TXH2O Post TW18

TEX Sh2o

| Post Conference 2018 |



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

Texas Water's Stroll Along the River Walk was a Success!

From top left: Past Chair Daniel Nix, outgoing Chair Bruce Curtis, Vice-Chair Melissa Bryant, incoming Chair Ron Tamada, Chair-Elect Elston Johnson and AWWA Director Bill Smith ● Outgoing Texas Section Chair Bruce Curtis passes the gavel to incoming Chair Ron Tamada ● Rajendra Bhattarai congratulates the University Forum winners. ● Texas Water Chairs Alissa Lockett and Marisa Vergara with keynote speaker Robert Puente ● Previous Fuller Award winners assemble before surprising the 2018 winner, Jennifer Elms.

Texas Water Highlights | Award Winners | And More!

| fuller award |

Jennifer Elms Honored with Fuller Award

J

ennifer Elms received the prestigious George Warren Fuller Award at the Texas Water 2018TM Awards Lunch in San Antonio.

Elms, a senior project manager at EHRA Engineering in Houston, has been a member of AWWA for more than 15 years and is a past Section Chair.

She helped build the Texas Water Conference into what it is today and when AWWA launched the Community Engineering Corps to assist small utilities, Elms created a "garage sale" to raise funds for this worthy program.

Elms is a recognized leader in the water and wastewater industry, as well as within the Texas Section.

Jennifer Elms, pictured with past Fuller Award winners, received the George Warren Fuller Award at the Texas Water 2018TM awards lunch. The award recipient is selected by previous Fuller winners and is kept secret until the luncheon.

Clean, safe and reliable water is a basic building block of a modern community.

Residents and industry depend on your system.

You need proactive communications regarding system needs and innovative, comprehensive solutions.

As a national leader with long-time relationships in waterfocused services, Bartlett & West is your ally for success.

Water Solutions for community growth

4500 Mercantile Plaza Dr, Ste 301

Ft Worth, TX

(817) 306-1980

www.bartlettwest.com

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2018 | 3 |

| letter from the texas section chair |

Affirming Your Other Passion Texas Section American Water Works Association P.O. Box 80150 Austin, Texas 78708 www.tawwa.org Ron Tamada, Chair 469-499-6152 Elston Johnson, Chair-Elect 512-809-7552 Melissa Bryant, Vice-Chair 210-302-3611 Bruce Curtis, Imm. Past Chair 972-602-1001 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: © 1996-2018 Texas Section – American Water Works Association, Inc. © 2018 Texas Section – American Water Works Association, Inc.

FOLLOW TAWWA ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!

Texas AWWA

@txawwa

BY RON TAMADA texas section chair

G

eorge Tyms. George was a gifted musician who sat on the first row of clarinets in the Lane Technical High School Concert Band. He had a quiet confidence that was displayed when he played a solo part.

I, however, never made it past the second row in my 3½ years in the band. George and I were acquaintances. He might acknowledge me if we passed in the hall, but we were not friends. So, it RON TAMADA was with genuine surprise when I learned from 469-499-6152 our school newspaper that George was also an rontamada@gmail.com all-city shot-putter. Imagine that, an excellent clarinet player who could heave a 12-pound metal ball as far as any high schooler in Chicago.

What do clarinets and shot-putting have to do with water? Absolutely nothing. But we all have at least one thing that we’re good at, and I suspect all of us have at least one other interest or passion that we participate in, or would like to participate in, if the opportunity came along. That gives each member of the Texas Section AWWA (TAWWA) two possibilities, possibly more, for getting involved in Section or Chapter activities. Many of our members get involved in TAWWA activities that are directly related to their jobs. It’s related to what they do every day and are good at. They serve on Section divisions and committees that produce quality programs and educational opportunities which increase the value of membership for everyone in TAWWA. But what about those "maybe one day…" interests we all have? You may have been thinking about a different kind of activity for a while now, or there may be something buried in your subconscious, yearning to be set free. For me, a water quality and treatment nerd, the Water Quality and Technology Division called to me when I was trying to decide where to plug into TAWWA. Then a friend of mine, Mitch Rivers, asked me to join the Diversity Committee (Mitch was the Committee Chair at the time). I didn’t know much about diversity in our organization but thought it was important, and it would be a non-technical growing edge for me. I joined CONTINUED PAGE 33 | letter from the texas section chair

| 4 | POST CONFERENCE 2018 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

THM removal at its best.

Watch our new “Everything THM” whiteboard video series!

Proven and trusted industry leader for better water quality.

• Best equipment

• Best support

• Best price

Any size tank, any size system. And, no need to drain the tank or change the infrastructure! Guaranteed results.

Check out our operation demonstration videos to see our SN Series THM Removal Systems in action.

www.medoraco.com/THMs 844-825-1232 • solutions@medoraco.com

“Medora Corporation is the best company I have dealt with in my 23 years with the city.”

For more of our customer experiences, visit www.medoraco.com/goldstar

Trusted solutions for over 40 years POTABLE WATER

WASTEWATER

LAKES, RAW WATER

Reduce THMs Active tank mixing Manage residuals

Improve mixing Save energy Improve compliance

Reduce cyanobacteria Mitigate taste, odor, toxins Reduce manganese, iron

| executive director report |

Mind Over Matter

BY MIKE HOWE tawwa executive director

I

am one of those people who "believes" that a sign of true genius is a messy desk. Some of the smartest people I know who are reading this are nodding their heads. Plus, I have proof of my assertion: https:// www.inc.com/geoffrey-james/a-messy-desk-is-a-signof-genius-according-to-scie.html.

