TX H2O POST TW17

TEX Sh2o | Post Conference 2017 |



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

Texas Water's Trip to the Capital City was a Hit!

From top left: Vice-Chair Elston Johnson, Chair-Elect Ron Tamada, incoming Chair Bruce Curtis, outgoing Chair Daniel Nix, incoming AWWA Director Bill Smith ● Attendees explore the Texas Water exhibit hall ● Competitors race to assemble a hydrant in the new competition, Hydrant Hysteria ● AWWA Vice President Terry McGhee and Women of Texas Water speaker Carole Baker ● Outgoing Texas Section Chair Daniel Nix passes the gavel to incoming Chair Bruce Curtis ● Bill Rixey congratulates the University Forum winners.

Feature: Preventing Lead Release | Award Winners | And More!

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| fuller award |

Christianne Castleberry Honored with Fuller Award

C

hristianne Castleberry received the prestigious George Warren Fuller Award at the Texas Water 2017TM Awards Lunch in Austin.

Castleberry established her own civil and environmental services firm, Castleberry Engineering & Consulting, and has become a recognized leader in the water and wastewater industry, as well as in the Texas Section AWWA. As an AWWA member for more than 20 years, Castleberry served as past chair of the Texas Section AWWA and successfully reimagined and reengineered the Texas Section Education Division.

Christianne Castleberry, pictured at center with past Fuller Award winners, received the George Warren Fuller Award at the Texas Water 2017TM awards lunch.

The award recipient is selected by previous Fuller winners and is kept secret until the luncheon.

TANKS | DOMES | COVERS | INSPECTIONS | TANK LIFECYCLE SERVICES

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TEXAS Steven LeBlanc 469-354-9700 www.EngAmerica.com

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2017 | 3 |

| letter from the texas section chair |

New Beginnings Texas Section American Water Works Association P.O. Box 80150 Austin, Texas 78708 www.tawwa.org Bruce Curtis, Chair 972-602-1001 Ron Tamada, Chair-Elect 817-493-5100 Elston Johnson, Vice-Chair 512-809-7552 Daniel Nix, Imm. Past Chair 940-691-1153 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: © 1996-2017 Texas Section – American Water Works Association, Inc. © 2017 Texas Section – American Water Works Association, Inc.

FOLLOW TAWWA ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!

Texas AWWA

@txawwa

BY BRUCE CURTIS texas section chair

M

y fellow Texas Section AWWA members!

By the time this inaugural commentary article of mine is published, Texas will be in the middle of the spring season. For most Water Utility purveyors across Texas, this time of year usually entails going through several days of nervous anticipation (and at times, high anxiety) as they wait for the ever-so-needed spring showers to refill strained or depleted BRUCE CURTIS reservoirs. Hopefully, the seasonal rains of 972-602-1001 spring will be sufficient enough this year to brucec@ebaa.com offset the forthcoming stresses soon to be imposed on these same reservoirs during the fast-approaching "dog days" of summer that are sure to follow. This annual transition of the seasonal changes between spring and summer can be unnerving at times, but it can also reveal new beginnings for what the future might hold as well. We all seemingly go through this type of nervous anticipation during this time of year. It is indeed somewhat of an excitable, nervous feeling we hold onto as we anxiously wait for these new beginnings to reveal themselves — whether through the fruits of our labor or by the helping hand of Mother Nature.

This anticipatory feeling about what the future might hold appears to be becoming more and more the norm within our water industry as the landscape of our industry is coming under more and more scrutiny. One issue currently at the forefront of our water industry that all of us are in anticipation of seeing whether "new beginnings" will reveal themselves for the benefit of our industry as a whole is with how water utilities can obtain affordable access to appropriately funded infrastructure financing sources. Whether for better or worse, it appears that there is finally a consensus among the public and with our elected officials and legislators that the "elephant in the room" (i.e., the current dilapidated condition with much of our buried infrastructure systems and the inability of a water utility to single-handedly finance their ongoing repair or replacement needs with meager rate increases) has been fully exposed. For once, everyone (even both Republicans and Democrats alike) seems to agree CONTINUED PAGE 34 | letter from the texas section chair

| 4 | POST CONFERENCE 2017 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

| executive director report |

Command and Control

BY MIKE HOWE tawwa executive director

C

ommand and control. It’s a management style that has its merits in the military, during disasters and any number of time-compressed situations. At one time in my career(s) it was essential to the day-to-day operation of what I did. Many of you know, and for recent readers, my first career was in television. I was a producer and director, and in my director role, it was "do as I say" and that was how the world worked.

It was not who I inherently was, but I could, when necessary and needed, operate in that role — without regret.

But, when given the opportunity to recreate my persona in a much more inclusive environment, as was the case when I went to work for Austin Water, I became a firm believer in giving everyone an opportunity to excel at their own pace with the premise that outcomes being more important than doing it "My Way" (props to Frank Sinatra).

During that time, I became a nationally recognized practitioner in risk communication and one of those people who others include in their references as an "expert" in their papers submitted as peer-reviewed abstracts. Go figure.

Since I became the Executive Director of the Texas

Section AWWA 20 years ago, as well as one of the partners for the Texas Water Conference, I have supported a group of volunteers who have committed to doing everything they can do to make THEIR Texas Water MIKE HOWE 512-238-9292 Conference their own, with mikehowe@tawwa.org its own "personality" and an event for all to remember.

It is always very satisfying to watch water professionals step up and commit their time and expertise to make the Texas Water Conference the premier water conference in the country. Yes, AWWA does ACE every year. WEF does WEFTEC ever year.

