Florida Water Resources Journal - July 2019 by Florida Water Resources Journal

Editor’s Office and Advertiser Information:

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Business Office:

2019 FLORIDA WATER RESOURCES CONFERENCE REVIEW

P.O. Box 653, Venice, FL 34284-0653 Web: http://www.fwrj.com General Manager: Editor: Graphic Design Manager: Mailing Coordinator:

Michael Delaney Rick Harmon Patrick Delaney Buena Vista Publishing

Published by BUENA VISTA PUBLISHING for Florida Water Resources Journal, Inc. President: Richard Anderson (FSAWWA) Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority Vice President: Lisa Prieto (FWEA) Prieto Environmental LLC Treasurer: Rim Bishop (FWPCOA) Seacoast Utility Authority Secretary: Holly Hanson (At Large) ILEX Services Inc., Orlando

Moving? The Post Office will not forward your magazine. Do not count on getting the Journal unless you notify us directly of address changes by the 15th of the month preceding the month of issue. Please do not telephone address changes. Email changes to changes@fwrj.com, fax to 352-241-6007, or mail to Florida Water Resources Journal, 1402 Emerald Lakes Drive, Clermont, FL 34711

Membership Questions FSAWWA: Casey Cumiskey – 407-979-4806 or fsawwa.casey@gmail.com FWEA: Karen Wallace, Executive Manager – 407-574-3318 FWPCOA: Darin Bishop – 561-840-0340

Training Questions FSAWWA: Donna Metherall – 407-979-4805 or fsawwa.donna@gmail.com FWPCOA: Shirley Reaves – 321-383-9690

For Other Information DEP Operator Certification: Ron McCulley – 850-245-7500 FSAWWA: Peggy Guingona – 407-979-4820 Florida Water Resources Conference: 407-363-7751 FWPCOA Operators Helping Operators: John Lang – 772-559-0722, e-mail – oho@fwpcoa.org FWEA: Karen Wallace, Executive Manager – 407-574-3318

Websites Florida Water Resources Journal: www.fwrj.com FWPCOA: www.fwpcoa.org FSAWWA: www.fsawwa.org FWEA: www.fwea.org and www.fweauc.org Florida Water Resources Conference: www.fwrc.org Throughout this issue trademark names are used. Rather than place a trademark symbol in every occurrence of a trademarked name, we state we are using the names only in an editorial fashion, and to the benefit of the trademark owner, with no intention of infringement of the trademark. None of the material in this publication necessarily reflects the opinions of the sponsoring organizations. All correspondence received is the property of the Florida Water Resources Journal and is subject to editing. Names are withheld in published letters only for extraordinary reasons. Authors agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Florida Water Resources Journal Inc. (FWRJ), its officers, affiliates, directors, advisors, members, representatives, and agents from any and all losses, expenses, third-party claims, liability, damages and costs (including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees) arising from authors’ infringement of any intellectual property, copyright or trademark, or other right of any person, as applicable under the laws of the State of Florida.

12 16 17 18 20

Conference Highlights—Holly Hanson Exhibition Workshops and Technical Sessions Women of Water Forum Operators Showcase

22 Awards 30 Competitions 34 Florida Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers 36 Conference Sponsors

Columns

News and Features 4 Hurricane Season is Here! 48 Inaugural RECOVER Report Card: Everglades Ecosystem Vulnerable to Further Ecological Degradation 49 WEF HQ Newsletter: Finding and Training the Operator of the Future—Katherine Saltzman 54 Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony Neighborhood Rehabilitation Project—Daniel J. Comerford III and Thomas C. Jensen 56 Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority BBQ and Tour Recognize National Drinking Water Week—Patrick Lehman 59 First-Ever Stormwater Needs Survey Shows $7.5 Billion Annual Funding Gap 62 Florida University Plans Water School 81 News Beat

38 FWEA Committee Corner: A Message From Your FWEA State Awards Chair—Damaris Noriega 44 FSAWWA Speaking Out—Michael F. Bailey 52 FWEA Focus—Michael W. Sweeney 58 Contractors Roundup: Benefits of SelfPerformance in Design-Build—David Walker 60 Committee Profile: FSAWWA High School Initiative Committee—Steve Soltau 76 Test Yourself—Donna Kaluzniak 78 C Factor—Mike Darrow

Departments 74 New Products 83 Classifieds 86 Display Advertiser Index

Technical Articles 6 Can the Cost of Smart Meters be Offset by Insurance Benefits to Customers?—John P. McCary 64 Optimizing Wellfield Performance Through Smart Analytics: The Smart Wellfield—Rafael E. Frias III, Isabel E. Botero, Jim Stiles, Ali Bayat, Steve McGrew, and Diana Rivera

Education and Training 39 FSAWWA Fall Conference Overview 40 FSAWWA Fall Conference Exhibits 41 FSAWWA Fall Conference Poker Night and Golf Tournament 42 FSAWWA Fall Conference Water Distribution Systems Awards 43 FSAWWA Fall Conference Competitions 46 CEU Challenge 57 FWPCOA Short School 75 TREEO Center Training 82 FWPCOA Training Calendar

Volume 70

ON THE COVER: Members of the Positive Influents team from Destin Water Users compete in one of the events at the Operations Challenge, which was held at the 2019 Florida Water Resources Conference.

July 2019

Number 7

Florida Water Resources Journal, USPS 069-770, ISSN 0896-1794, is published monthly by Florida Water Resources Journal, Inc., 1402 Emerald Lakes Drive, Clermont, FL 34711, on behalf of the Florida Water & Pollution Control Operator’s Association, Inc.; Florida Section, American Water Works Association; and the Florida Water Environment Association. Members of all three associations receive the publication as a service of their association; $6 of membership dues support the Journal. Subscriptions are otherwise available within the U.S. for $24 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Clermont, FL and additional offices.

POSTMASTER: send address changes to Florida Water Resources Journal, 1402 Emerald Lakes Drive, Clermont, FL 34711

Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

Hurricane Season is Here! With hurricane season officially starting, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has been preparing south Florida's massive flood control system over the last several months. During the annual wet season (May 15 through October 15), south Florida typically receives approximately 36 inches (about 70 percent) of its average annual amount of rainfall, according to the National Weather Service. The cycle of sea breeze systems and daily thunderstorms that are hallmarks of the wet season can sometimes develop much sooner than the “official” start date.

Preparing Year-Round The climate in Florida has two seasons: wet and dry. Flood and drought are frequent visitors, the result of too much or too little rain. In any year, drought can happen during the wet season, and flooding can occur when a downpour is least expected. Weather in Florida has a way of ignoring the calendar and expectations of "normal."

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

A Shared Responsibility The SFWMD operates and maintains the regional water management system known as the Central and Southern Florida Project, which was authorized by Congress more than 60 years ago to protect residents and businesses from floods and droughts. This primary system of canals and natural waterways connects to community drainage districts and hundreds of smaller neighborhood systems to effectively manage floodwaters during heavy rain. As a result of this interconnected drainage system, flood control in south Florida is a shared responsibility among SFWMD, county and city governments, local drainage districts, homeowners associations, and residents. Operations and maintenance (O&M) staff at SFWMD serve the region from eight field stations, as well as from its headquarters in West Palm Beach. Field station staff members are the ones most likely to be seen in the community, working every day to make sure the regional water management system operates smoothly and efficiently

to provide flood control and protect regional water supplies. Throughout the year, O&M staff oversees approximately 2,100 miles of canals and 2,000 miles of levees/berms, 77 pump stations, and more than 600 water control structures and 620 project culverts. They operate and maintain all the equipment and have the specialized expertise needed to keep this vast water management system ready for whatever nature sends, whether it’s a typical summer rainstorm, hurricane, or drought. Moving water to meet varying conditions and needs is essential to sustaining south Florida's people, economy, and environment. Local (secondary) canal systems in Florida are maintained and operated by cities, counties, and water control districts, also known as the 298 districts for the chapter of Florida Statutes that outlines their responsibilities. These secondary canal systems receive water from neighborhoods and store excess water or move it to the regional flood control system managed by SFWMD. More than 100 water control districts and local governments operate secondary canal systems within the SFWMD 16-county region. Due to the interconnected system of drainage canals in south Florida, flood control is a shared responsibility. In preparation for the rainy season, SFWMD recently conducted its annual "Hurricane Freddy" exercise, where staff participates in response to a mock storm scenario. The crews are continuously engaged in maintenance projects to ensure that the flood control system operates at peak performance. For updates on storm preparations and SFWMD's general preparations for the rainy season, go to www.sfwmd.gov/rainyseason. S

F W R J

Can the Cost of Smart Meters be Offset by Insurance Benefits to Customers? John P. McCary ecent advancements in the utility industry have made high-frequency water use data more readily available as the use of automatic meter reading (AMR), Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), and smart meters become more prevalent. Since these terms have been used referring to a broad range of applications, a definition is presented for each that defines their capabilities for use in the current research. S The AMR allows local storage of data, where a human activity is necessary to download it. This typically involves driving by and downloading data with short-range wireless equipment. S The AMI allows this data transfer to occur without human intervention, using telemetry systems, where the local data can be transmitted to a centralized data storage system. S Smart meter systems go beyond the transmittal of data and involve some level of analytics, either at the local meter itself or at the centralized operational system.

Historically, most utilities read a customer’s meter at monthly (or longer) intervals. Both AMR and AMI are making it possible to have high-frequency (one second to one day) meter reads for every customer in the water system. The AMI is allowing communication between the meters and operational systems that can store and use these high-frequency reads for decision support services. This transition from monthly to high-frequency water use data allows operating decisions to be made with near real-time demand analysis; however, serious consideration needs to be given to the value added by such data and systems. Analyses need to be performed to determine the potential savings of installing such systems prior to utilities making major investments to upgrade telemetry

networks, decision support infrastructure, and customer meters. An untapped application of smart meters has the potential to provide significant savings to customers if pipe breaks in residential plumbing can be detected and the customer notified prior to significant damage occurring. Intended event ranges must be defined so that rapid notification can occur through “report by exception,” where the flow data are monitored at the local device level and reporting only takes place if there is an exception to the expected data within the ranges. For this to be successful at the individual customer level the event must be detected and notification provided as quickly as possible.

Emerging Uses for Customer Smart Meters As the use of AMR, AMI, and smart meters has become more prevalent, multiple studies have emerged documenting savings to utilities and customers. The initial utility focus of these systems was on reducing the staffing needed for meter reading. For AMR systems, this would involve driving by and downloading the data using shortrange radio communication, as opposed to manually reading each meter; for AMI systems, this would involve the data being automatically uploaded to a central database system used for billing. The Kansas City (Mo.) Water Services Department was able to eliminate 33 meter reading positions and use daily AMI reading to reduce meter rereads and leakage inspections by 90 percent, as well as reduce meter shutoffs by instead monitoring and billing vacant home use (Thiemann et al., 2011). In addition, the customers could view their own water use via a website, with future plans to allow

Table 1. Insurance Claims by Type of Damage Events

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

John P. McCary, Ph.D., P.E., is engineering team leader for potable and reclaimed water planning for Hillsborough County Public Utilities Department in Tampa.

customers to receive automatic notifications of high consumption via email or phone. Daigle and Jackson (2013) noted the benefit of the utility being able to detect irrigation events for code enforcement purposes, and this could eliminate the need for an employee to drive to multiple locations to inspect irrigation behavior when it can be detected by a smart meter. Smart meters can also provide conservation benefits through the detection of continuous leaks. Because normal residential water use is intermittent, it’s easy to identify continuous leaks, as they can be identified through continuous flow data. Cardell-Oliver (2013) indicated that alarms were set to notify the utility for continuous customer use at a utility in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Australia. These alarms were based on data collected at onehour intervals, and the alarms trigger interaction with the residents from the utility as appropriate for the amount of the flow. For high flow rates, the residents can be contacted immediately by phone, while medium flows may trigger a letter, and the least significant flows may simply receive advice in the regular water bill. Beyond leak detection only, additional research has focused on the “self-awareness” factor, i.e., that water use awareness brings customer-initiated conservation. This self-awareness is noted by Davies et al. (2014), who investigated the impact of smart meters on reducing residential water use in the long term. A key finding was that households with an in-home display that could be used to track water usage reduced their usage by an average of over 6.8 percent when compared with the control group that did not have an in-home display. The self-awareness factor was also used to support the long-term conservation goal of the Albuquerque (N.M.) Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, as indicated by Daigle and Jackson (2013), who described the implementation of AMI, meter data management, and customer engagement software that put the power in the hands Continued on page 8

Continued from page 6 of the consumers. It was used to identify leaks and also allowed customers to view their consumption patterns on a near real-time basis; customize and receive usage reports via email, text, or phone; create personal conservation goals and water budgets; and download targeted educational material regarding conservation.

Potential Insurance Benefits and Overall Cost Framework A potential application of smart meter systems is the rapid detection of pipe breaks within residential plumbing. Approximately 25 percent of insurance claims are the result of water damage (Table 1), with claims from faulty plumbing averaging over $17,000 per claim (Table 2). If plumbing breaks can be detected early during the break event, and smart meters can provide notification

to customers and automatic shutoff valves, then the damage from these plumbing breaks can be minimized. The use of automatic shutoff valves in homes has become more prevalent in recent years; however, they are typically linked to sensors in the home that have to detect the presence of water (e.g., a sensor in a laundry room that detects water on the floor). Prior to evaluating the cost- and water-savings potential, a basic framework needed to be established to compare savings to costs. The cost framework is based on actual costs for Hillsborough County Public Utilities Department. The cost for each AMI data logger with smart meter capability is $250, which covers the data storage and reporting to both customers and utilities for 10 years, with data accessible at five-minute intervals. For the cost comparison, the $250 is assumed to take the place of any meter-reading cost for 10 years. The AMI data loggers replace the analog reg-

Table 2. Repair Costs for Different Types of Water Damage

Table 3. Comparison of Advanced Metering Infrastructure to Standard Meter Reading Costs per Single-Family Residential Customer for Hillsborough County Public Utilities Department

Table 4. Monthly Conservation Block Rate for Hillsborough County Public Utilities for 2016

July 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Florida Water Resources Journal

isters on the meters; however, no internal mechanical components of the meter are replaced or impacted in any way. As such, the addition of the AMI data loggers doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t impact the normal replacement schedule for the meters, so no additional costs or savings are included with the addition of the AMI data loggers. Table 3 shows how this cost breaks down from the 10-year total to annual, monthly, and daily costs. For comparison, actual cost for the utility per-meter read ranges from $0.56 to $0.99. The low end of these costs is for contract meter reading (with no other services provided), while the high end of these costs includes overhead and other services by utility workers, like reporting and fixing anomalies in the field. The normal meter-read frequency based on standard meters is once per month. Table 3 shows the costs and differences when comparing the range of standard meter read costs to the AMI costs; the resulting range of cost differences shown in Table 3 would be passed on to the customer to result in cost neutrality for the utility. While the utility could realize other potential savings, which would reduce these differences, those are not being discussed in the current study, so no additional savings are being included. Assuming that the smart meters could be used to detect plumbing breaks and notify the customer in order to prevent or reduce damage (thereby reducing the risk for significant property damage), there is potential for insurance companies to incentivize the use of smart meters. Insurance policies are typically written on an annual basis, and the required annual premium reduction would need to range from $13 to $18 (Table 3) in order to result in cost neutrality for the customer without any other savings considerations. Aside from a pipe break or leak detection, the customer can realize other potential savings through conservation. Hillsborough County uses a conservation block structure for water rates (Table 4). Assuming that no savings are realized through the insurance premium reduction, Table 3 shows the resulting water savings that would be required in order to result in cost neutrality for the customer. In order to show a high and low end for the range, it was assumed that the highest cost difference for meter read options was applied to a customer with water use in the lowest range, thereby paying the lowest block rate; comparatively, the lowest cost difference was used assuming the savings would occur in the highest block rate. The resulting water savings required in order for the customer to result in cost neutrality ranges from 5 to 14 gal per household per day (gphd). A key question is if actual leakage quantities are in this range so that leakage reduction can potentially result in cost neutrality for the customer. A recent study in the United States (DeOreo et al., 2016) that built upon an

earlier nationwide study (Mayer et al., 1999) showed that average leakage was 17 gphd, so there is data to support the potential for these savings.

High-Frequency Water Use Data Collection The current study builds upon an earlier evaluation for three homes where aggregate event outliers were quantified based on volumetric ranges (McCary and Heaney, 2018). This requires an understanding of intended event ranges obtained through the analysis of high-frequency databases. Figure 1 shows the intended and unintended event ranges, along with an entire year of events for one of the homes presented in the study. The aggregate events shown in Figure 1 are based on aggregating continuous periods of water use using one-minute data. The current study focuses on the evaluation of a 128-home subset of an overall AMR pilot program that included a 191-home study area and the three homes previously evaluated. For the 191home study area, the data were collected at either one- or five-minute recording intervals, and while the period of record was different for each home, each had at least one year of data in the range from June 2013 to August 2015. The AMR data loggers used in this study only replaced the analog registers on the meters; no internal mechanical components of the meter itself were replaced, and the resolution of the gal reported by the AMR data loggers was as accurate as the registering capability of the mechanical components of the meter. The internal mechanical components of the meters use nutating discs capable of reading in increments of 0.017 gal. The local data storage on the AMR was limited to 32,000 data points. The data in this study were collected by driving to each meter and downloading the data from the loggers through short-range wireless communication. The vehicle used was equipped with a radio that communicated with a local radio transmitter on each of the data loggers and each data file took approximately five minutes to download. A database was built that allowed each data file to be uploaded to the appropriate dataset for each meter. The resulting database allowed easy access to water use data by time of day, day of week, and any combination of these two. Within the 191-home study area, there were 166 homes programmed with a five-minute recording interval, and at this interval, the data must be downloaded every 111 days in order to avoid gaps in the data. The other 25 homes were programmed with a one-minute recording interval, with the data needing to be downloaded every 22 days. An aerial map of the pilot area is shown in

Figure 1. Aggregate Events for Indoor Water Use (McCary and Heaney, 2018)

Figure 2. The blue parcels indicate the 166 homes with five-minute recorded intervals, and the orange parcels indicate the 25 homes with oneminute recorded intervals. A reduced dataset was used to limit the evaluation to one year in order to evaluate continuous data and develop a report based on annual statistics. Over 20 million data points were collected for the 166 homes (with five-minute data), and over 13 million data points were used for the final dataset of 128 homes that had continuous water use data for a one-year period. Likewise, over 17 million data points were collected for the 25 homes with one-minute data, although these data arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t presented in the final dataset.

Results and Conclusions The 128-home dataset was summarized based on the criteria from McCary and Heaney (2018) to develop statistics on a per-home basis at different levels of temporal aggregation of the data. The different levels of aggregation allow for a comparison between the detection capabilities of increasing time steps from five minutes to one hour. Table 5 shows the statistics for aggregate event outliers on a per-home basis, where the aggregate event outliers are quantified based on volumetric ranges. The color coding of the unintended events that are summarized in Table 5 match the ranges that are shown in Figure 1. For each volumetric range, there is also a percentage breakdown showing the volume con-

tributed by individual data points within intended and unintended intensity ranges. The purpose of this percentage breakdown is to show the potential that the larger aggregate events might actually be comprised of intended uses with longer durations than normal, or more likely, that the larger time steps are combining many smaller events into what appears to be longer, unintended events. The overall process is described by McCary and Heaney (2018) in more detail. From looking at only the conservation perspective, Table 3 indicates that an annual water savings of 1,697 to 5,050 gal per home is required to result in cost neutrality for the customer. This could be achieved by preventing only the larger events greater than 1,000 gal; however, aside from the conservation perspective, the cost of damage prevention could be the most attractive benefit. If these large events are internal pipe or fixture breaks within the home, being able to mitigate these events as a result of early detection could more than offset the cost. As an example, Table 3 indicates that an annual cost savings of $13 to $18 per home is required to result in cost neutrality for the customer. Table 1 indicates that there are approximately 1.79 water damage clams per 100 homes, resulting in approximately 2.29 claims per year in the 128home study area. Table 2 indicates that the lowest cost of claims caused by leaks averages $3,642 for damage from internal water heater leaks. If only one of these average events could be detected and Continued on page 10 Florida Water Resources Journal â&#x20AC;˘ July 2019

Figure 2. Aerial View of the Study Area With 191 SingleFamily Residential Parcels

Continued from page 9 prevented in the 128-home study area, the average cost savings per home would be $28. From reviewing the five-minute data in Table 5, there are two events per home greater than 1,000 gal, with an average event volume of 13,900 gal. If only one of these events for one home was an internal fixture or pipe-break event, and the damage was mitigated from the use of a smart meter, the average cost savings per home would cover the cost of the smart meter installations across the entire study area. The results show that as the time step increases, there is an overall decrease in the number of events, which is intuitive, as the larger time steps capture many smaller events within a single larger event. Likewise, the larger time steps result in an increase in the number of unintended events, although the extreme events (greater than 1,000 gal) are only slightly more prevalent. While the smaller time steps capture many more of the smaller events, these are not significant in terms of overall volumetric contribution. The current study makes a case for a framework where smart meter systems can directly benefit customers by detecting these larger events. This should be evaluated in future smart system evaluations instead of using the traditional benefit analysis for utility savings only.

References

Table 5. Summary of Unintended Events at Varying Time Steps for 128 Homes Within Study Area

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

• Cardell-Oliver, R., 2013. “Water Use Signature Patterns for Analyzing Household Consumption Using Medium Resolution Meter Data.” Water Resources Research, 49:12:8589. • CDaigle, N.; & Jackson, A., 2013. “New Mexico Utility Rolls Out Smart Grid Infrastructure.” Journal of the American Water Works Association, 105:2:51. • CDavies, K.; Doolan, C.; Van Den Honert, R.; & Shi, R, 2014. “Water-Saving Impacts of Smart Meter Technology: An Empirical 5-Year, Whole-of-Community Study in Sydney, Australia.” Water Resources Research, 50:9:7348. • CDeOreo, W.B.; Mayer, P.W.; Dziegielewski, B.; & Kiefer, J., 2016. “Residential End Uses of Water, Version 2.” Water Research Foundation, Denver. • CMayer, P.W.; DeOreo, W.B.; Opitz, E.M.; Kiefer, J.C.; Davis, W.Y.; Dziegielewski, B.; & Nelson, J.O., 1999. Residential End Uses of Water. Water Research Foundation, Denver. • CMcCary, J.P., and Heaney, J.P., 2018. Use of High-Frequency Data to Detect Household Leaks as Event Outliers. Journal of the American Water Works Association, 110:12:E70. • CThiemann, R.; Haas, J.; & Schlenger, D., 2011. Reaping the Benefits of AMI: A Kansas City Case Study. Journal of the American Water Works Association, 103:4:38. S

Highlights From the 2019 Florida Water Resources Conference Holly Hanson The relaxed atmosphere, combined amenities, and beautiful spring weather in Tampa were just three of the many factors that contributed to the success of the 2019 Florida Water Resources Conference (FWRC). Sponsored by Florida Section American Water Works Association (FSAWWA), Florida Water Environment Federation (FWEA), and Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association (FWPCOA), the conference was held April 14-17 at the Tampa Convention Center. The bustling downtown area made for easy access to comfortable hotels, quality restaurants, and multiple entertainment venues. The city trolley allowed for preconference trips to Ybor City, museums, the aquarium, and other local attractions. Tampa is one of the major Florida cities that FWRC has on its site rotation, and this year’s event boasted an attendance of 4,588, which included 358 exhibitors, booth staff, attendees, guests, and individuals just wanting to walk the exhibit floor. The FWRC is one of the few water industry conferences that offers a free exhibit hall pass, offering a great introduction to prospective exhibitors and water professionals seeking jobs, technical products and services, or just interaction with their peers.

