MRWA Missouri WaterLines Winter 2021/22

Affiliate, National Rural Water Association

Winter 2021-2022

In this Issue: From the Executive Director........................................................... 4 The Impact of COVID.................................................................. 10 Energy Efficiency Assessment....................................................... 15 Bad Behavior.................................................................................. 18 Hermitage – An Energy Efficiency Success Story......................... 23 WaterDrop Awards for Excellence................................................ 28 Source Water Protection............................................................... 29 Faces of Rural Water................................................................ 30-31 Progress, Tradition, and Change................................................... 35 Communicating with Decision Makers......................................... 38 MRWA Conferences...................................................................... 43 MRWA Conference Highlights............................................... 44-45 Calendar of Events......................................................................... 58

City of Oronogo, Missouri

City of New Haven, Missouri

$1,560,500

$1,600,000 General Obligation Bonds

Lease Purchase Agreement

PWSD No. 3 of Caldwell County, Missouri $1,194,917 Refunding Equipment Lease Purchase Agreement

Proceeds were used to acquire construct, improve, and extend a portion of the City’s Combined Waterworks and Sewerage System.

Proceeds were used to acquire, construct, improve, furnish and equip a new aquatic facility for the City.

City of Piedmont, Missouri

City of Cole Camp, Missouri

City of King City, Missouri

$3,218,000 Combined Waterworks and Sewerage System Refunding Revenue Bonds

$1,838,593 Combined Waterworks and Sewerage System Refunding Revenue Bonds Proceeds were used to refund the City’ Series 2008 A & B Combined Sewerage System Revenue Bonds.

$549,657 Equipment Lease Purchase Agreement

Proceeds were used to refund the City’s Series 2010A Bonds and pay associated costs.

City of Nevada, Missouri

City of Lexington, Missouri

$2,875,000 Refunding Certificates of Participation

$7,635,000 Waterworks System Revenue Bonds

Proceeds were used to refund the City’s Series 2011 Certificates of Participation and pay associated costs.

Proceeds were used to fund, acquire, extend and improve the Waterworks System and service to the City.

Proceeds were used to refund the District’s outstanding Series 2003 Waterworks Revenue Bonds and Series 2018 Lease Purchase Agreement.

Proceeds were used to refund the City’s Series 2017 Lease Purchase Agreement and make improvements to the Combined Waterworks and Sewerage system.

City of Meadville, Missouri $494,000 Combined Waterworks and Sewerage System Revenue Bonds State of Missouri Direct Loan Program Proceeds were used to make improvements to the City’s wastewater collection and treatment system.

City of Troy, Missouri PWSD No. 1 of Andrew County, Missouri

$1,200,000 Lease Purchase Agreement

Proceeds were used to fund phase one and two of the District's plan to acquire, construct and improve the Waterworks System.

$18,887,000 Combined Waterworks and Sewerage System Revenue Bonds State of Missouri Direct Loan Program Proceeds were used to extend and improve the City’s Combined Waterworks and Sewerage System.

C-PWSD No. 1 of Barton, Dade, Cedar and Jasper Counties, Missouri

$2,311,898 Waterworks System Refunding Revenue Bond

Proceeds were used to refund the District’s outstanding Series 2011 Bonds.

Don’t roll the dice… Go with who you know.

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Contact Charlie Zitnik, Steve Goehl, or Brock Goehl at 1-800-206-0634 2

MRWA Board of Directors

REGION I:

Roger Barker Daviess County PWSD #3 116 Waterworks Drive Gallatin, MO 64640 (660) 663-2771 Fax: (660) 663-2771 rbarker@moruralwater.org

REGION II:

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

REGION III:

Tammie Winter C-PWSD #2 of Lafayette, Johnson And Saline Counties 1801 Walnut Street Higginsville, MO 64037 660/584-2344 Fax: 660-584-7650 twinter@moruralwater.org

REGION V:

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

REGION VI:

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

REGION VII:

Paul Michael Shaw City of Caruthersville Municipal Building 200 W. 3rd St. Caruthersville, MO 63830 pmshaw@moruralwater.org

REGION IV:

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

Staff

Crystal Cooper

Jeff Lee

Joe Anstine

Water Circuit Rider

Klark Bohling

EPA Water Training Specialist Water Circuit Rider

Jim Patton

Small Systems Circuit Rider

Loyd Rawlings

Source Water Protection Specialist Energy Efficiency Circuit Rider

Tom Burkhart

Brad Rayburn

Andy Bowman

Wayne Roderman

Mapping Specialist Marketing Coordinator

Water Circuit Rider

Maggie Dixon

Resource Conservation Circuit Rider

Billy Everett

Water Circuit Rider

Training Secretary

Eric Thurman

Apprentice Coordinator

Gary Webber

Management Circuit Rider

Saem Yem

Water Training Specialist

Michael Vavruska

Elizabeth Grove Tom Hyatt

Donald Jones

The Impact of COVID.......................................................... 10 Energy Efficiency Assessment............................................... 15 Bad Behavior.......................................................................... 18 Hermitage – An Energy Efficiency Success Story................. 23 WaterDrop Awards for Excellence........................................ 28 Source Water Protection....................................................... 29 Faces of Rural Water.........................................................30-31 Progress, Tradition, and Change........................................... 35 Communicating with Decision Makers................................. 38 MRWA Conferences.............................................................. 43 MRWA Conferences.........................................................44-45 Calendar of Events................................................................. 58

About the cover: Pictured are Mike Miles (standing) and John Ledbetter (ground level) with the City of Brunswick raising manholes to grade following an asphalt overlay project.

Remember . . .

Mark Klaus

CFO/Office Manager

From the Executive Director................................................... 4

Photo taken by MRWA Wastewater Technician Michael Vavruska.

Howard Baker

Executive Director

Contents

Wastewater Technician Membership Services Secretary Wastewater Technician

Apprenticeship Trainer This Publication is Printed on Recycled Paper with Soybean Ink.

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.

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

From the Executive Director Howard Baker, MRWA Executive Director

Water and Wastewater in Space!

