Running Water Handouts and presentations are available online at .

Running Water

Handouts and presentations are available online at www.iowaleague.org.

Schedule

Maintaining a Viable Drinking Water System 1:30pm-2:15pmPresented by Steve Marsh, Water Services Specialist, IAMU

Asset Management for Wells, Towers and Meters 2:15pm-2:45pm Ron Rappard, Regional Water Systems Specialist, Utility Service Group

Break 2:45pm to 3:00pm

Wastewater: Best Practices and Emerging Issues 3:00pm-3:45pmJonathan Brown, Water & Resource Recovery Center Manager, City of Dubuque Effective Stormwater Quality Practices 3:45pm-4:30pmMatt Ferrier, Project Manager, Bolton & Menk, Inc., Joshua Shields, Landscape Architect, Bolton & Menk, Inc. and Tracy Warner, Municipal Engineer, City of Ames

Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities

History of Drinking Water and Regulations


Philadelphia - 1730

• 1st American City with a water system• William Penn, wanted to get water to all the

citizens• 30,000 people lived within 7 blocks of each

other• 1st year, 1/6th of the population died of yellow

fever


Interstate Quarantine Act of 1893

• Enacted as a response to outbreaks of waterborne diseases during Industrial Revolution

• Typhoid and Cholera outbreaks, people moved to the cities to work in factories

• Administered by the US Public Health Service• Allowed government to control the

transmission of communicable diseases


1912

• The 1st drinking water-related regulation was adopted

• Prohibited the use of a common drinking water cup on interstate carriers, trains and ships

• Later included air carriers


Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards- 1914

• Established an upper limit for allowable concentrations of bacteria in drinking water

• Revised & Expanded in 1925, 1946• 1962 Standards regulated 28 substances• Standards only applied to water systems that

provided drinking water to interstate carriers• Late 1960’s realized that man-made chemicals

also had a negative impact on environment


US Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) 1970

• Established by President Nixon• Created in response to increased public

awareness and concern about pollution• Enforce environmental policies • 10 Regional Offices• Region 7- Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska


Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) 1974

• National Drinking Water Law• Created following reports of contaminants

found in New Orleans drinking water• Regulates all water systems with at least 15

service connections or regularly serves at least 25 people

• States could decide to regulate even smaller systems


SDWA Amendments of 1986

• Increased monitoring for organic chemicals• More stringent coliform monitoring• More requirements for surface water systems• Lead and Copper rules• Public Notification• Wellhead Protection• 1990’s National League of Cities led the

“Unfunded Mandates Revolt” more federal financial assistance


SDWA Amendments of 1996

• Additional Funding (SRF)• Funding for Source Water Assessments• Guidelines for Certified Operators• Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR)• Water system capacity development program


National Primary and Secondary Drinking Water Regulations

• Code of Federal Regulations• Title 40, Parts 136-149• More than 100 substances regulated• Some consumers are more sensitive to contaminants

than others• Cancer patients and others with suppressed immune

systems more sensitive than healthy people• Infants, children and the elderly more be more

sensitive


Board/Council Members


• What does O&M stand for?


• “Ongoing Misery”


What I See at Council Meetings

• Customer Complaints• Long meetings where nothing gets decided• Personality conflicts• We don’t have enough money


Different groups want different things from your water system

• Customers• State Regulators• Debt Holders• Employees


Customers

• Low Water Bills• Dependable Service• Good tasting water• Safe drinking water


State Regulators

• Compliance with regulations• Properly designed systems• Certified Operators


Debt Holders

• Repayment of loans on time• Financially sound operation• Good system maintenance to protect their

investment


Employees

• Fair wages• Good working conditions• Job security


Decision Making

• It’s a “thankless” job• Decisions will affect customers today as well as the future• Community has put it’s Trust in you to make good decisions• Base decisions on the system as a whole and what is the

best interest of the community• Work together as a team• Put aside personal differences• Educate yourselves on the workings of the water system.

Take time to speak with operators, clerks, customers.• Make sure employees are apart of the decisions, they are

often left out.


Good Board/Council Member is:

• Dependable• Doesn’t have pre-conceived notions about the

system• Open-minded• Accepts change• Has a sincere desire to serve the community


Current Condition


Water

• Essential for life• Sanitation• Fire Protection• Disease control• Economic Development


Infrastructure

• Over 300 million people in the US, use 100-200 gal./person/day

• 2 million miles of pipe in the US• Grandparents put in and paid for these systems for

the first time, much hadn’t been touched since• We are at a critical turning point with most of our

infrastructure• We take it for granted, most people have no clue

what it takes to get water to the faucet


Primary Sources for Water

• Ground water- mostly smaller systems• Surface water- mostly larger systems• 93% of the states public water suppliers or systems

serve less than 3300 people• 2.89 million of the 3.05 million people (90.7%) served

by a community water system, 9.3% by private wells• Most sources in Iowa are adequate, but signs of

challenges ahead. • Jordan Aquifer is showing signs of overuse(North

Central & Eastern Iowa)


American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

• 2015 Report Card for Iowa’s Infrastructure- C+• Estimated $5.9 Billion for Iowa over next 20 years• Acceptable life of cast or ductile iron pipe is 80 years• Des Moines – 40% of mains over 65 yrs. Old• Ottumwa – 70%• Marshalltown – 56%• Water Main breaks are increasing• Since 2000, $590 million SRF money to 463 drinking water

projects• Water is still a bargain- 0.5% of median household income in

Iowa


Viability

• Definitions of Viable:• French word “Vie” for life• Capable of living, having the ability to grow,

expand, develop, capable of becoming actual


Synonyms

• Practical• Feasible• Usable• Adaptable• Something that is good, positive, reliable• Buzz words: Sustainable, Preservation, TMF


TMF

• T- Technical Capacity

• M- Managerial Capacity

• F- Financial Capacity


• Technical – water system has the necessary technical infrastructure & competent trained staff to comply with regulations.


• Managerial – water system has the institutional and administrative resources needed to comply with regulations


• Financial – water system has the financial resources needed to comply with drinking water requirements for both short and long term


Financial Viability

A concept that the water system can generate enough revenue to cover current operating

costs and future needs.

Operating at a surplus accomplishes this!


3 Key Issues

Revenue Sufficiency

Does the water system revenue’s cover the true costs of producing safe drinking water?

• Personnel• Equipment• Chemicals

• Infrastructure


3 Key Issues

Credit Worthiness

Is the water system deemed financiallyhealthy enough to gain access to capital through

public and/or private sources?


3 Key Issues

Fiscal Management Controls

Does the water system have effective processes for record keeping, financial planning, and management

of revenues?


Operating at a Surplus• Can you predict the future?• What do you do when a system emergency inhibits

you from providing safe drinking water?• Operating at a surplus - revenue generated by the

system that cover unexpected expenses incurred during the fiscal year– "Rainy day" fund

• Budgeting only covers items that are currently in need of repair or replacement


Budget PracticesA budget is.....A management tool used to plan, administer, and provide

past data about a water system’s fiscal operations over a period of time.

Budget can provide the following information..– How revenues will be spent– How priorities will be established– Measurement of quality and quantity of work performed– Ensures resources will cover expenses and needs


Capital Improvement Planning

• Planning and financial management tool• Identifying, prioritizing, and scheduling

planned improvements over a period of time (usually 5-6 years).

• Future repairs, improvements, equipment replacement, an/or system expansion


Paying for Rehabilitation/Replacement

• Determine money to set aside yearly in a Reserve account– Standard O&M costs will be covered in yearly

budget• Set up Reserve Fund• Incorporate the reserve allocation in the

budget • Pay your system!


Benefits of a CIP

• Useful when council or board members terms expire because previous efforts to upgrade the water system are spelled out

• Keeps water systems operating effectively• Prioritizes needed improvements or upgrades


Reviewing Current Water Rates

• How to determine if it is time to review the water rates?– Did the revenues exceed expenses in each of the last three

years?– Was the water system able to make payments on long-

term debt?– Is the system in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water

Act (SDWA)– Could the water system cover the costs of emergency and

preventive maintenance?– Has the water system raised rates in the last three years?


Did you answer no to any of these questions?

If you answered no, it's time to examine your rate structure


Reviewing and Setting Water Rates

• Setting rates that are fair and equitable should be the goal of all water systems

• Rate increases are inevitable– Small annual increases get less resistance than

one major increase every 5 years• Annual reviews will tell a water system if

water rates are meeting expected expenses


Rate Setting Prior Year's worth of Expenses

All and Only Water systems expenses

Fixed and Variable Budgeted Next Fiscal Year Expenses Prior Year Gallons Sold Prior Year Master Meter Gallons Billing Cycles

Ex. 12 for systems billing monthly Minimum Gallons Number of Metered Customers Current Rates for Comparison


=

= 129,614.00$

= 25,000.00$

= 154,614.00$

= 87,112

= 47,847

= 8,593

= 42,574

= 2,758

= 6,533

= 3,183

= 198,600.00$

= 353,214.00$

Fixed Costs

Water Tower Maintenance Agreement

Loan Repayment

Total Expenses

Reserve

Total

Variable Costs

Personnel Costs

Utilities

Small Equipment, Materials, and Parts

Chemicals, Treatment, and Monitoring

Transportation

Customer Billing and Collection

Insurance

Total

Amount

154,614.00$

780

12

16.52$ per billing cycle

Amount

198,600.00$

45250000

4.388950276 per 1,000 gallons

Amount

16.52$

4.388950276

20.91$

Proposed Rate Structure

Base Rate

Rate per 1,000 gallons

Minimum (first 1,000 gallons)

Annual gallons sold

Rate

Base Rate

Rate per 1,000 gallons

Rate = Variable Costs / (annual metered water / 1,000 gallons)

Variable Cost

Fixed Cost

Metered Customers

Billing Cycles

Base Rate Determination

Base Rate = Fixed Cost/Metered Customers/Billing Cycles


Types of Rate Structures

UNIFORM FLAT RATE Customers pay the same amount regardless of quantity of water

used. Used in un-metered systems.Example: Each customer will be charged a flat rate of $x.xx per month.

Advantages– Eliminate cost of installing and reading meters

Disadvantages– Customers pay to much or too little– Promotes high consumption



SINGLE BLOCK RATE Customers are charged a constant price per gallon regardless of

the amount of water usedExample:• $x.xx minimum service availability charge plus• $x.xx per 1,000 gallons used

Advantages• Easy to administer• Encourages water conservation• Cost is based on customer usageDisadvantages• Could discourage high water consuming industries


Types of Rate StructuresINCREASING BLOCK RATE

The price of water increases as the amount used increase. Each succeeding consumption block is more expensive. Structure based on the assumption that

water rates should promote water conservation.Example:

$14 minimum for the first 2,000 gallons used $2.00 per 1,000 from 2,001 – 6,000 gallons

$2.50 per 1,000 from 6,001 – 10,000 gallons$3.00 per 1,000 for everything over 10,000 gallons

Advantages• Promotes water conservation• Less water usage = less wastewater treatment Disadvantages• Higher costs for high usage users may discourage industries



Decreasing Block RateThe price of water declines as the amount used increases. Each succeeding customer

block is cheaper. This structure is based on the assumption that costs decline as consumption goes up.

Example:• $14 minimum for the first 2,000 gallons used• $2.50 per 1,000 from 2,001 – 6,000 gallons• $2.00 per 1,000 from 6,001 – 10,000 gallons• $1.00 per 1,000 for everything over 10,000 gal

Advantages• Attractive to agricultural and industrial users

Disadvantages• Promotes high consumption


Why do I need my Master Meter Gallons?

• Comparison of Billed vs. Master Meter water shows unbilled/lost water

• Who pays for lost water?• Reasons for unbilled/lost water

– City Facilities – Flushing– Backwashing– Water Main Leaks– Unmetered facilities– Broken / slow meters


Meters….$.....¢

• Meters are the cash box of the water system• Revenue based from monthly reading• Meters slow down over time and water quality• Water Meters have a Life Span!!• Large water users with slow or malfunctioning = loss

of major revenue• Meter and Read Everything you can• Meter Change out Program?


Gaining Customer Support for Water Rate Increases

• Be sure customers understand the proposed rate structure

• New rate structure needed to continue production of quality water

• Show that each customer pays their fair share• If your customers understand the circumstances

behind the increases, the more likely they will support it!


Billing and Collection

Monthly or quarterly billing based on system size

MonthlyAdvantages• Meters are inspected monthly• Revenue collected monthly

Disadvantages• Time and paperwork too much for smaller systems


Billing and Collection

QuarterlyAdvantages• Reduces time and paperwork for small systems• Saves Money

Disadvantages• Less consistent revenue (only 4 times a year)• Malfunctioning meters or tampered meters not immediately

discovered or resolved

Monthly or quarterly billing based on system size


Collections Policy

• Fair collections policy = Every customer MUST pay for the water used

• Enforcement keeps rates fair and equitable• Rewards the customers that pay on time • Reprimands customers that do not pay on

time


Collections Policy

Consider the following to develop a collections policy:

– Provide a written document of the policy upon request– Educate customers on the guidelines– Monitor and report its effectiveness– ENFORCE IT!!!


Financing Programs & Methods

• Funds needed when unanticipated events require upgrades or new infrastructure to stay in compliance with the SDWA

• Federal and State funds should not be counted on for all situations.

• Viable system will have reserve accounts to offset some if not all costs


RDA

• Eligible organizations must be <10,000 and "truly rural":– Public bodies (municipalities, counties, special

purpose districts & authorities)– Not-for-profit organizations (associations,

cooperatives or private corporations)– Indian tribes


RDA – Loans & Grants

• Permitted Uses :– Purchase of major equipment– Purchase of existing facilities– Construction or relocation of system lines– Payment of fees (legal, engineering, architectural or

financial)– Payment of interest on loans until the water system is

self-supporting– Payments for land, water rights, permits and

easements– Refinancing of debts


Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)

• Allocated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

• Administered by the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED)

• National program objectives:– Project must benefit low and moderate income– Must prevent or eliminate slums or blight– Must meet particular needs that represent an immediate

threat to the health and safety of residents


CDBG

• Permitted Uses of Funds:– Installation of new water distribution mains– Replacement of existing water distribution mains– Installation of larger capacity mains– Drilling of new wells– Plant expansions to meet increased demand or water

quality changes– Installation of Fire hydrants


CDBG

• Permitted Uses of Funds:– Replacement of major water system infrastructure

(storage tanks or treatment components)– Construction of elevated or ground storage tanks– Acquisition of real property, including rights of way and

easements– Installation of service lines and payment of connection

fees for low-moderate income households– Engineering, legal and other necessary professional

services needed for completing the project


Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF)

Low interest loans administered by IDNR and Iowa Finance Authority

• Planning & Design Loan – 0% interest up to 3 years – Covers engineering & project development costs– Possible to roll over into construction loan

• Construction loan– 3% interest up to 30 years


DWSRF

• Eligible public communities:– Community Water Systems (CWS) - municipalities,

home owners associations, mobile home parks– Nontransient Noncommunity systems (NTNC) -

schools, factories, offices– Transient Noncommunity systems (TNC) - truck

stops, campgrounds, parks


Managing Viable Water Systems


•DNR conducts sanitary surveys every 3 years. • IDNR determines Viability via inspection

results.•Self Assessment Manual • Completed when applying for SRF loans

How are the status of water

systems be assessed in Iowa?


Managerial Capacity

Ability of a water system to conduct affairs in a manner that enables a system to achieve and maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

3 Key Issues– Ownership Accountability– Staffing & Organization– Effective external linkages


Key Issues

Ownership Accountability– Are the owners of the system clearly identified?– Can those owners be held accountable for the

system?


Key Issues

• Staffing and Organization– Are the systems operator(s) and manager(s) clearly

identified?– Does the personnel understand the management aspects

of regulatory requirements and system operations?– Do the owners have adequate expertise to manage the

water system?– Does the personnel have the necessary licenses and

certifications to operate the water system under Federal and State regulations?


Emergency Response Planning(ERP)

• ALL water systems are vulnerable to varying degrees of natural disasters.

• An action plan that addresses possible disasters will minimize the risk to the water system.


Developing an ERP

• Identify which emergencies are most likely to effect the water system– Flooding, tornados, power outage, contamination,

frozen pipes• List the effect the disaster may have on the

water system– System shutdown– Pressure Loss– Interruption of service


Developing an ERP

• Maintain system records so they are readily available during an emergency– Maps– Storage Capacity– Phone Numbers

• List all spare parts, and the manufacturers who provided them (inventory)


Developing an ERP

• Locate an emergency source of auxiliary power in the event of a power outage

• List tools necessary for emergency repair of items• Have a chain of command outlined, including

back-ups during an absence of management personnel

• Provide up to date maps of the entire water system


Emergency Communication

• Who is the spokesperson?• Inform the customers as to what has or is

happening to prevent widespread rumors or panic

• Let public know steps that are being taken to return to normal operation


Emergency Considerations

• Water Conservation• Emergency connections to nearby water

systems• Portable water tanks, National Guard• Hospitals• Customers that are significantly

impacted by a loss or reduction in capacity (elderly, children, etc.)


Sampling Plans

• Three types of plans required for each PWS to have onsite during sanitary surveys:– Lead and Copper– Bacteria– Disinfection by-products (DBPs)


Lead and Copper Sampling Plans

• Required to provide customers where sample was collected the lead analyticals within 30 days of receiving lab results

• Submit a certification of your activities and a copy of the notice to IDNR.

• Forms: http://www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/RegulatoryWater/DrinkingWaterCompliance/Forms.aspx

http://www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/RegulatoryWater/DrinkingWaterCompliance/Forms.aspx





Bacterial Sampling Plans

• Bacteria Samples collected at rotating representative locations within the water system.

• A plan includes– Locations for monthly or quarterly samples (routine and

repeat)– Upstream and downstream locations– Instructions on how to take samples– A map of each location in distribution system– A log of each sample taken during a calendar year


Disinfection By-Products (DBPs)

• Naturally occurring organics in water combine with chlorine and produce disinfection by-products

• Cancer causing at high concentrations over long term consumption

• Trihalomethane (TTHM) and Haloacetic Acid (HAA5)

• Sampling and plan required for all CWS using chemicals for disinfection


Maintenance and Record Keeping

• Maintenance Scheduling– Each area should have specific duties for daily,

weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance– Specify work to be done– Specify equipment and identification if possible– Specify frequency– Outline personnel responsible for that work


Record Keeping

• Accurate records used for interpreting operation efficiency to budgeting and planning

• State and federal regulations for how long certain records must be kept


Record Keeping

• Analytical Records• IAC Chapter 42.5(1)• Laboratory records and reports

– Bacteria tests – 5 years– Inorganic Chemicals (IOCs) – 10 years– Organic Chemicals – 10 years– Radionuclides – 10 years– Lead and Copper – 10 years– Corrective Action Reports – 10 years– Sanitary Surveys – 10 years


Record Keeping

• Analytical Records, cont– Operation or Construction Permits – 10 years– Public Notification(CCR) – 5 years– MORs – 5 years


Record Keeping

• Facility Records– System Atlases or Maps– As-Built Plans– Maintenance/Equipment Records– Log Books


Operation Permit

• Provided by the IDNR to all PWSs• Guidelines for compliance with state and federal

regulations• Lists contaminants to monitor for and frequency• Lists self-monitoring requirements for specific water

treatment plants• Copies can be obtained from local IDNR Field Office


Operator Certification

• IAC Chapter 81• Water Treatment License • Water Distribution License• Grade A certification

– Community under 250 population– NTNC under 500 population– Hypochlorination treatment only


CEUS

• Continuing Education Units • IDNR approved courses• Required for certified water operators to

maintain their licenses• must be completed in the two year

certification period (between April 1 and March 31 of odd numbered years)


CEUS

• Operators holding a treatment and distribution license can earn no less than 25% of CEU's in one area

Grade Required CEUs

A, I, & II 1 or 10 contact hours

III & IV 2 or 20 contact hours


Affidavit Operation

• Contract with a water system and a certified operator not on staff

• Affidavit Operator is the operator in charge• Direct responsibility for the daily operations

and directions of the facility and the other workers employed at that facility

• Affidavit operation for only, Grades A, I, and II• Contract must be signed and DNR approved.


