Quench 2022 - Issue 6

EMPLOYEE RETENTION TIPS UNTANGLING PFAS FAREWELL TO TEXAS WATER LEGENDS

Issue 6 2022 www.tr wa.org

TRWA Today Established in 1969, the Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA) is a statewide nonprofit trade association with an active membership consisting of nearly 900 nonprofit water supply corporations, water districts, small-town water departments and investor-owned utilities. In addition, more than 150 water industry suppliers participate in TRWA activities as associate members. TRWA members provide water and wastewater service to 3 million customers throughout Texas.

TRWA is dedicated to helping directors, managers, operators and office professionals provide efficient service and clean, safe drinking water to their customers. Through on-site technical assistance, education and information exchange, TRWA helps its members better meet their needs as well as the needs of their customers.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS President Bruce Alexander Medina (District 2) Vice-President Robert Nettles Walker (District 13) Secretary Mark Gardenhire Shackelford (District 1) Treasurer Steve Adams Brown (District 4) Immediate Past President Chris Boyd Denton (District 3)

DISTRICT DIRECTORS Dave McMurry Bastrop (District 5) Brian Macmanus Cameron (District 6) Allen Knight North Collin (District 7) Charles Beseda Hill (District 8) Pat Allen Guadalupe (District 9) Kent Watson Brazos (District 10) Rachel Webb South Rains (District 11) Paula Weber Kaufman (District 12) Matthew Barrett Swift (District 14)

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TRWA STAFF Main Office Line

LEADERSHIP TEAM

(512) 472-8591

Lara Zent Jason Knobloch Larry Bell

Executive Director & General Counsel Deputy Executive Director Technical Assistance Director

ext. 101 ext. 137 ext. 138

Mary Alice Boehm-McKaughan Nichol Everingham Tom Shephard, CPA Eric Betts

Assistant General Counsel Professional Development & Training Director Finance Director Communications Director

ext. 106 ext. 134 ext. 102 ext. 115

Eli Aguirre Melody Bennett Pam Cantrell Haley Dixon Chelsea Gomez Sarah Isbell Miles Hartman Deborah McMullan Wendi Noble Sonya Stocklin Ariane Walker Emily Young

Meeting and Event Planner Project Support Specialist Accounting Support Specialist Apprenticeship Program Manager Training Support Specialist Training Project Specialist Course Development Specialist Membership and Outreach Manager Legal & Executive Assistant Office Manager Training Manager Assistant Environmental Services Director

ext. 105 ext. 130 ext. 139 ext. 107 ext. 103 ext. 459 ext. 135 ext. 108 ext. 321 ext. 104 ext. 111 ext. 132

OFFICE STAFF

FIELD STAFF Nathan Cantrell Trey Daywood Barry Dobbs Gene Estoll Roel Gonzalez Justin Guerra Paul King

Wastewater Technician Water Training & Technical Assistance Specialist Wastewater Training & Technical Assistance Specialist Wastewater Technician FMT Specialist Member Services Specialist Circuit Rider

cell: (512) 924-7158 cell: (512) 806-6171 cell: (512) 771-6976 cell: (512) 221-7877 cell: (512) 923-5812 cell: (512) 317-8992 cell: (512) 913-9753

Tony Moreno Charles Perkins Bruce Pearson James Smith Donnie Stanton Quentin Turner Jewel Uzquiano William White Scott Willeford Gilbert Ybarbo

Circuit Rider Circuit Rider Instructor Circuit Rider FMT Specialist FMT Specialist Source Water Protection Specialist Assistant Technical Assistance Director Instructor FMT Specialist

cell: (512) 924-4552 cell: (512) 964-2108 cell: (512) 922-4942 cell: (512) 964-9234 cell: (512) 774-9455 cell: (512) 517-9889 cell: (512) 354-0506 cell: (512) 924-4233 cell: (512) 657-8813 cell: (512) 317-2003

In Every Issue

From the Field

Letter from the President .........4

The Greener Grass............18

Letter from the Executive Director ........5 Keep it Legal .........6

You can make your system an attractive place to work for current employees, but retention has to start at the top

Untangling PFAS.......22

Answers to your legal questions

What we know, and are still waiting to find out, about PFAS

Ask Larry .........8

The Means to an End.......24

Answers to your technical questions

TRWA Briefs .........28

Small pieces of association news

It's tough work, but properly maintaining your wastewater collection system can save you worlds of grief down the line

Make Me A Map.......26

The Months Ahead .........31

Get to know your system better than ever before with GIS mapping tools

Features

TRWA News

Farewell to Texas Water Legends...14

PH20tostream Contest....10

TRWA’s Calendar of Events

Honoring former TRWA & NRWA president Kent Watson and rural water fixture Sheri Dahlberg of Sharyland WSC on their retirements

Submit your Texas water photos to our annual contest

Technical Assistance Services....12

See what TRWA's technical assistance team can offer your system

Office Professionals Conference.....21

Photos from the Office Professionals Conference in San Antonio

New TRWA Employees.....30

Meet the new faces providing assistance in the field for TRWA

CONTACT THE EDITOR

Editorial and advertising inquiries may be sent to Eric Betts in the Communications Department at editor@trwa.org.

Quench — 2022 —Issue 6 3

President's Message Hello Texas Rural Water!

I hope everyone is doing well.

Ready…set… go!

The Texas Legislature is getting ready to open its 88th session, and that means busy times for TRWA. Our association is a recognized leader in water issues in the state. Executive Director Lara Zentand members of her team are routinely called on by lawmakers for the TRWA position on legislation that affects rural water before action is taken. We are fortunate to have many friends of rural water in the State Legislature on both sides of the aisle with working relationships that have been developed through TRWA members as well as Lara and her staff.

These are priceless relationships that benefit every rural water system in Texas, and you can help build them. Each year that the Legislature is in session during our annual convention, we set aside a day to bring TRWA members to the State Capitol to visit every member of both the House of Representatives and Senate and tell our stories of rural water and thank them for their support of rural water and rural Texas.

To help us keep an eye on what's happening at the Capitol, TRWA Assistant General Counsel Mary Alice Boehm-McKaughan is charged with the monumental task of reading thousands of bills filed each legislative session to make sure nothing is slipped in that could have a negative impact on our membership and/or rural water and wastewater systems in Texas. She is joined by our lobby team in reviewing everything and helping to maintain support for the legislation that

4 Quench — 2022 — Issue 6

supports TRWA and helping to stop legislation that is deemed to be harmful to TRWA. TRWA's influence reaches beyond Austin. Every February, several TRWA Board members and my friends from Olmito WSC join Lara and members of her staff in Washington, DC for the National Rural Water Rally. Members of our delegation visit each of our state's 38 Representatives and two Senators.

Each meeting provides us an opportunity to share our stories of rural water, express our appreciation for what they do in support of rural water and share requests for support on any legislation and funding that supports rural water in Texas and across the rural community of America. Texas is fortunate to have multiple members of Congress on both sides of the aisle that are on key committees that understand and support TRWA and rural Texas.