Now that I have your attention… Since the beginning of time, what we have needed water for has never changed! We must drink it to survive! What has changed, is how we get it. So, in the beginning, you had to live next to water, or close enough you could walk over and get a drink when you needed, but not so close that you could lose your fire in a flood. Now fire was a big deal back then too, but that is a different utility all together and I am here to talk about water. Your source of water had to be plentiful, if it dried up, you would have to pack up the wife, kids and the in-laws and move the whole bunch just to get a drink. I won’t swear to it, but I am sure this is about the same time that the first “water professional” got started. They sewed up some leather, made a bag, and now they could move water from the source to any home they wanted.

The changes we have seen in the last 100 years have been remarkable! Just to scratch the surface: Rural Water Districts didn’t even exist; we have water meters that transmit readings back to the office using cellular technology; correlators can “listen” to a water main and tell you where a leak is; water testing labs have scales that can weigh a fingerprint; directional boring machines; computers; PVC pipe; GIS Maps and the associated equipment used to communicate with satellites (in space).

I know this all sounds normal now, but can you imagine how we did our job in 1922?

Our job has always been to move water from its source to customers and then return it in a way that we can use it again, and that is an ever-changing process. The technology and tools that we use today, and in the future, will require our workforce to be highly trained and skilled. The systems they work for need to find ways to train and retain those professionals, because if you lose the ability to move the water from its source to your customers, those customers will pack up and move.

Our goal at MRWA is to keep you informed and up to date on innovation, changing technology, and regulations. We are also working on workforce development with our current Apprenticeship program and are training some of the newer incumbent staff at systems, but that is just part of what needs to be done. MRWA is looking at how to recruit more people, young people, into our industry and one of the ways to do that is through our Youth Apprenticeship program. This program is being introduced through agriculture classes in high schools.

For more information about any of the Apprenticeship programs MRWA has to offer, you may contact: Billy Everett MRWA Apprenticeship Coordinator beverett@moruralwater.org 417-455-6275 It takes good people to do the job you do, and we need to do more to retain them. For those that are thinking about a career in our industry, you never know, you could be working on a space station. They have water and wastewater operations there, too.

4

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Danny Parker | 417-210-9683 | dparker@mastermeter.com www.mastermeter.com 5

Advertisers Index

We Appreciate Your Support

Missouri Waterlines Advertising Rates BUSINESS ADS Members: Full page (7 ½ X 10) $550 per issue $900 Annually Half page (7 ½ X 4 ¾ ) $450 per issue $750 Annually Quarter Page (3 ½ X 4 ½) $250 per issue $400 Annually Business Card (3 ½ X 2) $75 per issue $120 Annually Nonmembers: Full page $650 per issue Half page $500 per issue Quarter page $300 per issue Business card $100 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

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9

The Impact of COVID Brad Rayburn, MRWA Circuit Rider

Over the last couple of years, COVID has impacted everyone in some way, and by now most of us know someone that has had the virus. Initially, the country was shut down. People started working from home and some still are. I thought (or hoped) when the states opened back up things would go back to normal. The mask mandates that were implemented during the shutdown became relaxed and it was optional to wear, or not to wear, a mask. The mass distribution of the vaccine was offered to those that wanted to take it, and for a brief time, it seemed that people became comfortable again.

Many people, including myself, fought the media storm of COVID and all the mandates that came with the virus.

In early October 2021, COVID found me and showed me how misinformed I had been. Not only did I get the virus, but eight other people, immediate family members of mine, that I was around contracted the virus. Over the course of those weeks, I was asked numerous times if I was vaccinated? No, I was not vaccinated. The questions I ask myself, “If I had been vaccinated, would I have gotten the virus? Would I have given my family COVID?” Unfortunately, dealing with COVID is not something that is going to go away, and it is something that all of us are going to have to deal with in one way or another.

One major effect of COVID is that we are all facing supply and demand issues and increasing product costs.

It seems like the cost of everything has substantially increased and some things that were once easily obtained no longer are and, in some cases, simply unaffordable.

Water/wastewater systems are having to adjust how they are accustomed to doing things due to this pandemic.

Two of the biggest impacts for water/wastewater systems have been the rising cost of materials and the shortfall in supply. I contacted a water supply company to ask how much materials had increased in price, and if they were 10

having trouble getting some materials.

The answer was yes and yes.

Brass has risen 15-20%, a meter setter that was $100 before COVID is now closer to $140 and takes 6 weeks to get. Rectangle meter boxes have increased in price by 40%. Water meters have not increased but they could take 3 months to receive. Ductile iron fittings (mechanical joints) are out of stock or hard to receive. It is hard to even get PVC pipe, and some companies have run out of poly tubing. In most cases water/wastewater supplies are obtainable, but it can take much longer to receive the materials.

These shortages and longer lead times must be planned for now.

With the increase of cost for supplies and so many unknowns on how much things will cost in the future, many systems are evaluating their water/sewer rates.

Water/Wastewater systems have had to act quickly to this by increasing the cost of new water/sewer connections to the customers paying for this service.

That cost can be passed on to that individual, but when it comes to the cost of repair/replacement parts, such as, pumps, leak repair parts, water/sewer main replacements, chemicals, etc., that cost must be absorbed by every customer of the system. Over the years, I have written articles on water systems having a plan or being prepared for the unexpected. Before COVID, the unexpected was an ice storm, a tornado, a flood, etc. I certainly never thought a virus was the unexpected for which a system should prepare.

To deal with the rising cost of materials water/wastewater systems will need to evaluate their rates. Typically, this is done by doing a rate study. A rate study is done to determine how much the water/wastewater system will

need to raise rates or if they need to raise the rates. This rate study is done by using the following: • the most current budget • most recent year of actual revenues and expenses • gallons billed for 12 months consecutively water • gallons billed for 12 months consecutively wastewater • current water/wastewater rates • copy of latest audit report • bond documents for any outstanding debt on the water/wastewater system(s) • number of active customers • any unusual circumstances.

Unusual Circumstances could be loss of a major user, new debt to be issued, major future upgrades that the system is facing, etc. That is the typical list for unusual circumstances before COVID but since COVID it is hard to predict what will happen.

