November 2013

wso
WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

TM
Managing Our Most Valuable Resource

November 2013
www.wsomag.com
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE:
Intelligent energy management

Page 14
TECHNOLOGY DEEP DIVE:
Analytics solutions from GE

Page 28
Judy Adams Water Treatment Manager Brownsville, Texas
Keep it Flowing
JUDY ADAMS AND HER TEAM HELP A TEXAS CITY FIGHT OFF DROUGHT
Page 24
BRIGHT IDEAS:
Large-scale UV disinfection
Page 16
Contents
November 2013
QUALITY LEADERS
Plant: Ready for Growth
Page 6
Automation, high-end technology and a dedicated staff have the Burnt Store reverse osmosis treatment plant prepared for the next boom in local construction.
BY JIM FORCE
Plant: An Earthy Approach Page 18
The City of Kalamas diatomaceous earth water ltration plant uses a highly automated process that reduces lifetime costs and frees staff for other duties.
BY JIM FORCE
ON THE COVER: Participative. Committed. Driven. Those are words employees and colleagues apply to Judy Adams, water treatment manager at three facilities, including a reverse osmosis membrane plant, in Brownsville, Texas. (Photography by Brad Doherty)
Operator: Keep It Flowing

BY JACK POWELL
Page 24
Judy Adams emphasizes teamwork in operating three water plants that keep the Texas city of Brownsville supplied in the face of severe drought.
ON TAP Page 3
TECHNOLOGY DEEP DIVE Page 28
Wisdom From the Fat Man
A line from an old movie with Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason is worth remembering when you need a pick-me-up after a fall.
BY TED J. RULSEH, EDITOR
Watchful Eyes
WORTH NOTING Page 38 People/Awards; Education; Events
An analytics solution from GE Intelligent Platforms can help operators avoid unplanned equipment downtime and optimize process performance.
BY TED J. RULSEH
Coming Next Issue: December 2013

FOCUS: Annual Buyers Guide
Special 2014 fold-out wall calendar Quality Leaders Plant: Partnership awards in Kingsport, Tenn. Quality Leaders Operator: Robert Longo, Bristol, Conn. Quality Leaders Operator: Greg Swanson, Moline, Ill. Tech Talk: Understanding sodium hypochlorite disinfection Winning Them Over: Conservation in a land of plenty Technology Deep Dive: i::scan miniature spectrophotometer Sustainable Practice: Power reduction initiative in Fairfield, Calif.
@ WSOMAG.COM Page 5 Visit daily for news, features and blogs. Get the most from WSO magazine. WINNING THEM OVER Page 12
PRODUCT FOCUS Page 30
Metering and Security

BY CRAIG MANDLI
Drop by Drop
A mascot, tours, public displays and rebate programs combine to help the City of Durham make big inroads on conservation.
BY LINDA J. EDMONDSON
CASE STUDIES Page 32
Metering and Security

BY CRAIG MANDLI
TECH TALK Page 33 SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE Page 14
Smart Management
Survey Surfaces Sealing Concerns
Las Vegas Valleys Energy and Water Quality Management System helps optimize distribution and treatment, saving energy, saving money and improving water quality.
BY LISA BALCERAK
Water industry leaders share thoughts on gasketing products and practices and the key issues involved in sealing against leakage.
BY JIM DRAGO, P.E., AND ANGELICA WIUME
INDUSTRY NEWS Page 34 PRODUCT NEWS Page 36 Product Spotlight: Solar-powered thermometer replaces mercury-in-glass models
BY ED WODALSKI
BRIGHT IDEAS Page 16
Success on a Big Scale
A medium-pressure UV disinfection system provides cost-effective pathogen removal for a new 315 mgd facility in San Francisco.
BY SCOTTIE DAYTON
ON TAP
BY TED J. RULSEH, EDITOR
Wisdom From the Fat Man

A line from an old movie with Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason is worth remembering when you need a pick-me-up after a fall
Minnesota Fats knew who he was. He knew that when on top of his game he would eventually beat anyone. Part of his mystique was his class: Even in a down-at-the-heels pool hall, he wore a three-piece suit with a ower in the lapel. His standards never wavered. When he got beaten down, he came back stronger than ever. Most of us over the years have learned that lesson one way or another. And yet when we have that rotten day (or week, or month), we still fall prey to low condence, which if were not careful can start a downward spiral. The thing we need to remember is that the person who failed that one time is not the sum and substance of who we are. We are the person who gets the job done, day after day; who in the nal analysis is capable Double lesson and successful. By way of background, the movie starred Paul Newman as Fast There are many ways to express the basic lesson about perseverance Eddie Felson, a cocky young pool hustler, and Jackie Gleason as Minneand condence. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again. sota Fats, the all-time great. The two hook up in an all-night, all-morning, When you fall off your horse, get right back in the saddle. Champions high-stakes game at a pool hall in Ames, Iowa. keep playing until they get it right. (Billie Jean King). When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. (Franklin Roosevelt). he thing we need to remember is that the person who failed that But I prefer the words of the Fat Man. When you one time is not the sum and substance of who we are. We are the fail one day, get up the next morning, shower and person who gets the job done, day after day; who in the nal analysis shave, put on a fresh suit of clothes, go face the world is capable and successful. and say to yourself, Fast Eddie, lets play some pool. For most of the evening, Felson beats Fats repeatedly and takes him for a large sum of money. When they nally take a break, Felson looks sweaty, stubbled and worn. The Fat Man, in his suit with the rose in the lapel, also appears played out. During the break, as Felson keeps drinking from his bottle of cheap whiskey, Minnesota goes to the back of the pool hall, washes his face, shaves, combs his hair and freshens up his suit. When he returns to the table, he looks as clean and groomed as when he had walked into the pool hall many hours earlier. He looks at Felson, smiles and says, Fast Eddie, lets play some pool. All that went before is forgotten. Its a brand new game. And Fats proceeds not only to win back the money he lost but to take Fast Eddies entire bankroll. Theres a double lesson here: a caution against letting arrogance take over, and a reminder that defeats happen to us all but are only temporary.
n a shing trip a few years ago I had one of those humiliating days. My brother and I were working a lake in Ontario one afternoon into evening. He caught several big northern pike in a row, while I caught nothing, despite using the same lure and casting to the same kinds of spots. Then a cold front came and the sh shut down, although we kept at it for a few hours. When all was said and done, I had shed hard for ve hours, in Canada no less, and could not catch a single northern pike. It wasnt that I begrudged my brother his catch. It was that I felt incompetent. Where shing is concerned, I lose condence easily. Next morning, quite honestly, I barely wanted to get out of bed, and I dreaded going out on the water again. It was then I remembered the 1950s movie, The Hustler, and some words from Minnesota Fats.
Getting back up
Ready to try again

Thats what I did the morning after that disastrous outing on the lake in Ontario. I got into my rain suit and went out with my brother to cast the weedy bays for pike. I wish I could say we both slayed them, but the cold front had taken full effect and the sh werent cooperating. But on a few casts, a sh followed my lure back to the boat, and that was enough. I knew then that my long day of failure was just one of those things. My Canada vacation is long over, but Im ready to get back out there just tell me when and where. After the next of your bad days, I hope you can say the same. wso
Its your magazine. Tell your story.
WSO welcomes news about your water system for future articles.
Send your ideas to editor@ wsomag.com or call 715/277-4094

wsomag.com November 2013
Advertiser Index
November 2013
Free Subscription Digital Editions Article Reprints Product Information Discussion Forums Online Exclusives Editors Blog
Sanitaire a Xylem Brand ...... 11 Separmatic Systems ............... 17 SPX .......................................... 23 USABlueBook .......................... 40
Scan this tag with your smartphone
wsomag.com
Blue-White Industries ...............
Flygt a Xylem Brand ............. 13
WEDECO a Xylem Brand ......
Xylem ..................................... 15
Get Social with
www.facebook.com/WSOmag www.twitter.com/WSOmagazine www.plus.google.com www.youtube.com/WSOmagazine

Published monthly by COLE Publishing, Inc. 1720 Maple Lake Dam Rd., PO Box 220, Three Lakes, WI 54562 Call toll free 800-257-7222 / Outside of U.S. or Canada call 715-546-3346 Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. CST Website: www.wsomag.com / Email: info@wsomag.com / Fax: 715-546-3786 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: A one-year (12 issues) subscription to WSO TM in the United States and Canada is FREE to qualied subscribers. A qualied subscriber is any individual or company in the United States or Canada that partakes in the consulting, design, installation, manufacture, management or operation of water treatment systems. To subscribe, return the subscription card attached to each issue, visit wsomag.com or call 800-257-7222. Non-qualied subscriptions are available at a cost of $60 per year in the United States and Canada/Mexico and $150 per year to all other foreign countries. To subscribe, visit wsomag. com or send company name, mailing address, phone number and check or money order (U.S. funds payable to COLE Publishing Inc.) to the address above. MasterCard, VISA and Discover are also accepted. Include credit card information with your order. ADDRESS CHANGES: Submit to WSO, P.O. Box 220, Three Lakes, WI, 54562; call 800257-7222 (715-546-3346); fax to 715-546-3786; or email nicolel@colepublishing.com. Include both old and new addresses. Our subscriber list is occasionally made available to carefully selected companies whose products or services may be of interest to you. Your privacy is important to us. If you prefer not to be a part of these lists, please contact Nicole at nicolel@colepublishing.com. ADVERTISING RATES: Call 800-994-7990 and ask for Kim or Phil. Publisher reserves the right to reject advertising which in its opinion is misleading, unfair or incompatible with the character of the publication. EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE: Address to Editor, WSO, P.O. Box 220, Three Lakes, WI, 54562 or email editor@wsomag.com. REPRINTS AND BACK ISSUES: Visit www.wsomag.com for options and pricing. To order reprints, call Jeff Lane at 800-257-7222 (715-546-3346) or email jeffl@colepublishing.com. To order back issues, call Nicole at 800-257-7222 (715-546-3346) or email nicolel@cole publishing.com. CIRCULATION: Average circulation is 36,471 copies per month.
2013 COLE PUBLISHING INC. No part may be reproduced without permission of publisher.
Every day is Earth Day.
Were met with a new challenge each day. Whether its the sewer or water department ... we take our jobs very seriously, and Jeff Chartier the key thing is knowing that were in An Original Environmentalist SUPERINTENDENT compliance and not polluting our waters. Town of Bristol (N.H.) Sewer
and Water Department
Read about original environmentalists like Jeff each month in Treatment Plant Operator.
FREE subscription at www.tpomag.com
@wsomag.com
Visit the site daily for new, exclusive content. Read our blogs, find resources and get the most out of WSO magazine.
WATER SCORECARD
OVERHEARD ONLINE
We have to value our own profession rst. And, we have to take licensing and certication seriously because they matter. No one else is going to help us build our own reputation.
Respect for the Profession www.wsomag.com/featured
POUND OF PREVENTION
Keepin It Safe
Compare and Learn!

Keeping tabs on customer water use has never been this easy. See how the Milwaukee Water Works and their newest partner, H20score, are bringing customer data to online portals. In this case, using water wisely even means incentives from local stores. www.wsomag.com/featured
Congrats, wastewater industry! According to OSHA, incident reports in the industry have declined, thanks in part to safety and security programs. Find out where injuries are most likely to occur, and what you can do to prevent them. www.wsomag.com/featured
Join the Discussion

www.facebook.com/WSOmag www.twitter.com/WSOmagazine
BACTERIA AND SOLAR
Energy Times Two

Find out how a new self-sufcient hybrid device uses wastewater and solar power to create energy and clean water. Plus, learn what researchers at the University of California Santa Cruz have planned next for the technology. www.wsomag.com/featured
Emails & Alerts

Visit www.WSOmag.com and sign up for newsletters and alerts. Youll get exclusive content delivered right to your inbox, and youll stay in the loop on topics important to you.
QUALITY LEADERS
PLANT
GROWTH
Automation, high-end technology and a dedicated staff have the Burnt Store reverse osmosis treatment plant prepared for the next boom in local construction
STORY: JIM FORCE PHOTOGRAPHY: ARMANDO SOLARES
READY FOR
Paul Sugg, plant operator C, and teammates benet from process automation at the Burnt Store Water Treatment Plant and Water Reclamation Facility.
rowth has slowed in Charlotte County, Fla., but when it was available, so we went ahead with the plant expansion. resumes, the folks at the Burnt Store Water Treatment Due to low demand on the plant, exercising of plant equipment is priPlant will be ready. ority. No device remains idle. A routine equipment alternating schedule Whenever things start kicking back into gear in the has been in place since the expansion, and the plants Wonderware operBurnt Store corridor this plant is ready to go, says Ben ating program (Invensys) can switch most equipment automatically. Jacobson, chief operator. Even though new construction in the area had This is a nice feature in this plants computer program, says Jacobson. come to a halt, Charlotte County Utilities expanded the Burnt Store plant We still have equipment we alternate manually, but the computer hanto 3.61 mgd capacity and added new technology. dles most of this task for us. Dating to 2010, the improvements included two production wells, two preltration units, three reverse Distribution and billing department personnel can review the osmosis (RO) units, chemical feed systems, two degasidata from each meter or from the system each hour and detect ers, a high-service pump system, three clearwell transfer usage trends. It will also alarm on a leak if it shows continuous pumps and an additional 500,000 gallons of storage, increasing total capacity to 1.5 million gallons. high ows and tell us if someone tries to tamper with the meter. Before the 2008 recession, One big development BEN JACOBSON was moving ahead rapidly, Jacobson recalls. A golf Expanded often course, single family homes, condos we were looking to supply a good Sharing a 75-acre site near the Charlotte-Lee County line with the comshare of the produced water to that project. Then, crash, the whole projmunitys water reclamation facility, the Burnt Store plant serves a popuect came to a standstill. We wondered if we should go forward or hold, but lation of 6,915 with 2,395 service connections. The distribution system the architectural design prints were complete and approved and money
The Burnt Store crew includes, from left, Kevin French, Tod Avers, Paul Sugg and Ben Jacobson.
Burnt Store Water Treatment Plant, Charlotte County, Fla.

BUILT: | 1970s;
multiple expansions mgd SERVICE AREA: | 9 square miles CUSTOMERS: | 6,915 SOURCE WATER: | Hawthorne and Floridian aquifers TREATMENT PROCESS: | Reverse osmosis INFRASTRUCTURE: 57 miles of distribution piping, 387 hydrants, 415 in-line valves SYSTEM STORAGE: | 1.5 million gallons OPERATOR: | Charlotte County Utilities ANNUAL BUDGET: | $368,000 (operations) WEBSITE: | www.charlottecounty.gov
TREATMENT CAPACITY: | 3.61
vent mineral scaling on the RO membranes. Then the water passes through ve preltration units, each housing 40 1-micron cartridge lters (Tri-Dim Filter Corp., GE Water & Process) to remove large impurities. High-pressure pumps deliver the water to the ve primary RO units, used for demineralization (Aerex Global Corp. designed and installed the newer RO units).
We have a good team that works well together. We support each other, and everybody on the team keeps things humming along. Our distribution folks get right on any line breaks, so not a lot of water is wasted.
BEN JACOBSON
includes 57 miles of 2- to 16-inch piping, 387 hydrants and 415 in-line valves. Raw water is drawn from seven brackish wells, six in the Hawthorne Aquifer (600 feet deep) and one in the Floridian Aquifer (1,050 feet deep). The Burnt Store plant has been expanded considerably since it was built 40 years ago, but RO has always been the technology of choice. The original water treatment plant went online in the early 1970s using reverse osmosis to treat 36,000 gallons a day, Jacobson says. In the mid-1970s, it was expanded to 160,000 gallons a day and was equipped with hollow-ber membranes. The plant was expanded again in 1994, 1996 and 2000; additional RO units were installed, using spiral wound membranes. The 2009-2010 expansion, designed by Malcolm-Pirnie with Wharton Smith as the general contractor, included three new 750,000 gpd RO trains, bringing the design capacity to 3.61 mgd. Incoming well water rst receives a dose of 93 percent sulfuric acid to lower the pH from 7.3-7.4 to 6.7-7.0. It is injected with anti-scalant to pre-
Depending on which RO units are online (older or newer), water pressure is increased to 120 to 160 psi, allowing the units to perform at their design capacity. All RO units are two stage; the older units consist of 12 membrane vessels, the newer units 20. Each vessel contains seven membrane elements. The impurities removed by the membranes (concentrate or brine) are sent to two Class 1 industrial waste injection wells drilled into rock formations 3,000 feet deep. The second well was drilled as part of the 2010 expansion and receives the bulk of the concentrate. The new well is larger than the old one, and we use it as the primary well, says Jacobson. But we dont want the smaller injection well just sitting there, so we switch the valving at least once a month and send the concentrate down it. Its also a backup if problems arise with the new well. The wells are closely watched with dual-zone monitoring systems and sample collection and analysis, in compliance with state regulations. The RO product water (permeate) is blended with ltered bypass well water and ows to a Duall three-tower degasication system (Met-Pro Environmental Air Solutions) for hydrogen sulde removal. It passes to a 20,000-gallon clearwell, where it receives sodium hypochlorite for disin-
WHY BURNT STORE?

