MRWA Water Lines Winter 2017/2018

Affiliate, National Rural Water Association

In this Issue: Awards Identifying Laboratory Glassware Profile: City of Leadwood Shared Reflection: The “Throne” Holder for Household Leaks “What Are Those M-words Thinking?”: A Young Person’s Insight into the Working World Algae’s Influence on the BOD5 Test The Great American Water Taste Test Financial Reporting Requirements of Political Subdivisions in Missouri On-Site Chlorine Generation to reduce Disinfection By-Products Oh no!! Do I have a water leak?

MRWA’s Newest Member Service – The Eye in the Sky: MRWA’s Drone Program Around the State Capitol

Winter 2017/2018

2

MRWA Board of Directors

REGION I:

REGION V:

REGION II:

REGION VI:

REGION III:

REGION VII:

Roger Barker Daviess County PWSD #3 116 Waterworks Drive Gallatin, MO 64640 (660) 663-2771 Fax: (660) 663-2771 rbarker@moruralwater.org David Waller, President & National Director Macon County PWSD #1 P.O. Box 386 Macon, MO 63552 (660) 651-3726 FAX: (660) 385-6006 dwaller@moruralwater.org Frank Offutt Platte County PWSD #4 229 Marshall Rd. P.O. Box 1940 Platte County, MO 64079 (816) 858-2782 Fax: (816) 858-3960 foffutt@moruralwater.org

Kathy Voyles, Vice President Jefferson County PWSD #8 7970 Graham Road, Box 170 Cedar Hill, MO 63016 (636) 274-3125 FAX: (636) 274-3126 kvoyles@moruralwater.org Melinda Piper, Secretary Barton County C-PWSD #1 1009 E 11th St. PO Box 586 Lamar, MO 64759 (417) 682-3401 FAX: (417) 682-3038 mpiper@moruralwater.org Harold E. Landgraf, Jr. Cape/Perry PWSD #1 6386 US Highway 61 Jackson, MO 63755 (573) 243-7111 FAX: (573) 204-7117 hlandgraf@moruralwater.org

REGION IV:

Janet Sears, Asst. Treasurer Boone County C-PWSD #1 1500 N. 7th St. Columbia, MO 65201 (573) 449-0324 FAX: (573) 442-9222 jsears@moruralwater.org

Staff

Awards...............................................................................................4 From the Executive Director...........................................................6 Letters................................................................................................8 Identifying Laboratory Glassware.................................................15 Profile: City of Leadwood..............................................................16 Shared Reflection: The “Throne” Holder for Household Leaks........................................................................20 “What Are Those M-words Thinking?”: A Young Person’s Insight into the Working World...............................................24 Algae’s Influence on the BOD5 Test.............................................28 The Great American Water Taste Test.........................................30 Financial Reporting Requirements of Political Subdivisions in Missouri..................................................................................35 On-Site Chlorine Generation to reduce Disinfection By-Products................................................................................38 Oh no!! Do I have a water leak?....................................................42 MRWA’s Newest Member Service – The Eye in the Sky: MRWA’s Drone Program..........................................................46 Around the State Capitol...............................................................48 Calendar of Events..........................................................................62

Cover Description: Photo taken by MRWA Circuit Rider #3 Brad Rayburn. Pictured: A group of Puxico R-VIII School students tour the Poplar Bluff Water Treatment Plant.

Remember . . .

Randy Norden

Elizabeth Grove

Joe Anstine

Tom Hyatt

Executive Director

Contents

Call us and let us know your needs so we can stop and visit with you when we are in your area. There is no charge for our services. Call Missouri Rural Water Association at 573-657-5533 or email: mrwa@moruralwater.org

Management Circuit Rider

Circuit Rider II

Water Training Specialist

Howard Baker

Donald Jones

Wastewater Technician

Mapping Specialist

Jim Patton

Andy Bowman

Crystal Cooper

Source Water Protection Specialist

Maggie Dixon

Circuit Rider III

Jim Enterline

Energy Efficiency Circuit Rider

Resource Conservation Circuit Rider

Circuit Rider I

Wastewater Technician

Ag Resource Technician

Membership Services Secretary

Marketing Coordinator Office Manager

Brad Rayburn

Training Secretary

Wayne Roderman

Billy Everett

Gary Webber

Eric Fuchs

Saem Yem

This Publication is Printed on Recycled Paper with Soybean Ink.

Missouri Rural Water Association Mission Statement:

“To be the leading source of professional services, support and representation for water and wastewater utilities.”

Missouri Water Lines is published by General Printing Service, 1910 N. Providence, Columbia, Missouri 65202, (573) 443-8890 and is distributed free to water/ wastewater systems, board presidents, mayors, suppliers, individual members and associate members. Call the MRWA office at (573) 657-5533 for copy deadlines.

Subscription rates are $15.00 yearly to help cover printing and postage costs. To subscribe, send names and addresses with prepayment to: Missouri Rural Water Association, 901 Richardson Drive, Ashland, Missouri 65010.

3

Waterdrop Awards for Excellence

4

2017 MRWA Office Professional Scholarship Winner -

2017 MRWA Office Professional of the Year -

Karen Crafton, City of La Monte

Michele Allwood, City of Maysville

2017 MRWA Wastewater Operator of the Year -

2017 MRWA Water Operator of the Year -

Klark Bohling, City of Cole Camp

Clifton Kester, Carthage Water & Electric

Congratulations to all the winners.

Thank you for being part of our team.

MECO ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC. Consulting Engineers & Surveyors Serving the Water Industry Since 1985

Get acquainted with MECO Engineering…

Municipal & Water District Engineering Exceeding Your Expectations Client-Centered Personal Service Open Communication & Team Work YOUR WATER QUALITY SPECIALISTS! We are your local, full-service firm Look to us first

for your water quality compliance and system project needs.

We are nearby and ready to help!

Planning, Report, Design Services Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical Regulatory Compliance Finance Planning Assistance Land Survey and Construction Services Bob’s Creek 1.5 MGD Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Wastewater Treatment Plant, PWSD #1 of Lincoln County, Winfield, MO

Innovative, affordable, long-term, sustainable engineering solutions with a common sense approach

Three regional MISSOURI offices to serve you. Contact the office near you today!

HANNIBAL JEFFERSON CITY BOONVILLE MECO Email:

573-221-4048 573-893-5558 660-882-3324

info@mecoengineering.com

3120 Palmyra Road 2701 Industrial Drive 1121 Rear Main Street

63401 65109 65233

WEBSITE: www.mecoengineering.com

MECO is proud to be a Gold Member of the Missouri Rural Water Association Make plans to visit our booth at the Annual Conference - See you at Branson!

5

From the Executive Director Please Read the Article on Page 24, Then Come Back and Read This Randy Norden, MRWA Executive Director Welcome to 2018, It’s a great time to be alive! There are so many wonderful things going on during our lifetimes that if you stopped to really take stock, then you would be overwhelmed with positive joy! We hear a lot of people trying to pick and choose the “bad things” to point out, but if you really stopped to look around, one would be overwhelmed at the positive and encouraging things that are happening.

Personally, I’m really enjoying the youth revolution that is going on right now! After years of being railroaded into colleges and universities, young people are simply saying, “NO,” and are now checking out trades! Good for us, and how timely!! Simply stated, we have done a poor job of promoting our industry and yet, we wish to lament about who shall replace us. It is time to step up to the plate and let the world know we are here and change public perception of the water industry. How shall we do that?

First, Missouri Rural Water Association is outreaching to young people via conferences, schools, job fairs, and through the school counselors. We are already making progress as students contact us directly and schools contact us to participate in their job fairs! I encourage YOU to do the same in your community!! You are the power of Rural Water…and we can reach every school if every water/ wastewater system outreached to one school in their area.

Contact the school’s counselors, elementary as well as high

Figure 1: Puxico 6th Grade field trip to Poplar Bluff Water Treatment Plant 6

school, and begin promoting yourself by participating in job fairs, providing tours, and presentations. This will also go on to improve your public relations as your customer base will begin to better understand your industry and what your challenges are. Reach out to youth; you’ve reached out to your future customers, decision makers, and co-workers!

Second, on 20 October 2017, Missouri was the second state in the nation to administer U.S. Department of Labor approved apprenticeship programs for both Drinking Water and Wastewater!! This will provide a golden opportunity to elevate the professionalism of our industry to heights it has never known before! MRWA will administer this program which is a 2-year apprenticeship. The apprentice will have the opportunity to gain learning and experience not otherwise obtainable, and the system will ultimately gain an employee that has all this learning and experience!

There are employer benefits to be had, definitely, but the best one is the quality of employee that the employer ends up with. Contact MRWA for more information on the Apprenticeship Program.

Finally, MRWA is addressing a huge training chasm that has always existed. Management. Specifically, managerial and managerial succession training. In our outreach to membership, we’ve learned that the training to perform managerial functions has been lacking when someone that

Figure 2: Bradleyville HS Aquatics class at 2017 MRWA Annual Conference

started as a “meter reader” eventually became a “manager” through seniority, but never fairly received the proper training to do even basic managerial tasks such as employee evaluations, personnel management, etc. We will offer this as a dedicated track at our conferences, plus be on the lookout for one-day classes that specialize on this subject.

Therefore, many positive things are happening in our lifetime! It is now 2018 and in this New Year, we promise you that Missouri Rural Water Association will be there to meet the challenges on your behalf before they come! As

we speak, many bills have already been filed in Jefferson City and we will be sorting through the various attempts at addressing Prevailing Wage not to mention that we will always support local control! Make sure that you are subscribed to our email newsletter and keep an eye out on the Legislative Corner on our internet resource, www.moruralwater.org!

As always, as YOUR Executive Director, my eyes, ears, and heart are always open to you. I’m here to serve you and, sometimes, I need you to tell me when you are in need.

Contact me via email at rnorden@moruralwater.org, or cell phone at 417-988-9911. Our office phone is 573-657-5533 and, never forget our internet resource website, www.moruralwater.org.

Figure 4 State Association Exec. Directors in Washington, D.C. for Apprenticeship Program.

rwhite@esiwater.com 4343 Merriam Drive ■ Overland Park, KS 66203

Independent Representatives of Tnemec Company Incorporated www.tnemec.com

MIDWEST COATING CONSULTANTS, INC. DARRELL BUERK Y 816-590-7170 dbuerky@tnemec.com SCOT T KEILBE Y 816-590-7180 skeilbey@tnemec.com DUSTIN KEILBE Y 816-806-6356 dkeilbey@tnemec.com

COATING SOLUTIONS, LLC MICHAEL CERUT TI 314-703-8042 mcerutti@tnemec.com

7

Letters Dear Randy, We would like to thank Joe Anstine and Billy Everett for the quick response when we needed help.

Their knowledge is very helpful. Thank you again for your hard work helping us.

Thank you, City of Creighton Linda Merrifield, Josh Stapleton, Ron Merrifield, Kent Sites, BOA, and David Powell

Dear Mr. Randy Norden, My name is Adam Sisco and I work with OCWD #1 in Alton. I just wanted to let you know how good of a worker and guy Mr. Jim enterline is. I bet I have called him a million times in the past year during the week and even on weekends with crazy questions. But, he has always took time to help me with whatever problem I have had. It makes me as an operator feel good knowing that somebody as good as Jim is there to help. I just wanted to take time and tell you how good a guys you have working for you.

Thank you for your time.

Adam Sisco

Dear Mr. Roderman, The staff at PWSD #10 would like to extend our gratitude for your assistance with locating the water line at the property on Lost Woods Ln, Centralia, MO. We greatly appreciate you taking the time to meet with us at the location.

Thank you again for your professionalism and we look forward to working with you again in the future.

Sincerely, PWSD #10 Staff 8

Good Morning, I am the Water Superintendent in Foxborough, Massachusetts. I stumbled upon your water loss calculators, and I just wanted to tell you they are the best thing ever! My staff has had a terrible time estimating water loss, resulting in an Unaccountedfor Water Loss of 22%. MassDEP is not happy.

This tool will be a great help.

Once again, I just wanted to say you folks are awesome!

Bob Worthley Water and Wastewater Superintendent City of Foxborough, Massachusetts

Hello Mr. Norden, I am writing as Mayor of the City of Bronaugh to let you know how appreciative we are to your services, especially Joe Anstine and Brad Rayburn.