The common question that people ask when doing a rate study, is how much do other water/wastewater systems charge? This is a difficult question because each system has different circumstances that cannot be compared to one another. For example, one system may have a water/ sewer loan while the other system does not have a loan.

So many factors are involved during a rate study that comparing water rates to another water/wastewater system is not an effective way to factor in a rate increase.

Personally, I see all sorts of different rates, in Missouri.

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Minimum water bills ranging from $20-$40 for 0-1000 gallons is common. And then $5-$20 per one thousand gallons for each additional 1000 gallons. Some water systems that purchase water from another system have a contract that they must purchase a certain amount of water whether they use the water or not. So many factors need to be included in a rate study and this pandemic has certainly made it more difficult to prescribe the needed water/wastewater rate increase.

Planning with ordering materials is more crucial now than ever before because it may take months to get that order. It seems there are more unanswered questions about COVID than what is known. It has caused exponential hardships for people and businesses. It has no barrier; large and small cities, and rural America have been impacted. The cost of things is not going to decrease anytime soon. For everything to continue to work properly, water/wastewater systems will still have to make the necessary repairs to the utility. Who knows how much water/wastewater will cost in the future? To provide a safe reliable resource systems have no choice but to increase the cost of that product to the customers.

Currently, it seems that this is the new normal.

Conducting a rate study can be a daunting task, MRWA provides technical assistance with rate studies for Water/ Wastewater utilities. Please let MRWA know if you have any questions regarding rate studies or dealing with the impacts of COVID at your water/wastewater system.

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Energy Efficiency Assessment Loyd Rawlings, MRWA Energy Efficiency Circuit Rider In this trying economy with rising costs from all directions, our energy consumption is one thing we might have control over. Being more efficient in how we use everything from lighting to heating to pump controls, can generate savings.

So, the first questions are, “Where do we start and what does it cost?” You can start by contacting me, Loyd Rawlings, MRWA Energy Efficiency Circuit Rider, at lrawlings@moruralwater.org or by calling me at 417-214-1018.

For the second question, the cost of the assessment is free if you are eligible. The 2 conditions for eligibility are: your system’s population served be less than 10,000, and your system must be USDA-eligible.

Prior to the assessment, here’s a list of things to gather to ready yourself for the assessment: • Copy of at least 12 consecutive months of electrical billing for each location. (If you have electrical service at a well house, a pump station, an office and a storage tower, you will want to be able to show how much electric each location is consuming.)

• Cost associated with the $/KWh (kilowatt hour). This will allow for charting of the KW hours used and associated costs. It also can help to find anomalies with the billing, which could be included taxes (most systems are taxexempt), special roundup programs, or other abnormal costs.

• On the drinking water side; the amount of water pumped and the amount of water sold. This will help to better understand what the cost/1000 gallons of water pumped is in electrical use. It can be surprising when you see the cost of wasted electricity used and the possibility of lost revenue due to water leaks or slow meters.

Some suggestions from the past for systems to help themselves become more energy efficient are listed from larger cost to smaller cost alternatives: • Addition of Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) to help facilitate a slower startup of motors or to control the motor speeds allowing for more efficient energy consumption.

• Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) fixing I&I issues can help lower energy costs by having less rainwater entering the facility during rain/weather events.

• Lighting: Replacement of standard metal halide or mercury vapor lights with light-emitting diode (LED) lights. These can also provide more lumens for less cost due to running at lower wattage.

• Insulation: Especially concrete or block buildings. These structures have great heat loss through walls due to their low thermal characteristics. (continued on page 16)

15

(continued from page 15)

• Plug in thermostats for unoccupied rooms, such as, well houses, storage rooms, and rooms requiring regulated temperature (cool in summer, heat in winter).

• Occupancy lighting fixtures: These fixtures are a great help especially if lights are left on with no one there.

The list above is just a very limited list of some of the items that the energy assessment will address. The next step in your journey for an energy assessment will be to conduct a tour of the facilities for the circuit rider. This will allow both the operator and assessor to ask each other questions pertaining to the equipment and what normal flows or conditions are.

The assessment will analyze the energy use for a 12-month period, chart the billing data, such as late fees, demand fees, kilowatt hours used and any taxes that might have been charged. Once completed an assessment will be provided for the system.

An assessment will contain an executive summary of findings and suggested projects. These are suggestions and the system has no obligation to follow them. Basically, it outlines the projects with estimated costs and estimated payback time frame for project. If rebates from your energy provider are available, they too will be listed. This assessment will be available for the system to keep. Also listed are some funding options available for these projects either through United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD) loans or National Rural Water Association, Rural Water Loan Fund (https://nrwa.org/members/products-services-portfolio/rural-water-loan-fund/).

If your system decides to follow the recommendations, please contact the Energy Efficiency Circuit Rider so that they can come back out and do a follow-up with your system. This allows them, and you to see cost savings for your energy efficiency projects.

Code Updates

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The TheNRWA NRWARural RuralWater WaterLoan LoanFund Fund(RWLF) (RWLF) isis aa funding funding program program specifically designed signedto tomeet meetthe theunique uniqueneeds needsof ofsmall small water water and and wastewater wastewater utilities. The RWLF RWLFprovides provideslow-cost low-costloans loansfor forshort-term short-term repair repair costs, costs, small small capital capital projects, or pre-development pre-developmentcosts costsassociated associatedwith with larger larger projects. projects. The The RWLF RWLF was established through throughaagrant grantfrom fromthe theUSDA/RUS, USDA/RUS,and and repaid repaid funds funds used used to to replenish replenish the fund and andmake make new new loans. loans.

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The NRWA Rural Water Loan signed to meet the unique needs of small water and wastewater utilities. The Contact Contact your your State Staterepair Rural Rural Water Water RWLF provides low-cost loans for short-term costs, smallAssociation capital projects,or or pre-development costs associatedNational with largerRural projects.

The RWLF was established National Rural Water Water Association for through a grant from the USDA/RUS, help and to replenish the fund helprepaid with withfunds the the used application application process. and make new loans.

