H2o oct2015

TEX Sh2o | September/October 2015 |

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The Official Newsletter of the Texas Section AWWA | Every Drop, Every Day, Everywhere©

TAWWA Awards Record Number of Scholarships

This year, TAWWA awarded a record 18 scholarships to the following students: Kevin Birkhoff, David Coburn, Lauren Fuerst, Amanda Haws, Emily Howard, Kameron Kittrell, Gatlin Knebel, Colin McDonald, Emily Palmer, Frances Rabalais, David Riley, Sydney Sharp, Buck Starling, Dylan Swoboda, Melissa Vasquez, Brittany Vorheis and Lauren Wiginton.

SWIFT Funding | El Niño Update | Calendar | and more!

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| scholarships |

TAWWA Awards 18 Scholarships to Students

I

n its continued effort to support higher education, Texas Section has awarded 18 scholarships for the 2015-2016 academic year, the most awarded to date. The TAWWA Scholarship Committee selected 16 students to receive a $2,000 TAWWA scholarship.

TAWWA, in cooperation with Alan Plummer Associates, also named David Coburn as the recipient of the $3,000 Alan Plummer Associates/TAWWA Environmental Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a student studying to become an engineer or scientist in the water environmental field.

Coburn was also the recipient of a scholarship honoring the late Curtis Smalley. The Central Texas Chapter of TAWWA provided a $2,000 scholarship to honor the memory of Smalley, the manager of water and wastewater operations at the City of Waco and past president of the Water Environment Association of Texas.

You can help TAWWA fund more scholarships for students next year by purchasing the TAWWA water conservation license plate or donating online at www.tawwascholarship.org.

This year, Colin McDonald was awarded a scholarship from funds raised by the Water Conservation License Plate.

The 2015-2016 scholarship recipients are:

KEVIN BIRKHOFF Texas Tech University | Biology Kevin Birkhoff is working toward a degree in biology from Texas Tech University, with a minor in chemistry.

After earning his degree, he plans to attend medical school and become an orthopedic specialist. Kevin is an Eagle Scout, is involved with his church and youth group, and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. His AWWA family member is John Birkhoff, partner at Birkhoff, Hendricks & Carter L.L.P. DAVID COBURN Texas A&M University | Civil Engineering David Coburn is working toward a civil engineering degree, with a focus in water resources, from Texas A&M University. He has been a member of ASCE and AWRA and has been on the Dean’s List. David has interned with Alan Plummer Associates the last two summers and enjoyed working on the 2017 Texas State Water Plan. He would like to find environmentallyfriendly ways to process and provide water, as well as design and build wells and sanitation systems in CONTINUED PAGE 20 | scholarships

YOUR FUTURE IS OUR FOCUS.

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Austin • Corpus Christi • Dallas • Fort Worth • Houston McKinney • Round Rock • San Antonio

TEXASh2o SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | 3 |

| letter from the texas section chair |

What's Your Water Story?

Texas Section American Water Works Association P.O. Box 80150 Austin, Texas 78708 www.tawwa.org Jennifer Elms, Chair 713-784-4500 Daniel Nix, Chair-Elect 940-691-1153 Bruce Curtis, Vice-Chair 972-602-1001 Alissa Lockett, Imm. Past Chair 210-233-3401 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 3,500 members and friends of the Texas Section – American Water Works Association.

Contributing writers can contact the editor: Cliff Avery GCP Association Services PO Box 676 Pflugerville, TX 78691 512-251-8101 Fax: 512-251-8152 texwater@texas.net The publication name, TexasH2O: © 1996-2015 Texas Section – American Water Works Association, Inc. © 2015 Texas Section – American Water Works Association, Inc.

FOLLOW TAWWA ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!

Texas AWWA

@txawwa

BY JENNIFER ELMS texas section chair

A

s we are moving into fall and winter, I’m sure most of us are back to our normal school routines, carpools, and extracurricular activities.

Congratulations to our 18 Texas Section scholarship recipients. These 18 outstanding young adults were selected from 57 applications received by the Section. A special thanks to our Scholarship Committee for your time and effort to recognize these students.

It is also important to recognize our Chapters JENNIFER and all the wonderful events they sponsor and ELMS 713-784-4500 organize to provide funding for these scholarjelms@ehrainc.com ships. With our Fall Board Meeting nearing, the Executive Committee has been reviewing the Section's annual budget. This year, in response to the increasing number of applications and worthy candidates, the Executive Committee is challenging each Chapter to increase their scholarship donation to the Section.

We know that many Chapters also award local scholarships, and we in no way want to diminish those efforts. As each of our Chapters become more and more successful, we hope you will share your success with the Section.

I hope you are looking forward to Texas Water 2016 as much as I am.

Our opening event is the annual golf tournament. Each year, this event raises a significant amount of funds, which also makes these scholarships possible. So come out, enjoy a round of golf and help support the Scholarship Program.

One area of funding for our scholarships is the Water Conservation License plate. Thanks to Daniel Nix’s (current Chair-Elect) tireless efforts and coordination with multiple state agencies, TAWWA has its own license plate. A portion of the proceeds from each plate are returned to the Section and added to our scholarship fund. This year, we were able to fund one entire scholarship off those proceeds. To find out more about the license plate and how to order yours, visit www.conservetexaswater.org.