Einstein said, "If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?"

However, after every Texas Water Conference, and because I work at home and get "evil" looks from my spouse, each year I take time to clean my office, file papers, throw stuff away and regroup.

This year, I decided to clean out some file cabinets to make room for recent documents, files, etc. I found some really "ancient" documents including old training files, registration records (we used to do it all by hand), files on old rule making, travel records, etc.

But in one file folder, I found a single sheet of paper that made me sit back and truly reflect on the last 21 years. It was the first budget proposal I drafted for the Board back when Randy Goss was Section Chair. This was in the fall of 1997, shortly after I started as Executive Director.

After looking at the page for a while, what struck me the most was the contrast between what we thought we could do then and what we are doing now.

This was a simple, one-page budget with basic numbers for some simple training, operations and idealistic proposals. Compared to today’s multipage budget, multiple divisions, committees, chapters and ongoing new and well-funded "prospective" projects, the difference is not just remarkable, it is actually breathtaking.

For the longest time, the Section’s presence was reflected on two pages inside the Texas Water Utility Association’s regular newsletter. In 1996, while I was

| 6 | POST CONFERENCE 2018 TEXASh2o

still at Austin Water, the Section leadership decided to create TEXASh2o ©, and hired Cliff Avery to be the editor. His company still produces TEXASh2o ©. I was on the Section Public Relations Committee at the time, and was part of that MIKE HOWE decision. Also in 1996, Texas 512-238-9292 mikehowe@tawwa.org AWWA and WEAT decided to create the Texas Water Conference™, ending years of two separate conferences. The two boards based their decision on multiple factors, including the realization that growth could come from one single conference, and pressure from exhibitors to have one conference.

Ronny Hyde, who was with Fort Worth Water at the time, was Section Chair and helped lead the way in creating the Texas Water Conference™. It was a risky decision, but has been proven more correct than anyone anyone ever imagined.

By the way, the complete history of the Texas Section will someday become my book, How to Win Friends, Influence People, Work for Really Smart People Who Do Really Important Stuff in a Really Important Field, Enjoy Your Work, and Make a Difference in Twenty Something Years (I know, it needs work), so I’ll just jump ahead to 2018.

I have always believed that decisions need to be based on hard facts, historic data, input from others, a clear picture of your goals and how you want to get there, and then, just "trusting your gut." But, hard data will always tell a story.

I can chart the complete data on every conference CONTINUED PAGE 28 | executive director report

www.tawwa.org

Leaders in Corrosion Prevention

PETROLATUM TAPES

•

SEALING & MOLDING

•

PROTECTIVE OUTERWRAPS

Avoid corroding connections or having to use expensive stainless steel bolts on your water and wastewater projects. The Denso Petrolatum Tape System, which includes Denso Paste, Denso Proling Mastic & Densyl Tape will provide long-term corrosion protection to pipes, anges, couplings, restraints, valves and water inltration corrosion to municipal exterior chambers.

Meets AWWA C217 Standard

Save Up To 60% On Your Flanged Connection Cost www.densona.com PHONE: 1-281-821-3355

FAX: 1-281-821-0304

E-MAIL: info@densona.com

| ballard award |

Steve Walden Receives Doc Ballard Award

S

teve Walden was recognized with the W. T. "Doc" Ballard Award during the Awards Luncheon at Texas Water 2018TM in San Antonio.

Walden began his career in public drinking water when he joined the Texas Department of Health in 1975. He continued working for the various incarnations of the State’s public drinking water regulatory agency for more than 28 years, until he retired from the TCEQ in 2004.

During his tenure, he facilitated the development and evolution of a regulatory approach that encouraged participation from a broad range of stakeholders that included public water systems, environmental groups and consumer representatives.

He helped ensure that the State of Texas was able to provide meaningful input during the development and promulgation of a wide variety of federal drinking water regulations, and he helped promote implementation strategies that met the needs of both the regulated community and the citizens of Texas.

For example, he encouraged and supported the efforts of the Public Drinking Water Program staff members as they participated in the Texas Section’s Annual Texas Water conferences and other events, such as TAWWA-sponsored workshops and awardwinning satellite telecasts and webcasts. He was instrumental in the development of the Texas Optimization Program (TOP) that provides a wide range of technical support and training opportunities and materials for TCEQ field investigators and water system operators.

In the last few years, Walden has been providing services to clients with new and innovative technologies in the water utility sector.

He has been introducing companies and technologies to AWWA Vice President Ray Baral presents water system Steve Walden with the W.T. "Doc" staff and Ballard Award at Texas Water 2018TM. assisting clients with maneuvering the approval and acceptance process. He has also helped clients in dealings with state and federal regulatory authorities on various intricate compliance tasks.

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.

Be a Water Geek!

Our members believe it is important for the public to rely on their local water utility to provide safe and clean water to protect public health. Knowing just what is involved in treating and delivering safe, clean water to homes and businesses in your community is essential to understanding what your utility does every day. To help you learn more, we have produced a series of videos so you can join us in being "Water Geeks" at www.watergeek.org.