Recently the water in our tower was not holding chlorine as it should. We called Joe and he and Brad came out this morning and helped us trouble shoot the possible causes. They both took time to explain things to me and help with suggestions to prevent this from happening.

Both of these men were very kind and they really seem to know a lot about water systems and testing.

It is so nice to have this service to our community.

We are proud to be a member of Missouri Rural Water Association and thankful for all of the help we have received over the years.

Thanks again to MRWA. Sincerely Yours, Sherry Brown, Mayor City of Bronaugh

Letters Dear Mr. Norden, I wanted to take a moment to tell you about the impact your wastewater circuit rider program has on small communities (less than 1,000 population) in rural Missouri. Prior to a visit from circuit rider, Gary Webber, we did not know what resources and services were available to us. We paid our dues every year because we thought we had to. We never contacted MRWA because we didn’t know anything about who you were or how you could assist us.

As a result of Mr. Webber’s first visit, we now have regular contact with him.

We have been able to accomplish much for our system with MRWA resources! As a small system of 120 sewer connections, we could never afford smoke test equipment, have no experience sludge judging, and would have to wait years to save up enough for a generator. Our population is largely dependent upon social security funds and government assistance so setting rates to enable us to purchase this kind of equipment would have been unaffordably high, causing the collapse of our system.

Mr. Webber has assisted us, not only with resources, in completing much needed maintenance on our aging system, preserving it for years to come.

We now know much more about the condition of our 3-cell lagoon and have begun preparing for its eventual de-sludging. We have identified weak areas in our system through smoke testing and Mr. Webber has assisted us in repairs. We do not have enough for a generator, but are now aware that this is available to us through our MRWA membership.

This is by no means the totally of MRWA’s wastewater circuit rider program’s impact on our community! These are but a few of the examples.

Our MRWA membership is a vital component of our system management – financial, administrative, and operational. Thank you for this program!

Dear Sirs, This letter is to show our appreciation for the help in locating our problem with our ultraviolet lighting system. Jim Enterline helped our maintenance man, Paul Frederick repair the lights that were out in the system. We had talked with electricians about our problem, however, no one ever got back with us on it. Mr. Enterline came thru with finding out what was wrong and assisted in the repairs also. His assistance not only resolved the problem, but also helped us out financially as we are a member of your association. We appreciate the assistance you provide to the City of Grandin.

Sincerely, Rick Julius Mayor

We want to just say a quick thanks to Joe, Jim and MRWA for the quick results on our water situation. Everything seems to be going well now and the guys are in the process of finishing up repairing the line in the creek bottom.

Hope you 2 got home safely and Joe, enjoy that Grandbaby!

Thank you’ PWSD #1 of Putnam County Patty Robinson and crew

Sincerely, Charles McKinny Mayor City of New Hampton 9

Letters Dear Mr. Norden, Thank you for the wastewater circuit rider program! I became an operator in 2015 and there was no one in my municipality to train me for the job. Through Mr. Gary Webber, I have been trained in the day-to-day operation of a 3-cell lagoon, daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual system maintenance, safety on the job, sampling techniques, upcoming changes to regulations, asset management, completing a rate study, and cutting edge treatment practices.

With no out-going operator to provide training and no operational manuals established. I found myself at a total loss. My certification class provided me with a license but did very little to actually prepare me to operate a system.

Without the guidance and assistance of my circuit rider, I would have most likely failed.

My circuit rider has also introduced me to other operator and suppliers in the wastewater industry. I can’t begin to calculate the accumulated years of experience I am able to draw from!

With the assistance of my circuit rider, I have saved my system countless dollars, increased the longevity of my system, and gained invaluable experience and confidence. Wastewater operators are a dying breed. Mr. Webber was thinking “outside the box” when he suggested I, a middle-aged female, consider certification. That’s what it takes though to make these very small systems successful – thinking outside the box.

Thank you again for the wastewater circuit rider program! I could not operate my system without it!

Sincerely, Kerri Peters City Clerk/Wastewater Operator

The Village of Collins would like to thank Joe Anstine for his services with our Village Maintenance Staff. He has found leaks for us and located water lines that we were unaware of. We appreciate anytime that we need MRWA they have always been there for us. Thank you very much, we appreciate your organization and Joe Anstine very much!

Village Maintenance Mark Warson

To Mr. Brad Rayburn, We the city workers of Parma would like to express our deep appreciation for all the help you provided for us. Your knowledge as well as expertise is outstanding.

Once again our great appreciation for all your help.

Yours Truly, Parma Water Department

ALLGEIER, MARTIN and ASSOCIATES, INC. Consulting Engineers

Corporate Office: 7231 E. 24th Street | Joplin, MO 64804 | 417.680.7200 Rolla Office: 112 W. 8th Street | Rolla, MO 65401 | 573.341.9487 Airports Bridges City Engineering Stormwater Streets and Roadways Wastewater Collection Systems Wastewater Treatment Facilities Water Distribution Systems Water Treatment Plants Water Storage Tanks

10

Manufacturer’s Representative for Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment “If we supply it, we make it work!”

Letters Dear Mr. Norden, I have only been a wastewater operator for a few months so my experience with this program is limited. During my first summer as an operator, my 3-cell lagoon experienced an algae bloom. I read much about the treatment methods for this problem but I was also aware of the potential impact of such chemicals on my system. Unsure of how to proceed, I called on my wastewater circuit rider, Gary Webber.

Mr. Webber taught me how to identify the type of algae I had and helped me devise the least invasive treatment plan. He could have counted the matter closed at that point, but he went the extra mile and checked in with me regularly for progress updates.

When my original algae bloom evolved into a blue-green algae bloom, he helped me adjust the treatment. Always foremost in his mind was treating the problem with as little detrimental impact on the environment as possible which meant using natural means of treatment over chemical. Cost was also a factor. Without the wastewater circuit rider program, my system would have had to spend crucial money we didn’t have to spare enlisting the help of paid consultants or multiple treatment options until finding something that worked. I don’t believe the diagnostic assistance provided by the circuit riders is mentioned enough! Thank you MRWA for the positive impact you have on rural systems throughout Missouri! It is a pleasure partnering with you to preserve our rural environments for future generations!

Sincerely, David Peters Wastewater Operator

To whom it may concern, The City of Concordia and its staff would like to thank Mr. Joe Anstine for coming to Concordia to aid in determining the source of; what seemed to be, a water leak.

On September 14th we had an issue arise near Old 40 Highway, and we were concerned that we may have a slow water leak on our hands. Unsure of how to proceed, we reached out to Mr. Anstine for help with determining the nature of the running water.

Thankfully, after much contemplation and research, it was determined by Mr. Anstine and City staff to be water from an underground spring.

Thank you Joe for always being available to help us; whenever, we have an issue that arises in our town.

Sincerely, Joseph Boynton and the City of Concordia Water Department

To whom it may concern, Recently we have experienced a serious problem with chlorine residual in our drinking water system for the City of Creighton. Problem solved due to the helpful hand of Joe Anstine, Circuit Rider #2 for your association.

Thank you so much for allowing people like Joe to advise and help when we have problems.

City Council of Creighton, Donna Burton, Mayor ProTem; Aldermen, Sandy Kagarice Shauna Ryan Judi Johnson

11

Letters Dear Randy and MRWA staff, The recent assistance of MRWA staff members, Billy, Wayne and Brad made a bad, bad week much easier to take. As the result of recent flooding, an area known to locals as Thomas Hollow was once again a washout! As most are aware, if you have deep hollows, you also have steep hills. The first call of “I don’t have water!” came Saturday afternoon from a customer atop one of these, Bear Cave Hill. The creek crossings were so high; the road leading down the hollow was impassable. Sunday morning the road was clear, however the many places where our waterline crossed the creek, was still too high and muddy to see anything. Every place the creek zigged, our waterline zagged leaving countless possibilities for breaks. Late Monday afternoon when the water was running clear, by Divine Intervention and Direction, I spotted a pencil thin stream of muddy water coming out of the side of a creek bank, right at the water’s edge. When I valved off the main and the stream of water turned to bubbles, I knew that was the break. Of course the creek was still flowing too much to consider digging, so a temporary, above ground repair was made. YEAH!! Line chlorinated and flushed, I headed home. Ten minutes after getting home, the phone rang; “I don’t have water!” (Bear Cave Hill, again), then another call from Bashin Hill; “Are you still working on the waterlines?” UGHHHH! I headed back out, making bottled water deliveries. The next morning after several valve tests and walking Bear Cave Hill, (which has now gained the respect of being called Mountain), I was at my wits end, and called Billy. Once again, by Divine Placement, he was only an hour away and came to assist. He determined with a listening device, that 80 gpm was going through the temporary, above ground pipe, but no visible leak in the area. On a day that could only be described as miserable, Billy walked 3 miles of waist high grass and weeds to rule out a leak in the pastures and wooded areas. He was soaked. Night was falling and he had to leave for another appointment, but told me Joe would arrive the next morning with a “bigger/better” listening device. He and I decided it most assuredly must be in the BIG creek crossing. I was notified at 6:00 a.m. that Joe was unable to make the trip, as he was called upon to make his Grandpa appearance; however Wayne came, followed by Brad.

Making a much longer story, a little bit shorter; Wayne found the leak to be at the point of repair on the north side of the creek. Thanks to our very hilly terrain, creating crazy air in the lines and the lack of thrust blocks in the repair, it simply blew apart. Leak found, Wayne left for another system in need. The contractor repaired the line, sufficiently blocking it and went home. Brad and I continued with the flushing of air, and at the last flush….no pressure. The line blew apart on the south side of the creek, this time water was surfacing. UGHH!! Contractor called, repair made, thrust block made, more flushing, precautionary boil order notifications made; Brad went home and I went home. Although it was a very long and frustrating week for our Thomas Hollow customers, some who were without water for 5 full days, I didn’t hear one cross word from anyone. It was a very trying week. Had it not been for the assistance of our MRWA friends and their expertise, I’ve no doubt I would have spent many, many more hours looking for a leak in a creek!

Thanks for all you do, Raelene Taylor, Manager Southwest Rural Water District of Barry and McDonald Counties

12

Letters Dear Mr. Norden, In May of this year, I took over as mayor of Mokane. I was given a key to city hall...and that was all. No files, no manuals, no budgets, no employees. Mokane was also in enforcement with the Department of Natural Resources for failing to meet limits on bacteria in the lagoon.

My eyes rolled back in my head and I began to try to determine what resources were given to me.

Luckily Mokane had memberships in a couple of associations that have been extremely helpful. One was the Missouri Rural Water Association.

I called and was referred to Donald Jones who came out and met me at my kitchen table (city hall is filled with mold). We also toured a broken lift station and Donald began telling me how your organization can help.

City Hall It was a little like drinking from a fire hose, but I took notes and have used File Room the direction he provided in trying to put together a plan to address our wastewater issues.

Donald came back to do a sludge test at our lagoon recently and stayed to spend the afternoon looking over a budget I put together for the sewer system and outlining how we might hire someone to regularly check our system so we weren’t constantly faced with emergency repairs.

He also provided information on how we could more economically treat for ammonia, reduce our sludge, and he is just a great deal of good advice. Yes, Donald is now my hero.

Donald on our lagoon.

Donald made the difference for me between throwing up my hands and walking out, and feeling like Mokane can handle things if we just take it one step at a time.’

Sincerely, Peggy Nalls, Mayor City of Mokane

Dear Mr. Norden, We at PWSD #4 of Wayne and Butler Counties would like to take the time and thank Brad Rayburn for all the help he has given to our District. No matter what the situation whether it being leak detection or water main breaks he is always there and willing to help. It’s comforting to know that there are people like Brad Rayburn and MRWA to lend a helping hand when needed.

To Whom it May Concern, My name is Larry Lalk I’m the water superintendent for the City of Crystal City. I wanted to express that Brad Rayburn has helped the City out tremendously by leak detecting a leak for us on Holdenhausen Ln. Without his help the City’s water crews would have been tearing up a new street as well as spending hours searching for this leak.

Thank you for this service and a big thanks to him.

Sincerely, Jennifer Pierce, Manager PWSD #4 of Wayne & Butler Co.