I appreciate the opportunity to be part of this team and meet with members of Congress to tell our story of rural water. Please reach out to Lara or a member of her team if you have any questions or comments on any pending legislation before the State Legislature or the U.S. Congress that TRWA may be able to help with.

Be safe, Bruce Alexander President TRWA

Dear TRWA Members,

Letter from the TRWA Executive Director

At the close of 2022, we have a record number of member water and wastewater utilities due to systems learning about all the benefits of membership and realizing there is strength in numbers, especially when it comes to political advocacy. Thank you for being a member of this great organization!

along with technical assistance to help systems access it; (2) changing the system capacity requirements for RV parks and (3) simplifying processes at the Public Utility Commission so they are less cumbersome and less expensive for small water and wastewater utilities.

We’re gearing up for the 88th Texas Legislative Session that is kicking off on January 10. Bill filing already started on November 15 and our legislative team has been diligently reviewing and tracking bills that may impact our rural water system members.

In 2023, we are excited to be able to hold our Rural Water Day at the Capital again in conjunction with Convention on March 29. We will be sending out the Convention brochure and opening registration in early January. I’m looking forward to the new year and to working with our amazing TRWA team who are always striving to better serve you!

Our legislative priorities we are working on thus far include: (1) obtaining increased infrastructure funding for rural utilities through Texas Water Development Board in the form of low interest loans and grants,

I hope you and your families had a wonderful holiday season and can’t wait to see you in 2023!

Best regards,

Lara Zent Executive Director & General Counsel TRWA

Quench — 2022 —Issue 6 5

Keep It Legal Answers to Members’ Questions by TRWA Assistant General Counsel Mary Alice Boehm-McKaughan Happy Holidays, y’all! I’m Mary Alice McKaughan, the through February 1, 2023. new TRWA Assistant General Counsel. I’m so honored to be a part of this great organization. I’m taking over writing If you have never filed an annual eminent domain report, Keep it Legal from Kristen Fancher, who did a great job. don’t despair, you can start now. According to the Texas Comptroller’s transparency department, you will not be A quick note: On October 20, 2022, the Public Utility penalized. You will start fresh. If you have filed an annual Commission (PUC) adopted Section 24.173 Late Fees and eminent domain report before, but you missed the last couple Disconnections During an Extreme Weather Emergency for years, you may be subject to fines; however, you don’t have Nonpayment (Rule), which prohibits investor-owned utilities to submit reports for the years you missed. You just need (IOUs), water supply corporations (WSCs), water districts, to submit your report for this year. If you have questions, (including special utility districts (SUDs)) and counties from please call our great new Legal Assistant Wendi Noble at disconnecting customers during extreme cold weather (512) 472-8591 X 321. Remember, you don’t have to do emergencies. On, or before, January 31, 2023, all IOUs, this alone. The TRWA Legal Department is here to answer WSCs, districts, and counties must send each of its custom- your questions. For a small fee, we can also file these ers a one-time written notice (Notice) of the Rule’s require- reports for you. ments in English and Spanish. TRWA has posted a Sample Notice form on our website, which you may download by A utility may have lost its eminent domain authority on clicking on the Legal Home Page and then follow the links September 1, 2013, if it didn’t file a Report of Eminent Domain for “Forms.” The Notice can be sent as a billing insert or in Authority (Report) by December 21, 2012, as required by a separate communication, and must be delivered by first Tex Gov. Code Section 2206.101. The Report was just a class mail, hand delivery or electronically if the customer one-time requirement. A utility had to mail a letter, by certihas agreed to receive emails. fied mail return receipt requested, to the Texas Comptroller

by December 31, 2012, stating that the utility had eminent Now back to our member questions… domain authority and identify the source of the authority.

Utilities created after December 31, 2012, did not have to file this Report.

Does a utility lose its eminent domain authority if it doesn’t file its There is good news! In late 2012, TRWA filed a Report on annual eminent domain report? behalf of all its members to cover any member systems that failed to file a Report of their own. So, if your system was a A: No. A utility does not lose its eminent domain authority TRWA member in December 2012 and you failed to file a if it doesn’t file its annual eminent domain report. Failure to Report, you should be covered. This is just another example of comply with the annual reporting requirement can result a benefit we provided our wonderful members. If you would in up to a $2,000 fine and being listed as noncompliant. like to see whether TRWA filed the Report for your utility, the However, it has no effect on a utility’s eminent domain list is available on our website at trwa.org/comptrollerlist12.

Q: authority.

The annual eminent domain report, required by Tex. Gov. Code Section 2206.154, needs to be submitted through the Texas Comptroller’s website each year during the November 1 through February 1 reporting period.

The reporting period is now open and will remain open 6 Quench — 2022 — Issue 6

Q:

Is a Water Supply Corporation (WSC) exempt from paying sales tax?

A: Only if your WSC is certified by the TCEQ as a regional system. WSCs are entitled to a limited sales tax exemption under Texas Tax Code Sec. 151.355(5) if they are certified by the TCEQ as a regional system. Systems that are already certified by the TCEQ as regional systems are listed on the TCEQ website at https://www.tceq. texas.gov/waterdistricts/regional-provider-certification.

If you are not on the list, instructions on how to apply to become a TCEQ-certified regional system can also be found at the above link. The TRWA Legal Department also files these as a service to our members for a fee. You may fill out a form to get this started at: https://www. trwa.org/page/TaxExemption.

exemption only applies to purchases used to construct, or operate, a water or wastewater system. The Texas Comptroller published guidance on what does, and does not, count. This guidance can be found on the TRWA website at trwa.org/comptrollerguidance. Heads up, the Texas Comptroller does not consider it a full sales tax exemption, so you will not find it referenced on the Comptroller’s exemption database.

A water, or wastewater, provider may be qualified to become a TCEQ certified regional provider if it has:

Assistant General Counsel Mary Alice McKaughan has worked at the Attorney General's Office, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Travis County Attorney's Office, and in her own practice.

1. one owner and one large system that serves several different communities or subdivisions; or 2. one owner and several isolated systems that each provide service to one or more communities or subdivisions; or 3. several owners, each with individual systems operated through a centrally coordinated operating system; or 4. several owners, each with an isolated system, all served by a central wholesale provider.

To apply, a system must electronically submit a written request letter to the TCEQ at PlanDist@tceq.texas.gov .

In the subject line of your letter write the name of your entity and “Request for Regional Provider Certification.”

In the body of the letter indicate that you are applying, “for certification by TCEQ as a provider of regional water services under Texas Tax Code, Section 151.355(5).”