There is also a link to the site from our website, www.tawwa.org.

It seems that in each article I keep referencing these wonderful association meetings that I get to attend. At the beginning of October, CONTINUED PAGE 19 | letter from the texas section chair

| 4 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 TEXASh2o

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| executive director report |

A Brief History of What We Do

BY MIKE HOWE tawwa executive director

T

his past summer, on the occasion of my talking about my surpassing my 18th year in my current role as Executive Director of the Texas Section AWWA, and nearly 30 years in the water community, my in-laws asked me what I did in my work. I paused a moment while I was starting to construct a well-ordered, sensible response about working with volunteers, organizing and providing training events, planning the Texas Water Conference, spending time at the legislature when necessary, and on and on, when it dawned on me that the answer was really very simple.

I turned to them and replied, “I work for members who protect public health.” They looked at me somewhat perplexed, and I added, “What would you do if you didn’t know you could rely on the quality of the drinking water coming from your tap? I work for the people who make sure that happens.” Then, they got it.

We tend to forget, with all that goes on every day, that the mission of most of our members is stated very simply.

Protect public health www.rjn.com and make sure the • Flow Monitoring water is there at the • Water Distribution System Design tap, 24/7/365. And, I • Hydraulic Modeling am not leaving out all • Construction Inspection of our members who supply equipment and • Construction Administration services to utilities.

• Wastewater Master Planning The process works, • Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey and works so well that • Collection System Rehab Design nearly everyone in • New Sewer Improvements the United States can • Lift Station Design turn on their faucets feeling confident they Dallas • Irving • Garland • Fort Worth Austin • San Antonio • Round Rock can drink the water without contracting a Civil Engineering Consultants

| 6 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 TEXASh2o

waterborne disease or literally dying immediately.

But, in terms of the history of mankind, it is only a relatively new phenomenon for water consumers to receive treated water as an inherent right of municipal residence.

For hundreds of years, as MIKE HOWE water treatment methods 512-238-9292 have evolved, the quality of mikehowe@tawwa.org municipal drinking water has developed from a relatively sketchy product to a strictly regulated commodity.

The first documented attempts to treat drinking water are recorded in ancient Greek and Sanskrit writings that date back to 2000 B.C. At that time, people were aware that boiling water helped to purify it and that filtration and straining methods helped to reduce visible particles and turbidity in water. Because nothing was known about microorganisms or chemical contaminants (which would remain unseen in water until the seventeenth century), the motive for treating water was to make it smell and taste better. The Greek scientist Hippocrates, who invented the first cloth bag filter around 500 B.C, also believed that if water tasted and smelled clean, it must be healthful for the body.

His invention, called the “Hippocratic sleeve,” was one of the first domestic water filters.

After the first experimentations by early civilizations, advances in water treatment took a long hiatus during the Dark Ages. There is a reason they were called the “Dark Ages.” Mankind seemed to forget nearly everything that had come before, including the Roman Aqueducts and Archimedes Screw, which was designed to lift water.

CONTINUED PAGE 28 | executive director report

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From Source to Tap Managing supply, treatment, and distribution can present a steady stream of complex challenges. Since 1951, Hazen and Sawyer has been helping water providers protect public health and the environment.

Precise supply/demand forecasting and hydraulic modeling enable us to test different alternatives that make the best use of the existing system and minimize the cost of improvements.

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| swift funding |

New Round of SWIFT Funding Opens Dec. 1

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he Texas Water Development Board will open the application period for the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) financial assistance program on Dec. 1. This will be the second round of financial assistance made available through the SWIFT program.

"The second round of SWIFT financial assistance is an important milestone for the TWDB and the state," said TWDB Board Chairman Bech Bruun. "Thanks to the hard work of the TWDB staff and water entities around the state, demand for the first round of SWIFT financial assistance was an overwhelming success, with $3.9 billion approved for projects over the next decade.

As we move forward with the second round of SWIFT funding, the TWDB stands ready to partner with

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additional communities to help provide them with affordable, sustainable water supplies."

To be eligible for the upcoming round of SWIFT, projects must be included in the adopted 2016 Regional Water Plans and the subsequent 2017 State Water Plan.

Project sponsors must submit abridged applications to the TWDB by Feb. 5, 2016. The abridged applications will provide the TWDB with information needed to prioritize the list of interested projects. The projects will then be ranked according to the SWIFT prioritization rules. During this time, the Board will identify the amounts of funds available by category and establish the structure of financing and the subsidy terms.

CONTINUED PAGE 18 | swift funding

TEXASh2o SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | 9 |

| senate interim |

Senate Issued Interim Charges

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t. Gov. Dan Patrick has issued interim charges to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water and Rural Affairs. Some of the water-related charges include: Surface Water/Groundwater: Study and make recommendations regarding the ownership, production, and transfer of surface water and groundwater in the State of Texas.

State Water Plan: Study and make recommendations on improving the process of developing and executing the State Water Plan.

Water Litter: Study and make recommendations on the effects of windblown and waterborne litter.