Larry Lalk City of Crystal City MO

13

Advertisers Index

We Appreciate Your Support

Missouri Waterlines Advertising Rates BUSINESS ADS Members: Full page (71/2 x 10) $450 per issue $750 annually Half page (71/2 x 43/4) $375 per issue $600 annually Quarter page (31/2 x 41/2) $200 per issue $350 annually Business card (31/2 x 2) $60 per issue $100 annually Nonmembers: Full page $500 per issue Half page $350 per issue Quarter page $250 per issue Business card $85 per issue Cover Ads Back Cover – additional $200/issue Inside Front and Back Cover – additional $100/issue Contact MRWA Marketing Coordinator Andy Bowman with any further advertising questions (573) 657-5533 office (573) 714-3186 cell Email: abowman@moruralwater.org Support Missouri Rural Water Association

Join Us as an Advertiser

14

ADS Environmental Services................................................................... 45 Allgeier, Martin and Associates, Inc......................................................... 10 Alliance Pump & Mechanical................................................................... 21 Alliance Water Resources.......................................................................... 56 Allstate Consultants................................................................................... 45 American Development Corp................................................................... 51 American Flow Control............................................................................. 23 Bartlett & West Engineers........................................................................ 51 Bailey Special Risks, Inc............................................................................. 59 Branson Ticket & Travel........................................................................... 42 Brenntag Mid-South.................................................................................. 17 Cady Aquastore Inc.................................................................................... 53 Cardinal Pump........................................................................................... 51 Carylon Water Group................................................................................ 45 Chews Your Health.................................................................................... 36 Cochran....................................................................................................... 44 Core & Main............................................................................................... 37 D.A. Davidson & Co................................................................................. 19 DN Tanks................................................................................................... 32 Douglas Pump Service............................................................................... 28 EJ ................................................................................................................ 28 Electric Controls Company....................................................................... 27 Engineered Systems, Inc.............................................................................. 7 Engineering America.................................................................................. 45 Environmental Dynamics International.................................................. 17 Flo-Systems................................................................................................. 51 Flotron & McIntosh..................................................... (Inside Back Cover) Flynn Drilling Co., Inc............................................................................... 49 Foley Equipment........................................................................................ 31 The Ford Meter Box Company, Inc.......................................................... 14 G & C Supply Company, Inc.................................................................... 39 Hawkins, Inc............................................................................................... 53 Haynes Equipment.................................................................................... 10 Healthy Benefits NRWA.......................................................................... 33 Hogan’s, Inc...............................................................................(Back Cover) Hydro-Kinetics........................................................................................... 21 Kubota......................................................................................................... 57 Kupferle Foundry Company..................................................................... 21 L&J Municipal Supply............................................................................... 22 Larkin Lamp Rynearson............................................................................ 14 Maguire Iron............................................................................................... 17 Mahoney’s Equipment LLC...................................................................... 32 Master Meter.............................................................................................. 21 MCR Enterprise......................................................................................... 32 MECO Engineering Company, Inc............................................................ 5 Micro-Comm, Inc....................................................................................... 52 Midwest Coating Consultants, Inc. ........................................................... 7 Midwest Meter, Inc.................................................................................... 61 Missouri American Water......................................................................... 52 Missouri Lagers.......................................................................................... 33 Missouri Machinery & Engineering Co................................................... 42 Missouri One Call...................................................................................... 23 Missouri Special District Insurance......................................................... 54 Municipal Equipment Company, Inc......................................................... 7 Municipal Impact.com / Rural Water Impact.com................................ 52 NRWA Rural Water Loan Fund.............................................................. 55 Nutri-Ject.................................................................................................... 37 Ozark Applicators, LLC............................................................................ 60 PDC Laboratories, Inc............................................................................... 51 People Services Inc..................................................................................... 34 Pittsburg Tank & Tower Co., Inc............................................................. 50 R.E. Pedrotti Co., Inc. . ............................................................................... 7 Ressler & Associates, Inc. ......................................................................... 47 Schulte Supply, Inc..................................................................................... 25 Seiler Instrument Co.................................................................................. 17 Sequoyah Software and Consulting, Inc.................................................. 22 ServLine...................................................................................................... 18 Sherwin-Williams...................................................................................... 21 Sidener Environmental Services............................................................... 32 SIU Edwardsville....................................................................................... 43 Springfield Winwater Works Co...............................(Inside Front Cover) Suez.............................................................................................................. 41 T.G. Rankin Co., Inc.................................................................................... 9 Tank Connection........................................................................................ 58 Tomcat Consultants/T.A.P. Co................................................................ 59 Utility Solutions Associates...................................................................... 50 Vandevanter Engineering - Cogent Co.................................................... 17 Waterpro Online Community.................................................................. 50

Identifying Laboratory Glassware Tom Hyatt, MRWA Water Training Specialist

Water and wastewater laboratories use multiple types of glassware. Some of these are pictured here. Although I am referring to all items as glassware, not all are made of glass.

Some are Pyrex, porcelain, or plastic. Here is what I’ll call a “baker’s dozen” for you to identify.

Their uses are varied. In some cases, the lab operator needs to titrate acid for determining water’s alkalinity. At other times, a precise water measure is Figure 1 required for testing chlorine residual, turbidity, and specific water quality parameters.

Some glassware is used to swirl, store, or heat solutions; mix different amounts of chemical with water to trigger a reaction; transfer measured Figure 2 solutions from a container to a sampling apparatus for analysis; or simply observing chemical reactions. While one of these items is not used for precise measure, it is considered a “workhorse” in any Figure 3 chemistry lab.

There are items for straining water through filters; creating a vacuum for receiving this filtered water; measuring settleability of solids; holding small samples or placing Figure 4 samples in a heat chamber; and rinsing electrodes. Other Figure 5 items are intended to be used with a spectrophotometer, which reads the intensity of light waves.

These pictures also include glassware that can be used in “pocket” or portable test kits for performing different water quality tests in the field.

How many of these items can you name?

(You’ll find the answers on page 33).

Figure 6

Figure 8

Figure 7

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

15

Profile: City of Leadwood Andy Bowman, MRWA Marketing Coordinator Traveling west from Desloge on what is now known as the Ferlin Husky Memorial Highway, you’ll come to an access road to the south that takes you into the City of Leadwood. Founded by the St. Joe Lead Company as a company town in 1906, the original name given was Owl Creek which was also the name of a nearby running creek. The name was later changed to the name given to the division of men working here in the mines and the post office; Leadwood.

The city’s first water tower was constructed of wood and was erected in 1917 by the St. Joe Lead Company. Wooden water mains were also constructed during this period. The tower was actively used for 20 years and remained standing as a landmark for the 55 years that followed its retirement.

Around the time of the tower’s retirement, Leadwood’s first official water system with cast iron mains went in followed by the city’s wastewater collection system and treatment plant some 50 years later in 1987.

This brief history lesson was given to me by the fantastic group of folks that make up the city government of Leadwood. Upon first arriving, I was greeted by City Clerk Charlotte Lewis and Ward II Alderman John Vickers.

Charlotte has held her position with the city since April 2014 and at that time, won her position by election. Vickers is currently serving his 8th 2-year term as alderman.

Shortly after Lewis was elected City Clerk, the former City Hall building burned and Leadwood’s city government was displaced. Needing a temporary landing spot, the city looked no further than directly across the street to its neighbor, the Leadwood United Methodist Church. From September 2015 until May 5, 2017, the city operated out of the church’s basement. Dennis Parks, serving his second year as Mayor commented Spring 1995 Issue Water Lines Magazine System Profile: Leadwood 16

that there were initially those grumbling about the city government operating out of the church basement as a contradiction of “separation of church and state.” Mayor Parks and Ward I Alderman Charlie Lewis together remarked that the temporary situation was mutually beneficial with the city assisting the church with paying some of its bills while the church provided city government space to operate. Both Alderman from Ward II, John Vickers and Dave Henry agreed that “in times of need, you do what you got to do to keep on.”

Rural Missouri comes with a special set of challenges.

One such challenge is that small communities seem to have a hand full of people that are active and volunteer for non-compensated elected positions. Leadwood is one such community. After the City Hall building burned, Alderman Lewis (then Mayor Pro Tem) submitted a bid, for his company Lewis Builders, LLC., to construct the new City Hall. With only one other bid received and much consultation from the city attorney and the Missouri Ethics Commission, Lewis won the bid for the project. Funding for the project was acquired through a lease-purchase program through FS Leasing, LLC., a subsidiary of First State Community Bank.

Construction of the new City Hall building was completed in early May 2017. The city was shut down two days for the move to their new home from the church basement and resumed city business May 9, 2017 in the new building. Some features of the new building are bound (continued on page 18)

Leadwood United Methodist Church (Temporary City Hall)

Patrick J. Ely

Regional Manager -North America patrick.ely@wastewater.com 5601 Paris Rd. Columbia, MO 65202 USA p: (+1) 573-474-9456 (ext. 212) f: (+1) 573-474-6988 m: (+1) 573-356-0316

17

(continued from page 16)

to catch the eye of locals that remember the previous City Hall. Walking through the doors of the new building, you walk into a spacious foyer with “teller-style” window for making payments and a handicap-accessible public use restroom.

Continuing into the Board Meeting Room, space seems to be the biggest difference from old to new.

This room will allow city residents to comfortably attend city council meetings and will be a dualpurpose room in that it will also be the home for city court proceedings.

A conversation at the City of Leadwood City Hall Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Front row, pictured left to right: Ward 2 Alderman City Hall Grand Opening celebration with the Dave Henry, City Clerk Charlotte Lewis, FS Leasing LLC Vice-President Terry Mayor and 3 of 4 Alderman summed up city Luetkemeyer, Ward 1 Alderman Charlie Lewis, Mayor Dennis Parks, and Ward 2 leaders’ vision for the future of Leadwood. The Alderman John Vickers. city currently serves water and wastewater to approximately 1350 residents at 420 service improvements following the pending water improvements. connections. The city has submitted grant applications The City of Leadwood was featured in this very to USDA and MoDNR for funding infrastructure publication 22 years ago, in the Spring 1995 issue of improvements. If awarded the grant monies, they would Missouri Water Lines. Some things have changed, some receive funding to replace much of the existing cast iron things have not. One thing that hasn’t changed is that distribution system mains with new PVC mains and Missouri Rural Water Association is proud to have the City construct new elevated water storage. Optimistically, of Leadwood as a member system. they are also hoping to plan wastewater infrastructure

18

This announcement appears as a matter of record only. This announcement is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to purchase municipal advisory or municipal underwriting services.

May 31, 2016

Pursuant to the Municipal Securities Rulemakings Board (the “MSRB”) Rule G-2 on Standards of Professional Qualification and MSRB Rule G-3 on Professional Qualification, promulgated under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the following individuals passed the Series 50 pilot exam and qualify as licensed and registered MUNICIPAL ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVES: STEVE GOEHL Senior Vice President, Public Finance Kansas City, Missouri CHARLIE ZITNIK Senior Vice President, Public Finance Kansas City, Missouri CONGRATULATIONS FROM YOUR COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS!

D.A. DAVIDSON & CO.

(816) 360-2270 

4700 Belleview Avenue Suite 425  Kansas City, Missouri 64112 

19

Shared Reflection: The “Throne” Holder for Household Leaks Wayne Roderman, MRWA Resource Conservation Circuit Rider It doesn’t seem like it, but it’s been almost 20 years since I started working for Missouri Rural Water Association. Time really does fly when you’re having fun! Recently, I had the honor of conducting my first all day training session, and the thoughts that ran through my mind when first challenged to do an eight hour session were; “Why would anyone want to come and listen to me for eight hours?” and, “Why do I need eight hours, I can tell them all I know in about ten minutes!” or, “The weather is beautiful outside, no one will come and sit in a classroom all day this time of year.” Guess what? I was wrong! Well, maybe not about the second thought I had, but definitely about the other two because the room was full.

Someone told me I needed 160 slides to fill up the entire day without running out of material. Well, that may be true for some people, but everyone who knows me realize talking is what I do best, so my 47 slides lasted the entire day. Of course, I brought my banjo and guitar along and we also picked a couple of tunes. Overall, everyone seemed to enjoy the session and we received some excellent feedback. One of the responses we received was, “We get a ton of complaints in a year’s time about high water bills. Most of which we contribute to leaky toilets. Was curious if there were any common statistics out there on how much a toilet or leaky faucet can or will leak in a day/months’ time? I think if people had some sort of chart or diagram to look at that came from DNR or MRWA, customers would be more apt to believe us when we tell them their toilet is probably leaking.” That response brought back to memory when I was the operator at a small water system, I had a customer complain there had to be a water leak somewhere because his water bill was 50,000 gallons more this month than normal. I told him it was a leaky toilet and he about had a come apart. He said, “Wayne, there is no way 50,000 gallons of water can get through that little old line on the 20

back of a toilet!” I said, “Yes it can, but let’s go look at your toilet and see if that’s the problem.” Sure enough, when we walked into the bathroom, I could hear it just barely trickling over the overflow tube. I removed the cover on the back of the commode, adjusted the float to where it would shut off before filling the tank too full, and told him that would fix the problem. The next month, his water bill was back to normal. Every time I saw Ol’ Roy after that, he would ask, “Can you believe 50,000 gallons will go through that little old line on the back of the toilet in a month?” This is something operators of water systems deal with every day, while John Q. Public screams in disbelief.

After receiving this response, I wondered if ‘Google’ had any information on leaky toilets. After typing in ‘how much will a toilet leak in a month’ there were all kinds of information to be found. Everything from ‘how much water you can lose through a leaky toilet’ to ‘how many gallons of water per day lost from a dripping faucet’. They even have a drip calculator you can use! It’s amazing what you can “Google!” But, I decided to test things for myself, thinking the person who generated the response might be like me. Technologically challenged. Unfortunately, every toilet I checked did not have the old float style flush valves which would let a small amount of water through if the float wasn’t adjusted properly. I checked mine, my brother’s, mom’s, mother-inlaw, aunt’s, church, probably a dozen all told and all of the toilets I looked at had Fluidmaster flush valves which were either on or off. I put a weight on mine at the house to keep it turned on and went out to the water meter, timed it for (continued on page 22)

DATA IS POWER. MASTER IT.

Master large amounts of data in real time with the most advanced AMI and MDM system for water available. The Harmony and Allegro open platform sync seamlessy with CIS, GIS, and other information systems. The result is an intelligent water system with actionable high resolution consumption data analytics capable of supporting any operational need.

Master data with the Harmony MDM and Allegro AMI Network. Master the art of Smart Water Management.

HARMONY® MDM SOFTWARE & ALLEGRO™ AMI NETWORK

BECAUSE EVERYONE IS A WATER MANGER™ Regional Sales Manager: Danny Parker | 417-210-9683

mastermeter.com

21

(continued from page 20)

one minute, and discovered 3.5 gallons per minute will go through the toilet if it is stuck in the open position. I will note the water pressure at my house is 50 psi, but with it being all or none, you would have to be deaf not to hear 3.5 gallons per minute running through your water lines. And if it was, you would lose 5,040 gallons per day. That totals 151,200 gallons per month.

That would create a sizable water bill, to say the least.

Thinking back to Ol’ Roy, he was losing 1.16 gallons per minute through his toilet and you could just barely hear that leak, and it still generated a 50,000 gallon per month water leak. It doesn’t have to be a toilet tank overflowing to lose water; it can be the flapper deteriorated or have a piece of grit, debris, etc. creating a leak by just flowing down the sewer. Just a short time ago, I heard my toilet at the house fill up in the middle of the night. Getting up to investigate, I didn’t see anything wrong, but I kept a close eye on it and discovered it was filling up approximately every 45 minutes. I know of some water systems that dispense leak detection dye tablets to their customers for the customer to see if water is seeping through their flapper, down into the bowl. By the way, you can purchase those for approximately $.26/pack and that might be good public relations for your water system. Not having any of those, I used some food coloring and discovered my flapper was letting water go by.

Calculating how much water I was losing down the toilet, I discovered I was using 422 gallons more per month than normal, which equated to approximately 5,064 gallons per year. Checking with the city clerk, I learned that was costing me $60.83 per year. Now I know $60 a year is not much money, but $2.99 for a new flapper and five minutes later, I can now keep that $60 bucks in my pocket and I’m not wasting over 5,000 gallons of water anymore. Now when you get to the topic of dripping faucets, Google indicates

22

a faucet dripping 60 drips/minute can waste 8.64 gallons/ day, and with having a minimum of three faucets per household (kitchen, bathroom, tub or shower), that could equate to almost 26 gallons/day water loss if they were all dripping. I know everybody doesn’t have a leaky toilet or a dripping faucet, but if 10% of them do, it could add up to a considerable amount of water. Maybe we should consider a “Stop your leaking toilet or dripping faucet campaign.”

It could be good public relations and maybe the public wouldn’t think all you do is drive around in the truck. Ha! If you’re searching for a chart to determine the amount of water you could lose through a certain size hole, check out the information on the back of MRWA staff business cards.

A few years ago, MRWA handed out 6” rulers with that same information on the back stating, “Water costs money… don’t waste it!”, and on the front, some tips to conserve water: • Water lawn and garden as needed, early A.M. • Run dishwasher when fully loaded • Only do full loads of wash • Take shorter showers.

When I was going to college at “S of O,” I don’t know who coined this phrase, but a water conservation tip was: “Conserve water, take a shower with your girlfriend”. I was a strong advocate for that! Hmmm…wonder if that’s what got me interested in water conservation?

BE SAFE! PREVENT DAMAGES.

Know What’s Below.

Call or Click Before you Dig! Help Prevent Expensive Repair Costs.

Become a Partner in Damage Prevention.

1-800-DIG-RITE or 811 • mo1call.com

Few things in the waterworks industry have been as innovative as the Mechanical Joint. Times have changed. And so has AMERICAN. Introducing the AMERICAN Flow Control Series 2500 with ALPHATM ends. Now, you can use the same valve for ductile iron, HDPE, PVC, and even cast iron pipe. Unlike MJ, the restraint accessories come attached, leaving only one bolt on each end to tighten. That saves you time and money.

The AMERICAN Series 2500 with ALPHATM ends – it’s the only gate valve you’ll ever need.

ALMOST AN Y MATERIAL .

NO TIME AT ALL .

www.american-usa.com PO Box 2727, Birmingham, AL 35207 • Ph: 1-800-326-8051 • Fx: 1-800-610-3569 EOE/Vets/Disabilities ALPHA™ is a trademark of Romac Industries Inc. (U.S. Patent 8,894,100)

DUCTILE IRON PIPE

FLOW CONTROL

INTERNATIONAL

SPIRALWELD PIPE

STEEL PIPE

23

“What Are Those M-words Thinking?”: A Young Person’s Insight into the Working World Rachael Norden -Singer/Songwriter, Gamer, Freelance Writer, and Workaday Millennial

24

Hi! My name is Rachael Norden. I am a proud college dropout and mother of one--a cat named Rougespierre. I currently have five tattoos, a tongue piercing, and my ears are gauged to a zero, which in layman’s terms means I have “big ol’ holes in my ears.” I am an old-soul Aquarius who loves long walks on the beach, hates social media (but is on it multiple times a day), and aspires to either be a Rockstar or a gaming YouTuber. I love anime, pronounce caramel as care-ah-mell, and--indubitably worst of all--I am a Millennial.

At least, that is what I’ve been lead to believe these past few years; that being a Millennial is among the absolute worst things a person can be. However, I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot. The goal of this article is not to “generation” bash, but rather to explain things from the point of view of a freshoff-the-frying-pan Millennial in the modern day workforce, and hopefully shed some light on why Millennials are making the decisions that we are and how you--the managers, owners, and senior employees of businesses today-can better relate, understand, and entice the newest group of hirable employees and, however inevitably unto you, the future generation of leaders.

Before I get ahead of myself, though, I’d like to express that my intention is not to claim myself wiser than my elders in the ways of the working world. What I can say, however, with absolute certainty is that I understand people my age better than my elders. Just as I would say they understand their generations better than I do, and that everything we’ve heard from the media and movies and pop culture about any generation is garbage. Don’t get me wrong; people my age can be aggravating, senseless idiots, but I think it’s fair to say those are the kinds of traits most people don’t grow out of (if you catch my drift). However, I will admit that I have noticed trends within myself and amongst my peers that differentiates us from the mass. It should go without saying that anyone, no matter their age, can witness the dissonance that exists in workplaces today due to age gaps.

In case you don’t already know, “Millennial” is the common term used to describe people born from the years 1981 to 1997. And, contrary to popular belief, Millennials don’t feel entitled.

Rather, not any more entitled than any other generation has felt; humans are, by nature, selfish creatures. Think back to when you were twenty years old and recall all the things your elders said about you and your peers; I bet, if you’re honest with yourself, you’ll find that the words are very similar. Coming from the butt-end of it, it can be discouraging to hear someone talk down on intelligence or capability simply due to age, regardless of one’s aptitude, competence, or natural skill. Each generation is dealt a separate set of cards, and Millennials are just working with what we’ve been handed.

For nearly 2 years I have been in the “real world” work force, and in those 2 years, I have not only learned a lot about myself, but have also learned about how the working world thrives and operates. I started at ground zero and have climbed my way up the employment ladder to where I am today, working and supporting myself, and I must say, I have learned some pretty useful things living on my own! Things like, always buy the Velcro command strips, it’s completely possible for Ramen Noodles to be a gourmet dinner, and you really can make $37 last a whole week. However, I have also learned the more difficult truths (continued on page 26)

25

(continued from page 24)

of “real world” workplaces and life: no one claps for you, no one cares what you did in high school, and sometimes you’ve got to make $37 last a whole week.

Perhaps one of the more mind-boggling things I’ve come to find about the working world is how much of a ridiculously bad rap Millennials are getting. In terms of graduating high school and college, Millennials are a highly qualified and educated generation, yet we are generally underpaid and unable to utilize our skills. We have the highest rent and housing market, and many of us can’t afford to support ourselves and still expect to save anything for our future; financial security is a large part of what drives the Millennial generation to succeed. Circumstances such as this explain why you might hear about “entitled” millennials asking for $15/hr. and saying things like, “Kids are the last thing on my mind” or “I never really pictured myself owning a home” or “It’s pretty hard for me to save right now.”

Yet, on the other hand, I truly have witnessed the things that earned Millennials our reputation. Most people my age can’t seem to put down the phone and hold a decent conversation. We’re highly overeducated, tending to know more about mathematical formulas that are only useful to chemists and engineers than we do about how to do taxes, buy a car, or even create a decent resume. However, I don’t believe that any one person, generation, institution, or circumstance is to blame for the shift in social algorithm, rather the Millennial education experience.

Back in May of 2015, I was a senior in high school about to head off to college. Although I had never settled on what I wanted to do with my life, I had always shone brightly in academic endeavors, so naturally I believed everyone when they said, “YOU SHOULD GO TO COLLEGE!!” I had it all planned out: graduate high school, go to college,

26

get a degree, get a job, get married, buy a home, have kids, die happy, in that order, the whole shebang. That is, until real life happened, and I decided I wanted none of that; I entered college in August, left in December, and somewhere in the middle is when I decided I wasn’t happy. The poor curriculum, the high costs, and the overall stress drove me to decide that staying wasn’t worth my time. Many-if not all-students in college experience this feeling of doubt at some point because college is extremely stressful. Not to say that college back in the ‘70s or ‘80s wasn’t any sort of stressful but, particularly from a financial perspective, I’m not convinced the experiences are the same. Allow me to explain why.

According to the American Institutes for Research’s Delta Cost Project, in 1970 the average yearly tuition was $358 for public four-year institutions and $1,561 for four-year private institutions. Comparably, in 2010 the average tuition was $6,695 for public and $21,908 for private four-year colleges and universities. Although this statistic is older, it still accurately depicts the rising cost of college. I’d also ask that you note those statistics only covered tuition costs; those numbers do not reflect room and board, food, books and supplies, extracurricular activities, and general living expenses.