Consumer Confidence Reports

• Annual drinking water quality report • Plain language explanation of water quality

results and health effects for consumers• DNR draft CCR sent to systems in March• Due to DNR and consumers July 1st of EVERY

year!


Technical Capacity

• Physical and operational ability of water system to meet SDWA requirements

• Ability of the system's personnel to operate and maintain water system and implement technical knowledge


Technical Capacity

• Key Issues– Source water adequacy– Infrastructure adequacy– Technical knowledge & implementation


Technical Capacity

• Source Water Adequacy: – Does the water system have a reliable source of

water? – Is the source of generally good quality and is it

adequately protected?


Technical Capacity

• Infrastructure Adequacy– Can the water system provide water that meets SDWA

standards? – What is the condition of its infrastructure, including

wells, treatment, storage and distribution? – What is the infrastructure’s life expectancy? – Does the water system have a capital improvement

plan?


Technical Capacity

• Technical Knowledge and Implementation– Is the water system’s operator certified? – Does the operator have sufficient technical

knowledge of applicable standards? – Can the operator effectively implement this

technical knowledge? – Does the operator understand the water system’s

technical and operational characteristics? – Does the water system have an effective operation

and maintenance plan?


Source Water Adequacy

• What do you know about your source of drinking water?– Groundwater, Surface Water or Groundwater

Under the Influence of Surface Water– Aquifer your water comes from– Recharge Area


Characteristics of Water

• Physical Characteristics• Chemical Characteristics • Organic Characteristics • Biological Characteristics • Radiological Characteristics


Physical Characteristics

• Temperature– Affects chemical reactions– 50-60°F is optimal for customers

• Turbidity– Cloudiness of water– Clay, silt, organic material, inorganic materials

• Color– Iron = red – Manganese = black– Aesthetic vs. health problems


Chemical Characteristics

• pH– H+ concentration– 0-14 scale

• Hardness– Calcium & magnesium– Causes scaling and buildup

• Dissolved Solids– Taste, odor, hardness, corrosion, scaling problems


Organic Characteristics

• Pesticides• Herbicides• Domestic waste• Industrial waste• Trihalomethane (TTHM)• Impact taste, odor, and color


Biological Characteristics

• Bacteria (pathogenic)• Algae• Protozoa's (Giardia, Cryptosporidium)• Viruses


Radiological Characteristics

• Radioactive material naturally existing in soil and rock

• Radium 226 & 228(Combined Radium)• Gross Alpha


Types of Water Treatment Techniques

• Aeration• Precipitation/

Oxidation• Sequestration• Coagulation,

Flocculation, Sedimentation

• Filtration

• Cation Exchange Softening• Anion Exchange

Softening(Nitrate Removal)• Lime Softening• Adsorption

• Membrane Processes• Fluoridation• Disinfection


Fluoridation

• Naturally occurring in some aquifers• Can be added to drinking water • Promotes stronger teeth in children• Recommended level is 0.7 mg/L• Harmful to teeth at 2.0 mg/L• Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) =

4.0 mg/L


Disinfection

• A process used to inactivate pathogenic organisms

• Chlorine is the most common form of disinfection– Gas Chlorine– Sodium Hypochlorite (Liquid, bleach)– Calcium Hypochlorite (Tablet)

• Minimum Free Chlorine residual 0.3 mg/L• Minimum Total Chlorine residual 1.5 mg/L


Water Storage

• Provide system with storage and pressure• Provide storage for 24 hours without power• Consider fire protection and community

growth


Water Storage:Tank Maintenance

• Inspected inside and out every 3 to 5 years• Repainted every 10 years or as necessary• Overflow pipe vent screen is secure

annually• One volume change daily to prevent ice

formation


Distribution System

• The system that distributes water to customers

• Pipes• Meters• Valves• Fire Hydrants• Pumps

Running Water Handouts and presentations are available online at .

Documents

Transcript of Running Water Handouts and presentations are available online at .