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2018 | 9 |

| maverick award |

Theresa Pedrazas Receives Maverick Award

T

heresa Pedrazas was honored with the Maverick Award at Texas Water 2018TM. 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.

Pedrazas has demonstrated a passion for Young Professionals, originally volunteering to become the chair of the Young Professionals Committee in 2015. Since then, she helped grow the YP activities throughout the State and with our chapters.

As a Project Manager for Tetra Tech’s U.S. Infrastructure CONTINUED PAGE 30 | maverick award

Theresa Pedrazas, pictured with outgoing Texas Section Chair Bruce Curtis and AWWA Vice President Ray Baral, received the Maverick Award.

| 10 | POST CONFERENCE 2018 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

Keep the cash flowing. Reduce Non-Revenue Water with advanced technology designed and engineered by Neptune® for the business of water.

• Capture highly-accurate reads without data handling errors • Identify inaccurate meters and prioritize replacement • Pinpoint anomalies in consumption activity for specific accounts • Compare similar groups of users with AMR/AMI data

Non-Revenue Water

Time is money. So is water.

neptunetg.com/NRW

| wfp award |

Water For People Award Goes to Jonathan Vorheis

J

onathan Vorheis, with Jacobs in San Antonio, received the Water For People Kenneth J. Miller Founder's Award at Texas Water 2018TM. 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.

Vorheis has been involved in Water For People since the inception of the Water For People golf tournament in San Antonio in 2009.

He devotes a tremendous amount of his personal time ensuring that the golf tournament that he helped start continues to educate attendees, and CONTINUED PAGE 34 | wfp award

Outgoing Texas Section Chair Bruce Curtis, AWWA Vice President Ray Baral, WEF Executive Director Eileen O'Neill and incoming WEAT President Leigh Cerda present Jonathan Vorheis with the Water For People Kenneth J. Miller Founder's Award.

Realize More Direct potable reuse uses proven technologies to produce water that exceeds drinking water regulations, but presents new challenges to facility operators.

Working with the only operating DPR facilities in the country, we've gained unique insight into how to put operators in a position to succeed and protect the health of our community.

If you’re trusted to protect public health and the environment, we can help.

hazenandsawyer.com

| 12 | POST CONFERENCE 2018 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

Water Covers 2/3 of the Earth… Flowserve Covers It All With its highly engineered pump brands, technical expertise and worldwide service support, Flowserve is dedicated to meeting the needs of the global water industries. And with over 50 years experience and four Texas locations, Smith Pump’s partnership with Flowserve provides the combined benefits of vast expertise, product breadth and offerings for every essential water resource pumping requirement.

Flowserve offers the world’s most trusted line of pumps and systems for water applications, featuring brands such as IDP ®, Worthington®, Durco®, Pleuger® and Byron Jackson®.

To learn more about how Flowserve pumps can cover all your water resource pumping needs, please visit www.flowserve.com or www.smithpump.com.

Flowserve supplies pumps for moving the Earth’s water resources:

• • • • • • • • •

Source Water Water Transmission Water Treatment and Distribution Wastewater Irrigation Flood Control and Drainage Industrial Reuse Desalination

Smith Pump Company Fort Worth • Waco • Austin • Houston Phone: 1 800 299 8909

Serving Texas Since 1943

AWWA D110 Type III Tanks

888-PRELOAD • www.PRELOAD.com • info@PRELOAD.com

| chapter of the year |

Southeast Texas Chapter Recognized as the Chapter of the Year at Texas Water

T

he Southeast Texas Chapter was recognized as the Chapter of the Year at Texas Water 2018TM, because of its achievements in communication, community service, educational offerings, fundraising efforts and membership recruitment and retention.

The Southeast Chapter makes informing members about chapter activities a top priority, routinely sending out eblasts for events as well as keeping the chapter website up-to-date.

The Southeast Chapter also takes an active role in serving the Chapter's community, participating in community service projects with the Houston Food Bank, Science Fair, Trash Bash, Habitat for Humanity and the Buffalo Bayou cleanup following Hurricane Harvey.

The Chapter also participates in several events and makes charitable contributions in support of education, as well as hosting events that provide professional development hours.

The Southeast Chapter's philanthropic contributions have increased by more than 200 percent since 2015 and they provided more than $10,000 in scholarships to 10 students at the local chapter level.

The Chapter also sends out personalized welcome letters to new members providing information on how to get connected with other members and how to access the benefits of the national, state and chapter websites.

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

Dallas

817.446.9500 Tel 817.446.7200 Fax

www.hartwellenv.com

Tulsa

918.299.8555 Tel 918.299.8554 Fax

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2018 | 15 |

| 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 2018TM in San Antonio, 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: From Water Street to Water Literacy: 100 Years of Water in Mansfield.

Large Utility » San Antonio Water System: 2017 Waterful Campaign. Non-Utility » Texas Water Development Board: The Story of Texas Water and

Windmills and Water Towers. River Authorities or Districts » North Texas Municipal Water District Safety: Live It. Honorable Mention » College Station Water Services: Sprinkler Spruce-Up Workshop Series. City of Fort Worth: Lead Service Line Program.

CATEGORY II Periodicals: magazines or newsletters.

Small Utility » Arlington Water Utilities: Buzz Words Internal Newsletter. Non-Utility » Texas Water Development Board: Headwaters Internal Newsletter.