Water treatment plants are often named for local public ofcials or some natural feature. But Burnt Store Water Treatment Plant? Where does that come from? Was there a re? Apparently so, according to the legend cited on the menu at the Burnt Store Grille on the Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda. As you enjoy the restaurants fried seafood platter or Hulk Burger, you can read of how the area was originally home ground for the Calusa band of Indians. They survived the Spanish explorations of Ponce de Leon and co-existed on the land with early settlers until a troop of U.S. surveyors arrived in the mid-1800s. The surveyors managed to alienate the Calusa and destroy their property to the point where the Indians decided they werent leaving and set re to the trading post the settlers had built burning down the store. Tribal leader Billy Bowlegs is said to have described the incident: If we are going to lose our land, we wont do it without a ght. According to the menu account, The Trading Post was never rebuilt, but from that day on the road leading to it was known as Burnt Store Road. Today the facilities at Burnt Store Marina & Country Club supply more needs than those who shopped the old Trading Post ever thought possible. With the splendor of a secluded 425-slip marina, 27 holes of golf, Athletic Club, pool and tennis courts, the legend more than continues.
COSTS
QUALITY .
WITHOUT CUTTING
LETS CUT
LETS SOLVE
WATER.
Get 20% off genuine ECORAY UV lamps for a limited time.
fection, sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment and a corrosion inhibitor (chemical feed pumps by Lutz-JESCO America Corp.). From the clearwell, treated water is pumped into three 500,000-gallon above-ground storage tanks (Crom Corp.) where a high service pump draws water for distribution to customers. The high-service pump system consists of a 25 hp jockey pump for low water demands, two 75 hp pumps for intermediate water demands, and one 125 hp pump for large water demands, such as re suppression, explains Jacobson. Total high service pump capacity is 4,950 gpm at 70 psi. A Wonderware SCADA system (Invensys) controls the entire system with two stations in the water plant control room and one in the facilitys motor control center.
Register online to receive your discount today at wedeco.com/offerWSO Offer ends December 30, 2013. Industry leading warranty program Free of charge recycling program Higher output efciency in dimmed mode Potential of 25% energy savings Plug and play for existing installations New long-life coating Lower carbon footprint
Close cooperation
Jacobson and three to four operators staff the Burnt Store plant 16 hours a day, seven days a week, running two eight-hour shifts. During the unmanned times, the SCADA system alarms Jacobson automatically by phone if problems arise with the treatment process or distribution pump system. We have a good team that works well together, Jacobson says. We support each other, and everybody on the team keeps things humming along. Our distribution folks get right on any line breaks, so not a lot of water is wasted. A maintenance management system supports Jacobson and his staff: We use an enterprise asset management system software program, which allows our maintenance personnel to track time and materials more efciently and use electronic data storage rather than paper. That results in cost savings. The Burnt Store team has upgraded the membrane cleaning system valving to divert cleaning waste to the deep injection well instead of the Water Reclamation Facility, helping protect the treatment process from acidic membrane cleaning solutions. The staff also manages the memwsomag.com November 2013
brane system to conserve electricity to the trains by monitoring the amount of turnover water in the tanks before producing new water. That way, the plant produces only enough water to keep the storage system full: We only make as much as they take, Jacobson says. To further improve the water system, the staff performs semiannual valve exercising. The team has also upgraded the treated raw water blend system, including largerdiameter piping, a new owmeter and a new actuator valve. In addition, they rehabilitated three production wells. In August 2012, the Burnt Store water distribution team completed a changeout of all the water meters in the distribution system to smart meters that collect data continuously and upload it to the cloud, Paul Sugg and teammates staff the Burnt Store plant 16 hours a day, seven days a week. (ChemScan process analyzer from ASA Analytics; universal controllers from Hach.) where it can be brought back to the billing system. Distribution and billing department personnel can review the data from each meter or from the system each hour and detect usage trends, says Jacobson. It will also alarm on a leak if it shows continuous high ows and tell us if someone tries to tamper with the meter. Training and safety are major priorities. Charlotte County uses the University of California-Sacramento study books to help staff obtain and advance their operator licenses. I liked using the Sacramento courses also to obtain my required CEUs for my operator license, says Jacobson. Theyre a nice tool to have at my disposal. All Charlotte County employees must complete at least two hours of safety training each year. In addition, all eld employees continuously train for certication and recertication in a number of safety areas, such as rst aid, lockout/tagout, conned-space entry, personal protective equipment and trenching and excavating safety.
Performance and awards

Capacity expansion, high-end technology, operational improvements, automation it all adds up to solid performance and recognition from peers for the Burnt Store plant. In a typical month, the plant reduces total dissolved solids from 1,800-1,900 ppm in the raw water to 227 ppm in the nished water, chlorides from 1,000-1,100 to 160, total hardness from 700-800 to 72, and conductivity from 3,600 to 521. These removal rates have helped laboratory manager; Elizabeth the plant earn prestigious awards. Robling, Shelanda Krekreghe and In 2012, the Florida Department Wanda Hall, laboratory technicians. of Environmental Protection honBurnt Store Water Treatment ored Burnt Store with its annual Plant staff: Ben Jacobson, chief Plant Operations Excellence Award. operator; Claudel Leonard, Tod Avers The plant won the same award in and Kevin French, plant operators. 2008. In 2010, the utilitys water distribution division was honored Burnt Store Water Reclamation for outstanding distribution service Facility staff: John Thompson, chief by the Florida Section AWWA. operator; Paul Sugg, Dave Brooks Last year, the water distribution and Harry Kuzel, plant operators. system employees were recognized by Charlotte County with a
Reverse osmosis production trains, pumps and motors at the Burnt Store plant. (PROTEC membrane pressure vessels from Bekaert.)
THE BURNT STORE TEAM

It takes a team of professionals to keep things running smoothly at the Burnt Store facilities. Team members include: Charlotte County staff: Terri Couture, utilities director; Bernie Milosky, regulatory liaison; Jamie Huish, operations manager; Steve Kipnger,
superintendent of Water Distribution and the water distribution team; Steve Bozman, superintendent of treatment facilities and the Eastport operations team; Bruce Bullert, engineering services manager and team; Drew Johnson, maintenance foreman; Frank Muscato and Harold Routzong, instrument control technicians; Jerry Steimle, Charlie Oram and Dennis Woody, maintenance mechanics; Sandra Lavoie,
10
LETS MAINTAIN
EFFICIENCY .
LETS SOLVE
Ben Jacobson, water treatment plant chief operator
AERATION
TOTAL
WATER.
Get 20% off all Sanitaire replacement diffusers for a limited time Register online to receive your discount today at sanitaire.com/offerWSO Offer ends December 30, 2013. Minimal maintenance required Long expected operating life Higher efciency Liquid Cleaning System available Offer includes ceramic or membrane systems Potential payback period of less than 3 years based on energy cost savings
special award for their prompt response to a line break on Christmas Eve. For Jacobson, who came to Florida from Kentucky in 1980 and got into the water treatment profession in the mid-90s on a tip from his foreman at an underground cable business, it has been challenging. The plant and storage capacity expansion came close on the heels of his accepting the chief operator position at Burnt Store in December 2006. Id never been through anything like it before, he says. Hes happy its over, but he must be just as happy with the results. wso
FEATURED PRODUCTS FROM:

Aerex Industries Inc.
772/461-0004 www.aerexindustries.com 949/727-3200 www.iom.invensys.com
Invensys Operations Management
ASA Analytics
800/665-7133 www.asaanalytics.com
Lutz-JESCO America Corp.

800/554-2762 www.jescoamerica.com 888/508-2808 www.mpeas.com
Bekaert Corporation
800/241-4126 www.bekaert.com
Met-Pro Environmental Air Solutions
GE Water & Process Technologies

866/439-2837 www.gewater.com
The Crom Corporation

352/372-3436 www.cromcorp.com 800/458-9835 www.tridim.com
20% discount promotion is only applicable to replacement diffusers within existing installations.
Hach Flow Meter Products & Services

800/368-2723 www.hachow.com
Tri-Dim Filter Corporation
11
WINNING THEM OVER
The Durham Conservation Departments educational displays help explain how water moves through the environment and the importance of water conservation.
8 and older, although colleges, such as Duke University, often send engineering students to learn about the treatment processes. Adult citizen groups also tour the plants occasionally. Overall, we get 300 to 500 people a year in groups and individuals touring our plants, says Nelson.
A drop goes a long way

Another of Nelsons educational tools is Wayne Drop, a mascot shaped like a large drop of water who appears at events and in parades. Wayne Drop doesnt speak but helps to draw attention to our message and what else we have going on at any given event, Nelson says. He also appears in a poster holding a showerhead with the phrase: Saving water is a way of life for Wayne. Make it part of yours! Besides taking Wayne Drop to environmental events and fairs, the department ties in its earth/ water ltration cutaway groundwater model with a tabletop water/ wastewater model. Starting with source water, the model combines water with food coloring, gelatin and other contaminants to show how water is treated for drinking, and then how the wastewater is treated and discharged. The model helps us demonstrate the circular way water moves, from use to treatment and to the environment again, Nelson says. After the release of stricter water treatment regulations and new federal guidelines, Durhams building council adopted low-ow plumbing xture requirements and approved the creation of a conservation position in 1993. The city adopted even stricter water efciency ordinances and policies after a drought in 2007-08. The city later expanded the conservation
Drop by Drop
A mascot, tours, public displays and rebate programs combine to help the City of Durham make big inroads on conservation
BY LINDA J. EDMONDSON
he City of Durhams Water Management Water Conservation and Efciency program is every bit as well-rounded as the departments water education resources. Our groundwater model, which looks a little like an ant farm, shows how natural ltration occurs as water moves through the earth, and that water ow and usage is really a continuous, circular process, says Albert Nelson, conservation coordinator. The display is only one of several tools in Durhams comprehensive conservation education program.
Policy and education

In the early 1990s, Durham began evaluating its water supply and distribution system, includ-
ing the need to expand, upgrade and repair its facilities. The conclusion was that conservation had to be part of any water system maximization. So the city established a water conservation program within the Water Management utility, using both policy and public education as key components. Because of the citys commitment to water conservation and education, and because weve been able to grow as a program in both stafng and resources, the conservation program has always had an adequate budget for marketing and education, including videos, booklets, posters and more, Nelson says. Durhams water comes from two reservoirs the city constructed and largely controls, although the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. EPA and state Department of Natural Resources have some say in their operation. Property owners line both reservoirs, which allow public boating (nonpowerboat) and shing. The city owns buffer zones along the shoreline in many areas that serve to lter pesticides from yard runoff. Water is treated at two plants. One, built in 1917, can treat up to 22 mgd, while the second plant, completed in the 1980s, is rated for 39 mgd. The newer plant is being upgraded to handle all the citys needs in case the older facility ever needs to be shut down. Nelsons ofce handles requests for tours of the water and wastewater treatment plants. Tour groups usually include students in grade
12
staff from two to three to enforce the water efciency ordinance and add support to the program. Besides leak detection and inhome water use assessments, Nelsons department manages Durhams high-efciency toilet rebate program. Water-saving toilets installed to replace older toilets in homes or businesses are eligible for a $100-per-unit credit, applied to the water bill. We educate the community about the toilet rebate in various ways, including on the city web-
WSO welcomes stories

about your public information and education efforts for future Winning them Over articles. Send your suggestions to editor@wsomag.com or call 715/277-4094.
the programs accomplishments. When we attend national conferences, we realize how strong a conservation program we have, he says. Were doing some things much larger cities arent even doing.
When we attend national conferences, we realize how strong a conservation program we have. Were doing some things much larger cities arent even doing.
ALBERT NELSON
TOTAL PEACE
LETS SOLVE
LETS ACHIEVE
OF MIND.
site, at events, with press releases tied to observances such as Drinking Water Week, and through messages printed on water bills, retailer education and TV and radio commercials, says Nelson. From the city council to the city manager, everyone sees the importance of our water conservation and education efforts. We provide the community with a wellrounded service.
Water savings
After nearly six years as a water conservationist, Nelson is proud of
Continuous auditing shows that the departments efforts have had major impacts on reducing water usage. We analyze the data, and we continue to see per capita usage come down, says Nelson. Since 2000, the annual average gallons per day per capita (residential and multifamily) has declined from a high of almost 80 gallons per day to 58.7 gallons in 2011. A small spike in usage occurred during a drought in 2012. The U.S. average per capita usage during the same time period was 72.6 gallons per day. wso
WATER.
Order Genuine Flygt Parts to receive prolonged, reliable operations that feature a 12-month guarantee. Register online to receive a quote today at ygt.com/offerWSO Long-term reliable operation Higher quality and longer lasting 12-month guarantee Guaranteed compatibility Specically engineered to work with Flygt products Quality materials of construction
Wayne Drop is a popular attraction when the Conservation Department sends him out to help reinforce its message.
13
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
Robert Onorato, distribution system operator, with the districts SCADA system.
Smart Management
Las Vegas Valleys Energy and Water Quality Management System helps optimize distribution and treatment, saving energy, saving money and improving water quality
BY LISA BALCERAK

1,100 people and has an annual budget of $300 million for treatment and distribution operations and maintenance.
about your green and environmentally progressive initiatives for future Sustainable Practice articles. Send your suggestions to editor@wsomag.com or call 715/277-4094.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAS VEGAS VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
n the hot, dry desert around Las Vegas, pumping water to a million people at high elevations requires a lot of electricity. An Energy and Water Quality Management System (EWQMS) helped the Las Vegas Valley Water District enact energy saving programs that have cut the operating budget substantially. The district, a not-for-prot agency that began providing water to the Las Vegas Valley in 1954, is the largest agency member and managing partner of the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), a cooperative formed in 1991 to address the regions water needs. The district receives 90 percent of its water from the SNWA. The water is lifted from Lake Mead and treated at two conventional water treatment plants able to produce 900 mgd. The plants use ozone to control Cryptosporidium. One plant produces its own sodium hypochlorite to avoid the cost and risk of delivering chemicals through residential neighborhoods. Water is delivered to the districts nine receiving reservoirs, where it is continually lifted to higher elevations or pressure zones through an additional 28 reservoir sites. The reservoirs total storage capacity is 900 million gallons. In summer when peak demand can reach 480 mgd, the district draws additional water from 64 production wells that can generate up to 190 mgd. The groundwater is treated with sodium hypochlorite and injected into the distribution systems 4,500 miles of pipeline. The district employs
Making improvements
KEVIN FISHER
Realizing the potential to improve energy efciency and water quality, the district began using an EWQMS process in 2005. The system, custom designed based on a prototype developed by the Water Research Foundation, uses a SCADA system, a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), a hydraulic model to estimate energy requirements, historical water delivery data and a water-quality model. After two years of observing the system, the district centered its efforts around using daily hydraulic models to produce pumping schedules that lower energy costs and keep water from sitting in storage too long. Its just-in-time water delivery, says Kevin Fisher, director of operations. We move the right amount of water to the right areas in the system and keep it owing. We dont store 900 million gallons in one day if we only need 200 million. Using SCADA data, we determine which pump combinations produce the lowest cost per acre-foot of water, and then prioritize the corresponding pumps to support the days projected demand. Between keeping water fresh and using the least energy, our electric bill is down 8 to 10 percent. Before the EWQMS, the We strive to be leaders in setting an example for green technology district budgeted $14 to $16 million a year for electricity to run 276 booster pumps at 53 pump usage in our industry. Sustainability is in our culture. stations. Today, the budget is $12 million.
Pump monitoring
Using real-time data from the EWQMS, the operating team maintains a spreadsheet of all 276 booster pumps that use incoming SCADA data on pressures, ows and energy. The pump data is periodically reassessed to look for changes over time. The team balances the cost to repair an underperforming pump against potential energy savings from making it more efcient. Teams have also been optimizing use of the well pumps. The differences in the water table and the pumping water levels can vary greatly in the valley, so the cost to deliver water from the wells varies greatly, says Charles Scott, engineering project manager. We try to lower total power consumption per acre-foot, per well, by zone. From 2007 to 2012, the district cut its energy use from 688 kWh/acre-foot to 649 kWh/acre-foot, saving some $749,000 over ve years.
Solar power plays a major role in the Las Vegas Valley Water Districts energy scheme.
14
Reducing reservoir storage

To reduce operating costs in 2008, the districts operating team analyzed the water storage needed in each zone, taking into account electrical costs, minimum emergency storage requests, minimum pump suction head requirements, minimum service pressure requirements and U.S. EPA water-quality requirements. As a result, two reservoirs were taken ofine. Five or more basins are taken out of service during off-peak winter months. The original 900 million gallons of storage has been reduced to as low as 750 million gallons during winter. Using daily modeling and the EWQMS, the system limits levels of reservoir storage to reduce electrical use. We keep water at appropriate levels instead of superuously lling up the reservoirs for no reason, Scott says. The net savings on energy are minimizing storage in the sys-
LETS HARNESS
EXPERTISE
OF THE WORLDS LARGEST
THE KNOWLEDGE AND
CHALLENGES.
TO SOLVE YOUR
WATER SOLUTIONS PROVIDER
At Xylem we solve challenges at every stage of the water cycle.