But, in all honesty, do either of those "events" beat Texas Water as the most important, most valuable conference you attend each year? The price is right, the exhibitors are all you need to visit (a special thanks to all of them) and without a doubt, you are going to see the technical sessions you NEED to see.

My thanks to the Austin Water utility staff and the entire Austin consultant volunteers who made Texas Water 2017TM an amazing success. And, when folks thank me for a great conference, I am more than willingly to command them to thank our volunteers when they see them.

Thanks to "all y’all." You make us all proud.

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Call 512-251-8101 today! | 6 | POST CONFERENCE 2017 TEXASh2o

www.tawwa.org

Committed to Texas

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| ballard award |

Jack Schulze Receives Doc Ballard Award

J

ack Schulze was recognized with the W. T. "Doc" Ballard Award during the Awards Luncheon at Texas Water 2017TM in Austin. Created in 1999, the "Doc" Ballard Award recognizes Texas Section members who have distinguished themselves by using their personal influence to shape the course of change in our profession by helping utilities and individuals serve the profession better. This award is not presented every year and only goes to those whose selfless contributions to the industry deserve recognition.

After obtaining a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, Schulze briefly worked as a field inspector for the TCEQ Tyler office before transferring to Austin.

Serving on the Technical Review and Oversight Team, Schulze was involved in plan review, technical support and enforcement.

He also developed numerous training and assistance materials for surface water treatment AWWA Vice President Terry McGhee presents Jack Schulze with the W.T. "Doc" operators and Ballard Award at Texas Water 2017TM. TCEQ staff.

While at the TCEQ, Schulze created the Texas Optimization Program, and then developed a recognition program for those utilities who met the strict goals of this important program. He also worked closely in rule review and implementation strategies for a variety of rule packages over the years.

Considered a nationally recognized leader in treatment practices, Schulze has always had a love and passion for the science and engineering of water treatment, and continues to value passing his knowledge and expertise onto others.

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2017 | 9 |

| maverick award |

Jacob Niemeier Receives Maverick Award

J

acob Niemeier was honored with the Maverick Award at Texas Water 2017TM. The Maverick Award recognizes a young professional in the Texas Section who exemplifies qualities in volunteerism, community involvement, leadership and outstanding service in the science of water supply, treatment, operations and water quality.

For the past several years, Niemeier has served as Young Professionals Co-Chair for the North Central Texas Chapter of TAWWA, organizing networking events and social opportunities for the Metroplex YPs. His most recent event was very successful Young Professionals Casino Night & Silent Auction, which donated approximately $12,000. He is also involved with several charitable organizations, notably Water for People, DIGDEEP and The Thirst Project.

A native of Indiana, Jacob is a 2012 graduate of Purdue University and has worked as a civil design engineer for GarzaBury/Bury, Inc./Stantec since 2012.

Jacob works in the Public Works group, designing water distribution, sanitary sewer conveyance and storm drain utility projects. His key focus is in water resources and Jacob Niemeier, pictured with outgoing environmental Texas Section Chair Daniel Nix and AWWA management and Vice President Terry McGhee, received the Maverick Award. conservation.

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hazenandsawyer.com | 10 | POST CONFERENCE 2017 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

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| wfp award |

Water For People Award Goes to Trent Woodward

T

rent Woodward, with EI2 in Austin, received the Water For People Kenneth J. Miller Founder's Award at Texas Water 2017TM. The Kenneth J. Miller Founder's Award honors outstanding local-level volunteer service to the international humanitarian effort to ensure safe drinking water in developing counties.

Woodward has established one of the premier social events in the Texas Water industry and a great fundraiser for Water For People, Pints For People. Now in it's third year, Pints for People raised more than $17,000 net in the fall of 2016. Woodward and EI2 have also provided barbecue for golfers since the first WFP Sweat for a Cause Charity Golf Tournament, the state's largest fundraiser.

WEF President-Elect Jenny Hartfelder, WEAT President David Jackson, AWWA Vice President Terry McGhee and outgoing Texas Section Chair Daniel Nix present Trent Woodward with the Water For People Kenneth J. Miller Founder's Award.

AMERICAN Zinc: A SMaRT Product for Smart Cities

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2017 | 13 |

| preventing lead release |

Preventing Lead Release in Distribution Systems: What You Need to Know

BY CAROLINE RUSSELL & AMLAN GHOSH carollo engineers & corona environmental consulting

L

ead has been used as a plumbing material for centuries due to its strong, yet malleable properties. However, its historical use in plumbing and other commercial products (e.g., paint, as a gasoline additive, etc.) has been linked to lead poisoning, resulting in lowered cognitive function in children, increased blood pressure in adults, and other adverse health effects. The use of lead pipes in the U.S. decreased significantly after World War II due to increased awareness of the link between lead exposure and neurological health impacts. In 1986, the U.S. EPA promulgated amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) prohibiting the CONTINUED PAGE 28 | preventing lead release

ACRONYMS: AL – Action Level CCT – Corrosion Control Treatment LCR – Lead and Copper Rule LCRWG – Lead and Copper Rule Working Group LSL – Lead Service Line LT-LCR – Long Term Lead and Copper Rule NDWAC – National Drinking Water Advisory Council PWS – Public Water System SDWA – Safe Drinking Water Act

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| 14 | POST CONFERENCE 2017 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

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| chapter of the year |

Capital Area Chapter Recognized as Chapter of the Year

T

he Capital Area Chapter was recognized as the Chapter of the Year at Texas Water 2017TM, because of its achievements in communication, community service, educational offerings, fundraising efforts and membership recruitment and retention.