Also include all the following information: •Which of the above-listed criteria describes your utility along with an explanation on how your system meets the criteria •Your PUC CCN number(s) •Your Public Water System ID •The number of connections, and the communities/ businesses and/or public water systems, that are being served by your system along with the county and general location of the system(s) •Your boundary, or service area, map •Your Secretary of State Tax ID or Filing Number •Information on who to contact with questions Once a WSC has been TCE- certified, they are entitled to a sales tax exemption on limited purchases. The tax

If you have any questions about this article, call me at (512) 472-8591 x 106 or email at maryalice.mckaughan@trwa.org.

TRWA Members can submit their legal inquiries by emailing legal@trwa.org or by using the form on the bottom of the Legal page. They can also search the archive at https://www.trwa.org/page/ KILHome.

Financing Solutions for Rural Water Systems In partnership with TRWA, CoBank can offer members specially negotiated terms.

Visit www.trwa.org/cobank or contact John DeLuca at 303-694-5958

Quench — 2022 —Issue 6 7 WTR_ADM_TX-RWA-3625x4875.indd 1

2/12/21 7:04 AM

Ask Larry

A Q&A column with TRWA Technical Assistance Director Larry Bell

Q:

Can we stop selling meters because we are exceeding our U n d e rg ro u n d C o n s e r va t i o n District’s pumping permit due to the district imposing a restriction during drought conditions?

A: More systems are beginning to be faced with Underground Conservation District (UCD) Rules and Regulations, which can restrict the amount of water their system can pump when drought contingency restrictions are imposed by the UCD. These drought restrictions imposed by a UCD do not stop applicants from requesting water service to their parched lots. In fact, many systems routinely receive more requests for water service because private wells are either not keeping up with the families' needs or have started to run completely dry.

However, TCEQ Rules make clear that boards must prepare their systems to be able to provide water even under extraordinary circumstances. Per Rule §291.93: "Each retail public utility which provides water service shall plan, furnish, operate, and maintain production, treatment, storage, transmission, and distribution facilities of sufficient size and capacity to provide a continuous and adequate supply of water for all reasonable consumer uses." It's up to the system to have a drought contingency plan on file with the utility's tariff that addresses situations of water shortages. Systems that have reached 85% of their capacity must submit a report to TCEQ explaining how they will "provide the expected service demands to the remaining areas within the boundaries of its certificated area."

Now, the rules do say that "A report is not required if the source of supply available to the utility service provider is 8 Quench — 2022 — Issue 6

reduced to below the 85% level due to a court or agency conservation order unless that order is expected to extend for more than 18 months from the date it is entered in which case a report shall be required."

Systems can appeal to the TCEQ Executive Director for a waiver /exemption on these rules, but broadly speaking, a water system still must continue to install meters to applicants applying for water service because that is a condition associated with its certificate of convenience and necessity.

Q:

Is it permissible to have a 1-inch line running to a meter if the 1-inch line is coming off of 2-inch line and only serving that one meter?

A: Yes, it is permissible to have a 1-inch service line connected to a 2-inch or larger line if that service line is only serving the one meter. Usually these 1-inch service lines are used when a road is bored and an encasement was installed.

But these types of requests usually end up causing the water system future frustration in the event of certain other situations. I've seen instances when an applicant refuses to pay to have a full 2-inch water main installed to their property because they didn’t want anyone tapping into “their” water line. This can work for the first customer or applicant. However, some systems have had as many as five of these 1-inch service lines installed on the same side of the road, which makes it a nightmare to do repairs without damaging the other small lines.

If the property to be served is down the road past three or more other properties, then it would be better for the water system to install a 2-inch water main to that applicant’s property but only charge the price to install a 1-inch line

and have the system pay the difference, so you have the capacity to connect other customers.

At the least, this application should be considered a nonstandard service request since they are requesting a nonstandard service line.

Q:

We recently increased our membership fee substantially after many years of keeping it at the same rate. When a customer that paid the lower membership fee relinquishes their membership, do we reimburse them what they paid or the new membership fee?

A: The simple answer is that you would only reimburse what they paid or $50.

WSC Memberships do not gain or appreciate in value as do stocks or bonds. Many people mistakenly compare a membership “Stock Certificate” to their ZYX Stock that's publicly traded. This is one reason the Texas Water Code Chapter 67.016 now refers to “or other evidence of membership” instead of using term “stock certificate."

The receipt, Service Agreement or other paperwork completed during the application process to receive water service is evidence that that applicant has become a member and entitled to cast one vote at membership meetings, not something that can be speculated on in the marketplace.

Q:

We are wanting to invest money from our checking account into a Certificate of Deposit (CD) with a financial services firm. Is there a rule stating we have to invest in a bank? The CD is FDIC-insured.

insured or in “bonds or other evidence of indebtedness of the United States.” The normal FDIC insured limit is $250,000 at a single banking firm, not this amount at different branches of the same banking firm.

Section 67.014 also allows for investments authorized under Subchapter A, Chapter 2245 of the Texas Government Code (“The Public Funds Investment Act”), if the WSC has a written investment policy as required by the Act that is approved by the WSC’s Board. To learn about other authorized investments under the Act and what is required of the written investment policy, you or the financial officer designated by the WSC Board can attend a Public Funds Investment Act Course, which TRWA puts on several times a year virtually. The dates for next year's courses are as follows: • • • •

February 7, 2023 May 24, 2023 August 17, 2023 October 12, 2023

The courses run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register, visit trwa.org/pfia and click on the date you wish to sign up for.

Larry Bell is TRWA's Technical Assistance Director, with more than 30 years experience at the association.

If you have a Technical Question, please email larry.bell@trwa.org or search the archive at https://trwa.org/qualityontap/

A: We get this investment question from a WSC several times a year.

Section 67.014 of the Texas Water Code generally requires that a WSC deposit its funds, including longer term investments, in a bank in this state that is FDIC Quench — 2022 —Issue 6 9

TRWA News

Share your Texas Water story with the PH2Otostream contest

TRWA members understand how impressive the effort that goes into providing Texas with clean, safe drinking water can be: how hard their team works, and how remarkable both the sources and the technology involved can be.

TRWA's PH2Otostream Contest is our opportunity to show that off to the wider public.

Contestants are encouraged to submit in all three categories; however, only one first place prize will be granted to each entrant.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

• All photos must be taken in Texas.

Enter your photos in one of these three categories to • Contestants may enter multiple submissions in and participate: across categories; however, they will be eligible to win only one first place prize.

• Rural Texas Water: A general category for images • Previously published material for which non-exclusive representing Texas water rights were granted may be entered as long as you still • Water Infrastructure: Images of the technology that retain full rights to the photo. drives water utilities • Photos must be provided digitally and in a high resolu• Utility Operators in Action: Images depicting utility tion format of at least 300 dpi. personnel working in the field • All photos must be accompanied by a Photo Release Agreement and Entry Form, available on our website Each category winner will receive a $100 cash prize and at trwa.org/photostream be spotlighted in Quench, TRWA’s magazine. The Grand Prize winner will be selected from the category winners, Submit your photos by March 1, 2023 to be considered! and in addition to their cash prize will receive a matted and framed print of their photo.

10 Quench — 2022 — Issue 6

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TRWA News

Learn more about TRWA's Technical Assistance services As a member of TRWA, there are a wide variety of resources available to you to help improve your system.

Thanks to your membership dues and several grants and programs administered through USDA, EPA and TCEQ, our association is able to offer on-site assistance with some of your utilities' most common problems. With a staff of 37 employees, 19 of them working in the field, we are able to assist remotely and on-site with things such as: Operations & Field Services

• Wastewater System Assessments – Our experienced staff can work through your collection and treatment sys• Meter Testing – We test production meters for groundwatem as well as your records to provide guidance and sugter and surface water plants to ensure accurate metering. gestions to maintain quality treatment and compliance.

• Leak Detection – TRWA uses acoustic leak detection Management equipment and drone surveying to identify potential leaks in your distribution system.

• Rate Studies – We can work with your utility to review your finances and evaluate rate structures to ensure • *Tank Surveys – Using our aerial and underwater you are on track to maintaining a sustainable water/ drones, we can survey your tank for corrosion and dewastewater system. teriorating paint and direct you to our many associate members if repair services are needed.

• Budgeting and Capital Improvement Planning – We can work with you to evaluate what issues you are facing • *Mapping – We have qualified GIS personnel who and help create a draft budget and CIP for your board use advanced equipment and software to collect asset to review. information and accurately GPS your infrastructure, as well as provide training for your utility staff.

• Board Training- We will work with your board to review the roles and responsibilities of your board and promote • Smoke Testing – In 2023, TRWA will launch our smoke the importance of working with management and staff testing services for wastewater systems to identify potento accomplish the goals of the utility. tial inflow and infiltration issues in your collection systems.

Compliance • Lead Service Line Inventory – We can help you with the TCEQ template and provide direction on where to locate backup documentation to support your inventory.

• Cross Connection Control Program – We can assist with setting up your cross-connection control program and review your policies or tariff to ensure you have all the documentation and necessary knowledge to implement the program.

12 Quench — 2022 — Issue 6

TRWA News • Comprehensive Compliance Investigations (CCI) – Getting ready for an inspection? We can assist with going through TCEQ ’s checklist to ensure you have all your documents in order. If a deficiency is noted, we can help you w o r k t h ro u g h options to get it resolved.

• Disinfection Byproducts – Many utilities today struggle with disinfection byproduct (DBP) issues, which often lead to violations.

Our staff can help you evaluate your samples and provide options to address the concerns.

• Violations – If your utility has received a violation for not meeting TCEQ requirements in areas such as sampling, LCR, public notices, CCR or others, our staff can work with you to get those resolved and back to compliance.

Financial Assistance • Our staff is versed in various funding opportunities through Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), USDA Rural Development, CoBank and NRWA emergency funds.

If you have a project and are not sure where to start to look for funding opportunities, please call the office and ask for the Technical Assistance Program, or visit our Help Form at trwa. org/page/help. * Indicates that a fee is charged for the service. These services are only offered to TRWA members.

Practical Infrastructure Solutions Wells • Treatment • Disinfection Storage • Pumping • Distribution

ENGINEERS & SURVEYORS haytereng.com

Quench — 2022 —Issue 6 13

Features

Farewell to Texas Water Legends Wickson Creek SUD's Kent Watson & Sharyland WSC's Sheri Dahlberg have spent decades in the industry The Texas rural water community is saying goodbye to two of its long-term fixtures, who are both retiring from their utility careers after decades of service to our industry.

During Watson’s tenure, Wixon/ Wickson Creek grew from 900 customers to 9,000; zero water towers to four, one well to thirteen. Wickson Creek’s service area used to be limited to one county and now it stretches Kent Watson has been an institution across three of them. Stewarding that at Wickson Creek for 35 years, but growth was the work of a career. he didn’t start his career there. He started out working for the City of “That’s what keeps it exciting for me,” Normangee, population at the time he said. “If we had not been growapproximately 640, as their Water ing, I probably wouldn’t have stayed and Wastewater Superintendent. He around.” moved to the City of Jewett as their Director of Public Works for about Growth wasn’t the only major change; five years, getting his feet wet, as he Watson also oversaw the reorganizasays, before moving to become the tion of Wixon WSC into Wickson General Manager for what was then Creek SUD, the first Special Utility still called Wixon WSC, a position that District in the state after the Texas allowed him to focus strictly on the Legislature passed the SUD legislawater side of things. tion. The reorganization helped the district reduce the tax burden on some Which doesn’t mean it was easy. of the debt it was carrying, and made

14 Quench — 2022 — Issue 6

the utility a legal pioneer. “The rules weren’t written, just the law,” Watson said. “We got to help interpret how [the conversion] was supposed to be done.” This also necessitated the name change; while Wixon Valley, Texas was a small community, Wickson Creek SUD’s service area would extend way beyond that.

Soon after he arrived at his new post, Watson began to get involved in leadership at Texas Rural Water Association too. When he started on the TRWA board in the late 1980s, Watson said he was younger than everyone else by about ten years. TRWA only had a staff comprised of two circuit riders, one executive director, and an office staffer. The conferences were also a lot smaller.

Watson said the Association’s and Wickson Creek’s growth patterns have tracked each other closely, both starting to take off in the early 1990s.

For TRWA, that meant offering new services, winning new contracts, and hiring new employees, a process Watson watched firsthand as he rose through the positions on the board to become president of the association in 1996. “Our legislative agenda grew, and we were able to accomplish a lot legislatively during that time frame,” Watson said. “We were able to pass lots of good legislation for WSCs and SUDs.” This, Watson says, was something he was especially proud of, at both the state and national levels.

“Helping with legislation both on the state level and the national level has

Features been my expertise and my highlight,” he said.

In 2007, Watson took on a new leadership challenge in the rural water community when the TRWA board chose him to represent Texas on the board of the National Rural Water Association. Doing so, he said, introduced him to new ideas to bring back to TRWA. “It’s worked for this state or that state. I think this would work for TRWA,” he said. He also brought ideas and a wealth of experience from Texas to NRWA. Watson became NRWA’s President in 2018, leading the Association until 2020. “It was an exposure to a lot of different associations, a lot of different people, a very exciting time personally and professionally,” he said of his tenure. “I became great friends with people from across the United States.” By his count, Watson travelled to 34 states while serving as NRWA President, some of them multiple times.

with friends he’s made through rural water nationwide. But he’s also looking forward to spending more time at home, taking care of a ranch that has been in his family for more than 150 years.

