President Message

President’s Thoughts

by William “Bill” Brown

“Let us not dwell upon the past, only look in anticipation to all that lies ahead” – Eleesha. Anticipation is getting the best of me. The first TWUA Regional Training event of 2021 is in San Angelo, July 19th – 22nd. This event will be the first live, in-person regional school since March 2020. If you need to get out and stretch your legs, come join Norma and Tom in San Angelo. This regional school was previously held in Odessa for years, but the Permian board decided to seek a new host location for many reasons. And Norma and Tom are very hopeful the operators and those desiring to become operators, particularly individuals in the West Texas area of Texas, will give San Angelo a shot.

The cost of the meeting facilities, training manuals, instructors, and administrative expenses are ever-increasing, so please get those registrations submitted. The regions can no longer afford to host a training class for 5 or 6 people pre-registered and hope for a significant walk-up or onsite registration crowd. No decision-maker wants to be placed in a position where a class is canceled. Take-home point – please use the pre-registration process, and let’s make the regional training process as strong as it ever was.

There is a lot of truth in the joke that says Texas weather is like Texas traffic. Literally going from 0 to 100+, just like DPS Troopers are no longer writing tickets. Heat-related emergencies are very real. If you are going to be outside working, pay attention to your fluid intake. Just to maintain, you should be drinking 8oz. of water every 20 minutes (2.5 Quarts) of water each workday. It is also recommended that you have a work buddy watching your intake, and you watch his or hers. Dehydration and heat-related emergencies should be taken seriously, and are in most cases, avoidable. No urine output or dark color urine are signs of dehydration. Stay hydrated, my friends.

This last legislative session was busy for the utility sector. One bill that should be of particular interest is Senate Bill 3. This bill was intended to address critical infrastructure. And this bill requires water utilities to develop and implement preparedness plans while they demonstrate how they will keep services operating during an extended power outage. (Whatever the cause)

I strongly encourage you to find out more about Senate Bill 3 and be aware of specific requirement and deadlines such as:

• By November 1, 2021 – Identify all critical water and wastewater infrastructure facilities and notify your electrical provider that these facilities qualify for Critical Load Status.

• By March 1, 2022 – Submit your Emergency Preparedness Plan, as well as timelines for implementation to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for approval.

• By July 1, 2022 – Start Implementing Your Emergency Plan.

I interpret all the requirements of Senate Bill 3 to mean, by utilizing backup generators, alternative power sources, increasing storage, as well as other options, maintain a minimum of 20 psi during a power outage lasting beyond 24 hours.

I am understanding of the concept of what goes in must also go out. Meaning, if the distribution system supplies potable water during a power outage, the basic human needs such as flushing toilets, washing hands, washing dishes, and bathing will occur. So don’t forget your wastewater collection and wastewater treatment works.

In my humble opinion, the one thing worse than no water is having water but no place for used or wastewater to go. Once collection lines and lift stations fill and not providing an emergency method to move the waste product to the treatment works will become an operations nightmare.

I would also share that diesel fuel does not age well, so using fuel and keeping a fresh supply on hand will be challenging. Also, operating generators monthly under load will need to be part of the plan. When storms are forecast, having a prearranged fuel delivery will also need to be considered. Dual fuel generators could be an option. Natural Gas or Propane fuel may make more sense.

I would also contact your power provider and look into load shedding. Meaning during peak load times for the power provider, if you are able to run your generation equipment and sell any unneeded power back to your power provider, maybe this will help justify some of the costs associated with onsite generation.

If you have other thoughts, please share – Bbrown@jonahwater.com

Until I can shake your hand, may the Blessings of Heaven Rest upon you and all Water and Wastewater Professionals!

Bill Brown