Market leading brands
The districts two treatment plants have a combined capacity of 900 mgd.
Extensive applications expertise Industry leading efficiencies and long life products Successfully doing business in more than 150 countries Helping communities to grow, farms to prosper and industries to thrive Improving the quality of life in your city and around the world Let Xylem show you how we can solve YOUR water and wastewater challenges.
tem, so we dont have to hold as Between keeping much water and we dont have to water fresh and using exercise the reservoirs. When water the least energy, our gets old in a basin, it takes energy electric bill is down to drop the levels and raise them back up. Its better to hold the 8 to 10 percent. level constant where it should be. KEVIN FISHER The district has installed a total of 44 SolarBee mixers (Medora Corporation), spread over 14 reservoirs, which circulate the water more efciently than propeller-type mixers. Each mixer uses a small DC motor to recirculate water across the reservoir surface at a rate of 10,000 gpm. Previous mixers drew 7.5 hp with AC motors. Since their installation in 2008, each new mixer saves $2,700 in electricity per year, or more than $89,000 in 2012 alone.
Visit xyleminc.com
Using solar power

To further reduce reliance on grid power, the district installed 1,500 SunPower solar panels on six roof sites with a total 3.1 MW capacity. Since its 2007 installation, the $23 million array has offset $4 million in energy costs and generated $7.5 million in revenue from renewable energy credits from NV Energy. Although payback on the array is just under 25 years, the main impetus for the solar installation was to improve sustainability. At the time of the installation, the state legislature mandated that NV Energy, the local electric utility, obtain 25 percent or more of its energy from renewable sources. Installing the solar panels was our way of supporting the electric utility while beneting the community and state overall, Fisher says. We strive to be leaders in setting an example for green technology usage in our industry. Sustainability is in our culture. wso
15
BRIGHT IDEAS
Success on a Big Scale

A medium-pressure UV disinfection system provides cost-effective pathogen removal for a new 315 mgd facility in San Francisco
BY SCOTTIE DAYTON
PRODUCT: | 48-inch USER: | San
Sentinel Chevron UV reactors
o comply with the U.S. EPA mandate to treat unltered water to 2.0 log Cryptosporidium removal, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission built the $114 million, 315 mgd (design) Tesla Water Treatment Facility in Tracy, Calif. Engineers tested low-pressure and medium-pressure UV systems at the original chlorination facility. The pressure refers to mercury vapor pressure in the lamps, says Enio Sebastiani, water quality engineer. For a facility our size, medium-pressure 48-inch-diameter Sentinel Chevron UV reactors [Calgon Carbon Corp.] had the lowest overall construction and operational costs. They also treat higher ows with lower head losses. Steve Rotondo, Grades T5 and D5 certied journeyman operator, and a Calgon team led by Marc Frangipani, started the reactors in May 2011. We had until April 2012, when the mandate became effective, to bring the units online, he says. During the process, Calgon made modications that were later incorporated into its product line. Tesla was the rst installation of the new Chevron design.
MANUFACTURER: | Calgon
Carbon Corp. Francisco (Calif.) Public Utilities Commission APPLICATION: | Treat unltered water to 2.0 log Cryptosporidium removal BENEFITS: | Lowest overall construction and operational costs
Flows at the UV facility, the largest of its kind in the state, vary from 70 mgd in winter to 315 mgd in summer. It replaced a 300 mgd (design) chlorination facility treating unltered water for the Hetch Hetchy Regional Water System, serving 2.5 million Bay Area residents. Pristine water comes from Sierra Nevada snowmelt in Yosemite. The facility includes sodium STEVE ROTONDO hypochlorite, carbon dioxide for pH correction and uoridation before UV treatment using twelve 45 mgd stainless steel reactors set in two parallel trains of six. Each unit has four lamp banks totaling nine 20 kW lamps with Quickwipe wipers that mitigate quartz sleeve fouling. Two power supply cabinets with programmable logic controllers automate all procedures. The computer divides the 45 mgd setpoint into the total ow rate, then activates the correct number of reactors, plus a backup. At our maximum ow rate of 315 mgd, each train has two standby units, says Rotondo. We also set our kill target at 2.3 log and are achieving 2.4 log.
The system has responded well to every scenario we gave it. It isnt difcult to operate, its reliable, and as far as off-spec water, were hitting home runs every month.
From the mountains
A look inside the reactor shows the UV intensity sensors, sleeves, and lamps.
Shakedown cruise
Rotondo, who spent 25 years in Air Force Civil Engineer construction, prepared for system startup by studying reactor overviews. I was never exposed to UV treatment, so the learning curve was big, he says. I spent hours discussing strategies and issues with Frangipani and his team. The rst topic they brainstormed was the wiper assemblies, which didnt extend and retract fully. An all-threaded rod moved the one-piece stainless steel plate back and forth, while the wire brush clamped to it cleaned the sleeves. They activated every 120 minutes. The units were factory tested, but not under actual flows, says Rotondo. Real-life applications revealed some concerns. Once Marc replaced
16
PHOTO COURTESY OF CALGON CARBON CORP.
Each inlet pipe at the Tesla facility has a 48-inch-diameter Sentinel Chevron UV reactor. A ow control (discharge) valve determines how much ow goes through the reactor.

about your plant and system innovations for future Bright Ideas articles. Send your suggestions to editor@wsomag.com or call 715/277-4094.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAHRAM SABAGHPOUR
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAHRAM SABAGHPOUR
hour warranty by 2,000 hours. We changed out some after 8,500 hours, says Rotondo. While initially testing lamp performance at higher hours, we were not comfortable running them any longer even though they gave no indications of failure. Tesla normally runs three banks per reactor, averaging 60 kW. Reactors running four banks use 75 kW and signal Rotondo that something is wrong. Our raw water averages 89 percent UVT [ultraviolet transmittance] annually with turbidity between 0.2 to 0.3 NTU, he says. UVT determines how many lamps are on and how hot they burn. Hetch Hetchy water is so clean that the fourth bank runs only if something needs cleaning, has failed or is at lower UVT. Testing the UV system and construction upstream have pushed the equipment far beyond normal operational limits. One test ran all four banks in every reactor with only 10 mgd going through them. For four months, Tesla ran eight reactors in auto mode, and three backup units with the ow control valves manually locked open to protect pipeline workers up country from possible harm in case programming should close the valves. The system has responded well to every scenario we gave it, he says. It isnt difcult to operate, its reliable, and as far as off-spec water, were hitting home runs every month. To date, Tesla has not come close to the maximum allowable pathogen limit. wso
For over 50 years Separmatic has been manufacturing ltration equipment for potable drinking water and waste water.
Precoat lters vacuum or pressure congurations Stainless steel vessels Effective against Cryptosporidium and Giardia in surface water, wells, springs and ground water Easy to operate and maintain Cost competitive from the smallest site to largest city
Steve Rotondo changes a UV lamp.
Rotondo calibrates a UV lamp sensor using a reference sensor.
the magnetic couplers on the rods with super-duty couplers, the assemblies worked well. The next gremlin was trickier to diagnose. Each lamp is assigned a well with UV intensity sensor, which reads the lamps radiance and sends it to the computer for comparison with the calculated percentage. Major variances indicate dirty sensors, wells or sleeves. Operators were doing so much cleaning that Rotondo kept a spreadsheet for three months, then emailed the documentation to Frangipani. Frangipanis team discovered condensation on the sensors as they entered the wells, and mostly on the devices etched serial numbers. His team created pockets in the 108 sensors, then they inserted desiccant packages to absorb moisture and maintain a clear line of sight to the lamps and sleeves. The root cause of the problem was a unique combination of water temperature and humidity at the site, he says. Frangipani taught Rotondo how to calibrate the sensors, including how to adjust the units scaling factor to compensate for distances between the grab sample and the analyzer. Then Rotondo trained the numerous co-workers rotating between the various East Bay Field Facilities. He used his military experience to maximize sessions. Replacing three bulbs will take longer than replacing one, so I combined that exercise with teaching them how to drain and ll reactors, he says. Bulbs can be replaced without draining the units.
PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE ROTONDO
Visit us at separmaticsystems.com, or call Carl McCrary, at 360 355 5875
Accepted
facebook.com/WSOmag twitter.com/WSOmagazine plus.google.com youtube.com/WSOmagazine
Socially
Beyond standard design

Operators tested lamps to learn their limits. Most surpassed the 5,000wsomag.com November 2013
17
AN
Maintenance on the diatomaceous earth treatment system includes washing off old media from the lters out to the backwash settling basin, as shown by Chad Moon, public works eld supervisor. (Filter tanks by Separmatic)
EARTHY APPROACH
The City of Kalamas diatomaceous earth water ltration plant uses a highly automated process that reduces lifetime costs and frees staff for other duties
STORY: JIM FORCE PHOTOGRAPHY: CHIJO TAKEDA
hat the City of Kalama spent on its diatomaceous earth (DE) water ltration plant in 2002 has been more than made up for in operational savings since then. Reason? The plant essentially runs by itself, allowing Kelly Rasmussen and his staff of four to concentrate on their many other public works duties. If youre looking for good water ltration, this is it, says Rasmussen, public works superintendent for this Washington city of 3,900. Its not cheap but its efcient and pretty simple. Simple enough so that Rasmussen can watch the plant on a SCADA system at his ofce ve miles away If youre looking for and rest assured that if the progood water ltration, duced water is off-spec, the plant automatically goes into the waste this is it. Its not cheap operation mode until the water but its efcient and quality clears up. Then it switches pretty simple. back to the lter mode. And its not just the automatic KELLY RASMUSSEN operation that pleases Rasmussen. It also met our requirements for installation of a water treatment facility in a very tight footprint, he says. The DE lter has allowed us to get to where we want to be. Adds Mike Johnson of the engineering rm Gray & Osborne, who designed the plant: It was important for Kalama that they could use their existing staff, at the existing certication level, without having to add people to run the plant. Its a mechanical operation, rather than chemical.
QUALITY LEADERS
PLANT
City of Kalama (Wash.) Drinking Water Treatment Facility

BUILT: | 2002 CAPACITY: | 2.6
mgd (expandable to 3.9 mgd) square miles POPULATION SERVED: | 3,900 SOURCE WATER: | Ranney well at the Kalama River TREATMENT PROCESS: | Diatomaceous earth ltration INFRASTRUCTURE: 50 miles of distribution main, 13 storage reservoirs, 17 pressure reducing stations, 250 hydrants, 10 booster stations, approximately 500 gate valves SYSTEM STORAGE: | 3.5 million gallons ANNUAL BUDGET | $1.1 million (operations) WEBSITE: | www.cityofkalama.com
SERVICE AREA: | 20
Scenic location
Kalama sits on the banks of the Columbia River, 45 miles from its mouth at the Pacic Ocean, and about 40 miles north of Portland, Ore. In addition to residential and commercial customers using the water, the town has one of the larger ports of entry on the West Coast, and is the site of two large grain processors, several chemical plants, lumber and steel operations, and recently, a wine bottle manufacturer. These industrial operations use just over half the water produced. We also serve water well beyond our city limits, Rasmussen says. Its
very rocky terrain here next to the river, and its very hard to nd good water in wells. A lot of our customers are outside the city. The areas mountainous topography also affects the water system: There are 10 booster stations, 13 storage reservoirs and 17 pressure reducing stations (equipped with CLA-VAL valves) along the 50 miles of water distribution lines. For many years, Kalama was served by a simple pump-and-disinfect water supply system, which drew water from the Ranney well alongside the Kalama River. The water was chlorinated, uoridated and pumped to
19
Kelly Rasmussen, superintendent of public works
technician, performs daily checks for pH, uoride, and iron. LEFT: The diatomaceous earth lters (Separmatic).
ABOVE: Travis Buck, public works
to save space, the facility sits on top of its 75,000-gallon chlorine contact chamber. During operation, well water is pumped from the Ranney to the DE lter and is pulled through 36 individual lter septums coated with DE. Next come disinfection with sodium hypochlorite and pH adjustment with sodium hydroxide. The water then goes through a static mixer and into the contact chamber. Rasmussen explains the DE lter operation: First we ll the lter tank three-quarters full with water, covering the septums. Then we add 200 pounds of DE to the precoat tank and ll that with water. An SPX Lightnin brand mixer mixes the precoat slurry, which we then transfer to the lter via a Max-E-Glas transfer pump [Pentair Water/STA-RITE]. customers. However, in 1998, the state Department of Health ruled that At that point, the lter control is put into hand mode, and the lter the well was groundwater under the inuence of surface water, and pump recirculates the slurry slowly so that it builds a cake layer on the ordered the water to receive ltration along with disinfection. septums. Once the turbidity in the lter drops to an acceptable level The Kalama River is a very pristine stream, explains Rasmussen. It (Hach turbidity meters), the concomes down from Mount St. Helens. No dams intertrol is put in automatic mode and rupt its ow. Yet, the state determined that we were We send an operator out every begins to lter water, lling the not drawing from a true aquifer, but rather that surmorning to run the daily bench test, 2-million-gallon nished-water resface water was actually lling the collector laterals. ervoir. When the reservoir is full, There was concern for Giardia and Cryptosporidium. but the plant pretty much runs itself. the nished-water pumps turn off, Chlorine does not kill hard-cell microbes like those. KELLY RASMUSSEN allowing the lter pumps to simWorking with the Gray & Osborne staff, the city ply continue to recirculate the water through the lter, keeping the lter conducted a pilot study of a diatomaceous earth ltration system supcake in place on the surface of the septums. plied by Separmatic. The test trailer was here for a lengthy pilot run, The water is sucked through the lter its like a swimming pool says Rasmussen. We obtained good treatment from it and decided to go lter on steroids, says Rasmussen. Any microbes become lodged in the with the DE lter. DE media. To backwash, the lter pump is turned off, a 6-inch drain at the bottom of the lter is opened, and the old DE cake is hosed off the Smooth operation septum. The residue and water pass to two 14,500-gallon deep backwash The new plant, opened in 2002, is built on the edge of a oodplain, so
20
Supernatant is decanted from the backwash basins by moving a telescopic valve to its lowest position.
tanks outside the building. Supernatant is checked for pH and chlorine and, when acceptable, is released to the Kalama River. The settled cake (about 80 cubic yards a year) is withdrawn from the tank bottoms every six months. A local farmer uses it in his tree-planting operation. It works well, says Rasmussen. After all, its fossilized algae, full of nutrients. The total time for backwashing and precoating a lter is about three hours.
Automated process
Filter operation is not only straightforward, it is hands-free. We send an operator out every morning to run the daily bench test, but the plant pretty much runs itself, says Rasmussen. Using a WonderWare SCADA system (Invensys), integrated by Quality Controls Corp., Rasmussen can view the entire treatment sequence without leaving his ofce. When we selected the ltration system, we were looking for a plant that did not require a full-time operator, he says. We didnt want to hire another full-time person to run the plant. Safety parameters are built in: The plant automatically shuts down and goes into recirculation mode if pH, chlorine or turbidity gets out of line. The nished-water pumps will shut off, and the lter will go into a lter-to-waste mode, sending the water to our backwash basins until the problem is cleared up. The automation frees up Rasmussens small staff to manage many other duties, which include almost everything related to public works in Kalama: wastewater collections, street maintenance and parks, in addition to the water plant, meter reading and distribution line replacement. The team includes Chad Moon, eld supervisor, and Travis VanSkike, Gary Griggs and Travis Buck, public works technicians. Rich Smith and Butch Owen are responsible for wastewater.
Kalama is one of only three water plants in Washington that use diatomaceous earth (DE) lter media, and is the largest, according to Kelly Rasmussen, public works superintendent. DE is actually fossilized algae diatoms are the skeletal remains of small, single-celled organisms. Effective at removing cysts, algae and other microscopic material, DE has been employed in the food and beverage industry for more than 75 years, and in the potable water arena since World War II. It is on the U.S. EPA list of approved technologies for meeting requirements of the Surface Water Treatment Rule and is considered suitable for small communities that need to comply. According to a report from the International Diatomite Producers Association, diatoms are a type of algae. Ranging in size from less than 5 to more than 100 micrometers, they have a unique ability to extract silica from water to form their skeletal structure. When diatoms die, their skeletons form a diatomite deposit. In its natural state, diatomite is 85 percent inert silica and is extremely insoluble in water. The odorless, tasteless and chemically inert characteristics make DE safe for ltering water or other liquids for human consumption. The DE process is also called precoat ltration. A precoat layer of DE forms on the ltering surface, and incoming particulate solids are separated on that surface the particulate matter actually becomes part of the lter. When maximum head loss is reached, the ow of water into the lter is stopped and the lter cake is cleaned.
21
Were all certied operators and were all cross-trained, says Rasmussen, who became superintendent in January 2012 and was the Evergreen Rural Washington State Water System Operator of the Year in 2010. We do all mainline installations up to $65,000 in value and do our own sewer tie-ins and water service taps. It can be time-consuming, if for no other reason than the topography the team must deal with.
Water treatment plant personnel includes, from left, Kelly Rasmussen, superintendent of public works; Gary Griggs, Travis VanSkike and Travis Buck, public works technicians; and Chad Moon, eld supervisor. They are shown next to the backwash settling basins.
Were all certied operators and were all cross-trained. We do all mainline installations up to $65,000 in value and do our own sewer tie-ins and water service taps.
KELLY RASMUSSEN
The demands on the multitasking Kalama staff could increase in the near future. Rasmussen says the economic meltdown of a few years ago dramatically slowed the areas residential and industrial development, but activity is picking up again. We can add a third ltration module if necessary, he says. Its expandable. If that happens, the decision to invest in an automated treatment plant will be justied even further. wso
FEATURED PRODUCTS FROM:

CLA-VAL
949/722-4800 www.cla-val.com
Pentair Water/STA-RITE
888/782-7483 www.sta-rite.com
The elevation here ranges from 20 feet above sea level to over 1,500 feet, says Rasmussen. The hydraulic grade runs from 258 feet to 1,116 feet. That yields 17 different pressure zones and requires a battery of pressure reducing valves.
Gray & Osborne

360/292-7481 www.g-o.com
Quality Controls Corporation

425/778-8280 www.qualitycontrolscorp.com
Hach Company
800/227-4224 www.hach.com
Separmatic Systems
(See ad page 17)
More work to come

And while Gray & Osbornes Johnson explains that the produced water pumping system supplying the zones is designed to be as energy efcient as possible, the number of valves can be problematic: They require signicant maintenance.
414/466-5200 www.separmaticsystems.com
Invensys Operations Management

949/727-3200 www.iom.invensys.com
SPX Lightnin
888/649-2378 www.spx.com/en/lightnin
(See ad page 23)
22
BRINGING YOU INNOVATIONS FOR WATER & WASTEWATER TREATMENT

From leading-edge systems to durable, long-lasting process equipment, SPX provides a broad spectrum of technologies to help companies and municipalities keep water and wastewater systems owing safely and reliably. Robust, reliable and innovative, SPX solutions are available for pipeline inspection, chemical makeup and storage, occulation and disinfection, air drying, and any number of water-related applications. Combining leading-edge technology, decades of industry experience and multi-disciplinary global resources, SPX can help you meet your unique water and wastewater challenges. To learn more visit us at www.spx.com
Check out the latest Product & Industry
at wastewaterpr.com
Your online source of the newest products and information for the liquid waste industry
NEWS
23
KEEP IT
STORY: JACK POWELL PHOTOGRAPHY: BRAD DOHERTY
FLOWING
Judy Adams emphasizes teamwork in operating three water plants that keep the Texas city of Brownsville supplied in the face of severe drought
24
articipative. Committed. Driven. Those are words employees and colleagues apply to Judy Adams, water treatment manager at three facilities in Brownsville, Texas. Since 2005, she has led a team, now numbering 25 operators, that is dedicated to maintaining a superior water system for the Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) no mean feat under severe drought conditions. In fact, Adams, a native of Harlingen, Texas, received the 2013 Robert O. Vernon Operator of the Year Award from the American Membrane Technology Association (AMTA) and AWWA. The award, recognizing contributions to water supply improvement by a person working in a desalting or water reuse plant, came as a surprise. Judy went to the ceremony in San Antonio not knowing that she had won she was shocked, says her supervisor, Genoveva Gomez, director of water and wastewater engineering and operations. One of our consultants, who helped with the engineering for our desalination plant, Producing quality gave me information for the award, water is something and we lled it out. I was very glad she won the award. Shes a real pleaIm passionate about. sure to work with for everyone. JUDY ADAMS Adams own reaction: I was stunned when I learned that I won. I had no inkling I had even been nominated. Its a great credit to my boss and the operators. They made it possible. Adams was recognized for her leadership in enabling operators to nd ways to meet the new 0.010 mg/L arsenic maximum contaminant level (MCL) in drinking water. Shes a member of AMTA and an ofcer of the Rio Grande chapter of AWWA.
QUALITY LEADERS
OPERATOR
Skills and passion

Adams balances a busy work-life schedule while heading BPUB Water Plant Number 1 and Water Plant Number 2, both 20 mgd occulation/
sedimentation/ltration facilities. She also heads the 7.5 mgd reverse osmosis (RO) Regional Desalination Plant, which treats brackish groundwater for the Southern Cameron County region. Its capacity is expected to double after a $14 million expansion this year. BPUB provides water and sewer service to about 47,000 industrial, commercial and residential customers. Its a big job: Brownsville, home to 178,000, is the 16th largest city in Texas. Located at the states southernmost tip, on the northern bank of the Rio Grande, its one of the fastest growing urban areas in the nation. And it has been in a drought since 2011. With more than 27 years in the water business, Adams is up to the task, and then some. Producing quality water is something Im passionate
Helping to develop the skills and careers of team members like Gloria Flores (left) is a big part of the job for Judy Adams, water treatment manager.
about, she says. She earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from Texas Lutheran College in Seguin and an MBA from the University of Texas. The MBA comes in handy with budgets and projects associated with water. Her main focus is to make sure the plants meet the high standards established by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Adams got hooked on the water profession in her junior year of college, studying medical sciences. She got a 20-hour-a-week job in an environmental lab at the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and liked it so much that she changed her major to environmental science. After graduating, her rst job was with the Harlingen WaterWorks System, which supplies water and wastewater services to its city of 80,000. She worked there for seven years, then took a job at the water treatment plant in nearby McAllen. Seven years later, she came to Brownsville, joining the Environmental Services Department in 2001. In 2005 she became water treatment manager, which she calls a great career move.
Judy Adams, Brownsville (Texas) Public Utilities Board

POSITION: | Water EXPERIENCE: | 27
treatment manager years in the industry EDUCATION: Bachelors in biology, Texas Lutheran College; MBA, University of Texas CERTIFICATIONS: | Grade A licenses, water and wastewater GOALS: | Enhance skills and continue providing quality water WEBSITE: | www.brownsville-pub.com
Award-winning solution
She now dedicates her career to maintaining excellent water quality
for customers. Reducing arsenic levels required Adams and her team to demonstrate creativity and persistence. In 2006 the U.S. EPA lowered the drinking water standard from 0.050 mg/L to 0.010 mg/L at Brownsvilles brackish groundwater plant. Adams consulted an EPA study guide, which recommended reverse osmosis. Thats when we learned that RO would remove only about half of the arsenic, says Adams, a registered environmental manager with the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP) program. That meant
25
Team members at the Southmost Regional Water Authority include, from left, Francisco Chavarria and Diego Moreno, maintenance workers; Judy Adams, water treatment manager; Juan Moreno, maintenance worker; Gloria Flores, operator apprentice; Rene Cortinas, maintenance worker; Sandra Rodriguez, administrative associate II; Joe Saldivar, chief operator; Eduardo Rivera, maintenance mechanic; and Larry Schnabel, master mechanic. Theyre shown with one of the regional desalination plants reverse osmosis membrane process trains.
Judy Adams collaborative leadership style wins loyalty among her teammembers.
branes (although the plant will add a microltration pretreatment system). Adams puts the experience into perspective: It was fun, but not at the time, and yes, we all learned a lot about arsenic.
Democracy at work
Such collaboration is a hallmark of Adams management style one that has built loyalty among her team. Some have been at the plants for more than 20 years, while others are in their rst year. As such, there are different levels, from apprentices to veterans who have Grade A licenses, the highest level. Adams has Grade A licenses in water and wastewater. To motivate her team, Adams takes a democratic approach. I have a great team and try to give them a lot of credit, she says. I constantly remind them that all the little things they do add up to something significant for the community. They sometimes lose sight of the fact that what they do is important, such as how well an instrument is calibrated or how well they collect a sample. I tell them these things affect the overall quality of the water we provide to the community. Beyond that, I try to build one-on-one relationships with my team members. That means guring out what motivates each of them. For some its family, for others its career, so I try to personalize my relationships with them. Whatever she does, it works. Gomez, who has been at BPUB for 14 years, praises Adams great people skills, and participative leadership style, adding, Shes down to earth and very popular with her group. Adams responds by calling Gomez a great boss, with a strong work ethic whos also fun to work with. Jose Garza, chief operator at Water Plant Number 2, agrees with Gomezs assessment, having worked for Adams for the last seven years: Judys a real good boss. There are always challenges at water plants. Judy is the kind of boss wholl get employees together, let them bounce ideas around, take the ideas of several people, put them together into one and go forward with it.
PROMOTING WATER CAREERS

Does Judy Adams believe water is a good career choice? Absolutely! She sees plenty of opportunities in the water industry and tries to interest young people. She makes a point of discussing water positions during school tours and with university students doing studies on discharge and other environmental issues. Water offers a lot as a career option, says Adams. Theres water planning, water engineering, water operations and more. I think theres a good future in water, especially here in Texas, with the extreme drought weve experienced. Water quality and water quantity have been on everyones mind. Adams assures young people that water will always need to be managed properly, like any other valuable resource. That means municipalities and businesses are always looking for qualied people. What makes a good leader? Adams doesnt hesitate: Someone who has the ability to look at the big picture and keep moving forward despite obstacles. Someone who has a positive outlook and who can motivate. And someone who cares about the people who work for them.
half of the arsenic was getting through to our drinking water. So we did a little more research and found that there are two species of arsenic one can be removed by RO and the other cant. We did speciation research and found out that if we oxidized the feedwater, we could convert the arsenic to a species that is rejected by the RO process. The answer? Add a little bit of chlorine to the feedwater to oxidize it just enough to convert the arsenic and allow the plant to become compliant. After trying various oxidizing agents, the team tried liquid chlorine bleach, but found it difcult to regulate the dosage. Then they tried chlorine gas and found that it worked well and didnt harm the RO mem-
Tested by drought
One challenge facing the three Brownsville water plants is the drought. According to The Houston Chronicle, Texas has received only 68 percent of its typical rainfall over the last two years the third driest period on record. The most recent federal data shows 90 percent of Texas
26
Reverse osmosis helped secure the Brownsville water supply. Here, Judy Adams discusses the sanitizing of membrane system components with team member Juan Moreno. (PROTEC membrane pressure vessels from Bekaert.)
experiencing abnormally dry conditions, and 22 percent in extreme or exceptional drought. Meanwhile, as of last spring, reservoirs statewide were at low levels. Water Plant Number 1, whose ltration system was built in 1931, and Water Plant Number 2, constructed in 1950, treat water from the Rio
With reservoirs about 35 percent full last spring, Brownsville wasnt greatly affected by the drought. The city also own rights to divert water from the Rio Grande communities without such rights must lease water rights or buy water from irrigation districts. Still, Adams, Gomez and their team are keeping an eye on the situation.
There are always challenges at water plants. Judy is the kind of boss who will get employees together, let them bounce ideas around, take the ideas of several people, put them together into one and go forward with it.
JOSE GARZA
Preparation helps
Grande, the fth longest river system in the nation at 1,896 miles, forming part of the U.S.-Mexican border. At Brownsville, at the tail end of the river, the water is muddy and high in nutrients. Adams remembers the time 10 years ago when south Texas was in extreme drought. Brownsville faced the fact that its two reservoirs, Falcon Lake and Amistad Lake, were below 20 percent capacity. In addition, invasive plants such as water hyacinth and hydrilla blocked the ow, which was picking up sediment from the river bottom. Thats why the Southmost Regional Water Authority built the desalination plant, because of the drought and the chance that there wouldnt be enough water without it, says Adams. The BPUB has a 30-year contract to operate the facility. SWRA came up with using RO technology to treat brackish water, take the salt out of it and have it as an alternative water supply, says Adams. Our desalination facility came online in 2004 and has helped a lot during the current drought.
At Adams request, Garza has attended several meetings around the Rio Grande Valley to get a better feel for the conditions from homeowners, irrigators and business people. If reservoir levels get lower, BPUB will have to start implementing its water conservation plan, which would include measures such as restricting watering of lawns and lling of swimming pools. We usually use more chemicals during the drought because the quality of the water isnt the same, since the river isnt owing as much, Adams says. The brackish water plant provides quality water, so theres not much of a difference there, and it helps us diversify our water supply. In general, we havent seen much of an impact on the quality of the water here, which is great, considering how dry its been. Adams, her experience and skills always sharp, will be ready no matter what happens. And shell be collaborating and coaching and FEATURED PRODUCTS FROM: cheering on her operators to do Bekaert Corporation the same minimizing risk by 800/241-4126 being prepared. wso www.bekaert.com
27
TECHNOLOGY DEEP DIVE

1) To optimize performance, operators must rst understand the uses of process deviation in their environment. Monitoring and analysis solutions can pinpoint causes of process variation, helping to enable performance enhancement for a given asset. 2) Data and analytics need to be accessible in the proper context to the right people at the right time. A Web-browser-based data and results visualization solution delivers role and asset-based information that unlocks the value of data.
Watchful Eyes
An analytics solution from GE Intelligent Platforms can help operators avoid unplanned equipment downtime and optimize process performance
BY TED J. RULSEH
H
28
ow long do I have until this machine fails? Thats a key question always on the mind of a plant operator, in the water sector and elsewhere. Preventive maintenance by the book is ne, but how can an operator know when something big is about to go wrong with a motor, pump or engine so it can be xed before a major failure and the downtime and lost production that go with it? GE Intelligent Platforms now offers the Procy Monitoring & Analysis software suite that can help provide answers and in the bargain can help operators optimize process efciency and throughput. The platform combines four existing GE offerings with a Procy Knowledge Center browser-based visualization tool, and Procy Historian HD, a Hadoopbased Industrial Big Data product. Brian Courtney, general manager of the GE Intelligent Platforms Industrial Data Intelligence Software Group, talked about the offering in an interview with Water System Operator.
wso: What overall need in the drinking water sector does this offering address? Courtney: In water treatment you have large assets like pumps, motors and generators. How do you optimize the system? A lot of system software today is about alarm and event how to react when something goes wrong. Analytics are about how to prevent things from going wrong in the rst place. We provide tools to help gure out what could go wrong. Our Procy SmartSignal system learns the behavior of each piece of equipment by monitoring the equipment itself for about two weeks. From that were able to identify what normal behavior looks like for each item. Then as we continue monitoring, 24 hours a day, were able to identify outputs that are not behaving correctly. wso: What kinds of anomalies are detected and what is done with the information? Courtney: We have various analytic tools to help us identify issues
based on known failure modes for large pieces of equipment. An abnormal vibration could mean a bolt is loose. Rising temperature could mean a fan has shut off. Bad data could indicate that a sensor has failed. Sometimes it takes collaboration with the customer: We can tell that the equip-
BRIAN COURTNEY
the software and operate it themselves, and as a service where we do the monitoring, setup and analytics and the user pays a monthly or quarterly fee with pricing set by duration of contract. When we do the monitoring, we typically dont go into the eld and x equipment. We call customers weekly and identify things we see A lot of system software today is about alarm and event how to react when as potentially failing in the next several weeks. If we detect somesomething goes wrong. Analytics are about how prevent things from going thing at imminent risk, we contact wrong in the rst place. [They] provide tools to help gure out what could go wrong. the customer right away.
ment isnt behaving correctly, but it takes a person on site to do diagnostics to understand the problem.
wso: What is the ultimate benet of this technology? Courtney: We detect minor issues that will lead to big problems if they go unchecked. If you take asset reliability a little bit higher, you get additive value: Every day you can treat more water. The way to measure success is: How much unplanned downtime did you have to start with, versus how much you have today? And as a result, how much have you saved, both in the cost of repairs and in recovering lost revenue from downtime and lost production? wso: How does this offering support process optimization? Courtney: The Procy CSense toolset has advanced analytics that identify process variables that can lead to suboptimal performance. It allows for what-if analysis to nd solutions that optimize processes and so increase yield. If you can get the variability out of a process, you can run it closer to the optimum. We have another set of analytic tools for doing closed-loop process optimization similar to advanced process control. wso: How exactly is the data acquired for each piece of equipment? Courtney: Data is collected and stored with GEs Procy Historian data collection software. We work off existing sensor data. We assume there is a SCADA system or a historian application on site that we can pull data from. We tell customers what kinds of analytics we can do with the data they have available. And we let them know what additional information we could obtain if they were to acquire additional sensors. wso: Can this offering be used for benchmarking? Could customers use the data to see how their equipment performs versus other similar equipment industrywide? Courtney: Were building that capability now. We would use a comparative analytic to show how a given customers equipment behaves versus an industry average, as dened by all the other similar assets we monitor. This depends on customers willingness to share their data anonymously. It is something customers would need to opt into.
wso: What do customers actually see when using this offering to help them visualize and understand issues? Courtney: A part of this offering is Procy Knowledge Center, a model-driven, browser-based visualization application. Users can view results of data analyzed by Procy CSense or Procy SmartSignal in ways that make it easy to navigate and understand. They can see trend lines, key performance indicators and advisories. There are also simulation and modeling capabilities. For example, users can explore how an action they might have taken would have affected a given problem.
The way to measure success is: How much unplanned downtime did you have to start with, versus how much you have today? And as a result, how much have you saved, both in the cost of repairs and in recovering lost revenue from downtime?
BRIAN COURTNEY
wso: Does this solution require on-site IT infrastructure? Or are cloud-based applications available? Courtney: We offer Procy Historian HD, which can extract data from Procy Historian and store it into Hadoop clusters so that it is available in a cloud format. That is a very cost-effective way of storing large sets of data. wso
wso: Do the analytics apply to all equipment and not just devices made by GE? Courtney: It is designed for any asset that has rotating or vibrating components. We dont do electrical boards or electrical circuits today, although we are working on solutions in that space.
Is there a size threshold at which this offering becomes cost-effective? Courtney: On the asset health and process health side, any organization can get value, and obviously the bigger you are the more value you get. I think anyone doing water treatment is in the size range of organizations we could help in a cost-effective way.
These guys care about what theyre doing. They notice if theres even a slight movement in our efuent quality. They do a great job, and everybody pitches in. They all know what they have to do, and its done correctly.
Jim Listwan
An Original Environmentalist
CHIEF OPERATOR Salt Creek Sanitary District Wastewater Treatment Plant, Villa Park, Ill.
wso:
Get your free subscription and read about original environmentalists like Jim each month in Treatment Plant Operator.
COLE PUBLISHING INC. / www.tpomag.com Proudly Serving the Environmental Service Industry Since 1979
wso: How is the cost of this offering structured?