A Multifaceted Conference The conference technical program, including workshops and special-interest presentations,

was exceptional, and the quality educational papers that were presented once again demonstrate why FWRC is so highly regarded as a premier event in the water/wastewater business. Networking events brought to life the many ways that water professionals are growing and thriving in their careers. With the various opportunities and challenges they face on a daily basis, the broad array of technical presentations, roundtables, and symposiums provided many answers for them. The 80,000-square-foot exhibit hall in the convention center had a smooth flow on the floor and extra room for comfort—for the exhibits and for all of the other events that took place there. The Florida Water Resources Journal and Water For People and were given prime locations for their booths in the middle of the hall near the Operations Challenge competition. These two entities are fully supported by FWRC—the first for its educational and informational value, and the second as our charity of choice, as many fundraising endeavors take place onsite. The Operations Challenge competition was held in the center of the exhibit hall. Visiting staff manager from the Water Environment Federation, Steve Harrison, stated that “this was an excellent idea to present this highly competitive, action-packed event in the middle of the hall.” Each year we try to include activities to make this annual event as interesting and informative as possible: S A technical tour on Sunday to the Pinellas County South Cross Bayou Advanced Water Reclamation Facility was very engaging. S Once again, FWRC, in partnership with the Water Research Foundation (WRF), presented

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

the Innovation Showcase, an opportunity for startups and small businesses to promote themselves and new ideas concepts. S This year, a “Passport to Innovation” was implemented, where individuals accumulated stamps as they visited booths. Once the passport was completely stamped, the participant was entered into a prize drawing. Other significant components included the following: S Student Design Competition, which brings the brightest young minds and their wastewater and environmental designs to the conference. S Women of Water Forum, where panelists and audience members celebrate the contributions of women to the water industry. S Operators Showcase, with operators addressing the issues of the day. S Contractors Council session, with a discussion of project delivery methods.

Students and Young Professionals: The Future of the Industry Emphasis was placed on young professionals and university students as we ramped up new activities to maintain their interest and involvement. The Young Professionals Symposium, a joint endeavor by FSAWWA and FWEA, presented a roundtable discussion, with guest speakers sharing their career stories. The Student Design Competition teams represented these Florida universities: Wastewater Category S University of South Florida

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S Florida International University S Florida Gulf Coast University

cent of the students passed the exam on their first attempt. For those students seeking to retake the FDEP water or wastewater exam, the FSAWWA Operators and Maintenance Council provides five one-hundred-dollar scholarships to high school academy graduates.

Environmental Category S Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University/Florida State University S Florida International University S Florida Gulf Coast University S University of Central Florida S University of Florida Each team presented its real-world findings to an assigned problem or task in both environmental and wastewater interests. This competition is intended for both undergraduate and graduate students, typically completing a capstone project. This year, the University of Central Florida won in the environmental category and the University of South Florida won the wastewater category. These winning teams will move on to the national contest at the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) in September in Chicago. As an added bonus, a resumé writing workshop was held to assist the students in preparing a sharp resumé for future employment consideration. The Student Poster Contest was in full swing Monday afternoon in the rear stage area of the hall. The winners, who each received a Visa gift card, were: S 1st Place - Maya Carrasquillo, University of South Florida: “Environmental Justice and Stormwater Management: An East Tampa Case Study Toward Equitable Decision Making” S 2nd Place - Xiaofan Xu, University of South Florida: “Discharge or Reuse? Comparative Sustainability Assessment of Anaerobic and Aerobic Membrane Bioreactors” A “Gasparilla Pirate” theme prevailed at the student and young professionals social that was held in the evening, a salute to local Tampa history. José Gaspar, also known by his nickname, “Gasparilla,” who supposedly lived from 1756–1821, was an apocryphal Spanish pirate, the "Last of the Buccaneers," who is claimed to have roamed and plundered across the Gulf of Mexico and the Spanish Main from his base in southwest Florida.

Technical Sessions and Workshops: Peers Share Their Expertise

FSAWWA Operators Initiative The FSAWWA, and the other two member organizations that sponsor the conference, fully endorse the support and training programs for future operators through the Operators Initiative, which included two full-day workshops at this conference. According to the 2010 WRF Water Sector Workforce Sustainability Initiative report, over 37 percent of water utility workers and 31 percent of wastewater utility workers are projected to retire in the next ten years, and to address this shortage, the FSAWWA Operators Initiative is working to create statewide programs for high school technical academies. The objectives of these academies, supported in part with an annual grant from FSAWWA, are to produce graduates who are proficient in water technologies and water resources management and will then enter postsecondary education and/or the workforce with the knowledge and skills to solve many broad-based environmental challenges. The two academies are Heritage High School Academy of Environmental Water Technology (AEWT) in Palm Bay, and St. Johns Technical High School Academy of Coastal and Water Resources in St. Augustine. Students graduating from the academies will have taken and passed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) water or wastewater licensure exams. After graduation, the students will need to complete 2,080 hours of in-plant experience to be issued a license by the state of Florida. While some students will be attending college and thinking about trainee positions to supplement their finances, others will be looking for trainee positions immediately after high school. Over the last three years, an average of 47 per-

The technical program, loaded with valuable content, was coordinated by Tim Madhanagopal, with Orange County Utilities. He serves as conference vice president, and he and his technical review committee, which is composed of industry experts from a variety of government and privately owned facilities and agencies, developed the progam. The committee members read and graded the submitted abstracts by subject, and the top five in each group were selected for presentation. The workshop presentations included: S Public Communications: Effective Strategies and Lessons Learned S Exploring the Smart Utility: Basics, Approaches, and Use Cases S Public Education and Outreach S Security in the Age of Cyber S Water Research Foundation Workshop S Techniques to Reduce Inflow and Infiltration of Collection Systems S The FWEA Utility Council: Legislative and Regulatory Items S Utility Innovation: Building a Digital Foundation with Building Information Modeling (BIM) Two days of solid technical content included technical sessions that covered substantial issues like utility management, nutrient removal, disaster management, sustainability and climate change, potable water treatment, biosolids technologies, collections, disinfection and public health, distribution, supply, treatment, resource recovery, utility rates, operations and maintenance, reclamation and reuse, and modeling/GIS and computer applications. New technology prevailed as the 2019 FWRC MobiApp allowed attendees to track Continued on page 14

Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

Continued from page 13 their attendance at technical sessions with their smartphones, which generated a report at the end of the conference for their continuing educational units (CEUs). This made the turnaround time to the state within two days.

In the Exhibit Hall: Ingenuity, Innovation, and Inspiration The South's premier water and wastewater conference was also buzzing on the exhibit floor, with over 40 new exhibitors this year, all focusing on promoting new industry trends and technologies. Discussions on case studies, regulatory issues, and subjects pertaining to Florida’s challenge of supplying, conserving, and reusing its precious water resources took place throughout the week. The master of ceremonies for the many events in the hall was Tom King, past president of the FWPCOA. As he made his announcements, his engaging, warm personality and ability to entertain kept everyone informed of the conference activities. Six 15-minute segments at the Exhibitors Showcase were available on Monday and Tuesday on the exhibit hall rear stage, which provided a focused opportunity for vendors to promote the development and implementation of innovative technologies and approaches.

Thanks to Our Sponsors The conference sponsors help to enrich the experience at FWRC. We appreciate their interest in the conference’s vision and are grateful for their support. I encourage all conference attendees to give these sponsors the opportunity to earn their business throughout the year. ABS Inc. AECOM Airvac Aqseptence Group ARCADIS Atkins Inc. Black & Veatch

Blue Planet Environmental Brown and Caldwell Cardno Inc. Carter|VerPlanck CDM Smith Custom Controls Technology Electro-Scan Inc. Gannett Fleming Garney Construction Genesis/Halff Gerber Pumps GHD Green Technologies LLC Grundfos Hydra Service Inc. Jacobs Engineering Jones Edmunds & Associates Kimley-Horn & Associates LMK Pipe Renewal Mead & Hunt Merrell Brothers Inc. Miller Pipeline Mott MacDonald NLC Service Line Warranty PCL Construction Inc. PURE Technologies Reynolds Construction LLC Reiss Engineering Revere Control Systems Stantec Starnet Technologies TetraTech Tom Evans Environmental U.S. Water Service V&A Consultinging Engineers VTScada Wharton Smith Inc. Wright-Pierce

Networking and Annual Events: Information Sharing and Industry Recognition Many activities went on at FWRC, in additional to the educational forums, technical sessions, and committee meetings.

The Operators Showcase packed the room as operators from around the state and the region discussed best practices, new trends, and reoccurring issues. Hosted by FWPCOA, Tom King once again served as emcee for this great event, with positive feedback from attendees. The discussion this year focused on first responder status for water utility workers, higher standards for the industry, and direct potable reuse. Over 650 people attended the Monday Awards Luncheon. Scott Kelly, FWRC president, hosted the proceedings; the boards of FSAWWA, FWEA, FWPCOA, and FWRC were in attendance; and several awards were given. Tom Baber, Ph7, with Litkenhaus and Associates, once again hosted the Florida Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (FSSSSS) inductions at the Monday lunch. This exclusive award honors the recipients based on merit for their “outstanding and meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty to the water industry.” This year’s recipients were Tim Harley, St. Johns County; Clyde Burgess, Wharton Smith; and Patrick Murphy, City of Plant City. Tuesday’s FWEA Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon hosted Joan Hawley, a Water Environment Federation (WEF) board trustee, and included review of the organization’s annual report, election of officers, passing of the gavel, and incoming president’s remarks. This luncheon was also popular, with over 600 attendees and award recipients present. The Monday Night networking party held at The Landings, an outdoor patio overlooking the channel waterside, featured the band Nofilter, a Tampa-area band. The open bar and live music got folks on the dance floor as they enjoyed the atmosphere and the delicious food.

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Contests and Competitions The FSAWWA hosted the annual “Best Tasting Drinking Water Contest” on Tuesday, where municipalities representing the section’s 12 regions entered their drinking water samples for close examination and various testing.

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

Talquin Electric Cooperative/Meadows Regional Water System was selected by the five judges as this year’s winner. Other participants included: S Auburn Water System S Bay County Utilities S Charlotte County Utilities S City of Ocala S City of Palm Coast S City of Wildwood S Collier County S Miami-Dade County S Seminole County S Seminole Tribe of Florida Bradley Hayes, with Woodard & Curran and the FWEA Operations Council chair, reported that preparations starting in January for the Operations Challenge competition, and anticipation was high this year as the event had six team entries. Coordinated by Chris Fasnacht and Ada Levy, both with City of St. Cloud, the competing teams were: S City of St. Petersburg - Dirty Birds S City of Tallahassee - Sludge Soldiers S Destin Water Users - Positive Influents S JEA - Fecal Matters S Orange County Utilities - Treatment Outlaws S Polk County Utilities – Biowizards A discernible undercurrent of excitement was present as tough competition in each of the five categories took place. The winning team was Positive Influents, with Fecal Matters coming in second. Both teams will compete at the 92nd annual WEFTEC, to be held at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago in September. The Top Ops Competition, which was held Tuesday afternoon and coordinated by Andrew Greenbaum, Tampa Bay Water, hosted the following teams: S City of Palm Coast - Water Buoys S Pasco County Utilities - Justice League

team theme and colors throughout the conference. Water Buoys, the winning team for several years, competed at the American Water Works Association Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE19) in June in Denver. Other yearly events included the FSSSSS annual members breakfast and the FSAWWA regional chairs and volunteer breakfast. Various association meetings and forums were also held.

Volunteers: The Backbone of the Conference The FWRC has many moving parts and I would especially like to thank all of our talented speakers who truly are experts in their fields: staff members of FSAWWA, Water For People, FWPCOA, WEF, and FWEA; all the many people who volunteered their time at registration, as part of the technical review committee, and workshop coordinators; attendees at educational events and committee meetings; and all the other people behind the scenes who make this event so successful. You are all good stewards of Florida’s clean water environment with your commitment to FWRC.

Save the Date Let’s get ready for fun and sun at the 2020 Florida Water Resources Conference, which is scheduled for April 26-29 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach. Look for Heyward Florida Inc., which won the drawing for a free booth at the 2020 FWRC, in the exhibit hall. The FWRC strives to be your prevailing source for technical and educational information and we look forward to another great conference next year! Holly Hanson is executive director of the Florida Water Resources Conference.

Thank you for attending the 2019 Florida Water Resources Conference. Tampa, the nation’s 55th largest city, once again hosted this event. Located in Hillsborough County, this exciting city, with its rich history, vibrant downtown, and diverse neighborhoods contains many universities and businesses, and extensive activities. Surrounded by water, this natural harbor and shallow estuary connects to the Gulf of Mexico. With Hillsborough River being the largest freshwater inflow into the bay, many smaller rivers and streams also flow into Tampa Bay, resulting in a large watershed area. As we increasingly look to augment our water supplies with ocean, river, groundwater, and recycled water, we must better understand the possible water quality and public health impacts from these practices. A holistic integrated approach that meets the needs of every community will be challenging, as a one-size-fits-all will not be successful. Yet again, we gathered as water professionals to address the issues ahead. This year’s theme, “Piecing Together Florida’s Water Future,” was appropriately named as different considerations for water sources are on the horizon. It's our job to define what level of treatment—and resulting water quality—is required to make all water acceptable for potable use. As humans, we are designated as stewards of the planet. By profession, we have elected to maintain a clean, pure water environment. As industry leaders, you have the power to shape Florida’s water future and you also have the ability to empower colleagues and train employees to provide the finest drinking water possible. We thank you for your attendance at the 2019 Florida Water Resources Conference, as we had plenty of items to discuss. I hope to see you in April 2020 as we return to the aesthetically charming city of West Palm Beach and the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Scott Kelly, P.E. President, Florida Water Resources Conference Inc.

Teams were encouraged to promote their Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

EXHIBITION The Latest Products, Services, and Innovations The exhibit hall this year included 358 exhibitors, with company employees and representatives discussing cutting-edge technologies and processes with the attendees at their booths. The Exhibitors Showcase provided introductions to an exhibitor’s latest innovation, equipment, or technology during unopposed stage time in the rear of the exhibit hall. It provided a platform for new ideas that are not at the stage for a presentation in the technical program, but can still make a difference in the industry. Booths for FSAWWA, FWEA, FWPCOA, and the Florida Water Resources Journal near or in the hall had staff and volunteers available to talk about programs and products from the organizations. The hall was also the site for the evening receptions; prize giveaways; Top Ops, Operations Challenge, and “Best of the Best” Drinking Water Contest; poster session; and some of the awards presentations. Some of the activities are pictured here.

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

WORKSHOPS AND TECHNICAL SESSIONS Sharing Knowledge, Know-How, and Expertise The eight workshops at the conference covered the topics of public communications, exploring the smart utility, public education and outreach, cybersecurity, research, techniques to reduce inflow and infiltration of collection systems, legislative and regulatory issues, utility innovations, and building a digital foundation. The two-day technical program included sessions on utility

management, wastewater treatment, nutrient removal, stormwater and climate change, collection systems, direct and indirect potable reuse, facility operations and maintenance, biosolids, phosphorus removal, reclamation and reuse, sustainability, potable water treatment, resource recovery, and modeling/geographic information systems/automation. Pictured are some of the workshops and sessions.

Florida Water Resources Journal â&#x20AC;˘ July 2019

WOMEN OF WATER FORUM Forum Celebrates Women in the Industry Acknowledging the importance of, and contributions by, women in the water and wastewater industries, the fourth Women of Water (WOW) forum was presented at the conference on April 15. The moderators for the session were: S Marjorie G. Craig, P.E., sole proprietor/owner, Marjorie G. Craig (Consulting) S Robert Beltran, P.E., BCEE, president, Hydro Solutions Consulting LLC The two-hour session attracted more than sixty people (mostly women, with some men), and the interaction among the panelists, moderators, and audience members—those new to the industry, seasoned professionals, and somewhere in between—produced a lively and informative discussion. The panelists for the program were: S Ana Gonzalez, P.E., senior associate, Hazen and Sawyer S Joan Hawley, P.E., president, Superior Engineering LLC, and a member of the 2018-19 Water Environment Federation (WEF) board of trustees S Carol Hinton, director, University of Florida Training, Research, and Education for Environmental Occupations (TREEO) Center, and administrator for Florida Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN) S Kim Kowalski, operations manager, Wager Company of Florida, and chair-elect of Florida Section AWWA S Sondra W. Lee, P.E., program manager, underground utilities wastewater treatment department, City of Tallahassee

Background Craig welcomed everyone to the session, which was held in a hollow-square format to help facilitate discussion with the audience. She stated that the purpose of the forum is to allow women (and men) to share their stories about their work experience and to support each other. Craig noted that, as the United States has transformed rapidly to an information-based economy, employment in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) occupations has grown—outpacing overall job growth. In the last 25 years, STEM employment has increased 79 percent (9.7 million to 17.3 million) and

computer jobs have seen a huge 338 percent increase over the same period. Of the STEM workforce, women make up 50 percent of all U.S. workers, though their presence varies widely across occupational clusters and educational levels, and they are underrepresented in several STEM occupations, particularly in computer jobs and engineering. Craig stressed that there are a lot of opportunities for women with STEM degrees to work in water, as well as those with other degrees— or with no degree at all—and encouraged everyone to consider sharing the benefits they’ve realized through being a part of the industry. For those who are, or know someone who is, college bound, there are opportunities for those with degrees in marketing, communications, accounting, finance, environmental and other sciences, ecology, forestry, computer science, cybersecurity, geomatics, writing, communications, and public relations, as well as the traditional fields of engineering and hydrogeology. Craig and several others mentioned the scholarships that are available through FSAWWA, FWEA, and FWPCOA. For those not interested in college, there will be a shortage within the next five to 10 years (it even exists now in some places) of water and wastewater operators, underground field operators, industrial electricians, mechanics, generator technicians, and instrumentation and control technicians.

Introductions The panelists gave a brief introduction about their work experiences and how they started in the water industry. S Lee stated that with her civil engineering degree, she started in stormwater and eventually worked her way to water and wastewater treatment. S Hinton has a degree in marketing and an MBA and worked for schools in Kentucky before her current jobs at TREEO and FlaWARN. S Kowalski began working for her dad’s company (where she is currently employed) in high school in various capacities, including sales and operations, and got her degree in agricultural business and management at the University of Florida. She got involved in water through the FSAWWA Manufacturers

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

and Associates Council and volunteering on many conference planning committees. S Gonzalez, with an undergraduate degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in structural engineering, wanted to design houses after college and got into water when she joined Hazen and Sawyer. Her artistic side, including being an accomplished pianist, led her career to the creative side of the industry in corporate marketing. For years, she produced many of the materials for FSAWWA, including its eightieth-anniversary book. S Hawley has an impressive background, with undergraduate and master degrees in civil and environmental engineering and several operator licenses. She started out working at water and wastewater treatment plants.

Changes and Challenges in the Current Work Culture Craig related that there are now more women than ever working in the water industry. They used to be heavily represented in the laboratory, but there are now greater numbers of them in engineering, information technology, and management positions. It was noted that there are still few women in operations and maintenance, where Craig noted earlier that there will be lots of openings in the near future. Kowalski stated that the manufacturers in the industry are still mostly men, and Gonzalez said that consulting firms now have more women, at all levels, than in the past. An attendee mentioned that the president of Black & Veatch, a global engineering firm, is a woman, which is indicative of changes in the industry. Women Mentoring Women Mentoring was discussed as an effective way to keep people in the industry and advance women in their companies, and the following comments were offered by the panelists and attendees: S Create more internships for students and those who’ve recently graduated. S Have workshops and sessions on mentoring at the Florida Water Resources Conference (FWRC) and FSAWWA Fall Conference. S Training for operators is being offered by WEF.

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S The Florida Section and AWWA both have successful mentoring programs. S The Florida water management districts have training and mentoring programs that could be emulated by other organizations. S Small businesses often can’t provide programs like these, but mentoring can happen naturally; there doesn’t always have to be a formal program for a one-on-one relationship to be productive and successful. S The WEF board of directors is 50 percent women, which was achieved by current women directors reaching out and recruiting other women. Craig noted that fundraising organizations have known this for years—the personal “ask” is the best way to get people involved and engaged. S Joining professional organizations is a good way to meet others in the profession and learn from them. Attracting Women to the Industry Craig introduced Jackie Torbert, chair of the AWWA Diversity and Member Inclusion Committee, which is starting a program for middle- and high-school students to show that there is a place for them in the water industry. It was suggested that there should be a celebration when someone joins a company, maybe a “signing day” like in football, with support and congratulations. It was noted that one of the first female water operators in Florida, Katherine Kinloch, was in attendance. She spoke to the group about how she had started in the laboratory and found being an operator also used her laboratory skills and developed other important skills like troubleshooting. Her operator license was one of the first issued to a woman in Florida. The following ideas were mentioned as ways to get more women involved in water careers: S Accurately define the specific skills and competencies for a job to help get the right candidates. S Develop programs for junior high and high school students to promote the opportunities for women in the industry. Many students have no idea that this industry exists, or if they do, have no concept of what a job in the industry entails. S Reach out to women in communities of color and of other under-represented demographics. S Create more scholarships at the high school and university levels. S Make students and women already in the workforce aware of the job opportunities in operations and maintenance—and throughout the industry.

S FWEA is continuing its efforts on professional development (for both women and men) to recognize and promote, through a new certification process, the competencies of operators and system support professionals in three functional areas that are not currently licensed: maintenance mechanics, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system support, and electrical power systems support.

Work/Family Life Balance Beltran asked the panelists and attendees to name some challenges that women have balancing their work and family lives, and the following were given: S Balancing work and family life is harder for an unpartnered parent. S Determine what work really needs to be done and what work can be delegated. S Discuss with a partner how home duties can be done more equitably, whether both partners work or only one does. S Managers need to understand that a work/home life balance is important to younger workers and the issue needs to be addressed, or they may go to another organization. S Take some time just for yourself doing something that doesn’t involve work, a partner, or children. S The industry needs to be aware that many workers are part of the “sandwich” generation, juggling work duties with not only kids but also aging parents, and policies need to be developed to address this growing reality.

S Your job should be fun, as well as getting the work done; if it’s not, try to make some changes so you can enjoy going to work every day. Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone and change some things.

Final Thoughts Beltran asked the panelists for any final comments and words of wisdom they had. The panelists provided these takeaways for the attendees: S Don’t take things too personally. If a situation is not going the way you want, it may have nothing to do with you. S People can and will take advantage of you, if you let them. S Pick your battles; save your time and energy for the things that are really important to you. S If you don’t know something, admit it and then do what you can to learn about it. S Don’t try to mimic men (yelling, cursing, etc.). Use your female strengths and be yourself! S Learn to speak up and accurately articulate what you want. Craig asked the attendees to make suggestions, submit questions, or recommend panelists for next year’s forum by emailing her at marjorie.g.craig@gmail.com, and she looks forward to seeing everyone—both women and men—at the forum at FWRC next year in West Palm Beach.

Moderators and panelists at the session are (left to right) Carol Hinton, Sondra Lee, Robert Beltran, Marjorie Craig, Joan Hawley, Kim Kowalski, and Ana Gonzalez. Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

OPERATORS SHOWCASE Operators Discuss Hot Topics for the Water and Wastewater Industry On April 14 operators from across Florida gathered at the conference to attend the Operators Showcase to have a beer and discuss current topics in the water utility industry. The showcase continues to grow in attendance each year, with new and relevant topics and lively conversations. The showcase is sponsored by the Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association (FWPCOA), and this year the discussion was moderated by Tom King, utility manager for Kennedy Space Center Utilities in Orlando, and Scott Anaheim, past president of FWCPOA. This year’s topics included: S First responder status for water utility personnel S Higher standards for the industry S Direct potable reuse (DPR)

First Responder Status King shared stories of brave and committed utility professionals who were out working during hurricanes and other recent storm events, repairing water and sewer lines, working on lift stations, setting up generators, and operating water and wastewater plants, all in horrible and dangerous weather conditions. Operators have to leave their families, putting aside their own possible personal losses and damage to homes and property to go above and beyond the call of duty to restore utility services for the public. Because of the work that these water professionals do under these risky conditions, the industry is recommending that they be give first responder status. The definition of a first responder is as follows:

Tom King (left) and Scott Anaheim moderate the session.

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

“A first responder is a person with specialized training who is among the first to arrive and provide assistance at the scene of an emergency, such as an accident, natural disaster, or terrorist attack. First responders typically include paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, firefighters, rescuers, and other trained members of organizations connected with this type of work. A certified first responder is one who has received certification to provide care in a certain jurisdiction.” King noted that the request is not to take anything away from firefighters, police officers, and other brave first responders who jeopardize their lives to protect and defend the community. They will always be held in the highest esteem, but those in the water industry are also vital to the health, safety, and wellbeing of the public, and also put themselves in harm’s way in the middle of storms and flooding events, meeting the definition of a first responder. Anaheim said that, like other first responders, utility workers are required to show up for work during and after a storm, or be disciplined—and possibly fired. The action of utility personnel before, during, and after storms certainly puts them in a category that deserves recognition. Many businesses reward first responders with discounts and financial rewards for their service. When utility professionals do what they do because of their commitment to the industry and their customers, it would be nice for them to be rewarded with a recognized title showing the respect that’s deserved. King asked those in attendance to have their employers write letters recommending first responder status for their employees. He’ll share these letters with Florida legislators and lobbyists. Any letters can be sent to him at thomas.j.king-1@nasa.gov.

The hollow-square format of the room facilitates interaction.

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King responds to a question.

Being Held to a Higher Standard The need for highly trained and qualified utility employees has always been vital to the water and wastewater industries. King reminded the attendees that they are often the only image of the utility seen by the public on a daily basis when they make repairs, flush water lines, and perform other work tasks in the community. The workers on the front lines are the face of the industry for a utility or company and, hopefully, provide a positive image by the way they look and act the entire time they’re on the job. Workers should accept the responsibility to be held to a higher standard, and knowing the consequences of their actions is a key to the standards to which they should hold themselves and their utilities. Gov. Ron DeSantis has stated that not everyone wants to, or should, go to college, and he has offered to provide public funds to help those who want to go to a technical or trade school, including those who want to train for the water industry. Students and trainees who eventually become operators and other utility personnel, and who act like the professional they are, will help to justify the expense to legislators and the public. Every profession can have dignity and provide worth to a society. It was suggested that utilities develop best management practices to govern how workers should conduct themselves. Anaheim stressed that all workers must stay alert to those who perform their tasks as if it were “just a job” and jeopardize the systems they protect. Everyone should look and act as the professionals they are, which can also help those in the industry to get to the designation of first responders.

Direct Potable Reuse King stated that there is no new water being created and DPR is a part of the solution to the coming water shortage in Florida and other parts of the United States and the world. He noted that training to handle DPR will be required for both wastewater and water treatment operators. There should be courses designed to deal with the organic load of DPR on water treatment plants, as

An attendee makes his point.

well as water distribution systems, and permit requirements for wastewater treatment plants that use DPR as a disposal method will soon change. The way Florida addresses the license and training requirements associated with DPR is still being formulated. Other states have responded to DPR with a new license; King asked if FDEP should require changes in the licenses that exist, or should a new license for plants be created that uses DPR as a resource, and suggested that perhaps a hybrid license that addresses DPR is needed. The question of what is the best way to implement potable reuse in Florida may be answered by the newly created Potable Reuse Commission (PRC), a diverse group of water resource, industry, agriculture, and health professionals. The purpose of the commission is to create a consensus-driven partnership to develop the framework for the implementation of potable reuse in Florida. The mission of PRC is to develop a framework for potable reuse implementation in Florida that will augment future water supply and support water quality initiatives. The commission will advise elected officials and regulatory agencies on statutory and regulatory challenges, and present consensus-based solutions. The group will produce documents that succinctly summarize recommendations, resolve issues, and serve as briefing materials for elected officials and regulatory agencies. These will serve as the foundation for a final report, which will include recommendations for the implementation of potable reuse in Florida in time for the 2019 legislative session.

King and Anaheim reminded the attendees that the Operators Showcase will again be held at the 2020 Florida Water Resources Conference in West Beach Beach and that any suggestions for topic ideas for next year should be emailed to King.

Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

AWARDS

Each year the Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association, Florida Water Environment Association, and Florida Section of the American Water Works Association honor outstanding individuals, utilities, and other organizations for contributions to the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water and wastewater industry. The awards were presented at the two lunches held during the conference.

FWEA Awards Earle B. Phelps Awards

Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility First Place Hillsborough County Public Utilities Valrico Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant Accepted by (left to right) Eric Gauld, Earl Lee, and Marcus Moore.

Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility Runner-Up Hillsborough County Public Utilities Northwest Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility Accepted by (left to right) Kevin Grant, Anthony Lorenz, Alfonso Higareda, and Dustin Andricks.

Advanced Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility Greater Than 10 MGD First Place City of St. Petersburg Southwest Wastewater Reclamation Facility Accepted by (left to right) Cynthia Pierce, John Palenchar, George Wise, Jon Hughes, Brianne Smith, and Jason Venable.

Advanced Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility Greater Than 10 MGD Runner-Up Orange County Utilities Northwest Wastewater Reclamation Facility Accepted by William Rente.

Advanced Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility Greater Than 10 MGD Honorable Mention JEA Southwest District Wastewater Reclamation Facility Accepted by Michael Jones.

July 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Florida Water Resources Journal

Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility Honorable Mention City of Plant City Wastewater Reclamation Facility Accepted by Patrick Murphy and Mike Darrow.

Advanced Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility 5 to 10 MGD First Place JEA District II Wastewater Reclamation Facility Accepted by Joseph Rehberg and Kent Williamson.

Advanced Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility 5 to 10 MGD Runner-Up City of North Port Wastewater Treatment Facility Accepted by Chad Nosbisch.

Advanced Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility 5 to 10 MGD Honorable Mention Polk County Utilities Northeast Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Accepted by (front row) David McGrotty, Paul Winig, and Jeremiah Van Horn, and (back row) Sylvester Render, Jeff Goolsby, Todd Tysinger, Arthur Serode, and Richard Moore.

Advanced Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility 3 to 5 MGD First Place City of Bonita Springs East Wastewater Reclamation Facility Accepted by (left to right) Igor Gutin, Andy Koebel, Anthony Rivoli, and Jake Hepokoski.

Advanced Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility Up to 3 MGD First Place Toho Water Authority Poinciana Wastewater Treatment Facility No. 3 (Walnut Wastewater Reclamation Facility) Accepted by Rick Struckmeyer.

Advanced Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility Up to 3 MGD Runner-Up Town and Country Utilities LLC, Babcock Ranch Water Reclamation Facility Accepted by Jon Meyer and Nathaniel Mastroeni.

Advanced Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility Up to 3 MGD Honorable Mention Hillsborough County Utilities Van Dyke Wastewater Treatment Plant Accepted by (left to right) James Culbert, LaTishia Smith, and Filipo Timoteo

Advanced Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility 3 to 5 MGD Runner-Up Toho Water Authority Cypress West Wastewater Reclamation Facility Accepted by Jose Massas and Donald Vedner.

Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility Greater Than 5 MGD First Place JEA Buckman Wastewater Treatment Facility Accepted by Michael Durrett and Chris Howard.

Advanced Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility 3 to 5 MGD Honorable Mention City of Tavares Woodlea Water Reclamation Facility Accepted by (left to right) Tim Claitor, Jim Wyker, and Chad Robinson.

Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility Greater Than 5 MGD Runner-Up Palm Beach County Western Region Wastewater Treatment Facility Accepted by (left to right) David Dalton, Anthony Deutsch, Jason Davis, and Hassan Hadjimiry.

Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility Up to 5 MGD First Place Polk County Utilities Sun Ray Wastewater Treatment Facility Accepted by (left to right) Andrew Martin, Todd Potter, James Hall, Cindy Sammons, Walter Godwin, and William Altman.

Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility Up to 5 MGD Honorable Mention Polk County Utilities Waverly Wastewater Treatment Facility Accepted by (left to right) Andrew Martin, Todd Potter, Cindy Sammons, James Hall, Walter Godwin, and William Altman. Florida Water Resources Journal â&#x20AC;˘ July 2019

David W. York Water Reuse System of the Year Awards

Less Than 1 MGD Town and Country Utilities LLC, Babcock Ranch Water Reclamation Facility Accepted by Jon Meyer and Nathaniel Mastroeni.

1 to 5 MGD Polk County Utilities Southwest Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility Accepted by (left to right) Andrew Martin, Todd Potter, James Hall, Cindy Sammons, Walter Godwin, and William Altman.

5 to 15 MGD City of Altamonte Springs Regional Water Reuse System Accepted by Ed Torres and Jo Ann Jackson.

Reuse Project of the Year Hillsborough County Public Utilities South Hillsborough Aquifer Recharge Program (SHARP) Accepted by (left to right) Emmett Lee, Michael LeHigh, Jennifer Kampworth, and Jeff Greenwell.

Greater Than 15 MGD Woodard & Curran Inc., Water Conserv II Accepted by Glenn Burden.

Collection System Awards

Large Hillsborough County Public Utilities Accepted by (left to right) Sureshdath Maharaj, Laura Cintron, Richard Cummings, Daniel Hammon, and Roy Bean.

July 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Florida Water Resources Journal

Medium Boynton Beach Utilities Accepted by Michael Low and Charles Casimir.

Small Accepted by (left to right) Albert Bock, Juston Keefe, Jeff Goolsby, and James Tucker.

Safety Awards

Class A, First Place Toho Water Authority South Bermuda Water Reclamation Facility Accepted by Donald Vedner.

Class A, Second Place JEA Buckman Water Reclamation Facility Accepted by Chris Howard and Michael Durrett.

Class A, Third Place Gainesville Regional Utilities Water Reclamation Facilities Accepted by Brett Goodman and Alva White.

Class B, First Place Polk County Utilities Southwest Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Accepted by (left to right) Andrew Martin, Todd Potter, James Hall, Cindy Sammons, Walter Godwin, and William Altman.

Class B, Second Place Hillsborough County Public Utilities Van Dyke Wastewater Treatment Facility Accepted by (left to right) James Culbert, LaTishia Smith, and Filipo Timoteo.

Class B, Third Place Polk County Utilities Northwest Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Accepted by (front row) David McGrotty, Paul Winig, and Jeremiah Van Horn, and (back row) Sylvester Render, Jeff Goolsby, Todd Tysinger, Arthur Serode, and Richard Moore

Class C, First Place Toho Water Authority Parkway and Harmony Water Reclamation Facility Accepted by Andy Cieslak.

Class C, Second Place City of Pompano Beach Utilities Department Accepted by Shana Coombs.

George W. Burke Jr. Facility Safety Award Gainesville Regional Utilities Wastewater Reclamation Facilities Accepted by Brett Goodman and Alva White.

Florida Water Resources Journal â&#x20AC;˘ July 2019

Public Education Award

Organization Category Lakeland Water Utilities, Se7en Wetlands Accepted by Julie Vogel.

FWEA/Florida Benchmarking Consortium (FBC) Benchmarking Awards

City of Tallahassee Underground Utilities and Public Infrastructure Accepted by Joseph Cheatham.

City of Plant City Accepted by Tonya Grant.

JEA Accepted by Deryle Calhoun.

Marion County Utilities Accepted by Jeff Lanphere.

Orange County Utilities Accepted by Megan Nelson and Andres Salcedo.

O Municipal Utility Operational Performance Excellence Award

L.L. Hedgepeth Award Presented to Lonnie Chunn.

City of Boca Raton Utility Services Accepted by Kara Mills and Wilgens Valmy.

Leroy H. Scott Award Presented to Jake Hepokoski.

Athur Sidney Bedell Award Presented to Tim Harley.

July 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Florida Water Resources Journal

Albert B. Herndon Award Presented to Randy Greer.

Environmental Stewardship Award Lee County Utilities Fiesta Village Water Reclamation Facility Accepted by Darryl Parker and Lyssa Lott.

Thomas T. Jones Award

Young Professional of the Year Award

Presented to Shea Dunifon

Presented to Brittany Cogger.

Golden Manhole Society Award

WEF Delegate, 2015-2018

Presented to Joan Fernandez.

Presented to Ronald Cavalieri.

WEF Quarter Century Operators Club

Life Members Presented to Joseph Cheatam and Barton Jones.

Presented to Patrick Murphy.

Outstanding Service Awards

Presented to Larry Hickey.

Presented to Kenny Blanton.

Presented to Joan Fernandez.

Presented to David Hernandez.

Presented to George Dick.

FWEA Welcomes New President With Passing of the Gavel Kristiana Dragash (right) completes her term as the FWEA 2018-2019 president at the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual meeting and awards luncheon held on April 16 at the conference. Michael Sweeney (left) begins his term as president for 2019-2020. Florida Water Resources Journal â&#x20AC;˘ July 2019

FSAWWA Awards Water Treatment Plants

Outstanding Class A Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority Accepted by Richard Anderson.

Outstanding Class B City of Tarpon Springs Reverse Osmosis Facility Accepted by (left to right) Ray Page, Paul Smith, Hillary Weber, and Ronald Claunch.

Outstanding Class C City of Plant City Utilities Accepted by (left to right) Zoe Chaiser, Mark Nunes, and Bambi Adams.

Most Improved Class A Palm Beach County Water Treatment Plant No. 3 Accepted by (left to right) Jason Davis, Dennis Ford, and Vincent Munn.

Most Improved Class C City of Leesburg-Plantation Water Treatment Plant Accepted by Al Purvis.

July 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Florida Water Resources Journal

Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator Meritorious Service Award

Presented to Douglas Heistand, Hillsborough County Utilities

Kenneth J. Miller Founders Award Presented to Yvonne Picard and Juan Aceituno.

Water For People Gold Sponsors Accepted by Thomas Evans, Florida Aquastore and Utility, and Jacob Porter, Hazen and Sawyer.

FWPCOA Awards

Pat Flanagan Award

50 Plus Years of Membership, Dedication, and Support

Presented to Brian Sinkler.

Presented to Michael J. Henry.

David B. Lee Award

Wastewater Presented to Cindy Sammons.

Water Presented to Zoe Chaiser.

Water Presented to Steve Whidden.

Richard P. Vogh Awards

Presented to FWPCOA Region 7 and accepted by Debbie Wallace.

Presented to FWPCOA Region 10 and accepted by Katherine Kinloch.

Florida Water Resources Journal â&#x20AC;˘ July 2019

OPERATIONS CHALLENGE Positive Influents from Destin Water Users is 2019 Winner! The Destin Water Users Team, Positive Influents, came in first place in this year’s Operations Challenge, and Fecal Matters, the team from JEA, finished second. The contest is coordinated by Chris Fasnacht and Ada Levy, both with City of St.

Cloud. Six teams came to Tampa to compete. The other teams in the contest were: S City of St. Petersburg - Dirty Birds S City of Tallahassee - Sludge Soldiers S JEA - Fecal Matters S Orange County Utilities - Treatment Outlaws

The first-place team for this year’s competition is Positive Influents.

The laboratory event.

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

S Polk County Utilities - Biowizards The competition, which was held in the center of the exhibit hall, is a skills-based contest consisting of four timed events and one questionnaire event that showcase the knowledge and expertise of wastewater treatment plant operators. The teams display their proficiency in process control, maintenance, safety, collections, and the laboratory. The process control event uses a computer-based questionnaire where two team members are given certain scenarios to figure out through a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) program, and the other members complete a math and basic knowledge question section. Positive Influents took first in the event. The laboratory section is an ammonia and alkalinity testing situation, in a simulated format, to determine the operation of an aerobic wastewater system, as well as added questions to know what the demand and usage are. Positive Influents came in first, with Dirty Birds placing second. The maintenance event simulates the maintenance of a lift station where a pump has gone down and a Godwin pump is set up as a bypass in case, at some point, the other

Chris Fasnacht emcees the contest.

A “teammate” is rescued from a confined space during the safety event.

pump goes down. The teams are to do a simulated inspection of the pump before simulating taking the pump to the station and hooking it up. The collections event simulates the team having to replace a section of an 8-inch piece of pipe with a new piece of pipe that has a 4inch hole cut out for a new sewer lateral. While this is going on, one member of the team is setting up a sampler to take samples. For the fourth year, the safety event used a hoist system and added some other steps to challenge the teams. The event simulates a person passing out in a confined space and the team arriving on site to retrieve the person. Also added is the maintenance of a check valve in replacing the gaskets to it. First-place winner in this event was Fecal Matters and Positive Influents came in second. The top two teams will now go on to represent Florida at this year’s Operation Challenge at the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC), which will be held in Chicago in September. The next Operations Challenge at FWRC will be held April 2020 in West Palm Beach. The competition is open to teams of wastewater treatment operators from any utility in Florida. For information on entering a team, contact Chris Fasnacht, City of St. Cloud, at cfasnacht@stcloud.org.

The collections event.

JEA’s Fecal Matters displays its second-place trophy.

Fecal Matters from JEA also won “best hardhat” in the competition.

Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

TOP OPS Seven for Seven: Water Buoys Again Takes First Place The Water Buoys, from the City of Palm Coast, qualified for the national American Water Works Association (AWWA) Top Ops competition by winning the Florida Top Ops, held during the conference. For the seventh time in as many years, the winning team took home the first-place award from this “College Bowl” type event that tests the groups, made up of water treatment and distribution operators or laboratory personnel, on their knowledge of system operations. Teams of one, two, or three people from FSAWWA regions compete against each other in this fastpaced question-and-answer tournament. The moderator poses a broad range of technical questions and math problems, and the team scoring the most points in the championship round is awarded the winner’s trophy. This year’s team was coached by Peter Roussell. The other team in the competition was Justice League from Pasco County Utilities. Teams were encouraged to promote their team theme and colors throughout the conference. The winning team competed at Top Ops at the

The winning Water Buoys team members (from left) are Robert Nelson, Fred Greiner, and Tom Martens.

AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE19) in June at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver with other teams from AWWA sections across the United States. Water utilities across the state are encouraged to enter the 28th annual Top Ops, which will be held April 2020 during the Florida Water Resources Conference in West Palm Beach. Teams may represent more than one utility. For more details, and to receive the competition rules, contact the Top Ops chair, Thomas Tackman, at (239) 560-4149 or ttackman@watertalent.net.

STUDENT DESIGN COMPETITION The Student Design Competition teams represented several Florida universities. Each team presented its real-world findings to an assigned problem or task in both environmental and wastewater interests. This competition is intended for both undergraduate and graduate students, typically completing a capstone project. This year, the University of Central Florida won in the environmental category and the University of South Florida won the wastewater category. These winning teams will move on to the national contest at the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) in September in Chicago.

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

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DRINKING WATER TASTE TEST Talquin Electric Cooperative/ Meadows Regional Water System is “Best of the Best” for Water Talquin Electric Cooperative/Meadows Regional Water System won the statewide Best Tasting Drinking Water Contest held at the conference, which was sponsored by the 12 Florida Section American Water Works Association (FSAWWA) regions. The contest was emceed by Greg Taylor, a project manager with Reiss Engineering. The four taste-test judges chose the utility from the FSAWWA regional winners. For the statewide finals, each regional winner submitted a gallon of water that was collected less than 24 hours before the contest. All of the samples were tasted at room temperature to allow for any tastes or odors to be more easily detected. In addition to taste and odor, the samples were rated on color and clarity. Other participants included: S Auburn Water System S Bay County Utilities S Charlotte County Utilities S City of Ocala S City of Palm Coast S City of Wildwood

S S S S

Collier County Miami-Dade County Seminole County Seminole Tribe of Florida

Talquin, which provides water and wastewater services from Florida’s Gulf Coast to the Florida state line (including portions of Tallahassee and the surrounding areas), won the Region I competition earlier this year. Judges for the contest were: S Michael Bailey, director of utilities/city engineer at Cooper City Utilities Department S Kim Kowalski, operations manager at Wager Company of Florida S Rick Harmon, editor of Florida Water Resources Journal S Brian McClure, meteorologist at Bay News 9 The utility competed in the national drinking water taste test that was held at the 2019 AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE19) in June in Denver.

The goal of Talquin Electric Cooperative/Meadows Regional Water System is, and always has been, to provide a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. It’s a not-forprofit, democratically controlled cooperative owned by those it serves. The water system has 1584 connections and more than 3600 members. Its groundwater source is deep wells that draw from the Floridan Aquifer system, which is the source of drinking water for the majority of the water systems in the state. Because of the excellent quality of the water, the only treatment required is chlorine for disinfection purposes. As authorized and approved by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, the state has reduced monitoring requirements for certain contaminants to less often than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year. The source of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) includes rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells.

Taylor (far left) lets judges Michael Bailey and Rick Harmon explain some of their judging techniques. The audience waits for the results.

Taylor emcees the contest and entertains the audience.

Judges Brian McClure and Kim Kowalski hard at work.

Talquin wins this Best Tasting Drinking Water Contest trophy.

Lee County Utilities, last year’s winner, receives this “Best of the Best” Tap Water Taste Contest trophy.

Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

FSSSSS FWEA Society Inducts New Members for 2019 Three nominees for the Florida Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (FSSSSS) became members after completing a tongue-twisting induction exercise at the conference, held on Monday during the awards luncheon. The chair of the society, Tom Baber, welcomed the attendees to the ceremony. The inductees this year were: S Clyde Burgess, Wharton Smith S Tim Harley, St. Johns County Utility Department S Patrick Murphy, City of Plant City

Posing after the luncheon are (left to right) Clyde Burgess, Tom Baber, Tim Harley, and Patrick Murphy.

Tom Baber begins the ceremony.

Clyde Burgess: last but not least!

July 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Florida Water Resources Journal

These three each took their turn at the podium, and after successfully repeating the name of the society several times (and after several tries!), received their certificates as members of the Class of 2019. The new members also received the coveted Silver Shovel pin, which, according to FSSSSS, should be worn at all times. The society, which was founded in 1956 by David B. Lee and has had more than 180 members, annually recognizes wastewater industry professionals for meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty to FWEA. Nominees must be a FWEA member in good standing at the time of their nomination.

Tim Harley tries the tongue-twister.

Pat Murphy has his turn.

The audience cheers for the inductees.

y y

Florida Water Resources Journal â&#x20AC;¢ July 2019

CONFERENCE SPONSORS Scott Kelly, president of Florida Water Resources Conference Inc., poses with some of the sponsors of the conference at their booths in the exhibit hall.

Jacobs Engineering Group

Tetra Tech Inc.

Custom Controls Technology Inc.

Carter|VerPlanck

Wharton Smith Inc.

Gannett Fleming Inc.

LMK Pipe Renewal

Jones Edmunds and Associates

July 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Florida Water Resources Journal

Wright Pierce Inc.

CDM Smith

Stantec

PCL Construction Inc.

U.S. Water Services Group

Pure Technologies Inc.

Revere Control Systems

Starnet Technologies

Garney Construction

Brown and Caldwell

Merrell Bros Inc.

Airvac

ABS Inc.

Electro Scan Inc.

AECOM

Genesis|Halff

Gerber Pumps International Inc.

Green Technologies LLC

Black & Veatch

Mead & Hunt

Cardno Inc.

VTScada by Trihederal

Hydra Services Inc.

Reiss Engineering

Miller Pipeline Inc.

Grundfos

Florida Water Resources Journal â&#x20AC;¢ July 2019

FWEA COMMITTEE CORNER Welcome to the FWEA Committee Corner! The Member Relations Committee of the Florida Water Environment Association hosts this article to celebrate the success of recent association chapter activities and inform members of upcoming events. To have information included from your chapter send details to Megan Nelson at megan.nelson@ocfl.net.

A Message From Your FWEA State Awards Chair FWEA helps to give its members the recognition they have earned! Damaris Noriega t FWEA and the Water Environment Federation (WEF) we believe that individuals and groups should be recognized for meritorious achievements within the wastewater industry. Through a series of awards, presented annually at the Florida Water Resource Conference, the two organizations provide a forum for recognizing talent and excellence (see pages 22-27). The awards program also encourages better public understanding of our industry and its impact in improving quality of life. With this in mind, we set out to showcase the most innovative, dynamic, and impressive professionals in the state and provide a stage for well-deserved accolades for innovative and astonishing achievements. Awards are given in a variety of categories (see sidebar) to include safety, engineering, operations, public education, public relations, management, students and young professionals, laboratory expertise, and service to an organization. Self-nominations are welcome, or you may nominate an individual or group for the many award categories available.

and productivity rises, and in turn, they are more motivated to sustain or improve their quality of work. Praise and recognition are essential to an outstanding workplace. Last year, over 60 awards were presented, and soon you will have the same opportunity to join those prestigious and well-respected competitors. Who can you nominate this year?

Call for Nominations Begins October 2019! To complete and submit entry forms for annual awards (for yourself or others), please visit our website at www.fwea.org/awards. You can review full details for each award category and carefully complete the nomination forms. Request for nominations are scheduled to start this October. I encourage you to become part of your industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s excellence! Damaris Noriega is a utilities engineer with Orange County Utilities in Orlando and is the FWEA State Awards Committee chair. S

Why Recognition is So Important When employees and their work are recognized and appreciated, their satisfaction

July 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Florida Water Resources Journal

Megan Nelson

Award Categories S David W. York Reuse Award - Utilities that maintain exemplary reuse programs S Water Reuse and Resource Professional of the Year S Municipal Utility Operational Performance Excellence Award S FWEA/Florida Benchmarking Consortium (FBC) Benchmarking Recognition S L.L. Hedgepeth Award - Outstanding industrial wastewater operator S Albert B. Herndon Award Outstanding performance in industrial pretreatment S Collection System Award Recognizes utilities for exception effort S Golden Manhole Society S Thomas T. Jones Award (Campaign Category, Organization Category) Public education awards S Earle B. Phelps Award - Outstanding wastewater treatment facility performance S Samuel R. Willis Award - Recognizes individual for heroism S Safety Award S Biosolids/Residuals Program Excellence - Research, technology innovation and development, operating facility, and public acceptance S Outstanding Service Award S Environmental Stewardship Award for Odor Control S Young Professional of the Year S WEF Awards

Florida Water Resources Journal â&#x20AC;¢ July 2019

FSAWWA SPEAKING OUT

Need to Protect Your Water Supply? Take a Look at the Farm Bill Michael F. Bailey, P.E. Chair, FSAWWA

ot to sound like a broken record (or a poorly streaming download for our younger professionals!), but I am always impressed when I look at the efforts of AWWA’s Government Affairs Office in Washington, D.C., and our own FSAWWA Water Utility Council (WUC) in representing us with our elected officials and regulatory agencies. They both have a great track record when it comes to advocating for legislation that will benefit our industry. One great example is the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, through which five Florida utility agencies

were selected in 2018 to apply for significant federal loans. I’m very happy to report that their efforts have produced another big win for our industry, and you may be able to take advantage of it! The recently approved Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the farm bill, recognizes the link between smart, efficient farming practices and safe drinking water, and will provide $4 billion in funding over the next 10 years to fund farm and grove improvement projects that will benefit water utilities. We all know that excess nutrients, sediments, and chemicals can become part of runoff from farms and groves, and can negatively affect the quality of drinking water sources. For utilities whose source water may be at risk, or even for utilities whose source water is in good shape but could potentially be affected, this farm bill provides significant funding for projects or actions to reduce, or improve the quality of, this runoff.

FloridaSection 44

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

To take advantage of this golden opportunity in Florida, the WUC is assembling a team of interested members to further pursue beneficial opportunities. If you are interested, please contact Lisa Wilson-Davis, WUC chair, at lwilsondavis@myboca.us. The following are other resources relevant to this topic: S AWWA’s YouTube whiteboard animation that defines the issue of drinking water protection and AWWA’s legislative priorities prior to the farm bill’s passage. S Working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on source water protection, a two-page guide on getting involved to benefit source waters has been developed. S U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report, “A Tools to Support Source Water Protection,” which goes into more detail on the opportunities for water systems to leverage USDA conservation programs to expand the effectiveness of community partnerships and protect drinking water sources. S AWWA’s G300 standard, which lays the foundation for source water protection programs. Please feel free to contact Peggy Guingona, FSAWWA executive director, at peggy@fsawwa.org for copies of this material. The AWWA has worked very hard to turn this campaign into a reality and become a true benefit for our utility members. Both Congress and the USDA stepped up—now it’s our turn to act. Contact the WUC today and explore how this new funding can help you protect your source water. S

Operators: Take the CEU Challenge! Members of the Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association (FWPCOA) may earn continuing education units through the CEU Challenge! Answer the questions published on this page, based on the technical articles in this month’s issue. Circle the letter of each correct answer. There is only one correct answer to each question! Answer 80 percent of the questions on any article correctly to earn 0.1 CEU for your license. Retests are available. This month’s editorial theme is Stormwater Management and Emerging Technologies. Look above each set of questions to see if it is for water operators (DW), distribution system operators (DS), or wastewater operators (WW). Mail the completed page (or a photocopy) to: Florida Environmental Professionals Training, P.O. Box 33119, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. 33420-3119. Enclose $15 for each set of questions you choose to answer (make checks payable to FWPCOA). You MUST be an FWPCOA member before you can submit your answers!

___________________________________ SUBSCRIBER NAME (please print)

Article 1 _________________________________ LICENSE NUMBER for Which CEUs Should Be Awarded

If paying by credit card, fax to (561) 625-4858 providing the following information:

___________________________________ (Credit Card Number)

____________________________________ (Expiration Date)

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

Optimizing Wellfield Performance Through Smart Analytics: The Smart Wellfield Rafael Frias III, Isabel E. Botero, Jim Stiles, Ali Bayat, Steve McGrew, and Diana Rivera (Article 1: CEU = 0.1 DS/DW02015347)

1. Well production rate divided by drawdown equals a. total dynamic head. b. efficiency. c. specific capacity. d. yield. 2. A well pump’s ____________ is the specific flow and pressure condition that results in optimal energy efficiency. a. energy rating b. hydraulic design rating c. curve d. best efficiency point 3. In the prototype optimization model, pump variable frequency drive speed measurements were used with ________________ to alter the estimated water horsepower. a. thermal dynamics principles b. Boyles Law c. affinity laws d. brake horsepower calculations 4. Which of the following key performance indicators was identified as more important to the operation of a membrane treatment process than to a lime treatment process? a. Turbidity b. Conductivity c. Oxidation-reduction potential d. pH 5. Which of the following key performance indicators is not identified as a factor in potentially harmful motor winding deterioration? a. Pump speed b. Voltage imbalance c. Temperature rise d. Phase voltage

Earn CEUs by answering questions from previous Journal issues! Contact FWPCOA at membership@fwpcoa.org or at 561-840-0340. Articles from past issues can be viewed on the Journal website, www.fwrj.com.

Inaugural RECOVER Report Card: Everglades Ecosystem Vulnerable to Further Ecological Degradation Everglades health in fair condition; restoration projects will improve its future The REstoration COordination and VERification (RECOVER) program has released the first report card on the ecological health of the Florida Everglades. A scientific project of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), the program includes the following partners: S U.S. Army Corps of Engineers S South Florida Water Management District S Other Florida state agencies, federal agencies, and tribes S University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) With a score of 45 (out of a possible 100), the report card assesses overall Everglades ecological health as fair for the five-year period between 2012 and 2017. It’s important to keep in mind that this time frame does not include the devastating red tide or blue-green algae events that affected the northern estuaries and other areas of Florida in the summer of 2018 or a full analysis of the impacts of Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Overall, the report card shows that the south Florida ecosystems are under stress from the regional system of canals, pumps, and control structures that provide flood protection and supply water to nearly 8 million people in the area. The benefits of flood protection and water supply have come at a cost to the natural ecosystems that make up the Everglades, and the ecological benefits could be lost over time. The good news is that CERP water managers are making progress toward the goal of reversing the negative ecological impacts of the regional water management system.

The Everglades report card summarizes detailed analyses from the 2019 system status report, which is an in-depth look at the many projects that are required to fully implement the restoration plan and report on progress toward full restoration. Although this is the first-ever Everglades report card, the status reports date back to 2006. The report card evaluates a wide variety of indicators in four distinct regions, with the indicators and metrics specific to each region. The northern estuaries (including the Caloosahatchee River Estuary, St. Lucie Estuary, Southern Indian River Lagoon, and Loxahatchee River Estuary), the greater Everglades, and Lake Okeechobee were in fair condition (58, 52, and 44 percent, respectively) during the 2012-2017 time frame. The southern coastal systems (Florida Bay, Biscayne Bay, and the Southwest Coast) scored 38 percent and were in poor condition. The RECOVER program developed the report card to better communicate the health of the Everglades to decision makers and the public. It condenses relevant data into a score clarifying the status of the ecosystem, and informed decisions

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

can be made on how to minimize negative impacts and accelerate restoration efforts. "Evaluating the Everglades ecosystem in a report card focuses the attention on the overall health of the Everglades and how its individual regions work together to form a functioning system," said Dr. Bill Nuttle, lead scientist for UMCES. "The scores tell us the area’s current health, and communicating this information to the decision makers is even more important." Several significant events occurred from May 1, 2012, to April 30, 2017: S Seagrass die-off in Florida Bay S Harmful algal blooms in Lake Okeechobee, St. Lucie River, and estuaries S A strong El Niño S Extreme weather S Massive mortality of mangroves along the southwest coast Periodic assessments of ecological conditions across south Florida are essential to keep the long-term Everglades restoration work on track, document how far Everglades restoration has come, and how far it still needs to go. Since 2000, local, state, and federal agencies in the state have been working together on CERP. With participation from each of the key agencies, the RECOVER program works to assess ecological conditions and provide information needed to design and implement the many separate projects that make up the Everglades restoration effort. For more information on the Everglades report card, go to https://www.evergladesecohealth.org. S

Finding and Training the Operator of the Future Obstacles and paths to water operator careers Katherine Saltzman mid retirement surges across the water workforce, there are ongoing discussions about the urgency to recruit, train, and retain new professionals. Part of this effort involves establishing the water sector as an attractive career path that supports essential infrastructure and protects public health and the natural environment. The water sector, however, faces additional challenges that most sectors do not. Training requirements and certification expectations vary among states and naturally among utilities that differ in size, revenue, and process capacity. But the challenges go deeper; they include limited access to updated, peerreviewed training materials, inadequate time and money for operators to study or maintain continuing education requirements, and the challenges to keep pace with rapid technological changes. These challenges are in addition to equipping employees with the complex science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) components necessary to be a water operator. There are solutions emerging to overcome these challenges and secure the workforce of the future. Organizations, states, and utilities are finding ways to attract and train the essential employees who will protect the infrastructure, environment, and public health.

Water Sector Uniqueness As highlighted in the 2018 Brookings Institution report, “Renewing the Water Workforce: Improving Water Infrastructure and Creating a Pipeline to Opportunity,” many of

the water sector’s concerns about its workforce reflect similar social, labor, and economic concerns across all sectors in the United States. These concerns include high retirement rates, limited pools of qualified replacements, and fear of technical knowledge loss. The report calls these concerns “emblematic of bigger economic trends and broader policy issues facing the country, including the continued need to support a new generation of workers amid mounting retirements, changing technologies, and other labor market shifts.” But where the water sector stands apart is the need for greater upfront preparation in terms of extensive training, skills, and knowledge competency. The Brookings report states a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics finding that water sector jobs have a higher threshold for entry. More than 78 percent of water workers need at least one year of related experience and 16 percent of water workers need four or more years prior to joining the water workforce. Moreover, 44.7 percent of water workers need at least one year of on-the-job training to qualify for their positions. Compare this to the national average of 5.6 percent of jobs across all occupations that need more than one year of on-the-job training, according to the data. In addition to on-the-job training, water workers are required to operate various technologies and tools as part of their daily responsibilities. These requirements add additional complexity to operator jobs and training. According to the Brookings report, “Water workers embody the definition of skilled trades. On average, water workers use 63 different tools and technologies each, compared to the six tools and technologies typically used by workers in all occupations nationally.”

Entering the Water Workforce Even though most sector newcomers lack operational experience, each is still required to passing a level 1 certification exam and possess hands-on experience as prerequisites for employment. With these considerations, utilities typically hire entry-level employees without a license and provide a certain amount of time for the employee to study for and pass a certification examination. Those who pass are then promoted to a full-time, certified operator position. This precertification periods ranges from 30 days in some states and up to year in others. “We have a ‘chicken and egg’ system here: you can't get hands on experience unless you have a license, but you can't get a license without hands-on experience,” said Sidney Innerebner, principal and owner of Indigo Water Group LLC, a wastewater consulting and operator training company. Innerebner is also authoring WEF’s new wastewater treatment fundamentals series.

Supporting Continual Operator Training Once hired, operators are expected to continue studying for higher certifications and collect continuing education units (CEUs). Larger utilities may have an in-house trainer who develops CEU curriculum related to facility processes or equipment. This trainer works with the entire operations staff to help prepare the members for certification exams; however, midsize and small facilities, which make up most treatment systems in the U.S., typically don’t have the resources to support in-house training. Therefore, most operators self-study and use external trainers’ online courses to prepare for examinations. Continued on page 50

Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

Continued from page 49 Despite the options available, there is concern among operators and trainers that the need-to-know (NTK) criteria, which is tested for on certification exams and incorporated into curriculums for CEUs, may not always apply to the processes at an operator’s facility or be relevant to his or her daily responsibilities, Innerebner noted. The NTK criteria is extensive, but lacks detail on which topics are necessary for exam preparation or responsibilities in the field, making it difficult for operators to study, she explained. “One of the big issues with training is that it's often geared toward more complicated systems. If you look online, you could probably find 100 classes on activated sludge, but more than 85 percent of the treatment plants in the U.S. are lagoon systems,” Innerebner said. “It's hard to find training on lagoon systems or classes on wastewater treatment ponds.” Additionally, acquiring CEUs and preparing for a certification exam requires time. In some cases, operators are given working time to prepare and take the test; this requires them to get shifts covered. In other cases, operators must use time off to maintain their licenses and undergo training. In Colorado, for example, there are weeklong operator training classes, which would meet the entire training requirements for three years, Innerebner said, but this requires coverage at the facility, as well as travel expenses. Other options include online training,

which provides more scheduling flexibility. Indigo Water Group has about 650 operators enrolled in online training class. “Operators like it better when you can do it over time, so it’s a little easier to incorporate into the day,” Innerebner said.

Updating Materials A significant portion of operator training materials, including U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) manuals, have not been updated since the late 1970s or the 1980s, Innerebner said. She added that training materials typically have been based on work practices at facilities, instead of scientific research. “We have learned a lot about wastewater treatment in the last 40 years; a lot of stuff has changed regarding how we teach and it’s changed our understanding of the process” she said. “We've been in a cycle of asking people in the field what they do every day at work and then base training materials on that, instead of setting standard practices based on scientific research. The result is a cycle that always looks backward instead of forward,” she explained. To provide new training materials, WEF developed the wastewater treatment fundamentals series. In addition to being doublepeer-reviewed by water sector experts, the series aims to assist in translating the world of wastewater treatment to individuals who have held technical jobs outside of the water sector.

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

“I try to take new concepts and relate them back to what people already know. It's easier to hang things in your framework then it is to build a new framework all together,” Innerebner said. Because many operators come from mechanical backgrounds, it helps to relate new topics to familiar ones, she explained. For example, biology and bacteria can be compared, albeit imperfectly, to engines. “Live with the imperfect analogy until you can get a better understanding of what's actually happening,” Innerebner said. “That goes a long way with helping people learn.”

Keeping Pace With Technology Utilities and trainers work to keep pace with rapid technological changes to ensure that their staff and operators are prepared to handle new equipment. This has led to training that focuses primarily on technology at a facility. While this training is valuable, it needs to be coupled with education on the general curriculum. “I am seeing more clients asking for very specific training on the technology they have at their location, and onsite training for specific technology,” said Scott Jameson, a water and wastewater operator trainer and consultant in British Columbia, Canada, who offers classroom courses and onsite training for utilities in the region. Sometimes the technical training is offered to reduce a knowledge gap after losing a senior operator; other times, however, utilities are trying to multitask and prepare operators for certification exams and train them on new technology at the same time, Jameson said. “I find them more and more willing to pay to have an instructor come to their sites,” Jameson said, “This is tied into the idea that they want training focused on the technology they are using.” He cautioned, however, that this doubling up doesn't work well if the goal is to pass a certification exam. Jameson said he takes the time to sort out this difference with his clients. He works with them to clarify their objectives to provide the training that’s truly needed. The Operations Challenge competition held annually at the WEF Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC), and similar state and regional events, are examples of programming that combines operations training and skill development with practice on new technologies. To keep the competition fresh and challenging, the events are redesigned periodically. These events introduce competitors to new processes and technologies and provide hands-on experience with new and different equipment.

Apprentice Programs and Technical Schools One highly visible path for newcomers to enter a water sector career is through apprenticeship programs or technical schools. Some utilities have created these programs or built partnerships with local colleges to help facilitate the education and hands-on training necessary for an operator position. South Platte Water Renewal Partners (formerly known as the Littleton/Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant) has done both. Cindy Goodburn, a WEF member who now works as an independent consultant to help organizations improve workforce development and organizational skills, started the apprentice program in the 1990s when the utility struggled to fill operator A positions. “At the time, we were focused on the A certification. Most A operators are really secure where they are working. They have the ‘golden chain,’—fully vested in all of their retirement stuff, maxed out on vacation—all those benefits that make it difficult to leave and start with a new organization,” she explained. “Our answer to the golden chain was that we would build our own.” Though there have been some changes, the goals of the apprentice program remain the same. Operators are given a designated time frame in which to obtain higher certification levels and they are incentivized with pay increases. “Each time the workers passed a new certification, they got promoted to a new operator certification and a pay raise. We paid for all of their schooling, books, and the certification exam,” Goodburn said. “But their end of the deal was that they had a certain time frame in which to complete these [tasks]. The goal was to get all our operators A-certified, and there was a maximum amount of time. If at any of those points, they couldn’t pass the exam, we would have to terminate employment, but we’ve only had to do that a couple of times over all these years [that we have had this program]. It’s just been a huge success.” This facility also maintains a partnership with a local community college with a water quality management program. Many of the college students interned at the facility as part of their curriculum. These same students later joined the apprentice program to become operators. Goodburn noted that utilities can help direct curricula at technical colleges to ensure colleges are preparing students for workforce needs. For example, when supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems were

introduced to the facility, few staff possessed the needed skills to use them. As Goodburn searched for employees or students to fill the role, she discovered that the community college was providing outdated curriculum. “The instrumentation and controls [curriculum] were in the electrical degree programs and it was so antiquated it wouldn't do us any good,” she said. “That's kind of my soapbox on partnering with local educational institutions and helping them understand what is needed in the industry for their students to graduate and get into a job.” Taking this collaboration one step farther, the Water Engineering Technology (WET) Program at Okanagan College in Kelowna, British Columbia, has a curriculum recognized by the environmental operators certification program (EOCP), which is the main certifying entity for the region. The WET program also is a nationally accredited engineering technology program. All certified engineering technology programs are mandated to meet regularly with an advisory committee to determine curriculum and skills needed for the workforce. “We have to keep in contact with the industry. All of the engineering technology programs are mandated to have a program advisory committee that is comprised of individuals from different industries that our students would go and work in” said Allison O’Neill, chair of the water engineering technology department. “These committees advise us on changes in the industry. We also ask them about our curriculum, [and] when we propose curriculum changes, they review those changes to ensure it fits with the need of the industry.” The committees include members from public- and private-sector organizations, including the local municipalities, the water resource recovery facility, consultants, and urban planners, as well as representatives from the Province of British Columbia’s Ministries of Environment and Climate Change Strategies, and Forests, Lands, and Natural Resources. “We make sure that we have broad representation, and we also try to make sure that our advisory committee includes WET graduates who are working in the industry because they understand both the curriculum and the industry,” O’Neill said.

that since water workers are required to maintain CEUs, utilities and other water employers should provide additional frameworks and “develop competency models—or customize existing models—to promote continued learning and skills development among staff.” Tasks associated with this development include defining and measuring the types of knowledge, skills, and abilities needed among water workers within the organization. The report also recommends creating more robust programs to introduce younger, nontraditional workers to the water sector to acquire hands-on experience. Goodburn noted that the success of the apprentice program is based on supporting staff and operators at each level of their career and providing training and opportunities to move upward. “One of things we were successful at was developing people in their careers,” Goodburn said. “I used to tell my staff —and it would freak them out—‘I want you to work yourself out of your job every five years, but I want your new job to be here, with us, at Littleton/Englewood.’” “I think that's philosophically what the management was looking for: those people who really wanted to reach, grow, and really make a career out of it, not just a job. I think that has been the success of the apprentice program and throughout the rest of the organization because people do have the opportunity to grow.” This article solely reflects the personal opinions of the author, not necessarily WEF and its members. It is provided for educational purposes only, and is not intended to substitute for the retainer and advice of an appropriate professional. No warranties or endorsement of any kind are granted or implied.

Katherine Saltzman is a publications assistant at the Water Environment Federation (Alexandria, Va.) where she works on WEF’s Operator Initiative programs. S

Interactive Development The Brookings report also includes recommendations to involve stakeholders in training development. The report suggests Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

FWEA FOCUS

What it Means to Belong Michael W. Sweeney, Ph.D. President, FWEA

his month I thought I would share an excerpt of a presentation with the same title I gave at this year’s Leaderships Development Workshop. Admittedly, I was in an introspective mood while preparing for this gathering. My intent was to expand the subject of appreciating the value of FWEA membership beyond the noteworthy benefits of networking, technical information, publications, etc. (all of which are held in high regard), but I wanted to explore a broader question: Why be a member of anything? I reminded the audience—and tell you now—that I’m an engineer, not a human behaviorist, but I play one at work sometimes. So here goes. The word “belong” is a simple one, but it really represents a huge concept. Whether or not you’re an introvert or extrovert (or in-between, like me), according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which shows how people perceive the world around them and make decisions, fulfilling the need for belonging is the first step of discovering for yourself the value and purpose of your actions. A dictionary’s objectivity is always helpful here—to belong means to be involved; fit in; have one’s place; feel right; be in the right place; be a member of, part of, or in the possession of something; or be engaged. We know that a sense of belonging is a basic human need, just above safety and the

need for food and shelter. Abraham Maslow’s well-known Hierarchy of Needs shows the fundamental importance of belonging. Some interpretations have humorously added technology (especially WiFi availability and battery life) as even more basic that physiological needs. I’ll get back to this notion of technology as a basic need later. In a practical and organizational context, Maslow’s needs affirm what we need to be reminded of as FWEA members. Starting from the top: S Self-Actualization – Reaching your potential professionally and personally. S Esteem – Allowing for recognition of achievements and feeling a sense of accomplishment. S Belonging – Meeting colleagues, making new friends, and being a member of a team with a common purpose. S Safety – An organization, such as FWEA, ties its responsibilities to public and environmental wellbeing, which contributes to everyone’s security. S Physiological – Food, water, warmth, and rest, perhaps with a slightly extra emphasis on the first two. As for technology as a basic need, though amusing to think that it’s a hierarchical need that is as, or more important than, food or water, technology certainly provides benefit of speed and convenience, especially with communication. But, it can come with the high price of substituting for or distracting us from each other and our goals and possibly creating a disproportional need for itself in the process. As a case in point, the book, High Tech/High Touch, authored by John Naisbitt,

Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

states that the two largest markets in the United States are—ironically—consumer technology and escape from consumer technology. In other words, our consumer instincts are to both embrace and escape it. In 1967, the Random House Dictionary defined technology as a thing or object, material, and physical, and clearly separates it from human beings. By 1987, however, Random House grew the word technology to include its "interrelation with life, society, and the environment.” Naisbitt’s observation was to be aware that the greater hold technology has on living our lives, the greater the need for “high touch,” also akin to belonging. For me, that translates to an urgency for creating, maintaining, improving, and growing our professional and personal relationships as a continuous endeavor. With all these ideas in mind, for FWEA to remain an effective organization, it must attract and encourage members in multiple and perhaps new ways to help the journey to reaching our full potential. That’s what FWEA has always aimed for, and it’s up to all of us to provide the plans and resources to carry out our present and future activities and have a little bit of fun along the way. Remember the time that you were asked about belonging to FWEA (and WEF) by your boss, friend, or colleague? When you eventually accepted, it became an entry point to expanding your personal sense of belonging, without knowing the extent at first. For me, that was waaaay back in 1981 when I joined the Water Pollution Control Federation, which is now WEF. I still remember the moment well. I didn’t know at first what it really meant to belong to a professional association other than getting a journal once a month. Little did I know at the time that it would open an important personal chapter of volunteering beyond being simply part of an organization. Belonging was more than the significant technical benefits; belonging became the subsequent relationships and shared experiences that come from the task forces, committees, and conference work. It became a sort of family of familiar faces and worthwhile efforts. I hope you all feel the same and come to know FWEA in a fuller way by getting involved in your chapter and a committee, if you’re not already. All of its members, along with the people you get to know, collectively comprise the framework of belonging to FWEA. By the way, don’t forget to ask a colleague or new employee to come along with you. S

Florida Water Resources Journal â&#x20AC;¢ July 2019

Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony Neighborhood Rehabilitation Project Daniel J. Comerford III and Thomas C. Jensen The Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony realized that it was faced with a challenge concerning its aging infrastructure. With a commitment to be known as the “Greenest Municipality in the State of Florida,” the town faced this challenge head on by committing to a $9.5 million neighborhood rehabilitation project. The 138-acre town strongly believes in protecting and preserving the environment around it. Following this belief, a goal was set to significantly reduce nutrient discharges and increase water quality in the receiving waters of the Indian River Lagoon at the confluence of the

Jupiter Inlet and Loxahatchee River. To achieve this goal, the town entered into an interlocal agreement with the Loxahatchee River District (for sanitary sewers) and the Village of Tequesta (for water main replacement). The town converted 241 existing septic tank systems to a central gravity sanitary sewer system that will be operated by the Loxahatchee River District. This elimination of individual septic tank systems led to significant reductions in nutrient loads entering both groundwater and surface waterbodies, providing for a substantial reduction in total nitrogen and total phosphorus. The conversion resulted in a 100 percent reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus loads from the septic tank systems.

The Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony.

The beginning of the road construction portion of the project.

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

The town also focused on its internal stormwater management system to improve water quality in the Indian River and provide for better drainage within the town. This entailed the adjustment to roadway profiles, valley gutters, and approximately 5,000 feet of exfiltration trenches, with associated storm drainage inlets. These improvements provide a yearly reduction of 460 pounds of total nitrogen and 100 pounds of total phosphorus, with a 68 and 71 percent reduction in these nutrient loadings, respectively. The exfiltration trenches also allow for an 80 percent reduction in water volume being discharged through existing outfalls into the adjacent impaired waterways. Lastly, the town had its more than 60-year-old asbestos cement water distribution system replaced with new pipes, which were sized to handle the town’s system water demands and fire flows. The project was daunting, but something the town believed was necessary to protect its surrounding waterways—now, and in the future. Through the hard work of everyone involved, and the cooperation and determination of the town’s commissioners and residents, the construction project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget by $690,000. This project was assisted financially by three grants to offset some of the overall costs that were directly assessed to the residents. The grants included: S $600,000 from the Loxahatchee River Preservation Initiative funded by the State Legislature in 2014

Heavy equipment is used for the project during installation of the gravity sewer.

Installing the exfiltration trenches.

A new water main pipe being installed.

The completed project.

S $750,000 Florida Department of Environmental Protection Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) grant in 2015 S $75,000 grant from the South Florida Water Management District Cooperative Funding Program

ahatchee River District, the Village of Tequesta, and the project engineer, had multiple meetings before and during the construction of the project so that the residents were well-informed. We explained all options and why certain improvements were recommended, along with providing updates as to what had happened since the last meeting and what to expect in the coming weeks. These communications were instrumental in the success of the project. The residents and the commissioners celebrated the monumental step in improving the

surrounding waters, not only for the residents of today, but also the residents of tomorrow. While we’re proud of the progress we have made, we will continue to look for new ways and creative innovations to work toward our goal of remaining as the “Greenest Municipality in the State of Florida.”

With the entire town comprised of 239 residential properties, a town hall, and a beach club, keeping the residents informed and having their opinions heard was vital to the success of the project. The commissioners, along with the Lox-

Dr. Daniel J. Comerford III is the mayor of the Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony and Thomas C. Jensen, P.E., is a project manager with KimleyHorn & Associates in West Palm Beach. S

Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority BBQ and Tour Recognize National Drinking Water Week Patrick Lehman

The award presentation.

An “Otter Save Water” tablecloth used at the barbeque.

The queue for the ‘que. The famous oak tree on the RV Griffin Reserve, where the authority’s reservoir is colocated with horse trails, cattle grazing, and wetlands restoration.

Authority board members sign a pipe kicking off construction of a 6-mile extension of the authority’s transmission system. Display boards explain the functions of the authority.

Many organizations work with the authority to ensure that its customers get the water they need.

From District 72, Rep. Margaret Good (front) gets a good look at the reservoir on the tour.

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority hosted a barbeque sponsored by the Friends of Peace Water Inc. on Friday May 10. The tour included the reservoir on the RV Griffin Reserve, which is the key component for water storage for the regional water supply system. The event attracted over 300 attendees, including state and local elected officials, and provided the opportunity to showcase the importance of investment in infrastructure to maintain a resilient public water supply. Mike Bailey, chair of the Florida Section American Waters Works Association (FSAWWA), and Peggy Guingona, the section’s executive director, were in attendance to present to authority staff the 2018 Outstanding Water Treatment Award for Class A, which was announced at the recent Florida Water Resources Conference. Operating as a regional partnership with its members—Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties—the authority works collaboratively to ensure a reliable and safe drinking water supply for the region. The authority, through partnerships with the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the state of Florida, has invested $400 million in infrastructure in water treatment capacity and the regional transmission system to create a reliable, safe, and affordable water supply for the region. This water is essential to the area’s continued quality of life and economic prosperity. Today, the authority is the primary water supplier for Charlotte County Utilities, DeSoto County Utilities, Sarasota County Utilities, and the City of North Port Utilities. On a typical day the authority pumps up to 30 million gallons to meet its water needs. The resiliency of the infrastructure and regional water supply system assures that current water needs are met, while planning for future investment will secure the region’s water for decades to come. Patrick Lehman is executive director of Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority in Lakewood Ranch. (photos: Richard Anderson) S

Florida Water & Pollution Control Operators Association

FWPCOA STATE SHORT SCHOOL August 12 – 16, 2019 Indian River State College - Main Campus – FORT PIERCE –

COURSES Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester ..........................$375/$405

Stormwater Management C, B & A...............................$325/$325

Backflow Prevention Assembly Repairer ......................$275/$305

Utility Customer Relations I, II & III................................$325/$325

Backflow Tester Recertification ......................................$85/$115

Utilities Maintenance III & II ..........................................$325/$325

Basic Electrical and Instrumentation ............................$225/$255

Wastewater Collection System Operator C, B & A ......$325/$325

Facility Management Module I......................................$275/$305

Water Distribution System Operator Level 3, 2 & 1............$325/$325

Reclaimed Water Distribution C, B & A ........................$325/$325 (Abbreviated Course) ................................................$125/$155

Wastewater Process Control ........................................$225/$255 Wastewater Troubleshooting ........................................$225/$255

For further information on the school, including course registration forms and hotels, visit: http://www.fwpcoa.org/FallStateShortSchool

SCHEDULE CHECK-IN: August 11, 2019 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. CLASSES: Monday – Thursday........8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday........8:00 a.m. to noon

FREE AWARDS LUNCHEON P Wednesday, August 14, 11:30 a.m. P

For more information call the

FWPCOA Training Office 321-383-9690 Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

CONTRACTORS ROUNDUP

Benefits of Self-Performance in Design-Build David Walker design-build team comes in many different shapes and sizes. A project owner is faced with numerous decisions during the evaluation process and selection of a team. Typically, design-build teams are selected based upon the following basic criteria found in nearly all requests for qualifications: 1. Understanding of project goals and approach 2. Experience of key personnel 3. Experience on projects of similar size and complexity 4. Safety record 5. Financial condition and bonding capacity

These factors are scored and evaluated, along with cost/price factors, to make a bestvalue selection for the owner; however, it has become increasingly difficult for owners to

differentiate among highly qualified teams who can all demonstrate these basic qualification criteria. This requires owners to dig deeper and judge the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to innovate or solve complex problems. Many owners have recognized significant value in a design-builder who can selfperform scopes of work, where the lead general contractor on a project completes certain construction activities, such as concrete, carpentry, or framing work, with its own skilled labor force. This can be a key differentiator in the selection process. On a water infrastructure project, the general contractor on a design-build team can often selfperform a combination of: S Excavation S Concrete S Process piping S Process equipment installation Owners who recognize the benefits of having a self-performing contractor typically point to the following advantages:

1. Schedule Benefit S Forces can immediately be shifted to critical path work. S Schedules are developed based on historical, hands-on experience. 2. Cost Certainty S Cost modeling performed during design development is based on trade-specific experience. S Self-performing contractors have realtime knowledge of current market costs. 3. Constructability Expertise S Design reviews are conducted by people who truly know how to build. S Value engineering accounts for labor and schedule savings based on benchmarking of previous projects. S Provides maintenance of plant operations (MOPO) expertise and outcome certainty. 4. Safety and Quality S Self-performing contractors can better enforce their corporate and owner policies on their own crews. S Issues can swiftly be managed and resolved. 5. Overall Assurance S Self-perform crews can step in and complete the subcontractors work to maintain schedules. S Better overall control of project costs and schedules.

Archer Western self-performed over 40 percent of the work on the Miller Pumping Station in Collier County.

July 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Florida Water Resources Journal

When certain trade work is self-performed, the selected firm has more control on the project outcome. For example, conflicts often ensue when work is performed by multiple subcontractors. This can be mitigated through self-performance, which simplifies coordination and eliminates finger-pointing. As a result, the designbuilder can provide the owner with better cost and schedule certainty. The ability of a design-builder to self-perform may not be a key criterion or mean a good fit for every project. If, for instance, the project involves mostly specialty trades, such as electrical, controls, and coatings, then the selection criteria would be modified accordingly.

The construction market is also facing challenges with labor shortages and material cost escalation that can cause fluctuations in project budgets. This makes it critical to have current and real-time data on the costs to perform the work. A designbuilder with self-performing capabilities and a backlog of current projects can provide the most-accurate cost modeling and realistic schedule to complete the work, considering the current market conditions. If cost and schedule certainty are key selection factors for an owner’s project, then the ability to self-perform should be clearly spelled out as a qualification requirement. Design-builders need to understand the evaluation criteria, the owner’s priorities, and project drivers prior to pursuit of a project. When there is more transparency in the selection process, the design-build teams that are the best qualified will show up to pursue an owner’s work. Owners who recognize the benefits of a self-performing design-builder should consider this in the early establishment of their selection criteria.

Help is Available From the Contractors Council The Florida Section AWWA Contractors Council conducts workshops and shares ideas on ways to prequalify contractors, appropriately share risks, and educate on collaborative delivery options. The council remains committed to educate the market on challenges and unique approaches to water projects. The council is made up of contractors who self-perform a least 40 percent of field craft hours with their own forces on the projects they build. If you’re interested in learning more about self-performing, or would like the council to provide assistance with your next project, please contact me at dawalker@walshgroup.com. David Walker is a program manager at Archer Western in Naples and is a member of the FSAWWA Contractors Council. S

First-Ever Stormwater Needs Survey Shows $7.5 Billion Annual Funding Gap The first-ever analysis of needs of the stormwater sector in the United States shows an estimated $7.5 billion annual funding gap and revealed top priorities and challenges across the country. The inaugural municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) needs assessment survey led by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) Stormwater Institute, reflects an effort to learn more about the nature and needs of the MS4 sector at a scale that has never been attempted. The survey generated some significant and surprising findings: S Phase I and II (municipal and nontraditional) permittees ranked regulatory compliance, local flooding, and water quality and habitat restoration issues as important program drivers. S The most significant challenges identified are lack of funding, aging infrastructure, and evolving regulations. S Respondents indicated that the greatest need for information and technical resources is related to funding and financing. In addition, there is a need for technical information and products on green infrastructure practices and innovative techniques and technologies, as well as information related to asset management. S An unexpected finding is the lack of priority by respondents regarding climate change, which points to the need to highlight how changing precipitation patterns will impact MS4s in the future.

“An important first step in a maturing infrastructure sector is to better understand the fundamental challenges and needs,” said Eileen O’Neill, WEF executive director. “This survey and analysis represents this first major step in the stormwater sector, which is a field that is notoriously data-poor. By collecting information on the MS4 sector, this effort identifies the priorities that need to be addressed in the near term, while allowing for planning for coverage of other areas in a long-term strategic fashion.” The survey received 622 responses from 48 states and the District of Columbia. Approximately 25 percent and 65 percent of respondents represented Phase I and II MS4 permittees, respectively. Nontraditional Phase II permittees and state transportation departments accounted for 7 percent and 3 percent of the survey sample, respectively. This statistically significant sample is also generally representative of the distribution of MS4s across the U.S. Stormwater is the only growing source of water pollution in many waterways across the country. With urban populations expected to grow to nearly 70 percent by 2050, and more frequent and intense storms occurring across the world, there will be an ever-increasing pressure on stormwater systems and water infrastructure. S

Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

FWRJ COMMITTEE PROFILE This column highlights a committee, division, council, or other volunteer group of FSAWWA, FWEA, and FWPCOA.

High School Initiative Committee Affiliation: FSAWWA Coordinator: Steve Soltau, operations division director, Pinellas County Utilities Year group was formed: The FSAWWA first became involved with the Florida Department of Education (DOE) nine years ago when Marvin Kaden, former Pasco County Utilities manager, began discussions about integrating the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) water and wastewater licensure education requirements into the existing DOE-approved and -funded high school academies. After the DOE meetings, Kaden approached the FSAWWA board of governors with a vision: partner with the high school academies as a future source of trained treatment plant operators. After his unfortunate passing in 2015, the board asked me to step into the role of high school academy coordinator and I was honored to accept. The 2011/12 academic year started with one academy at Heritage High School in the City of Palm Bay. Four years later, St. John’s Technical High School in the City of St. Augustine was added as a second academy (Academy of Coastal and Water Resources). The school has juniors interning at JEA, St. Johns County Utilities, and the City of St. Augustine wastewater facilities this summer. After three more years, Lake Brantley High School in the City of Altamonte Springs became our third academy. Scope of work: Nine years ago FSAWWA committed to an annual grant of three thousand dollars a year in financial support for textbooks, laboratory supplies, bus rental for travel to plant tours, etc.

Several FSAWWA member volunteers furnish the academy students with hands-on and field training, including treatment plant tours and guest speakers. Academy curriculum helps high school graduates to obtain a passing score on the FDEP treatment plant operator certification program level C examination for water and/or wastewater. The successful graduate becomes licensed after completing 2080 hours of sweat equity at a treatment plant. Purpose: The objective of the academies, supported in part with the annual grant from FSAWWA, is to help cultivate the next generation of high school students to actively work toward a career where they can make a tangible impact on the world and improve the environment by enhancing drinking water and wastewater treatment systems. Together with the academy instructors and school principals, the high school initiative is collaborating with local school boards, DOE, and FDEP to create statewide curriculum and consistency for classroom training of new operators. The initiative collects and reports testing metrics for improvement of passing rates and assists in identifying areas of needed or additional training. The Florida Career and Professional Education (CAPE) Act 1 requires DOE to provide solid substantiation of the need for maintaining funding for high school academies. The FSAWWA high school initiative continually does research into the supply of, and demand for, Florida treatment plant operators for use as evidence for new academies attempting to meet DOE and FDEP requirements. Additionally, we support academy graduates by communicating the need for new operators

Heritage High School Academy of Environmental Water Technology (AEWT) members.

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

with key workforce stakeholders, like utilities, public works, and human resources departments. Now is the time to develop innovative opportunities for hiring operator trainees graduating from these academies. Recent accomplishments: S During May 2019, 19 students took the water exam and three students took the wastewater exam. S At the 2019 Florida Water Resources Conference, the FSAWWA board committed to the three thousand dollars a year in financial support of the third academy at Lake Brantley High School. The board also approved a onehundred-dollar scholarship for academy students to retake the operator exam, if necessary. S At the 2018 FSAWWA Fall Conference, over 60 students, faculty, and volunteers from Heritage High School and St. John’s Technical High School attended the high school academy session on Tuesday Nov 27. • Students attended at least one morning technical session and participated in an exhibit hall scavenger hunt, directing them to exam-related equipment, while learning from the vendors on the floor. • Several watched the college bowl and wondered out loud if they could compete next year. • Generous sponsors stepped up and provided box lunches, while senior operations staff rotated from table to table answering questions, talking about their experiences and careers in the treatment plant profession, and offering FDEP exam-taking tips. Current projects: Word of these academies is slowing making

Members of St. John’s Technical High School Academy of Coastal and Water Resources.

Students on tour of a water treatment plant.

An operator at St. John’s County shows the students a spiral-wound membrane in its reverse osmosis drinking water facility.

its way across the state. Recently, several high school teachers and administrators have expressed interest in learning about starting an academy at their institution. Volunteers are helping to work one-on-one with the interested schools. We are now in discussion with schools in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Seminole, and Miami-Dade counties, and the City of Orlando. Future work: The second annual Teacher Workshop will be held on July 15 at the City of Orlando Water Reclamation Education Facility. This year, attendees include administrators, instructors, and FSAWWA volunteers; FDEP will also be participating in a conference call. Agenda items include discussions on: 1. Increasing the exam-passing rate. 2. Creating virtual tours of treatment facilities. 3. Adding the distribution operator and backflow tester/inspector to the CAPE Act list. 4. Increasing the number of approved academies. 5. Communicating opportunities to other interested parties throughout the state. Initiative Members/Volunteers: Yvonne Picard, P.E. Jacobs Process Mechanical Engineer 407.650.2183 352.682.1326 mobile Yvonne.Picard@jacobs.com

Attendees on the St. John’s Technical High School tour of the St. John’s County Northwest Wastewater Treatment Facility at World Golf Village.

Students at the St. Augustine Wastewater Treatment Facility. (photo: Linda Krepp)

In the laboratory at the St. Augustine Wastewater Treatment Facility. (photo: Linda Krepp)

Another student at the St. Augustine Wastewater Treatment Facility laboratory. (photo: Linda Krepp)

Students from Heritage High School AEWT tour the exhibit hall at the 2018 FSAWWA Fall Conference in Orlando.

Pam London-Exner FSAWWA Technical and Education Council Chair 813-781-0173 pamlondon2@gmail.com Shea Dunifon Education Coordinator Pinellas County Utilities sdunifon@pinellascounty.org 1

http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adultedu/cape-secondary/cape-industry-cert-funding -list-current.stml

Students from the Academy of Coastal and Water Resources at St. Johns Technical High School learn about drinking water plant operations from David Williams, instrumentation and control technician at the City of St. Augustine facility. (photo: Linda Krepp)

Virtual tours of water treatment plants, which is on the committee’s wish list.

Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

Florida University Plans Water School School aims to be leader in research to promote water quality Many people live, work, and play in Florida to our water problems,” said Mike Martin, that drop of water that hits the landscape; the because of the water, but as water quality de- FGCU president. “This is a university solution. one that gets changed as it comes down clines, leading business sectors—from tourism The water school is a cross-cutting, interdisci- through our local watersheds and ends up on to agriculture, from recreation to real estate— plinary activity that integrates across every the continental shelf and in the shallow waters suffer regularly from devastating losses. unit in the university. It’s not just about the of the Gulf of Mexico.” Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) water; it’s what the water enables us to do. It’s The school’s researchers will focus on five wants to be the leader in solving the water about something that brings the entire region major themes: problem and it recently announced its plans together and impacts every element of our S Climate change for a new school that it hopes will put Lee lives.” S Restoration and remediation (oyster reef County College at the forefront of research restoration and seagrass planting) The school will encompass existing bachinto water issues that plagued Florida this past elor’s degrees in environmental studies, envi- S Human health, including ciguatera and mercury poisoning and the effects of red summer. The announcement was recently ronmental geology, and marine science, as well tide and blue-green algae on humans made at the FGCU Vester Marine and Envi- as master’s degrees in environmental science S Natural resources, which include fisheries, ronmental Science Research Field Station in and environmental studies. mangrove forests, beaches, and seagrass beds Bonita Springs. One difference between the FGCU school The new school will bring disciplines and that of other institutions is that much of S Ecosystem integrity by looking at ways to maintain healthy ecosystems from across campus together to focus on one the research will focus on watershed issues, subject: water. noted Greg Tolley, professor of marine sciences, Plans for the school include: “Philosophically, a couple of years ago, we who will lead the effort. An inaugural faculty as an institution started looking in the mirror member and founding director of the Coastal S State-of-the-art facilities housed in the proposed integrated watershed and coastal and asking the question: What are we going to Watershed Institute at FGCU, Tolley has been studies building. This will have 116,000 be known for?” said Robert Gregerson, dean of instrumental in developing programs as chair square feet of space for bench and laboraFGCU’s college of arts and sciences. “What are of the department of marine and ecological scitory courses that will serve as a comprehenwe going to be really great at? ences. sive center of science, technology, “One of the ideas that coalesced was this con“The University of South Florida is blue engineering, and mathematics (STEM) accept of the water school as a shining example of water; the University of Miami is blue water,” tivity and will help solve Florida’s water how we do all the things that impact our greater he said. “We’re focused on the connection of problems. community, allow us to do cutting-edge research S New funding for scholarships, fellowships, and provide scholarships, train students, and be symposiums, and more that the university an integral part of our greater community.” hopes will attract and retain the best and With 400 acres of protected habitat and a brightest students, fellows, and faculty. continuing commitment to buildings certified for sustainability, FGCU already The success of the school will has a living environmental labohinge on FGCU’s ability to secure ratory, with initiatives in educaan additional $20 million in fundtion, energy production, research, ing from individuals, corporations, and sustainable practices that it foundations, and the state of claims makes it one of the naFlorida to expand the university’s tion’s greenest campuses. infrastructure, establish scholar“It’s the perfect place to deships and fellowships, and realign velop a new school dedicated to new and current graduate and undeveloping a comprehensive undergraduate programs within the derstanding of water problems school. that also moves beyond tradi“More and more people tional boundaries to develop soare recognizing the importance of lutions,” Gregerson said. the integration of water into the In addition to the college’s lifestyle here in southwest Florida,” department of marine and ecoMartin said. “We’re seeing it in logical sciences, the water school local initiatives and we’re seeing it will draw on other disciplines, inin the state legislature. The time is cluding engineering, economics, right for the community to invest education, healthcare, arts and Florida Gulf Coast University graduate students (from left: Blake Faucett, in solutions to our water problems, humanities, psychology, sociology, Nick Culligan, and Adam Catusus) take a core sample during and FGCU is uniquely positioned to physics, and chemistry. a demonstration of water research techniques. lead the way.” S “This is not a science solution

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

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Optimizing Wellfield Performance Through Smart Analytics: The Smart Wellfield Rafael E. Frias III, Isabel E. Botero, Jim Stiles, Ali Bayat, Steve McGrew, and Diana Rivera smart wellfield is capable of integrating supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) with a geographic information system (GIS), local hydrogeology, groundwater quality, energy consumption, and wellfield hydraulics information to perform analytics that will result in the optimization of wellfield operations. The optimized operations increase the useful life of the wells and ancillary infrastructure, and provide cost savings from increased energy efficiency and treatment of a consistent groundwater quality. The smart wellfield concept is intended to provide “actionable intelligence” and is not designed to control the wells or associated water treatment plants (WTPs). This responsibility continues to be performed by utilities operations staff. As part of a strategic project undertaken by Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department (WUD), Black & Veatch was tasked with the identification and development of smart wellfield capabilities relevant to all wells at the four WUD wellfields that supply water to the WTPs (WTP-2, WTP-3, WTP-8, and WTP-9). The WUD already utilizes SCADA to provide some level of visualization of the WTPs and their associated wellfields. To convert the wellfields into smart wellfields, the project was designed to go beyond current capabilities and utilize analytics and reporting to improve the level of understanding of the operations and to allow optimization scenarios to be run and acted upon. The ability to visualize the aquifer in the context of the wells contained within a wellfield provides the unique ability to integrate the SCADA data, as well as the information about the well itself. When used in conjunction with wellfield optimization, this enables the user to determine the best wells within a wellfield (or an entire wellfield) for peak operational efficiency, adequate water demand, and a reduction in unexpected downtime. For WUD, it’s anticipated that the implementation of the smart wellfield project will extend the life of the assets (pumps and wells), facilitate decision making for the operators, maximize water quality, and reduce energy usage. Key features of WUD’s smart wellfield include: S Data capture and display of key performance indicators (KPIs)

S Well and wellfield optimization models S Well/wellfield aquifer visualizer display

Key Performance Indicators During the initial site investigations, Black & Veatch discussed with the operators the current wellfield operation scenarios and thoughts on which parameters should be included in the smart wellfield concept as KPIs. Since WTPs 2 and 8 are lime softening plants, and WTPs 3 and 9 are membrane softening treatment plants, some of the KPIs discussed varied between the plants. An example where one parameter might be more important at the membrane plants than the lime plants is using oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) to detect conditions favorable to blending for the membranes. The following is a summary of the KPIs initially considered to be included in the development of the smart wellfield solution for WUD. Well Status Key Performance Indicators Static Water Level (ft) – This is a real-time measurement of the water level in the well as taken from the level transmitter measured in ft below land surface (BLS). This value will be based on logic using the measured water level in the well just prior to the pump status being changed to “on.” This value is used in the calculations for total dynamic head (TDH), drawdown, specific capacity, pump efficiency, and energy use/cost per mil gal (MG) produced. Operating Water Level (ft) – This is a real-time measurement of the water level in the well as taken from the level transmitter measured in ft BLS. This value will be based on logic using the water level measurement shortly after the pump is turned on (i.e., one hour) and in real time thereafter. This value is used in the calculations for TDH, drawdown, specific capacity, pump efficiency, and energy use/cost per MG produced. Drawdown (ft) – This is the difference in water level in the well while the well pump is on (operating water level) and when the well is off (static water level).

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

Rafael E. Frias III, P.E., is associate vice president and regional manager, and Isabel E. Botero, P.E., is project manager with Black & Veatch in Sunrise. Jim Stiles is director; Ali Bayat, P.E., is assistant director; Steve McGrew, P.E., is manager–plant design; and Diana Rivera, P.E., is project manager with Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department.

Production Rate (Q mil gal per day [mgd] or gal per minute [gpm]) – This is a real-time measurement of the well production rate as measured by a flowmeter at the discharge of each well. This value is also used in the calculations for well-specific capacity, pump efficiency, and energy use/cost per MG produced. Specific Capacity (gpm/ft) – This is the well production rate divided by the drawdown. Significant changes in this value over time (higher or lower) can be an indication of a problem with the well.

Water Quality Key Performance Indicators ORP (millivolts [mV]) – Utilization of an ORP reading as input to the well supply system to determine proper treatment. Conductivity (microsiemens per centimeter [uS/cm]) – This is a measurement of dissolved solids in the water, and is another indicator of water quality. It has the ability to take input from sensors as part of the overall measurement of well output water quality. Temperature (°C) – Temperature affects the amount of dissolved solids the water can accept. In addition, odor, coagulation, and pH are all dependent. Turbidity (nephelometric turbidity units [NTUs]) – Potential use of a turbidity measurement instrument to determine well sand level. Monitor the back flushing cycles to indicate when to stop/start a well.

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Sand Filter Backflush Cycles – Monitor the number of backflushing cycles to indicate when to stop/start a well. Silt Density Index (SDI) – This is a measurement for the fouling capacity of water in reverse osmosis systems, and is important for WTPs 3 and 9. The SDI is not measured by an instrument and therefore will be measured and tracked routinely at each well, based on the current testing frequency. Sand Concentration (mg/L) – This concentration is a measure of the amount of fine particles in the water and is an indication of the amount of sand migrating through the well screen and into the water stream. High sand concentrations can lead to pump damage, as well as premature clogging of cartridge filters. The sand concentration is not measured by an instrument and therefore will be measured and tracked routinely at each well, based on the current testing frequency. Well Pump/Motors Key Performance Indicators Run Status (on/off) – In addition to simply providing an indication and record of when the pump is on, this status information can be used to support other calculations described in this proposed summary of wellfield KPIs, including well/pump runtime, well drawdown, operating time, idle time, etc. Flow rate (mgd or gpm) – See previous description for well production rate. Discharge Pressure (pounds per sq in. [psi]) – This is a real-time measurement of the pressure in the well pump discharge piping. This value is also used in the calculations for TDH, pump efficiency, and energy use/cost per MG produced. TDH (ft) – The TDH is a calculation of the total head delivered by the pump, and the pump discharge flow rate can be plotted over the original manufacturer’s pump curve in a chart to illustrate any degradation in pump performance over time. The chart can also illustrate whether or not the pump is typically being operated close to its best efficiency point (BEP) and within the manufacturer’s allowable operating range for the pump.

Where h is the height of the pressure gauge above land surface (ALS) and D is the diameter of the pump discharge piping.

Speed (revolutions per minute [rpm]) – This is an indication of the pump speed for the well pumps that are equipped with variable frequency drives (VFDs). There is a potential reduction in sand churn/cavitation based on well pump speed and start-up speed to reduce turbulence, churn, and cavitation that capture events when pumps start up, capture turbidity, and analyze results. Power (kilowatts [kW]) – This is a real-time indication of the actual power usage of the pump motor as measured by the VFDs, power meter, or calculation based on the measured operating conditions of the pump. Phase Voltage (V) – This is a real-time indication of the individual voltage to each phase (A, B, and C) as measured by the VFDs or power meter. These values are used to calculate voltage imbalance and the resulting temperature rise in the motor windings. Voltage Imbalance (percent) – This is a calculation of the maximum difference in measured line-to-line voltages between each phase, divided by the average voltage across each phase. This is used to monitor power quality and to calculate the temperature rise in the motor windings caused by the imbalance.

Temperature Rise (percent) – This is a calculation of the increase in temperature of the motor winding as a result of voltage imbalance. A voltage imbalance greater than 2 percent can result in a temperature rise in the winding that is beyond the motor specifications, decreasing motor life. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) requirements limit voltage imbalance to no more than 5 percent. Pump Efficiency (percent) – This is a calculation of the real-time efficiency of the well pump. Monitoring and trending of the pump efficiency can be used to identify impeller wear or maintenance issues that are negatively impacting pump performance. Low pump efficiency values can also alert operations staff to operational conditions that are outside of the pump’s allowable operating range. Wire-to-Water Efficiency (percent) – This is a calculation of the real-time energy efficiency of the well pump/motor system. Monitoring of the wire-to-water efficiency can support the determination of optimized operating strategies for the well pumps, especially for pumps equipped with VFDs.

Where: Q (gpm) = Pump Flow P (ft) = Total Dynamic Head (Discharge Head – Suction Head) S.G. (Specific Gravity) = 1.0 V = Line-to-Line Voltage I(amps) = Line-to-Line Current PF = Power Factor Well Power Use/Costs Power Demand (kW) –This is a real-time indication of the actual power usage of the pump motor as measured by the VFDs or motor control center (MCC). If no measured kW value is available, power demand can be calculated using the measured operating conditions of the pump. This value is also used in the calculations for pump efficiency, wire-to-water efficiency, and energy use/cost per MG produced. Energy Use (kilowatt-hour [kWh]/MG) – This is a real-time calculation of the rate at which energy is being used to pump MG of supply. Energy Cost ($/MG) – This value indicates the energy cost for pumping each MG of supply from the well. This value would be based on the average $/kWh rate that is associated with the power service at each well. By monitoring this value, the operators will determine which well pumps provide water supply at the lowest energy cost. On-Peak/Off-Peak Energy Cost Rate – This is an indication of when the energy use at a well is occurring at a time when Florida Power and Light (FPL) is charging higher “on-peak” rates or discounted “off-peak” rates. On-peak and off-peak rates are only applicable for the wells that are on a specific FPL rate schedule. Overall Wellfield Performance and Power Use/Costs Wellfield Production Rate (mgd or gpm) – This is the total wellfield supply delivered to the WTP. Wellfield Power Demand (kW) – This is the combined power demand of the wells in each wellfield, in addition to any air conditioning in the environment. Continued on page 66

Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

Continued from page 65 Energy Use (kWh/MG) – This is a real-time calculation of the rate at which energy is being used throughout the wellfield to produce MG of supply. Energy Cost ($/MG) – This is a real-time value that indicates the energy cost for pumping each MG of supply from the entire wellfield.

Wellfield Operations and Operational Analysis The operating strategy for each wellfield can vary, based on many considerations. For example, emphasis can be given to managing the health of the well, increasing energy efficiency, or improving raw water quality to the WTPs. Each well may contribute differently to each of these areas; therefore, it can be difficult to determine the most optimum combination of wells to achieve the desired effect. Monitoring and tracking the relevant KPIs of each well in real time allows operators to better understand how each well, or combination of wells, may contribute to the overall operation strategy; examples include: S Operating wells with the highest specific capacity (gpm/ft) S Operating wells with the best water quality to ensure reliable WTP operation S Operating wells that provide the lowest energy cost per mil gal produced ($/MG). S Operating well pumps at or near their BEP

Operating Well Pumps to Maintain Asset Health Maintaining the health of the well and the well pump is a priority to ensure reliable operation and extend the life of the well. As described earlier, some of the proposed KPIs are drawdown and capacity-specific. These values can be calculated in real time and trended to determine which wells are deteriorating and may be in need of rehabilitation. Similarly, these values can be used to determine the flow ranges of each well that result in allowable drawdown levels; the production rate of each well can then be limited through the operating speed of the pump to prevent operation at excessive drawdown levels. This can prolong the life of both the well and the pump, as well as effectively identify wells with degrading performance and prioritize rehabilitation projects. Understanding the water quality of each well can also play a part in maintaining asset health. For example, excessive ORP values can lead to severe damage of the membranes, but monitoring the ORP at the plant inlet alone does not provide adequate notice of high ORP. Measuring and tracking the ORP at each individual well will allow the ability to identify which wells are experiencing high levels of ORP, as well as estimate the combined ORP from a group of wells operating at various flows and ORPs. This will help anticipate when high ORP conditions may occur and provide adequate time to react before damage occurs.

Figure 1. Illustration of Pump Efficiency Declining When a Pump Operates Away From its Best Efficiency Point

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

Operating Well Pumps to Reduce Energy Cost per Million Gallons Produced One of the proposed KPIs is a calculation of the energy cost per MG produced ($/MG). This value can be calculated in real time and trend over long periods to illustrate which wells provide water at the lowest energy cost per MG produced. The calculation of this value takes into account numerous variables (including flow rate, power use rate, and unit cost for energy based on the power rate schedules) and provides a single value for each well that can be monitored and used to support decisions regarding energyefficient operating plans for the wellfield. It should be noted that the $/MG value will not remain constant for each well, as this value can change based on the varying conditions of the wellfield, its operations, and the power rate schedule (including on-peak versus off-peak times for wells on FPL’s rate schedule). For example, changes in aquifer/drawdown levels, pump efficiencies, pump speeds, and head losses in the wellfield collection piping system (based on the selected combination of wells that are on at a given time) can impact the $/MG value for each well; however, trending and averaging the $/MG value over time and including other advanced data analytics within a smart wellfield can allow the $/MG value to be further leveraged to support operators in identifying the most energy-efficient wellfield operating plans. Operating Well Pumps Near Best Efficiency Points Each well pump has specific flow rate and pressure conditions that result in optimal energy efficiency for the pump, or BEP. A well pump may have a BEP of 85 percent efficiency, but that same well pump could run at 60 percent efficiency or less if it’s operated significantly away from its BEP (Figure1). This is similar to how a car may run at a high-efficiency mi per gal (mpg) at 50 mi per hour (mph), but a much lower efficiency at 100 mph. In order to support the operation of well pumps near their BEPs, one of the proposed KPIs is a real-time energy-efficiency calculation. A customized equation can be developed to automatically calculate this value from the following proposed monitoring data from each well: flow rate, well water level, discharge pressure, and power use rate. Monitoring and trending the actual efficiency value over time can support the operators in understanding the energy efficiencies of each well pump based on different operating conditions. Observations of a low energy-efficiency value or a decreasing trend in efficiency over time can alert operators to an operational or mainteContinued on page 68

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Continued from page 66 nance issue with a well pump. If the wells are equipped with VFDs, the smart wellfield could also include additional analytics to support the identification of an optimal pump speed for each well to maximize operation near the BEP. In addition to wellfield energy use and cost considerations, the smart wellfield must consider a number of additional factors and constraints. These may include: S Regular rotation of well operations and exercising of well pumps to avoid regulatory, water quality, and maintenance issues. S Conditions where specific wells may be temporarily out of service. S Aquifer management considerations. • Aquifer drawdown • Changes in specific capacity S Well management considerations, including: • Avoiding well interference • Production rates that may negatively impact water quality or well drawdowns • Total maximum permit • “Running to waste” for idle/restarted wells

Smart Wellfield Dashboard Concept Smart Wellfield Dashboard/Modeling Prototype Benefits Providing relevant information comparing actual to expected values will increase operational awareness and foster shared-system ownership across all departments within WUD. Easy access to data and analytical tools will encourage collaboration among operations, maintenance, and engineering, as well as offer a means to answer the following questions: S Do I need to make a change to wellfield operations or rehabilitation schedules? S Do I know what to change to achieve a suc-

cessful outcome? S How can this change be implemented in the most efficient way possible? It’s important to note that the smart wellfield dashboard is different from SCADA. The SCADA system is, and will continue to be, the exclusive point of operational information and the foundation for process data collection. The dashboard will build on this by providing a scalable analytics environment, along with the data integration, visualization, and mathematical tools necessary to solve complex operational challenges. These tools can be accessed by all individuals or departments within WUD and customized so that they are relevant to each for purposes of tracking, monitoring, and assessing the health and performance of a particular asset. The results can then be used to identify operational improvements, such as optimized pumping strategies and refined pump operating limits, which can be applied through the SCADA system by WUD operators. Dashboard Access The smart wellfield dashboard will be powered by ASSET360® (Figure 2), which is a cloudbased analytics platform that uses big data to maximize the capability of distributed assets and across a system. It can be accessed by any authorized person using a standard internet connection and relevant computer hardware, from iPad to desktop computer. Visualization and Tracking of Key Performance Indicators The power of the smart wellfield dashboard is the ability to look at the macro view of the entire system, as well as displaying specific information about a particular asset. This pro-

Figure 2. Wellfield 9 Production Dashboard

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

vides the capability of integrating multiple data sources into a common point and leveraging that data to provide tracking and trending KPIs for all systems and assets. The ability to view multiple data sources for all individual assets or the aggregate of those assets in one view makes the dashboard an essential tool. This enables the user to assess the status and optimization of the operation in one view. The dashboard will provide the ability to visualize an aggregate view of an entire wellfield, or specific wells within a wellfield. It provides the ability to visualize the metrics in an aggregate pie chart paradigm, as well as tracking the well and wellfield information over time, measuring such information as flow, energy consumption, well/wellfield production. The dashboard can retrieve a specific set of data from a specific well, in addition to the wellfield. These data can be combined with other system data to create custom time series comparisons. This enables comparing nominal and nonregular events to other points in time for the causal of an event, system performance during a specific time/event, and optimization of the system. Inherent to the system is the ability to recognize and leverage usage and other metrics being captured. Operational Intelligence An operational intelligence (OI) solution suite gives users a significant strategic edge by transforming information into insights that enable timely and dynamic decision making. The suite includes: S Alerts – Provide early warning of emerging performance and reliability issues through advanced pattern recognition. S Issues Management – Collects, prioritizes, and tracks the emergence of asset and equipment issues to expedite their resolution. S Performance Analysis – Evaluates the performance and reliability of selected assets with advanced trending, plotting, and data exploration. S Business Intelligence – Enables powerful data exploration and custom, dynamic dashboards and reports. S Monitoring and Diagnostics – Provides total plant coverage to detect and diagnose equipment and performance issues before they become costly problems. Aquifer: Summary/Bi Screen One of the key areas of interest for WUD was the ability to visualize, in one view, the parameters of the well and wellfield that included well capacity, flow rate, well depth, well-causing depth, pump/screen elevation, and well screen depth. This view provides the ability to visualize

Figure 3. Production Well Levels: Water Treatment Plant 9

all of the wells and the characteristics and limits listed for each well. It also provides the ability to view the water quality parameters by hovering the cursor over a particular well, which enables a quick view of the specific well static and dynamic parameters without having to utilize another tool or view. The ability to simultaneously view multiple vital parameters at a glance may reduce the potential of overpumping, resulting in excessive drawdown. As part of the overall view presentation of the total cost by asset, source, and energy used by active wells is the availability above the cross sectional view of the wells and wellfield (Figure3). In one view, the user is able to determine well metrics and, with use of the well optimization tool, determine which wells within a wellfield (or an entire wellfield) to use to meet customer demand, operational efficiency, energy usage, and pump maintenance parameters. This is just one view of the well/wellfield that is possible through the dashboard. Water Quality: Summary/Bi Screen The ability of the system to incorporate, integrate, and simultaneously display the realtime data coming from the ORP sensors or other quality systems (in addition to the laboratory data displays) shows its power beyond the traditional capture of real-time systems. There are three major variables that affect the pH and ORP of the water: the water’s source, the voltage applied to the water during electrolysis (if applicable), and the flow rate. The system enables the capture of each of these variables incorporating the measured flow rate, ORP, and pressure. The system is capable of using both the real-time instrument data (such as ORP), conductivity, temperature, and turbidity, as well as periodic sampling data, such as iron, hydrogen sulfide, sand, or silt density index

(SDI), to display and predetermine the type of water quality coming from each of the wellfields that will better prepare the water treatment process. The system also has the ability to integrate and utilize the data from new sensors and equipment without the need for the recreation of existing trends and charts. The ability to integrate the instrument and laboratory data enables the direct comparison of these readings into a single view, with the ability to compare the performance of the delivery of water at other points in time. This has significance if there are events, such as significant weather or usage, that cause differences in the aquifer and subsequently the output from each well/wellfield. Pump Performance: Summary/Bi Screen The ability to integrate and display the pump characteristics is vital to the efficient operation, maintenance, and performance of the pumps in the system. The prototype is able to utilize the data produced by the pumps themselves to track and produce how the pump is performing in the context of capacity, flow, energy usage, and efficiency. The prototype also has the ability to display the manufacturer’s pump curves as part of the system. The use of this information provides the user with the ability to visualize how the pump is performing in real-world conditions and within the parameters set by utility. This demonstrates the ability of the system to utilize all data sources regardless of static or real time and provides the comparison capability to pump specifications, enabling determination of pump capability for the particular well. This capability, combined with the optimization capability of the prototype (Figure 4), provides (for example) the ability to predict the resist-

ance or capability each pump faces compared to other pumps, or how the pump performance is changing over time based on the type of well it's installed on. This ability to capture and compare the change in performance might drive difference maintenance routines or schedules, reducing unscheduled downtime due to failure.

Network Collection: Geographic Information System/Map Tab A satellite view or graphical representation of the system provides a logical way to improve the operator’s ability to visualize where a potential issue may be. Many systems that provide a satellite or graphical representation of an asset do not integrate the operational data for that asset; in this case, the well or wellfield. The GIS/map tab (Figure 5) will provide a satellite view showing all of the wells within a selected wellfield in a satellite display of their actual location. In addition, the same real-time operational data for each well or wellfield that is used in other views of the system can be visualized on that map. Users can configure limits on any of these parameters and represent those limits with color-changing indicators. Values for parameters, such as pump-run status, well flow rate, well-specific capacity, water quality, and well drawdown can all be color-coded to quickly and easily visualize how a particular well is operating relative to those defined thresholds. At a glance, the operator can see if that well or wellfield is operating correctly or requires attention from within that view without navigating to another part of the system. Alerting: Future Application Capability In any system, alerting is a major factor in Continued on page 70

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Continued from page 69 avoiding conditions that go outside operating ranges or parameters. Most alerting systems depend on static thresholds that are set according to parameters that do not take into account variations that might violate a static threshold, but are acceptable given the conditions at the time. While most SCADA systems provide static threshold alerting, the number of nonconditional alerts based on static thresholds ultimately results in the alerting function not being utilized and turned off, except for extreme conditions. The prototype has the capability, with its time-based trend-capture capability, to interpret those dynamic conditions and provide (or not provide) thresholds based on past occurrences or situations. The system has the capability of learning these situations or conditions, in addition to

user input to create intelligent alerting. The system could provide the capability of an alert on the degradation of a well or pump based on past performance of that well or pump. The system has the capability to look at past trends and use them to create the alerts that fall outside of current or past conditions that would realistically create damage to the well or pump, as well as an unacceptable water quality level. This level of intelligent alerting enables the proper and efficient use of resources to focus on substantive alerts based on actual conditions at a well, wellfield, pump, or other asset in the system.

Well Optimization The smart wellfield optimization tool will perform predictive simulations using past and current data to create, compare, and inform complex planning, operational, and infrastruc-

Figure 4. Prototype Dashboard

Figure 5. Aerial Map View of Wellfield 9

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

ture decisions. Smart wellfield optimization solutions provide a dynamic, flexible planning framework that enables utilities and communities to rapidly adapt to changes in present conditions and strategically plan for potential future conditions. Adaptive planning solutions that can be provided with the smart wellfield include: S Strategic Options Assessment – Advanced scenario creation and comparison analytics evaluate capital investment, infrastructure resilience, maintenance, operations, consumables, and compliance options against a wide range of metrics for strategic planning. S Operational Planning – Recurring planning analytics predict performance variances and provide an understanding of variance sources and improvement opportunities for operational planning, such as responding to unexpected or upset conditions. S Asset Planning – Probabilistic analytics inform asset investment and maintenance plans with an understanding of risks, impacts, and criticality for operational and strategic planning. Define Operating Rules and Scenarios Optimization technology can greatly assist operators when there are a large number of decisions or combinations of decisions. In such cases, operators often rely on years of valuable operational experience. Unfortunately, areas of decision may be left unexplored, leaving opportunity for savings in energy, cost, quality, and efficiency. When producing a recommendation from an optimizer, it’s critical that the optimization model (model) represents the decisions and constraints as best as possible; if an important constraint is not considered, a recommendation may yield a suboptimal result. Outlined here are operating rules and constraints that have been so-far envisaged in the prototype model. It’s expected that these constraints would be refined and expanded upon in the final dashboard tool to best reflect actual operations at the wellfields and wells. The prototype model considered constraints at the pump, well, and wellfield levels. Starting at the pump level, each pump curve was uploaded, defining the maximum pressure available with varying flow. The pump curve also relates the pump flow and pressure with the pump efficiency. As improved instrumentation is installed, the as-tested pump curves used in the model would be updated or calibrated with measured pump performance parameters. The model also treats single-speed (SS) pumps differently than VFD pumps, which have the advantage of maintaining high pump efficiency across a wider range of flow and pressure. The pump affinity laws are applied in the model to calculate pump per-

formance across the speed range. Each well’s specific capacity and maximum drawdown are also considered by the model. As the pump flow increases, the water level in the well decreases, increasing the hydrostatic pressure the pump must overcome. Water quality parameters can also be specified at each well. At the wellfield level, the model considers a time-based water flow requirement and water quality limitations. The wellfield flow is calculated simply as the sum of each well’s flow, and the water quality is a weighted average of the well flow and its respective quality value. The model considers operational constraints, such as a minimum runtime and offtime of 24 hours, and a maximum runtime of 72 hours. Pumps can be scheduled to be forced online or offline for rotation or maintenance purposes. Longer time-horizon considerations, such as pump rotation, are not currently envisaged in the model. Electricity tariffs are assigned to each pump. Currently the energy charges are included in the model, including flat and time-ofuse structures; demand charges are not included in the prototype. Each pump is also considered to be on its own electricity meter—an assumption that would need to be validated once demand charges are introduced. Currently, the model can be configured to maximize specific capacity, minimize electricity costs and consumption, or optimize water quality parameters, such as ORP and turbidity. Moving forward, there are some additional constraints and considerations the model should consider; for example, there may be significant opportunity to reduce demand charges if multiple pumps are on the same electricity meter. It may be important to more accurately predict the system resistance each pump faces, based on which other pumps are delivering into the system. The hydrostatic pressure each pump faces changes over time with the well static level. Changes and deterioration of pump and motor performance are likely to be important to the quality of the model and additional or composite optimization objectives may be defined. Finally, the scope of the questions that can be answered by the optimizer should be explored, from maintenance rotation optimization to defining how valuable it would be to shape the wellfield water flow rate throughout the day to respond to time-of-use rates.

Dispatch Tab: Optimization A prototype dashboard was created to visualize the optimization results and compare them to actual operation. An example screenshot is displayed in Figure 6.

Figure 6. Prototype Dashboard Created to Visualize Optimization Results Compared to Actual Operations

Figure 7. Comparison of Actual Operation and Optimization Result Minimizing Cost (Average Variation)

Figure 8. Comparison of Actual Operation and Optimization Result Minimizing Cost (Sum of Optimization)

This dashboard allows users to see how KPIs compare across scenarios, as well as inspect charts to understand the differences in more detail. In the top left of the tab, users select which scenarios they want to compare; in this example, the user is comparing an actual operation and the optimized scenario from July 2016, which minimizes cost. Tiles across the top allow the user to compare KPIs across the selected time range. For the prototype, actual operation was to the optimization recommendations. Power consumption was not measured at the pumps; therefore, measurement data from individual pumps was analyzed with pump curve test data to develop the costs and energy usage for each pump. Pump flow measurements were used to look up pump water horsepower on pump curves. Where available, pump VFD speed measurements were used, with the affinity laws

to alter the estimated water horsepower. The time frame of July 1 through July 7, 2016, was used in this prototype example; the optimization model required that the hourly system flow matched the measurement data. Three different optimization scenarios were evaluated and compared in the prototype dashboard: the first scenario minimized energy costs, the second minimized energy consumption, and the third maximized the water quality. Comparing Actual Readings to Optimized Predictions For the purposes of this prototype, when comparing the actual measured operation to the optimized operation, it’s important to recognize the opportunities for operational improvement, while understanding that the optimization model Continued on page 72

Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

Figure 9. Illustration of the Hourly Flow Throughout the Week, Segmented by Specific Capacity

Continued from page 71 is a prototype model and does not yet include all the constraints and considerations that a comprehensive and robust model would consider. The following details how users can inspect and compare two scenarios using the prototype dashboard. In this case, the actual operation and optimization result that minimizes cost will be compared (Figure 7). One of the first items to observe is that the average water flow for the week is identical. This is because the optimizer constrained the system flow to match the measured data. The optimizer selected wells with favorable specific capacities because drawdown in the well affects the efficiency and cost of pump operation. On average, the optimizer was able to reduce the cost per thousand gal (kgal) from 5.658c/kcal to 3.788 c/kgal. While some KPIs make sense to compare on an average basis, others make more sense using different aggregation means. Selecting â&#x20AC;&#x153;sumâ&#x20AC;? on the aggregation bar allows users to see how the sums of the KPIs over the time range compare (Figure 8). In this case, the optimizer reduced the cost from $6,291 to $4,206 and energy usage from 96 megawatt-hour (MWh) to 64MWh. As mentioned, since this is a prototype optimization model that does not yet consider all operational factors or cost-savings opportunities, such as demand-charge management, the weekly savings is expected to be less than $2,000 per week. Comparison of Results Based on Specific Capacity Various charts were developed to understand and illustrate where the model achieved its savings. Figure 9 illustrates the hourly flow throughout the week, segmented by specific capacity. The pumps were organized into specific capacity categories according to the following: S Pumps with specific capacity between 10-15 gpm/ft were placed in group 1 (G1) S Pumps with specific capacity between 15-20 gpm/ft were placed in group 2 (G2) S Pumps with specific capacity between 20-40 gpm/ft were placed in group 3 (G3) S Pumps with specific capacity above 40 gpm/ft were placed in group 4 (G4)

Figure 10. Comparison of How the Model Uses Variable Frequency Drive Pumps Versus Single-Speed Pumps

July 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Florida Water Resources Journal

In the optimization recommendation, the most efficient pumps (G4) were utilized much more than in the actual operation. There is a substantial drop in G4 pumps in the middle day for the optimized chart. This is an artifact of the operational rules used in the model; namely, that pumps cannot be online for more than 72 hours and must be online or offline for a minimum of 24 hours. In this case, the optimizer is using the most efficient wells for days one through three, turning them off on day four, then turning them back on for the remaining three days of the eval-

uation. When the model is further developed to understand more operational rules, it’s likely that these sorts of decisions will not be allowed to implement, for example, a longer-time horizon rotation strategy. Comparison of Results Based on Pump Speed Figure 10 compares how the model used pumps with VFDs versus pumps with singlespeed motors. This figure illustrates that the optimizer generally prefers pumps with VFD motors over pumps with only single-speed motors. The VFD motor allows the pump to operate at high efficiency over a range of flows, meeting the needs of the system more efficiently, and therefore, with less energy costs. Comparison of Results Based on Electricity Rates Figure 11 illustrates how the optimizer made decisions based on the different electricity tariffs that were available. As described, most pumps are on a specific tariff, where energy costs are on the order of 6.8c/kWh. Only seven of the pumps are on a specialized tariff, which has on-peak and offpeak energy prices on the order of 9.3¢/kWh and 5.7¢/kWh, respectively. In 2016, July 1 fell on a Friday, where the tariff had on-peak and off-peak prices. The days of July 2-4 were weekends or a holiday (Monday, July 4), and therefore pumps on the tariff only faced the low off-peak energy price. July 5-7 were nonholiday weekdays, and therefore were subject to on-peak and off-peak prices for the tariff. In the results, the optimizer shaped its utilization of pumps on the tariff to respond to the time-of-use incentives. If cost minimization is the primary objective, there is an opportunity to explore operational constraints and flexibility to understand when pumps are allowed to come online and offline. This may allow better response to the time-of-use rates and save on energy costs.

Figure 11. Illustration of Optimizer Decision Making Based on Different Electricity Tariffs

Comparison of Results Based on Operating Costs Figure 12 created for this prototype dashboard compares how the system’s cost and power efficiency vary over time. These figures illustrate that, in the measured data, energy efficiency remained relatively flat, while the cost efficiency increased and decreased with the on-peak time-of-use rates. In contrast, the optimizer considered individual pump efficiency, as well as the tariff schedule, to determine the best way to minimize energy costs. Optimization Scenarios The prototype optimization model was also configured to minimize energy and maxiContinued on page 74

Figure 12. Comparison of System Cost and Power Efficiency Variance Over Time Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

Continued from page 73 mize water quality. Figure 13 compares the actual operation with the three different optimization results. The minimum energy scenario was very similar to the minimal cost scenario, and maximizing water quality yielded a different set of recommendations; when inspecting the KPI tiles across the top of the dashboard, the actual operation remains the highest cost. The minimum energy scenario (in green) is only slightly higher in cost than the minimum cost scenario (in gray). Specific capacity remained high for the minimum energy and minimum cost scenarios, but suffered in the maximum water

quality scenario. For the final dispatch tool, it’s likely that multiple objectives will be configured, weighted against one another, and applied in one multiple-objective optimization model.

Conclusion The WUD’s smart wellfields were developed in support of its mission to provide the “best water, best service, and best environmental stewardship” to its customers. This visionary concept also supports WUD’s environment, infrastructure, and operational excellence initiatives intended to assist it in achieving the utopia of becoming a smart utility. S

New Products The GENESIS water recycling sewer cleaner from Cappellotto by Sewer Equipment employs a passive separation approach, which includes a true five-stage separation process. Using gravity, it separates water from sludge and is able to work effectively and efficiently in grease and lines containing water with any size impurities, as there are no filters to become clogged. It has a 13-yd stainless steel debris tank, a 1,500-gal stainless steel water tank, a 90-gpm-at-2,500-psi water pump designed specifically for recycled water, and a positive displacement blower with 3,000cfm-at-27-in. Hg with 6-in. system, and 800 ft of 1-in. sewer hose. With a boom reach that is adjustable from 15 to 21 ft from the center of the truck, the Smart Boom assembly has 65 ft of vacuum tube, providing the ability to vacuum 30 to 37 ft below grade without adding additional tubes. (www.sewerequipment.com)

Figure 13. Comparison of Actual Operations With Three Different Optimization Results

Loki from Schonstedt Instrument is a multifrequency locator solution designed to sweep large areas quickly and easily locate buried assets. With dual-mode capabilities, the Loki can simultaneously search for and identify transmitter and power signals for quick and accurate sweeps prior to excavation. Available in two models, the locator operates in active, inductive, sonde, and passive modes. The ShallowAlert warns of shallow pipes and cables, and NoiseProtect enables use in electrically noisy environments. Each model is optimized to perform in the demanding environments of the construction and utilities industries. (www.schonstedt.com)

The Manhole Edge Protector from Perma-Liner Industries is made in highly visible safety orange, which helps identify the site and the open manhole, eliminating potential hazards. The 360-degree edge protection also eliminates the top-edge roller and top-wide tiger tail that allows the cable to slip off the roller. The interior 3.5in. flange holds back debris and any loose infrastructure from falling into the manhole. It’s made with ABS 3/16 plastic, which is durable and withstands temperatures from -40 to 180°F. The protector leaves the manhole completely open, providing accessibility and visibility, while also protecting the camera and jetter lines. (www.perma-liner.com) S

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

Florida Water Resources Journal â&#x20AC;¢ July 2019

Test Yourself

What Do You Know About the Lead and Copper Rule? c. sample sites selected are those that present the greatest risk. d. the samples will be tested in a laboratory certified by the Department of Health.

Donna Kaluzniak

1. Per the Environmental Protection Association (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule: A Quick Reference Guide, which water systems must monitor for lead and copper per the Lead and Copper Rule (FAC 62550.800)? a. All water systems b. Community water systems only c. Community water systems and nontransient, noncommunity water systems d. Nontransient, noncommunity systems only 2. As described in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) webpage, Monitoring Lead and Copper in Florida Drinking Water, where are samples for lead and copper collected? a. At the entry point to the distribution system. b. At the same sample points used for disinfection byproduct testing. c. From the water hydrants during flushing. d. From the water taps in homes that may have an elevated risk of contamination.

5. Per FDEP’s webpage, Monitoring Lead and Copper in Florida Drinking Water, the action levels for lead and copper (0.015 mg/L and 1.3 mg/L, respectively) are based on a. an average of all samples tested. b. the maximum value of all samples tested. c. the 10th percentile assessment. d. the 90th percentile assessment. 6. Per the FDEP webpage, Monitoring Lead and Copper in Florida Drinking Water, the number of samples a public water system must collect for lead and copper during a compliance period depends on a. annual average daily flow for all treatment plants in the system. b. levels of lead and copper at the entry point to the distribution system. c. levels of lead and copper during the previous monitoring cycle. d. water system population and monitoring frequency.

3. Per the FDEP webpage, Monitoring Lead and Copper in Florida Drinking Water, the water samples are collected by a. a contract laboratory. b. owners or occupants of homes or businesses. c. treatment plant operators. d. water distribution operators.

7. Per the FDEP webpage, Monitoring Lead and Copper in Florida Drinking Water, when must a public water system notify participants who collected the lead and copper samples of the results, and which must be notified? a. Within 10 days—notify those with results exceeding the action level b. Within 30 days—notify those with results exceeding the action level c. Within 10 days—notify all participants d. Within 30 days—notify all participants

4. Per the FDEP webpage, Monitoring Lead and Copper in Florida Drinking Water, a sampling plan must be submitted to FDEP for review and approval at least 30 days before sampling begins. The plan must identify sites to be sampled and certification that a. owners or occupants have agreed to collect the samples. b. samples will be collected, as per direction by the water supplier.

8. Per the FDEP webpage, Monitoring Lead and Copper in Florida Drinking Water, if the action level for lead is exceeded, which customers must be notified? a. All of the water system’s customers b. Customers that participated in the sampling activity c. Customers whose sample results exceeded the action level for lead d. Customers that request the results of the monitoring

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

9. Per the EPA Lead and Copper Rule: A Quick Reference Guide, which water systems must monitor water quality parameters in addition to lead and copper? a. All water systems b. Large water systems only (serving > 50,000) c. Large water systems, and medium or small water systems exceeding the action level d. Small water systems only 10. Per 40 CFR 141, Control of Lead and Copper, how long must water systems keep records of sampling data, reports, surveys, and all other information regarding lead and copper monitoring? a. Three years b. Five years c. 10 years d. 12 years Answers on page 86 Reference used for this quiz: • Florida Department of Environmental Protection webpage, Monitoring Lead and Copper in Florida Drinking Water. https://floridadep.gov/water/source-drinkingwater/content/monitoring-lead-and-copperflorida-drinking-water. • U.S. EPA website – Drinking Water Requirements for States and Public Water Systems – Lead and Copper Rule. https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/lead-andcopper-rule#additional-resources. • U.S. EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule: A Quick Reference Guide; available on EPA’s website Drinking Water Requirements for States and Public Water Systems – Lead and Copper Rule. https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/leadand-copper-rule#additional-resources. • CFR 40 Part 141 Subpart I – Control of Lead and Copper.

Send Us Your Questions Readers are welcome to submit questions or exercises on water or wastewater treatment plant operations for publication in Test Yourself. Send your question (with the answer) or your exercise (with the solution) by email to: donna@h2owriting.com.

C FACTOR

Happy Independence Day! Mike Darrow President, FWPCOA

n July 4, 1776, our country’s founders put their John Hancock (signature) on a very importance document declaring independence from Great Britain and King George III. The document declares that it’s the right of the people to oppose tyranny, to separate from monarchy rule, and establish a new government, which would be a constitutional republic where the head of the state, as well as other officials, are elected by the country’s citizens to represent them. Those representatives must then follow the rules of that country’s constitution in governing their people. Therefore, this form of government is made through the people, by the people, and for the people. The document holds some famously crafted words that are the beginning and foundation of our nation:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” - Thomas Jefferson and committee Our role as water professionals centers around the word “life,” as water brings life to us all every day! It’s used in many different ways, for our own health and welfare, by industry to make products, and by agriculture to produce food. We all do our part to make water better for

public health and the environment around us. We observe water conditions and characteristics to ensure quality at our facilities and make the needed adjustments or repairs to improve them. We look for new technologies or operational techniques to improve our process efficiency for the people we serve and for a better quality of life. Over time, we have been advancing the methods and ideas for purity in our water. We have been providing safe and reliable potable drinking water and treating wastewater to help the environment. It’s through these efforts that the people we serve can have economic success and stability. Water professionals protecting public health is essential for life, which, in turn, helps develop our great nation and its prosperity, where one can then pursue happiness! On and around July 4th, millions of people across Florida will be at barbeques, picnics, family gatherings, parades, and fireworks displays, and flying our American flag. The members of FWPCOA take pride in our country and the communities where we live and work. I like to fly the flag at our home and at the wastewater plant where I work in Plant City. I encourage all members to do the same and show your support of our wonderful nation. As we celebrate Independence Day, I wanted to thank all you fine operators, mechanics, technicians, coordinators, and engineers in our profession for doing your part in helping to serve the people in your community and the nation!

Water Professionals Month is Coming! In case you didn’t know, August is Water Professionals Month for the state of Florida and will be proclaimed as such by Gov. Ron DeSan-

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

tis. Phil Donovan, the FWPCOA Publicity Committee chair, and our board of directors are working on another campaign to bring to light our daily efforts to bring life to all. So make sure you work on your proclamations in your community or region. My thanks for your efforts!

FWPCOA Fall and Summer State Short School Even though the renewal cycle just ended in April, it’s time to get ahead on your licensing requirements—or better yet—increase you knowledge base by learning something new or moving on to the next level of learning in your craft. The fall state school we be held August 12-16 in Fort Pierce at the Indian River State College and now is the time to sign up! Course work activities at this year’s state short school are in the following areas: S System Operations for Water Distribution S Wastewater Collection Continued on page 80

Continued from page 78 S Stormwater Management S Reclaimed Water Distribution Levels S Treatment Operations for Facility Management and Supervision S Process Control and Troubleshooting S Technical and Utility Maintenance Practices for Backflow Repair and Tester S Basic Electrical and Instrumentation S Utility Maintenance Levels S Customer Service Training for Utility Customer Relations

Please contact Shirley Reaves for more information at training@fwpcoa.org or go to our website at www.fwpoca.org.

Board of Directors Meeting and Awards Luncheon There will be a state board of directors meeting open to all members on August 11 at 9:30 a.m. Also, the FWPCOA annual award luncheon will be held on August 14. Our awards committee will again this year find it challeng-

ing to select this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recipients, with so many talented folks out there. Both events will be held at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce. More details can be found on the association website. I hope to see you there!

Online Institute Update The FWPCOA Online Institute finished the 2019 renewal cycle on a strong note, thanks to the leadership of Tim McVeigh and our course enrollment from members. Welcome to the 2021 license renewal cycle! Bolstered by 10 wastewater collection C online course enrollments from Collier County, April set a revenue record for the last two renewal cycles. There are 94 courses presently offered at the Institute and we have 436 registered students. With the start of the 2021 renewal cycle, the Institute deactivated 38 courses that have served two license renewal cycles. The program has identified an additional five courses for reactivation that are worth 0.5 continuing education units (CEUs) each. The following is a link to the course listing: http://fwpcoa.clubexpress.com/docs.ashx?id=25 9919, or you can email Tim with questions at Prog-Admin@fwpcoa.org. Some popular online short courses include: S Stormwater C S Wastewater collection C S Water distribution levels 2 and 3 S Wastewater class C S Treatment plant operators course S Class C drinking water treatment plant operator S Class B drinking water treatment plant operator course (new) The wastewater class B treatment plant operators course will soon be released. Again, Happy Independence Day and may God Bless America and your community! S

July 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Florida Water Resources Journal

News Beat Richard E. Cowles, P.G., has joined Stantec’s Sarasota office. He brings over 25 years of project management experience across a range of environmental and construction projects. He has designed and installed numerous production wells for drinking water supply, groundwater recovery, water quality issues, and gradient control. He has also conducted aquifer testing to evaluate well efficiency and well field yield, as well as determining recovery well capture zone and aquifer coefficients. Cowles also utilizes electromagnetic conductance and resistivity geophysical methods to identify new well field sites and determine the limits of waste placement and areas of leachate generation and migration at landfills. Cowles received his bachelor’s degree in geology from Mount Union College and a master’s degree in hydrogeology and geophysics from Wright State University.

Ginger Hoke has joined Neel-Schaffer in its Sanford office and will serve as a senior project manager in the firm’s complete communities group. She has nearly 30 years of experience in multimodal planning, bicycle and pedestrian planning and design, community visioning, project identification, concept development, and grant writing. She provides a planning approach that is integrated with stakeholder and

public outreach to develop buildable projects that will serve the public and promote economic development. The complete communities group is a firm-wide collaboration aimed at bringing expert engineers and planners from different specialties in the firm under one umbrella to develop multidisciplinary solutions to complex community problems. “We are excited to have Ginger joining the Neel-Schaffer family, and to launch our new group,” said Rosemary Aldridge, P.E., senior vice president for Neel-Schaffer’s Florida operations. “Ginger’s experience in multimodal planning is a perfect fit for our group, which focuses on developing, funding, and implementing master plans for local governments.” Hoke is the former owner of Hoke Design Inc., a firm that provided trails, safe routes to schools, and planning services for many central Florida cities, counties, and regional planning councils. In 2017, she received the American Planning Association National Vernon Deines Merit Award for Outstanding Small-Town Comprehensive Plan for a project she designed in Webster. Hoke holds a bachelor of science degree in environmental design from the University of Massachusetts and a master of landscape architecture from North Carolina State University.

Algal blooms continue to plaque the state, but a toxic red tide bloom that's raged along the southwest Florida coast since October of 2017 may be receding. Continued on page 85

Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

FWPCOA TRAINING CALENDAR SCHEDULE YOUR CLASS TODAY! July 8-12 15-17 15-19 22-26 26

......Reclaimed Water Field Site Inspector ......Osteen..................$350/380 ......Backflow Repair ..........................................St. Petersburg ........$275/305 ......Wastewater Collection B ............................Osteen..................$225/255 ......Wastewater Collection B ............................Pembroke Pines ....$225/255 ......Backflow Tester Recerts*** ........................Osteen..................$85/115

August 12-16 ......Fall State Short School................................Ft. Pierce

September 9-13 16-18 16-19 27

......Wastewater Collection C ............................Osteen..................$225/255 ......Backflow Repair ..........................................Osteen..................$275/305 ......*Backflow Tester ..........................................St. Petersburg ........$375/405 ......***Backflow Tester Recerts ........................Osteen..................$85/115

October 7-11 21-23 21-24 25

......Reclaimed Water Field Site Inspector ......Osteen..................$350/380 ......Backflow Repair ..........................................St. Petersburg ........$275/305 ......Backflow Tester............................................Osteen..................$375/405 ......***Backflow Tester Recerts ........................Osteen..................$85/115

November 18-22 18-22

......Water Distribution Level 3 ..........................Osteen..................$225/255 ......Reclaimed Water Distribution C ................Osteen..................$225/255

Course registration forms are available at http://www.fwpcoa.org/forms.asp. For additional information on these courses or other training programs offered by the FWPCOA, please contact the FW&PCOA Training Office at (321) 383-9690 or training@fwpcoa.org. * Backflow recertification is also available the last day of Backflow Tester or Backflow Repair Classes with the exception of Deltona ** Evening classes *** any retest given also

You are required to have your own calculator at state short schools and most other courses.

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES - Classified ads are $20 per line for a 60 character line (including spaces and punctuation), $60 minimum. The price includes publication in both the magazine and our Web site. Short positions wanted ads are run one time for no charge and are subject to editing. ads@fwrj.com

POSITIONS AVAILABLE CITY OF WINTER GARDEN – POSITIONS AVAILABLE The City of Winter Garden is currently accepting applications for the following positions: EXPERIENCED & TRAINEES/LABORERS - Collection Field Tech – I, II, & III - Distribution Field Tech – I, II, & III - Public Service Worker II - Stormwater Please visit our website at www.cwgdn.com for complete job descriptions and to apply. Applications may be submitted online, in person or faxed to 407-877-2795.

Water Distribution Lead Operator City of Clearwater Government is hiring now for a Water Distribution Lead Operator! Salary: $ 37,027 - $57,716 Annually Qualified candidates must have a Water Distribution Level II Operator’s license. APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE FILED ONLINE AT: http://www.myclearwater.com MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a state of Florida Water Distribution level II license and CDL Class “A” driver’s license is required. APPLICATIONS SHOULD http://www.myclearwater.com

FILED

ONLINE

AT:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a state of Florida Water Distribution level II license and CDL Class “A” driver’s license is required.

WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS U.S. Water Services Corporation is now accepting applications for state certified water and wastewater treatment plant operators. All applicants must hold at least minimum “C” operator’s certificate. Background check and drug screen required. –Apply at http://www.uswatercorp.com/careers or to obtain further information call (866) 753-8292. EOE/m/f/v/d

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS U.S. Water Services Corporation is now accepting applications for maintenance technicians in the water and wastewater industry. All applicants must have 1+ years experience in performing mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing abilities and a valid DL. Background check and drug screen required. -Apply at http://www.uswatercorp.com/careers or to obtain further information call (866) 753-8292. EOE/m/f/v/d

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator “C” Salary is commensurate with experience and license. The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority will be hiring a WWTP Operator. Minimum Requirements: Must have a Florida Class “C” WWTPO license or higher. Responsibilities include performing skilled/technical work involving the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant according to local, state and federal regulations and laws. An employee in this classification must have the technical knowledge and independent judgment to make treatment process adjustments and perform maintenance to plant equipment, machinery and related control apparatus in accordance with established standards and procedures. Benefit package is extremely competitive! Must complete on-line application at http://www.fkaa.com/employment.htm EEO, VPE, ADA

Experienced Industrial Maintenance Pump Mechanic Seeking mechanic with experience in plumbing, construction and maintaining pumps in an industrial environment. Prefer experience in a WTP or WWTF. Job is in Hialeah, Fl. Call David Rodriguez 305764-2908 Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

City of Titusville Water Resources Great community – great team! Senior Utility Engineer, Utility Field Technician Industrial Electrician, Maintenance Mechanic Crew Leader, Equipment Operator, Service Worker Treatment Plant Operator A, B, C or Trainee Apply at www.titusville.com

City of Wildwood Water Treatment and Wastewater Plant Operators: Looking for a licensed wastewater operator and a licensed water operator to join our team at one of the fastest growing cities in Central Florida. Must hold at least a Class “C” license. Valid Driver’s license a must. Great benefits and great boss. Pay Range: $34,000 - $37,000yr. Applications online www.wildwood-fl.gov or City Hall, 100 N. Main St, Wildwood, FL 34785 Attn: Melissa Tuck. EEO/AA/V/H/MF/DFWP.

City of St. Petersburg Civil Engineer III IRC48395 City of St. Petersburg - Civil Engineer III (IRC48395). Advanced professional civil/environmental engineering work in the Water Resources Department, involving the planning, investigation, design and construction of engineering, water/wastewater and public works projects. Requirements: Bachelor’s in environmental or civil engineering or a related subject; 5 years as a registered Professional Engineer (PE); considerable knowledge of modern engineering for water/wastewater, utility, drainage, infrastructure, cost analysis, and project scheduling. Close Date: Open Until Filled; $65,371 - $105,790 DOQ; See details at www.stpete.org/jobs EEO-AA-Employer-VetDisabled-DFWP-Vets’ Pref

Career Opportunity for Chief Engineer Toho Water Authority is the largest provider of water, wastewater and reclaimed water services in Osceola County. The purpose of this position is to provide engineering and project management services from initial planning through budgeting, design, and construction. Minimum qualifications required include a Bachelor’s Degree from an ABET accredited university in the field of Chemical, Civil or Environmental Engineering and a State of Florida Professional Engineer License. TWA offers a competitive benefit and compensation package. Applicants must submit a complete online application for employment consideration. To learn more about TWA and to apply, please visit www.tohowater.com. This position is eligible for relocation assistance!

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

Assistant Director of Public Utilities The City of West Palm Beach Public Utilities is seeking a dynamic Assistant Director to provide oversight for daily Operations and Administration of Water Distribution, Sewer Collection, Storm Water and Wastewater Pumping Divisions. Responsibilities include construction project management for Utility Capital and R&R projects, develop specifications, review and approve budgets and invoices. Excellent communications and interpersonal skills along with experience dealing with regulatory agencies as well as customers is required. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Engineering, Public Administration, Construction Management, or related field and seven (7) years progressively responsible work experience in Engineering, Water, Wastewater, and/or Public Utilities, including three (3) years supervisory experience, or any equivalent combination of training and experience. Professional Engineering certification (PE) and three (3) years of experience as Professional Engineer is preferred. Salary range $95,133 - $142,700 and excellent benefits. If you are interested you can get more information regarding the City, Public Utilities and the position by visiting www.wpb.org. To apply, please visit www.wpb.org

Career Opportunity Operator A, B, and C for Wastewater Treatment Plant Toho Water Authority This is your opportunity to work for the largest provider of water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services in Osceola County. A fastgrowing organization, Toho Water Authority is expanding to approximately 100,000 customers in Kissimmee, Poinciana and unincorporated areas of Osceola County. You can be assured there will be no shortage of interesting and challenging projects on the horizon! As an Operator, you will be expected, among other specific job duties, to have the ability to do the following: Maintain compliance and operations of Wastewater Treatment Plants; Conduct facility inspections, perform maintenance on equipment, and ensure normal operations; Evaluate water systems; and Fulfill recordkeeping, documentation, and reporting requirements. Candidates are required to hold the following certifications: Class “A”, “B or C” Wastewater Operators License, and Valid Class E Florida Driver’s License. Toho Water Authority offers a highly competitive compensation package, including tuition reimbursement, on site employee clinic, generous paid leave time, and retirement 401a match. If you are a driven professional, highly organized, and looking for a career opportunity at a growing Water Authority, then visit the TWA webpage today and learn how you can join our team! Visit www.tohowater.com to review the full job description and submit an employment application for consideration.

Executive Director – ECUA, Pensacola, FL Emerald Coast Utilities Authority is seeking an effective leader to direct its day-to-day operations. The ideal candidate shall have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in utility management and at least five years’ experience in a manager’s position overseeing the efforts of 200 or more employees. Having experience reporting to an elected Board is critical. The salary range is $160,000 to $225,000. To apply, e-mail your resume and cover letter to Recruit29@cb-asso.com by July 12th. Questions should be directed to Rick Conner at (915) 227-7002, or Colin Baenziger at (561) 707-3537. For more information, go to www.cb-asso.com and click on “Executive Search / Active Recruitments.

THE CITY OF DAYTONA BEACH “The World’s Most Famous Beach” EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES UTILITIES DEPARTMENT Heavy Equipment Operator Utility Service Worker Water Plant Operator Wastewater Plant Operator FOR APPLICATION/INFORMATION GO TO: www.codb.us/jobs

Aquatic Weed Technician/Storm Water Operator The North Springs Improvement District is searching for a Storm Water Operator. Individual must have their aquatic license or be willing to obtain their aquatic license. Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license to drive our district vehicles and pass a pre-employment drug test. Individual needs to physically be able to operate boats, lawn equipment, apply herbicides, and other chemicals to the District waterways. Please email Mimi Ortega at MireyaO@nsidfl.gov with your resume and application.

News Beat Continued from page 81 Recent water quality samples taken along coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay have shown only natural, background levels of Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide outbreaks. There could, however, be an area of red tide well offshore. This red tide outbreak is the longest lasting since a bloom that ran from the summer of 2004 until spring 2006. Karenia brevis occurs naturally in the Gulf of Mexico, but can become deadly to sea life and dangerous to humans when concentrations reach 10,000 cells per liter. Counts in the summer and fall of 2018 were in the millions of cells per liter, and untold tons of dead wildlife washed up on local shores. Elevated red tide counts were recorded from the Tampa area south to Collier County in Florida Bay, and along the east coast and in the Panhandle over the past 16 months. Lake Okeechobee most likely will experience more bluegreen algae blooms this summer, but the steps being taken now may keep them from creating a disaster across south Florida like last year, an officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says. The Corps manages the dike and water levels in the lake. When water was released because of high levels last summer, toxic algae blooms spread into the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers and canals across south Florida. Bright green and frothy gunk choked the rivers, fouled beaches, and killed fish and marine mammals. The algae is part of the result of having high lake levels year after year, having turbidity in the lake andin the rivers from storm events, and having significant amounts of runoff from the basin and the lakes. Lower levels mean that the lake can hold more water when the rainy season starts. Blue-green algae blooms tend to happen in warm weather when heavy rains wash nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus that often come from fertilizers, into the lake. The algae, also known as cyanobacteria, spill into rivers, canals, and estuaries south of the lake when the Corps discharges large amounts of water to prevent the Herbert Hoover Dike from being compromised, according to the University of Florida. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that in humans can cause gastrointestinal problems or liver damage. Some toxins affect the nervous system and can cause respiratory distress and eye irritation, while others can cause skin irritation. The toxins can kill fish if they are ingested, and they also can cause oxygen levels in the water to drop to deadly levels.

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has unveiled a new webpage aimed at keeping the public informed and engaged in its ongoing efforts to restore America's Everglades and protect Florida's environment. The "Advancing Key Priority Projects" webpage contains information on 29 critical Everglades restoration projects, including projects that support Gov. Ron DeSantis' executive order: Achieving More Now For Florida's Environment. The webpage will be closely monitored and updated as projects progress and as the public expresses interest in SFWMD restoration efforts. To access the webpage and for more information go to www.sfwmd.gov. S

Florida Water Resources Journal • July 2019

Test Yourself Answer Key From page 76 January 2016

Editorial Calendar January ........Wastewater Treatment February ........Water Supply; Alternative Sources March ............Energy Efficiency; Environmental Stewardship April ..............Conservation and Reuse; Florida Water Resources Conference May................Operations and Utilities Management June ..............Biosolids Management and Bioenergy Production July................Stormwater Management; Emerging Technologies; FWRC Review August ..........Disinfection; Water Quality September ....Emerging Issues; Water Resources Management October ..........New Facilities, Expansions, and Upgrades November ......Water Treatment December ......Distribution and Collection Technical articles are usually scheduled several months in advance and are due 60 days before the issue month (for example, January 1 for the March issue). The closing date for display ad and directory card reservations, notices, announcements, upcoming events, and everything else including classified ads, is 30 days before the issue month (for example, September 1 for the October issue). For further information on submittal requirements, guidelines for writers, advertising rates and conditions, and ad dimensions, as well as the most recent notices, announcements, and classified advertisements, go to www.fwrj.com or call 352-241-6006.

Display Advertiser Index Black & Veach ..........................................................................................67 Blue Planet ..............................................................................................87 CEU Challenge ..........................................................................................46 Data Flow..................................................................................................55 E-1 Nugent................................................................................................77 Engineered Pumps Inc ............................................................................81 Ferguson ..................................................................................................29 FSAWWA Fall Conference Overview ........................................................39 FSAWWA Fall Conference Exhibits ..........................................................40 FSAWWA Fall Conference Poker/Golf ......................................................41 FSAWWA Fall Conference Water Distribution System Awards ..............42 FSAWWA Conference Competitions ........................................................43 FWPCOA Short School ..............................................................................57 FWPCOA Training......................................................................................82 Gerber Pumps ..........................................................................................80 Grundfos ..................................................................................................79 Heyward....................................................................................................74 Hudson Pump ..........................................................................................53 Hydro International ....................................................................................5 J&S Valve..................................................................................................45 Lakeside Construction ..............................................................................7 PCL............................................................................................................47 Stacon ........................................................................................................2 SUEZ..........................................................................................................11 UF Treeo ....................................................................................................75 Vaughn......................................................................................................63 Xylem ........................................................................................................88

July 2019 • Florida Water Resources Journal

1. C) Community water systems and nontransient, noncommunity water systems Per EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule: A Quick Reference Guide, under Major Monitoring Provisions - Lead and Copper Tap, “All community water systems (CWSs) and nontransient, noncommunity water systems (NTNCWSs).”

2. D) From water taps in homes that may have an elevated risk of contamination. Per FDEP’s webpage, Monitoring Lead and Copper in Florida Drinking Water, “The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), at Subpart I, Part 141 of title 40 of the federal code of regulations (40 C.F.R. Sections 141.80-.91) and Section 62-550.800 of the Florida Administrative Code, requires community water systems and nontransient, noncommunity water systems to collect first-draw samples from water taps in homes/buildings that may be or are at an elevated risk of lead/copper contamination (taking into account the presence of lead/copper pipes and fixtures, and the use of lead in the pipe solder used to connect lead/copper pipes).”

3. B) owners or occupants of homes or businesses. Per FDEP’s webpage, Monitoring Lead and Copper in Florida Drinking Water, “Water samples are collected by the owners or occupants of houses, multifamily residences, or businesses that are selected by the public water system for sampling.”

4. C) sample sites selected are those that present the greatest risk. Per FDEP’s webpage, Monitoring Lead and Copper in Florida Drinking Water, “At least 30 days prior to collection of lead and copper samples, a public water system must submit its sampling plans to the department for review and approval. A sampling plan must identify the sites to be sampled, along with a certification that the sites selected are those that present the greatest risk.”

5. D) the 90th percentile assessment. Per FDEP’s webpage, Monitoring Lead and Copper in Florida Drinking Water, “The action levels for lead and copper (0.015 mg/L and 1.3 mg/L, respectively) are based on what is referred to as the 90th percentile assessment. The 90th percentile refers to the calculation of the results of all lead and copper samples collected during a compliance period. If the 90th percentile value of samples collected by the water system exceeds the action level, this means at least 10 percent of the public water system’s sample results are greater than 0.015 mg/L for lead or 1.3 mg/L for copper.”

6. D) water system population and monitoring frequency. Per FDEP’s webpage, Monitoring Lead and Copper in Florida Drinking Water, “The number of water samples that a public water system (PWS) must collect and analyze for lead and copper during a compliance period depends on the size of the population served by the system and the frequency with which the system must monitor water quality.”

7. D) Within 30 days—notify all participants Per FDEP’s webpage, Monitoring Lead and Copper in Florida Drinking Water, “A public water system must notify each participant who collected lead and copper tap samples of their individual lead results within 30 days of receipt of the sample results from the laboratory, regardless of whether the results exceed the action level for lead or copper. The LCR also requires that public water systems notify the department that they have complied with their obligation to notify consumers of the results of lead and copper sampling. Public water systems submit the following form to the department no later than three months following the end of a compliance period: PWS Certification of Notification of Lead and Copper Tap Sample Results.”

8. A) All of the water system’s customers Per FDEP’s webpage, Monitoring Lead and Copper in Florida Drinking Water, “If water analyses indicate that the action level for lead (0.015 mg/L) has been exceeded, then the water system must notify all of its customers and take action to educate the public about sources of lead, potential health effects of lead, and steps that the public can take to reduce exposure to lead. In addition, the system is required to submit to the department the ‘Lead Public Education Program Report for PWS’ along with a copy of the notices that were sent to consumers.”

9. C) Large water systems, and medium or small water systems exceeding the action level Per EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule: A Quick Reference Guide, Major Monitoring Provisions Water Quality Parameters, Applicability, “Systems serving > 50,000 people. Systems serving ≤ 50,000 during monitoring periods in which either action level is exceeded.”

10. D) 12 years Per 40 CFR 141.91 Recordkeeping Requirements, “Any system subject to the requirements of this subpart shall retain on its premises original records of all sampling data and analyses, reports, surveys, letters, evaluations, schedules, state determinations, and any other information required by §§141.81 through 141.88. Each water system shall retain the records required by this section for no fewer than 12 years.”