Water Quality Report
WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO Colin D. Groff, P.E., Utility Director Colin is responsible for all water, wastewater, reuse and stormwater operations and management for the City of Boynton Beach and has been working in the water and wastewater industry for various municipal utilities for the last 29 years. He is an alumnus of the University of South Florida with a BS degree in Civil Engineering and holds a Florida Professional Engineer license.
Boynton Beach Utilities Management Staff Bevis Pigott, Manager, Treatment Operations Bevis is responsible for the City’s water treatment plants, the wellfields that supply raw water and a certified lab dedicated to Water Quality testing. His experience includes both a technical and management background in the public and private sectors. Bevis holds a BA in Chemistry and a BS in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University in NY.
• 898989898988989898 • Joseph Paterniti, P.E., Field Operations Manager Joe is responsible for the operations and maintenance of all water lines, sewer lines, stormwater systems and pump stations, including reclaimed water distribution systems. Over the past 29 years, he has gained extensive engineering consulting experience providing a wide range of planning, design and operational services to several South Florida municipal utilities. Joe is a licensed Professional Engineer in several states, including the State of Florida, and received his Civil Engineering BS from the University of Central Florida.
• 898989898988989898 • Chris Roschek, P.E., Manager, Engineering & Construction Chris is responsible for managing the design and construction of infrastructure improvement projects, reviewing plans for new development projects within the City, and managing engineering, inspections, and utility locations staff. Chris has a MS in Environmental Engineering from Syracuse University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Florida.
• 898989898988989898 • Michael Low, C.Eng., Manager, Technical Services Michael is responsible for utility system planning, operations and capital budgets, rate development, large engineering and construction contract administration and utility process improvements and serves as the utility liaison with federal and state agencies that regulate utility operations. Michael is a graduate of the Imperial College, London, and holds an Honors Degree in Chemical Engineering and is a graduate of Henley Management College Senior Management School at Brunel University. He holds a Chartered Engineer and European Engineer license.
• 898989898988989898 • Barb Conboy, Manager, Customer Services Barb is responsible for all customer service activities, including meters, billing, collections, customer accounts and new customer acquisition. Barb has been with the City for over 25 years involved with operations in administrative and financial capacities. Barb holds a BS Degree in Business Administration with a Computer Science concentration from Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania.
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MEASURING OUR UTILITIES PERFORMANCE Water Distribution Average Water Pressure The target pressure for the distribution system is 50 psi. Distribution system pressures are being maintained in the range of 55 – 60 psi.
Customer Service Unplanned Water Main Outages Unforeseen water outages impacted an average of less than 30 customers per month during 2015. There was one large break in December due to an improperly documented water main and valve.
Water Distribution System Average Chlorine Residual Boynton Beach Utilities attempts to maintain an average distribution system chlorine residual of 3.0 mg/L. When the chlorine residual decreases below the recommended minimum levels, the system is switched to a disinfection method called free chlorination, which removes all organic growth that is causing chlorine levels to drop.
Water Quality Complaints FY 2014/2015 The majority of complaints for FY 2014-2015 were related to odor and particles which, in turn, are directly related to seasonal residences. To combat such issues, seasonal residents are reminded to flush their hot water heaters and taps when returning to their residences from a long hiatus.
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WHERE DOES YOUR DRINKING WATER COME FROM? One of the primary goals of the Boynton Beach Utilities is to produce water economically (saving you money) while minimizing the effects of water production on the environment (saving the planet). This is done by careful management of our limited water resources. Our raw water is taken from the East Coast Surficial Aquifer to supply the two treatment plants that produce the purified water you use and enjoy every day. The water is pumped from wells that vary in depth from 50 to 250 feet. Our East Water Plant, a lime softening facility, operates 19 wells and has a rated capacity of 19.2 million gallons per day. Our West Water Plant, a state of the art membrane treatment plant, operates 11 wells and has a rated capacity of 10.4 million gallons per day. All of our wells are replenished, indirectly, by percolation of rainfall. Surface water bodies such as canals, lakes and ponds also assist to recharge the aquifer. Thus, our water supply is very rainfall dependent. When rainfall is scarce, the water levels in the surficial aquifer and surface water bodies can become dangerously low and the potential for seawater to creep into the aquifer is increased. This is called saltwater intrusion. During drought conditions, we do everything we can to limit the withdrawal of water from the Eastern wells to prevent saltwater intrusion. During our dry season, December through May, we rely heavily on our West Water Plant wells and water that has been stored in our Aquifer Storage and Recovery system (ASR). ASR allows us to store treated water during the rainy season, when water is plentiful, and use it during the dry season when water is scarce. These are just some of the tools we use to sustain our fragile water supply and protect the environment. We are not in this alone. We rely on you, our customers, to conserve water wherever you can in order to sustain our water supply for future generations.
