUAL TECHNICAL TRAINING CONFERENCE

Conference Schedule At-A-Glance (DRAFT AGENDA – SUBJECT TO CHANGE) Session times, rooms, and speakers may be adjusted. Visit alruralwater.events for the most current schedule.

Sunday, March 15, 2026 Golf Tournament & Exhibitor Setup Time

Session/Event

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Exhibitor Move-In & Setup

10:00 AM

J.A.G. Golf Tournament Registration

1:00 PM

John A. Garrett Scholarship Golf Tournament

Monday, March 16, 2026 Opening Day – General Sessions & Technical Training Time

Session/Event

8:00 AM

Exhibit Hall Grand Opening

9:30 AM

Welcome and Opening Remarks

11:30 AM

Society of Water Professionals (SWP) Luncheon

1:00 PM

TECHNICAL TRAINING BEGINS – All Tracks Leadership: Workforce Development, WaterISAC Cybersecurity, Alabama 811 Water: Tank Maintenance, LCRI Compliance, PFAS Treatment, Hydrants Wastewater: Filtration Tech, Lift Stations, Surveillance, Lagoons

5:00 PM

Toss for a Cause: JAG Scholarship Cornhole Tournament

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Full Day Training, Luncheons & Awards Banquet Time

Session/Event

8:00 AM

TECHNICAL TRAINING RESUMES – All Four Tracks Leadership: Ethics, Accounting, Ultrasonic Metering, Funding, AI Tools Clerk: Billing/Collections, Customer Service, Records, Excel/AI, HR Water: Distribution Quality, Tank Inspection, ADEM/eMOR, Turbidity Wastewater: ADEM Updates, Sewer Management, Schreiber, Phosphorus

11:30 AM

Country Luncheon & Water Taste Test – Alabama State Finals

11:30 AM

Women in Water Luncheon

2:30 PM

General Sessions: NRWA Updates, Certification, Cybersecurity

4:30 PM

ARWA District Caucus Meetings

6:00 PM

Reception & Industry Celebration Banquet

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 Business Meeting & Awards Luncheon Time

Session/Event

8:00 AM

General Session & Annual ARWA Business Meeting

11:30 AM

35th Annual Industry Awards Luncheon

1:00 PM

Conference Concludes

Training Tracks: Leadership • Utility Clerk • Water Technical • Wastewater Technical Full session details, speaker bios, and room assignments: alruralwater.events. RETURN TO CONTENTS

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There is a Huge Void on the Horizon: How Will We Fill It?

By Brian Faucett, ARWA Apprenticeship Coordinator

cross America, many in the water/wastewater workforce are preparing to retire, leaving a huge void of knowledge and skills. An estimated 30% to 50% of the current utility workforce is expected to retire within the next decade, taking years of knowledge and experience along with them (Work for Water, 2025). The industry not only involves specialized equipment and skills but also ever-changing rules and regulations needed to protect communities and the environment. So how are we going to replace these unsung heroes? The Solution: Structured Apprenticeship Programs One solution gaining traction across the industry is the registered apprenticeship model. It takes years of on-the-job experience and education to obtain the certification needed to properly operate a drinking water or wastewater utility, and recent advancements in treatment technology have only increased the skills required. Apprenticeship programs address this by combining structured on-the-job training with classroom education – allowing new operators to earn while they learn under the guidance of an experienced mentor. ARWA’s Apprenticeship Program requires a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside at least 144 hours of Related Technical Instruction (RTI) each year, ultimately preparing apprentices for certification testing through ADEM. Structured Knowledge Transfer: The core benefit of an apprenticeship is mentorship. Allowing operators to work side-by-side with new hires, creating a direct, hands-on transfer of knowledge and skill.