The chapter is committed to communicating with members in various ways, including a bi-monthly newsletter. The newsletter includes upcoming events, awards and contact information for committee members and sponsors. The chapter also maintains a Facebook page that is used to promote events.

To keep their members engaged, the chapter sponsors numerous events, including the Water for People charity volleyball tournament, which raised over $8,000 last year, and the well-attended Pints for People event that raised over $17,000 last year.

To promote educational offerings, the chapter holds bimonthly meetings and hosts an annual one-day seminar in which the membership has the opportunity to hear about leading-edge projects, learn from the experts and network with colleagues.

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www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2017 | 17 |

| watermark awards |

Watermark Awards Applaud Communication

T

exas Section AWWA and WEAT honored members for their efforts to communicate with the public.

During ceremonies at Texas Water 2017TM in Austin, the winners of the annual Watermark Awards were recognized.

CATEGORY I Communications programs: internal campaigns, external campaigns, crisis communications, community relations.

Small Utility » City of Mansfield: H2O Water Olympics.

Large Utility » San Antonio Water System: Rain to Drain Experience. Non-Utility » Glass House Strategies: Randy and Larry Team Up. River Authorities or Districts » Tarrant Regional Water District with partner

City of Dallas Water Utilities. Honorable Mention » San Antonio Water System: SAWS: Making San Antonio Waterful.

CATEGORY II Periodicals: magazines or newsletters.

Small Utility » City of McAllen Public Utility: Internal Newsletter. River Authorities or Districts » San Antonio River Authority: River Reach Newsletter.

CATEGORY III Publications: annual reports, annual water quality reports, brochures, direct mail materials and other multi-page publications.

Large Utility » City of Fort Worth Water Department: CONTINUED PAGE 24 | watermark awards

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.

Houston

281.351.8501 Tel 281.351.8323 Fax

Austin

512.347.7676 Tel 512.347.7730 Fax

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817.446.9500 Tel 817.446.7200 Fax

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Tulsa

918.299.8555 Tel 918.299.8554 Fax

| 18 | POST CONFERENCE 2017 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

AWWA D110 Type III Tanks #1 Tank for Texas

Tom Kleppe, P.E. District Sales Manager tkleppe@preload.com Garland, TX 888-PRELOAD

Serving Texas Since 1943

| conservation & reuse awards |

Water Conservation and Reuse Awards Recognize Conservation, Reuse Efforts

E

ach year, the Texas Section AWWA Conservation and Reuse Division recognizes those who have demonstrated excellence in Water Conservation and Reuse Practices.

Large Utility Indirect & Bob Derrington Reuse Award: City of Abilene Hamby Water Reclamation Facility & Reuse Project With chronic droughts reducing reservoir levels to 30 percent capacity or less in the West Texas city of Abilene, the city recently completed the installation of an advanced water treatment system as part of a major upgrade project to the city’s Hamby Water Reclamation Facility. The new system is the largest

Membrane Bioreactor facility in Texas.

The plant directly pumps up to nine million gallons per day of highly treated wastewater effluent into Lake Fort Phantom Hill to increase clean water supplies for the city’s residents and businesses. This helps protect the city from future drought conditions.

The Hamby WRF and Reuse Project is the first part of a multi-phase drought response initiative aimed at addressing the city’s alarmingly low raw water supplies.

The $85 million construction project was placed online in less than 12 months. By contrast, typical projects of this size normally take 24 to 36 months to complete.

CONTINUED PAGE 26 | conservation & reuse awards

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layne.com | 20 | POST CONFERENCE 2017 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

| longevity | swift awards program| |

Members Receive Longevity Awards

A

t Texas Water 2017TM, the Texas Section honored 35 water professionals for longtime membership in AWWA and service to the industry.

Elizabeth Turner of Wylie, Coy Veach of Burleson, George Westhoff Jr. of Fort Worth and Randy Williams of Flower Mound.

SILVER WATER DROP AWARDS AWWA recognizes members who have achieved 30 years of service to the water community and AWWA. Receiving recognition were Sam Arnaout of Grand Prairie, Carole Baker of Austin, Mark Berry of Fort Worth, Randy Brock of El Paso, David Canady of Irving, John Collins of Nash, Alicia Diehl of Dripping Springs, Randel Dobbs of Richardson, William Forbes of Frisco, Neil Graff of Austin, Leroy Graham of Palacios, Pamela Hickman of Coldspring, Mike Howe of Austin, Joseph Jenkins of Austin, Mike Jossa of Jonestown, Danny Masella of Irving, Owen Matherne of Stafford, Kyle Reed of Houston, Robert Reeves of Grapevine, Fernando Rico of El Paso, Dennis Shumard of Katy, Michael Smith of Eastland,

LIFE MEMBERSHIP AWARDS Receiving Life Membership Awards, recognizing members who previously achieved Silver Water Drop Award status and are now at least 65 years old, were David Bowman of Itasca, Jack Evans Jr. of Dumas, Bart Hines of Fort Worth, Charles Laws of Buda, David Mason of The Woodlands, Louis Rosenberg of Floresville, Bill Smith of Duncanville and Alan Thompson of Boerne.

GOLD WATER DROP AWARD Frederick Doll of Euless was recognized for 50 years of service to the water community and AWWA with a Gold Water Drop Award.