River Authorities or Districts » North Texas Municipal Water District: eNewsletter. Honorable Mention » San Antonio Water System: WaterNews Design Newsletter.

CONTINUED PAGE 22 | watermark awards

TANKS | DOMES | COVERS | INSPECTIONS | TANK LIFECYCLE SERVICES

America’s leading storage tank contractor is now proudly serving

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

| 16 | POST CONFERENCE 2018 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

METER & AUTOMATION Advanced metering is better for your bottom line - and the environment Advancements in metering technology allow agencies and departments to keep a close eye on their balance sheets through efficient and comprehensive Automated Meter Reading, reduced tampering, fewer errors and more consistent billing cycles.

But potential benefits to the environment are even greater, giving consumers the power to track their own usage and become better stewards of water resources.

North Texas Nik Corkovic (469) 451–6751

©2018 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.

South Texas Karen Ellis (512) 630–7106

Find the closest waterworks location near you by visiting FERGUSON.COM/WATERWORKS

0518 741021

| 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 Direct & Bob Derrington Reuse Award: City of Frisco Star Facility Reuse Project The Star Facility is a 91-acre, public-private partnership between the City of Frisco, Frisco Independent School District and the Dallas Cowboys.

Due to the nature of NFL contractual obligations, engineers estimated this site could use upwards of 15 million gallons of water for irrigation of the practice

fields, not including the surrounding landscaping.

In order to save the potable water system from this type of burden, all parties agreed the best way to achieve both goals was to incorporate reuse water for all irrigation purposes. Because construction of the Star Facility was ongoing throughout 2016, irrigation requirements changed frequently as developers created new landscape. The City of Frisco and the Dallas Cowboys, therefore, looked to 2017 to be the first true marker of the success of the Star Reuse Program. In 2017, the Star facility used 7,381,400 gallons, far below the amount that they can use.

CONTINUED PAGE 24 | conservation & reuse awards

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2018 | 19 |

| longevity awards |

Members Receive Longevity Awards

A

t Texas Water 2018TM, the Texas Section honored 49 water professionals for longtime membership in AWWA and service to the industry.

SILVER WATER DROP AWARDS AWWA recognizes members who have achieved 30 years of service to the water community and AWWA. Receiving recognition were C.D. Barbay, Keith Bass, Terry Benton, Joe Casillas, Jun Chang, Sam Dungan, Craig Fisher, George Freitag, Larry Fuson, John Gardner, William Green, Chris Harder, Dianna Heaberlin, Chuck Hewell, Clay Hodges, Terry Kelly, Jeffery Koska, Jerald Landis, Robert Lee, Michael Lindgren, David Luedecke, Michael Lundstrom, Kim Lutz, James Moon, Showri Nandagiri, Stephen Rachac, Mike Rickman, Randal Romack, Tricj Soechting, DeWayne

Sutherland, Edward Tadlock and Pete Wright.

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 Roger Biggers, Howard Bigham, George Burriss, David Davenport, Pedram Farahnak, Ernest Maestas, James Miertschin, L. Michael Montgomery, Rich Oller, Steve Sandstrum, Saib Saour, David Scholler, Jack Scott, Joseph Taylor, Ronnie Veach and Steve Walden.

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

| 20 | POST CONFERENCE 2018 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

partnership | | swift program| |

Partnership for Safe Water Names 2018 Award-Winning Utilities

T

he Partnership is an unprecedented alliance of six prestigious drinking water organizations.

Its mission is to improve the quality of water delivered to customers by optimizing water system operations.

The Partnership offers self-assessment and optimization programs so that operators, managers and administrators have the tools to improve performance above and beyond even proposed regulatory levels. For more information, check out the AWWA website: http://www.awwa.org/partnership.

The Partnership will honor awardees at ACE18 in

Las Vegas on Tuesday, June 12. We congratulate these esteemed utilities for their drinking water treatment plant and distribution system optimization successes: Texas Section Awardees: 20-Year Directors Award - Treatment Plant Optimization Program: Dallas Water Utilities, Elm Fork Water Treatment Plant.

2018 Directors Award - Distribution System Optimization Program: El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board.

VITA-D-CHLOR Responsible Dechlorination Made Easy

TM

ZDe-Chlorinator: LIGHT WEIGHT Under 12 pounds QUICK SET-UP

1–3 Minutes DURABLE

Aluminum

Vita-D-Chlor tablets offer simple and fast set up for treating potable water in dewatering and flushing applications.

Our tablets are produced using Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) chemistry. Vita-D-Chlor is 100% organic. Just place a few Vita-D-Chlor tablets in a ZDe-Chlorinator and you will be able to dechlorinate up to 4 ppm.

This device uses less than 3 tablets on a 15 minute flush at 150 to 900+ gpm.

and lor tor h C a in -D Vita-Chlorll your e a D Z king FAST, ma shing EASY! flufe and sa

Visit our website for use calculations, technical data, pricing and related dechlorination tools.

VITA-D-CHLOR.com

(800) 322-6646 Info@Vita-D-Chlor.com

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2018 | 21 |

| watermark awards |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 | watermark awards CATEGORY III Publications: annual reports, annual water quality reports, brochures, direct mail materials and other multi-page publications.