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Need More Information
Sa-a se yon mesaj ki pale de kalite dlo nan Boynton Beach. Si ou genyen kesyon tanpri telefone 561.742.6300.
This document is available in alternative accessible formats upon request by calling 561.742.6241.
Este es el Informe Anual De Calidad De Agua Potable de la Ciudad de Boynton Beach. Para información en español, por favor Ilame al teléfono 561.742.6300.
We want you to be informed about your water utility and the highquality drinking water delivered to your homes and businesses. We also encourage community participation and feedback. If you have any questions about this report, or if you would like a copy of our water system’s complete source water assessment, call 561.742.6400. For additional information about water quality, call the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800.426.4791.
For Customers with Special Health Concerns Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice from their health care providers about drinking water from municipal sources. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Hotline at 800.426.4971. 4
HOW DO CONTAMINANTS GET INTO OUR WATER? The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservors, springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.
Contaminants That May Be Present In Source Water Include: • Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. • Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. • Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses. • Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems. • Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects may be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800.426.4791.
Information on Lead If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The Boynton Beach Utilities Department is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Source Water Assessment In 2015, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection performed a Source Water Assessment on the 31 wells that comprise our system. The assessment was conducted to provide information about any potential contamination sources in the vicinity of the wells. Nine (9) unique potential sources of contamination at three separate locations were identified. All these sources are within Utility control and all are rated low risk. We routinely test each raw water well twice annually to check for organic contaminants, above and beyond EPA regulations. The Source Water assessment results may be found at www.dep.state.fl.us/swapp or may be obtained by calling 561.742.6964. 5
WATER QUALITY TEST RESULTS 2015 Inorganic Contaminants Contaminant and Unit of Measurement
Dates of Sampling (mo./yr.)
MCL Violation (Y/N)
Level Detected
Range of Results
MCLG
MCL
Barium, ppm
Feb. 2015
No
0.0088
0.0043 - 0.0088
2
2
Cyanide, ppb
Feb. 2015
No
7.9
7.6 - 7.9
200
200
Fluoride, ppm
Jan. 2015
No
1.24
0.12 - 0.942
4
4
Nitrate (as nitrogen), ppm
Feb. 2015
No
0.21
0.058 - 0.21
10
10
Lead and Copper (Tap Water) Contaminant and Unit of Measurement
Dates of sampling (mo./yr.)
AL exceeded (Y/N)
90th Percentile Result
No. of sampling sites exceeding the AL
MCLG
AL (Action Level)
Copper (tap water), ppm
Sept. 2015
No
0.126
No samples exceeded AL
1.3
1.3
Lead (tap water), ppb
Sept. 2015
No
3.3
One sample exceeded AL
0
15
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection By-Products Contaminant and Unit of Measurement
Dates of sampling (mo./yr.)
MCL Violation Y/N
Level Detected
Range of Results
Chloramines (ppm)
Jan., Apr., July, Oct. 2015
No
3.36ยน
0.5 - 4.3
Haloacetic Acids (HAA 5), ppb, Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA)
Jan., Apr., July, Oct. 2015
No
52.7ยน
2.93 - 38.0
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM), ppb, Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA)
Jan., Apr., July, Oct. 2015
No
121.5ยน
3.6 - 75.1
Microbiological Contaminants Contaminant and Unit of Measurement
Dates of sampling (mo./yr.)
MCL Violation Y/N
Highest Monthly Percentage/Number
MCLG
Total Coliform Bacteria (Positive Samples)
Jan. 29, 2015
No
0.81
0
Dates of sampling (mo./yr.)