10 cents more than the minimum wage. The general manager at the time didn't want to give it to her, but another new hire in the office told him to acquiesce because "she thought I would work out," Dahlberg said. "I laugh when I think about it, because “I’m looking forward to working there who could have known?" on the ranch, doing some things that That extra ten cents an hour was the “It made me aware of the fact that I’ve been wanting to do for a number start of a 46-year career, one that there are differences in ‘rural’ wher- of years,” Watson said. “Juggling time comes to an end December 31 with ever you go. I was in a Northeastern between that and grandkids.”

Dahlberg's retirement from Sharyland, state and the Executive Director said, where she has been the General ‘Kent, we really enjoyed you coming. That shouldn't be a problem for him. Manager for the last 13 years. "When Next time bring an interpreter with If there's one thing Watson has mas- I started here, I had no plan. I didn’t you.’ Still, you find that common tered during his career, it's juggling lots have any career goals. I didn’t know thread and it all works well. We may all of different responsibilities. what I was going to do with my life," talk a little different from one state to Dahlberg said. "I never imagined it the other, the food might be different, would turn into a career." but if it’s a rural association, they’re going to be great people. Whether it Sheri Dahlberg almost didn't get the Dahlberg said she learned "everything be in Texas or anywhere across the job she applied for at Sharyland WSC. you might imagine" as she worked her nation, you’ll find the best people as- She was 19 years old, and a lifelong way up the ladder at Sharyland. She resident of the Rio Grande Valley sociated with rural water.” became Office Manager in the early who grew up without drinking water 1980s and was promoted again to service until she was in high school.

Watson plans to keep travelling in Assistant Manager by the latter part retirement, to see his kids and their When she applied at the system for a of that decade. She stayed in that role families, who are scattered across combination cashier and receptionist until 2009, when she was tapped to Texas and Arkansas; and to meet up position in 1976, she asked to be paid become the GM. Quench — 2022 —Issue 6 15

Features Her rise mirrors that of Sharyland's.

When she started, Dahlberg says, the system was just eight years old and only had approximately 1,500 accounts. Today it has nearly 21,000, despite selling off parts of its original service area to encroaching cities, with much of that growth coming in waves in the early 1980s and into the 2000s. At one point early in her career, Dahlberg says, the system had a waiting list of 6,000 customers as it scrambled to get the funding required for such a colossal expansion. It would eventually get caught up, and would be prepared for future growth, including into the present as new developments continue to move in. "We’ve grown significantly in the last 10 years. I just don’t see where it’s going to stop," Dahlberg says.

For Dahlberg, the challenge wasn't just managing growth, but also the changing expectation as their service area grew closer to the cities that surrounded it. "We're still trying to be true to our values and our roots. It has been a very delicate dance becoming more urban and losing so much of our rural community." Many of the new customers, she said, came with different expectations and more demands.

This is something she says they've seen throughout South Texas, and it's one reason she's grateful for the close relationships the WSCs in that region have fostered. "We count on each other, we consult with each other, and that has been a very comforting way to build your business and grow in a way that is positive for the

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Still, some parts of the job each utility has to learn itself. Dahlberg pointed to the challenges of doing legal paperwork and contract details with some of their big accounts; and new developers requiring a level of service that they didn't have in the early years. They worked to give these new customers "the confidence that we were capable and qualified to handle their needs."

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Features she said. "Hiring everyday people is okay for some positions but now we have to hire more educated personnel, specific to the task at hand. We were all just ordinary people at the beginning," she said. For instance, the 19-year-old who asked for 10 cents over the minimum wage when she started out.

That young woman's rise to leading Sharyland WSC wasn't always easy in a field typically dominated by men.

Dahlberg says that she has spent 30 years telling her staff to get comfortable with her outward displays of emotion, something she doubts a male boss would have to do. "Don’t mistake my tears for weakness," she said she has told them. "This isn’t just some girl, some woman who doesn’t know better. This is all passion. My emotions get tied up in the passion.

If I didn’t care so much, I could say

can serve that way."

In addition to her dedication to her Sharyland WSC community, Dahlberg has been fully engaged in the betterment of the rural water industry in Texas as a whole. She was a regular attendee at TRWA conferences, donated countless items to the PAC to support our legislative efforts, testified on important issues at the Texas legislature and supported various programs.

Dahlberg isn't entirely sure what the next chapter holds for her yet. Her husband, Bubba, also retired recently, Dahlberg's passion for rural water is and the pair are looking forward to apparent; she couldn't help but get having time to figure out what they choked up when talking about her want to do next, besides visiting their career and what it meant to her. "If two children and three grandchildren you don’t love what you’re doing in when possible. Forty-six years later, this business, you don’t stay. If you she once again approaches her next have a passion for doing good for chapter without a plan. It worked out people in your community and the pretty well last time. people that work for you, then you all those things without tears."

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Quench — 2022 —Issue 6 17

From the Field

The Greener Grass

By Paul King

You can make your system attractive place to work Good retention policies canan make your system one yourfor “Do you know of any good water operators we could hire?”

give for leaving employment. The number one answer is always, “I am leaving to make more money.” The I’ve heard this question for years, number two answer is, “There’s no so often I now recognize it as two opportunity for growth in my current separate questions. The first is, “Do position.” If you’re looking to keep you know of any good water opera- your employees, those are the top tors?” That answer will always be yes. two problems that you need to solve.

I know many great operators that do their job and do it well. They are on- Because there are financial and orgacall 24/7, 365 days of the year. They nizational implications to them, any keep their water customers in service employee retention strategy needs every day. to start at the top, incorporating the board of directors and senior The second question, the harder one, management. I once knew an asis “Can we hire any of them?” That’s sistant manager at a water system where I shrug my shoulders and say that took it upon himself to start I do not know. Systems ought to evaluating employees twice a year. keep their good employees happy, He thought if he could explain to and happy employees don’t often his employees what they were doing look for another job. So, who does? wrong halfway through the year, it I began asking water system manag- would give these employees time to ers what reasons most employees improve and earn salary increases 18 Quench — 2022 — Issue 6

based on their year-end evaluations.

Unfortunately, this assistant manager didn’t have board buy-in and the board suspended pay increases that year, ruining his plan.

The single-best way to retain employees is to compensate them competitively. Boards of Directors and general managers need to evaluate and adjust salaries regularly. If your system can’t increase pay right now, consider providing other forms of compensation, such as bonuses, improved health care benefits and retirement plans. These things can help raise employee morale also.

In addition to competitive pay, it’s important to support employees’ growth. Access to training is important for the personal and professional development of employees. If your

From the Field

current employees, butat, retention to start at the toptop employees want to stay but theyhas have to start at the water license. Office professionals can also train operators to take and post payments in the billing systems.

This cross training has helped these systems during the recent pandemic.