Small Utility » City of Pflugerville: Community Relations and Education. Large Utility » San Antonio Water System: Garden Style San Antonio: 100 Best Plants.

Non-Utility » Texas A&M AgriLife Water University: DIY Guides. River Authorities or Districts » North Texas Municipal Water District: 60th Year Annual Report.

Honorable Mention » City of Fort Worth: Annual Water Quality Report. San Antonio Water System: 2018 Safety Calendar.

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

Large Utility » San Antonio Water System: Engaging Customers Through Social Media. Non-Utility » Texas AgriLife Extension: Water University Website. River Authorities or Districts » North Texas Municipal Water District: Social Campaigns.

CATEGORY V School curriculums.

Small Utility » McAllen Public Utility: 2017 Water Camps. Non-Utility » Texas AgriLife Extension: Stream Trailer. River Authorities or Districts » Trinity River Authority of Texas: Vital Link Program.

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

Large Utility » City of Corpus Christi: PSA About Water Quality Projects Underway. Non-Utility » Texas A&M

October 10-11, 2018 Dallas, Texas

Best Practice Water Audits & Loss Control Programs

Ideal crop marks

REGISTER TODAY! www.awwa.org/waterloss

| 22 | POST CONFERENCE 2018 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

| watermark | swift awards program| |

AgriLife Water University: Horticulture Columns.

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

Large Utility » El Paso Water: Gateway Ponds Project Video. Non-Utility » Texas Water Development Board: San Antonio H2Oaks Center. River Authorities or Districts » North Texas Municipal Water District: NTMWD Videos. Honorable Mention » City of Frisco: 100 Days of Progress in Motion. McAllen Public Utility: What's Next. North Texas Municipal Water District: Defend Your Drains North Texas.

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

Large Utility » El Paso Water: 10th Anniversary Logo.

Non-Utility » Texas Water Development Board: First Floor Foyer Art. River Authorities or Districts » Trinity Regional Water District: Denton County Greenbelt Plan.

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

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

ALMOST AN Y MATERIAL .

NO TIME AT ALL .

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

DUCTILE IRON PIPE

FLOW CONTROL

INTERNATIONAL

SPIRALWELD PIPE

STEEL PIPE

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2018 | 23 |

| conservation & reuse awards |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 | conservation & reuse awards The importance of reuse water is further evidenced by the fact that the City of Frisco’s overall GPCD dropped from 162 in 2016 to 159 in 2017 despite a population increase of almost 20,000.

Large Utility Indirect City of Frisco Irrigation Station Workshop Irrigation Station is the brainchild of City of Frisco licensed irrigators. As part of their overall conservation plan, the City of Frisco runs the "FREE Sprinkler System Check-up" program that allows licensed irrigators to visit directly with residents, evaluate their irrigation system and reprogram their irrigation controllers for maximum water efficiency.

While out at their appointments, the irrigators noticed that they received the same questions from residents time and again. The irrigators wanted to have a better forum from which they could reach more

residents at one time and provide hands-on demonstrations of the "most-asked" questions.

The result was a workshop that rotates attendees through five different stations: Controller, Heads & Nozzles, Valves, Leaks and Conservation. The Irrigation team conducted 14 workshops throughout 2017, and with registration maxing out for each, the workshop reached over 450 residents. Additionally, many irrigation professionals and employees of neighboring cities have attended.

Elements of the workshop have also been adapted, in part or whole, by other cities such as Oklahoma City and Fort Worth. Given the popularity of this workshop, the irrigation team plans to bring the program back for 2018.

Small Utility Direct: City of College Station Irrigation Check-Up Program Most of College Station’s growing customer base is residential single-family homes with irrigation systems, and customers don’t often know how to properly

We work here. We live here.

We’re invested in Texas.

With nine Garver offices in Texas, our Water Team is expanding to a location near you.

+ For more information, contact: TexasWater@GarverUSA.com | 972.377.7480 | GarverUSA.com

ATHENS | AUSTIN | DALLAS | FT. WORTH | FRISCO | HARLINGEN | HOUSTON | ROUND ROCK | SAN ANTONIO

| 24 | POST CONFERENCE 2018 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

| conservation & reuse awards |

operate or maintain their irrigation system. Water is wasted in the landscape due to leaks, misaligned spray heads, excess water pressure, excessive run times and other issues.

To address this source of water waste, in 2010 the City of College Station began offering irrigation checkups for residential single-family customers as part of its water conservation program. Between 2010 and 2017, College Station completed a total of 810 irrigation checkups. In most years, the program reaches more than 100 customers, including 128 checkups completed in 2016 and 127 in 2017.

These irrigation checkups have saved close to 12 million gallons in that time, and the savings continue year after year due to customers’ increased awareness of proper irrigation practices.

homeowner may or may not know how to operate efficiently. With a heavily residential customer base and highly seasonal water demand, education on proper irrigation system maintenance needs to be a key component of College Station’s water conservation program.