Courtney: We offer it in two ways: As a license deal where users buy
29
PRODUCT FOCUS:
BY CRAIG MANDLI
METERING AND SECURITY

Whether tracking customers usage, measuring plant raw water ow or feeding chemicals into a process, accurate metering is essential. Manufacturers continue with innovations that make meters accurate, durable, and easy to read and use. Here are some of the newest metering and security products on the market. automatically uploaded to a server or a hosting platform powered by Earth Monitoring DataBase. Two-way communication allows operators to program sensor alarms, wireless upload frequency and sample rates remotely from a website or tablet. 321/242-0300; www.blue-siren.com.
Clamp-on ultrasonic owmeter

The Arrow Hunter PLUS clamp-on transittime owmeter from ECHO Process Instrumentation measures clean or dirty liquid ow in metal or plastic pipes with any liners from 3/8 to 118 inches. It uses Dual DSP technology to measure velocities from 0.03 to 82 feet per second at accuracy within 0.5 percent, repeatable to within 0.15 percent of measured value. It can measure any municipal ow, including low-ow chemical feed. In has hazardous-area sensors for explosion-proof requirements. 850/609-1300; www.echopi.com.
Meters
Stainless steel ultrasonic meter
The stainless steel E-Series ultrasonic water meter from Badger Meter uses solidstate technology in a compact, encapsulated, weatherproof and UV-resistant housing. It has an easy-to-read 9-digit LCD display and presents consumption, rate of ow, reverse ow indication and alarms. Available with a high-resolution encoder protocol, it sends status indicators as part of an extended meter-reading message. It has extended low-ow accuracy to within 3 percent. The corrosion resistant meter complies with lead-free regulations. 800/876-3837; www.badgermeter.com.
Air/gas mass owmeter

The ST102A air/gas thermal mass ow meter from Fluid Components International (FCI) has a dual-element averaging system that improves installation repeatability and accuracy for largerdiameter pipes and ducts. Applications involving lines 12 inches or greater can improve installation accuracy and repeatability by averaging the ow rates of two elements. The meter overcomes issues with distorted, swirling and nonrepeatable ow proles. 800/854-1993; www.uidcomponents.com.
Submerged solids meter

The SmartBob-SS from BinMaster Level Controls is designed for interface applications when the requirement is to measure the level of solid material below a liquid surface, such as measuring settled salt or sediment at water treatment facilities. It automatically drops a weighted bob through the liquid; when the bob contacts solid material at the tank bottom, it retracts and sends a measurement to a control console or a PC loaded with eBob software. It comes congured with a 3-inch standpipe for ease of installation, a corrosion-resistant stainless steel cable, and a SureDrop cap that keeps the weight from being retracted into the pipe. 800/278-4241; www.binmaster.com.
Flow rate sensor

The RFO sensor from Gems Sensors & Controls uses a RotorFlow paddle wheel design that incorporates high-visibility rotors with solid-state electronics in compact, panel-mounted housings. It provides accurate ow rate measurement with integral visual conrmation. 800/378-1600; www.gemssensors.com.
Hybrid ultrasonic owmeter

The Sonic-Pro hybrid ultrasonic owmeter from Blue-White Industries measures ow using Doppler or Transit Time methods. It has noninvasive clamp-on transducers and works with clean or dirty uids. It can be set up remotely with a Windows PC, providing a view of real-time ow and downloadable data log les. Features include custom metric algorithms and DSP technology, backlit LCD, data logged to a standard SD card format, isolated and fully congurable 4-20 mA output and a computer connection that permits remote access and control for all functions. It can measure ow in pipe from 0.5 to 100 inches. 714/893-8529; www.bluewhite.com.
Noncontacting owmeter
The DFM 5.0 Doppler Flowmeter from Greyline Instruments measures ow from outside a pipe. The clamp-on ultrasonic sensor mounts on any pipe 1/2-inchinside-diameter or larger. It is designed for any liquid with bubbles or suspended solids. Calibration and startup is simple with a ve-button keypad. Features include a large backlit display and totalizer, isolated 4-20 mA output and two control relays. 888/473-9546; www.greyline.com.
Dual wavelength photometer

The eXact Micro 20 dual wavelength photometer from Industrial Test Systems tests more than 30 water-quality parameters with lab-quality accuracy. It has a narrow-band wavelength lter for high accuracy, long-life LEDs and a built-in cell. The unit self-calibrates and automatically selects the optimal wavelength for each test. All tests use the same EZ-3 reagent delivery method. Users dip an eXact Strip into the water sample for 20 seconds with a back-andforth motion, discard the strip and read the results with the push of a button. The system disperses reagent into samples without leaving suspended solids in the sample vial. 800/861-9712; www.sensafe.com.
Flow monitor
The wireless, low-power, multi-sensor open-channel FlowSiren ow monitor with vision sensor from BlueSiren lets operators measure and view ow conditions using contact and noncontact sensors. It operates for over two years using a single power pack. With IP68 connectors, it is fully submersible and completely encapsulated using impact-proof plastics. Data is
30
Gas detection meter

The TA-2016MB-WM gas detection wall-mount meter from Mil-Ram Technology has an 8- or 16-channel system using an RS-485 Modbus RTU multidrop transmitter network. It has four relays (SPDT), 10 amp low/mid/high/fault relays, LED alarm indicators, a local buzzer, backlit LCD auto-scrolls for channel data/fault conditions, an auto-conguration wizard that simplies channel conguration, continuous diagnostics, an explosion-proof enclosure, external alarm stations and wireless capability. 888/464-5726; www.mil-ram.com.
racy for the life of the unit. Intelligent alarm capabilities report irregularities. Its lead-free composite alloy ow tube meets government and industry regulatory requirements and maintains stability through a wide range of temperatures. It integrates with the FlexNet system M2 SmartPoint transceiver, offering a range of remote system management options via two-way communications architecture. 800/638-3748; www.sensus.com.
Ultrasonic water meter

The wPrime Series 280W-D cold-water ultrasonic water meter from Spire Metering Technology is NSF 61 Annex G certied and combines low-lead brass construction with ultrasonic signal processing for highly sensitive ow measurement. The meter has no moving parts and detects leaks as low as a few drops per second. With bronze alloy construction and vacuum-sealed design, it is completely submersible and impervious to sand, sediment and condensation. It reliably integrates with AMR/AMI networking solutions using M-Bus, radio and pulse. 888/738-0188; www.spiremt.com.
Digital volumetric meter

The SmartPD digital volumetric meter from Niagara Meters is available in two versions: a nutating disc SND model, and an oscillating piston SOP model. It is two-wireloop powered and measures volume as well as ow rate. It has a 4-20 mA output with HART communication for exibility. Various line sizes and base materials are available. 800/778-9251; www.niagarameters.com.
Digital panel meters

PD6080 and PD6081 multipurpose digital panel meters from Precision Digital display 16 process variables. They are programmable as Modbus RTU masters, slaves or packet sniffers and can accept current and voltage signals. They can read up to 16 slave devices, scale their data and display the results. Three of the front panel buttons can be custom programmed. 800/343-1001; www.predig.com.
Security Equipment/Systems
Cellular autodialer
The CVD-2000PS Cellular Autodialer from Global Water, a Xylem brand, provides direct, immediate notication of emergencies. With no landline, it can be installed where needed and call out using a cellular connection. It is easy to install and congure and operates on AC power, but includes a rechargeable battery for remote locations. It includes an AD200-4 autodialer, cellular phone and AC adapter. It is easy to program via the onboard keypad, LCD display and built-in speaker. 979/690-5560; www.globalw.com.
Differential pressure transmitter

The battery-powered Differential Pressure Transmitter from Primary Flow Signal provides accurate ow rate and totalization readings for gas, water and chemicals, and for air with temperature limitations. It is portable, long-lasting and lightweight and requires no external power. It mounts easily and can be applied to all Primary Flow Signal meters, such as the WedgeType owmeter and Venturi owmeters to provide accuracy in demanding applications. 877/737-3569; www.primaryowsignal.com.
Security management platform

The Itron Security Manager (ISM) enables secure communications and data privacy between endpoints and authorized data collection systems. It uses cryptography to authenticate and encrypt two-way communications. It also acts as a centralized key manager, generating, importing, exporting and backing up keys. It provides core system administration, such as creating accounts and roles and assigning permissions. 866/374-8766; www.itron.com.
Dual-transducer ultrasonic owmeter

The DUET ultrasonic owmeter from Pulsar Process Measurement uses two separate transducers mounted at different heights above the ow level. They measure the distance to the liquid and analyze both signals. Because the distance between the transducers is known, the speed of sound, at that moment, can be calculated accurately, through the entire sound path, eliminating variations caused by temperature, changes in water temperature in the channel, the angle of the sun, solar radiated heat and seasonal variations. 850/279-4882; www.pulsar-pm.com.
Security monitor
The Real UV254 security monitor from Real Tech can detect problematic organic contaminants in water without reagents by utilizing UV light. The analyzers design with 250 mm pathlength allows for a high level of sensitivity to detect down to 10 ppb of various organic contaminants. It also features rapid detection with a 10 to 15 second response time and 4-20 mA or RS232 communications. It was evaluated by the U.S EPAs National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) Technology Testing and Evaluation Program (TTEP) to gauge its response to toxic industrial chemicals in drinking water. 877/779-2888; www.realtech.ca. wso
Residential water meter

The iPERL residential water meter from Sensus provides low-ow accuracy, allowing utilities to capture lost water and revenue. With no moving parts, it needs no maintenance and resists wear, retaining accu-
31
CASE STUDIES:
BY CRAIG MANDLI
METERING AND SECURITY

Small town implements secure, stable SCADA system
Problem
Wolfforth, Texas, is a city of under 4,000 people. Its water/wastewater utility department was struggling because its SCADA system required frequent maintenance, requiring employees to work overtime to x the system and manually operate the water processing facilities. the three water tower levels; congure them to start/stop at many level priorities, enabling complete system conguration from one screen; receive email-to-text security alarm messages; and use historical trending for all tower and tank levels. 877/463-8763; www.indusoft.com.
Solution
The utility contacted Lubbock Electric Company, a local control system integrator, to design a secure SCADA system that would be both affordable and reliable. InduSoft Web Studio was selected. Thanks to its 200 native drivers, it enables users to securely access the control center automation system from remote locations to troubleshoot and better manage the system. The PC-based package also offers advanced real-time data, alarming, trending and a user-friendly graphical interface.
Electronic locks help water department meet Homeland Security mandate

Problem
Shortly after 9/11, the Collier County (Fla.) Water Department conducted a U.S. EPA vulnerability assessment to identify potential security threats. The assessment revealed a need to tighten up security to meet Department of Homeland Security mandates under the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act.
RESULT
Since implementing the system, operators have been able to learn it quickly due to the ease of navigation throughout the screens. The reliable security alarm notications have also given the operators condence that was previously lacking. They can now securely control wells from any of
Solution
The county deployed the CyberLock access control system from Videx for its ability to control and audit all access activity. The department installed more than 600 electronic locks and padlocks on administrative ofce doors, repump station and well-house doors, and placed electronic padlocks on gates and underground sample stations. Each employee and contractor is assigned an electronic key programmed with a schedule of access permissions. Both the lock and key record all access activity, including accessdenied events.
RESULT
The county now provides substantial proof to the Health Department and EPA that it is diligent in securing the facilities. In addition, the audit reporting ensures that people are doing their jobs, water samples are being pulled at the correct locations and scheduled security checks are being made throughout the wellelds. 541/738-5500; www.cyberlock.com. wso
Its your magazine. Tell your story.