The study should include an analysis of the economic effects of litter, any necessary methods to prevent and remediate litter, and an assessment of state and local programs to reduce litter.

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water and Rural Affairs during the 84th Texas Legislature and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.

Specifically monitor the Texas Water Development Board's process in the identification and designation of brackish groundwater zones.

"The Agriculture, Water and Rural Affairs Committee will continue their critical focus on protecting and increasing the water resources of our state while preserving the water rights of all Texans. Texas needs to protect its most valuable resources, while maintaining a vibrant economy. These interim charges will address potential issues that might hinder our way of life and suppress personal freedom," said Patrick in a news release.

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| el niño |

El Niño Likely to Create a Wetter Winter

F

orecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center issued the U.S. Winter Outlook Oct. 15 favoring cooler and wetter weather in Southern Tier states, with above-average temperatures most likely in the West and across the Northern Tier. This year’s El Niño, among the strongest on record, is expected to influence weather and climate patterns this winter by affecting the position of the Pacific jet stream.

“A strong El Niño is in place and should exert a strong influence over our weather this winter,” said Mike Halpert, deputy director, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “While temperature and precipitation impacts associated with El Niño are favored, El Niño is not the only player. Cold-air outbreaks and snowstorms will likely occur at times this winter. However, the frequency, number and intensity of these events cannot be predicted on a seasonal timescale.”

Other factors that often play a role in the winter weather include the Arctic Oscillation, which influences the number of arctic air masses that penetrate into the South and nor'easters on the East Coast, and the Madden-Julian Oscillation, which can impact the number of heavy rainstorms in the Pacific Northwest.

The 2015 U.S. Winter Outlook (December through February) is as follows: Precipitation Outlook: • Wetter-than-average conditions most likely in the Southern Tier of the United States, from central and southern California, across Texas, to Florida, and up the East Coast to southern New England.

Above-average precipitation is also favored in southeastern Alaska.

• Drier-than-average conditions most likely for Hawaii, central and western Alaska, parts of the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies, and for areas near the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley.

Temperature Outlook: • Above-average temperatures are favored across much of the West and the northern half of the

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contiguous United States. Temperatures are also favored to be above-average in Alaska and much of Hawaii. Below-average temperatures are most likely in the southern Plains and Southeast.

Drought Outlook: • The U.S. Drought Outlook shows some improvement is likely in central and southern California by the end of January, but not drought removal.

Additional statewide relief is possible during February and March. Drought removal is likely across large parts of the Southwest, while improvement or removal is also likely in the southern Plains.

However, drought is likely to persist in the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies, with drought development likely in Hawaii, parts of the northern Plains and in the northern Great Lakes region.

“While it is good news that drought improvement is predicted for California, one season of above-average rain and snow is unlikely to remove four years of drought,” said Halpert. “California would need close to twice its normal rainfall to get out of drought, and that's unlikely.”

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TEXASh2o SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | 13 |

| tnris |

TNRIS: When Data Makes a Difference Source: Texas Water Development Board

T

his past Memorial Day, on a pasture slowly being engulfed by floodwaters, about 400 cows grazed close together, the dry land around them disappearing.

There seemed to be no obvious route to higher ground. Fortunately for the cows, Texans have access to detailed elevation information from the Texas Natural Resources Information System, or TNRIS (pronounced ten-ris). Using its area elevation information, TNRIS helped plot the route for a good, and safe, old-fashioned cattle drive.

After learning of the cows' emergency situation, the TNRIS staff used a Geographic Information System (GIS) to analyze the surrounding terrain. With time of the essence, TNRIS created maps and a route using the GIS data, and immediately emailed the information to

| 14 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 TEXASh2o

the Department of Public Safety, who in turn informed the rancher in charge of the cows.

TNRIS provides the most advanced level of geographic data available to the people of Texas.

Established by the legislature in 1968, it serves the general public, state agencies, academia and the private sector as a centralized information center for natural resource, census, emergency management, and socioeconomic data.

TNRIS also archives, maintains, and distributes current and historic photos and maps dating back to the 1800s. With a simple request, Texans can visualize their state, county, city or favorite landmark as it is now or was generations ago.

While this collection of photos and maps (the largest CONTINUED PAGE 19 | tnris

www.tawwa.org

| awwa award |

Nominations Open for AWWA Exemplary Source Water Protection Award

E

ach year, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) recognizes the efforts of Source Water Protection Programs that have developed and are implementing exemplary source water protection programs. Yearly, through the Exemplary Source Water Protection, AWWA issues up to three awards, with the intent to distribute to organizations representing different water system size classifications based on the population served. Organizations may self-nominate or be nominated by an AWWA member, regulatory agency responsible for source water protection, a local chapter of the National Rural Water Association, or regional

www.tawwa.org

authorities.

Nominations are judged on how well a water system meets six components of AWWA’s Source Water Protection Standard: 1) program vision; 2) source water characterization; 3) source water protection goals; 4) development of an Action Plan; 5) implementation of the Action Plan; and 6) periodic evaluation and revision of the entire program.