As part of its ongoing water conservation partnership with Texas A&M Agrilife Research, College Station began offering Sprinkler Spruce Up seminars in TRWA Ad 2016 (bleeds).pdf 1 2/2/2016 7:57:33 PM

CONTINUED PAGE 26 | conservation & reuse awards

C

M

Y

CM

Small Utility Indirect City of College Station Sprinkler Spruce-Up Workshops Nearly all new residential single-family homes in College Station come with irrigation systems that the

MY

CY

CMY

K

Planning and Design Services for your Water System TREATMENT ∙ STORAGE ∙ DISTRIBUTION

877.572.3647 KSAENG.COM

AMERICAN Zinc: A SMaRT Product for Smart Cities

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2018 | 25 |

| conservation & reuse awards |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 | conservation & reuse awards 2015, continuing through 2017. During the workshops, customers learn about landscape water needs, local water resources and a Licensed Irrigator demonstrates how to make simple repairs to their irrigation system to save water.

As an incentive, each participating household is offered a $25 gift card to a home improvement store, a rain gauge and soil moisture sensor. Workshop attendance totaled just under 100 participants in 2015 and 2017, and 172 in 2016, with most of that coming from one neighborhood at one workshop.

Non-Utility Indirect: North Fort Bend Water Authority Educational Programs The North Fort Bend Water Authority has launched multiple educational programs for schools that focus

on making water conservation a rewarding discussion item. The Authority currently offers the following educational programs for schools within its boundaries: • Make a Mini Rain Barrel: Students make their own mini rain barrel, test their barrels on plants directly after construction, take home barrels and Authority conservation materials and talk to their families about conservation.

• WaterWise Education: Students receive a classroom presentation regarding water conservation and how much water can be saved by changing social behaviors, take home a kit with change out older water fixtures and replace with water efficient appliances, and discuss with families the precious lessons learned at school about water management.

• Larry the Talking Sprinkler Essay Contest: Students learn about the importance of saving water to

| 26 | POST CONFERENCE 2018 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

| conservation & reuse awards |

decrease subsidence and get creative on methods to reduce subsidence. All students receive a certificate of participation and first through third place winners are recognized at an Authority Board of Directors meeting with monetary prizes.

Most grade levels receive fun and educational lessons, which then make it inside to the dinner tables.

Water savings cannot be directly estimated through these qualitative measures in education with social behavioral patterns, but the lessons students are learning and bringing home to their families is invaluable and in exponential masses.

Interested in advertising in TEXASh2o?

Call Tracy at 512-251-8101 today!

PROVIDING CLEAN DRINKING WATER SINCE 1915 Whitman, Requardt and Associates, LLP specializes in the planning, design, and construction management of water infrastructure.

To learn more about our capabilities, please visit our website www.wrallp.com

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2018 | 27 |

| executive director report |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 | executive director report since 1996. Some of the registration data from the early years is "squishy" for a variety of reasons, but for recent years, we have data down to the last volunteer.

And, we know exactly our net income for each conference. But equally important as attendance and income, we survey both our attendees and exhibitors about the conference to learn what works, what could be improved, new ideas for future conferences and how to continue our success. Which brings me to Texas Water 2018™.

The data collection is ongoing right now, but as of this writing, here is what we know: Attendance is up 8.6% over last year, which was our previous best year.

Early revenue projections will be higher than budgeted (we are still paying the bills) and most importantly, preliminary results from our conference survey show

PRECISION CHEMICAL METERING

FOR THE TREATMENT OF MUNICIPAL WATER & WASTEWATER. ProSeries-M® Peristaltic Metering Pumps are currently offered in three models, providing a wide range of feed rates from as low as .0002 GPH/.0007 LPH up to 158.5 GPH/600 LPH, and is SCADA ready.

IP66 NEMA 4X WASH DOWN

Standard 61

HEAVY-DUTY PERISTALTIC PUMP TUBING

Flex-A-Prene® is a multi-channel pump tube assembly designed by Blue-White® exclusively for Proseries-M® and Flex-Pro® Peristaltic Metering Pumps. Flex-A-Prene® Tubing has up to 4X the tube life than others.

CONTACT:

MACAULAY CONTROLS COMPANY

www.proseries-m.com

1-800-299-1148

Houston: 281-282-0100 Dallas: 972-769-1226 Austin: 512-458-1148 Affiliate - Sendero South:

956-233-5784

a very high satisfaction level from both exhibitors and attendees, across the board. Plus, nearly 100% of exhibitors and attendees say they will be at Texas Water 2019™ in Houston. We should have the final information by the end of June, but based on what we know already affirms that the decision back in 1996 was truly a wise one.

And, I never forget how this happens. And, I don’t want you to forget it, either. All of this success over the years has been because of the incredible work of volunteers. After meeting and planning since last July, the Texas Water 2018™ Local Host Committee successfully made the conference operate seamlessly, smoothly and a great experience for all. I know I have said this before, but it always amazes people around the country that The Largest Regional Water Conference in the U.S.© is planned and executed by volunteers. And, I want to thank them for their amazing work! I am proud to be associated with these amazing professionals.

So, the conference is over and here I am sitting in a remarkably clean office. My papers are filed, old records are boxed up or in the recycle bin and I am working on our next projects. It is plural projects now, as I noted above. We have so many people working on so many great programs that it is hard to keep up.

Check out this one at www.watergeek.org.

But, I realize that no matter how hard I try, I am deluding myself that this desk and other flat surfaces in my office won’t slowly get cluttered over the next few months. That’s how we geniuses work.

But now I am distracted by the other filing cabinet in the corner. I’m not sure I can wait until next May to find out what "treasure" is lurking in the middle drawer. I’ll let you know.

Want to advertise in TEXASh2o?

