TEX Sh2o | January/February 2024 |
The Official Newsletter of the Texas Section AWWA | Every Drop, Every Day, Everywhere©
Daniel Nix Named Incoming TAWWA Executive Director Page 3
Drought Survey Results Page 9
El Paso Celebrates 100 Years of Haskell Plant Page 10
Water Science Lunch Break | Texas WaterTM 2024 | And More!
SIMFLO PUMPS ARE MADE WITH YOUR MUNICIPAL NEEDS IN MIND
9001:2015
| incoming executive director |
Daniel Nix Named TAWWA Executive Director
V
eteran utility executive Daniel Nix has been named Executive Director of the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association. Nix will join the Texas Section AWWA effective Feb. 19. Nix succeeds Mike Howe, who is retiring June 30 after 27 years as the executive leader of the largest single-state Section and fastest growing Section of the Denver-based American Water Works Association. Nix has worked his way up the ladder at the City of Wichita Falls, serving in a variety of capacities that prepare him to work with utility professionals at every level. In 1986, he decided to step away from his engineering studies at Texas Tech University and spend a year
NEW TANKS (270) 826-9000 ext. 2601 EXISTING TANKS (270) 826-9000 ext. 4601 www.tawwa.org
working as a utilities technician in Wichita Falls. That led to opportunities as a water meter mechanic and laboratory technician. He continued his career at the city while transferring to Midwestern State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. After serving six years as Operations and Maintenance Supervisor, in 1996 the City of Wichita Falls named Nix the Water Source/Purification Superintendent managing 45 employees. When a vacancy occurred in 2008, he was named Interim Director of Public Utilities, then was named Public Utility Operations Manager, overseeing a staff of 162 employees. When drought hit the Wichita Falls area and depleted the city’s sources of drinking water, Nix led the utility as it engineered a direct potable reuse solution that won national attention and acclaim. With a fast-track TCEQ approval and detailed communication with its customers, the city piped treated wastewater to its water plant for further treatment and distribution. Given Nix's experience with direct potable reuse, he was instrumental in the creation of AWWA's G485Potable Reuse Program Operation and Management Standard, first participating on the Direct Potable Reuse Standards Committee and then on the Indirect Potable Reuse Standards Committee. He continues to support standards development by serving on the Reuse Standards Committee and the AWWA Water Reuse Committee. Nix has worked with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on several initiatives, including the EPA 2017 Potable Reuse Compendium, 2020 Reuse Action Plan and the 2015 Framework for Direct Potable CONTINUED PAGE 24 | incoming executive director
TEXASh2o JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | 3 |
| letter from the texas section chair |
Happy New Year! Texas Section American Water Works Association P.O. Box 80150 Austin, Texas 78708 www.tawwa.org Amy Middleton, Chair 210-510-0888 Karen Menard, Chair-Elect 817-493-5195 Marisa Vergara, Vice-Chair 210-494-8004 Drew Molly, Imm. Past Chair 361-826-1853 Mike Howe Executive Director/Secretary-Treasurer 512-238-9292 Fax: 512-238-0496 mikehowe@tawwa.org This publication is distributed bi-monthly to the more than 4,500 members and friends of the Texas Section – American Water Works Association. Contributing writers can contact the editor: Elizabeth Rose GCP Association Services, LLC PO Box 676 Pflugerville, TX 78691 512-251-8101 Fax: 512-251-8152 TXh20@tawwa.org The publication name, TexasH2O: © 1996-2024 Texas Section – American Water Works Association, Inc. © 2024 Texas Section – American Water Works Association, Inc.
FOLLOW TAWWA ON FACEBOOK AND X!
Texas AWWA
@txawwa
BY AMY MIDDLETON texas section chair
H
appy New Year! 2023 was an eventful year for Section leadership. With Mike Howe announcing that his retirement will be on June 30, 2024, the Executive Committee was tasked with an Executive Director search. This search started over a year and a half ago with Lonestar Leader Charlie Anderson and Mike Howe putting together a Request for Proposal to seek out an AMY MIDDLETON executive recruiting firm to conduct the search 210-510-0888 to fill Mike’s very large shoes. amiddleton@plummer.com After a thorough search, Daniel Nix will officially be our incoming Executive Director on February 19th! Daniel has been a member for the last 34 years and has been supporting and participating in the Texas Section and AWWA for the last 24 years. I am excited that we found such a qualified candidate that is as passionate about water as our membership. I wanted to thank the following team that spent many hours on this process. Karen Menard, Drew Molly, Marisa Vergara, Elston Johnson, Bruce Curtis, Charlie Anderson, and Mike Howe, you were great to work with and I appreciated the time and dedication you had to the process so that we ended up with Daniel as our fantastic incoming Executive Director. As for our active members around the state, the Southeast Chapter is hosting the Half-Day Seminar mid-February that will have a Regional Water Authority Keynote Panel along with presentations on PFAS, Legislative Updates, Operator Workforce and more. The South Texas Chapter is hosting a Project Management Seminar at the end of February. I will continue to enjoy attending Chapter events and am looking forward to seeing you all at Texas Water!