Violation Y/N
Total number of positive samples for the year
MCLG
Nov 10, 2015
No
1
0
Contaminant E.Coli (at the ground water source)
On November 10, 2015, a raw water sample from Production Well 13 East tested positive for E.Coli. The Palm Beach County Health Department required a 24 hour notice of a positive sample. Due to the fact that this notice requirement was missed by the City, the Health Department required additional samples to be obtained by December 8, 2015. The additional samples were obtained and tested negative for E.Coli. The original test was on a raw water well prior to treatment and disinfection that removed any potential health risk.
The Boynton Beach Utilities Department routinely monitors for contaminants in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws, rules, and regulations. Except where indicated otherwise, this report is based on the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2015. Data obtained before January 1, 2015, and presented in this report are from the most recent testing done in accordance with the laws, rules, and regulations.
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DEFINITIONS AL: Action Level. The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements, that a water system must follow.
Likely Source of Contamination
FECAL COLIFORM/E.COLI: Discharge from drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits.
Fecal Coliforms and E.Coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes.
Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories. Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories. Water additive which promotes strong teeth when at the optimum level of 0.7 ppm. Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits.
MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level. The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
Likely Source of Contamination
Corrosion of household plumbing system; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives. Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits.
MCLG
MCL
4.0
4.0
Water additive used to control microbes.
NA
60
By-product of drinking water disinfection.
NA
80
By-product of drinking water disinfection.
MCL < 5 % of monthly samples
MCL 0
LRAA: Locational Running Annual Average. The average of sample analytical results for samples taken at a particular monitoring location during the previous four calendar quarters.
MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal. The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. MRDL: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level. The highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Likely Source of Contamination
MRDLG: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal. The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Likely Source of contamination
ND: Not Detected. Indicates that the substance was not found by laboratory analysis.
Naturally present in the environment.
Likely Source of contamination Human and animal fecal waste.
1
Denotes running annual average of 4 consecutive quarterly results; individual results may be higher.
2
Denotes monthly Finished Water average; daily results may be higher.
Health Effects: Fecal coliforms and E.Coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.
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ppb: Parts Per Billion. A unit of measurement equal to one part by weight of a contaminant in 1 billion parts by weight of water. This could be compared to 1 second in 11,500 days or 1 inch in 15,800 miles. ppm: Parts Per Million. A unit of measurement equal to one part by weight of a contaminant in 1 million parts by weight of water. This could be compared to 1 second in 11.5 days or 1 inch in 15.8 miles. TT: Treatment Technique. A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
FREE WATER CONSERVATION KITS! 898988898989 • • Boynton Beach Utilities is committed to providing tools to reduce your water use in and outside the home. Water saving conservation kits and hose nozzles are available free of charge at City Hall, 100 East Boynton Beach Boulevard and the Boynton Beach Utilities Administration Building, 124 East Woolbright Road. The complimentary indoor conservation kit includes an attractive low volume showerhead, a swivel aerator for the kitchen and a bathroom faucet aerator, along with installation instructions. The water saving outdoor hose nozzle has seven spray patterns and volume control for efficient watering and is perfect for plant irrigation and car washing.
Sustainable Flood Risk Management Climate change predictions suggest that the number and severity of storm events across South Florida are likely to increase. This could place pressure on our stormwater infrastructure and reveal new areas at risk of flooding. Sustainable Flood Risk Management allows for the needs of the present to be met without jeopardizing or compromising the ability of future generations. Boynton Beach Utilities goal is to meet the needs of the present and future by: • creating a well-informed public who understand flood risk and take actions to protect themselves, their property and/or their businesses • flood management actions being undertaken that will stand the test of time and be adaptable to future changes in the climate Boynton Beach Utilities is an active participant in the Southeast Florida Regional Compact which outlines an ongoing collaborative effort among the Compact Counties (Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach) to address climate change related challenges such as sea level rise. Additional information about the compact and county-specific initiatives can be found at www.southeastfloridaclimatecompact.org. The City of Boynton Beach is committed to reducing the number of people, homes and property at risk of flooding by investing in stormwater projects that address the areas which are at greatest risk of flooding.