Call 512-251-8101 today!

| 28 | POST CONFERENCE 2018 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

| scholarships |

Apply for TAWWA Scholarships!

Deadline: July 13, 2018 There are three scholarships available (you can apply for all three if you meet the specific qualifications for each): 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 (go to "Get Involved" on the navigation bar, then select "Scholarships" from the dropdown menu )

Using state-of-the-art technologies, our experienced technicians offer solutions well beyond traditional leak detection capabilities to help you improve the performance of your utility system.

These advanced services include: Pro-Active Leak Detection Preventive Maintenance Programs System-Wide Water Accountability Assessments GIS Mapping and Asset Management Services Drinking Water Regulatory Support Benefits of Utilizing SAMCO Services Reduce water production and distribution costs Improve overall efficiency and gain knowledge of your distribution system Improve water quality and assure adequate pressure to help safeguard public health Improve public water system compliance with State and Federal regulations

901 Mopac Expressway South, Suite 300 Austin, TX 78746 512-263-7043 (Office) 512-751-5325 (Mobile) sgodfrey@samco-leakservice.com www.samco-leakservice.com

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2018 | 29 |

| maverick award |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 | maverick award Division, she is also fiercely passionate about improving water resources infrastructure and delivering excellent client service to municipalities throughout Texas. Her current responsibilities include the management and oversight of $4 million in water and wastewater projects, including a 55-MGD drinking water pump station integration project in Central Texas.

After serving as Chair of the YP Committee, Pedrazas agreed to take over the Mentoring Committee when the founding chair, Letty Gomar, stepped down. She continues to apply her passion in her new role in helping other Young Processionals achieve their best in our profession.

Water Loss Solutions

Pipeline Condition Assessment

WAT E R S Y S T E M S P E C I A L I S T S

Production / Master Meter Testing & Calibration

Congrats to our Texas Water 2018TM Competition Winners!

Best Tasting Drinking Water Winners 1. City of Denton - Lake Ray Roberts WTP 2. TRA Tarrant County Water Supply 3. City of Denton - Lake Lewisville WTP Hydrant Hysteria Winners 1. City of Round Rock 2. San Antonio Water System 3. City of Seguin Meter Madness Winners: 1. Tommy McCormick, City of Seguin 2. Leamon Anderson, SAWS 3. Dennis Laskowski, SAWS Pipe Tapping Winners City of Dallas Water Utilities: Big D Tappers (Men’s Team) City of Dallas Water Utilities: Big D Lady Tappers (Women’s Team) Top Ops Winners: 1. City of Houston: Julius Guidry, Hector Montanez-Rivera and Daryl Pope 2. City of Fort Worth: Russell Battise, Cijo Jose and Gary Morris 3. Trinity River Authority: Carlos Delacruz, Polly Thornton and Marion Tims

mesimpson.com 800.255.1521

| 30 | POST CONFERENCE 2018 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

THANKS TO OUR TEXAS WATER 2018 SPONSORS! Diamond TENTATIVE TEXAS WATER CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

CONSTRUCT ABILITY, LLC

Platinum

Gold

Core and Main, LP Tetra Tech

Silver American Pipe/ American Flow Control EI2 Enprotec/Hibbs & Todd, Inc. Halff Associates, Inc. Water Remediation Technology

Bronze

ADS Environmental Carboline Vieux & Associates, Inc.

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2018 | 31 |

| new members |

TAWWA Welcomes New Members Joining April. 1, 2018–May 15, 2018 Hari Hara Abbu Port Arthur, TX