When office staff were out sick, an operator could step in to take payments, and when the operator missed time, the system still had a licensed operator on staff. These types of programs can give employees a sense of accomplishment that’s above and Cross training is another way to keep beyond performing their daily duties. employees engaged and benefit the utility at the same time. Many small Talk to your staff regularly to learn systems have office professionals their career goals and interests and that step out of their usual roles for identify new training needs and opa few hours a week and ride along portunities that can be of benefit to with the system operators to get a your water system. These can work better idea of what their coworkers well together. If you need a new cusdo daily. This experience prompts tomer service inspector or back flow many of them to take the classes assembly tester, you may already have and tests needed to obtain their someone in your employ who can system has salary increases built in for attaining higher licenses, it is vital that employees be supported as they take the classes needed to get these licenses. Virtual classes have made these more accessible, but employees need to be able to learn in a way that works for their age and learning style.

New employees joining without previous experience can jumpstart their careers in this way.

train to fill these roles and who would enjoy the challenge and change of pace these new duties would provide.

Retention begins from the moment a new hire comes on board, beginning with proper onboarding and orientation to set new hires up for success.

Teaching new employees about their job and how they can contribute and thrive in their position will help give that employee a sense of belonging as they begin their new position, rather than putting them in a place where they might feel overwhelmed.

And remember, teaching can go both ways. New employees will feel valued when their ideas are listened to.

Sometimes the fresh eyes a new hire brings can spot problems those of us who have been looking at it for years don’t recognize.

Quench — 2022 —Issue 6 19

From the Field It’s important to have written job descriptions and a clear outline of responsibilities to make sure new employees understand management expectations. In the previous issue of Quench (Issue 5, 2022), Charles Perkins wrote about how O&M manuals and SOPs should be living documents that are updated all the time. Job descriptions are the same.

They should be reviewed periodically and should grow as your system grows. Attorney Ann Price wrote an article for Issue 4, 2022 of Quench about composing clear and precise job descriptions.

that have a high job satisfaction.

Mentoring is not a job for individuals with bad attitudes as it can lead to the new employee developing a bad attitude also.

other obligations.

Creating a culture of employee retention starts at the top. Happy, well-adjusted employees that have high job satisfaction rarely leave. If you can Time constraints on employees are orient and mentor new employees another issue that can be addressed to your system’s culture, compensate by management. Being on-call is a your employees as best you can and major but necessary burden of many help them develop new skills and utility positions, so systems can im- grow into new roles when available, prove morale by maintaining flexibil- they will be more likely to remain ity with scheduling both these on-call content in their positions, giving your shifts and regular working hours. system better employee retention and better business performance.

Years ago, I had an employee whose son played high school football. We Many new employees will ride along made an arrangement that allowed Paul King is a and be mentored by other employ- him to change his on-call shifts durCircuit Rider at ees. This mentoring is great in a ing his son’s games. We were able to TRWA. remote work environment like rural help him prioritize what mattered water operations. Mentors need to to him, and as a result he was very be happy, well-adjusted employees willing to help others when they had

20 Quench — 2022 — Issue 6

TRWA News

Office Professionals Conference 2022

Quench — 2022 —Issue 6 21

From the Field

Untangling PFAS What we know and what we still need to learn about these 'forever chemicals'

By Nathan Cantrell

The more I learn about PFAS, the more I wish I had retired before I ever heard of them.

The rise of concern over per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been one of the biggest developments our field has seen over the past several years, one that’s required a whole new body of knowledge. Fortunately, if that’s the right word, the attention being paid to PFAS rose at approximately the same time as the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning some of us, your truly included, were stuck at home with a lot of time for research.

Over the past three or so years I have read so many articles and watched so many videos, webinars and presentations on PFAS it makes my head spin.

My household is sick of hearing about them; even a commercial for cookware 22 Quench — 2022 — Issue 6

elicits a groan at this point lest it set than 4,700 different PFAS that could me off. have been used or are still being used around the globe.

What’s most frustrating about PFAS is that even three years in to learn- PFAS are used in many applications ing about them, there’s still so much because of their unique physical propthat remains unknown. Scientists are erties such as resistance to high and still testing and improving upon the low temperatures, resistance to degways that we detect the chemicals in radation and nonstick characteristics. water and soil. Treatment options are But the properties that make them so also being explored in places where durable also make them a health and contamination is found. And we’re environmental concern. Their slow still working out exactly how they breakdown means they can continue impact both the human body and the to be found in the air, soil and water environment, though early results are long after exposure. The same holds not good. true for the human body. Due to their widespread use and persistence What do we know about in the environment, most people in PFAS? the United States have been exposed to PFAS. PFAS are still used in many PFAS are synthetic chemicals that industries, and even as they are behave been manufactured and used in ing phased out, it's possible that the a broad range of industries since the replacements may also be harmful to 1940s. Recent inventories list more the environment.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued health advisories targeting four variants of PFAS chemicals in the summer of 2022.

These advisories considered negative health effects to lifetime exposure of these specific PFAS chemicals in extremely small quantities in drinking water, which is what makes this such an urgent problem for water utilities to address.

What are water utilities doing about it?

environmental justice impacts.

EPA will continue to prioritize additional PFAS for inclusion in UCMR 6 and beyond, as techniques to measure these additional substances in drinking water are developed and validated.

Methods of treating and remediating surface and groundwater are also under development. You can find more information on these methods both for testing and treatment from the EPA at trwa.org/pfasepa.

The National Rural Water Association is also inviting systems to participate in the PFAS Cost Recovery Program.

See the sidebar for more information.

Many water systems in Texas have begun receiving notifications and instructions from the EPA to collect samples for 29 different per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and lithium, as With a subject matter this complicated, required by the Safe Drinking Water there’s always new information, new Act (SDWA). The SDWA requires methods or new warnings coming that once every five years EPA issue down the pipe. Even if I could learn a list of unregulated contaminants to everything there is to know about be monitored by public water systems, PFAS before retiring, the week afcalled the Unregulated Contaminant ter that, the knowledge would be Monitoring Rule. (This is the fifth such out of date. That’s intimidating and list, so UCMR 5.) As proposed, and if inconvenient, but it comes with the funds are appropriated by Congress, territory. all public water systems serving 3,300 or more people and 800 representative public water systems serving Nathan fewer than 3,300 would collect samples Cantrell is a during a 12-month period between January 2023 and December 2025.

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From the Field

PFAS Litigation TRWA has invited member systems to participate in NRWA's PFAS Cost Recovery Program, a multi-district lawsuit against manufacturers of PFAS. If you are concerned that your system's water supply will be impacted by PFAS and would like to be a plaintiff, you may register your utility at www.napolilaw.com/ nrwa-pfas.

If your system is one of the more than 110 Texas utilities that has already registered, but you have not completed your retainer and other paperwork, you must finish that process in order to be eligible for any settlement.

Here are a few things to know about the litigation: 1. The action is cost recovery, not punitive.

2. The litigation is filed against the global manufacturers of the compounds and does not impact local companies who may have used them.

3. There is zero upfront cost to register, however, a system must be registered prior to any settlement or judgement being reached in order to benefit. While there is no timeframe as to when a settlement may be finalized, those settlement talks are underway. The 2022 summer health advisory from EPA has placed pressure on the manufacturers to reach a settlement.

See trwa.org/pfas-litigation for more details.

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ONLY 68 PARTS IN OUR CHLORINATOR Quench — 2022 —Issue 5 23

From the Field

The Means to the End

Wastewater is more than treatment plants. Learn how to keep your collection system in shape

By Quentin Turner

conveyance and treatment of wastewater. The Roman Empire built vast infrastructure to channel wastewater So much of our work in wastewater away. Tens of thousands of people died in 19th century happens after it reaches the treatment London every year before the sewer system was modernplant that sometimes we, and certainly ized. Native American and other nomadic peoples stayed the public, can forget the effort it takes on the move not just to follow their food supply but also to get it there. to leave their waste behind them and give nature time to break it down.

Most of our collection systems that move wastewater from the point of But we often forget about this effort in modern times, at origin to the treatment facility are bur- least until Murphy’s Law rears its head and something goes ied underground. Our laterals, mains wrong. Collection systems can be made of many different and trunk lines, the manholes and lift types of materials, but no matter what they’re made of, if or pump stations are out of sight and we fail to take care of them and keep them in good repair, too often out of mind. But the safe we’re asking for trouble. transport of wastewater away from popula- Having worked for large and small systems in my 46-year tion centers is a crucial career, I know that it’s easier for a larger system with more component of civiliza- manpower to keep their collection systems well-maintained. tion. Outbreaks of epic When I worked as the lone water and wastewater operator proportion have been at a small system, it was tough to find the time during the caused by the improper day to allot to the maintenance of the collection systems.

24 Quench — 2022 — Issue 6

From the Field This is where planning can play a big part. All wastewater systems, regardless of size, need to dedicate time to simple checks and maintenance. A schedule of doing smoke testing, at least in portions of the system where there could be potential problems, can save a world of hurt later.

Divide your system into sections, be it north or south or 4 quadrants or whatever makes sense for your geography, and dedicate the time to check the entire collection system, even if it takes a year or more to complete. You may be surprised at what you find.

during the line jetting. These should be cleaned, including the side walls, during the water jetting to help alleviate possible blockages. If you are a small system and don’t have access to a jetter, check with a surrounding city or other utility to see if you can arrange to borrow or swap some service in repayment for a borrowed unit. Renting one is also a possibility, though due to cost I’d only recommend this if you have an immediate problem that needs to be addressed.

These preventative measures take time and effort, but Smoke testing is a relatively inexpensive operation, but it spotting problems early can save you and your system a does involve a considerable amount time and personnel. world of headache later. By making sure your collection I’d advise that smaller systems ask Council Members or system is in good condition, you can keep it out of the the Board of Directors to volunteer for the process. It will customer’s mind. give them firsthand knowledge of the issues they will be called on to address financially later.

In most cases all that is needed are smoke bombs, a motor blower designed to fit a manhole, a few sewer line inflatable plugs to control the areas to be smoked, and personnel to walk the areas that are being smoked. You then need to record addresses and locations where smoke appears. The smoke will usually appear where cracks have formed in pipes or joints; places where pipes are misaligned; at unauthorized connections, like house rain gutters connected to a clean-out; where there may be abandoned taps or connections; and at older brick-style manholes. Once the documentation has been gathered and a list of areas has been determined, the system can then prioritize the areas that need the most attention.

Quentin Turner is an FMT specialist at TRWA.

Other valuable bits of maintenance include cleaning the main line, manholes, and lift stations. With the use of water jetting machines, these components can be cleaned utilizing pressure water. Jetting out mains will help keep customerrelated issues to a minimum, but the job needs to be done thoroughly, from the treatment facility out to the far ends of the system. This is somewhat time-consuming but can be eased by having an additional source of water, such as any water-carrying vehicle, to save time hauling the jetter to a filling station and back. Don’t ignore your lift stations

Quench — 2022 —Issue 6 25

From the Field

Mapmaker Mapmaker Make Me A Map

By Justin Guerra

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is used to create, manage, analyze and map all types of data. Paper maps might use lines and colors to code elevation, climate or political subdivision for the reader; the technology of GIS can layer location data with multiple layers of descriptive information. This provides a foundation for mapping and analysis that is used in science and almost every industry. If you’ve searched the Internet for coffee shops near you, then you were using GIS to access business information correlated to a particular geographic area.

GIS has added a totally new degree of practicality to the asset management of public water systems (PWS).

There are so many hidden and moving parts to a PWS: each main, lateral, valve, pressure zone, fitting and other field asset needs to be tracked. GIS can trace complex networks like these and record a wide range of useful 26 Quench — 2022 — Issue 6

Offictem. De num et magnistia quatiis autate cum quae etusdae dolores eari unturiate pro blaccum nonserro mod que mi, unt voluptatet laborum quia vel id magnatum quat harumquia sit aut dipsam, vellibe rchiciassit, qui adis et voloremolent offic torupienti dolorepel et fugiti cume soloritestio blacimp orionsedias et istrumquam quis et aut inciam quo dolupit et asimili quibus dolestiis andelest reratiunt adis nonem vereper eseque nis corernatur magnimolut aut autaquo

etusdae dolores eari unturiate pro blaccum nonserro mod que mi, unt voluptatet laborum quia vel id magnatum quat harumquia sit aut dipsam, vellibe rchiciassit, qui adis et voloremolent offic torupienti dolorepel et fugiti cume soloritestio blacimp orionsedias et istrumquam quis et aut inciam quo

additional data about each component and how they interact. It can take individual structures such as pumps, open them up, and show the assets within.

Spatial data can be incorporated from a broad range of sources, including asbuilts; field surveys; closed-circuit television; flow meters and aerial imaging.

Geospatially-empowered technologies like the ArcGIS Utility Network can analyze how the network is affected by real-world events such as storms, outages or equipment failure.

needs, or changes; (2) set standards for the assessment, maintenance, and rehabilitation of underground infrastructure and (3) provide viable solutions through education, technical resources and industry advocacy.

With aging infrastructure, increase in water demand, and a generation of knowledgeable operators retiring from the industry; it is now more important than ever to understand our water and sewer infrastructure. GIS mapping standardizes the collection of data for The benefit of thorough, accurate a system, making it easier to compare GIS mapping is so great that TRWA the condition of infrastructure pieces has launched its own services to across the network, including where a help members establish accurate and certain component is located, when it precise maps of their water and/ was installed, who is responsible for it, or sewer infrastructure to initiate how is it networked, and what are its improvement of asset management unique features. The data produced practices and capital improvement from this inquiry is fundamental for planning. Spearheaded by Deputy performing maintenance, arranging Executive Director Jason Knobloch, development, and expanding the the program is designed to: (1) antici- system. pate future infrastructure problems,

From the Field One type of project TRWA is using this technology for is assessing water service meters in accordance with EPA’s and TCEQ’s Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR). Under the updated LCRR, systems must identify and track information on service line materials as they are encountered during normal operations (40 CFR §141.84(a) (5)). These investigations may result in service line repair or replacement recommendations. One method to facilitate this mandate combines visual inspection at the meter pit, the use of electronic field data collection and inventory updates through GIS applications.

By assuring that data gathered from a meter pit is collected and coded in a consistent and reliable manner, conflicting information can be resolved, and service line repair or replacement can be prioritized properly to reduce the risk of lead contamination.

"Without GIS, the upcoming EPA mandates for LCRR/LCRI would be a much more daunting task," said Mauriceville MUD's Whintony Estes.

"GIS allows us to inventory, identify and implement our lead service line replacement plans all in one place.

The health and safety of our community will be improved exponentially as we execute this project quickly and efficiently."

More broadly, TRWA’s GIS and mapping services aim to bridge the knowledge gaps that are being created in our industry as long-time operators and managers retire.

Systems that might have run on institutional knowledge for years will need current maps and detailed lists of their assets going forward. Since 2018, we have completed multiple projects for our members to improve day-to-day operations and assist with planning for the future, including our work in South Cleveland WSC. There, after working with TRWA, office staff now use GIS data to determine the location and sizes of lines and measure out line extensions. This helps them coordinate projects with contractors, work with the county appraisal district to identify ownership and propose needed system improvements to their board. “We are so pleased with this tool, and I can't imagine how we functioned before we had it. It is truly the best money we have ever spent on our system,” said South Cleveland WSC's Cookie McKee.

If you are interested in learning more about how GIS can help your system or have any questions about this article, contact TRWA’s Justin Guerra for more information. Our staff can set up customized options to fit your needs and will provide training to ensure you have the ability to continue managing your assets through GIS on your own.

Justin Guerra is a Member Services Specialist at TRWA, specializing in GIS and mapping and drone work.

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Quench — 2022 —Issue 6 27

TRWA Briefs Join TRWA's Emerging Leaders Program for 2023-2024

TRWA is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 • Identify, develop and engage emerging leaders in the cohort of our Emerging Leaders Program.

Texas water industry and in TRWA • Develop resources for grassroots advocacy, fundraisThis program is designed to cultivate energetic and ening and industry promotion gaged individuals who are invested in the future of rural • Achieve heightened engagement and commitment to water, particularly early- to mid-career working profesthe industry and to the Association sionals currently employed by a TRWA member utility system.

Program Elements Include: The Emerging Leaders Program is a nine-month long professional development and networking opportunity that aims to enhance individual leadership skills and prepare participants to be active and engaged community leaders and advocates for rural water issues. Participants will take part in three in-person trainings, webinars, local projects and receive one-on-one coaching from experienced industry mentors.

• Three In-Person Trainings • June 5-6, 2023 in Austin (Mandatory) • October 5-6, 2023 in San Antonio (Encouraged) • January 16-17, 2024 in Austin (Mandatory) • One-on-One Coaching Sessions • Peer Forum Discussions • Two Webinars • Local Project Implementation

This program combines in-person training and remote Visit trwa.org/ELP for more information and the find the learning to accomplish the following defined goals: online application.

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J.F. Fontaine & Associates..................................27 Pittsburg Tank & Tower Maintenance Co., Inc......25 Russell Drilling Co., Inc.......................................16 Texas Aquastore................................................13 SAMCO.............................................................. 11 Smith Pump Co., Inc………………...…………………...9 USA Blue Book………………...……..……..Back Cover

Last Chance to Apply!

TRWA Student Scholarships The Texas Rural Water Foundation is now accepting applications for our Student Scholarships for the 20232024 academic year.

particularly interested in supporting students who seek a career relating to the water and/or wastewater industry or a career that will support rural Texas, especially veterans who are pursuing This year, TRWF is using a new online these same career goals. Former stuplatform for scholarship submissions, dent scholarship recipients are invited which will make applying easier for to apply for a continued scholarship. students. You can find the link to the platform on our Student Scholarship All applications must be submitted in full page at trwa.org/student-scholarships. by 5 p.m. on February 6, 2023. If you have any questions, email foundation@ The TRWF Scholarship Committee is trwa.org.

TRWA Awards of Excellence Submit your nominations for TRWA's Awards of Excellence today! We're accepting nominations in three individual categories: • Excellence in Administration • Excellence in System Management • Excellence in Operations As well as two systemwide categories: • Small System Excellence (1,500 or fewer connections) • Large System Excellence (More than 1,500) Get

Join the conversation at: www.facebook.com/TexasRuralWaterAssn

more

information

or

start your nomination now by visiting trwa.org/awards for individual awards and trwa.org/systemawards for system awards. Individual winners receive a $500 prize, while system winners receive a $1,000 prize.

Anyone can nominate an individual or a system, but please remember eligibility is limited to TRWA members and their employees. Former award winners are not eligible. All entries must be submitted or postmarked

by January 30, 2023, to be considered.

Find us at @TexasRuralWater for industry and legislative news relevant to you!

Quench — 2022 —Issue 6 29

Meet our two new TRWA employees TRWA has added a pair of new faces to our field staff in the final months of the year.

systems under 10,000 population, with a particular focus on regulations and compliance, financial and management best practices, emergency planning and operations.

First, in late October, we had Barry Dobbs join us in a new role as our Wastewater Training and Technical Barry joins TRWA with a Class A Water Assistance Specialist, providing train- License and a Class B Wastewater ing as well as technical assistance to License and 14 years of experience in the water and wastewater field. He is also a certified firefighter. Barry lives in the Bastrop area, and has recently begun taking up disc golf as a hobby.

In November, Gene Estoll joined as our new Wastewater Technician. A native of Mineola, Texas who still resides there, Gene started in the water and wastewater fields in 1993, working his way up through the training and experience necessary until he earned

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TCEQ Class A Licenses in both Wa t e r a n d Wastewater, as well as Customer S e r v i c e Inspector and Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester licenses. Before joining TRWA, Gene spent the last 13 years of his career with Liberty Utilities.

In his spare time, Gene enjoys working on his home in Mineola as well as hunting and fishing when he gets the chance. Most of all, he appreciates spending time with his family, including his two sons and granddaughter.

The Months Ahead Here's a look at a small sample of the events TRWA has scheduled for the next two months. To see more trainings, regional meetings, conferences and more, visit www.trwa.org/event_calendar

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January 9 RuralWaterCon Registration Opens

January 24 - 26 Groundwater Production - Riverside & Valve & Hydrant Maintenance - Lindale

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Basic Water Works Operations - Plano & Surface Water Production 2 Aubrey & Groundwater Production - San Antonio

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February 14 - 16 Virtual Basic Wastewater

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1616 Rio Grande| Austin, TX 78701-1122 Telephone: (512) 472-8591 | Fax: (512) 472-5186 www.trwa.org

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