Reasons to apply

Eligible Projects Include

• Reasonable interest rates • NRWA does not charge administrative or processing fees • Straightforward application process • Quick turnaround

• Pre-development (planning) costs for infrastructure projects • Replacement equipment, system upgrades, maintenance and small capital projects • Energy efficiency projects to lower costs and improve sustainability • Disaster recovery or other emergency loans available

For ForMore MoreInformation: Information: yourfrom State Rural Water Association or Applications, Applications,information informationand andforms formsContact can canbe bedownloaded downloaded from the theNRWA NRWA website, website,www.NRWA.org/loans. www.NRWA.org/loans.

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Email Emailapplications applicationsto: to: Or Ormail mailto: to: nrwarwlf@nrwa.org nrwarwlf@nrwa.org

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National NationalRural Rural Water Water Association Association working working in conjunction 17 with withUS USDepartment Department of of Agriculture/ Agriculture/ Rural Rural Development

Bad Behavior Gary Webber, MRWA Wastewater Technician will be sewer cleanouts that have been broken or cut off at ground level. This collectively allows stormwater to enter the wastewater collection system and drowns the utility with water. The results are, backups into homes and basements, sewer manhole surcharges into streets and ditches, lift station overflows, and hydraulic overloads of the wastewater treatment facility.

I don’t watch TV much at all anymore. I guess my smart phone is my media entertainment these days. We have emails, text messaging, Facebook, and other options for keeping up with life and the world around us. If I do turn on the TV or watch a news channel it always has examples of bad behavior going on somewhere seemingly every day. Perhaps this bad behavior is closer to home than one realizes! So, let’s look at the environment around us. How do we impact the environment in our own back yard or community? Every day we have an impact; good, bad, or ugly, on our wastewater system. Stay with me!

If our wastewater utility was utilized in a manner for which it was intended and constructed, the impact on our environment would likely be minimal. But we see our wastewater utilities being treated with “bad behavior” more then we care to mention. Let’s look at some examples.

Perhaps the most common bad thing many wastewater system customers do is allow deficient sewer services to go unrepaired. In our smoke testing events across the state, most deficiencies we find in most communities are leaks in customers’ service lines. Most of these deficiencies

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Let’s look at what we put in the sewer system! Most recently in connection with the COVID epidemic, we have seen numerous issues with flushable wipes in our wastewater treatment facilities, namely lift stations and manholes. These so-called flushable wipes are not intended for the wastewater system. They create huge issues with stopping everything up, causing plugged pipes, pump failures, overflows to the environment, and increased safety risks for wastewater personnel dealing with these ugly issues. This is not the only trash we see in the treatment facility. Some examples of the other trash that makes its way to the plant are pop cans, shirts, diapers, plastics, sticks; you name it, it somehow gets into the utility, but not on its own! What’s the harm? It all must come out, costing the utility money, and like it or not, this will reflect on the monthly sewer bill to the customer. Some utilities install solids handling at the beginning of the wastewater treatment facility to remove this trash. The cost of installation with engineering and construction can be more than half a million dollars just for the front line of defense. This is just one example of how to deal with bad behavior. Money! Your money!

Another issue for our wastewater utility is toxic substances; oil and grease, industrial wastes, commercial pesticides, and fertilizers to name a few. “Say, What?”

Yes, this is blatant bad behavior and can be tracked. It takes a while but if the staff and administration hold their resolve, in time, the source can usually be found.

The fact is, if this is found impacting the local receiving stream, it can get enormously expensive for the little community wastewater utility. And unbelievable to me are utilities, staff and administrations, allowing contractors to discharge into their wastewater collection system. Septic haulers hauling leachate from landfills and other sources dump into systems in some communities, and we take it for granted that it’s an ok thing to do. I once sampled a septic tanker who was discharging into a city collection system. I took the sample to the lab to see just what we were dealing with. The Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) were more than 10,000 percent of the normal household strength. That’s ugly folks, but a reality. One truck load was as much BOD and TSS as the whole town generated in one day. The treatment facility cannot treat a slug dose like that. When it attempts to, it compromises the water quality leaving the treatment facility.

There are solutions to correcting bad behavior in the wastewater collection system. It starts with educating the staff and administration on solid utility management principles. Understanding the immediate and long-term impact of bad behavior will help improve the outcome.

Many wastewater system users may not understand the negative impact they have on the community utility. It is up to the utility operators and administration to educate the customer with some form of involvement or outreach.

The Environmental Protection Agency has a Capacity, Management, Operations and Maintenance Module (CMOM) that can be utilized and implemented at the community utility to help provide a meaningful tool for moving forward on a better path. Some wastewater utilities need a lot of work to restore the utility to a noncompromised condition. Correcting that bad behavior in the community that impacts the wastewater utility, will considerably help to improve our outcome.

Contact Missouri Rural Water Association to help provide guidance on these many utility issues.

Local Government Workers

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Thank you to all public servants working to keep our communities safe and healthy.

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Hermitage – An Energy Efficiency Success Story Mark Klaus, MRWA EPA Water Training Specialist This former Energy Efficiency Circuit Rider worked with many great utilities over a brief period. The following article provides an example of how effectively the program can work and the potential savings associated with an energy assessment. Loyd Rawlings is the MRWA Energy Efficiency Circuit Rider as this article is written, and I have moved to another position with MRWA. The city of Hermitage recently participated in the Missouri Rural Water Association’s Energy Efficiency program. City personnel used the assessment report, supplementing existing energy conservation efforts. Several items discovered during the assessment visit were quickly addressed, providing immediate savings. Rebates minimized expenses for equipment upgrades.

Compliments to the Hermitage personnel, your efforts are exemplary. The Hermitage team consists of Public Works Director Joe Mandina; City Clerk Melody Molder; City Utility Specialists Lake Shelton and Wayne Simmons.

Pictured l to r: Wayne Simmons, Lake Shelton, Joe Mandina City Clerk Melody Molder

A December 2020 visit outlined the requirements for an assessment. An assessment requires twelve months of energy billing for each utility location, with other community properties often included in the effort. Our conversation noted energy conservation projects implemented by the city. An appointment for an assessment was made. Melody Molder, the City Clerk, provided the electrical billing records.

The locational billing information was entered into a database. This spreadsheet provides detailed information concerning energy usage, energy charges, peak energy demand charges, meter fees, and other miscellaneous expenses. Charted data indicated locations with minimal energy usage, providing a great start for the locational visit. The spreadsheet noted elevated seasonal energy usage at community buildings, well houses, and self-contained lift stations.

Joe shared a morning with me, visiting the sites associated with billing data. We documented opportunities for savings at these locations. Existing energy conservation efforts were acknowledged, including LED lighting upgrades and newer HVAC units.

Several suggestions noted during this visit were promptly addressed, providing immediate results.

In January 2021, a written report was provided to city representatives Melody and Joe. The document detailed energy efficiency activities listing estimated energy reduction, associated savings, project costs, the payback period, and potential rebates. The payback period is the amount of time required to pay for the upgrades – using savings from the energy reduction to repay the initial purchase costs. (continued on page 24) 23

(continued from page 23)

Several on-site visits were conducted in the following months. Each outing portrayed exceptional results obtained by the Hermitage team. A follow-up assessment was conducted six months after the initial report in July 2021. The items listed below designate the city’s energy conservation efforts.

Operational changes at the wastewater reclamation facility saved 2,100 kilowatt hours and $464 over a seven-month period when comparing bills from 2019 and 2021.

The city requested the electric company remove meters at three locations with minimal energy use. This action eliminated $22.69 in monthly meter fees at each location, providing a combined annual savings of $816.

City personnel upgraded fluorescent lighting in city hall to LED lighting. Two LED light tubes replaced the four T8 fluorescent bulbs in each of the twelve lighting fixtures at city hall. The savings obtained from this project exceeded the estimation in the assessment! Joe completed and submitted the rebate application for the lighting upgrade at city hall. The city received a rebate check covering nearly all the LED lighting purchase price. The report listed a four-year payback period, but the actual payback period occurred within months of installation.

Exterior lighting at the new city shop was replaced with solar powered LED lighting. Solar lighting provides greater savings when compared to the LED fixtures noted in the assessment. Kudos for expanding the scope of the project for greater savings.

As a winter project, the city will upgrade existing fluorescent lighting with LED in the community center and new city shop.

This lighting project optimizes savings with rebates and installation by city personnel.

Hermitage is collaborating with a local contractor to replace the old air conditioning and heating units at city hall and the community center. Rebates will reduce the project cost.

The equipment was ordered, but the COVID pandemic has delayed delivery. Compliments to the city of Hermitage on their energy conservation projects.

If your utility is interested in saving money through energy conservation, please contact Loyd Rawlings, MRWA Energy Efficiency Circuit Rider for an energy assessment today.

You can find his contact info by visiting: www.moruralwater.org/mrwa-staff/

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2021 MRWA Office Professional Scholarship Winner 2021 MRWA Office Professional Scholarship Winner BarbStraube Straube, Barb —City CityofofFarber Farber

2021 MRWA Office Professional of the Year 2021 MRWA Office Professional of the Year Janice JaniceHoward, Howard,Callaway CallawayCo. Co.PWSD PWSD##2

2021 of the the Year Year 2021MRWA MRWAWastewater WaterwaterSpecialist Specialist of David Bethel, City of Kingston David

2021 Water 2021MRWA MRWA WaterSpecialist Specialistofofthe theYear Year # Ken Weldele, Jefferson Co. PWSD Ken Weldele, Jefferson Co. PWSD # 33

2021 2021Show-Me Show-MeTap Tap Water Water Round-Up Round-Up Winner Winner CityofofSteelville Steelville City 28

Source Water Protection Klark Bohling, MRWA Sourcewater Protection Specialist

I think most people take for granted the water we use and consume daily. Included in that: the cost and time it takes to make sure we all have the convenience of turning on the faucet in the morning, assurance that it is safe to consume, and the assurance that our lakes, rivers, and streams are clean and healthy for the environment and for us to use for recreation.

steps to protect water at the source, so preventing contamination at the source greatly reduces the cost of treating water later. There are two types of water contamination – point source pollution and non-point source pollution. Some examples of point source pollution are industrial discharges, municipal effluents, landfill leachate, abandon mining sites, septic systems and leaking underground oil and gas tanks. Some examples of non-point source pollution include agricultural runoff, urban runoff, bacterial and petroleum by-products from recreational activities, acid precipitation and air pollution. Almost all things we do as humans; growing food, manufacturing products, and generating electricity have the potential to release pollution. On a good note, the United States Clean Water Act has been beneficial in helping combat both point source and non-point source pollution. Thanks to this act, for some 50 years now, America’s waters are cleaner today than they were for most of the 20th century.

The first barrier to contamination for our drinking water is to protect the source of our drinking water.

Source water refers to the lakes, rivers, and aquifers from which we get the water we use and drink. Drinking water sources can be easily contaminated. Long-term problems can be costly or impossible to correct. Source water protection is about protecting both quality and quantity of our water sources.

My viewpoint is this: Missouri is one of the best states to live, in part because of all our lakes, rivers, and streams.

Most may only see those for the recreational use they possess, but I am going to do my part in keeping them pollution-free for recreational and source water reasons.

If your system is having issues with your water source, call MRWA for assistance.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, remediating water is 40 times more expensive than taking 29

Faces of Wendy Lewis – Wendy is the LaBelle city clerk, serving in that position for six years. She noted the city strives hard to gradually increase rates with equipment upgrades focused on improving efficiency and savings for the community.

Wendy enjoys the outdoors, specifically bass and crappie fishing. She is family-orientated and enjoys her grandchildren.

Wendy displays her Beta fish at city hall where her outgoing personality welcomes visitors.

Dan Downey – Dan’s career at Chariton & Linn County PWSD #3 began March 1986. He is the general manager, holding the position for ten years.

Dan noted improvements during his career at the district included pumping facilities, distribution transmission upgrades, the SCADA system, and variable speed drives. He maintains DW-A and DS-3 certifications and is captain of the fire department holding Firefighter 1 and 2 certifications, plus HAZMAT operations certification. Dan enjoys hunting, fishing, cooking, and traveling. His restaurant, “Captain Dan’s Steakhouse Barbeque Bar and Grill” is in Brookfield. He is a certified barbeque judge. On a personal note – the food is amazing.

Allan Schneider – Allan is the chief treatment specialist at the Brookfield water plant. He has DW-A and WW-D certifications, in addition to twenty-one years of experience at the facility. Allan was raised in New York’s Hudson Valley, growing up in historic Hyde Park.

He was previously employed as an industrial coating salesperson. His interests include boating, hunting, fishing, gardening, and landscaping.

Allan stated that regulatory updates are driving change in the water industry. He notes that water consumers are better off today, but the stricter rules create problems for smaller systems.

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Rural Water John Myers – John has provided over 17 years of dedicated service to the city of Freeman. He holds a DS-2 certification.

His responsibilities include streets, water, wastewater, and other city operational issues. John’s colleagues note his dedication and abilities. He is a devoted family-oriented person and highly respected for his church ministry endeavors.

John enjoys working on cars with his grandson. He shares his handyman skills and knowledge, helping family and others in need. He enjoys coin collecting. John represents the dedicated, hard workers in the water industry.

Linda Shoup - Linda has served as the office manager for seven of her ten years at Clark County Consolidated PWSD #1. She began as a clerk for the district, progressing to her current status as the office manager. Linda notes that technology has improved water industry productivity by replacing paper records with electronic data, specifically noting digital meters. Linda is an avid Chiefs fan, enjoying their recent success. She enjoys camping and family time.

Mark Morey – Mark is the city of Gallatin Public Works director. With 21 years in the industry he holds DW-A, WWC, and DS-3 certifications. He notes industry improvements associated with technology, listing SCADA systems and Automated Meter Infrastructure. Mark observed that job stability and the variety of tasks make this an interesting career for younger staff in the water field. He enjoys the cows and dogs on his hobby farm. Mark is an example of a young person progressing upward in the water industry.

If you’d like to share a colleague, co-worker, or your own face and story with the readers of MRWA’s Missouri WaterLines, contact Mark Klaus by phone at 816-349-2670 or by email at mklaus@moruralwater.org.

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A Seamless Upgrade Extreme weather conditions coupled with outdated equipment can mean constant repairs, loss of data, and overtime for busy workers in the water and wastewater industry. Learn how SEL partnered with a local municipality in Georgia to upgrade their system, giving them a level of reliability they can now extend to their community and its water and wastewater system.

Learn more at selinc.com/waterlines.

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Progress, Tradition, and Change Andy Bowman, MRWA Marketing Coordinator Birthdays, and the way we look at them, are a terrific analogy of the way we all look at progress. For instance, in 2021, I turned the Big “50”! A milestone for sure, but other than a half century behind me, it was just another day. Go back 40 years, and the 10-year-old me would have a lot to say about turning 10. I was now 2-digits old and…it was a milestone! Truth is, I don’t remember what happened when I turned 10, and it doesn’t really matter. We’ll say that I’ve experienced 40 years of progress, during which time, tradition would have me celebrating yearly with festivities big and small, up through my 40th year, where that tradition no longer appealed to me. I progressed to a position of change. I didn’t stop getting older, but I no longer held on to the tradition of “celebrating” the day I was born.

Like our birthdays, our work experiences, and all tasks that fill our days, experience progress. The word progress can be used as a noun, a forward or onward movement toward a destination. It can also be used as a verb; to move forward or onward in space or time. So, in our careers, we all progress (v) to make progress (n) toward retirement.

Now, for the sake of this article, the references I’m going to use will vary in history. Let’s go…

Water and wastewater specialists experience progress through a variety of ways and so many of those progressions intermingle. Let’s jump back to my old system’s distribution mains as an example for water.

The small system I once worked used mostly 4” cast iron bell-joint mains, courtesy of the out-of-service copper mines which they served in the early 20th century. When first installed in the 1960’s as distribution mains, if a leak would occur at a joint, the maintenance was easy; dig it up, grab some lead oakum, and poke away until the leak was no more. Progress, in the form of regulations which protect us from poisoning ourselves occurred and you can no longer (by law) fix that in the same manner. That progress in regulation sparked progress in innovation; my old system welcomed the bell-joint repair clamp. The lead oakum method seemed quicker and easier, but with a little practice and the progression of time, the belljoint repair clamp proved to be a better long-term solution. And, as the system grew and progressed toward PVC mains, the practice came in handy when later fixing those same type of leaks on PVC mains. Progress required the tradition of leak repair to change.

For wastewater, let’s use video inspection as the example. Prior to 1963, wastewater CCTV inspection did not exist. So, unless the pipe was large enough to walk through, or crawl through (YUCK), repairs were done in a rip-and-replace fashion. You know, where you have an issue on a line, so you dig the thing up and install new? Granted, in its beginning, CCTV was only capable of being pulled through 8” or greater lines and offered up a whopping 325 lines of black-and-white resolution (a far cry from the 2160 lines of 4K UHD of our home tv’s.) We should also mention that this technology wasn’t introduced to rural America until much later.

Lots of progress had to occur for that technology to be cost-effective for us rural folks. Additionally, the trenchless repair and rehab innovations that have flourished from the progress of CCTV have saved a King’s Ransom in rip-and-replace repairs. The high cost of tradition welcomed progress to change. (continued on page 36) 35

(continued from page 35)

In summary, Missouri Rural Water Association is proud of the heritage and tradition “Rural Water” holds. As the MRWA mission statement reads – “Our mission is to be the leading source of professional services, support, and representation for Missouri water and wastewater utilities.”

Change for the sake of change alone is not progress. Progress is something all of us should accept and embrace. Remember, progress is forward or onward movement toward a destination, or moving forward or onward in space or time. Without progress, we might be dead.

This year, MRWA will be launching a new website. Our hope is that the new site will be more user-friendly and allow visitors to use their smartphone more easily to find class and conference information, along with all that MRWA has to offer.

We wish everyone a Happy 2022!

Included as an addendum to this article are a couple reprints from archived issues of Missouri WaterLines. The first is from Fall 1982 written by past MRWA Board President Dell Cornell.

Though its message is nearly 40 years old, it still falls true for today. The second is the back cover of the Summer 1986 issue. Although the content may be relevant, today offers so many available sources for that information. One could cut and laminate it as a card, but most would get that information from a computer, smartphone, or simply by saying Hey, Siri , Alexa, or Hey, Google!

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Communicating with Decision Makers Elizabeth Grove, MRWA Management Circuit Rider A common complaint I hear from operators is the struggle to get board members to understand the issues facing the utility and getting them to make the decisions that need to be made in order to maintain/ upgrade facilities. All too frequently, we hear about a city or district that has found itself in a dire situation, out of compliance, and everyone is standing around scratching their head wondering “How did we get into this situation?” Ask the operator and he/she will tell you that something to the effect: “I have been telling them this is a problem for a long time!”

As an operator, maybe we need to look at a more pro-active method of getting our message across to those who hold the purse strings and make the decisions. A common scenario I run across when I attend board meetings goes something like this: The Mayor/Board President calls the meeting to order. The minutes, bills and financial reports are approved. Then an hour or more is devoted to planning the next community festival, potholes in the streets, stray animals getting into the trash, not to mention the citizens who come before the board to voice concerns and complaints. Around 9:00 p.m., the mayor/ board president turns to the operator and asks how things are going at the water/wastewater plant. Everyone is tired, worn out and ready to go home. They really don’t want to hear about the compliance concerns, money that needs to be spent, etc.

So, the operator says everything is fine. The meeting is adjourned and everyone goes home. Two weeks later, the mayor/ board president gets the letter from DNR regarding the results of the latest sanitary survey. It lists 102 items of concern with the water system. At the next meeting, the mayor/board president is mad (after all the letter is addressed to him/her directly)! The result is the operator looks incompetent for not being on top of things and the city/district (in the opinion of the mayor/board president) has a black eye as a result!

There are several things that work against an operator when dealing with an elected board. First, board members can change every two to four years, depending on the type of seat/organization. Second, chances are the people who are elected to fill these seats are very limited in their knowledge about utilities and what it takes to operate and maintain them.

So what is an operator to do? How can we be more visible and get our message across more effectively so that decision makers understand how important it is to operate and maintain a safe, healthy utility? Here are some suggestions: 1. Be the first on the meeting agenda! I would bet the water/wastewater infrastructure in most communities is the most expensive asset in town. The problem is most of it is underground (out of sight-out of mind). Wouldn’t it make sense to discuss the most expensive asset first? After the meeting is called to order and the “housekeeping” items are taken care of (approval of minutes, bills) the utility report should be next - before the festival planning, potholes and trash issues.

2. Present a WRITTEN report to the board members. This doesn’t have to be fancy. It could even be hand written. But a written report is important! It should list items that were completed since the last meeting, items to be completed over the next month, and items of particular concern. It should be one page in length (no one has time to read a novel, so make it 38

brief and to the point). This makes sure the board members get an idea of how much work is being done and what is needed in the future. Show them you do more than just ride around in the company truck all day!

3. Make sure your written report is included as part of the meeting minutes. It then becomes part of the permanent record of the city and is available for review should you need to go back to it sometime in the future.

4. Look and sound professional when presenting to the board. This doesn’t mean you show up in a suit, but come groomed and prepared. Review what you are going to report to the board and be prepared to answer questions. Studies have shown that people form their opinions in the first few minutes of meeting/seeing someone before any words are spoken. Make sure your first impression is a good one!

It sounds easier than it is. Honing your communication skills take time and practice. Many operators complain that they tell their board the same thing over and over again and nothing happens. It may take more than once to get your message across. Studies have shown that on average, you have to tell someone seven times before it finally clicks! So, keep telling them, both verbally and in writing. Eventually, things should get better and you will have more understanding and respect from your elected officials.

A sample of a water operations report is shown. The format can be changed and information adjusted to suit your particular utility. This sample shows quite clearly the work that has been performed and some of the major issues facing the utility.

SAMPLE MONTHLY WATER OPERATIONS REPORT CITY OF ANYTOWN, MISSOURI MARCH, 2021 Number of gallons pumped in February: _35,750,000 Number of gallons sold in February (March billing): __32,750,000 Number of gallons used for flushing, fires, leaks, etc.: __500,000 Number of gallons unaccounted for: _2,500,000 Water Loss Percentage: __7% Number of Disconnections: ____15____ Number of Re-Connections: ____12____ Number of Leaks fixed: _____2_____

Notes: We had leaks on Maple Street on a 2” cast iron line. This line is very old and should be replaced in the near future. This is the third repair in this block for this fiscal year. Should consider placing this replacement cost in the next budget cycle. (Est. cost of $30,000) The second leak was on Main Street. A contractor hit the 4” main.

Contractor paid for the repair.

Number of Meters Replaced: ____2___ Number of New Meters Set: ___1_____ Feet of Water Mains Replaced: ___0____ Major Issues for the month: NONE Future Needs: We will be replacing the roof on the well house next month, if weather permits. This was included in this year’s budget.

We need to purchase a back up chlorinator for the well - place in next year’s budget. (Est. cost of $6,000)

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O OCTOBER CTOBER 25 25 -- 26, 26, 2022 2022 OOCTOBER CTOBER27 27- -28, 28,2022 2022 LAKE OF THE OZARKS LAKE OF THE OZARKS

www.moruralwater.org/conferences/ www.moruralwater.org/conferences/

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20212021 Highlights Highlights

44

2021 Highlights

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WHEN YOU CALL ...

WE ANSWER

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636.343.8880 46

vandevanter.com

NATIONAL STRENGTH - LOCAL SERVICE - EMPLOYEE OWNED

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(913) 381-5581 • Messplay.com

7822 Conser Place • Overland Park, Kansas 66204

Messplay Machinery is here to help you with all of your water and wastewater flow metering applications.

Contact Messplay for help with the complete line of Badger Meter flow metering solutions.

Electromagnetic Flow Meters Water distribution, plant water and wastewater applications

Differential Pressure Flow Meters Wide range of liquid and gas metering applications

Ultrasonic Flow Meters Wide range of liquid metering applications

Mass Flow Meters Highly accurate chemical injection metering

Turbine Flow Meters Water distribution

48

Applications include: • Well water • Treatment plants • Pump stations • Distribution • Lift stations

• Influent • Effluent • Reclaimed water • Discharge • Chemical injection

Vortex Flow Meters Air and liquid insertion style

Control Valves Chemical flow control

Disc Flow Meters Water & chemical metering

49

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

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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

“We love our new website!

This is the best decision we ever made!”

Water Loss Management | Remote Disconnect Itron AMR / AMI | Kamstrup Water Meters Utility Billing & Financial Software

We’re proud to be the trusted website provider for more than 1,400 small towns and water systems across America!

Every website includes:

The area’s exclusive Itron Water solution distributor!

Scott Smith, Region Manager Mobile: (270) 703-0697 Email: scotts@united-systems.com Toll Free 1.800.455.3293 | www.united-systems.com

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ADVANTAGES OF APPRENTICESHIP

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Apprentice– Successfully completing an apprenticeship provides:



a pathway to a solid career in the water or wastewater field.

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training that pays wages.

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wages that increase as new skills are mastered.

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an alternative to an expensive college degree.

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a way to move to a higher-level job in one’s current field or transition between careers while still earning an income.

Employer Apprenticeship training brings value to your organization through:

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the cultivation of a well-trained, talented workforce, that is productive from the beginning.

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the ability to diversify the workforce by bringing new talent to the organization.

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the opportunity to train workers using the exact equipment, protocols, and procedures relevant to the organization.

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an increase in high performance among employees and decreased accident related work-loss.

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the opportunity to maintain institutional knowledge by having soon-to-retire employees mentor new employees.

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an average 140% Return on Investment for every dollar spent on the program.

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WHEN YOU NEED TO KNOW...STAY INFORMED AND UP-TO-DATE! ALL THE LATEST, STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX! GO TO THE MRWA WEBSITE AND SUBSCRIBE NOW!

—NOW AVAILABLE— 

Certification & Training Events



Conference Information



Office Professionals Information



Legislative Updates



Affiliate Services



Special Announcements

The ALL NEW MRWA Conference APP Scan the code or download from the MRWA website!

WHEN YOU NEED TO KNOW...STAY INFORMED AND UP-TO-DATE! ALL THE LATEST, STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX! GO TO THE MRWA WEBSITE AND SUBSCRIBE NOW!

—NOW AVAILABLE—

52



Certification & Training Events



Conference Information



Office Professionals Information



Legislative Updates



Affiliate Services



Special Announcements

The ALL NEW MRWA Conference APP Scan the code or download from the MRWA website!

Choose a

partner REGULATORY COMPLIANCE Gain more control as we focus on building positive relationships with regulatory officials, staying well-educated on policy and providing diligent monitoring and reporting.

who can

bring balance to your water and

wastewater operations.

AllianceWater.com

Contact Bart Downing to learn more!

816-387-3559 • bdowning@alliancewater.com

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54

Joel Ogle

DIRECTOR OF SALES - WATER & WASTE WATER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DIRECT: OFFICE:

636) 484-1338 (314) 548-6170

EMAIL: jogle@bninspects.com WEB: bninspects.com NACE II Inspector #51739

SERVICE DISABLED VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS

Driving community and industry forward, together.

INSPECTION AND EVALUATIONS

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

Rural Water

Demands Aquastore!

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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.

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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 815-438-5678

©2021. Aquastore is a registered trademark of CST Industries, Inc.

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WATER TOWER INSPECTIONS, SANDBLASTING, PAINTING We know you have tall expectations... * Complete Water Tower Services * Sandblasting & Painting * Power-washing & Painting * Inspections & Washouts * Repairs & Renovations * Consultations & Evaluations

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Our professional team is certified in all aspects of the work we do. We also stay abreast of all regulations regarding our industry.

* Over 100 Years of Combined Experience * NACE Coating Inspectors on Staff * All Employees OSHA Certified * All Employees Lead Abatement Certified * No Sub-contractors Used * Missouri Family Owned and Operated

Annual Inspection Program...

Our yearly program is instrumental in alerting water providers of any sanitary deficiencies and/or major repairs that are needed to stay in compliance with DNR recommendations.

* Inspections Every Spring * Targets DNR Compliance * Pictorial Reports Yearly * Helps Keep Water as Clean as Possible

Contact us for a FREE price quote

Darrin and Penny Treadway, Owners

zark pplicators,LLC 56 watertowerpainting.com

573-323-6450

tankpainters@yahoo.com

Providing water, wastewater, and underground utility solutions since 1963.

Proud Distributor

Corporate Office PO Box 318 200 E. Franklin St. Edinburg, IL 62531 Ph: 800.634.4746 Fx: 217.623.4216

Cape Girardeau Branch

1078 Wolverine Lane Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Ph: 800.635.4746 Fx: 573.334.0151

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MRWA Calendar of Events January

April

17

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday MRWA Office CLOSED

26

1st Quarter MRWA Board Meeting

St. Charles

February 1 – 2 MRWA LIVE ONLINE

Virtual Training/MRWA Office

15

Good Friday Holiday MRWA Office CLOSED

18

TAX DAY

20

2nd Quarter MRWA Board Meeting MRWA Office/Ashland

20

MRWA Open House MRWA Office/Ashland

21

Show-Me Rural Water Rally

May

8 – 10

National Rural Water Rally Washington, D.C.

14

Valentine’s Day

5

Cinco de Mayo

21

Presidents’ Day Holiday

8

Mother’s Day

30

Memorial Day

MRWA Office CLOSED

March 13

Daylight Saving Time begins

15 – 17 MRWA Annual

Conference St. Charles Convention Center 17

Jefferson City

MRWA Office CLOSED

June 7 - 9

NRWA In-Service Training

19

Father’s Day

Anaheim, CA

19 Juneteenth

St. Patrick’s Day

July

58

4

Independence Day Holiday

20

3rd Quarter MRWA Board Meeting MRWA Office/Ashland

MRWA Office CLOSED

59

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

Columbia, MO Permit No. 286