To give you a clearer idea of the costs of higher education, out of high school I received a few local scholarships and was accepted into both the Pride Marching Band and the Hutchens Centennial Leaders at Missouri State University. Even so, those scholarships combined covered maybe a fourth of my college costs. FAFSA told me I was too privileged, so I ended up taking out about $3,000 in loans for one semester. However, that still wasn’t enough to

quench the institutional thirst, and my father was asked to take out loans, as well. This is common; I have coworkers today who are still in repayment for their children’s college education. At the end of my time at MSU, I looked at the breakdown for my total college costs, and had I stayed the entire year, my cost would have totaled at about $20,000 with the biggest chunk of it in room and board. I thought I would find mercy when the time came that I return my books, but alas, out of the $750 I spent on them, I received an astounding $20 back. I treated myself to a luxurious feast of Hy-Vee Chinese that night.

This experience is normal. There are only 2 realistic ways any student in the Midwest is getting a full ride through college: be extremely good at throwing a ball or score a 30 on your ACT. Colleges are demanding ridiculous amounts of time and money from their students, and an increasing number of people my age are opting to drop out or not even bother with it at all. With college costs rising and the ability to use your degree after graduation becoming harder, the point of entering higher education in America is becoming exceedingly less evident. Personally, I’d love to go back and earn a degree, and to this day I still have trouble coping with my decision to leave, but a great and growing number of Millennials are convinced that colleges no longer have their priorities straight. As a result, many Millennials are starting to shift their interests into trades; an area of employment that happens to be in dire need of new blood.

Regarding education, I would also like to mention the lacking curriculum of public schools. Without straying too far off topic, many high school graduates (including myself ) leave school feeling uninformed and lacking general day-today knowledge. Aside from other programs and cuts that detriment the student curriculum, there seems to be little to no emphasis put on subjects of significant importance, such as Personal Finance and Government. As a result, the students graduating are unrefined and scared of the real world. It is a well-known fact that, no matter one’s age, having a poor educational experience can make transitioning difficult. Whether it be from school into the working world or from training into a job, proper education is extremely important.

Millennials are an enigma, constantly contradicting not only ourselves but what society expects from youth.

Driven by our own desires and not by the expectations of the environment around us, Millennials are perhaps the

most intimidating generation to emerge to date. We value learning, but question the validity of institutionalized education. We work hard, and for ourselves, we stand up for what we believe is right and we refuse to sacrifice any part of ourselves for the sake of another’s comfort. We support self-expression, independence, and progression. We crave knowledge, perception, adventure, and self-satisfaction. Do not belittle us, but teach us. Do not snuff us out, but let us burn bright. The Millennial generation has so much to offer this world in terms of progressiveness and innovation; we need only be given the opportunities to do so.

27

Algae’s Influence on the BOD5 Test

Steve Harris, President, H & S Environmental, LLC

Alga

Steve H

Algae…you both love it and hate it. You love algae because they add dissolved oxygen to your system through photosynthesis. This leads to BOD removal, better ammonia removal, pathogen kill, and odor control. This is the upside of having algae in your pond system.

Algae…you both love it and hate it You hate it because algae create TSS and BOD through photosynthesis. This lead violations as well pH problems. TSS violations control. This is the upside of havin caused by algae are well understood, but algae’s contribution to BOD violations requires explanation.

When the lights are on algae create oxygen.

When lights are off algae no longer create oxygen, Figure 1. TSS Filter. but consume it in a process called respiration.

Effluent TSS 105 mg/l This is why measuring dissolved oxygen before Figure 2. Algae Concentrations Vary from sunrise is so important. For twelve (12) hours One Cell to Another. This Will Change or so algae have been consuming oxygen at night under dark conditions instead of Water Quality Photo Courtesy of Mark producing it. The bacteria and protozoa in the system consume oxygen 24/7, algae Court, Wyoming Rural Water 12 hrs. When the sunlight returns algae begin once againFigure to make oxygen to add to Vary from O 2. Algae Concentrations Another. This Will Change Water Quality P the water column.

Mark Court, Wyoming Rural W Imagine dark conditions over your lagoon for Courtesy five (5) of consecutive days! What would happen to your DO? Now think about what happens algae have been consuming oxygen to your effluent sample during the BOD5 test. Under the darkened and protozoa in the system consum conditions of the BOD5 test, algae consume oxygen for five (5) days once again to make oxygen to add instead of producing it. Along with bacteria, dead and decaying algae cells can also add directly to BOD in the test bottle by releasing the material that was once bound up in their cells.

To determine algae’s influence on the BOD5 test, algae are filtered out of one of the samples in a split sample. The BOD test is run on both samples of the same sample and the two are compared. The results can Figure 3. Effluent from Each Cell in the System and the be dramatic. The following certificate shows a worst-case scenario from a Chlorine Contact Chamber lagoon system in a rural community…a system probably much like your own.

Figure 3. Effluent from Each Cell in the S Chlorine Contact Chamber

dramatic. The following certificate community…a system probably mu

28

In this system, on this day, a full 94 mg/l of BOD was caused by the presence of algae in the effluent of this lagoon system.

The Dissolved Biological Oxygen Demand (filtered BOD) is the BOD without the algae present. This system had to report effluent BOD of 100 mg/l on their DMR. So, what does this mean for all of us operating lagoon systems? Discharge as few algae cells as possible! This can successfully be accomplished by 1) discharging your effluent from a few feet below the surface of your pond’s surface or 2) using a sand filter. The newest EPA lagoon manual (EPA/600/R-11/088 | August 2011 | www. epa.gov /nrmrl) shows just how successful sand filters can be at lowering not only TSS but BOD as well. (See Chapter 7) Sand filters of all types have proven themselves effective at polishing wastewater pond system effluents to very low levels of BOD and TSS. Serious consideration should be given by any lagoon system faced with building an activated sludge plant, to polishing their lagoon effluent using some sort of sand filtration. This alternative will allow you to keep your lagoon system while minimizing upgrade costs to maintain permit compliance.

Because algae need sunlight, their concentrations are typically highest in the upper three (3) feet of a pond’s surface.

Pulling water from below this “photic zone” helps to minimize the discharge of algae cells.

In deeper treatment cells this is a smart upgrade.

Figure 4. Algae and sludge Can Both Leave the Pond System to Affect BOD

Figure 5. Pulling the Water Below Three (3) Feet Will Generally Result in Fewer Algae Cells Being Discharged 29

The Great American Water Taste Test Maggie Dixon, MRWA Training Secretary We encourage your participation in this annual taste test. If you believe that your water system has great tasting water, it’s time you submit a sample!

All you have to do is be one of the first 24 systems to register to participate by Friday February 9th, 2018. MRWA staff will contact you to make arrangements for collecting your water sample. Preliminary judging will take place to narrow the contestants down to five finalists. These finalists will receive an emailed notification. Final judging for the statewide winner will be decided at the Open House.

It’s fun and you could gain some NATIONAL recognition for your water and your system.

As a Finalist your system will: • Be invited as an honored guest to the MRWA Open House April 25, 2018 where the five finalists will be narrowed down to one Water Taste Test State Champion! Don’t forget to bring a fresh water sample! Each Sample should be at room temperature, in a quart sized, glass container.

• Be eligible to enjoy one complimentary room in Jefferson City during the evening of the MRWA Open House.

• Have the prestige of being known as one of the Top Five Best Tasting Waters in the State!

Pictured is 2017 Missouri Great American Taste Test Winner, Texas Co. PWSD #1 Left to right: Chief Operator & Technician Shannon Kuhn, Clerk Nat Fletcher, Technician Joe Smith, Clerk Misty Long, Board Vice-President Sally Connor, Board Member Virginia Burcham, Board Member Carl Huff, Jr. (back), & Board President Ralph Garrett. Not pictured are Board Member Jane Lear & Treasurer Tom Gable

As a Water Taste Test State Champion your system will: • Be awarded a plaque for having the “Best Tasting Water in Missouri” for 2018.

• Receive deserving recognition before colleagues at the Jefferson City Day breakfast during the morning following the Open House.

• Have an opportunity (if time permits in their busy schedules) to receive introductions on the respective floors by their State Senator and their State Representative at the Capitol.

• Receive a complimentary luncheon for system staff.

• Represent Missouri at the nationwide taste test in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Rural Water Association. This is a chance to capture the national spotlight for your community!

Registration and questions can be directed to: Maggie Dixon, Event Coordinator at mdixon@moruralwater.org Please submit an email with the heading of “Taste Test 2018 Entry” Including: 1. Personal contact name 2. The name of your water system 3. A telephone number at which you can be reached.

30

FOLEY RENTAL POWER

HAS THE EQUIPMENT YOU NEED TO

POWER N ELECTRIC POWER › 20kW TO 2,000kW Portable Generator Sets › Utility-grade Power Modules › Power Distribution Equipment & Transformers › Fuel Tanks, Cables and All Other Accessories

Available 24 hours a day 816.379.4700

SALES AND SERVICE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR POWER NEEDS Foley Power Solutions, your Cat® Dealer, are experts in providing you step-by-step value analysis of major, installed backup power systems. From switchgear to continued maintenance programs, our team can assure “always on” status.

Count on Foley to guide you through the entire backup power process from front-to-back end including contingency planning, solar energy options, engineering design services, fuel management, fullservice maintenance, operations training, logistics, and financing.

Foley Power Solutions. Power ON. © 2018 Foley Industries All rights reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. www.cat.com www.caterpillar.com

FoleyPowerSolutions.com

31

MRWA Services Did you know you can receive MRWA’s eUpdate Newsletter to get the latest industry news delivered right to your inbox? Receive early notice of conference registration information, classes and various other MRWA activities.

How about text notifications? MRWA will also send text messages about upcoming classes, events and severe weather preparedness reminders to your mobile device.

All you need to do to receive either of these services is go to the MRWA website at www.moruralwater.org, scroll down, and click to sign up.

MCR Enterprise, LLC

Manholes * Lift stations * Line cleaning *Root cutting * Video Inspection Smoke/Vacuum Testing * Insured * Free Estimates

636-232-5624 mcrehab.com Don’t settle for less!

32

S u s t a i n a b l e I n f r a s t r u c t ure Prestressed Concrete Water Storage Tanks

913.681.6006 www.dntanks.com Dave Ornduff, Regional Manager dave.ornduff@dntanks.com

Identifying Laboratory G

TomLaboratory Hyatt, MRWA Water Train Identifying

Glassware Answers From page 15

Peace of Mind. . .

Secure Retirement Income. . .

More than Just Retirement Benefits. . .

Missouri LAGERS Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System www.molagers.org 1-800-447-4334

Figure 1 – buret Figure 2 – graduated cylinder Figure 3 – Erlenmeyer flask Figure 4 – casserole Figure 5 – pipets Figure 6 – filtering flask Figure 7 – beaker Figure 8 – cuvette Figure 9 – test tubes Figure 10 – wash bottle Figure 11 – sampling vial Figure 12 – Buchner funnel Figure 13 – Imhoff cone

Get Your Healthy Beneets Get Your Healthy Beneets explores the details, nooks and crannies of the Healthy Beneets Program created speciically for members, vendors and affiliates of the National Rural Water Association (NRWA).

We know that as a beneets administrator you are busy wearing many hats, and we are here to help.

We’ve done all the research, and are here to simplify aspects of available offerings, give in-depth digestible explanations of program beneets and explore your FAQs concerning this revolutionary healthcare solution.

Jeanie Cunningham, Healthy Beneets MIKE KEITH INSURANCE

www.HealthyBeneetsNRWA.com 33

Take Advantage of the POWER of PeopleService – And Get a Good Night’s Sleep!

Here’s how we can help: • Tap into a network of professionals who manage the water and wastewater operations of hundreds of communities in six Midwestern states.

• Put your trust in operators who live and work alongside you in your community.

• Reduce costs and improve efficiency.

• Rely on dedicated experts who are on call 24/7, 365 days/year to respond to emergencies – so you don’t have to!

• Position your community for growth now and in the future.

What’s keeping you awake at night?

If it’s volatile operating costs, facilities running at less than maximum efficiency, the scope and complexity of regulations, shortage of trained personnel or other concerns threatening your ability to provide safe drinking water and quality wastewater disposal, it’s time to turn to the POWER of PeopleService.

Contact us today to get started and start sleeping better at night.

PeopleService.com 877-774-4311 34

Financial Reporting Requirements of Political Subdivisions in Missouri Elizabeth Grove, MRWA Management Circuit Rider Missouri statutes set forth certain financial reporting requirements for Missouri cities, towns, villages, water districts and other political subdivisions of the state.