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www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2017 | 21 |

| fly-in |

TAWWA Meets with Texas Delegation

S

everal Texas Section AWWA members attended the AWWA Fly-In to Washington, D.C., March 2123. It was an opportunity to meet with members of the Texas Delegation to discuss federal legislation that is important to AWWA members, including infrastructure funding programs to support the full implementation of WIFIA (Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act) and State Revolving Funds for water-related infrastructure repair and renewal.

Corrosion protection and lead was also a point discussed at each stop. Our members attending briefings held by AWWA and headed for the Capitol where we met with the offices of several members of the House and both U.S. Senators.

This was the 15th year in a row that Texas Section members have been attending the Fly-In.

Texas Section AWWA members meet with Representative Brian Babin. From left: Mike Howe, Dave Scholler, Representative Babin, Jennifer Elms, legislative assistant Amy Jo Jacobsen and Charlie Maddox.

Next time you need water or wastewater storage tanks

GO WITH THE BRAND YOU KNOW AND TRUST AQUASTORE!

Name of Project: Tornillo – Guadalupe Land Port of Entry Location: Tornillo, TX Gallons/Type of water: 46,666 Potable Water GC or Engineer: Turner Construction Company

Name of Project: The Falls Location: Edmund, OK Gallons/Type of water 398,022 Potable Water Owner: City of Edmund, OK GC or Engineer: Caleb McCaleb (GC) Johnson & Associates (Engineer)

Phone 903.870.5000 – www.texas-aquastore.com – sales@texas-aquastore.com | 22 | POST CONFERENCE 2017 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

| scholarships |

Apply for TAWWA Scholarships!

Deadline: July 14, 2017 There are three scholarships available: The Texas Section AWWA Scholarship, the Alan Plummer Associates/ TAWWA Environmental Scholarship and the One AWWA Operator Scholarship.

The application process is all online.

Please review the instructions carefully before proceeding with the application.

Apply online at www.tawwa.org (click on the "Scholarship" link on the upper left side of the homepage) kimley-horn.com

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2017 | 23 |

| watermark awards |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 | watermark awards Annual Water Quality Report. Non-Utility » Texas A&M AgriLife: Card Deck: Top 100 Water Efficient Plants.

River Authorities or Districts » San Antonio River Authority: 2016 PITTSBURG Clean Rivers Program TANK & TOWER Basin Highlight MAINTENANCE CO., INC. Report. Honorable SAVE! Mention » City of We have a crew in YOUR AREA! Mansfield Water Repair New & Used Tanks Inspections In Service Utilities: Annual Relocation Elevated Wet Cleaning Erection Underground Dry Paint Water Quality Report.

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

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CATEGORY IV Online communications: websites, Facebook, Twitter, online newsletters, etc.

Small Utility » City of Round Rock: Internal Newsletter.

Large Utility » City of Dallas Water Utilities: Defend Your Drains: Fry Good, Do Good Contest. Non-Utility » Texas AgriLife Extension: Water University Viral Videos.

River Authorities or Districts » Tarrant Regional Water District: Website Development.

CATEGORY V School Curriculums.

Small Utility » McAllen Public Utility: 2016 Water Camps. Large Utility » El Paso Water: Celebrating National Engineers Week: Encouraging Students to Pursue Engineering Careers While Celebrating Our Own Engineers.

CATEGORY VI Writing releases, features, scripts, speeches, public service announcements, etc.

Small Utility » City of Horseshoe Bay: News Release About Irrigation School for Residents. Large Utility » El Paso Water: Public Service Board Opinion Editorials.

| 24 | POST CONFERENCE 2017 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

| watermark awards |

Non-Utility » Texas AgriLife Extension Water University: TXIA WAter News.

CATEGORY VII Audio and visual: videos, DVDs, slide shows, Power Point presentations, etc.

Large Utility » El Paso Water: Austin Pond Project Video. River Authorities or Districts » Tarrant Regional Water District: Integrated Pipeline Video.

CATEGORY VIII Miscellaneous: photography, logos, one-time advertisements, posters, illustrations, invitations.

Small Utility » City of Allen: Sprinkler Math Publication.

Large Utility » San Antonio Water System: SAWS Desal Opening Invitations. Non-Utility » Texas A&M AgriLife Water University: #WaterUDoing Logo. River Authorities or Districts » Trinity River Authority of Texas: Aerial Photography's New Flight Path.

Honorable Mention » El Paso Water: Modernization of Logo and Branding Communication Program.

find it. service it. document it. boost productivity.

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2017 | 25 |

| conservation & reuse awards |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 | conservation & reuse awards Non-Utility Indirect North Fort Bend Water Authority Larry's Toolbox The North Fort Bend Water Authority created Larry’s Toolbox in 2016 as a way to promote water conservation programs to Municipal Utility Districts within their boundary in order to make water conservation a long-term water supply solution. The toolbox consists of nine water saving initiatives, such as irrigation system evaluations and retrofits, tiered water rates, customer education and more — that are all worth a set number of points. If a MUD enrolls in and meets the goals of enough initiatives throughout the year to collect seven points, that MUD receives a $0.10/1,000 gallon rebate on their usage the following year.

The first year of the toolbox ended December 31, 2016 and the results show that MUDs are moving

Irrational Risk “...The water in the pit could create a cross-connection... whether the test cocks are opened or closed...”

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toward being more water conscious. The authority is requiring data as part of each initiative and will use this to track per capita usage trends. The toolbox is proving to be the landmark water conservation program for the Authority and Fort Bend County.

Small Utility Direct: City of Lago Vista Water Conservation Programs & Projects The City of Lago Vista recognizes that water conservation is essential to long-term sustainability of water supply in the Highland Lakes. It has aggressively pursued various water conservation programs and projects to meet the water needs of its growing population. In 2009, the City of Lago Vista created a task force to find multiple operational methods to reduce its 35 percent water loss to an acceptable level.

The task force was encouraged to look “outside the box” for innovative solutions and identified four main strategies that it could use to reduce water loss: 1) looping dead end waterlines, 2) replacing aged direct read water meters, 3) switching to fused High Density Polyethylene pipe for all future line installations and replacements, and 4) reducing the need to flush the ground storage tanks. Looking to reduce its dependence for raw water from Lake Travis to irrigate its two golf courses, the city designed a cross-town effluent piping system to serve the Highland Lakes Golf Course that was brought into service in late 2015.

The HLGC previously was irrigated with only raw water from Lake Travis. Now it meets 59.2 percent of its irrigation needs by using reuse water from the wastewater treatment plant.

800-245-6333 sales@safe-t-cover.com

www.safe-t-cover.com

| 26 | POST CONFERENCE 2017 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

| conservation & reuse | tceq awards awards| |

Small Utility Indirect City of Round Rock Smart Meter Project The City of Round Rock knew that something needed to be done to address the continuing increasing high water use that was happening in the summer months.

Its population was continuing to grow, and with that growth came new homes with irrigation systems. They had secured an additional water source, but resources were getting stretched in terms of meter readers, the costs associated with them, along with the amount of time spent dealing with high bill complaints, stopped meters, meter testing and customer education about how much water irrigation systems use. They needed a better way to account for water being used and educating their customers about how much water they are using. They started the transition to a smarter water meter in 2010 with an AMR system and moved to an AMI system starting in 2014. The AMI system was over 90 percent completed by December 2016. The new meter technology has helped them more effectively communicate with their customers in a much quicker time frame. They are able to provide daily and hourly water use data to their customers the day they ask for the information. The ability for their customers to see when their water is being used has helped resolve concerns about leaks, billing mistakes or other problems.

complaints from residents, the city water conservation manager, along with the county horticulture extension agent, found a win-win solution by approaching the library director with an idea to renovate the area into a research and demonstration garden. Through working with several city departments, county master gardeners and other clubs and agencies, an idea was launched to create a research and demonstration garden that would help to educate the residents on Earth-KindÂŽ landscaping principles and practices that can create beautiful, easy-care landscapes, while conserving and protecting natural resources and the environment. After several months of planning and agreements with several different city departments and outside agencies, the garden became a reality with a planting day in October of 2015. The library courtyard was transformed from a high-water-use landscape that was struggling, to a low-water, low-maintenance demonstration and research garden consisting of shrubs, perennials and annuals that is now visited by thousands of residents each day, and has even drawn the attention of other state extension offices to replicate in their area.

Honorable Mention: City of Allen Earth Kind Demonstration Garden When the Allen Public Library courtyard landscape had become such an eyesore that it drew many

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www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2017 | 27 |

| preventing lead release |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 | preventing lead release use of pipes and solder containing more than 8% or 0.2% lead, respectively.

The SDWA provisions along with subsequent regulations (Figure 1) have virtually eliminated the use of lead in any plumbing materials installed in new homes.

However, many older homes still have service lines, solder, fittings, and fixtures that were installed prior to promulgation of the regulations limiting incorporation of lead. These materials provide a source of lead that can be released into tap water, particularly in the event of a hydraulic or water quality change.

Most of the time, release of lead from older pipes and fixtures does not result in lead concentrations in tap water above the 15 part per billion action level (AL), as illustrated by a reported 90% compliance among public water systems (PWS) with the lead AL (USEPA, 2016). The relatively low reported lead AL exceedance despite a significant number of older properties that still have LSLs or lead-containing solder, fixtures, or fittings is attributed in part to the formation of a passivating oxide coating on pipe materials from PWS incorporation of corrosion control strategies at their water treatment plants. Problems primarily arise when water systems make changes to their water supply or treatment, resulting in a change in distribution system water quality that disrupts the pipe scales, and releases

soluble and/or particulate lead into tap water. Notable examples include the episode in Washington, D.C. in the early 2000s following conversion to chloramines and the recent 2015-2016 event in Flint, MI following conversion to an alternate water supply, while neglecting to include proper corrosion control to minimize corrosion and potential disruption of pipe scales.

Recognizing the severe health consequences which can disproportionately affect children and low-income families in older homes, the USEPA is planning revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule with the primary goal of increasing public health protection from reduced exposure to lead. This article is the first of a series developed by members of the Texas AWWA Water Science and Research Division as a resource to PWSs concerned about how to plan for USEPA's revisions to the LCR (this article) and strategies to optimize corrosion control treatment (subsequent article) to reduce lead concentrations at the tap. This article provides an overview of USEPA's potential revisions to the LCR, what PWSs can do to prepare, and references for additional information on the topic.

USEPA Revisions to the Lead and Copper Rules A specific challenge with the current LCR that the USEPA seeks to address is that the construct prompts water systems to take protective actions only after a potential problem has been identified. A Lead and Copper Rule Working Group (LCRWG) was formed by the National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC) to provide advice to USEPA for potential revisions to the LCR. The LCRWG recommendations for revisions to the LCR, which the NDWAC provided to the USEPA Administrator in December 2015, include: ●

●

●

Figure 1: Regulations impacting lead and copper sources and concentrations in drinking water.

Requiring more proactive LSL replacement programs Developing stronger public education for lead and LSLs Improving corrosion control, retaining the

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| preventing lead release |

• • •

• •

current rule requirements to re-assess corrosion control treatment (CCT) if changes to source water or treatment are planned Modifying monitoring requirements Tailoring water quality parameters (WQPs) to the specific CCT plan for each system Establishing a health-based household action level that triggers a report to the consumer and the applicable health agency for follow up Separating the requirements for copper from those for lead Establishing appropriate compliance and enforcement mechanisms

The AWWA Board voted unanimously in March 2016 to support the NDWAC recommendations. The USEPA states that it will consider NDWAC recommendations as well as other stakeholder comments and best available science in revising the LCR. Based on a USEPA white paper (USEPA, 2016), issues and potential elements that USEPA is considering as part of its analysis for revisions to the LCR include: • • • •

Lead service line replacement Improved optimized CCT Incorporating a health-based benchmark Clarifying and strengthening sampling requirements • Increasing transparency and information sharing • Strengthening public education Potential revisions for copper are also summarized in the USEPA white paper (USEPA, 2016).

A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking of LCR Revisions is scheduled for 2017. Exactly what that rule will entail is still unknown, but the NDWAC recommendations and the USEPA white paper provide an indication of what could be expected. Based on that information, suggestions of what PWSs can do to prepare are provided.

What PWSs Can Do to Prepare Immediate steps that PWSs can take to prepare for potential revisions to the lead and copper rule include: • Reviewing current sampling procedures to ensure they align with revised EPA guidelines which have

been adopted by TCEQ; • Updating the distribution system materials inventory to obtain a clear understanding of LSL locations; • Developing / strengthening public education programs for LSLs and lead-containing plumbing materials; and • Contacting TCEQ's Lead and Copper Program (512239-4691; https://www.tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater/chemicals/lead_copper/lead-copper.html) with specific questions regarding compliance and public health protection related to lead in drinking water.

Details on current corrosion control treatment (CCT), sampling procedures, LSL replacement, and communication strategies are provided below.

Corrosion Control Treatment: Corrosion control treatment is a requirement of the LCR published by the USEPA in 1991. Corrosion control can be performed using a number of approaches including addition of inhibitor chemicals (e.g. orthophosphates) to create a barrier between the pipes and the drinking water, or the modification of drinking water chemistry (e.g. pH, alkalinity, hardness, etc.) to inhibit the potential for corrosion (AWWA, 2014a). In addition to implementing corrosion control treatment, the LCR requires public water systems to monitor for WQPs, including What to do when you are pH, temperature, planning a change in source alkalinity, calwater or treatment: cium, chloride, • Evaluate potential impacts sulfate, total to distribution system water dissolved solids, quality prior to making the etc. on a periodic source water or treatment basis to facilitate change. a review of the • Consider potential updates corrosivity of to current corrosion control the water. TCEQ treatment (CCT) that may be needed to maintain guidance on the distribution system stability. requirements • Plan for increased lead and and methods copper and water quality for performing parameter monitoring following implementation of CONTINUED PAGE 30 | the source water or preventing lead treatment change. release

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2017 | 29 |

| preventing lead release |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 | preventing lead release corrosion control studies are available on the TCEQ website (TCEQ, 2017). The next issue of Texas H2O will discuss optimized corrosion control in detail.

Recommended Procedures for LCR Compliance Sampling: In February 2016, USEPA issued a memorandum recommending specific procedures for collecting LCR tap samples. USEPA's recommendations for sampling procedures are consistent with TCEQ requirements and can be immediately implemented: • Aerators should NOT be removed from sample taps during LCR sample collection. Removing aerators may underestimate their contribution of lead in the tap sample. • Flushing prior to the 6-hour minimum pre-stagnation time should NOT be performed. Flushing may remove water that was in contact with lead service line for extended periods, reducing the lead levels in the collected samples. • Wide-mouthed bottles should be used for collection of LCR samples. Wide-mouthed bottles allow collection of samples at a higher flow rate, which

may result in release of particulate and colloidal lead, and is thus more representative of lead concentrations that may be observed at the tap.

Lead Service Line Replacement Lead service line (LSL) replacement is perhaps the most difficult and controversial aspect of management of lead in customer tap water. The two biggest obstacles in LSL replacement are: 1) most PWSs do not have an accurate inventory of where LSLs exist in their distribution system, and 2) PWSs own only the part of the LSL from the water main to the customer meter, while the customer owns the remainder of the LSL from the meter to the privately owned building (Figure 2). Specifically related to the second challenge, customers may be either unwilling, or unable to afford the costs for replacing the portion of the LSL that are within their properties. A number of PWSs have implemented well-designed LSL replacement programs that include setting goals, establishing state or local laws or ordinances, and providing direct or indirect incentives for affected customers to participate in the LSL replacement program. A number of national organizations have teamed together to form the Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative that can provide PWSs all of the basic resources necessary to develop and implement a successful LSL replacement program.

Communications As part of the Safe Drinking Water Act and the LCR, PWSs are required to communicate lead risks to their customers as part of their annual consumer confidence reports (CCRs). However, even for PWSs that may be in compliance with the LCR, if LSLs are present in the premise plumbing of their customers, customer outreach and communication of lead exposure risks are critical since even routine distribution system maintenance work (e.g., mains replacement) Figure 2: Lead sources in utility- and customer-owned service lines and internal plumbing may disturb lead service lines and result in lead release. Additionally, (Adapted from Arnette et al., 2016).

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| preventing lead | tceq release awards | |

proactive communication about risks and mitigation methods are more likely to generate support from the customer base for programs such as LSL replacement, water treatment plant improvements, etc. AWWA has developed customizable messages and templates to communicate with customers in a variety of ways to better protect public health (AWWA, 2014b).

Additional Resources There is a significant amount of information now available in the public domain providing guidelines on the management of lead in the distribution system. Some of the key references, including those cited in this article, are listed below.

Web links are also provided for resources that are available for download from the internet: • Arnette, V., Swertfeger, J., Schweltzer, S., Berry, R., Dawson, P., Frey, K., Lucky, T., Owen, E., Webb, D. 2016.

"Customer Service Drives Quest for a Lead-Safe City," Opflow, http://dx.doi.org/10.5991/OPF.2016.42.0052 • AWWA Lead Resource Community: https://www.awwa. org/resources-tools/water-knowledge/lead.aspx • AWWA Video on Lead and Copper Sampling: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBnwlIjRVn4&feature=you tu.be • AWWA, 2014a: “Optimized Corrosion Control Treatment Primer”: https://www.awwa.org/portals/0/files/legreg/ documents/20140226_ndwac_occtprimer.pdf • AWWA, 2014b. “Communicating About Lead Service Lines: A Guide for Water Systems Addressing Service Line Repair and Replacement”: https://www.awwa. org/portals/0/files/resources/publicaffairs/pdfs/ finaleadservicelinecommguide.pdf • CDC Information on Health Effects of Lead: https://www. cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/water.htm • Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative: http:// www.lslr-collaborative.org/ • National Drinking Water Alliance: “Lead in Drinking Water: What You Should Know”: http://www.drinkingwateralliance.org/lead

• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Drinking Water Lead and Copper Program: https://www. tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater/chemicals/lead_copper/ lead-copper.html (accessed May 2017) • USEPA FAQs and Lead Hotline: https://www.epa.gov/lead • USEPA National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC) Recommendations, December 2015: https:// www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-01/documents/ ndwacrecommtoadmin121515_0.pdf • USEPA, February 29, 2016 Letter to Governors and state environment or public health commissioners and tribal leaders: https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/epa-lettergovernors-and-state-environment-and-public-healthcommissioners • USEPA, October 2016. Lead and Copper Rule Revisions White Paper: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/ files/2016-10/documents/508_lcr_revisions_white_ paper_final_10.26.16.pdf.

• Water Research Foundation, October, 2016. Lead and Copper Corrosion: Overview of WRF Research: http:// www.waterrf.org/resources/StateOfTheScienceReports/ LeadCorrosion.pdf.

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www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2017 | 31 |

| new members |

TAWWA Welcomes New Members Joining March 1, 2017–April 30, 2017 Bilal Abada College Station, TX

Evan Cook San Antonio, TX

Jeffrey Hadaway Dallas, TX

Dave Mackie Austin, TX

Nueces County WCID #3 Robstown, TX

Hilary Schroeder Corpus Christi, TX

Alexis Ackel Carrollton, TX

Kristen Cope Corpus Christi, TX

Alecsander Hanson Round Rock, TX

Renata Manning El Paso, TX

Ronnie Obrien Lewisville, TX

Michael Short New Braunfels, TX

Juan Alexander Rosenberg, TX

Livier Corona San Antonio, TX

Harris County MUD #278 Humble, TX

Debra McCullough Bastrop, TX

Olea Edge Analytics Bee Cave, TX

Jerry Simmons Santa Fe, TX

Bandar Almur Dallas, TX

Jim Crowley Carrollton, TX

Harris County MUD #50 Crosby, TX

Lance McLeod Houston, TX

Gladys Ortiz Allen, TX

Karen Sims Kendricks Crosby, TX

Richard Bagans Austin, TX

Jose Davila Round Rock, TX

Bobby Hepner Round Rock, TX

Roberto Mejia Irving, TX

AJ Palermo Houston, TX

Bradford Snipes La Porte, TX

Blaine Beck Dallas, TX

Joshua Dean San Antonio, TX

Ernesto Hernandez Seguin, TX

Edgar Mejias La Porte, TX

Debbie Palermo Houston, TX

Jack Staat Conroe, TX

Brodie Biggs Cedar Park, TX

John Delaney Conroe, TX

Hamlet Hovsepian Houston, TX

Gabriela Mena San Antonio, TX

Brandon Palomo Round Rock, TX

Peter Stencel Sunnyvale, TX

Jordan Buescher Fort Worth, TX

Cindy Demers Seguin, TX

Benjamin Jacobson Sugar Land, TX

Alex Meylor Scurry, TX

Sunil Parajuli Kingsville, TX

Michelle Stevenson Fort Worth, TX

Geneva Caponi Dallas, TX

Adrian Dongell Frisco, TX

Ben Jarrett Longview, TX

Stephen Mobley Austin, TX

Thovy Paz Sugar Land, TX

Troy Svede El Paso, TX

Heath Cargill Thorndale, TX

Karl Eberhart Cypress, TX

Matthew Johnson Sunnyvale, TX

Mansoor Mohammed Arlington, TX

Kandy Pfeffer Houston, TX

Terry Thomas Hearne, TX

Shane Carroll Round Rock, TX

Wayne Estep North Richland Hills, TX

Alexandra Juarez El Paso, TX

Tyler Monroe San Antonio, TX

Douglas Pittman Frisco, TX

Katherine Tillison San Antonio, TX

Ryan Chancey Plano, TX

Brian Fambrough Angleton, TX

Ashlea Keith Austin, TX

Billy Moore Eastland, TX

Joshua Plummer Abilene, TX

Nigel Toudouze The Woodlands, TX

John Chisholm San Antonio, TX

Fayette Water Supply Corporation La Grange, TX

Nathan Kidd Eastland, TX

David Morales Round Rock, TX

Rachel Potter Mansfield, TX

Kayla Troth Houston, TX

Kyungho Kim College Station, TX

Geleany Morales Carrero Plano, TX

Albert Pouria Lubbock, TX

Jason Venier Houston, TX

Andrew Kodis Bee Cave, TX

Gabriela Morrow Corpus Christi, TX

Rod Ramirez Seguin, TX

Rickey Wallace Houston, TX

Naptally Laprade Round Rock, TX

Dean Muirhead El Lago, TX

Jesus Ramos El Paso, TX

Barry Ward Bellville, TX

Francis Loko Austin, TX

Larry Mulholand Eastland, TX

Joseph Rendon Round Rock, TX

Daniel Wheeler Andrews, TX

Christopher Munson Houston, TX

Larry Reynolds Dallas, TX

Sherri Winslow Houston, TX

Erin Mynatt Melissa, TX

Jennifer Riley La Grange, TX

Steven Witt Victoria, TX

Eugene Newsom Humble, TX

Riley Equipment Company Inc. Houston, TX

Guanyu Zhang Austin, TX

Dylan Christenson Lubbock, TX Stephanie Clardy Kennedale, TX Brad Compton Seguin, TX Harrison Connors Houston, TX

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THANKS TO OUR TEXAS WATER 2017 SPONSORS!

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| letter from the texas section chair |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 | letter from the texas section chair that we desperately need to do something about these dilapidated conditions before it gets totally out of hand and becomes a severe public health issue (if it hasn’t already, in some cases). How we go about providing available funding mechanisms to finance this endeavor remains the debate.

The concept of finding solutions and developing ways to invest into the continued improvements of our water infrastructure systems are at the very core of AWWA. For example, per the AWWA website, it defines "who we are" as: "Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life."

Thankfully on a legislative level, "new" financing programs like WIFIA (on a Federal level) and SWIFT (on a State of Texas level) will eventually provide water utilities with much needed additional financing tools to take on this endeavor of fixing our crumbling infrastructure. Hopefully the existing buy-in by both the public sector and with our elected officials and legislators on the importance of this matter and the gravity of our impending situation if we don’t act upon fixing our problems will remain affixed well into the foreseeable future. Our industry cannot afford to lose its focus or public support on this endeavor as this task will be daunting — but in the end, if accomplished, will greatly benefit many generations to come as well as

Dallas / Fort Worth Austin Houston San Antonio mwhglobal.com stantec.com

fulfill the very specifically stated purpose and objective of the Association.

In closing, I am very proud of my affiliation with AWWA and with my being an active member for the past 30+ years. More significantly though is with how proud I am to be directly involved with the Texas Section — the Section noted as having the single largest State membership within AWWA (and who also happens to have the greatest volunteers!). Thus, I am extremely honored to assume the position as Chair of the Texas Section for the next 12 months. My predecessor, Mr. Daniel Nix, left an indelible stamp of leadership on the Section this past year. It will be hard for me to replicate all of his accomplishments that he brought to the Section during his tenure as Chair. Even so, all the more reason for me to seriously devote myself to the task of assuring the Section continues with those programs he initiated this past year (as well as those he inherited from his predecessors) and to make sure they are taken to their complete fruition.

I am also most anxious to work with my fellow "new" slate of officers who comprise this year’s TAWWA Executive board members, which includes Daniel Nix as Past-Chair, Ron Tamada as Chair-Elect, Elston Johnson as Vice-Chair, David Scholler as AWWA Director, Bill Smith as AWWA Director-Elect and Mike Howe as Executive Director. As Chair for the next 12 months, I also look forward to working with all of the various Division Chairs and Committee Chairs and their fellow committee members that comprises so many of the great volunteers within the Section membership. It will be my primary goal as Chair to ensure the volunteer spirit within the Section flourishes and is expanded to include even more members within the Section whereby all Texas Section members have an opportunity and a platform to enhance their AWWA membership.

Thank you to all of my fellow TAWWA members for your support and I look forward to serving you and the Section well.

Advertise in TEXASh2o!

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| 34 | POST CONFERENCE 2017 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

|| calendar calendar |

What’s Happening Across Texas DATE

ACTIVITY

TIME

LOCATION

INFORMATION

June 23

San Antonio 8th Annual Summer Seminar

8 am-4 pm

SAWS Tower II San Antonio

www.tawwa.org

June 26

TAWWA Legislative Webcast

12-1 pm

Online

www.tawwa.org

July 14

TAWWA Scholarship Deadline

Online

www.tawwa.org

Oct 12

TAWWA Customer Service Workshop

Omni Hotel Corpus Christi

www.tawwa.org

Oct 17

CAC Pints for People

Adelbert's Brewery Austin

www.tawwa.org

5:30-8:30 pm

Want to share your event with the Texas water community?

Contact Mike Howe, 512-238-9292, or mikehowe@tawwa.org.

TRWA Ad 2016 (bleeds).pdf 1 2/2/2016 7:57:33 PM

Check the Section’s website, www.tawwa.org, for the latest information on Section activities.

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TEXASh2o

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