FOG Doesn’t Belong in Your Pipes Be sure to dispose of fats, oils and grease (FOG) the proper way. Don’t pour FOG down the sink or down the toilet – that can cause a messy backup and damage property. Treat your pipes right and they will flow as designed!
There are
3
easy steps to disposing of FOG after cooking:
1. Pour the hot grease into a metal can. 2. Let it cool down completely. 3. Throw the can into the regular trash. 8
COMMUNITY OUTREACH No to “Flushable” Wipes Down the Pipes Studies have shown that “flushable” wipes do not break down as readily as toilet paper. As a result, these wipes are clogging pipes, getting caught in pumps and other equipment leading to overflows and sewage backups. Boynton Beach Utilities recently cleaned one of its master wastewater pumping stations removing flushable wipes that had accumulated to a depth of approximately 2-4 feet. While there is no legal requirement for a product to be labeled “flushable,” customers are encouraged to refrain from flushing wipes and encourage the industry to develop products that do not cause environmental issues.
King Tides The highest astronomical tide that floods South Florida coastal areas every fall is commonly known as king tide and occurs when the Moon, Sun and Earth align – creating the strongest gravitational forces between them. Historically, the tides are highest in October. Other factors influencing the range of the high tide are: • Sea level rise resulting from climate changes. • The Gulf Stream travels slowest during this time of the year; therefore fresh water can't sink as quickly as salty water. • Ocean heat content is higher (due to seasonal warming as well as climate change); warmer water occupies more space. • Below normal barometric pressures which contribute an extra inch or two to the height of the sea. During September and October 2015 king tide events, tide predictions along Florida's southeast coast were exceeded by 8-12 inches. Areas along the City’s eastern tidal board were affected with short term water ponding due to drainage system backflow and seawall breaching. Castilla Lane, Isles Road, Greenbriar Drive, Brookdale Drive, East Ocean Avenue, INCA Ponds and neighboring areas, boat launch at Harvey E. Oyer Jr. Park and North Lake Drive were some of the areas affected from stormwater outfalls. Areas impacted by seawall breaching were Boynton Marina and Harbour Hall Inlet Club. The city is addressing the recent higher than normal 2015 king tides by accounting for extra elevation in all new projects, installing back flow prevention valves on outlets and continuing to work with Palm Beach County and other neighboring cities to address the issue.
What is Stormwater? Stormwater is excess rainfall that is not absorbed into the ground. As the rainfall runs off to nearby lakes, canals, the Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean, it can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants carrying them into the surface waters we use for fishing, boating and swimming. Intentional dumping or discharge into stormwater systems, as well as accidental spills that could enter the drainage system, should be reported immediately. It matters because: • Debris can be harmful • Nutrients (from leaves, grass, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides) can lead to fish kills and excessive amounts of algae in the water • Bacteria (from pet waste and dead animals) can produce health concerns • Sediment can reduce the system’s ability to handle potential flooding and adversely affect aquatic organisms • Chemicals, oils and paints can be toxic to plants and animals
HELP KEEP POLLUTION OUT OF OUR WATERS! 9
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PARDON OUR DUST Neighborhood Utility Improvement Projects New water lines, water services, fire hydrants, stormwater systems and pavement were completed in the Lake Boynton Estates and Forest Park neighborhoods in 2015. The second phase of the project in the Forest Park neighborhood is anticipated to begin.
• 898989898988989898 • Pence Park Master Lift Station The Pence Park wastewater lift station was completed in 2015 to serve the redevelopment along the Federal Highway area in eastern Boynton Beach and blends with the surrounding park facilities. The lift station was designed to be aesthetically pleasing within the park. Some of the improvements included a decorative gate, painted concrete wall and new landscaping.
• 898989898988989898 • Stormwater Drainage Improvement Boynton Beach Utilities continues to plan projects, develop engineering designs, and perform construction to correct drainage problems throughout the City, including areas that are at low elevations and are prone to tidal influence and sea level rise.
• 898989898988989898 • Lift Station No. 309 Improvements will be made at wastewater lift station number 309 located at NW 19 Avenue on the west side of North Seacrest Boulevard. The project will include work on the buildings and underground piping, including electrical, structural, architectural, pumping and piping upgrades. Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2016.
• 898989898988989898 • East Water Treatment Plant Expansion and Upgrades Expected to be completed by the end of 2016, the East Water Treatment Plant Expansion and Upgrades will provide high quality drinking water to customers for the next 30 years while protecting the aquifer from salt water intrusion. This project will include the addition of an Ion Exchange Resin Process, new 3 million gallon potable water storage tank and major upgrades. Follow the progress of the project at www.boyntonbeachionexchange.com.
• 898989898988989898 • Raw Water Transmission Main A 36-inch raw water transmission main is being constructed from the west well field to the East Water Treatment Plant in order to provide raw water for the expansion to the East Plant. Construction of the final phase, from Congress Avenue to the East Water Treatment Plant, is under construction and will be completed in the summer of 2016.
• 898989898988989898 • Central Seacrest Corridor Utility Improvements (Phase 1) The Central Seacrest Corridor Utility Improvements, another neighborhood project, was completed in December. The project consisted of replacing aging and undersized water mains, eliminating water services in rear easements, upgrading stormwater systems and swales and installing new fire hydrants. Public right-of-ways and easements, including swales, driveway aprons and asphalt paving, were restored to a common standard. 10
YOUR MONTHLY UTILITIES BILL Did YOU know
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The average customer served by Boynton Beach Utilities uses approximately
7,000 gallons of water per month that includes sewer collection, refuse collection and stormwater management fees. With this use, in a single family residence, the average monthly invoice will be
$77.65.
Water Base Charge
Refuse Collection
$15.00
$12.35
Stormwater Management
Water Use
$5.00
$11.55
Sewer Use Sewer Base Charge
$15.05
$18.70
WATER & SEWER BASE CHARGE: Pays for the pipes, pumps and water and wastewater plants necessary to treat, deliver, collect and dispose of the water
WATER & SEWER USE CHARGE: Pays the cost of labor, material and supplies for water and sewer use STORMWATER MANAGEMENT: Pays for the installation and maintenance of drainage inlets, pipes and stormwater facilities along with street sweeping and stormwater treatment to protect surface water from pollution REFUSE COLLECTION: Pays for the cost of collection and disposing of garbage These services provide quality of life benefits, including clean, safe, drinking water, sewer disposal/ treatment, stormwater management and garbage collection/disposal. nk Di
WHAT DOES IT COST TO PROVIDE
Customer Service
$9.52
$3.50
7,000
GALLONS OF WATER TO A HOME
Drinking Water Treatment
Drinking Water Delivery
$3.22
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Sewer Collection
$9.66 Sewer Treatment
$8.89
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Boynton Beach Utilities 100 E. Boynton Beach Blvd. Boynton Beach, Florida 33435
3567 67' 86 3267$*(
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Mayor Steven B. Grant, At-Large Vice Mayor Mack McCray, District II Cmr. Justin Katz, District I Cmr. Joseph Casello, District IV Cmr. Christina Romelus, District III Lori LaVerriere, City Manager
BOYNTON BEACH TELEVISION
www.boynton-beach.org
BOYNTON BEACH UTILITIES GOING HIGH TECH Boynton Beach Utilities is continuing to expand its use of modern technology in order to improve customer services. Several projects are underway that are leveraging the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), beginning with a major initiative to improve the information stored. Tablets are currently being utilized in the field to collect data on assets from pipelines, air release valves and pumping stations. These tablets connect to a GIS site, via mobile data, permitting employees to obtain accurate, real-time information on their smartphone. This technology improves response time and provides accuracy on issues such as blocked lines or leaks. The valve truck, a truck that utilizes a hydraulic device to identify faulty valves, is also utilizing GIS data to map out valves in water mains. An on-board computer collects and stores data such as its GPS position, size of the water main and the amount of energy required to turn the valve on or off. This system improves response times to broken water mains and provides information on which valves to close in order to perform repairs. It also identifies customers that will be impacted. In the near future, new programs will be added, including a program that will send work orders and repair instructions directly to the employee’s smartphones.
While nature provides water, it takes pipes, pumps, equipment, and people working 24/7 to deliver clean water to homes and businesses, and then remove and treat wastewater so it can safely be reused or returned to the environment.
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To learn more, visit TheValueofWater.org.