While many are complying with the statutes, changes were made to RSMo 105.145 that became effective on August 28, 2017.

There are two primary sets of financial reporting requirements in the Missouri statutes. The first requires cities, towns and villages to publish semi-annual financial reports. These requirements can be found in RSMo 77.110 for third class cities; RSMo 79.160 for fourth class cities; and RSMo 80.210 for towns and villages.

These statutes require that the entity publish a semiannual financial report that provides information on the revenues received, disbursements made, and information on outstanding principal on debt. These publishing requirements do not apply to public water supply districts.

The specific language in the statutes is as follows: For third class cities: RSMo 77.110. Council to publish semiannual statements. — The council shall publish a full and detailed statement of the receipts and expenditures and indebtedness of the city at the end of each fiscal year and six months after the end of each fiscal year in a newspaper of general circulation in the city. Each such statement shall be for the six-month period preceding the date of the statement.

For fourth class cities: RSMo 79.160. Board shall publish semiannual statements. — The board of aldermen shall semiannually each year, at times to be set by the board of aldermen,

make out and spread upon their records a full and detailed account and statement of the receipts and expenditures and indebtedness of the city for the half year ending with the last day of the month immediately preceding the date of such report, which account and statement shall be published in some newspaper in the city.

For towns and villages: RSMo 80.210. Trustees — semiannual reports.

— The chairman of each board of trustees shall, semiannually, make out a correct statement of all moneys received and expended on account of their respective towns during the six months next preceding; and shall cause such statement, within ten days thereafter, to be published, either in some newspaper printed in the same town, or by causing copies of such statement to be put up in six of the most public places in such town.

Cities, both third and fourth class, must publish the report in a newspaper, but towns and villages have the option of publishing in a newspaper or posting in “six of the most public places in such town”.

The penalties for failing to publish the semi-annual report are spelled out for fourth class cities and towns and villages. For fourth class cities, RSMo 79.165 states that the treasurer shall not pay out any city funds after the end of the month the report should have been published.

Once the report has been published, funds can then be paid out. The statute also states that any treasurer who pays out funds in violation of this statute “shall be deemed guilty of a class A misdemeanor.”

For villages and towns, RSMo 80.220 states “ If the chairman of the board of trustees of any town shall, at any time, neglect to make, and cause such statement to be published, as required by section 80.210, he shall forfeit for every such neglect the sum of fifty dollars, to be recovered by civil action in any court of record, one-half whereof shall be to the use of such town, and the other half to the use of any taxpayer of said town who will sue for the same.” (continued on next page)

35

(continued from page 35)

Needless to say, it is important that cities, towns and villages make sure the semi-annual financial report is published timely.

The second requirement for financial reporting is submission of the “annual financial report” to the state auditor. RSMo 105.145 requires every political subdivision of the state to submit an annual financial report to the state auditor no later than six months after the end of the entity’s fiscal year end. This applies to cities, towns, villages, public water supply districts, transportation districts, ambulance districts, etc. Any political subdivision of the state, except counties and school districts, is required to submit this information.

Such entities must submit either a financial report on a form prescribed by the state auditor, which can be downloaded from the state auditor’s website, or submit a copy of an annual audit report that was done by a CPA. The statute was changed in 2017 to provide for penalties for entities that fail to submit an annual financial report. RSMo 105.145(9) states: “Any political subdivision that fails to timely submit a copy of the annual financial statement to the state auditor shall be subject to a fine of five hundred dollars per day.”

The statute further authorizes the state auditor to send a list of non-compliant entities to the director of revenue, who may then withhold tax revenues from the entities until a report has been submitted. While this may be an effective method to assess the fine against cities and villages, it is not clear how the fine will be assessed against a city or a public water supply district that does not have tax revenue due from the Missouri Department of Revenue. The Department of Revenue is required to give notice to the entity by certified mail that the auditor has not received the required annual financial report and the entity has 30 days in which to submit the report to the state auditor before the fine is assessed.

The statute also requires in RSMO 105.145(5) that “no member of the governing body of any political subdivision of the state shall receive any compensation or payment of expenses after the end of the time within 36

which the financial statement of the political subdivision is required to be filed….”

So, if you have not been performing these financial reporting requirements, you must begin complying with the statutes or face fines and penalties. MWRA has some sample semi-annual financial reporting templates to use for publishing, so give us a call if you need assistance.

If you do not have an annual audit performed for your entity and need assistance filling out the forms from the state auditor’s office, contact us and we can help you fill out the needed information.

SM

Mid-Missouri Corporate Wellness Vendor

A Healthy Agenda can help YOUR COMPANY: •Manage health costs through the use of LOCAL resources •Reduce health care premium costs •Reduce employee sick day usage •Reduce the need for prescription medication •Improve employee energy and focus at work •Improve health through LOCAL one-on-one life coaching •Develop personalized incentive programs •Produce aggregate reports for overall company trends •Utilize Genetic Testing and Telemedicine

NOW THAT’S AN AHA! MOMENT

CALL TODAY! 573.514.6065 WWW.CHEWS-YOUR-HEALTH.COM EMAIL: CYH@CHEWS-YOUR-HEALTH.COM

W H AT E V E R I T TA K E S !

1-800-798-4205 N U T R I J E C T. C O M TURNKEY BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT • BIOSOLIDS TRANSPORTATION • DREDGING • DIGESTER AND L AGOON CLEANING • HIGH PRESSURE WATER BL ASTING • BIOSOLIDS APPLIC ATION WET/DRY • W A T E R P L A N T R E S I D U A L S • L A G O O N A E R A T I O N R E PA I R S

HD SUPPLY WATERWORKS IS NOW

COUNT ON CORE & MAIN’S

DEPENDABLE EXPERTISE

Solutions and support you can count on.

coreandmain.com PAAMRWA20180109

37

On-Site Chlorine Generation to reduce Disinfection By-Products: Brad Rayburn, MRWA Circuit Rider #3 For the past 3 years, my son, Garrett, has looked forward to Missouri’s youth deer hunting season. Since his first hunt in 2015, he doesn’t want to miss a minute of youth season. It was on the second morning of the 2017 Missouri youth deer hunting season that Garrett woke up suffering with allergies. His cough and sniffling had intensified in volumes during the night, but by the next morning; off he went into the woods. After several hours and to my dismay, I saw a deer and whispered to my son, “Don’t move Garrett. I see a deer.” The deer lifted her head to get a good smell of us and took off. It was disappointing to see the deer run off, but it was encouraging that the deer seemed to be on the move. A few minutes went by and four deep coughs later when I noticed a deer walking towards us. I could not believe that a deer would be within a mile of where we were, but it was within 20 yards of us. I nudged Garrett and told him where the deer was located. As Garrett stood up, the deer started to walk off, but the deer stopped long enough in the open for him to get a shot off. We were able to recover the deer 100 yards from where he was shot. I could not have been prouder for Garrett, and he was certainly excited to have killed a deer, too.

A few years ago, the Missouri Department of Conservation created a youth firearms weekend that allows only youths between the ages of 6 and 15 to harvest a deer. This implemented change has been a wonderful opportunity for Missouri’s youth to harvest an animal without having to compete with other hunters in the woods. Change is something that we can all relate to, and the water industry has grown accustomed to things changing. These changes are often in the form of rules or regulations and are put in place to improve the quality of water that is served to the public.

In 1974 the Safe Drinking Water Act, SDWA, was established by the Environmental Protection Agency Brad and Garrett (USEPA) to protect 38

the quality of the nation’s drinking water. This started the movement of widespread disinfection with chlorine for many public water systems in the United States. Chlorination is a great form of disinfection and has drastically reduced disease in drinking water. The Missouri Rural Water Association assists many water systems with installation of new chlorination equipment and troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment that is already in place.

For non-chlorinated systems that receive unsafe water sample test results, injecting chlorine with a pump at the water source is a proven method of ridding that system of the contaminants that caused the unsafe water sample.

Throughout Missouri there are many public water systems that utilize some form of chlorination to disinfect their water supply.

Unfortunately, disinfecting with chlorine may come with the negative effect of creating disinfection by-products (DBPs). Chlorine reacts with material in the raw water and forms DBP’s, which at elevated levels, are hazardous to public health. Water systems are required to monitor for the two groups of DBPs, which are total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and five Haloacetic acids (HAA5). These two groups are covered under the EPA’s Stage 1 and Stage 2 Disinfectant and Disinfection Byproduct Rule which set limits on DBPs. These limits affect all public water systems that add a disinfectant, regardless of their size. Under the Stage 2 DBPR, the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for TTHMs is .08 mg/l and HAA5 is .06 mg/l based on a running annual average calculation. This means that the sampled water must be below the MCL at each sampling site to remain in compliance of the DBPR. The Stage 2 DBPR went into effect January 4, 2006 and has impacted small community water systems and non-transient non-community water systems serving fewer than 10,000 people that disinfect or that purchase water from a wholesale water supply. More information about the Stage 1 and Stage 2 DBPR can be found at the (continued on page 40)

39

(continued from page 38)

40

following website, https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/stage1-and-stage-2-disinfectants-and-disinfection-byproductsrules. Not every water system that disinfects is negatively affected by this rule because their monitoring results for DBPs are well under the MCL. Those systems must monitor for DBPs, but because they have not exceeded the MCL, they are not required to take corrective action. Water systems that are over the MCL must take corrective action to determine what can be done to decrease the DBPs. This can be difficult for water systems that purchase water from another supply because they are not involved in the treatment process of that water.

Fortunately, there are various methods that are available that can reduce the amount of DBPs in the distribution system. One method in particular, where water systems are seeing positive results with reducing DBPs, is with on-site generation of a mixed oxidant solution.

On-site generation utilizes water and food grade salt that is injected into an electrolysis cell. Electrolysis occurs in the cell that creates a Mixed Oxidant Solution (MOS) chemistry. Mixed oxidants have the disinfection power of chlorine, but they have also been documented by numerous agencies to inactivate even chlorine resistant microorganisms, such as Cryptosporidium. The presence of TTHMs and HAA5s will still be in the water but it has been proven that the MOS can reduce those DBPs by 30 to 50%. This is all dependent on the number of precursors present in the raw water that increase the DBPs when chlorine is added. On-site chlorine generation also provides a chlorine residual without the safety and handling issues associated with traditional chlorination.

The amount of contact time for the MOS system can be reduced because it can achieve higher inactivation levels of organisms. MIOX is one company that offers a wide variety of on-site generation possibilities for large and small water systems. They have a range of on-site generators that can produce anywhere from 1 pound of solution to 2000 pounds of solution. MIOX has several case studies available where their MOS system has reduced the amount of DBPs in distribution systems. To find out more information about MIOX and their on-site chlorine generation systems, go to http://www.miox.com/ products/on-site-generation/.

As rules and regulations become more stringent, producing safe drinking water for public consumption can become increasingly difficult. Fortunately, as rules

MIOX

change, so do the technology and products that water systems have available to help them remain in compliance.

It is important to note that anytime there is a change to the treatment process of water, in Missouri, it must first be approved by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Missouri water systems produce some of the highest quality water in the United States. This is because of the great work that is done by water professionals; working hard every day to produce safe drinking water that comes from the ground, rivers, lakes, or streams.

Conventional chlorination is not going away and is still a terrific way to disinfect. While it may not be for every system, on-site chlorine generation is an option that is available to systems that may struggle with high DBPs or meeting ample detention time. Sometimes things change at the blink of an eye while other times it happens much slower. It’s always good to stay prepared for what might happen. If a water system is currently on the borderline for exceeding the MCL for DBPs, then it might be time to begin planning and researching other options available to reduce DBPs. When the Missouri Department of Conservation changed the rules allowing youths their own weekend for deer hunting, it gave parents a great opportunity to spend time with their kids in the great outdoors, greatly improving the odds for kids to harvest an animal.

Likewise, the EPA did not initiate the DBPR to punish systems and increase water production costs, but rather put the change in place to improve the quality of water that people consume.

Contact Missouri Rural Water Association for any questions concerning the Disinfection By-Product Rule or the on-site generation of chlorine.

meet your

dream team

We maximize asset performance, simplify utility operation and deliver peace of mind.

meet your

Asset Maintenance Program

tanks | water wells | meters | filters | network distribution | concrete water assets

Technologies & Services

ice pigging | helium leak detection | tank mixing | THM removal | biosolids management

Contact your local Water System Consultant: Tom Stechmann 855.526.4413 • help@utilityservice.com Utility Service Co., Inc. • www.utilityservice.com 41

Oh no!! Do I have a water leak?

Joe Anstine, MRWA Circuit Rider #2 Dealing with water main breaks can sometimes be an everyday occurrence for some water systems and for the lucky systems, maybe once a year. Traveling the state of Missouri assisting water systems in locating water leaks, I can tell you, some of those leaks can be tricky. So, what sets the wheels in motion determining if you have a water leak?

Some quick signs showing a water leak may be: water surfacing or ponding in an area where there is normally no standing or flowing water; calls from customers complaining about low water pressure; calls from customers with no water; high water usage at the finished water meter. We have all seen these situations and many more.

Dealing with standing water or water surfacing along the water main, water will always follow the path of least resistance. Water that Ponding Water is coming up at one point may either be a water leak or water flow from many feet away. For instance, one day while I was at a system looking for a leak, water was coming out of a newly bored gas line trench “up-hill” approximately 150 feet from where the actual leak was located. Low water pressure on the customer side of the meter may be a leak or may just be a restriction between the water main and the connection.

No water on the customer side? Well, somebody better start by looking at the customer’s water meter to see if it’s turning or if the customer has been turned off for

alw@mmepumpshop.com

42

non-payment. This has also happened to me while I was looking for a water leak due to no water at a customer’s residence. I found the meter had been turned off for non-payment and the shutoff crew had not reported it to the rest of the crew.

The customer just knew the city had a water leak. After paying their bill, the water service was restored, and they had water. Amazing!

Now, after we determine, X-Mic Listening Device “Yes, you do have a water leak,” what do we need to do to locate the leak? My procedure is usually a little different for municipalities compared to water districts.

Municipalities can usually have various materials for water mains: Asbestos cement, cast iron, ductile iron, PVC, black rolled plastic, etc. Heck, I even once saw where green garden hose had been used to repair a water main.

When I arrive onsite, my first question is “Do you have any idea where the water leak is?” Sometimes I get a, “Yes, we do,” but for the most part I get, “We have no idea! That’s why we called you!” After review of the daily usage records, monthly records, and any information available, I will set out with a plan. If the system has no idea where to start, I usually start at the source and try to get an idea of how much water is being used within (continued on page 44)

Environmental Resources Training Center One-Year Water Quality Control Operations Program

Training for Your Future

The ERTC-SIUE Water Quality Control Operations program is a one-year, full time program of study leading to a Certificate of Completion. Classes start in late August and end in the following July. The students’ learning is split between the classroom and the operation of ERTC’s 30,000 gallon/day training-scale water and wastewater treatment plants. Upon completion of the full year program, students are eligible to take Missouri and Illinois certification exams to become certified as entry-level public water supply operators and wastewater treatment operators.

Starting salaries range from $35,000 per year to more than $45,000 per year. Students have access to loans, scholarships, and military veterans’ grants and programs.

Hands-on learning at the most unique Training Center in the Nation

ERTC Also Offers Continuing Education ERTC has been providing continuing education to water and wastewater operators for over 35 years. Specialized training includes: Drinking water treatment operations, wastewater treatment plant operations, sample collection, laboratory procedures, lagoons, pumps and pumping, wells, safety, mechanical maintenance, leak detection, locates, instrumentation, SCADA, electrical maintenance, collection systems, distribution systems, filtration, and disinfection.

Courses Approved by Missouri DNR

Classes Taught by Experienced Professionals www.siue.edu/ertc 618-650-2030 Environmental Resources Training Center 43

(continued from page 42)

the system at that particular time of day. I then travel and listen to fire hydrants, water meters, valves, or anything else available connected to the system. If there aren’t many fire hydrants in the system, I’ll break up the distribution and listen to water meters and valves along the way. This technique works well for cast iron pipe as leak noise travels well on cast iron, but not so well on PVC or asbestos cement. If I know it’s a PVC water main, it will require a lot more listening to meters to determine an area. If the municipality has several working valves, we can isolate areas into dead-end lines and listen to that area for water flowing through the valve by squeezing the valve to an almost closed position. While doing this, you may hear usage through the valve, but most usage noise will typically come and go, while a water leak noise will remain steady.

After an area of concern is determined, I use a hard-surface listening device if on pavement or other hard surface, or utilize a correlator to determine the water leak location. Some things to note about the correlator is that it is very dependent on input information: type of material it is Hard-Surface Listening correlating, diameter size of the main it is correlating, and the distance between the pods that are being set out to do the correlation.

Inaccuracies in distance, pipe size, or pipe material will greatly affect the accuracy of pinpointing location. The correlation equipment utilizes technology that measures

44

known sound time travel along a known material. For instance, sound travels at approximately 4,203 feet per second on 4-inch cast iron pipe where 4-inch PVC pipe sound travels at 1,378 feet per second. There’s quite a difference in the sound transit time, thus making the results of the correlation very dependent on accurate information.

Water districts commonly utilize PVC for water mains. Following a review of records, I usually start in the field by throttling water main valves down to create deadend mains. After this is done, I can then start turning valves down to determine which way the water leak may possibly be located. Again, the water flowing through the valve for customer usage will typically surge up and down over a short period of time, whereas a water leak will have a steady noise in the valve. After determining the direction the water is flowing, I will follow the noise from valve to valve until we come to a valve that doesn’t have leak noise. This means we have possibly passed the water leak. At this point, I will listen to each individual meter or any place I can physically touch the water main.

Again, in a water district, there may be a two-mile section or more with nothing to listen to, so if it is determined there is the possibility of a water leak in that section, the system may have to do some exploratory digging.

Additionally, MRWA has recently purchased a flow meter that can be strapped onto the water main. This device uses technology that will show the direction of flow and the amount of flow. If we dig a hole down to the water main past the last known noise and place the flow tester on the water main and it shows little to no flow, then we know that the leak is between the valve and the test hole. Now we can dig another hole back towards the valve and further narrow the Flow Meter search area until the leak is found.

For assistance with water loss and leak location, contact MRWA! We will be glad to assist you.

Did you know...

MRWA has developed 10 FREE smartphone apps for you to utilize on the job.

Apps are available for both Apple and Android devices.

“Want training, conference, and MRWA news updates? Sign up to join our e-mail list. To sign up, go to our website or Facebook page!!”

Find us on: Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

45

MRWA’s Newest Member Service – The Eye in the Sky: MRWA’s Drone Program Eric Fuchs, MRWA Ag Resource Technician/Emergency Response Coordinator It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no... it’s the MRWA drone!

Once again MRWA has taken the charge into new bounds with our drone program. We now have 2 fully certified FAA 107 (Drone) pilots with more to be trained waiting in the wings. The uses of drones in water and wastewater seem to be limited only by our imaginations. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of those uses.

Figure 1 Drone inspection of storage tank at Cooper Co. PWSD #1.

Tank Inspection: We have already used the drone to look at tops of storage tanks for open/locked hatches, out of place cables, and places in need of paint. For insurance reasons, many operators aren’t allowed by their systems to climb storage tanks. Other operators may be like some of us; scared and out of shape!

Here is an example of using drones for external tank inspection.

A system is experiencing numerous bad samples.

After checking everything on the ground, they still can’t figure out what is causing those bad samples. Flying the drone could assist with the investigation, ruling out the possibility of an open hatch or other possible influence on the tank by the outside environment.

Landmark photography/videography: One of the best uses we have seen thus far, is for systems doing line extensions or installing entirely new distribution/ 46

collection systems. The drone can be used to fly over the construction gaining landmark photographs or videos as contractors are installing lines. The information obtained showing valve clusters or other important landmarks can be invaluable later when there is a change of operators or new management at a system. This information coupled with GPS mapping could make future system maintenance easier and less expensive. The video can be used to see exactly where lines are in reference to roads, fences or other landmarks, saving the system man-hours with future line location. Time saved is money saved.

Promotions or Ad campaigns: How about an aerial picture of your headquarters or main office?

Whether you are a district, municipality, or business, a Christmas card or calendar with a picture of a newly painted storage tank or your office location with vehicles and equipment parked in front, make for a good promotional product.

Figure 2 Photo taken of Flynn Drilling Social Hour at 2017 Fall Operations & Maintenance Symposium.

Emergency Management Surveillance: If part of a town or water or wastewater system is damaged due to a natural or man-made disaster, a drone could be used to assess damage in inaccessible or remote areas. This

could keep operators and emergency managers safe and away from potential dangers. In the past, MRWA has assisted systems with damage due to flooded creeks or rivers. Using a drone to fly creek crossings or over an intake or water plant could be a crucial asset for a quick system recovery.

Wastewater: For wastewater operators, there are uses which can help you out with your day-to-day operations. We can fly over your lagoon to look at flow patterns from your influent entering the lagoon to see if it’s a pattern that is conducive to good distribution.

A note here is, this is definitely not the time for a drone crash. A bird’s eye view could give a more comprehensive view of the treatment process. Different areas of color on the surface of your lagoon can be indicators of what might be going on with your bugs and treatment.

We also would like to hear from you, our membership. What uses can you see using a drone to help our industry? Where do you see the most benefit to help you in your day-to-day operations? What services would you like to see provided by a drone?

Our membership’s input helps us improve our service to you.

If you are interested in utilizing MRWA’s drone at your system, please contact Eric Fuchs at (573) 4291383 or efuchs@moruralwater.org

P.O. Box 4018 Ballwin, MO 63022 636-391-8992 Fax: 636-391-1544 resslerassociates.com

the

THE CLEAR CHOICE FOR YOUR WATER NEEDS

Water Quality Monitors Lime Slakers Membrane Technology Aeration Spare Parts & Replacements

Filters & Media Chlorination Equipment Stripping Towers Mixers/Flocculators Chemical Metering Pumps

Quality Products with Superior Service 47

Around the State Capitol Harry Hill, MRWA Lobbyist Art in the Missouri Capitol, like the building itself, is getting close to 100 years old. And much like an aging building, that artwork, especially paintings, needs maintenance and repairs.

In recent weeks, a team of art conservators have been giving the paintings in our Capitol close scrutiny.

“The very good news was that the murals are in good shape,” said Ms. Wendy Partridge who is from ICA Art Conservation, a non-profit art conservation center based in Cleveland, OH. Ms. Partridge said only one-quarter to one-third of the paintings need cleaning or minor repairs. One of the second-floor lunettes needs some major repairs due, possibly to water damage or painting technique, she said. A lunette is a half-moon shaped painting usually found on a wall or other interior surface.

Inspection of art in Capitol It’s not unusual for large, older buildings to have water leaks, especially around skylights, which can damage art work, she explained. However, modern HVAC systems have significantly improved conditions regarding relative humidity and consistent temperatures which helps to preserve paintings, she added.

Ms. Partridge said she had been told that the Missouri Capitol was one of the most beautiful in the world. “And I would absolutely believe that,” she said following her work there.

She singled out several paintings which she feels are of particular interest. One of those, The Thomas Hart Benton Murals, she believes are extraordinary. Ms. Partridge explained she had seen earlier Benton works where the artist was compelled to return to make repairs.

But in Missouri, she said, Benton was clearly at his very best.

When asked about the value of the Benton Murals in the Missouri Capitol, Ms. Partridge said they are “priceless.” She explained that nothing like them has been sold, thus there are no comparables.

48

Ms. Partridge mentioned the works of Frank Brangwyn, an English muralist whose large paintings adorn the walls of the third-floor rotunda as well as in the eye of the dome. She said that Mr. Brangwyn was a well-known artist of that era who did not visit Missouri. He painted the murals in his home country and had the completed canvases shipped to Missouri.

Mr. Brangwyn also painted a circular canvas (mural) that can be found at the highest point in the building’s interior – at the very top (eye) of the dome. That mural is believed to be eight stories above the third-floor rotunda. Ms. Partridge explained that without extensive scaffolding, it is nearly impossible to check the condition of that particular mural.

By using an exceptionally strong telephoto lens and camera, it was determined that the Brangwyn art is in good shape.

Working with Ms. Partridge was Ms. Andrea Chevalier, senior conservator at the Cleveland Art Center.

Dome

49

Come on in! Check out ALL the benefits and information available only to members!

Share R

Network

Online Community

Discover

Where Water Pros Go! http://waterprocommunity.org

PITTSBURG TANK & TOWER MAINTENANCE CO., INC.

SAVE!

We have a crew in YOUR AREA! Inspections Wet Dry ROV

Repair In Service Cleaning Paint Insulation

New & Used

Tanks

Relocation

Elevated

Erection

Underground

Dismantles

Ground

ROV inspections can be viewed on TV console During inspection & DVD provided. All inspections Include bound reports, recommendations, and cost estimates.

Patrick Heltsley

Don Johnston

(270) 826-9000 x 4601 (270) 826-9000 x 1001 270-748-1325

(270) 748-1343

www.watertank.com 50

Ph (314) 628-0100 (573) 314-4388 Fax (314) 628-0700 Cell (573) 604-2977

Driving community and industry forward, together.

1719 Southridge Drive, Suite 100 Jefferson City, MO (573) 634-3181 www.bartwest.com

No matter the application, ADC can help you identify the water and wastewater treatment chemicals you need and deliver them to your door.

This focus on service provides a higher customer relationship standard.

It goes beyond traditional service calls and simple deliveries.

ADC builds relationships that last.

ADC delivers.

Customized solutions for water & wastewater treatment facilities

1.888.542.8561

•

adc-chem.com

821 William D. Jones Drive • P.O. Box 620 • Fayetteville, TN 37334

51

A SUPERIOR WEBSITE FOR YOUR TOWN OR WATER SYSTEM IS NOW EASY

& AFFORDABLE! Municipal Impact and Rural Water Impact provide beautiful, mobile-friendly websites for towns and Water Systems – all at a very affordable price. Kick back while we do all the work and setup, then make updates yourself anytime you want.

Secure hosting and unlimited support are included, too.

You’ll never hire an expensive web designer again! . . . . . . . . .

“We’re the Website People!”

For pricing and information, visit us online at www.municipalimpact.com or www.ruralwaterimpact.com Or call us today at 1.800.551.4815.

52

Rural Water

Demands Aquastore!

Here’s Why: The Best Coating

Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks have been proven in rural areas for over 60 years. There is simply not a better tank coating on the market.

Flexible Applications

Aquastore is the leader in rural water quality, service and lifetime value delivered to our customers. We design and build Aquastore tanks that satisfy rural water storage and treatment needs.

The Right Storage Tank

At Cady Aquastore, we don’t just sell you a tank with turnkey support from start to finish. We help specify, design and construct the right tank for your situation.

Never Needs Repainting

An Aquastore never needs repainting. For the minimal maintenance required, Cady Aquastore provides support when needed.

For more information, visit www.CadyAquastore.com or call 815-899-5678

920 W Prairie Drive, Suite G • Sycamore, IL 60178 Ph: 8 15-8 99-5678 • Fx: 8 15-8 99-568 1 daveh@cadyaquastore.com • www.cadyaquastore.com

©2013. Aquastore is a registered trademark of CST Industries, Inc.

Chemicals, Equipment and Service for

Safe, Clean Water Delivering the quality and service you can trust and depend on.

Water Treatment & Equipment: • Potable Water • Wastewater • Industrial Water • Raw Water Clarification

• Swimming Pools • Collection Systems • Heating & Cooling Systems • Agricultural Water

Serving customers in 23 states 1.800.328.5460 www.hawkinsinc.com

Serving Customers Since 1938

Columbia, MO Centralia, IL Fort Smith, AR 573.886.9500 618. 545.3775 479.648.9900 Memphis, TN Garnett, KS 901.774.1299 785.448.1610 53

MISSOURI

SPECIAL

DISTRICT

INSURANCE

MRWA endorsed Property & Casualty Insurance Provider

Representing two markets to better serve MRWA’s Water and Sewer Utility Members.

Marketed by Mike Keith Insurance through select local independent agents throughout the State of MO.

Specialized Coverage for Water and Sewer Utilities

Coverage Includes • General Liability • Property • Equipment • Auto • Directors & Officers • • Employment Practices Liability • Cyber/Privacy Liability •

Mike Keith Insurance, Inc Clinton, Missouri: 1.800.748.7985 Email: mkeithins@mkeithins.com 54

1

9

7

2

5

0

55 RWLF Full page ad Under Construction Friday, May 29, 2015 2:54:34 PM

Anthony Hays, Computer Services Manager Ann Perkins, Director of Finance & Administration Stacey Wheeler, Account Manager

Anthony, Ann and Stacey implement consistency throughout Alliance partner communities, enabling more than 300 employees to maximize our shared resources for the beneďŹ t of our clients.

When you partner with Alliance, you get: Professional operation and management Guaranteed regulatory compliance Long-term planning and financial management

Learn more about our people, our company and the resources we can bring to your community at AllianceWater.com.

56

Equipment That Works for Your Community.

KX040 — Standard Tail Swing Excavators

SVL95-2 — Compact Track Loaders

ZD1000 Series — Zero Turn Mowers

BX Series — Sub-Compact Tractors

• Turbocharged Kubota Diesel Engine — 40.4 HP* • Kubota Original ECO PLUS® Prioritizes Fuel Economy • Superior Cabin with A/C and Deluxe Suspension Seat Available

• Powerful Kubota Diesel Engines — 19.3–21.6 HP* • All-New 48", 54" or 60" Kubota ProDeck with Aerodynamic Cutting System (ACS) • Up to 22% Improved Fuel Efficiency

• Turbocharged Kubota Diesel Engine — 96.4 HP* • Standard 2-Speed Travel, Auxiliary Hydraulics & High Ground Clearance • Spacious Cab with Premium High-Back, Full-Suspension Seat

• Powerful Kubota Diesel Engines — 18–25.5 HP* • Available Performance-Matched Attachments & Implements • New Easy-Over Mid-Mount Mower Deck** — Available in 54" or 60" Deck

Explore Kubota’s full line of quality mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, construction equipment and more.

Visit www.MissouriKubotaDealers.com to find a dealer near you! kubota.com *For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer and the product operator’s manual. Power (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or recommended practices. **Available on BX2370 and BX2670 models only. Kubota Tractor Corporation Markets a Full Line of Tractors and Construction Equipment Through a Nationwide Network of Over 1,000 Authorized Dealers. Optional equipment may be shown.

© Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2016

57 KUB5527 - 2016 KAA MO Rural Water Program (KX/SVL/ZD/BX) - 7.5 x 10

58

BSR Bailey Special Risks, Inc.

Bailey Special Risks, Inc. proudly offers Beazley Breach Response insurance.

This unique insurance provides a comprehensive service that protects utilities that have suffered a data breach with notification, loss control, credit monitoring services, and more.

Data Breach Insurance for Utilities

563 million

100

records reported leaked

95

since Privacy Rights Clearinghouse began tracking US data breaches in 2005

75

25 5 0

For more information, go to www.nrwa.org/affinity BSR half page ad Wednesday, March 11, 2015 9:30:56 AM

TOMCAT CONSULTANTS, LLC & Portable Hydro-Pneumatic Tanks from 1,000 TO 25,000 Gallons !!

Ph: 573-764-5255

The safest way to maintain positive system pressure while your potable water storage tank is off line for repair or renovation.

WE SPECIALIZE IN THE SANITARY ASPECTS OF WATER STORAGE: * Emergency or Sanitary Inspections & Evaluations * Critical Work-In-Progress Phase Inspections * Writing of Specifications * Short & Long Term Portable Tank Rentals * Consulting on Drinking Water Problems or Issues E-mails: tapco@fidnet.com or Website: www.tomcatconsultants.com

tomcatandtap@yahoo.com Fax: 573-764-6255

Members: Clyde H. Zelch, Tina Keeney, Morgan Zelch, J.W. Zelch

dba T.A.P. Company

Tank* Accessories* Parts * Co. Ph: 573-764-7255

Tank Sanitation Starts With A T.A.P. Co. Vent OUR PATENTED INSECT/FROST PROOF VENTS ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SIMPLICITY, DURABIITY, SECURITY AND QUALITY. Other items we fabricate include: Roof Hatches, Ladder Sections, Davit Arms, Pressure Manways, Overflow Discharge Ends (flapgates), Roof Fan Flange Assemblies, Patented Triple Check Circulation Systems & Patent Pending powerMIX Tank Mixing Systems 59

MEETING ALL YOUR WATER TOWER NEEDS

Services We Provide Sandblasting Disinfections Painting Interior and Exterior Emergency Welding Repairs Inspections and Wash-Outs Safety Accessories Installations Annual Inspection Program Specification Reviews Budget Pricing

CALL DARRIN OR PENNY TODAY FOR YOUR WATER TOWER EVALUATIONS Office: 573-323-6450

Fax: 573-323-6450

www.watertowerpainting.com

tankpainters@yahoo.com

Our Employees are OSHA trained and we have 7 NACE certified Inspectors Darrin and Penny Treadway-Owners NACE Level 3 Inspectors 60

Manufacturers who are our partners and for which Midwest Meter Inc. is a leading distributor: Clow Valve Company, Ionware, Kennedy Valve, M&H Valve, Badger Meter, Ford Meter Box, Clow Water Systems, Regal Gas Chlorinators, and Tyler Pipe. Midwest Meter specializes in meter repair and testing both sonic and conventional.

FORD METER BOX

Corporate Office: 200 E. Franklin St. P.O. Box 318 Edinburg, IL 62531-0318 Phone 800-634-4746 Fax 217-623-4216

Branch location: 1078 Wolverine Lane Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Phone 800-635-4746 Fax 573-334-0151 Website: www.midwest-meter.com

61

MRWA Calendar of Events January 2

New Year’s Holiday

MRWA Office Closed

23

Northwest Training Spectacular

The Old School/Cameron

The Flow of Water – Premier Series Training

24

Chemical Feed – Premier Series Training

25

Northeast Training Extravaganza

Water Distribution Tools & Practices – Premier Series Training

St. Robert

22

In-Depth Lagoon Operations & Compliance – Premier Series Training O’Fallon

30

Good Friday Holiday

April 25

Desloge

Mark Twain Country Club/Paris Festus

MRWA Office Closed

MRWA Legislative Open House/

MRWA Office in Ashland

Great American Water Taste Test 26

Jefferson City Day

May 1

Water Regulations Update

2

Distribution System Components & Concepts

Sikeston

3

Water Regulations Update

Sullivan

8

Water Regulations Update

La Belle

9

Distribution System Components & Concepts

Centralia

10

Water Regulations Update

Louisiana

22

Water Regulations Update

Princeton

23

Distribution System Components & Concepts

MRWA Office Closed

24

Water Regulations Update

Senath

28

Memorial Day Holiday

February 5 – 7

National Rural Water Rally

Washington, D.C.

6

Board & Council Training

7

Distribution System Components and Concepts

Lafayette

14 – 3/22 10-Day Drinking Water Certification

Course 14

Distribution System Components and Concepts

15

Water Regulations Update

19

Presidents’ Day Holiday

21

Water Regulations Update

Moscow Mills Hannibal Malden Caruthersville

27 – 3/1 2018 MRWA Annual Conference

Fredericktown

Bethany Tarkio

MRWA Office Closed

Branson

June March 7 – 4/11 10-Day DW & DS Certification

Course

Fredericktown

11

Daylight Saving Time Starts

19

In-Depth Lagoon Operations & Compliance – Premier Series Training

20

In-Depth Lagoon Operations & Compliance – Premier Series Training Chilicothe

21

In-Depth Lagoon Operations & Compliance – Premier Series Training Hannibal

62

Concordia

19

The Flow of Water – Premier SeriesTraining

Carthage

20

Chemical Feed – Premier Series Training

Stockton

21

Water Distribution Tools & Practices – Premier Series Training

Nixa

July 4

Independence Day Holiday

MRWA Office Closed

For more information, pleaase contact: Dan Schuette (573-821-0588), or Bill Stouffer (660-287-4510) or our general office number (573-635-7570).

63

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID

901 Richardson Drive Ashland, Missouri 65010 “your resource for water quality.”

ATTENTION: WATER DEPT.

When finished reading, please route to n Operators/Managers n Clerk/Treasurer n Board/Council/Commission

Jefferson City, MO Permit No. 286