WSO welcomes news about your water system for future articles.
Send your ideas to editor @wsomag.com
Keeping it GREEN since 1979
www.colepublishing.com 32
TECH TALK
Survey Surfaces Sealing Concerns

Water industry leaders share thoughts on gasketing products and practices and the key issues involved in sealing against leakage
BY JIM DRAGO, P.E., AND ANGELICA WIUME
ater conservation is a pressing global issue. It has been estimated that worldwide water losses from leaking or broken pipes could be as high as 60 percent, including about a third of the worlds drinking water. The World Bank has put the cost of these losses at some $14 billion a year. In the U.S. alone, leaking pipes lose an estimated 7 billion gallons of drinking water a day. At the micro level, a water system with slowly leaking anges or seeping corroded ttings can lose millions of gallons of water, plus the energy investment in treating and distributing it. To gain a better understanding of what the water industry considers most important in sealing products and practices, a series of interviews were conducted. The survey pool consisted of 11 organizations representing municipal engineers involved with water and wastewater systems. Also included were engineering rms that design treatment plants and transport and distribution systems. The geographic distribution was weighted toward the western portion of the country, which has been experiencing severe water shortages. The interviews covered concerns about leaks, the state of equipment and pipe ttings and the loss of senior experts to retirement.
Checking the length of an isolating sleeve during the installation of an isolating gasket kit.
Questions about trials

Some of the engineers interviewed were relatively happy with currently available sealing products, while others expressed a desire for better performance and longer service life. Some had conducted their own test programs under controlled conditions to vet vendors claims. Most were reluctant to try new products in active municipal water systems. Determining where in a system to perform product trials is a challenge. The consequences of failure must be low, since shutting off the water to repair a leak caused by a trial is not an option. Other factors working against such trials are the decreasing experience levels and increasing workloads of workers in municipal water systems. Responses varied when interviewees were asked what types of ange sealing products they were using in their systems. The top four cited were glass-reinforced epoxy (GRE) with elastomeric seals (37 percent), rubber sheet gaskets with and without electrical isolation kits (33 percent), molded push-on gaskets (16 percent) and compressed ber sheet gaskets (10 percent). The participants were largely satised with current sealing technology but still interested in new products. However, the progression from interest to trial to use is far from assured. Unlike many process industries such as chemicals and rening, the municipal water industry is not con-
Aligning flanges on a water infrastructure project.
cerned with high temperatures and pressures and toxic media. However, the consequences of failures remain severe and are more publicly visible, and that helps explain the industrys resistance to trying new products. (Continued on page 35)
33
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GPT, FORMERLY THE PSI AND PIKOTEK COMPANIES
NEWS
Green roof reduces water runoff for Badger Meter
Badger Meter installed a 10,000-square-foot green roof at its Milwaukee, Wis., headquarters. The new roof is estimated to reduce annual runoff by 90 percent (249,000 gallons). Badger Meter received $48,138 for the project as part of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage Districts green roof incentive to help reduce the volume and number of sewer overows.
INDUSTRY
KSB Pumps opens Canadian headquarters

KSB Pumps, a member of the KSB Group, opened its new Canadian headquarters and engineering facilities in Mississauga, Ontario. The pump manufacturer also introduced its new line of MOVITEC standardized industrial pumps for the water and wastewater industries.
Layne Christensen sells SolmeteX division

Layne Christensen Co. sold its SolmeteX division to Gemini Investors, Riveria Investment Group and the management team of the SolmeteX division. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Thomas & Betts publishes electrical brochures

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GPT, FORMERLY THE PSI AND PIKOTEK COMPANIES
WILO names interim CEO, sales managers

Mark DAgostino resigned in June as president and CEO of WILO USA to pursue other career opportunities. Jeff Bredeson, senior vice president, Region Americas, will serve as interim president and chief executive ofcer. The company also named Ricky Flores northeast regional sales manager for its water management group and Yates Timmerman western regional sales manager-building services.
Thomas & Betts published a series of electrical solution brochures, available at www.tnb.com under the resources tab, in response to electrical power and service needs. The Solution Set brochures address corrosion prevention, safety, grounding and bonding.
ETS drinking water systems NSF/ANSI Standard 61 certied

ETS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Neptune-Benson, has been certied as NSF/ANSI Standard 61 compliant for its UV drinking water system.
REPRINTS
Featured in An Article?
We provide reprint options
January/February 2012
www.wsomag.com
Metso ow control products receive SIL certication

Metso has certied several ow control products to SIL standards. Its Neles X and D series ball valves, L6 and Mapag B-series buttery valve, B-series actuators and ValvGuard VG9000 intelligent safety solenoid can be used in safety loops requiring safety integrity level (SIL) 3 classied automated on/off valves. Metsos Neles Finetrol eccentric rotary plug valve and ND9000 intelligent valve controller can be used in ow control loops requiring SIL classied control valves in applications where a control valve can perform the safety action.
wso
TM
BRIGHT IDEAS:
Automated meter reading in Davie County, N.C.

Page 36
Plant upgrades in Rockville, Md.

Page 30
GREAT!
STORY: TED J. RULSEH PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHN BORGE
TASTES
Water plant supervisor Kris Knutson adjusts an ozone gas feed valve. Ozonation has helped Moorhead Public Service correct recurring odor issues caused by source water variation. (Gas owmeter by ERDCO Engineering Corporation, valve by Modentic Industrial Corp.)
Technology and teamwork help Moorhead Public Service deliver consistently high-quality water from a highly variable source in Minnesotas Red River
TECH TALK:
Keys to success with wireless SCADA

Page 38
Troy Hall Water Division manager Moorhead, Minn.
Tastes Great!
MOORHEAD PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERS HIGH-QUALITY WATER FROM VARIABLE SOURCES
Page 10
QUALITY LEADERS
PLANT
he Red River is best known for periodic oods that afict North Dakota, most notably around Grand Forks. Much farther south, in Moorhead, Minn., the river is known for something else, though mainly to the staff at the water treatment plant. Up here, its not a big river, says treatment plant operator Dan Haman. Local events can have a large impact on it. A rain event can often wash interesting water into the river, especially if the weather has been dry for a while. Years ago, that led to complaints from customers about odor and bad taste in the water coming from the tap. That no longer happens. In 1995, Moorhead Public Service added ozonation to its treatment process, and it proved to be a reliable cure. In fact, for the past two years, Moorheads water has been voted the best tasting in the state in a competition held by the Minnesota section of the American Water Works Association. Troy Hall, Water Division manager, credits the treatment technology, along with a talented operations team, with keeping the process on track. When we look at the SCADA and see our water-quality trends, we want to see atlines everything just humming along, says Hall. Through teamwork, thats what weve accomplished.
Variable source
What the Moorhead team calls the North Treatment Plant (10 mgd capacity) was built in 1995. The old 6 mgd treatment plant is now rarely used: The staff operates it periodically just to make sure it remains functional and available for emergencies. When the plant operates, it treats well water only. The new plant, with 10 full-time and two part-time staff members, was designed specically to deal with variable source water in the Red River. The utility also draws well water from the Buffalo Aquifer, but the river provides about 85 percent of the source water on an annual basis. Theres a reason its called the Red River, says Nate Halbakken, lead treatment plant operator. Which is to say its not what one would call
POSTERS
Starting At
THE MPS TEAM
Staff members at the Moorhead Public Service water treatment plant are: Troy Hall, Water Division manager, 19 years of service, Class A license Kris Knutson, water plant supervisor, six years, Class A Nate Halbakken, lead water treatment plant operator, nine years, Class A Jason Yonke, lead water treatment plant operator, 14 years, Class A Gena Dahl, water plant chemist, four years Dan Haman, water plant operator, six years, Class C Daryl Brahos, water plant operator, four years, Class C Christopher Capecchi, water plant operator, one year Christopher Knutson, water plant operator, one year, Class D Alan Neer, water plant operator, four years, Class A Leslee Storlie, part-time water plant operator, one year Kevin Young, part-time water plant operator, one year
When we look at the SCADA and see our water-quality trends, we want to see atlines everything just humming along. Through teamwork, thats what weve been able to accomplish.
TROY HALL
Water treatment plant operator Dan Haman adjusts gas ow on ozone generator from WEDECO, a division of Xylem.
Hall cites SCADA work as an example of the teams cooperation. For the past decade, we have done all our SCADA work internally, he says. Its not a perfect SCADA, but it has been built by people who really care about the end result. When we want to make a change in how a process works, we all work together. Ive done some SCADA work in the ofce. Kris and Dan have done screen development for various purposes. It has evolved almost entirely inhouse. We also select and install our own instrumentation.
Problem solvers
Teamwork has helped the Moorhead staff resolve a variety of process issues. Several years ago, pH variability was a constant challenge. Working together, staff members made the correction by installing pH probes, making plumbing changes, and doing SCADA programming. In another instance, rising non-carbonate hardness in the Red River was taking a toll on the soda ash feed pumps. A former operator located a peristaltic pump model (Watson-Marlow) that appeared better suited to the task. Operators, an instrument technician and electricians from the utilitys electrical side worked together to test and install the new pumps. In a few months, we went from having to service the pumps every week to having almost no problems, says Haman. Another improvement involved installing a meter in the intake line to sample Red River water for conductivity as a way to predict total hardness in the river in real time. The team did the job, including data analysis and SCADA programming, entirely in-house, installing a used instrument purchased on the Internet for a few hundred dollars. Future plans include installing instrumentation at the river pumping station, about three miles (two hours of in-pipe travel time) from the plant. Im excited about that, says Haman. Well be able to see changes in the water before it gets to the plant and so deal with them more effectively. Hall calls it a privilege to lead a staff with many and diverse talents. The strengths of our people make it all work, he says. We try our best every day to use the strengths of the people we have. The results show up daily in the water glasses of Moorhead residents. wso
Part-time water treatment plant operator Leslee Storlie uses a Thermix stirrer from Thermo Scientic Water Analysis in a lab testing protocol. Members of the MPS Water Division team are, back, from left, water plant staff members Dan Haman, Kris Knutson, Nate Halbakken, Troy Hall, Jason Yonke, Chris Knutson, Alan Neer, Chris Capecchi and Daryl Brahos; front row, distribution crew members Jared Heller, Chris Perlichek, Matt Andvik, Phil Shequen and Matt Mehl.
Moorhead (Minn.) Public Service

FOUNDED: | 1896 POPULATION SERVED: | 42,000 TERRITORY: | Cities CAPACITY: | 16
SYSTEM STORAGE: | 7.9 SOURCE WATER: | Red TREATMENT PROCESS: INFRASTRUCTURE:
KEY CHALLENGE: | Source ANNUAL BUDGET: | $4.5
of Moorhead and Dilworth, Oakport Township mgd million gallons River (85%), Buffalo Aquifer (15%) Lime/soda ash softening, ozonation, dual media ltration 190 miles of water mains, three water towers, two ground storage tanks, two reservoirs on plant sites water variability million (operations)
activated carbon were fed at the river pumping station, but at times that wasnt enough. When taste and odor problems arose, complaint calls came in bunches.
Reliable process
The MWH engineering rm (then known as Montgomery Watson) designed the new treatment plant. The Moorhead team has steadily improved on the design with instrumentation and updates to the SCADA system, originally supplied by Instrument Control Systems (ICS). One river pump station and two well pump stations deliver raw water directly into the plant. The waters mix in an inuent chamber, and the ow then enters two 5.5 mgd softening basins (Inlco Degremont). Typically, only one basin operates at a time, and when both operate, they work in parallel. Water in the basins is fed with lime and soda ash, along with ferric sulfate as a coagulant and polymer for occulation. Ammonia is also added in the softening stage for bromate control in the downstream ozonation process. The WEDECO ozonation/recarbonation chamber (Xylem) has six cells fed with variable amounts of ozone and carbon dioxide, depending on raw water conditions. Residual ozone is sampled at various points in the chamber. Before nal ltration, uoride is added, along with sodium hexametaphosphate for heavy metal sequestration and corrosion control. The
plants four dual-media lter cells each hold two feet of anthracite coal atop 12 inches of sand. The ltered water goes to the clear well, where chlorine is fed to combine with ammonia and form chloramines for disinfectant residual. The water is then delivered to the reservoirs and water towers (7.9 million gallons total system storage).
Ozone does it
WEBSITE: | www.mpsutility.com
clean. The Red is subject to wide variations in organic matter and hardness, related to weather and the nature of the watershed, Hall observes. Normal ows range from about 3,000 to 5,500 cubic feet per second. The main feeder streams include the Otter Tail River, with generally high water quality; the Bois de Sioux River, with very poor water quality; and the Wild Rice River. Every river system that feeds the Red is variable, depending on how much rain were getting at the time, says Hall. At the old treatment plant, which used lime and soda ash softening and dual-media ltration, the wide source water variations overwhelmed the process. At the time, the source water included about 60 percent river and 40 percent well water. Potassium permanganate and sometimes
Hall notes that ozonation is KRIS KNUTSON the key to odor and taste control. We ozonate at very high pH [at times 11 or higher] so that we benet from some advanced oxidation, he says. Ozone has been a really big improvement since it came online in 1995. It helps break down the organic material. Sometimes we feed CO2 with the ozone as the pH is dropping down close to that of the product water. That helps with taste and odor, too. But it wasnt technology alone that conquered the variability of Red River water. The plant staffs diligence had a lot to do with it. Since we started this plant, we have probably doubled or tripled the amount of online instrumentation, says Hall. Our SCADA gives us a lot of information about water quality and whats happening in the process, and were constantly trying to improve that. The systems programmable logic controllers and other control hardware are from Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation), and the SCADA software is from IntelliSys Inc. Online instrumentation in the treatment plant and water system includes:
We dont like to keep secrets between positions. We expect all our operators to be very familiar with the SCADA. As a supervisor, I try to involve the operators so they can help me out with data analysis, maintenance tasks, or whatever happens to come up.
Water from Moorhead, Minn., won the rst two Best in Glass taste competitions held by the state section of the American Water Works Association at its annual conference in September in Duluth. The event includes a vendor show where water samples from communities that enter the competition are subjected to a taste test and a popular vote among the attendees. The eld is narrowed to the top three vote-getters, which go to a second round of tasting by a panel of three from Minnesota section members and a celebrity judge. In both 2009 and 2010, we won both the popular and the panel vote, says Troy Hall, Water Division manager for Moorhead Public Service. The ofcial winner is the sample selected by the panel of judges. Another honor awaits: The plant is to be featured during 2012 on an episode of the Discovery Channels Dirty Jobs program, showing the process of cleaning the softening basins. Says Hall, It has been a fun year.
Water Division manager Troy Hall
The strengths of our people make it all work. We try our best every day to use the strengths of the people we have.
TROY HALL
The SCADA is programmed with the U.S. EPA ozone contact time (CT) requirements for disinfection. The ozone analyzers feed data directly into the SCADA, which calculates the actual CT value in real time. In operations, we adjust the ozone, pH or whatever parameter is necessary to make sure the actual plant CT value is above the EPA requirements, says Haman. Once we meet the disinfection requirement, 99 percent of the time the odor and taste issues are taken care of.
MORE INFO:
Emerson Process Management
800/854-8257 www.raihome.com 800/553-0550 www.erdco.com 800/227-4224 www.hach.com
35
OI Analytical
800/653-1711 www.oico.com
(See ad page 29)
ERDCO Engineering Corporation
Rockwell Automation
Hach Company
414/382-2000 www.rockwellautomation.com
Three total chlorine analyzers from Wallace & Tiernan (Siemens Water Technologies Corp.) Monochloramine/ammonia analyzer, five pH monitors, and eight turbidimeters from Hach Company Two pH controllers (CO2 auto control), four ozone analyzers and two conductivity meters from Rosemount Analytical (Emerson Process Management) Organic online analyzer from s::can Measuring Systems Benchtop lab equipment includes a turbidimeter and spectrophotometer from Hach Company, total organic carbon analyzer from OI Analytical, an IC chromatograph from Dionex, now sold as Thermo Scientic Water Analysis, and an Orion pH meter from Thermo Scientic Water Analysis. The team tests raw water for hardness and alkalinity every four hours and tests the nished water every eight hours. The ozone analyzers test the water in the ozone contact chamber every 20 seconds. Ozone dosage is adjusted manually based on monitoring for ozone residual. We have to adjust the ozone feed rate as water quality changes on a good day, just a couple of times; on a bad day, once an hour or more, says Haman.
As a team
The staffs success derives in part from the team atmosphere its leaders try to create. Theres a lot of overlap in the way we do things a lot of cross-training, notes Kris Knutson, water plant supervisor. We dont like to keep secrets between positions. We expect all our operators to be very familiar with the SCADA. As a supervisor, I try to involve the operators so they can help me out with data analysis, maintenance tasks, or whatever happens to come up. Halbakken adds, We communicate with each other. If one of us sees a problem, we alert the others. Everybody is always looking to keep the best product going out of the plant at all times. If that means someone has to be called at three in the morning to deal with a problem, everybodys open to that. Everyones willing to help out. Notes Haman, We try to work to each others strengths and shore up our weaknesses. For example, Nate is better at plumbing than I am, so Ill give him plumbing jobs. In turn, he can give me data to analyze to nd out when is the best time to order lime. We each have our little projects and our specialties.
s::can Measuring Systems

888/296-8250 www.s-can.us
ICS Healy-Ruff
763/559-0568 www.icshealyruff.com
Siemens Water Technologies Corp.

866/926-8420 www.water.siemens.com
Inlco Degremont, Inc.
804/756-7600 www.degremont-technologies.com
Thermo Scientific Water Analysis

800/225-1480 www.thermoscientic.com/water
IntelliSys, Inc.
800/347-9977 www.intellisyssoftware.com
Watson-Marlow Pumps Group

800/282-8823 www.wmpg.com
Modentic Industrial Corp.

www.modentic.com.tw
Xylem
MWH Global
303/533-1900 www.mwhglobal.com
704/409-9700 www.xyleminc.com
Reprinted with permission from WSO / Month 0000 / 2012, COLE Publishing Inc., P.O. Box 220, Three Lakes, WI 54562 / 800-257-7222 / www.wsomag.com
wso
TM

January/February 2012
www.wsomag.com
BRIGHT IDEAS:
Automated meter reading in Davie County, N.C.

Page 36
Water plant supervisor Kris Knutson adjusts an ozone gas feed valve. Ozonation has helped Moorhead Public Service correct recurring odor issues caused by source water variation. (Gas owmeter by ERDCO Engineering Corporation, valve by Modentic Industrial Corp.)
Benko Products celebrates 30-year anniversary
Plant upgrades in Rockville, Md.