Brian Bennett Cedar Park, TX

Alicia Cruz Brownsville, TX

Matthew Hernandez Boerne, TX

Dylan Mendez Baird, TX

Chris Rowland Grand Prairie, TX

Ruth Alkons Wolinsky Houston, TX

Kaley Boggess Houston, TX

Patricia Cruz Round Rock, TX

Reeta Holmes Austin, TX

Jennifer Mendez Austin, TX

Dave Smith Houston, TX

Jonathan Allen Brady, TX

David Boswell Jr. Austin, TX

Ken Davis Grand Prairie, TX

Paxton Howard Houston, TX

Jordin Metz Houston, TX

Steve Smith Grand Prairie, TX

Violet Allen Houston, TX

Jeff Bruny Grand Prairie, TX

Mitch Davison Woodway, TX

IXS Coatings Houston, TX

Keith Miertschin Grapevine, TX

Luke Snell Austin, TX

Albert Amezquita Sugar Land, TX

Jillian Calvit Lubbock, TX

Sandhya Gandhi Friendswood, TX

Amita Jain Houston, TX

Erin Mills San Antonio, TX

Chris Spencer Round Rock, TX

Leamon Anderson San Antonio, TX

Jaime Castillo San Antonio, TX

Felice Garcia Mauriceville, TX

Chris Jeffrey Keller, TX

Karl Moellering Grapevine, TX

Paul Stevens Humble, TX

Vlad Andreescu Mansfield, TX

Mel Chapman Houston, TX

Shawn Ghadimi El Paso, TX

Gabe Johnson Grand Prairie, TX

Mokveld USA, Inc. Houston, TX

Matthew Sumbera Houston, TX

Mary Bailey San Antonio, TX

Joe Cheng Houston, TX

Dido Gudeta Dallas, TX

Phyllis Jones Dallas, TX

Jon Moritz Houston, TX

John Thompson Lantana, TX

Agnes Barard San Antonio, TX

Marlon Coleman Arlington, TX

Puneet Gupta Dallas, TX

Alain Karatepeyan Dallas, TX

Sarah Motes Houston, TX

Jimmy Tsiantopoulos Houston, TX

Faissal Benaffane Richardson, TX

Christian Coonrod Houston, TX

Amy Hardberger San Antonio, TX

Nicholas Kehl Austin, TX

Bryce Murphy Mansfield, TX

Alfredo Vences Round Rock, TX

Jun Kim Houston, TX

Tom Neuhaus Houston, TX

Wiley Webb Pflugerville, TX

Sushmita Kunjappan Gopalakrishnan Kingsville, TX

Oxford Flow Houston, TX

Alexander Webster Dallas, TX

Eduardo Parra San Antonio, TX

Michele West Houston, TX

Seth Pedersen Houston, TX

Katherine Wheeler Kilgore, TX

Bruce Philpy Plano, TX

Randy Whiteman Wichita Falls, TX

Laura Prater Mansfield, TX

Seth Williams Amarillo, TX

Sree Pulapaka San Antonio, TX

Casey Wood Grand Prairie, TX

Irrational Risk

Michael Lentz Salado, TX Taylor Lewis McKinney, TX

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

- USC-FCCHR Crosstalk, Spring, 2014

Lu Liu The Woodlands, TX Steven Matthews Cedar Park, TX Addis McNamara Waco, TX

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

www.safe-t-cover.com

| 32 | POST CONFERENCE 2018 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

| letter from the texas section chair |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 | letter from the texas section chair the Diversity Committee more than 12 years ago and it has been one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable decisions I ever made. I’m still a member of the TAWWA Diversity Committee and you’ll be hearing more about diversity from me in an upcoming article.

You don’t have to be a subject matter expert to join a division or committee. I certainly wasn’t. What you do need are a willingness to get involved, energy and ideas. This may allow you to think about joining a group that does something different from what you normally do, to give you a growing edge. Maybe you’d like to help improve service to our customers, determine sufficient and fair rates for water utilities or help build the future workforce for the water industry.

Maybe you’d like to start or join a team that competes in tapping pipes, maintaining hydrants, assembling meters or testing your knowledge of the water industry. For information on opportunities, go to the Texas AWWA website and click on Get Involved. If you don’t find what you’re interested in, just click Contact Us and ask.

If you live in an area with one of the TAWWA Chapters (there are ten of them), there are even more opportunities to meet great people and jump in to help. The chapters are the lifeblood of the Texas Section. Click Chapter on our website to find your chapter. If you live in an area without a chapter, consider gathering a few colleagues and friends to start one.

I invite each of you to find a place where you can connect and, just maybe, affirm that other passion you’ve had but never acted on. Together, all of us make a strong and vital Texas Section.

• ADA Accessibility Compliance

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2018 | 33 |

| wfp award |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 | wfp award

kimley-horn.com

How do you beat the leak?

raise as much money as possible for Water For People.

Vorheis also has worked with his colleagues at Jacobs to encourage corporate and individual donations including facilitating company donations of more than $12,000 to the golf tournament since 2009.

In his work on the golf tournament, he has motivated others to get involved in Water For People and has built a sustaining volunteer structure for the program.

Eleanor Allen, the CEO of Water for People, has noted that "Jonathan embodies what Water For People stands for, humility, humanity, selflessness and accountability," which has enabled Texas to become the third highest state in financial contributions to Water For People in 2016-2017.

You can’t optimize what you can’t find

Reducing Non-Revenue Water and water loss becomes so much easier and so much more efficient when you have access to the right information at the right time.

Smart metering lights up your distribution network giving you access to valuable information about the state of your network that lets you go from being reactive to proactive when it comes to reducing Non-Revenue Water.

kamstrup.com

Want to advertise in TEXASh2o?

Call Tracy at 512-251-8101 today! | 34 | POST CONFERENCE 2018 TEXASh2o www.tawwa.org

|| calendar calendar |

What’s Happening Across Texas DATE

ACTIVITY

TIME

LOCATION

INFORMATION

JUNE 8

Coastal Bend Chapter Social

7:00 pm

Whataburger Field Corpus Christi

www.tawwa.org

JUNE 22

SE Chapter YP Social

6:30 pm

Minute Maid Park Houston

www.tawwa.org

JULY 13

TAWWA Scholarship Deadlines

OCT 16

CAC Pints for People

Adelbert’s Brewery Austin

www.tawwa.org

OCT 18

TAWWA Customer Service Workshop

Kemah Boardwalk Inn Kemah

www.tawwa.org

www.tawwa.org

Want to share your event with the Texas water community?

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

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

Dallas / Fort Worth Austin Houston San Antonio stantec.com

Imagine it.

Delivered.

HUEL LODEN

888-410-7192 www.superiortank.com

www.aecom.com

www.tawwa.org TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2018 | 35 |

TEXASh2o

c/o GCP Association Services, LLC PO Box 676 | Pflugerville, TX 78691 512-251-8101 | (f ) 512-251-812 texwater@texas.net | www.tawwa.org

PRESORTED FIRST CLASS MAIL U.S. POSTAGE PAID AUSTIN, TEXAS PERMIT NO. 1