| 4 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 TEXASh2o
www.tawwa.org
So Much More Than a Smart Water Solution
Featuring Acoustic Leak Detection and AMI Communications Embedded Inside the Meter – it’s no surprise that Kamstrup is leading the industry with more installed ultrasonic meters, more satisfied customers, and more revenue captured for utilities.
Scan to Watch Case Study
Experience a Better Smart Water Solution.
Experience More at Kamstrup.com
IT’S TIME TO KNOW
| executive director report |
So, What Are You Going to Do? BY MIKE HOWE tawwa executive director
I
n the unlikely chance you haven’t heard, I am retiring at the end of June, and we are all very excited that my successor, Daniel Nix, is on board this month and transitioning into leading the Section. I know we are all very pleased to have someone who is so respected in the water community and so keenly focused on our primary purpose—education—to take US to an even higher level of service to our members. (Daniel, no pressure here!) As we both plan and implement a seamless transition process, the work continues to lead and manage the Section, including planning the Texas
Building community value through innovative engineering solutions
WASTEWATER
WATER
STORMWATER
baxterwoodman.com
Water™ 2024 Conference in Fort Worth, along with other trainings, Chapter activities and the day-to-day operations. In my spare time I am also trying to imagine what it means to "retire". Since my official retirement announcement, I have had MIKE HOWE any number of people 512-238-9292 txawwa@gmail.com congratulate me and then in the next sentence ask, "So, what are you going to do?" Hmmm... This thing called retirement often resonates with anticipation and excitement. There is a prospect of freedom from the stresses of work and the promise of time to explore personal interests and passions. But articles about retirement speak to the loss of that welldefined work role and the adjustment and acceptance of discovering a new purpose. One article likened it to finding one’s footing on an unfamiliar dance floor. That’s OK—I like to dance! Of course, part of that answer is "travel". Of course we will continue to travel. And both Donna and I also serve on appointed and elected government boards. But, as anyone on the verge of retiring realizes, there are only so many "closets to clean". There must be more! In the first paragraph I used the word "US" because I realize my retirement is not going to end my involvement in AWWA, the Texas Section and the water community. I am already laying the groundwork for staying involved. I have had two colleagues ask if I would consider some work for them. That’s very CONTINUED PAGE 34 | executive director report
| 6 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 TEXASh2o
www.tawwa.org
WATER SOLUTIONS DESIGNED IN THE U.S.A. = TURBINE PUMPS
5‒24" PUMPS • 50–8000 GPM • 50–2000’ TDH • 6" & LARGER WELL DIAMETERS • CAST, DUCTILE, NI-AL-BRZ OR STAINLESS STEEL BOWLS • STANDARD GLASS-LINED TO (14”) OR EPOXY COATED BOWLS • STAINLESS STEEL IMPELLERS, CAST IRON OR NI-AL-BRONZE • 416SS BOWL SHAFT STANDARD • STANDARD 304SS BOLTING • SPECIAL COATINGS AVAILABLE
OUR HEADWATER ENGINEERED SYSTEMS (HES) TEAM works with experts like you, in designing products based on your job’s specific requirments. Delivering you the most efficient pumping system & service available in the water industry today.
• CUSTOM MOTOR ADAPTATIONS AVAILABLE (BJ, BAKER HUGHES & MORE) • INDUSTRY LEADING EFFICIENCIES • WIDE RANGE HYDRAULIC COVERAGE • PROVEN DURABILITY IN SANDY WELL CONDITIONS
FIND OUT MORE TODAY
806-298-2024 HEADWATERES.COM
| drought survey |
The Texas Drought Contingency Plan Survey – A Collaboration BY JESSICA WOODS tawwa water conservation and reuse division chair
T
exas Section AWWA Water Conservation and Reuse Division chairs, Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) conservation staff, and San Antonio Water System (SAWS) staff worked to create a statewide survey to deepen understanding of practices and challenges related to drought demand management in Texas. The idea stemmed from TWDB’s Water Conservation Advisory Council’s (WCAC) Municipal Workgroup discussions on drought BMPs and the TAWWA Conservation subcommittee’s monthly meetings focused on drought restriction enforcement: what is and is not working for conservation staff. Persistent drought and drought plans are on our minds, as this year, 2024, is a year designated for
www.tawwa.org
many utilities to update and submit revised Drought Contingency Plans (DCPs) to the TWDB by May 1. The past several years has also marked significant and extreme drought over most of Texas. We know changes and updates are needed on our DCPs, but we wanted to know what compliance and water saving strategies were successful and unsuccessful. The Survey A survey was considered, created, and then pushed out quickly, as we wanted to have the results back in time for conservation and utility staff to use as they began revising their own DCPs. The survey was made CONTINUED PAGE 26 | drought survey
TEXASh2o JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | 9 |
| haskell history |
100-Year-Old Haskell Wastewater Plant Made its Mark on History BY MARTHA KOESTER lead public affairs coordinator, el paso water
S
aluting its early days as a sewage disposal plant and storied past as El Paso’s oldest wastewater facility, El Paso Water is commemorating 100 years of service and innovation at the Haskell R. Street Wastewater Treatment Plant. Over the years, the plant helped establish EPWater’s reliable wastewater system for the future metroplex of almost 900,000. Wastewater technology transformed the plant from its humble beginnings. Since it went operational in 1923, the Delta Sewage Treatment Plant has proven critical to El Paso’s history and its residents. CONTINUED PAGE 28 | haskell history
A digester is constructed in 1957 at the plant. The digester is still online today, said Utility Chief Plant Manager Sergio Castro.
Water Treatment Chemicals, Equipment and Local Service SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
WATER TREATMENT
Mini Bulk Delivery Equipment Installations Laboratory Testing
Chemical Injection P u mp s Chlorination Control Chemical Feed Eq u i p m e n t
Potable Water Wastewater Treatment Collection Systems Scan this QR code to see our video
Tailored treatment programs designed specifically for your facility
877.512.2855 wtg@hawkinsinc.com • www.hawkinsinc.com | 10 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 TEXASh2o
www.tawwa.org
| water science lunch break |
TAWWA February Water Science Lunch Break
T
he Texas AWWA Water Science and Research Division invites you to join your colleagues for in a depth discussion of water quality issues with the sixth quarterly virtual Water Science Lunch Break on February 29, 2024, from Noon to 1 pm. This sixth session will be a presentation titled "Providing Texas with Sustainable Water from Reverse Osmosis Concentrate Using Diatoms - A Bench to Pilot Project". This topic covers the photobiological treatment of reverse osmosis concentrates. Our presenter will be Dr. Keisuke Ikehata, an Assistant Professor in the Ingram School of Engineering at Texas State University, San Marcos. He has 20 years of experience in water
www.tawwa.org
quality and treatment research and engineering, including 8+ years in the industry as a consulting engineer. Attendees will be able to interact with Dr. Ikehata and their colleagues. The seminars are presented via Zoom (the meeting link will be provided closer to the webcast date). One hour of PDH or operator training credit has been requested (you must be individually registered to receive credit). Registration is free but limited so sign up at www.tawwa.org/event/watersciencewebcastfeb29.
TEXASh2o JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | 13 |
| texas water |
Register for Texas WaterTM 2024!
M
ake plans to head to Fort Worth for Texas WaterTM 2024, April 9-12! Attendee registration is now open online at www.txwater.org for the the Largest Regional Water Conference in the U.S.© Full Registration is your best value for Texas WaterTM 2024: you'll receive access to all technical sessions, access to the Exhibit Hall including the Innovation Lounge, morning and afternoon refreshments, the Awards Lunch, the Women of Water Breakfast, the Box Lunch in the Exhibit Hall, and admission to the exciting Night Out event at Billy Bob's Texas. (Full Registration for AWWA/TAWWA Members on or before March 18: $395; After March 18: $445) Find out more in the Conference Preview, available online at www.txwater.org. We'll see you in Fort Worth!
WE KNOW GROUNDWATER High-capacity groundwater wells, pitless units & boosters. Made in the USA since 1873. 800-523-0224 • BWS@Baker-Mfg.com • BakerWaterSystems.com
| 14 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 TEXASh2o
www.tawwa.org
FULL SERVICE LEAK DETECTION I GIS MAPPING I DRINKING WATER REGULATORY SUPPORT
Water is a Precious Resource. How Much Are You Losing?
Samco Advanced Services include:
Pro-Active Leak Detection Preventive Maintenance Programs System-Wide Water Accountability Assessments GIS Mapping and Asset Management Services Drinking Water Regulatory Support
Benefits of Utilizing SAMCO Services Reduce water production and distribution costs Improve overall efficiency and gain knowledge of your distribution system Improve water quality and assure adequate pressure to help safeguard public health Improve public water system compliance with State and Federal regulations
SAMCO
901 Mopac Expressway South, Suite 300 Austin, TX 78746 512-263-7043 (Office) 512-751-5325 (Mobile) sgodfrey@samco-leakservice.com www.samco-leakservice.com
800-283-9432
www.prestigewwt.com
Some of the Valve related services we offer, • Emergency Valve Repair • Preventative Maintenance Programs • Field Retrofits • Troubleshooting / Diagnostics • Onsite Startup Services • Engineering support • Zone / DMA Studies & Monitoring • PrePacked Vaults (PRV, Fill, ETC) • Remote Monitoring and Alerts • Surge and Transient Analysis
Monitor, record, and send alarms at critical points in your system. Track pressures, flow rates & totals, levels and much more. Future proof technology that uses 5G IoT networks. Long life battery that can last 5-7 years* SCAD systems can help reduce unnecessary man Our SCADA hours with instant access to real time data via web-based dashboard on your cell phone, tablet or PC. Control and monitor real time processes, be alerted and respond to emergency situations with the click of a button.
Call us today for more details
| competitions |
Sign up for a Competition at Texas WaterTM 2024
T
exas WaterTM 2024 will be held April 9-12, 2024 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. If you're feeling competitive, don't miss out on signing up for a competition! Texas AWWA hosts several competitions at Texas Water, and the winners will continue on to represent TAWWA at the AWWA ACE24 competition in Anaheim, California in June. TAWWA competitions include: • Best-Tasting Drinking Water • Hydrant Hysteria
www.tawwa.org
• Meter Challenge • Pipe Tapping • Top Ops Registration for competitions is free and available online at www.txwater.org. If you're not participating in a competition, please stop by to cheer on your fellow TAWWA members at the conference! The competition schedule can be found in the online conference preview posted at www.txwater.org. We hope to see you in April in Fort Worth!
TEXASh2o JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | 17 |
| pm seminar |
South Texas Chapter PM Seminar
T
South Texas Chapter's annual Project Management (PM) Seminar will be held on Friday, February 23 from 11:30 am-5 pm at SAWS Headquarters, 2800 U.S. Hwy 281 North, San Antonio, TX 78212. Attendee registration is $40 and includes includes lunch and access to all presentations. Continuing education certificates will be sent to all attendees with a copy of the proceedings following the event. Sponsorships are available for $300 and includes logo advertisement for all event promotions, sponsor will be highlighted at the event, and will receive one attendee registration. Registration is available at www.tawwa.org/event/ ST2024PMSeminar.
Find events near you at
www.tawwa.org
| 18 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 TEXASh2o
www.tawwa.org
The future of water When it comes to the future of water in Texas, Garver knows it goes beyond pipelines, treatment plants, and technology. The next generation of water leaders, like Kory Wilkinson, is critical to meeting the challenges facing utilities and communities in Texas. By investing in our young professionals, Garver is securing and protecting this vital resource for decades to come.
Kory Wilkinson, PE | East Texas Team Leader
GarverUSA.com
JMI
MEMBER
OSSF CONSULTING Residential & Commercial OSSF Designs & Permitting OSSF Subdivision Site Evaluations
Austin, Texas - 512-297-2346 `
JMI Specifies these and other quality onsite products:
| women in water |
Women in Water Houston Social
J
oin other TAWWA members for a Women in Water Social on March 4 from 6-8 pm at Saint Arnold Brewing Company in Houston. At the event, enjoy networking and hear from special guest Connie Curtis, director of technical and operational services for the San Jacinto River Authority. Registration is $15 for professionals and $5 for students. Registration is limited so sign up today at www.tawwa.org/event/womeninwatermarch2024. Additional Women in Water events are planned for around the state so keep your eye out for future dates and events near you.
See events near you at www.tawwa.org
www.tawwa.org
TEXASh2o JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | 21 |
| desert mountain golf |
Desert Mountain Golf Tournament
T
he Desert Mountain Chapter will host it's annual golf tournament on Friday, April 26 at the Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course in El Paso. Several sponsorship opportunities are still available; for more information and to register, visit www.tawwa.org/event/desertmtngolf2024.
Want to see your ad in TEXASh2o? Contact Tracy at 512-251-8101 or tracy@gcptexas.net for more information!
Realize More Direct potable reuse uses proven technologies to produce water that exceeds drinking water regulations, but presents new challenges to facility operators. Working with the only operating DPR facilities in the country, we've gained unique insight into how to put operators in a position to succeed and protect the health of our community. If you’re trusted to protect public health and the environment, we can help.
hazenandsawyer.com | 22 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 TEXASh2o
www.tawwa.org
| cac creek cleanup |
CAC Hosts Another Successful Creek Cleanup
C
apital Area Chapter volunteers braved the cold and hosted another successful creek cleanup event on Saturday, Jan. 20. They collected around 30 bags of trash, including several pairs of shoes, a prom dress and even a shopping cart. As part of Keep Austin Beautiful, the Capital Area Chapter of TAWWA, in collaboration with WEAT's Central Texas Section, has adopted 0.41 miles of Tannehill Branch West within Bartholomew Park in Austin. The next clean-up date is scheduled for Saturday, March 23, 2024. Registration will be available on www.tawwa.org closer to the event date.
MOVING TOWARD ONE HORIZON OUR TEAM IS AN EXTENSION OF YOURS
Our clients are the foundation of our firm’s success. We work diligently to meet their every need, bringing the vast expertise from across Texas into play for water and wastewater infrastructure projects of all sizes.
WATER | PROGRAM & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT | TRANSPORTATION | SURVEYING | ENVIRONMENTAL Texas Engineering Firm #470, Texas Surveying Firm: San Antonio #10028800, Austin #10028801, Houston #10193974, North Houston #10194495, Dallas #10194390
www.tawwa.org
WWW.PAPE-DAWSON.COM
TEXASh2o JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | 23 |
| incoming executive director |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 | incoming executive director Reuse. In 2021, he collaborated with General Dynamics and the EPA on developing a case study for the EPAs Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool (CREAT) Risk Assessment Application for water utilities. At the state government level, he was instrumental in working with the 87th Texas Legislature in passing legislation directing the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to develop regulatory guidance on implementing direct potable reuse for water utilities and engineering firms. Nix has worked with the AWWA office in Washington, D.C., since 2017 on the implementation of the Farm Bill in Texas. His efforts got TAWWA a seat on the TNRCS State Technical Advisory Committee. As with his utility career, Nix has played several roles in the Texas Section and other statewide water organizations. Nix has served on the TAWWA Board of Directors since 2001. He worked his way through the officer ranks to serve as Chair of Texas AWWA in 2017. He has served as chair of the Membership Education Sub-Division and as chair of the Agriculture Committee and the Business/Industry Committee. He serves as one of the two Texas representatives on the AWWA Board of Directors.
| 24 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 TEXASh2o
www.tawwa.org
| incoming executive director |
He received the Fuller Award, AWWA’s highest honor, in 2013. AWWA recognized him with the Honorary Member Award in 2023, honoring his accomplishments and expertise in the field of water. In 2021, the national organization bestowed its Outstanding Service to AWWA award. Nix spearheaded education efforts for advanced water treatment and for the SETH (Science, Engineering, Technology and Health) program, which will allow high school students to complete the state’s Basic Water Treatment course. Even if they’re not 18, the students can take the TCEQ’s Class D test. If they pass, when they turn 18, they’ll get their Class D license and be ready to work for their local water utility. "I'm excited about the opportunity to add value to the entire water industry through these Texas Sections initiatives," Nix said.
Want to advertise in TEXASh2o? Contact Tracy at 512-251-8101 or tracy@gcptexas.net today!
Planning | Design | Construction Administration | Alternative Delivery
www.tawwa.org
TEXASh2o JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | 25 |
| drought survey |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 | drought survey available on SurveyMonkey from November 2 through December 1, 2023. It consisted of 62 questions focused on: Drought Plan Effectiveness, Demand Management in Drought, Non-Compliance Consequences, Growth Management, and Continuing Issue Areas. The survey was shared with conservation coordinators and similar professionals using contact information from the TAWWA Water Conservation and Reuse Division and TWDB. Email invitations to take the survey were sent to a total of 531 email addresses. A total of 121 responses were received (23% response rate) representing 116 separate entities. All sixteen of the TWDB Regional Water Planning Groups were represented—that alone is success! Among respondents there was a good mix in size and type of utilities that responded: • Less than 3,300 connections = 28% • Between 3,300 and 10,000 connections = 32% • Between 10,000 and 100,000 connections = 31% • Between 100,000 and 500,000 connections = 8% and
| 26 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 TEXASh2o
• More than 500,000 connections = 1%. • 83% of these are municipally operated utilities (83%), • 15% are river authorities, regional authorities, or municipal utility districts (MUDs), and • 2% are investor-owned utilities. • 63% of respondents are wholesale providers, while 37% are not. Results The survey responses cemented ideas that we suspected to be true and are glad to have more concrete evidence on it. For example, voluntary conservation measures. The call for voluntary conservation does not work for most utilities. When asked, most respondents indicated it has the opposite effect of causing an increase in water use. The exception seems to be the very small utilities. I speculate that is because they are so small that everyone in the community would know who is not conserving, that they would be ostracized and/or publicly called out. Another issue brought to light is the enforcement of restrictions in adjacent jurisdictional areas that are not
www.tawwa.org
| drought survey |
part of the city proper, regardless of if the neighboring town/MUD/or other area is a water customer of the city or not. This is an issue seen in 52% of the respondents. While the utility supplies water and has mandated drought restrictions in place, they either cannot or do not perform any enforcement action outside of their city limits. Frustration is evident on this topic. More valuable information and the full results can be found online on the WCAC’s website at www.savetexaswater.org, under the Resources and Reports tab, or by reaching out and requesting a copy. You can reach out to Jessica Woods, Conservation and Reuse Division Chair at jwoods@roundrocktexas.gov. A hearty shout out of thanks to everyone who participated in the survey by answering it. We appreciate you! What’s next? Roundtables and discussions will continue monthly, through the TAWWA Conservation subcommittee. We meet the fourth Friday of each month via TEAMS.
Reach out to Jessica Woods or Jennifer Nations (jnations@cstx.gov) if you’d like to be part of these discussions. These responses have provided us a roadmap to topics to dive deeper into to try and figure out resolutions on enforcement and compliance issues. We would also like to see more case studies written up, shared, and/or presented at conferences and meetings. Continued open communication is vital to all our program success. I’ve found the conservation and utility staff of Texas are generous, in that we are always willing to tell our story of what is working, or not, so we can all reach our program goals. Why recreate wheels? WCAC’s Municipal Committee will determine what legislative action can be advocated from these responses. There were several suggestions made, ranging on issues like water budgets for irrigation system use or limited amount of landscaped area. These items could be part of the State Water Plan and can bring us closer to reaching our state water supply goals!
WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT SOLUTIONS Interested in Smarter Water Management? Let’s Talk!
www.tawwa.org
TEXASh2o JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | 27 |
| haskell history | uAUSTIN
COLLEY VILLE HOUSTON
Providing engineering and technical management solutions that build communities and improve lives.
HRGREEN.COM
BROADBAND + CONSTRUCTION + ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSPATIAL + GOVERNMENT + LAND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING + TRANSPORTATION + WATER
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 | haskell history Road to innovation The city took a major step toward better public health protection with the completion of the Delta Plant, which was built near the banks of the Rio Grande for a total of $112,000. The plant marked significant advancement as city residents previously endured raw sewage in river lowlands and the mass breeding of mosquitoes. With contract work done by J.E. Morgan, the plant was designed to treat wastewater for a population of 100,000, the El Paso Times reported. The city’s population surged over the next decade and strained the wastewater system. In 1942, construction began on a $470,000 improvement project to double plant capacity. In the meantime, utility staff were busy innovating by converting sewage plant sludge into fertilizer and selling it. The sale of fertilizer helped the plant dispose of sludge. The utility was also on its way to eliminating the use of electrical motors at the plant by using sewage gas to fuel motors instead.
has revolutionized dechlorination of potable water during field applications such as hydrant flushing, reservoir overflows, in-line backwash lines, splashpads, waste water flow, new main installations, and pipeline sanitizing. Pair it with ZDe-Chlorinator equipment, designed specifically to work with Vita-D-Chlor Tablets, and you have a perfect setup for hydrant flushing and in-line applications.
Vitamin C based product is safe and easy
What you get with Vita-D-Chlor: • 100% organic and environmentally safe • Does not reduce oxygen levels in water • Instantaneous reaction time with total chlorine in water • Operator safety in product handling • Available in both tablet and granular forms
DECHLORINATE
Setup is fast and simple
(253) 479-7000 info@vita-d-chlor.com www.Vita-D-Chlor.com
BECAUSE DOWNSTREAM MATTERS | 28 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 TEXASh2o
www.tawwa.org
| haskell history |
In terms of progressive thinking, pioneering utility executives E.J. Umbenhauer and Haskell R. Street were already pitching treated wastewater in 1951 as an alternative water supply. "If properly treated, the water would be as good as any," Street told the El Paso Times, foreseeing what his utility would champion and execute in the future. What’s that smell? Meanwhile, public sentiment soured on foul odors traced to the Delta Plant, as neighborhoods grew around the facility. When the Delta Plant was originally built, it was located east of the city in a mostly isolated area. The El Paso Times reported that directly across the Rio Grande lies the canal into which Ciudad Juárez empties raw sewage from a population greater than El Paso’s. Calls grew through the years for the utility to move the wastewater plant farther east, but utility executives resisted, arguing the cost would be too high. "Back then, you treated wastewater; you didn’t really treat odors," said Utility Chief Plant Manager Sergio
Castro during a recent Town Hall on Haskell Plant’s centennial. "That really wasn’t what the plant was designed to do." "Back in the day, you couldn’t even buy odor treatment systems," said President and CEO John Balliew during the Town Hall. "A normal wastewater treatment plant that’s not overloaded in terms of flow doesn’t really smell that bad. As long as I can remember, even as a little boy driving down Delta,
Integrated Water and Wastewater Solutions
CONTINUED PAGE 30 | haskell history
Vector Controls and Automation Group partners with top manufacturers in the water and wastewater industry, offering products with low life-cycle costs and minimal maintenance. Contact Vector CAG to provide you with a complete solutions package today. • Water Distribution • Municipal Water/WW Treatment • Industrial Water Treatment • Raw Water Intake Monitoring • Water Analysis • Desalination and Water Reuse
VECTORCAG.COM
Vector Controls and Automation Group +1 800-969-5678 | municipalsales@vectorcag.com www.vectorcag.com
www.tawwa.org
TEXASh2o JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | 29 |
| haskell history |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 | haskell history odors were an issue at the plant." In the 1970s, domes were installed for odor control and the plant underwent several upgrades as treatment and odor-control technology advanced. In 1974, the plant was renamed upon the retirement of Assistant General Manager Street after 31 years of service at the utility.
Crews construct a dome to be used for odor control at the plant.
Growth in city and utility The utility’s overloaded wastewater system grew significantly in the 1980s, with the addition of the Fred Hervey Water Reclamation Plant in 1985, the John T. Hickerson Water Reclamation Facility in 1987 and the Roberto R. Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant in 1991. In 1999, a $25 million upgrade at the Haskell Plant introduced new treatment technologies. Major modern odor-control improvements were installed at the plant from 2015-2019, including four new clarifiers. Projects continue to improve the utility’s oldest wastewater treatment plant. "With the new BioAir system we have now, we are no longer using chemicals," Castro said during the Town Hall. "Now it’s all a biosystem – microorganisms that are consuming the hydrogen sulfide." Since modern improvements were made, EPWater rarely hears from neighbors complaining of foul odors. "We have made tremendous progress when it comes to odors," Balliew said during the Town Hall.
olsson.com
Most see a water treatment plant. We see a community asset.
ENGINEERING POSSIBILITIES.
| 30 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 TEXASh2o
www.tawwa.org
| haskell history |
"Treatment plants were designed to treat the water and provide a quality effluent. The odor control came later. We adopted the mindset that we treat odor control just like plant permit requirements and make sure that we are a good neighbor."
Imagine it. Delivered. Major modern improvements were installed at the plant from 2015-2019, including four new clarifiers.
www.aecom.com
Interested in advertising in TEXASh2o? Contact Tracy at tracy@gcptexas.net
www.tawwa.org
TEXASh2o JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | 31 |
| new members |
TAWWA Welcomes New Members Joining Dec. 1 2023–Jan. 15, 2024 A&S Engineers, Inc. Houston, TX
Gustavo Chavarria Joshua, TX
Jose Gutierrez El Paso, TX
Amy Kaarlela Fort Worth, TX
Jason Okoroafo Richmond, TX
Dominik Sobieraj Hughes Springs, TX
Darrell Anderson San Marcos, TX
Soobin Cho Houston, TX
Fabian Heaney Wichita Falls, TX
Ali Kazemi Ft Worth, TX
Hector Ramos McAllen, TX
Teira Solis El Paso, TX
May Aye Dallas, TX
Chase Cree Dallas, TX
Yair Herrera Carrollton, TX
Caitlin Koranda Dallas, TX
Katherine Roberts Richmond, TX
Lakeydra Toliver Houston, TX
John Banks Fulshear, TX
Tram Doan San Antonio, TX
Forrest Hester Houston, TX
John Lanagan Pflugerville, TX
Brandon Rohan Adkins, TX
Lauren Welch Katy, TX
Alyssa Bennett Aubrey, TX
Stefan Dollins Granbury, TX
Anna Howard Austin, TX
Amanda Livingston Arlington, TX
Kevin Sanabria Austin, TX
Dustin Blank Aubrey, TX
April Escamilla Fort Worth, TX
Amy Hunter Austin, TX
Ernie Means Fresno, TX
Tina Sbriglia Arlington, TX
Anissa Calamaco San Antonio, TX
Alyssa Flynn Georgetown, TX
Rachel Hutchinson Dallas, TX
Valerie Miller Plano, TX
Zachary Schmidt Selma, TX
Juan Campos Fort Worth, TX
Timothy Grgec Fort Worth, TX
S James Wylie, TX
Kayla Nguyen Dallas, TX
Ken Skillman Aubrey, TX
PHALANX packaged granular media fi fillters are used for conventional water treatment, wastewater tertiary fi filltration, biologically active fi filltration, GAC adsorption and ion exchange, as well as denitrifi ficcation.
Chemical Anchors
Robust 10 Gauge Stainless Steel
Water Treatment Baffled Troughs
Air/Water Orifi ficces in Plate Supports
BAF/BAC
| 32 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 TEXASh2o
GAC & IX
Packaged Filtration
Wastewater
Denite
www.tawwa.org
Unlock More When You Spread the Word! Empower Colleagues and Grow Your Professional Network You already know AWWA provides water professionals with the best technical resources and networking opportunities. Now it’s time to share that value with your colleagues and unlock more benefits—more members means more connections, resources, and support for you!
Learn more:
awwa.org/unlock-more24
| executive director report |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 | executive director report flattering and hopeful. I was recently asked to consider serving on the advisory board of a non-profit working on the workplace staffing issues in the water sector. Again, I am flattered and encouraged. I also plan to stay involved with AWWA. Currently I am part of a team rewriting the AWWA M19 Manual on Utility Emergency Planning. I also volunteer on one other AWWA Committee and have applied to serve on another. We will see how that goes. I also plan to be available to answer questions for Daniel, but, frankly, want to stay out of his way. He deserves to steer the APEI_TEXAS_2024_0105_QuarterPage_FINAL.pdf future of the Section as he sees fit.
I have realized the most important thing I want to hold onto are the connections I have with so many remarkable people in the water community. There is something about the friendships I have with so many who are so passionate about what they do—protecting public health—that reveals who they are and why I am honored to be associated with them. So, what am I going to do? Remain connected.
1
1/5/24
1:42 PM
THE FILTRATION SOLUTION Looking for a career change? • Need to hire extra help?
C
•
M
Y
Post and find jobs in TAWWA's Career Center:
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Applied Cartridge Systems, a commercial water treatment product line from Applied Process Equipment, Inc., is now fully NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 certified for potable water. These systems are perfect for water utilities, RV parks, hotels, casinos & resorts, military bases, aquaculture, food processing and manufacturing plants—with flow rates up to 500gpm. SPECIALIZING IN THE REMOVAL OF HARMFUL CONTAMINANTS: Arsenic
https://careers.tawwa.org/
Connecting Talent with Opportunity
PFAS
Contact us if you have contaminants of concern!
Visit AppliedCartridgeSystems.com for more information.
| 34 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 TEXASh2o
www.tawwa.org
| calendar |
What’s Happening Across Texas DATE
ACTIVITY
TIME
LOCATION
INFORMATION
FEB 29
TAWWA Water Science Lunch Break Seminar
12-1pm
Online
www.tawwa.org
MARCH 1
2024 Bingo for Bags
5:30-9 pm
Aggie Park San Antonio
www.tawwa.org
MARCH 4
Women in Water Networking Event
6-8 pm
Saint Arnold Brewing Company Houston
www.tawwa.org
APR 9-12
Texas WaterTM 2024
Fort Worth Convention Center
www.txwater.org
APR 26
Desert Mountain Golf Tournament
Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course El Paso
www.tawwa.org
Want to share your event with the Texas water community? Contact Mike Howe, 512-238-9292, or mikehowe@tawwa.org. Check the Section’s website, www.tawwa.org, for the latest information on Section activities. CP&Y is doing business as
TRANSFORMING TEXAS CITIES FOR 70 YEARS. We excel at connecting people and places through smart engineering solutions that fuel the growth and prosperity of our communities.
Making Communities Better •Treatment, Pumping, Distribution and Collection •Mechanical, Structural and Architectural •Electrical and SCADA Programming •Survey, SUE and Environmental Permitting •Construction Management and Engineering Inspections
Civil | Structural | Survey | Forensics rlginc.com
www.tawwa.org
SCAN QR CODE TO LEARN MORE
Serving Texas since 1980
TEXASh2o JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | 35 |
TEXASh2o
c/o GCP Association Services, LLC PO Box 676 | Pflugerville, TX 78691 512-251-8101 | (f ) 512-251-8152 txh20@tawwa.org | www.tawwa.org
MANUFACTURING THE MOST COMPLETE LINE OF AWWA VALVES IN THE INDUSTRY!
METAL OR RESILIENT SEATED BALL VALVES AWWA C507
METAL SEATED SOLID WEDGE AWWA C500
ROLLING DOUBLE DISC AWWA C500
RESILIENT SEATED SOLID WEDGE AWWA C509 & C515
AWWA BUTTERFLY VALVE
SLAMBUSTER CHECK VALVE
METAL OR RUBBER PLUG VALVE
Rugged and Dependable, Designed for Reliable Performance and long life. AWWA C504 or AWWA C516
Quick Closure Mechanism; Prevents Damaging Slamming During Pump Shut-down. AWWA C508
High Quality and Robust Design MSS-SP156 or AWWA C517
JANDSVALVE.COM