Page 30
TECH TALK:
Keys to success with wireless SCADA

Page 38
Troy Hall Water Division manager Moorhead, Minn.
Tastes Great!
MOORHEAD PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERS HIGH-QUALITY WATER FROM VARIABLE SOURCES
Page 10
GREAT! GREA
STORY: TED J. RULSEH PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHN BORGE
TASTES
Technology and teamwork help Moorhead Public Service deliver consistently high-quality water from a highly variable source in Minnesotas Red River
When we look at the SCADA and see our water-quality trends, we want to see atlines everything just humming along. Through teamwork, thats what weve been able to accomplish.
TROY HALL
QUALITY LEADERS
PLANT
he Red River is best known for periodic oods that afict North Dakota, most notably around Grand Forks. Much farther south, in Moorhead, Minn., the river is known for something else, though mainly to the staff at the water treatment plant. Up here, its not a big river, says treatment plant operator Dan Haman. Local events can have a large impact on it. A rain event can often wash interesting water into the river, especially if the weather has been dry for a while. Years ago, that led to complaints from customers about odor and bad taste in the water coming from the tap. That no longer happens. In 1995, Moorhead Public Service added ozonation to its treatment process, and it proved to be a reliable cure. In fact, for the past two years, Moorheads water has been voted the best tasting in the state in a competition held by the Minnesota section of the American Water Works Association. Troy Hall, Water Division manager, credits the treatment technology, along with a talented operations team, with keeping the process on track. When we look at the SCADA and see our water-quality trends, we want to see atlines everything just humming along, says Hall. Through teamwork, thats what weve accomplished.
THE MPS TEAM

Staff members at the Moorhead Public Service water treatment plant are: Troy Hall, Water Division manager, 19 years of service, Class A license Kris Knutson, water plant supervisor, six years, Class A Nate Halbakken, lead water treatment plant operator, nine years, Class A Jason Yonke, Y Yonke, lead water treatment p reatment lant o reatment p lant perator, 14 years, 14 y 14 years, Class A Jason Yonke, lead water treatment plant operator, 14 years, Class A Gena Dahl, water plant c lant hemist, four y lant c our years our y years Gena Dahl, water plant chemist, four years Dan Haman, water plant o lant perator, six y lant o ix years, ix y years, Class C Dan Haman, water plant operator, six years, Class C Daryl Brahos, water plant o lant perator, four y lant o our years, our y years, Class C Daryl Brahos, water plant operator, four years, Class C Christopher C Christopher apecchi, water plant o lant perator, one year lant o y year Christopher Capecchi, water plant operator, one year Christopher Christopher K nutson, water Christopher Knutson, water plant operator, one year, Class D Alan Neer, water plant o lant peralant o Alan Neer, water plant opera tor, four years, Class A Leslee Storlie, part-time water Leslee Storlie, part-time water plant operator, one year Kevin Young, Y Young, part-time water Kevin Young, part-time water plant operator, one year
Hall cites SCADA work as an example of the teams cooperation. For the past decade, we have done all our SCADA work internally, he says. Its not a perfect SCADA, but it has been built by people who really care about the end result. When we want to make a change in how a process works, we all work together. Ive done some SCADA work in the ofce. Kris and Dan have done screen development for various purposes. It has evolved almost entirely inhouse. We also select and install our own instrumentation.
Problem solvers
Teamwork has helped the Moorhead staff resolve a variety of process issues. Several years ago, pH variability was a constant challenge. Work Working together, staff members made the correction by installing pH probes, making plumbing changes, and doing SCADA programming. In another instance, rising non-carbonate hardness in the Red River was taking a toll on the soda ash feed pumps. A former operator located a peristaltic pump model (Watson-Marlow) that appeared better suited to the task. Operators, an instrument technician and electricians from the utilitys electrical side worked together to test and install the new pumps. In a few months, we went from having to service the pumps every week to having almost no problems, says Haman. Another improvement involved installing a meter in the intake line to hardsample Red River water for conductivity as a way to predict total hard analyness in the river in real time. The team did the job, including data analy sis and SCADA programming, entirely in-house, installing a used instrument purchased on the Internet for a few hundred dollars. Future plans include installing instrumentation at the river pumping station, about three miles (two hours of in-pipe travel time) from the plant. Im excited about that, says Haman. Well be able to see changes in the water before it gets to the plant and so deal with them more effectively. Hall calls it a privilege to lead a staff with many and diverse talents. The strengths of our people make it all work, he says. We try our best every day to use the strengths of the people we have. The results show up daily in the water glasses of Moorhead residents. wso
Variable source
What the Moorhead team calls the North Treatment Plant (10 mgd capacity) was built in 1995. The old 6 mgd treatment plant is now rarely used: The staff operates it periodically just to make sure it remains functional and available for emergencies. When the plant operates, it treats well water only. The new plant, with 10 full-time and two part-time staff members, Water treatment plant operator Dan Haman adjusts gas ow on ozone generator from was designed specically to deal with variable source water in the Red WEDECO, division of Xylem. River. The utility also draws well water froma the Buffalo Aquifer, but the river provides about 85 percent of the source water on an annual basis. Theres a reason its called the Red River, says Nate Halbakken, lead treatment plant operator. Which is to say its not what one would call
LASER REPRINTS
Starting At
Water Division manager Troy Hall
Moorhead (Minn.) Public Service

FOUNDED: | 1896 POPULATION SERVED: | 42,000 TERRITORY: | Cities CAPACITY: | 16
Members of the MPS Water Division team are, back, from left, water plant staff members Dan Haman, Kris Knutson, Nate Halbakken, Troy Hall, Jason Yonke, Chris Knutson, Alan Neer, Chris Capecchi and Daryl Brahos; front row, distribution crew members Jared Heller, Chris Perlichek, Matt Andvik, Phil Shequen and Matt Mehl.

We dont like to keep secrets between positions. We expect all our operators to be very familiar with the SCADA. As a supervisor, I try to involve the operators so they can help me out with data analysis, maintenance tasks, or whatever happens to come up.
Water from Moorhead, Minn., won the rst two Best in Glass taste competitions held by the state section of the American Water Works Association at its annual conference in September in Duluth. The event includes a vendor show where water samples from communities that enter the competition are subjected to a taste test and a popular vote among the attendees. The eld is narrowed to the top three vote-getters, which go to a second round of tasting by a panel of three from Minnesota section members and a celebrity judge. In both 2009 and 2010, we won both the popular and the panel vote, says Troy Hall, Water Division manager for Moorhead Public Service. The ofcial winner is the sample selected by the panel of judges. Another honor awaits: The plant is to be featured during 2012 on an episode of the Discovery Channels Dirty Jobs program, showing the process of cleaning the softening basins. Says Hall, It has been a fun year.
The strengths of our people make it all work. We try our best every day to use the strengths of the people we have.
TROY HALL
of Moorhead and Dilworth, Oakport Township mgd million gallons River (85%), Buffalo Aquifer (15%) Lime/soda ash softening, ozonation, dual media ltration 190 miles of water mains, three water towers, two ground storage tanks, two reservoirs on plant sites water variability ANNUAL BUDGET: | $4.5 million (operations) WEBSITE: | www.mpsutility.com
SYSTEM STORAGE: | 7.9 SOURCE WATER: | Red TREATMENT PROCESS: INFRASTRUCTURE:
activated carbon were fed at the river pumping station, but at times that wasnt enough. When taste and odor problems arose, complaint calls came in bunches.
Reliable process
The MWH engineering rm (then known as Montgomery Watson) designed the new treatment plant. The Moorhead team has steadily improved on the design with instrumentation and updates to the SCADA system, originally supplied by Instrument Control Systems (ICS). One river pump station and two well pump stations deliver raw water Part-time water treatment plant directly into the plant. The waters mix in an inuent chamber, and the operator Leslee Storlie uses a Thermix stirrer from Thermo Scientic ow then enters two 5.5 mgd softening basins (Inlco Degremont). Typi Water Analysis in a lab testing cally, only one basin operates at a time, and when both operate, they work protocol. in parallel. Water in the basins is fed with lime and soda ash, along with ferric plants four dual-media lter cells sulfate as a coagulant and polymer for occulation. Ammonia is also each hold two feet of anthracite ozoadded in the softening stage for bromate control in the downstream ozo coal atop 12 inches of sand. The nation process. ltered water goes to the clear well, The WEDECO ozonation/recarbonation chamber (Xylem) has six where chlorine is fed to combine cells fed with variable amounts of ozone and carbon dioxide, depending with ammonia and form chloraon raw water conditions. Residual ozone is sampled at various points in mines for disinfectant residual. The the chamber. water is then delivered to the reshexametaBefore nal ltration, uoride is added, along with sodium hexameta ervoirs and water towers (7.9 milphosphate for heavy metal sequestration and corrosion control. The lion gallons total system storage).
The SCADA is programmed with the U.S. EPA ozone contact time (CT) requirements for disinfection. The ozone analyzers feed data directly into the SCADA, which calculates the actual CT value in real time. In operations, we adjust the ozone, pH or whatever parameter is necessary to make sure the actual plant CT value is above the EPA requirements, says Haman. Once we meet the disinfection requirement, 99 percent of the time the odor and taste issues are taken care of.
MORE INFO:
Emerson Process Management
800/854-8257 www.raihome.com 800/553-0550 www.erdco.com 800/227-4224 www.hach.com
OI Analytical
800/653-1711 www.oico.com
(See ad page 29)
ERDCO Engineering Corporation
Rockwell Automation
Hach Company
414/382-2000 www.rockwellautomation.com
KEY CHALLENGE: | Source
As a team
s::can Measuring Systems

888/296-8250 www.s-can.us
clean. The Red is subject to wide variations in organic matter and hardness, related to weather and the nature of the watershed, Hall observes. Normal ows range from about 3,000 to 5,500 cubic feet per second. The main feeder streams include the Otter Tail River, with generally high water quality; the Bois de Sioux River, with very poor water quality; and the Wild Rice River. Every river system that feeds the Red is variable, depending on how much rain were getting at the time, says Hall. At the old treatment plant, which used lime and soda ash softening and dual-media ltration, the wide source water variations overwhelmed the process. At the time, the source water included about 60 percent river and 40 percent well water. Potassium permanganate and sometimes
Ozone does it
Hall notes that ozonation is KRIS KNUTSON the key to odor and taste control. We ozonate at very high pH [at times 11 or higher] so that we benet from some advanced oxidation, he says. Ozone has been a really big improvement since it came online in 1995. It helps break down the organic material. Sometimes we feed CO2 with the ozone as the pH is dropping down close to that of the product water. That helps with taste and odor, too. But it wasnt technology alone that conquered the variability of Red River water. The plant staffs diligence had a lot to do with it. Since we started this plant, we have probably doubled or tripled the amount of online instrumentation, says Hall. Our SCADA gives us a lot of information about water quality and whats happening in the process, and were constantly trying to improve that. The systems programmable logic controllers and other control hardware are from Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation), and the SCADA software is from IntelliSys Inc. Online instrumentation in the treatment plant and water system includes:
The staffs success derives in part from the team atmosphere its leadICS Healy-Ruff ers try to create. Theres a lot of overlap in the way we do things a lot 763/559-0568 Siemens Water Technologies Corp. of cross-training, notes Kris Knutson, water plant supervisor. We dont www.icshealyruff.com 866/926-8420 like to keep secrets between positions. We expect all our operators to be www.water.siemens.com Inlco Degremont, Inc. very familiar with the SCADA. As a supervisor, I try to involve the oper804/756-7600 Thermo Scientific Water Analysis ators so they can help me out with data analysis, maintenance tasks, or www.degremont-technologies.com 800/225-1480 whatever happens to come up. www.thermoscientic.com/water Halbakken adds, We communicate with each other. If one of us sees IntelliSys, Inc. 800/347-9977 Watson-Marlow Pumps Group a problem, we alert the others. Everybody is always looking to keep the www.intellisyssoftware.com 800/282-8823 best product going out of the plant at all times. If that means someone has www.wmpg.com to be called at three in the morning to deal with a problem, everybodys Modentic Industrial Corp. www.modentic.com.tw Xylem open to that. Everyones willing to help out. 704/409-9700 Notes Haman, We try to work to each others strengths and shore up MWH Global www.xyleminc.com our weaknesses. For example, Nate is better at plumbing than I am, so Ill 303/533-1900 give him plumbing jobs. In turn, he can give me data to analyze to nd www.mwhglobal.com out when is the best time to order lime. We each have our little projects rom Wallace Wallace & Tiernan (Siemens W (Siemens and our specialties. Three total chlorine analyzers from Reprinted with permission from WSO / January 2012 / 2012, COLE Publishing Inc., P.O. Box 220, Three Lakes, WI 54562 / 800-257-7222 / www.wsomag.com Water Technologies Corp.) nalyzer, five pH monitors, and and eight eight Monochloramine/ammonia analyzer, urbidimeters from Hach Company turbidimeters Two pH controllers (CO2 auto control), four ozone analyzers and two conductivity meters from Rosemount Analytical (Emerson Process Management) Organic online analyzer from s::can Measuring Systems s::can Measuring Systems Benchtop lab equipment includes a turbidimeter and spectrophotometer from Hach Company, total organic carbon analyzer from OI Analytical, an IC chromatograph from Dionex, now sold as Thermo Scientic Water Analysis, and an Orion pH meter from Thermo Scientic Water Analysis. The team tests raw water for hardness and alkalinity every four hours and tests the nished water every eight hours. The ozone analyzers test the water in the ozone contact chamber every 20 seconds. Ozone dosage is adjusted manually based on monitoring for ozone residual. We have to adjust the ozone feed rate as water quality changes on a good day, just a couple of times; on a bad day, once an hour or more, says Haman.
10
Benko Products celebrated its 30th anniversary in October. Based in Shefeld Village, Ohio, the industrial safety products company was founded in 1983 by John Benko, inventor of the Sahara Hot Box warming oven.
ELECTRONIC REPRINTS
Starting At
Pump Solutions Group acquires Finder
25
Order through our website
www.wsomag.com
Pump Solutions Group, an operating company within Dover Corp., acquired Finder S.p.A., designer and manufacturer of API engineered pumps. Finder has operations in Merate and Querceta, Italy, and Venissieux, France, as well as representatives in 75 countries. Finder will operate as a business unit within PSG and expects to generate revenue of approximately $80 million in 2013. wso
34
(Continued from page 33) This puts the onus on sealing manufacturers to present a compelling case for their offerings, including test data, eld case studies and references. Any group includes those who are cautious and risk-sensitive, and others who are early adopters of technology. In the water industry the latter are few and far between, even though more than half in the survey indicated willingness to consider a new product.
Sealing issues
The interviews also yielded insights to the industrys principal concerns about sealing. The rst was installation, dened as proper gasket seating (compression), bolt torque required to attain and maintain an effective seal, matching bolt type and strength to ange type and strength, and contractor skill. The yield and ultimate tensile strengths of ductile iron pipe anges are lower than for forged ASME B16.5 anges. Installers of gaskets in the former are not comfortable with the high torques cited

We must be one of the earliest plants to employ
nstallation can be improved with classroom and eld training coupled with proper procedures and quality checks. And ange condition, NSF-61 and chemical compatibility can be solved by adherence to sealing best practices and use of proven gasket designs.
full-scale UV. Were proud of the fact that we are not adding chemicals to our discharge. We maximize the biological activity let the microbes do their thing. Engineers design the best plant they know how to, and contractors build it as well as they can. In the end, though, its the operators who make it work. Joni Emrick
An Original Environmentalist
WATER RESOURCE MANAGER Kalispell (Mont.) Wastewater Treatment Plant
for forged anges, yet gasket suppliers often do not differentiate between the allowable bolt torques of these materials. The second concern was ange condition. Respondents cited the need for gaskets able to accommodate misaligned ange faces and withstand eld conditions. Gaskets also must compensate for scratches and other damage to anges inicted in pipeline construction and installation. The surface conditions of even well-aligned DIP anges pose the inherent issue of face serrations, which are deeper than those of a B16.5 raised-face ange. This raises a question of whether isolating gaskets made of GRE or metal carrier plates with elastomeric sealing elements can seal properly. Remaining concerns about gasket performance included electrical isolation, NSF-61 and chemical resistance. Electrical isolation mitigates the effects of destructive galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals, as in mating a DIP ange and stainless steel valves. Electrically insulating gaskets kits typically consist of a gasket, bolt sleeves and washers made of high-impedance, nonconductive materials. NSF-61 requires that sealing and other materials used in potable water systems be certied for safe contact with drinking water. NSF-61 gasket materials are now available for use in these systems. Concerns about chemical resistance focused on chloramines and hydrogen sulde, which can degrade certain types of elastomers in gasket materials.
Toward solutions
These and other concerns have been addressed by sealing manufacturers and application engineers. Isolating gaskets kits are available to thwart galvanic corrosion. Installation can be improved with classroom and eld training coupled with proper procedures and quality checks. And ange condition, NSF-61 and chemical compatibility can be solved by adherence to sealing best practices and use of proven gasket designs. Thorough assessment of the application and equipment service conditions will point the way to the right product and guidance for its proper installation. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Jim Drago, P.E., is senior manager, market intelligence, with Garlock Sealing Technologies, a maker of uid sealing products for process industries based in Palmyra, N.Y. Angelica Wiume is global industry leader for water and construction with GPT, a maker of critical-service ange systems, spring-energized jacketed seals and electrical ange isolation kits based in Wheat Ridge, Colo. wso
Get your FREE subscription and read about original environmentalists like Joni each month in Treatment Plant Operator.
COLE PUBLISHING INC. tpomag.com 800-257-7222
Proudly Serving the Environmental Service Industry Since 1979
35
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
NEWS
1|Asahi/America part search app
The part number search tool app from Asahi/America enables the user to locate part numbers and list prices for any Asahi/America product. The free app can be used with iPhone, iPad and Android devices. 800/343-3618; www.asahi-america.com.
PRODUCT
BY ED WODALSKI
Solar-powered thermometer replaces mercury-in-glass models