In addition to how well a source water protection program satisfies each of the six program components outlined above for the AWWA Standard, the award will CONTINUED PAGE 27 | awwa award

TEXASh2o SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | 15 |

| surface transportation programs |

House Approves Extension of Surface Transportation Programs, Positive Train Control Deadline

O

n October 27, the House of Representatives approved bipartisan legislation that funds and extends the authorization for federal highway and transit programs through November 20 and prevents a shutdown of the U.S. rail transportation system by extending the deadline for implementation of Positive Train Control technology.

The Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2015 (H.R. 3819) was introduced by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA), Ways and Means Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI), and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR).

“Last week, the Transportation Committee unanimously approved bipartisan, multi-year surface transportation legislation, and today’s Surface

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Transportation Extension Act will ensure that states can continue to fund transportation projects while Congress continues to make progress on the multiyear bill,” Shuster said.

“H.R. 3819 also recognizes that failing to extend the Positive Train Control deadline now will have devastating economic impacts,” Shuster continued. “Not only will railroads stop shipping important chemicals critical to manufacturing, agriculture, clean drinking water, and other industrial activities, but passenger and commuter rail transportation will virtually screech to a halt.

A PTC-related rail shutdown would pull $30 billion out of the economy in the first quarter and lead to 700,000 jobs lost in just one month. It’s our responsibility to extend this deadline now, and avoid shutting down much of our rail system.”

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| in memoriam |

Remembering J.R. Wilson

J

ames Robert Jim (J.R.) Wilson, a longtime member of AWWA and the water community, passed away on Monday, October 5.

He was 89.

Wilson was born in McKinney on Dec. 28, 1925, J.R. Wilson was honored with to Homer Doyle and Era Mae Wilson. He graduated the John Lechner Award of Excellence at Texas Water from Bryan High School and 2015TM. Wilson, pictured attended Texas A&M before here with his wife Mary Ann, entering the Navy, where he passed away on October 5. served two years as an Aviation Electronics Technician. He then returned to A&M to complete his BS in Civil Engineering, Class of '47.

Wilson's career in the water industry began as a sales engineer with U. S. Pipe and Foundry Co., manufacturers of cast iron pressure pipe. He then began a life-long passion of learning everything he could about pipe manufacturing, installation and operation. He added concrete pressure pipe to his knowledge base at United Concrete Pipe, a subsidiary of U. S. Pipe, where he was Southwest Sales Manager.

During a 25-year career with Lone Star Steel, he served as manager of Cast Iron and Spiral Pipe Steel Pipe Sales. He joined Thompson Pipe and Steel and in 1994, at the age of 69, began an 18-year career with Gifford-Hill American (which later became Hanson Pipe Products).

Considered to be an expert in all types of pipe, and co-author of AWWA Standards Manuals, his knowledge and expertise have been called upon for many milestone projects, from building a 90-mile pipeline across west Texas during the 1950's drought, to supporting NASA at Cape Canaveral to allow the flooding of launch pads during rocket launches. When a utility needed pipe in a hurry because of a blowout or disaster, they knew they could count on Wilson to make deliveries happen, and fast.

www.tawwa.org

Wilson has been a member of AWWA since 1951. He received his Lifetime Membership Award in 1981 and his Gold Water Drop award in 2001. He worked with the Cast Iron Pipe Research Association, was a member of the AWWA Steel Water Pipe Manufacturers Technical Advisory Committee and helped write the 2nd and 3rd editions of M11 Steel Pipe - A Guide for Design and Installation. At Texas Water 2015, the Texas Section honored Wilson with the Lechner Award of Excellence, recognizing a service provider member for exceptional service to the industry.

Soon after joining US Pipe and Foundry, Wilson met his future wife, Mary Ann Bowman, a Braniff hostess.

They married in Perkins Chapel on March 15, 1952, and had three children, Keith, Mark and Nancy. Wilson joined Mary Ann at Northway Christian Church and was an active member for 63 years, serving on many committees, as a Deacon and as an Elder. He was honored to become an Elder Emeritus in 2013.

Wilson loved his family, outdoors and travel. They hiked and camped in 48 states, and cruised and traveled overseas extensively.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Ann; three children and spouses, Keith and Kathryn Wilson, Mark and Liz Wilson, Rev. Nancy Sherman; 9 grandchildren and their spouses; and 17 great grandchildren. He is also survived by two nieces, one nephew, and many friends.

TEXASh2o SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | 17 |

| swift funding |

$27 billion in water supply projects. More information on the SWIFT program is available on its website.

The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional planning and preparing the state water plan for the development of the state’s water resources. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural Texas H20 Ad.pdf 1 projects.

1/16/2015 1:47:08 PM water conservation

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 | swift funding "We encourage communities to continue to take advantage of SWIFT and the cost saving options made available through the program," said TWDB Board member Kathleen Jackson. "The water management strategies included in the state water plan are key to securing the long-term water supply of our state, and SWIFT is ready to turn planning into projects."

Once the Board has prioritized the abridged applications and analyzed the financial assistance requested, the Board will extend invitations in mid-spring to eligible entities to submit full applications.

Those entities will have 30 days to complete and submit the full application to the TWDB. The Board will consider approving SWIFT applications in summer 2016.

SWIFT was established by the Texas Legislature and voters in 2013 to fund projects in the state water plan.

SWIFT was created through the transfer of a one-time, $2 billion appropriation from the state's Rainy Day Fund. The $2 billion will be leveraged with revenue bonds over the next 50 years to finance approximately

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| tnris |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 | letter from the texas section chair I was lucky enough to attend the Region V Regional Meeting of Section Officers. Region V is made up of Hawaii, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, the northern portion of Idaho, Montana, Alaska and the Western Canada Sections. We were discussing membership and membership recruitment and retention and were identifying how we got into the water industry and why we are active in the Association. The theme was “What is your AHA moment? Why is water your passion?”

The Association is currently in the middle of a membership appreciation campaign. We want you to know that you make a difference and you matter to us.

So pat yourself on the back and invite someone to your next Chapter meeting and invite them to be active with TAWWA! What’s your water story? Share your story with us at www.tawwa.org/?page=waterstory.

www.tawwa.org

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 | tnris in Texas) illustrates Texas' past and present, it also provides critical information to us when we need it most.

During the wildfires of 2011, TNRIS used orthoimagery, which is a super-accurate form of high resolution aerial photography, to locate ponds for firefighters to pull water from. As Central Texans remember, it was an emergency situation, and having this mapping technology available helped our firefighters save lives and quell further destruction.

While numerous photos and maps can be viewed at the TNRIS office in downtown Austin, TNRIS is working hard to archive all of its data online — a tedious and timely process. While requests for maps and photos can be made through the TNRIS website, the ultimate goal is to provide a viewable gallery of these images online for the public to access even more easily.

It takes a village, and TNRIS often relies on partnerships with other organizations to fund its ongoing efforts. No matter the situation, TNRIS will continue its critical work until the cows come home.

To learn more about the data, information, maps, and photos available from TNRIS, visit www.tnris.org.

TEXASh2o SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | 19 |

| scholarships |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 | scholarship developing third world countries. His AWWA family member is Doyle Coburn, manager of southern region support services at the Trinity River Authority.

LAUREN FUERST University of Pittsburg | Neuroscience Lauren Fuerst is currently pursuing a degree in neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh, with minors in chemistry and American Sign Language. She plans to continue her education by pursuing an MD/PhD program after graduation. On campus, Lauren was on the Pitt Varsity Swimming and Diving team and is active with the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and the American Chemical Society. Her AWWA family member is Brian Fuerst, senior project manager at CH2M Hill.

SMITH PUMP COMPANY, INC. MIKE THOMPSON SALES MANAGER

AMANDA HAWS University of Texas at Austin | Psychology Amanda Haws is currently attending the University of Texas at Austin, where she is working toward a degree in psychology. She is interested in psychological and neuroscience research and hopes to instill the value of diversity into future generations through her research. Her AWWA family member is Brian Haws, process engineer for Austin Water Utility.

EMILY HOWARD Texas A&M University | Chemistry Emily Howard graduated from Seven Lakes High School in Katy and is currently pursuing a degree in chemistry from Texas A&M University. In high school, Emily was involved with color guard and her youth group. She would like to use chemistry to help keep the earth thriving for future generations, as well as to inspire and teach people about chemistry and its importance in the world. Her

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| 20 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 TEXASh2o

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| scholarships |

AWWA family member is Jonathan Howard, principal in charge at Arcadis.

KAMERON KITTRELL Texas Tech University | Business Management Kameron Kittrell graduated from Grapevine High School and is currently pursuing a business administration in marketing degree from Texas Tech University. In high school, he was involved with cross country, track and German club and received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. Kameron would like to earn his degree in marketing and pursue a career in technical water and wastewater equipment sales to be part of the long-term solution for water crisis and conservation efforts. His AWWA family member is Ken Hall, vice president at CH2M Hill.

GATLIN KNEBEL Texas State University | Accounting Gatlin Knebel graduated from Georgetown High School and is currently pursuing a major in accounting with a minor in engineering from Texas State University. In high school, he was involved with the National Honor Society, the CenTex Angels select baseball team, and his church youth group. Upon graduation, Gatlin would like to work for a municipality, where he can help advance the water utility industry by providing the most costeffective service to its citizens. His AWWA family member is Jeffrey Knebel, pretreatment compliance specialist at the City of Round Rock.

CONTINUED PAGE 22 | scholarships

SAVE the DATE! Texas Water 2016 » April 19-22, 2016 » Fort Worth www.tawwa.org

TEXASh2o SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | 21 |

| scholarships |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 | scholarships COLIN MCDONALD University of Texas at Austin | Mechanical Engineering Colin McDonald is working toward a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.

On campus, he is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, as well as Texas Club Tennis. Colin is interested in getting involved in undergraduate research that focuses on water resources and renewable energy. His AWWA family member is Ellen McDonald, principal at Alan Plummer Associates, Inc. EMILY PALMER University of Texas at Austin | Environmental Engineering Emily Palmer is working toward a graduate degree in environmental engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a graduate research

assistant at the University of Texas and is currently working on a project pertaining to nitrogen biotransformation and trace organic compound removal in small drinking water systems. After graduate school, she plans to go into government or consulting to help advance biological water treatment technology. She is a student member of AWWA through the University of Texas at Austin.

FRANCES RABALAIS University of Cincinnati | Stage Direction of Opera Frances Rabalais is currently earning an artist’s diploma in the stage direction of opera at the CollegeConservatory of Music, part of the University of Cincinnati. By the time she graduates in May 2016, she will have worked as a director and assistant director on six different productions through the program, and aspires to become a director who continues to renew opera as an art form. Her AWWA family member is Gary Rabalais, vice president at Jones and Carter.

Hartwell Environmental Corporation Hartwell Environmental Corporation represents leading manufacturers of water and wastewater treatment equipment used in municipal and industrial treatment facilities. Our manufacturers provide the latest technology in the industry and we are dedicated to providing this equipment to our Texas and Oklahoma markets.

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| 22 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 TEXASh2o

Dallas

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www.tawwa.org

| scholarships |

DAVID RILEY University of Texas at El Paso | Economics David Riley graduated from Cathedral High School in El Paso and is currently pursuing a degree in economics from the University of Texas at El Paso. In high school, he was involved with the chivalry club and served as the student council treasurer. David would eventually like to go to law school and use his background in economics to help him in the area of law.

His AWWA family member is Robert Riley, construction division manager at El Paso Water Utilities.

SYDNEY SHARP West Texas A&M University | Business Sydney Sharp graduated from McNeil High School in Austin and is currently pursuing a degree in business from West Texas A&M University. In high school, Sydney was a member of the Majestics Dance CONTINUED PAGE 24 | scholarships

FEATURES

FEATURES

www.park-usa.com

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TEXASh2o SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | 23 |

| scholarships |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 | scholarships Team and served as social captain on the Sapphire Dance Team. She has also served as a volunteer for the Hispanic Bar Association of Austin and the Boys Ranch Alumni Association. Sydney would like to one day work at a non-profit or start a business that in some way helps the community. Her AWWA family member is Dean Sharp, president of Sharp Consulting Services.

BUCK STARLING Texas A&M University | Chemical Engineering Buck Starling is currently working toward a degree in chemical engineering from Texas A&M University. On campus, he is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and part of the Nuclear Desalinization Research Team. Over the summer, he interned with the Trinity River Authority’s Central Regional Wastewater System as a maintenance engineering intern. He is interested in the chemical, energy and water management fields and hopes to explore these fields more in the future. His AWWA family member is Donna Starling, water programs manager at the City of Irving.

DYLAN SWOBODA Texas A&M University | Civil Engineering Dylan Swoboda is currently attending Texas A&M University, majoring in civil engineering. He is interested in exploring the water side of civil engineering, particularly in implementing improvements that would make water and wastewater treatments

| 24 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 TEXASh2o

more efficient and environmentally-friendly. After graduation, he would like to work for a firm or a city board to help improve water treatment and water usage. His AWWA family member is Greg Swoboda, vice president at HDR. MELISSA VASQUEZ Western Technical College | Physical Therapy Assistant Melissa Vasquez is currently enrolled in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program at Western Technical College. She is Vice President Elect of the Physical Therapy Class of 2016 and has served as an advisor in Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Texas at El Paso. As a physical therapy assistant, Melissa is looking forward to helping patients get back to their daily lives and improve their quality of life after an injury. Her AWWA family member is Isabel Vasquez, president of the El Paso Branch of Huitt-Zollars Inc. BRITTANY VORHEIS St. Mary’s University | Biology Brittany Vorheis is working toward a degree in biology at St. Mary’s University. She is involved with the Red Cross Club and volunteers with 4-H. As a scribe in the emergency department at St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital, she has learned a lot about different illnesses, conditions, medications and common procedures and realized that she would like to become an emergency medicine physician or a physician assistant. Her AWWA family member is Jonathan Vorheis, project manager at CH2M Hill.

www.tawwa.org

| scholarships |

LAUREN WIGINTON Utrecht University | Sustainable Development Lauren Wiginton is currently enrolled in the Master’s Program in Sustainable Development at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. She has interned with Marathon Kids, working as a development intern, as well as serving as a volunteer and intern with the Sustainable Food Center’s Farm to School Programme, which aims to address public health and environmental issues through food systems. As a social worker for nine years, she has seen the effects of environmental injustices and plans to explore the impact of environmental issues on public health of marginalized and disadvantaged communities. Her AWWA family member is Jeannie Wiginton, associate at CDM Smith Inc.

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TEXASh2o SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | 25 |

| new members |

TAWWA Welcomes New Members Joining Aug. 15 – Oct. 31, 2015 Dana Andrews Wylie, TX

Michelle Camp Manchaca, TX

Scott Fry Rancho Viejo, TX

Rod Hissong Arlington, TX

Barb Naus Jersey Village, TX

Jonika Sandersen Stafford, TX

Kenneth Anga Rosharon, TX

John H. Carney Dallas, TX

Scott Galaway Houston, TX

Kevin Hukill Tyler, TX

Todd Neff San Angelo, TX

Bruce Stevenson Austin, TX

Guadalupe Bailey Dallas, TX

Ernie Carrasco Houston, TX

Theresa Gale Kemah, TX

Salman Ibrahim Sugar Land, TX

Martin Noriega El Paso, TX

Darcy Tramm Conroe, TX

Jonathan Bailey Little Elm, TX

Edgar Clayton Humble, TX

Caroline Hackett Austin, TX

Alfredo Jimenez Corpus Christi, TX

Sahil Patel Houston, TX

Abigail Valdez San Angelo, TX

Jan Bendfeldt Houston, TX

Roy Clayton Hondo, TX

Hank Hahn College Station, TX

Mickey Jordan Willis, TX

Marshall Patton Sanger, TX

Lance Vanzant Lewisville, TX

Damian Bernal San Antonio, TX

Tim Claytor Amarillo, TX

Brad Harris Balch Springs, TX

Lesley Joseph Corpus Christi, TX

Wendell W. Payton Wimberley, TX

Mark Varner Freeport, TX

Luz Maria Boentges San Antonio, TX

Sharon De La Garza San Antonio, TX

Thomas Keadle Houston, TX

Payton Construction, Inc. Wimberley, TX

Tabitha Wakefield Alvin, TX

Ed Buckley Alvin, TX

Randy Duke Everett Ballinger, TX

Harris County MUD No. 400 Humble, TX

Sarah Kerr Fort Worth, TX

Kit Perkins Round Rock, TX

Eric Warnke Round Rock, TX

Michael Butchart Arlington, TX

Keith Fisher Keller, TX

Tamara Konkin-Garcia Austin, TX

David Wayne Pitcock Brookston, TX

Edwin Welles San Antonio, TX

Tracy T. Butcher Richmond, TX

Don Forrest Lone Star, TX

Chris Conrad Krueger Houston, TX

Danielle Pryke Arlington, TX

Scott Tracy Williams Pantego, TX

Brian Butscher Corpus Christi, TX

Robert Freeman Balch Springs, TX

Rami Levkovich Houston, TX

Balt Ramos Laredo, TX

Michael Wilson West Lake Hills, TX

Zhen Li Fort Worth, TX

Joe Reyes Sugar Land, TX

Abate T. Wolde-Kirkos Houston, TX

Damir Lulo Dallas, TX

Ty Riebe Weatherford, TX

Juvencio Zamora Arlington, TX

Rick Mann Houston, TX

John Roberts Bryan, TX

Ann Zimmerman Dallas, TX

Remy Marcotorchino Dallas, TX

Sandra Robertson Houston, TX

Michal Ziv-El Austin, TX

Robin McIntosh Houston, TX

Cheri Ryals Tomball, TX

Don McWilliams Houston, TX

Cheryl Sanders Anahuac, TX

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| 26 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 TEXASh2o

www.tawwa.org

| awwa award |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 | awwa award also be based on the following three criteria: (1) the effectiveness of the program; (2) the innovativeness of the program approach; and (3) the difficulties overcome by the organization in satisfying the eligibility criteria.

Note that the first six questions directly relate to the program component criteria set forth in the AWWA Standard for Source Water Protection (ANSI/AWWA G300-07). Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the specific criteria for each of the six program components provided in the AWWA Standard. The Standard is available from the AWWA Bookstore (http://www. awwa.org/publications.aspx).

Nomination packages for the upcoming award are due to the Staff Secretary, AWWA Water Resource Sustainability Division, on Wednesday, January 15, 2015. Typically, Sections may choose to work with water utilities and suppliers in their region to submit nominations. However, a water utility/supplier may self-nominate. Please feel free to provide Best practices for RP, RPDA, DC, DCDA

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this information to others who might be interested in nomination for the award.

For more information about the award, including nomination forms, visit: http://www.awwa.org/ membership/get-involved/awards/award-details/ articleid/90/exemplary-source-water-protectionaward.aspx.

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TEXASh2o SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | 27 |

| executive director report |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 | executive director report It would not be until 1627 that scientists would again take up the problem of purifying drinking water. In that year, Sir Robert Bacon began experimenting with a form of sand filtration to remove salt particles from seawater. His experiments proved largely unsuccessful, but his work sparked a revival of water treatment experimentation. Several decades later (the internet was only a gleam in someone’s eye in 1676), Anton van Leeuwenhoek created the first microscope, which allowed scientists to view a whole new world of drinking water contamination. With his invention, Leeuwenhoek became the first person to discover microorganisms.

Throughout the 1700s, as people began to understand more about the dangers of drinking water contaminants, domestic water filter units made from wool, sponge, and charcoal began to be used in individual homes. In the year 1804, the first large municipal water treatment plant was installed in Scotland in order to provide treated water to every resident (likely the first use of the phrase “No Water, No Scotch"©). This revolutionary installation prompted the idea that all people should have access to clean drinking water. However, it would be some time before this ambitious idea would be implemented widely throughout the world.

In 1854, the British scientist John Snow found that cholera was spread through contaminated water, a discovery that would greatly impact the future of water treatment and disinfection. While studying cholera epidemics in municipal areas of England, Snow noticed that regions that used slow sand filtration before distributing water had fewer cholera cases.

Eventually, he was able to trace the outbreaks of

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cholera to a particular water pump that had been contaminated by raw sewage. Snow used chlorine to kill the cholera bacteria in the water, leading to the rise of water chlorination as an effective disinfection process. His work also revolutionized the prevalent theory that good-tasting and odorless water naturally meant it was healthful and safe. Because the contaminated water had contained no detectable taste or odor, Snow surmised that water quality could not be established by that criteria alone. After his findings were published, several cities began to treat all water with sand filters and chlorine before distributing it to the public.

In the USA in 1832, a major cholera epidemic swept most large cities east of the Mississippi, from Maine to New Orleans. In 1849 and 1850, another outbreak occurred that reached all the way to San Francisco.

And, again in 1866, nearly half of the country was struck again. After these events, in the late nineteenth century, municipal water treatment began to take hold in the United States.

Leaders such as George Warren Fuller (the AWWA Fuller Award) started experimenting with rapid, as opposed to slow, sand filtration and found the process to be much more efficient and effective. Also, the overall capacity and lifetime of the filter could be improved by cleaning it with a powerful steam jet, thus increasing the number of residents who could be served by one treatment plant.

Realizing that enough was enough and that a disconnected system of processes and information sharing was no longer satisfactory, on March 29, 1881, in Engineers’ Hall on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, 22 men representing water utilities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee founded the American Water Works Association. They adopted a constitution that stated the purpose of the association as being “for the exchange of information pertaining to the management of water-works, for the mutual advancement of consumers and water companies, and for the purpose of securing economy and uniformity in the operations of water-works.”

The purpose for which the Association was formed is to promote public health, safety, and welfare through the improvement of the quality and quantity of water delivered to the public and the development and

www.tawwa.org

| executive director report |

furtherance of understanding of the problems relating thereto by:

OVER

600

Advancing the knowledge of the design, construction, operation, water treatment and management of water utilities and developing standards for procedures, equipment and materials used by public water supply systems;

TANKS CONSTRUCTED

Advancing the knowledge of the problems involved in the development of resources, production and distribution of safe and adequate water supplies; Educating the public on the problems of water supply and promoting a spirit of cooperation between consumers and suppliers in solving these problems; and Conducting research to determine the causes of problems of providing a safe and adequate water supply and proposing solutions thereto in an effort to improve the quality and quantity of the water supply provided to the public.

Thus was created the single most important Association of Water Professionals, with the focus of creating Standards for and the implementation of those Standards to do one thing — Protect Public Health.

As a result of the creation of these Standards and the commitment of water professionals throughout the country, the application of increased water treatment and chlorination within several U.S. cities and around the world, the outbreak of such waterborne diseases as cholera and typhoid rapidly decreased in the early twentieth century.

As municipal water treatment eventually became a common practice in most U.S. cities, federal and state governments began to recognize the importance of drinking water standards for municipalities. While some limited drinking water standards would be implemented as early as 1914, it would not be until the 1940s that federal drinking water standards were widely applied. But the most comprehensive federal regulations and standards for the water treatment industry were implemented in the 1970s, in reaction to a huge increase in environmental concerns in the country. In 1972, the Clean Water Act passed through Congress and became law, requiring industrial plants to proactively improve their waste procedures in order to limit the effect of contaminants on freshwater sources. In 1974, CONTINUED PAGE 30 | executive director report

www.tawwa.org

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TEXASh2o SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | 29 |

| executive director report |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 | executive director report

SAVE the DATE! Texas Water 2016 April 19-22, 2016 Fort Worth, Texas Attendee registration will open toward the end of the year

the Safe Drinking Water Act was adopted by all 50 U.S. states for the regulation of public water systems within their jurisdictions. This law specified a number of contaminants that must be closely monitored in water and reported to residents should they exceed the maximum contaminant levels allowed by the federal government.

So, when you, as water professionals are asked what you do when you go to work, now you know the answer. Protect Public Health. End of discussion, end of debate, end of conversation.

Oh, and what did my in-laws say when I told them I work for professionals that Protect Public Health?

They said, “Oh.” But, that’s OK. I didn’t mind that simple response. In fact, it was the perfect answer.

They don’t suffer and die from cholera. They don’t suffer and die from typhoid fever. So, as long as the water coming from the tap meets all of our “newly discovered” Standards, all is well.

Good job, folks! I am proud to be one of you.

And so it goes . . .

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| calendar |

What’s Happening Across Texas DATE

ACTIVITY

TIME

LOCATION

INFORMATION

NOV 11

SE TAWWA: Water For People Beer For Us

6-8 pm

Saint Arnold Brewery Houston, Texas

www.tawwa.org

DEC 3

NCT 5th Annual Holiday Dinner

5:30 pm

Texas Star Conference Center Euless, Texas

www.tawwa.org

FEB 1

AWWA Membrane Technology Conference

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, Texas

www.awwa.org/amta/ Membrane2016

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.

Blowers Blower Packages Overhauls Digester Aeration Filter Backwash

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TEXASh2o SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | 31 |

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