Recruitment and Outreach Building awareness is critical. ARWA promotes the Apprenticeship Program through job fairs, career days, community outreach, and during CEH training classes for current operators. In those classes, I’ve had numerous conversations with operators preparing for retirement who aren’t sure anyone is ready to take their place. Many have been asked by their utility to postpone retirement for weeks – even months – while the system searches for a licensed replacement. Looking Ahead With strong apprenticeship programs like the one offered through Alabama Rural Water, communities don’t have to face the future without qualified operators. We’re here to partner with local utilities to bring on the next wave of water and wastewater professionals. This is a profession of unsung heroes – rarely acknowledged, but always essential. For more information about ARWA’s Apprenticeship Program, contact Brian Faucett at bfaucett@alruralwater.com. Reference Work for Water. (2025, February 27). Resolve workforce challenges to ensure future success at water and wastewater utilities. https://www.workforwater.org/resolve-workforce-challenges-toensure-future-success-at-water-and-wastewater-utilities.

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An ARWA Training Director’s Perspective By Jon Lowe, ARWA Training Director

fter years working with operators across Alabama, one message is consistent: customer-side leaks remain one of the most stubborn contributors to non-revenue water. Operators know how to find leaks – what they need is support managing the system-wide impact of those leaks. Why Customer Leaks Matter to Your System A running toilet or irrigation leak on the customer side may not be your responsibility, but it absolutely affects your water-loss metrics, revenue stability, and staffing demands. A single leaking toilet can waste 6,000–10,000 gallons a month – enough to skew a small system’s loss percentage noticeably. Unaddressed leaks can force utilities to treat and pump more water than necessary, raising utility costs and straining resources. Key Impacts on Utilities: Financial Losses: Lost revenue from unbilled water, increased energy for pumping, higher chemical costs for treatment, and expensive emergency repairs. Resource Depletion: Wastes treated water, a valuable and often scarce resource, making water management unsustainable.

Water Quality Risks: Leaks are entry points for soil, bacteria, and contaminants, compromising the safety of the drinking water supply. Infrastructure Damage: Persistent leaks can erode soil, causing sinkholes, damaging roads, and leading to costly main breaks and replacements. Operational Inefficiency: Reduces the system’s capacity, requiring more pumping and treatment, and making it harder to meet demand, potentially delaying new supply projects. Customer Dissatisfaction: Can indirectly lead to complaints if pressure drops or service is interrupted during emergency repairs, and directly from higher bills due to usage. In past trainings, operators have told me: • “We’ve fixed everything on our side – customer leaks make us look bad.” • “High-use complaints drain our staff time.” • “We need customer education, but we don’t have the manpower.” Why Utilities Should Focus on Detection: • Reduces “Non-Revenue Water” (NRW): A major goal is to cut unaccountedfor water, which can average 30% in systems without active programs. • Extends Asset Life: Early detection and repair prevent minor leaks from escalating into catastrophic failures, saving capital expenditure. • Improves Sustainability: Conserves water, energy, and chemicals, supporting environmental goals. What Alabama Systems Can Do: Utilities could show that effective customer outreach doesn’t require a big budget: • Use a same-day leak notification method to help reduce repeat cases. • Call customers personally after highusage flags – a human voice builds trust.

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• Partner with your fire department for a ‘Leak Check Day.’ • Post monthly ‘Leak of the Month’ stories on social media, generating strong engagement. Some of the approaches I recommend: Customer-side leaks have come up in several classes I have taught. Operators want practical tools they can use the next day. • Develop a simple SOP for high-usage events – even a two-step alert and call system works. • Empower your customer-service team with basic consumption-pattern training. • Use tiered messaging: not all spikes need the same response. • Provide your board with measurable outcomes to maintain support. A Final Word to Alabama Operators, Managers and Boards Customer leaks may happen on the customer side – but the consequences land squarely on the utility. The good news is that communication, consistency, and simple outreach can dramatically reduce water loss and strengthen customer trust. Issue 4, 2025

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Finding Infiltration Before It Finds You:

ARWA’s Smoke Testing Program By Steve Berry, ARWA Wastewater Technician

t the Alabama Rural Water Association (ARWA), our mandate is to assist our member utilities in providing optimal service quality at cost-effective rates while adhering to Alabama’s wastewater treatment standards. Recently, ARWA engaged in a collaborative effort with seven utilities across the state to conduct essential smoke testing procedures, pivotal for compliance with the state’s stringent standards on inflow and infiltration (I/I) control. In Alabama, managing infiltration and inflow (I/I) is critical due to its potential to exacerbate sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), increase treatment costs, and degrade the quality of effluent, thereby violating Clean Water Act standards. By employing smoke testing – a low-cost, efficient diagnostic tool – we identified critical I/I sources that have greatly reduced flows to these systems. Throughout this initiative, our recent targeted inspections covered 37 manholes, revealing 82 critical points of concern throughout the state. These included undocumented manholes, sewer connections to storm drains, leaks in creek crossings, compromised structural

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“While ARWA provides traditional diagnostic methods like smoke testing, our Associate members offer additional advanced services such as acoustic testing. This method can significantly enhance cost efficiency and operational optimization for utilities.”

integrity in manholes, and numerous instances of damaged cleanouts. Remediation of these defects has been instrumental in major reductions in flow rates, thereby aligning with Alabama’s Environmental Compliance standards, which emphasize reduced energy consumption and minimized risk of SSOs. Completing a smoke test evaluation is easy and can often be done in a day with limited manpower. ARWA can assist with customer and first responder notifications. After completion, the system will receive a detailed report of the findings, including pictures and locations. To proactively monitor and manage these issues, we advocate for utilities to implement SCADA systems for real-time data acquisition, particularly during rain events.

Increases in lift station run times indicate infiltration problems. Visual inspections, such as manhole inspections during dry weather and following rain events, are also crucial for identifying unauthorized water entries. While ARWA provides traditional diagnostic methods like smoke testing, our Associate members offer additional advanced services such as acoustic testing. This method can significantly enhance cost efficiency and operational optimization for utilities. Additionally, possessing detailed knowledge of specific issues within your system can strengthen your ability to secure funding through grants or other financial support applications, as it clearly demonstrates the utility’s proactive management and needs assessment. We invite our members to explore these innovative solutions further at the upcoming ARWA Annual Technical Training Conference, scheduled for March 15–18, 2026. This conference will serve as a key platform for utilities to learn about the latest technologies and services available through our network. For detailed assistance on integrating these practices into your system management protocols or to arrange an expert consultation, please reach out to our ARWA technical team. Our goal is to empower your utility to exceed Alabama’s environmental compliance standards and ensure the provision of safe, reliable wastewater services. Issue 4, 2025

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Water Leaks Give Me By Darrell Brewer, ARWA Water Circuit Rider, AKA “The Leak Whisperer”

Water leaks have a special talent for giving operators headaches. If you’ve ever chased a stubborn leak across three ridges, two pastures, and a subdivision or two, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I’ve spent the last 30 years in the water industry most of which was leak detection, and the past several years as a circuit rider traveling across North Alabama, and often the entire state, helping systems track down leaks that seem determined to stay hidden. Some of you know me, most of you don’t, and the ones that do probably wish they didn’t – but that’s a story for another day. In this article, I want to share some tips, techniques and lessons learned, all aimed at making your next leak a little easier to find. Know Your System First Before you can find a leak, you have to know what “normal” looks like. You know your pressure zones, your pump run times, and your tank fill and drain patterns better than anyone. When something changes, a tank fills slower, a pump runs longer, or the phone starts ringing, the system is telling you something is off. Many operators are installing pressure monitoring points throughout their systems. These give you near-instant alerts when pressure drops, helping you respond before a small leak becomes a major problem. Zone Metering: A Proven Method Zone metering is one of the most effective ways to narrow down a leak. By recording daily readings from master meters in each zone, you get to know the typical flow and consumption. When a zone suddenly shows an unexplained increase, you know exactly where to start looking. Once customer meter readings are entered and compared to the master meter, unaccounted-for water becomes much easier to identify, and the suspected area becomes much smaller. Tank Meters Some systems use meters at their water tanks to measure how much water is flowing back into the system once pumps 24

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or inflow to the tank are shut down. One person watches the meter while another closes valves strategically. When the meter slows or stops, you’ve isolated the leak area. It’s a simple but powerful technique, especially in smaller systems. Developing a Game Plan When a system calls me, it’s usually because they’ve already looked everywhere they know to look. When I arrive, we review maps, pressure complaints, typical trouble spots, and anything else the operator has noticed, and then we come up with a game plan. RETURN TO CONTENTS

a HEADACHE!

We divide the system into as many zones as possible with only one feed coming into each. Using an acoustic listening device, we start at the farthest point and work inward, listening to every valve. We close loop feeds around side roads to prevent leak noise from circulating, otherwise you end up chasing a ghost. Once the suspect area is narrowed down, we get boots on the ground. We ride, walk, listen and yes, sniff it out like a hound dog. Sometimes the ground gives off a faint sound, sometimes the smell of chlorine fills the air, sometimes a temperature difference creates a fog just right where the leak is. If the leak is

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not surfacing, and we have it in a small enough area, we will use the ground mic to acoustically listen to the area to pinpoint the leak. If the distance between the two valves is too far, we may expose the main and use a strap-on flow meter to zero in on the leak. Using the Correlator When conditions allow (the right pipe material, manageable distance, and good access points), the correlator can be one of the most accurate tools available. Sensors are placed on either side of the suspected area on valves, hydrants, or meter services. After entering the pipe data and the distance, the device

analyzes the sound difference and pinpoints the leak location, often within just a few feet. Look for the Telltale Signs Not every leak hides underground. Many leave physical clues that can be spotted if you know what to look for: • Water-loving plants such as cat tails, horse tails or willows. • Birds gathering around a ditch or grassy spot for no obvious reason. • Grass that grows greener or taller than the surrounding vegetation. • Grass bleached white from chlorine. • Wet or spongy soil in an otherwise dry area. Sometimes nature finds the leak before we do.

Issue 4, 2025

The Waterline

Water Leaks Give Me a HEADACHE!

When leaks give you a headache, don’t hesitate to call. We’re like Tylenol, always ready to help ease the pain.

Every System Is Unique Some systems buy from a single source and operate without tanks. Those are usually the easiest to troubleshoot. One person watches the master meter while another closes valves, and the leak shows itself quickly. However, most systems have far more complexity. Some buy water, some produce it. Some have wells, some have treatment plants. Some may have one tank, others may have six. Some have flat terrain; others are spread across hills and valleys. Each of these differences affects how a leak hides, and how we track it down. Every system has its quirks.

Understanding those quirks is part of the job, and part of the challenge. We’re Here to Help Whether it’s me – “The Leak Whisperer” – in North Alabama, Andrew Crawford in Central Alabama, or Justin Gardner in South Alabama, the ARWA Circuit Riders are here to help. We’ve all spent long days tracking leaks through woods, pastures, right-of-ways, and neighborhoods. It’s part of the job, and it’s what we’re here for. When leaks give you a headache, don’t hesitate to call. We’re like Tylenol, always ready to help ease the pain.

Top 10 Leak-Hunting Tips 1. Know Your System Hydraulics Understanding normal operations helps you spot abnormal conditions immediately. 2. Use Zone Metering Daily Daily readings from zone meters reveal problems early. 3. Close Loop Feeds Looped lines can make leak noise travel unpredictably – isolate them. 4. Start at the Farthest Point and Work Inward This prevents skipping past the actual leak. 5. Use the Right Tools for the Job Acoustic devices, correlators, and flow meters each excel in specific situations. 6. Trust Your Senses Looking, listening, and smelling can often lead you directly to the leak. 7. Break Your System into Smaller Zones Smaller areas mean faster isolation and less guesswork. 8. Placing Meters at Water Tanks Tank meters can help isolate leaks efficiently with valve operations. 9. Don’t Forget the Basics Sometimes old-school methods are still the best methods for finding leaks. 10. When You’re Stuck, Call ARWA A fresh pair of ears, eyes and years of experience can make all the difference.

Issue 4, 2025

The Waterline

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ARWA Classifieds Looking for job opportunities? Have equipment for sale? Visit us online at www.alruralwater.com/ WEB/about/classifieds/index.php to view the ARWA Classifieds. To post in our Classifieds, please call us at 334-369-5511 or email arwa@alruralwater.com for more information. All members may list items for sale.

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Issue 4, 2025

The Waterline

NEW TANKS (270) 826-9000 ext. 2605 EXISTING TANKS (270) 826-9000 ext. 4601

Issue 4, 2025

The Waterline

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Crossword

1 2

11 12

14 15 16 17 18

19 20

ACROSS 2. The process in which air is brought into intimate contact with water, often by spraying water through air, or by bubbling air through water. Aeration may be used to add oxygen to the water for the oxidation of matter such as iron, or to cause the release of dissolved gases such as carbon dioxide or hydrogen sulfide from the water. 4. The shock wave produced by the abrupt change of water flow through a piping system. Water hammer produces an instantaneous multiple increase in the pressure normal to the system. The installation of a water hammer arrestor will absorb these shock waves. 5. A carbonate mineral of calcium and magnesium found in nature in extensive beds of compact limestone and marble that are rich in carbonate. 7. An acid-base indicator which produces no color in an acid solution but turns pink or red in an alkaline solution.

14. A substance that can cause cancer. 16. The removal of undesirable matter from water or wastewater. It is the disinfection of water by the killing of microbial contaminants such as coliform bacteria. A strict definition means the removal from water of all contaminants. 17. The process of passing water through a porous substance to remove solids in suspension. Available as media beds in tanks or as cartridge type devices. 18. An action or process conducted in the presence of air, such as aerobic digestion of organic matter by bacteria. 19. The term used to describe the anionic hydroxyl radical (OH-), which is responsible for the alkalinity of a solution. 20. Materials added to water which can cause gelatinous clouds of precipitate to enclose fine particles of foreign material in order to settle or filter them from the water.

9. The water enters a water treatment device. 13. All subsurface water and the source of well water. It can be found in aquifers as deep as several miles. RETURN TO CONTENTS

DOWN 1. The common name for calcium oxide (CaO); hydrated lime is calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2.

3. Oxidation processes for restoring the adsorptive properties of a spent sorbent such as activated carbon. 6. (gr) A unit of weight equal to 1/7000th of a pound or 0.0648 grams. 8. Non-disease-causing bacteria. 10. Area where septic tank effluent is distributed by underground piping for natural leaching and percolation through the soil. 11. A measure of the amount of finely divided suspended matter in water, which causes the scattering and absorption of light rays. Turbidity is usually reported in arbitrary nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) determined by measurements of light scattering. NTU should not exceed 0.5 in potable water. Turbidity can protect bacteria from sterilization. 12. Maximum Contaminant Level. A drinking water standard. The maximum amount of a contaminant allowed in drinking water. 15. A tube with a tapered throat which causes an increase in velocity thus a decrease in pressure of the fluid passing through it. It is the common item used to educt or suck a regenerant into a water conditioning system.

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The Waterline

UPCOMING TRAINING & EVENTS

Upcoming Training & Events We are always expanding our services; offering industry-leading services that allow for systems to locate and hire quality professionals as well as providing resources to folks who intend to enter and excel in the water and wastewater industry. All the while continuing to provide the same quality training that you have come to depend on since the ‘70s. Visit us at www.alruralwater.com to view all of our training opportunities and events.

TRAININGS Date

Training

Location

January 13, 2026