Solar-powered digital thermometers from Palmer Instruments are a direct replacement for industrial mercury-in-glass (MIG) and bimetal thermometers. It doesnt require any batteries. It doesnt require any line power, says Tadd Ayers, product engineer for Palmer Wahl Instruments. You just have to have 10 lumens of light and the unit will come to life and function. Completely mercury free, the environmentally friendly thermometer with high-impact ABS case is available in a base model (PST500) or with 4-20 mA transmitter capability (PST550) for connection to a remotely installed controller or recorder. The transmitter has a temperature range of -58 to 302 degrees F and ambient operating temperature of -15 to 185 degrees F. Maximum load resistance is 775 watts with a 24-volt DC supply. The thermometer features an easy-to-read 1/2-inch LCD screen that can be set for C (Celsius) or F (Fahrenheit) readings. An adjustable angle tting enables the casing to rotate 180 degrees for optimal viewing and the stem to be positioned in 10-degree increments.
2|GMI maintenance-free single gas monitor
The maintenance-free PS1 Series single gas monitor from Gas Measurement Instruments features sensor options for monitoring hydro-
gen sulphide, oxygen, carbon monoxide or sulphur dioxide. The selfmonitoring device has on/off capability and eld-adjustable alarm settings. During hazardous conditions users are alerted via vibration, red ashing LEDs and audible buzzer. The monitor has a stainless steel alligator clip that attaches onto a collar or vest, putting it near the breathing zone for maximum protection. 713/559-9290; www.gmiusa.com.
3|In-Situ environmental monitoring app
The smarTROLL multiparameter handheld and iSitu smartphone application from In-Situ are designed for environmental monitoring, including water quality spot checks and surface-water monitoring. No training is required to use the probe or intuitive smartphone application. Technicians can read results for 14 water-quality parameters. The iSitu app is designed to run on an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. The smarTROLL system includes probe, smart sensors and battery clip-on battery pack with Bluetooth wireless technology. 800/446-7488; www.in-situ.com.
is solvent-free, water-based, biodegradable, nontoxic and nonirritating to eyes and skin. 609/386-8770; www.ipcol.com.
6|Hach silica analyzer
4|Mean Green industrial-strength degreaser
The 5500sc silica analyzer from Hach has a pressurized reagent delivery system that helps eliminate frequent maintenance. The analyzer can operate continuously for up to 90 days on 2 liters of reagents. Predictive diagnostic tools help reduce downtime. 800/227-4224; www. hach.com.
Mean Green industrial strength cleaner and degreaser from CR Brands is a blend of biodegradable detergents formulated for chal-
lenging eet and equipment washing applications. The cleaner removes dirt, tar and road grime from vehicles and trailers and can be used for spot removal on carpets, seats and dashboards. It also degreases equipment, concrete and asphalt. It can be used with pressure washers and cleans with no environmentally harmful solvents. www.meangreendegreaser.com/industrial-strength.
7|HEMCO lab workstation enclosures 8|Hayward pleated lter cartridges

4
Enclosures from HEMCO are designed to isolate liquid-handling workstations, HPLC equipment, sample weighing, high throughput screening, powder handling and other lab automated processes by providing exhaust air systems or HEPA ltered clean workstations. 800/779-4362; www.hemcocorp.com.
5|
International Products assembly lubricant
P-80 RediLube from International Products Corp. provides
temporary lubrication that can ease the assembly of tight-tting parts. It
Pleated lter cartridges from Hayward Flow Control are available in polypropylene or cellulose media for use in Haywards CFLV and MFLV cartridge adapter kits. Available micron ratings include nominal
2 1 3 5 6
36
They were really designed for the HVAC market, but they have application potential anywhere theres mercury-in-glass, Ayers says. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, including 100 percent humidity, rain covers are available for full-time outdoor installation. Another thing that makes these unique is you can get one unit that will take you from -50 degrees F all the way up to 300 degrees F, Ayers says. Previously you had to have multiple thermometers for that range. The thermometers, which update every 10 seconds, have an ambient temperature range of -30 to 140 degrees F with 0 temperature error. They require no maintenance or cost to operate. Its easy to install, Ayers says. It basically takes care of itself. Theres no power you have to run to it and no batteries you have to change. It also has full conformance with federal specication GG-T-321D. Temperature-sensing cast aluminum stem options include industrial, bimetallic Solar-powered and air duct. 800/421-2853; digital thermometer www.palmerwahl.com. from Palmer Instruments
11|WILO horizontal split case pumps
Horizontal split case pumps from WILO USA are available in 64 models. Sizes range up to 500 hp, heads to 750 feet and ows to 15,000 gpm with a temperature range of 18 to 250 degrees F. The horizontal split casing enables bearings and the mechanical seal to be replaced without disturbing system piping. Other features include hydraulically balanced double-suction impeller for minimal axial thrust, tongue-and-groove neck that eliminates rotating assembly seizing and permanently lubricated, single-row bearings. 866/945-6872; www.wilo-usa.com.
12|Subaru centrifugal pumps
The PKX line of centrifugal pumps from Subaru Industrial Power Products feature an overhead cam engine with heavy-duty strainer to protect the pump from large solids. Self-priming is available in 2-, 3and 4-inch models. The 2-inch PKX201 is powered by the EX13 4.5 hp engine and delivers 158 gpm. The 3-inch PKX301 is powered by the 6 hp EX17 engine and delivers 256 gpm. The 4-inch PKX401 is powered by the 9 hp EX27 engine and delivers 356 gpm. The pumps have an abrasionresistant, cast-iron, three-blade impeller and hardened, cast-iron volute. 800/277-6246; www.robinamerica.com.
1, 5, 10 and 30 in 10-, 16-, 20- and 30-inch lengths. All cartridges have DOE Plastisol PVC endcaps for maximum sealing. 888/429-4635; www. haywardowcontrol.com.
9|
The SafeSite LED linear xture from Dialight is designed for Class I, Division 2 hazardous applications. The xture is intended to replace traditional uorescent and HID (high-intensity discharge) lighting. Delivering 106 lumens per watt, the xture is available in 2-foot (33 watt) and 4-foot (66 watt) models and stands less than an inch tall. 732/919-3119; www.dialight.com.
Dialight LED linear xture
13|Stahlin DiamondShield nonmetallic enclosures
10|Wilden air distribution system
DiamondShield series nonmetallic enclosures from Stahlin are designed for high-end electronics and harsh corrosive environments, both indoors and outdoors. Available in more than 150 congurations, sizes range from 6 by 6 to 20 by 16 inches. Features include at, bonded window with clear cover and four cover securement options. Other features include eld interchangeable covers and hardware, unobstructed walls for ease of conduit or component placement and NEMA 1, 3, 3S, 4X, 12, 13 and IP66 certied. 616/794-0700; www.stahlin.com. wso
The Pro-Flo SHIFT air distribution system (ADS) from Wilden Pump & Engineering, part of the Pump Solutions Group, is made for use in Advanced Series bolted and Original Series clamped air-operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps, enabling them to reduce air consumption by 60 percent. The pump is available in 1 1/2-, 2- and 3-inch sizes with discharge pressures to 125 psig and maximum ows of 243 gpm. It can handle up to 1/2-inch solids and is available with suction lifts of 23 feet (dry) and 30.6 feet (wet). 909/422-1730; www.wildenpump.com.
12 10
8 7
11 13
37
Worth Noting
PEOPLE/AWARDS
Doug Brooks of Kentucky American Water received the 2013 Operator Meritorious Award from the Kentucky/Tennessee Section AWWA. Brooks is chief operator of the Kentucky River Station II at the Hardins Landing water treatment plant in Owen County. John Wills, coordinator of the Dickinson County (Iowa) Clean Water Alliance, received the Ace Cory Conservation Award. The Okoboji Protective Association presented the award for his efforts in fashioning partnerships between organizations to preserve water quality. Howard Neukrug, Philadelphia water commissioner, received the Public Ofcials Award from the Water Environment Federation. Walt Baker, director of the Utah Division of Water Quality, received the Association of Clean Water Administrators top honor, the Environmental Statesman Award, recognizing leadership in national water issues. WSO welcomes your contribution to this listing. To recognize members of your team, please send notices of new hires, promotions, service milestones, certicatio ns or achievements to editor@wsomag.com.
WSO invites your national, state or local association to post notices and news items in the Worth Noting column. Send contributions to editor@wsomag.com.
EVENTS
Nov. 6-7
AWWA Nebraska Section 2013 Annual Conference, Kearney. Visit www.awwa.org.
Nov. 10-13
AWWA North Carolina Section 2013 Annual Conference, Concord. Visit www.awwa.org.
Nov. 20-21
Illinois Section AWWA Water Lab Alliance Security Summit, Chicago. Visit www.isawwa.org.
Dec. 1-5
AWWA Florida Section 2013 Annual Conference, Champions Gate. Visit www.awwa.org.
Florida
The Florida Section of AWWA is offering these courses: Nov. 21 Fluoride Measurements with SPADNSII Reagents Webinar Nov. 30 Florida AWWA E-learning, online Dec. 31 Florida AWWA E-learning, online Visit www.fsawwa.org.
EDUCATION
AWWA
The AWWA is offering a Regulatory Update Webinar on Dec. 12. Visit www.awwa.org.
Illinois
The Illinois Section of AWWA is offering these courses: Nov. 13 Social Media for Water Utilities webinar Nov. 14 Pumping and Control System Updates, Romeoville Nov. 19 Failures of Vulnerability Assessments and Emergency Response Plans, St. Charles Nov. 20-21 High-Tech Operator Course 2, Lombard Dec. 3 Chemical Properties, Safety and Security, Danville Dec. 4 Dealing With Unexpected Petroluum in Utility Excavation, online Dec. 5 New ASTM Standards for HDPE Fusion Process, St. Charles Visit www.isawwa.org.
Arkansas
The Arkansas Rural Water Association is offering these courses: Nov. 12-14 Advanced Distribution, Gassville Nov. 19-21 Basic Distribution, Lonoke Dec. 3-5 Basic Treatment, Lonoke Dec. 10-12 Advanced Treatment, Nashville Dec. 17 Basic Math, Lonoke Dec. 18 ADH Compliance, Lonoke Dec. 19 Applied Math, Lonoke Visit www.arkansasruralwater.org.
New York
The New York Section of AWWA is offering an Emergency Planning and Water System Security course on Dec. 11 in Woodbury. Visit www. nysawwa.org.
California
The California-Nevada Section of AWWA is offering these courses: Nov. 12 T1-T2 Review, West Sacramento Nov. 13 T1-T2 and T3-T4 Math Review, West Sacramento Nov. 14 T3-T4 Review, West Sacramento Nov. 15 Backow Refresher, Rancho Cucamonga Dec. 4 Water use Efciency Grade I, Rancho Cucamonga Dec. 6 Backow Refresher, Rancho Cucamonga Dec. 6 Backow Refresher, West Sacramento Visit www.ca-nv-awwa.org.
North Carolina
The North Carolina Section of AWWA and WEA are offering these courses: Dec. 4 Construction Issues Seminar, Raleigh Dec. 12 North Carolina Water Pollution Control System Operators Certication Commission exams, Kenansville, Morganton, Raleigh, Salisbury and Williamston Visit www.ncsafewater.org.
Colorado
The Rocky Mountain Section of AWWA is offering these courses: Nov. 14 Biosolids Annual Workshop, Colorado State University, Fort Collins Nov. 21 Action Now Water Seminar, Grand Juction Visit www.rmwea.org.
Ohio
The Ohio Section of AWWA is offering a Biosolids Workshop on Dec. 5 in Lewis Center. Visit www.ohiowea.org.
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Environmental Training Center is offering these courses:
38
Nov. 18 Water Lab Operator Refresher, Stillwater Nov. 18-21 C Water Operator, Stillwater Nov. 19-21 D Water and Wastewater Operator, Tulsa Dec. 3-5 D Water and Wastewater Operator, Stillwater Dec. 6 Department of Environmental Quality Open Exam, Stillwater Dec. 11 Water Operator General Refresher, Tulsa Dec. 11-12 C Water Operator, Tulsa Dec. 13 Department of Environmental Quality Open Exam, Tulsa Dec. 17-19 D Water and Wastewater Operator, Tulsa Visit www.accuratelabs.com.
Texas
The Texas Water Utilities Association is offering these courses: Nov. 19 Calculations, Victoria Nov. 19 Management, Gatesville Visit www.twua.org.
Follow us on
www.facebook.com/WSOmag
Utah
The Intermountain Section of AWWA is offering a Special CEU Sale in Herriman on Dec. 3. Visit www.ims-awwa.org.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Rural Water Association is offering these courses: Dec. 5 Bloodborne Pathogens/Hazard Communication GHS/ Control of Hazardous Energy, Plover Dec. 11 Improving Your Residential Cross Connection Control Program, Kaukauna Dec. 12 Continuing Education For Licensed Cross Connection Control Assembly Testers, Plover Dec. 17 Permit-Required Conned-Space Entry Training, West Salem Visit www.wrwa.org. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Engineering Professional Development is offering these courses: Nov. 12-13 Fleet Management - Effective Practices for Public and Private Fleets, Madison Nov. 12-13 Soil Engineering for Non-Soils Engineers and Technicians, Madison Dec. 3-5 Sanitary Sewer and Collection System Engineering, Madison Visit www.epdweb.engr.wisc.edu. wso
twitter.com/#!/WSOMagazine
The team members are the greatest resource at this plant. They do the work. Im support staff. I coordinate what they do, and the best way for me to do that is to listen to what they have to say.
Nate Tillis, Operations and Maintenance Supervisor, Beloit (Wis.) Water Pollution Control Treatment Facility
People.
The greatest natural resource.
Serving municipal water treatment systems across North America.
tpomag.com
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE
39

November 2013

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

November 2013

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

wso

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

Managing Our Most Valuable Resource

Intelligent energy management

TECHNOLOGY DEEP DIVE:

Analytics solutions from GE

Judy Adams Water Treatment Manager Brownsville, Texas

Plant: Ready for Growth

Plant: An Earthy Approach Page 18

Operator: Keep It Flowing

TECHNOLOGY DEEP DIVE Page 28

Wisdom From the Fat Man

WORTH NOTING Page 38 People/Awards; Education; Events

Coming Next Issue: December 2013

PRODUCT FOCUS Page 30

Metering and Security

CASE STUDIES Page 32

Metering and Security

TECH TALK Page 33 SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE Page 14

Survey Surfaces Sealing Concerns

BRIGHT IDEAS Page 16

Success on a Big Scale

Wisdom From the Fat Man

Ready to try again

Its your magazine. Tell your story.

Send your ideas to editor@ wsomag.com or call 715/277-4094

Blue-White Industries ...............

Flygt a Xylem Brand ............. 13

WEDECO a Xylem Brand ......

Get Social with

www.facebook.com/WSOmag www.twitter.com/WSOmagazine www.plus.google.com www.youtube.com/WSOmagazine

Managing Our Most Valuable Resource

Every day is Earth Day.

FREE subscription at www.tpomag.com

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

Respect for the Profession www.wsomag.com/featured

Compare and Learn!

Join the Discussion

BACTERIA AND SOLAR

Energy Times Two

Emails & Alerts

wsomag.com November 2013

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

wsomag.com November 2013

Burnt Store Water Treatment Plant, Charlotte County, Fla.

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

WHY BURNT STORE?

Get 20% off genuine ECORAY UV lamps for a limited time.

Performance and awards

THE BURNT STORE TEAM

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

FEATURED PRODUCTS FROM:

Invensys Operations Management

Lutz-JESCO America Corp.

Met-Pro Environmental Air Solutions

GE Water & Process Technologies

The Crom Corporation

Hach Flow Meter Products & Services

Tri-Dim Filter Corporation

wsomag.com November 2013

WINNING THEM OVER

A drop goes a long way

Policy and education

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR