Jan '11 Texas H2O

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Texas Section in spotlight at AWWA Board meeting See Page 3

TEXASH2O

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011

The Official Newsletter of the Texas Section AWWA • THE Water Professionals

Herd the news?

Texas Water 2011 is on the trail to Fort Worth SM

Always a popular venue, Fort Worth is again welcoming the annual Texas Water conference, April 5-8, at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

For many Texans, Fort Worth is like a second home. You can find the folksy charm of East Texas, the cosmopolitan feel of North Texas and the rugged fun of West Texas, combined to offer the generous hospitality that welcomed South Texas ranchers and cattle to build an industry.

Dozens of volunteers have been at work since last year’s event to prepare for the Largest Regional Water Conference in the U.S.TM More than a hundred will eventually be involved from the shotgun blast that begins the golf tournament on Tuesday, PLEASE SEE TW11, PAGE 16

INFO for TW11

Conservation and Reuse Division Awards Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Golf Registration Form . . . . . . . . . 10 Attendee Registration Form . . . . . 11 Water Conservation and Stewardship Award Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 TW11 News and Notes . . . . . . . . . 15 Watermark forms . . . . . . . . . . . 16,17

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Letter from the Texas Section Chair

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Legislature dives in

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By Richard Talley

Texas Section American Water Works Association P.O. Box 80150 Austin, Texas 78708 http://www.tawwa.org RICHARD TALLEY, CHAIR 817-392-8203 DAVE SCHOLLER, CHAIR-ELECT 281-558-8700 BRENT LOCKE, VICE-CHAIR 254-562-5992 MARI GARZA-BIRD, IMM. PAST CHAIR 210-826-3200 MIKE HOWE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ SECRETARY-TREASURER 512-238-9292 FAX: 512-238-0496 E-MAIL: mikehowe@tawwa.org This publication is distributed monthly to the more than 3,500 members and friends of the Texas Section American Water Works Association.

Contributing writers can contact the editor: Cliff Avery Gilleland Creek Press PO Box 676 Pflugerville, TX 78691 512-251-8101 FAX: 512-251-8152 e-mail: cavery@texas.net The publication name, TexasH2O: © 1996-2011 Texas Section - American Water Works Association, Inc. © 2011, Texas Section - American Water Works Association, Inc.

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he Texas Legislature faces the first draft of a budget that is $31.1 billion less than the last budget it passed. Since the legislators are required to present a balanced biennial budget and revenues are projected to plummet, the first draft of the budget calls for no new taxes.

Instead, there are drastic cuts to existing services and departments.

While plugging the budget hole will dominate the legislative session, other items that will challenge the House and Senate leaders include congressional and legislative redistricting, voter ID, illegal immigration, insurance rates and the Sunset Advisory Commission recommendations.

So what about potential legislative polices relating to Texas’ water needs and financing the state’s 50-year water plan? With Texas continuing to experience drought and population increases, our state legislators cannot afford to put water needs aside.

Gov. Rick Perry has stated many times the answer to meeting Texas’ water needs is the Texas Water Plan. “I sincerely believe that the 82nd Legislature must finally execute our state’s water plan to help meet a demand that is expected to grow 18 percent over the next 50 years as our population doubles.” Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has stated he’s committed to the Senate funding the plan, and Sen. Allan Ritter, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee in the 81st Legislature, has said, “the House will have a water financing bill in the 82nd Legislature.”

The 2007 state water plan is anticipated to cost $30 billion to implement over the next 50 years. The cost of the 2007 water plan will continue to grow and the updated version, which is due out in 2012 is expected to be higher due to construction and other multiple factors. In its report to the Sunset commission, the Texas Water Development Board has identified both groundwater issues and reservoir site acquisition and construction to be major policy items for funding consideration by the 82nd legislative session.

So what can we expect from the 82nd legislative session? We will have to watch closely to see if the House and Senate leaders are committed in getting behind the idea of financing the state’s water plan with a dedicated funding stream.

So stay tuned, as the Texas Section AWWA’s legislative committee begins its work to keep us informed on the 82nd legislative session.

Cover photo (top): Texas Section members congratulate new AWWA Pres.-Elect Charlie Anderson and Director-at-Large Alyssa Lockett. From left, they are Incoming Section Director Charlie Maddox, Mari Garza-Bird, Cliff Avery, Glenda Dunn, Ricky Dunn, Katie McCain, Mike Howe, Cindy Anderson, Charlie Anderson, Donna Howe and Alyssa Lockett.

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History repeats itself as Board selects Texans for leadership posts

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AWWA names Anderson President-Elect

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By Cliff Avery TEXASH2O

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SAN ANTONIO — When the AWWA Board of Directors cast its ballots to select new leaders Jan. 23, it repeated history.

Former Texas Section Chair Charlie Anderson of Arlington was picked as president-elect. He’ll formally take that role at the Annual Conference and Exhibition (ACE) in Washington, D.C. in June. He’ll move up to President in 2012. The Board also elected Alyssa Lockett

New AWWA Director-at-Large Alyssa Lockett of SAWS and President-Elect Charlie Anderson receive congratulations from fellow Texans who won the same posts at the same time at an AWWA Board meeting in the same city: past AWWA Pres. Katie McCain of Dallas and former Director-at-Large (and exPLEASE SEE AWWA, PAGE 7 AWWA Vice Pres.) Mari Garza-Bird.

TWDB taps interim administrator to replace Ward

Utilities assess impact of proposed fluoride standard

By Liz Davidson TEXASH2O Texas utilities are reviewing their fluoride programs after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has proposed lowering the recommended level of fluoride in drinking water.

Since 1962, the fluoridated water standard has been between 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million. The proposed new level would lower that standard to 0.7 parts per million. The Environmental Protection Agency is also reviewing whether to change the maximum contaminant level of fluoride from the current 4 parts per million.

PLEASE SEE FLUORIDE, PAGE 21

In a special Jan. 19 meeting, the Texas Water Development Board named Melanie Callahan as the interim Executive Administrator.

The TWDB’s current Executive Administrator J. Kevin Ward announced his retirement from the agency at the Dec. 16 Board meeting, effective KEVIN WARD Feb. 28. He will be joining the Trinity River Authority on March 1.

The interim Executive Administrator, Melanie Callahan, is a certified public accountant with more than 28 years experience in public sector financial management, including accounting, budget and finance.

Callahan joined the TWDB in September 2001. She began as the Director of the Fiscal Services Division and the Chief Accounting Officer, and was named Chief Financial Officer in August 2007. In her role as the CFO, PLEASE SEE TWDB, PAGE 22

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Executive Director Report

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You gotta be there

By Mike Howe TAWWA Executive Director

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oday is Tuesday. Last Friday I sent a FEDEX package to Atlanta for delivery on Monday.

Yesterday.

It has not been delivered. I know where the package is. It’s in Marietta, Georgia, in a FEDEX facility.

However, Atlanta had snow and ice and even though my package is there, it is NOT there. It’s not FEDEX’s fault.

Things happen, including the weather.

But it is all about being there, and for all of our technology (I can look on the Internet and tell you right where my package is right now, to the minute) nothing will be right until it gets THERE. Onsite. In person. And, until that happens, it will not be THERE. In this day of the “new normal,” with all of our technology, some things just remain the same. When it absolutely positively has to be there, it, AND YOU, must be THERE - at Texas Water 2011SM.

Here’s why. With all of our technology — and believe me, I am a big fan of technology — nothing can beat attending conferences in person.

Without question, the face-to-face, one-on-one of conferences offer opportunities to expand your knowledge base, improve your personal skills and network with others in your field. You’ll find out what your peers are doing, what the new trends in the industry are and where there’s room for movement and improvement.

At these events, you’ll participate in technical sessions specifically designed to stimulate your personal and professional growth. They will help you increase your ability to step up as a leader, influence others through powerful communication skills and develop a personal brand that is distinctly your own while vastly improving your chances for success.

Best yet, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the top dogs in the water community. You’ll get to ask them about what they do and what keeps them motivated and rejuvenated on the job.

Through them, you’ll glean valuable insight on their journey to the top. The conference is your golden opportunity to cultivate relationships with these industry superstars – what could be PLEASE SEE HOWE, PAGE 20

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TCEQ Sunset report urges shift on rate oversight to Public Utility Commission The Sunset Commission’s final report to the Legislature includes controversial suggestions to take authority away from the TCEQ in some places and expand it in others.

All state agencies go through the process, which requires them to be renewed periodically or else they’ll “go off into the sunset.”

The theory is that the process allows lawmakers to beef up successful agencies and programs and remove failures.

In its report issued in January, the Sunset Commission recommended shifting oversight of water and wastewater rates to the Public Utility Commission.

To pay for the transfer, existing water and wastewater utility application fees would be eliminated and the Water Utility Regulatory Assessment Fee would be increased on water supply corporations and municipal utility districts.

The Sunset Commission also urges that authority for protecting groundwater from oil and gas exploration be shifted to the Railroad Commission, which regulates drilling.

While TCEQ would lose that authority, the Sunset

Commission recommends it get new authority to take action during a drought or other emergency that leaves utilities without water services.

The Sunset panel urges that TCEQ’s authority to curtail water use during drought and shortages be “clarified” and that the agency be authorized to require implementation of drought contingency plans during a shortage.

Here is an excerpt from the summary of the Sunset Commission’s report: Issue 1: Texas Has a Continuing Need for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality The State needs regulation to protect Texas’ environment.

Texas’ citizens and the economy benefit from having a state agency working to protect air and water quality, manage water quantity, ensure proper disposal of waste, and clean up contaminated sites. Moreover, although the federal government requires PLEASE SEE SUNSET PAGE 18

Coming to Dallas!

TO ADVERTISE: 512-251-8101

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AWWA

from Page 3 “While I don’t think we can be so swiftly labeled based on when we were born, I do think that the role that technology has played in our lives affects how we work and live,” she said.

She encouraged AWWA to explore new technologies, such as smart phone applications.

TEXASH2O

You’re reading an ad here.

One of your customers could be reading your ad here, too.

512-251-8101 texwater@texas.net

T E X A SH2O

of San Antonio Water System to be director-at-large.

The outcome was reminiscent of the 2003 vote of the AWWA Board, also in San Antonio and also selecting two Texans for the same two posts.

Katie McCain of Dallas won president-elect, the first step on her way to becoming the first woman president of AWWA. Mari Garza-Bird of San Antonio won the director-at-large spot, and she later became a vice president of the Denver-based organization.

Anderson is a former director of the Arlington Water Utility. He was later named deputy city manager and, after his retirement, he joined CDM. He rose through the ranks of the Texas Section, serving as chair 2002-2003.

He served the Section’s director on the AWWA Board, and was elected an AWWA vice president in 2009.

In his speech, Anderson stressed that AWWA must create an experience for its members that’s similar to a child’s reaction to receiving a favored toy. “Our challenge is to continue to innovate and create a similar reaction for our new and long-time members,” he said.

He pledged that he would keep AWWA “second-to-none in our heritage of excellence.” He noted his experience as a utility executive and observed, “I’m shovel-ready, and I don’t need funding.”

Lockett, a San Antonio native, returned home after earning a degree at Cornell. After work with an engineering firm, she joined SAWS. “Throughout my career, AWWA has been a constant,” she said.

Lockett noted her experience as chair of the Texas Section Young Professionals Committee. But she rejected generational stereotypes when it comes to talking about Baby Boomers, Gen-Xers and Generation Y members.

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2011

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Join AWWA in San Antonio this February for the opportunity to improve your skills as a leader and manager.

The 2011 Basic Water Utility Management Institute will be held Feb. 7-9 at the Holiday Inn Airport in San Antonio, with a special kick-off event on the evening of Sunday, Feb. 6.

The program was created specifically to help managers become more effective leaders and give them the tools and skills necessary to do so. The course combines interactive exercises with lectures, discussions and guest speakers.

As an added bonus, TCEQ has approved the Institute for 20 hours of operator continuing education credit.

The Institute will cover topics such as management and leadership, human resource issues, time and stress management, cost accounting and communication.

The program includes input from water utility directors and was developed and is facilitated by Mary Anne Doty of the Department of Marketing and Management at Texas A&M University-Commerce and of The Doty Consulting Group.

The $750 registration fee includes all instruction and materials, the opening reception, lunches and breaks.

The Holiday Inn Airport Hotel has reserved a block of rooms for the seminar for only $85, plus tax and surcharges.

For more information and to register, go to www.tawwa.org.

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Water Management Institute set Feb. 7-9 in San Antonio

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WaterSM

NOTICE

Texas is a registered servicemark of Texas AWWA for the exclusive use in conjunction with the joint conference with the Water Environment Association of Texas.

Any other use without the express written permission of Texas AWWA is prohibited.

All rights reserved.

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TEXAS WATER 2011 GOLF TOURNAMENT SCHOLARSHIP TUESDAY, APRIL 5 • THE GOLF CLUB at FOSSIL CREEK

Help raise funds for scholarships to assist students with families in the water and wastewater industry. All profits from the Texas Water Golf Tournament go toward the scholarship programs.

As an added benefit, you get to play golf at the popular T h e G o l f C l u b a t F o s s i l C r e e k, 3401 Clubgate Dr, Fort Worth.. Gorgeous rolling fairways and 18 testing holes all intertwined throughout streams created by Fossil Creek. This exclusive, par-72 public course, designed by America's foremost golf legend, Arnold Palmer, winds its way through 1150 acres of natural Texas terrain.

And, don’t forget to get plenty of raffle tickets! The more tickets you buy with your registration, the more scholarship funds we raise!

7 a.m. Check-in, breakfast. Lunch following. First 144 players. No on-site registration. 8:30 a.m. Shotgun Scramble!

CHOOSE YOUR LEVEL: INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION

$125/person by 3/21/11; $140 after; No later than 3/28/11

TEAM REGISTRATION

$500/team by 3/21/11; $560 after; No later than 3/28/11

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

BRONZE PACKAGE: Team registration, firm logo on tournament signage, PLUS sponsorship of the Breakfast.

SILVER PACKAGE: Team registration, firm logo on tournament signage PLUS sponsorship of the Lunch.

GOLD PACKAGE * BEST VALUE: Team registration + firm logo on tournament signage AND on towels and hats PLUS sponsorship of the Beverage Cart.

INDIVIDUAL OR TEAM CAPTAIN NAME _____________________________________________________ Firm name _________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________ City _______________________________________________________ State ________________________________________Zip ___________ Daytime phone_____________________________________________ Fax ________________________________________________________ E-mail _____________________________________________________ TEAM PLAYER NAMES

#2________________________________________________________ #3________________________________________________________ #4________________________________________________________

THE EASIEST WAY TO REGISTER IS ONLINE !

www.texas-water.com

Or mail form with payment to: TW11 Golf Fundraiser for Scholarships P.O. Box 676 Pflugerville, TX 78691 or fax to 512-251-8152

CALCULATE FEES

Bronze Package $750 Silver Package $1,500 Gold Package $2,500 Sponsorship Opportunities

___Hole (@$500) ___Registration Table (@$500) ___Hole in One (@$500) ___Longest Drive, Men (@$500) ___Longest Drive, Women (@$500) ___Bloody Mary/Keg Margarita Station (@$500) ___Beverage Cart (@$500) ___Closest to the Pin (@$500)

$_____________ $_____________ $_____________ $_____________ $_____________ $_____________ $_____________ $_____________ $_____________ $_____________ $_____________

NAME FOR SPONSORSHIP SIGN ________________________________________________________

Individual Registration Team Registration Tournament Extra(s)

$_____________ $_____________

___Club rental ($64.90)

$_____________

___Forward Tee (@$20/team) to move to 150 yds. out from pin on Par 5 #11 hole

$ ______________

___Mulligans (@$5; max 4/player)

___Raffle Tickets (@$5)

TOTAL (ADD COLUMN AT RIGHT)

$_____________

$_____________ $_____________

Tournament Chair: Tim Allen, 817-925-7236

BILL MY: o AMEX o VISA o MasterCard o Discover PAYMENT METHOD: o Check Payable to “Texas Water 2011” Card # ____________________________________________________Expiration ____________________________________________________ Cardholder Name:_________________________________________Signature _____________________________________________________ Credit Card Billing Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Security Code: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Visa/MC/Discover: Last three digits in the signature panel on back of card; AMEX: Four-digit number on the right front above imprinted card number.)

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TEXAS WATER 2011 REGISTRATION EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE MARCH 11, 2011

PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY THIS FORM OR REGISTRATION CANNOT BE PROCESSED REGISTER ONLINE: www.texas-water.com. PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE

FIRST NAME ______________________________________ LAST NAME _____________________________________ COMPANY ________________________________________ TITLE ___________________________________________ NAME FOR BADGE _________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS _________________________________________ MEMBER # ______________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP ___________________________________________________________________________________ PHONE __________________________________________ FAX ____________________________________________ E-MAIL* __________________________________________ * Note: E-mail required for processing Received Received on or before 3/11/11 after 3/11/11

o Full Registration - MEMBER

$295

o Full Registration - NON MEMBER

$445

$345

$495

________

________

NEW MEMBERS ONLY. Full registration at the non-member rate includes a free oneyear membership to either AWWA or WEF. With full, non-member registration, please indicate which organization you wish to join: o AWWA o WEF

THE EASIEST WAY TO REGISTER IS ONLINE: www.texas-water.com

PAYMENT METHOD: o Check Payable to “Texas Water 2011”

BILL MY: o AMEX o VISA o MasterCard o Discover

o Wednesday Only (breakfast and conference lunch) - MEMBER

$165

$195

________

o Wednesday Only (breakfast and conference lunch) - NON MEMBER

$215

$245

________

o Thursday Only (includes Box Lunch) - MEMBER

$130

$160

________

o Thursday Only (includes Box Lunch) - NON MEMBER

$180

$210

________

Card # _________________________________________ Expiration _____________________________________ Cardholder Name: ______________________________ Signature ______________________________________ Credit Card Billing Address:_____________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

o Friday Only - MEMBER

$80

$90

________

Security Code: _________________________________

o Add’l Conference Proceedings USB Drive 1 included with all Full Registrations

$25

o Student - (no meals)

$40

o Friday Only - NON MEMBER

$90

o Guest Program

$50

$100

$25

________

________

________

$125

$135

________

$55

$55

________

Select tour: ___ x $30 o Tour 1: Westside Water Treatment Plant

$35

________

$65

________

Guest Name for Badge ________________________________________

o * Exhibit Hall Only- (4/6, 4/7) (Sorry: No one-day passes available) FRIDAY FACILITY TOURS

QUANTITY

o Tour 2: Village Creek Water Reclamation Center o Tour 3: Botanical Research Institute of Texas

EXTRA TICKET o * Conference Luncheon - WED. o * Awards Breakfast - THURS.

QUANTITY ___ x $60

$35

________

o * NEW! Reception - THURS. Texas Rocks: A Water Celebration o Gloyna Breakfast - FRI.

For more information, contact:

Cliff Avery GCP Association Services 512-251-8101 Fax: 512-251-8152 e-mail: texwater@texas.net

Register on-line at www.texas-water.com or mail form with payment to:

Texas Water 2011 Registration c/o GCP Association Services P.O. Box 676 Pflugerville, TX 78691 or fax to 512-251-8152

x $35

___

x $30

$35

________

___

x $60

$65

________

No refunds will be granted after March 11, 2011. A $60 cancellation fee will be assessed to all refund requests made prior to March 12, 2011.

Substitutions allowed. Substitutions may incur a $25 processing fee. All refunds must be requested in writing. Fax refund requests to Cliff Avery at 512-251-8152.

________

o Other __________________________________________________

___

x $35

$35

o Donation “Water for People” - Optional Enter amount of donation:

TOTAL PAYMENT (add right column)

* included with Full Registration

(Visa/MC/Discover: Last three digits in the signature panel on back of card; AMEX: Four-digit number on the right front above imprinted card number.)

___

o I plan to attend the Women Of Water Lunch (Box lunch ticket required; included in Full Registration or Thursday Only. Or purchase ticket below.) o * Box Lunch - THURS.

Put “Same” if same as above, necessary to process)

________

______

Physical:

200 W. Main, Ste. 200B Pflugerville, TX 78660

I have special dietary needs: o Vegetarian

Pre-registration deadline March 11, 2011

After March 27, registration only available on-site

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www.columbiantectank.com

Deadline extended to apply for new conservation award The new Water Conservation and Stewardship Award will be presented by the state's Water Conservation Advisory Council at Texas Water 2011SM. Deadline for application has been extended until Feb. 25.

The award is given to water suppliers that have demonstrated outstanding and innovative commitment to the state's mission of promoting responsible management of water resources as well as conservation of Texas' water resources.

This award is open to municipalities, wholesale water providers, retail water providers, water supply corporations, water supply districts, and utility districts.

An application appears on Page 13. Deadline for application is Feb. 25; Click to www.texas-water.com or www.savetexaswater.org for more information.

Reduce your carbon footprint: Get your Texas Section newsletter on-line

Texas AWWA wants to give you the option: Receive your TEXASH2O newsletter via the Internet or continue to receive your hard-copy newsletter through the U.S. mail.

Should you choose to receive the on-line version only, you will receive TEXASH2O in a highly readable format with additional features to enhance your reading experience.

Simply e-mail TAWWA (gogreen@tawwa.org) and put "Take me off the mailing list" in your subject line.

You'll continue to receive all other AWWA communication as usual, but you won't receive a hard-copy TEXASH2O . That will save paper, ink and postal costs for your Association, but assure you receive the same great information you're used to from the leading water newsletter in Texas.

TEXASH2O remains committed to providing you with news and information about the world of Texas water. Whether electronic or paper-and-ink, you can be sure you'll stay connected to the preeminent water organization in the state.

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NEWS AND NOTES from Texas Water 2011

SM

You can help raise money for the good work of Water For People by donating items to the Silent Auction held during Texas Water 2011SM. Silent Auction items can include tickets to sporting events, art, wine, clothing, professional memberships, electronics, gift card — anything that may entice bidders.

Monetary donations are also welcome.

Donations are tax-deductible up to the value of the item. To arrange your donation, contact Meera Victor at MVictor@carollo.com.

At TEXASH2O presstime, the host hotel for Texas Water 2011SM, the Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel and Spa was close to being full. For suggestion on other hotels, consult the Texas Water website, www.texas-water.com.

Check for hotel vacancies

Junior Meter Madness Competitions are always part of the fun of a Texas Water conference, and there’s a new contest at Texas Water 2011SM. Watch on Wednesday, April 6, as students from two

high school environmental programs, Waco and Irving, compete in the 1st Annual Master Meter Junior Meter Madness Contest in the Exhibit Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This will be the first time these students have competed at the state level, and the rules are the same as for the TAWWA Meter Madness

New Thursday night event Texas Water 2011SM introduces a new feature this year — a Thursday evening reception that celebrates the state’s water community.

TEXAS ROCKS! A WATER CELEBRATION brings attendees together from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Fort Worth Convention Center for beverages and heavy hors d’oeuvres. The event gives attendees more free time Thursday night to get together with other Texas Water colleagues and enjoy the many attractions that Fort Worth has to offer. Tickets for the Water Celebration Reception are $60 if purchased by March 11. Tickets are included with full registration and guest program registration. Texas Rocks! A Water Celebration replaces the Annual Conference Dinner in previous conferences.

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Donations for Water For People Silent Auction

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April 5 until the last tour bus returns at noon Friday, April 8.

A detailed listing of activities, including the traditional Attendee Brochure, is available at www.texas-water.com. Rather than killing trees and postal carrier’s backs with a hard-copy piece, Texas Water 2011SM is only making the brochure available in electronic form. Check it out and let us know what you think.

The Conference Dinner and Night Out on Thursday evening has been replaced with an earlier reception — Texas Rocks! A Water Celebration — with music, light snacks and libation.

The timing gives more opportunity to network and take advantage of the many attractions Fort Worth has to offer.

Watermark awards recognize media, utilities’ communication Has your utility done a good job communicating with the public?

If so, you can show the world – or at least the Texas Water community – by entering the annual Watermark competition. Deadline for entries is Jan. 31, 2011, but late entries may be accepted. Contact Chair Mary Gugliuzza at mary.gugliuzza@forthworthgov.org.

There are actually two competitions. One is for members of TAWWA and members of the Water Environment Association of Texas. That entry form appears on the opposite page.

Another competition is for news media – print, broadcast or Internet – who have communicated on water-related issues. That entry form appears at the bottom of this page.

The competition for members is open to any communication in calendar 2010. Larger utilities – 50,000 connections or more – are judged in a separate category.

The website category includes all types of on-line content, including postings to Twitter and Facebook.

Photographs will be judged in the miscellaneous category, rather than the audio-visual category.

A complete set of rules is available on the Texas Water website, www.texas-water.com.

In the media competition, utilities may not enter on behalf of the news media. But it’s okay to encourage your local reporters to enter. That’s a good way to strike up a conversation and get the media thinking about water issues.

Watermark Media Entry Form

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TO ADVERTISE: 512-251-8101

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Sunset

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from Page 6

states to regulate the environment according to federal standards, Texas’ state-specific approach to regulation – through TCEQ – allows it to tailor its efforts to the State’s specific circumstances.

The Sunset review offered the opportunity to examine whether structural changes could help focus TCEQ’s work. One such change would transfer making groundwater protection recommendations regarding oil and gas drilling – a Railroad Commission responsibility for which TCEQ has dubious statutory authority – to its proper home at the Railroad Commission.

Key Recommendations • Continue the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for 12 years.

• Transfer the authority for making groundwater protection recommendations regarding oil and gas activities from TCEQ to the Railroad Commission.

Issue 5: TCEQ Does Not Have the Tools Necessary to Effectively Protect Surface Water Availability During Drought or Emergency Conditions Texas’ population is projected to more than double by 2060 and water demand is expected to increase by 27 percent – making TCEQ’s responsibility to manage state surface water quantity a key duty in coming years. TCEQ issues and enforces water rights permits, which are generally allocated by the “first in time, first in right” doctrine, creating senior and junior rights. Although statute is clear about TCEQ’s authority to manage water rights, the law is less clear about circumstances in which TCEQ can actively curtail the right to divert state water to protect senior rights and ensure adequate water supplies are available during water shortages and emergencies.

In addition, while statute provides TCEQ with other water management tools, such as requiring drought contingency plans and water use data recordkeeping by water rights holders, the law stops short of allowing TCEQ to meaningfully use these tools as intermediate steps before requiring more drastic and disruptive restrictions that come with severe droughts or other emergencies.

The recommendations in this issue clarify TCEQ’s regulatory tools to position it to more effectively manage surface water in severe situations, particularly important as water availability becomes more and more critical to the State.

Key Recommendations • Clarify the Executive Director’s authority to curtail water use in water shortages and times of drought.

• Require water rights holders to maintain monthly water-use information and allow the Commission to access that information upon request.

• Authorize TCEQ to require implementation of drought contingency plans during times of a potential water shortage.

Continued on the following page

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From the preceding page

WATER WORKS BRASS AND PIPELINE PRODUCTS

Water and Wastewater Utility Regulation Transfer Supplement to the Sunset Staff Report on PUC The State Could Benefit from Combining Regulatory Functions Related to Gas and Water Utilities in the Public Utility Commission In the reviews of the Railroad Commission and TCEQ, Sunset staff found that the agencies’ respective utility responsibilities have worked within those organizations and have benefitted from these relationships. At the same time, however, Sunset Staff found that significant opportunities could be realized from realigning the regulation of gas utilities and water and wastewater utilities at PUC. Such a realignment would offer benefits from PUC’s expertise in utility regulation, a structure for fair and independent decision making, and enhanced opportunities for each agency to focus on its core mission. Additional opportunities exist for improving consumer assistance and funding water and wastewater utility regulations at PUC. The realignment would also address needed transitional provisions to work out details for coordinating interrelated responsibilities between the agencies, including pipeline safety concerns at the Railroad Commission and drinking water and environmental regulatory issues at TCEQ. Key Recommendations • Transfer responsibility for regulating water and wastewater rates and services from TCEQ to PUC. • Eliminate the existing water and wastewater utility application fees and adjust the Water Utility Regulatory Assessment Fee to pay for utility regulation at PUC. • Require OPUC to represent residential and small commercial interests relating to water and wastewater utilities, contingent on the transfer to PUC.

Find TCEQ at tceq.texas.gov TCEQ e-mail and website addresses are changing, but, don't worry: the old addresses still work.

The change began Jan. 15.

The TCEQ is changing employee e-mail addresses to Firstname.Lastname@tceq.texas.gov and group e-mail addresses to end in @tceq.texas.gov.

The public website addresses are changing from www.tceq.state.tx.us to www.tceq.texas.gov .

You may notice these changes in correspondence you receive from the agency, but not because of e-mail bounce-backs and rarely from broken website links. Old e-mail addresses and domain name will still work for at least five years—however, the TCEQ encourages you to update your bookmarks and e-mail address book.

THE FORD METER BOX COMPANY, INC. P.O. Box 443, Wabash, Indiana 46992-0443 260-563-3171 • FAX: 800-826-3487 http://www.fordmeterbox.com

Water Engineering Services Providing comprehensive services for more than 65 years

Wastewater Water Resources Municipal Infrastructure Drinking Water GeoTech/Hazmat

Austin Brownsville Dallas El Paso Houston Plano San Antonio

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• Require TCEQ to evaluate the need for additional watermaster programs.

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more motivating than that? And, in our industry, in Texas, the superstars are at Texas Water™.

Here are some tips before and when you are at Texas Water: 1. Read the conference agenda thoroughly, and select the sessions that will be most likely to improve your skills.

Stay away from the seminars you could almost teach yourself, and "stretch" by hearing about topics you have not mastered.

2. Ask a professional colleague to become your conference buddy, so you can share what you learn. This collaboration will bring special benefits when you talk about presentations that only one of you attended.

3. Stay for the entire conference. You never know what good information you might miss by arriving late or leaving early.

4. When you attend conference parties, realize that potential employers, clients or business partners are there, too.

You are not really "off duty” and this expands your time to learn and make a difference.

5. Take plenty of business cards, to help new acquaintances remember you.

6. Tactfully collect as many business cards as you can, so you can follow up with post cards, e-mails, phone calls and appointments.

7. Become an active participant, asking questions and making comments. The topics will take on new life for you.

8. Spend time in the exhibit hall to see the latest leading edge products for the water industry AND mingle with your colleagues.

9. And for you managers and employers: Have you approved conference attendance for some of your employees? Then give them this list, and meet with them for a recap the first week after the conference.

Registration is now open at www.texas-water.com. You can find complete details here also and check back often for updates. Texas Water 2011SM is the Largest Regional Water Conference in the U.S.© and it is close to home in one of the best towns in Texas, Fort Worth.

So, as I wait and see if my package ever gets delivered, I’ll plan on seeing you in Fort Worth in April.

I’ll see you (wait for it) THERE, on site, in person at Texas Water 2011SM .

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from Page 3 TEXASH2O

“We will easily be able to adjust our fluoride to meet the lower levels,” said Mary Gugliuzza, the public education coordinator for the Fort Worth Water Department. “We do have a background level of fluoride that’s in our water. Regardless of if we add any, there’s still fluoride there, generally around 0.3 or 0.4 parts per million. We’re going to target a total level of 0.6 to 0.7 parts per million.”

Gugliuzza said the utility is planning to make that fluoride level adjustment now, even though the new recommended level is only being proposed.

“If in the future the EPA modifies the MCL, in our case, that wouldn’t affect us,” Gugliuzza said. “I think the larger concern would be for some groundwater utilities that may have high levels of fluoride in their groundwater. It might be an expensive issue for them.”

San Antonio Water System would not have to make major adjustments to follow the new proposed level either.

“It won’t be a big adjustment for us,” said Sarah Gatewood, SAWS spokesperson. “We’re just at 0.8 [parts per million] so to change that to 0.7 will not be a big operational change.”

SAWS has not reached a decision on whether the utility will go ahead and decrease the fluoride level to 0.7 parts per million, but it is currently looking into it, according to Gatewood.

The new proposed fluoride level won’t cause any changes for some utilities, such as the Austin Water Utility, that have kept fluoride levels at the lower end of the standard scale.

“We’re already at 0.7 parts per million,” said Jane Burazer, assistant director of the Austin Water Utility. “Fluoride is naturally occurring in our water at about 0.2 parts per million. We bring it up to 0.7 parts per million.”

The new recommended level was reached based on EPA and HHS scientific assessments, including an EPA-requested 2006 National Academies of Science report. The study looked into the adverse health effects of fluoride, including dental and bone effects, and alternate sources of fluoride, such as toothpaste, mouth rinses and fluoride supplements.

The assessments found that children in particular may be over exposed to fluoride now that it’s found in sources besides water.

While fluoride has been proven to prevent tooth decay, too much can lead to dental fluorosis, which appears as barely visible white spots on the enamel and in the severe, but rare, form includes the staining and pitting of tooth surfaces.

One of the EPA reports also found that being exposed to high levels of fluoride for prolonged periods could increase the risk of brittle bones and fractures.

The HHS is planning to publish the final guideline for water fluoridation by the spring of 2011. A prepublication version of the proposed recommendation can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/01/pre_pub_frn_fluoride.html.

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Classified advertising Water Production Facility Supervisor

Job Description: This position is responsible for operating and maintaining CRMWD's Raw Water Production Facility in order to ensure production of Raw Water in accordance with federal, state, and municipal standards.

Skills Required: Knowledge of water/wastewater treatment, including pumps, valves and electrical motors.

Knowledge of TCEQ rules. Demonstrate effective public relations and public speaking skills. For further explanation go to: http://www.crmwd.org/rwpfsup.pdf

Education Required: High School diploma or GED equivalent. Basic knowledge of chemistry. Basic knowledge of math including arithmetic and algebra. Five years experience in public water systems operation. Obtain Class B Surface Water Operator License within 12 months of hire, Class C Texas Driver's License.

For CRMWD Application, go to: http://www.crmwd.org/personnel/applicationforemployment.pdf. Please fax application and resume to 432-267-3121 or mail to PO Box 869, Big Spring, TX 79721 Please call 432-267-6341 and speak to Karla Oliva should you have any questions.

Harris County FWSD # 61 in NW Houston is now taking applications for a chief operator position. Minimum qualification are a B-water and a B-wastewater operator certifications. Offering excellent benefits. Pay depends on experience. Contact Ken at 281-469-9304 or e-mail kenneth@district61.org or apply in person at 13205 Cypress N. Houston Rd., Cypress, TX 77429

TWDB

from Page 3

Callahan monitored a $3.5 billion debt portfolio, a $5.1 billion loan portfolio, a $1.2 billion investment portfolio and formulated and managed a $70 million annual operating budget.

Ward will stay on as Executive Administrator until Feb. 28.

Callahan begins as the interim Executive Administrator March 1.

“Kevin Ward has worked hard to lay a solid foundation for this agency. I’m confident that Melanie will continue to build on his work to successfully lead us through the legislative session,” Board chairman Edward G. Vaughan said.

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Want to share your event with the Texas water community? Contact Mike Howe, 512-238-9292; fax 512-238-0496.

Check the Section’s website — www.tawwa.org — for the latest information on Section activities.

DATE

ACTIVITY

TIME

LOCATION

Jan. 31

Deadline for Watermark Award Entries (See Story, Page 16)

Feb. 7-9

AWWA Basic Water Utility Management Institute (See Story, Page 9)

Feb. 18

Deadline for Conservation & Reuse Division Award Entries (See Story, Page 8)

www.texas-water.com/awardsandforms.html

Feb. 25

Deadline for Water Conservation Advisory Council Award Entries (See Story, Page 12)

www.texas-water.com/awardsandforms.html

www.texas-water.com/awardsandforms.html

Holiday Inn Airport, San Antonio

Feb. 27-March 2 Customer Service and AWWA/WEF InterContinental Dallas Hotel Information Management & Technology Conference and Exposition April 5-8

Fort Worth Convention Center

Texas Water 2011SM

Blowers Blower Packages Overhauls Digester Aeration Filter Backwash

www.airmac.com

866-424-7622

7557 Rambler Road Suite 440 Dallas, Texas 75231 214.360.9929

BUILDING A BETTER WORLD

www.mwhglobal.com

Austin Dallas Fort Worth Houston San Antonio

INFORMATION

www.tawwa.org

www.awwa.org www.texas-water.com

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Texas Section Calendar

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TEXAS AWWA c/o Gilleland Creek Press PO Box 676 Pflugerville, TX 78691

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PRESORTED FIRST CLASS U.S POSTAGE PAID AUSTIN, TEXAS PERMIT NO. 1