TEX Sh2o
| October/November 2014 |
The Official Newsletter of the Texas Section AWWA | Every Drop, Every Day, Everywhere ©
Best in Class: TAWWA Scholarship Winners Olivia Beck Lisa Campbell Brett Cast Bryant Chambers
David Coburn Lauren Fuerst Amanda Haws Kevin Kneupper
Cassandra Lange Colleen Lyons Margaret Miller Aaron Reck
Annie Reck Dylan Swoboda Kristen Van Hoosier Melissa Vasquez
TWDB News| |Zebra Chapter Roundup | Calendar | and more! SARA Study Mussel Project | Calendar | and more!
From Source to Tap Managing supply, treatment, and distribution can present a steady stream of complex challenges. Since 1951, Hazen and Sawyer has been helping water providers protect public health and the environment.
Precise supply/demand forecasting and hydraulic modeling enable us to test different alternatives that make the best use of the existing system and minimize the cost of improvements.
www.hazenandsawyer.com
| scholarships |
TAWWA Awards 16 Students with Scholarships
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n its continued effort to support higher education, Texas Section has named 16 students as recipients of 2014 scholarships. Fifteen students have been awarded a $2,000 TAWWA scholarship for the 20142015 academic year. This year TAWWA, in cooperation with Alan Plummer Associates, also named Olivia Beck as the first recipient of the $3,000 Alan Plummer Associates/TAWWA Environmental Scholarship. This new scholarship is awarded to a student studying to become an engineer or scientist in the water environmental field. You can help TAWWA fund more scholarships for students next year by purchasing the TAWWA water conservation license plate or donating online at www.tawwascholarship.org.
The 2014-2015 scholarship winners are: OLIVIA BECK University of Texas at Austin | Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Olivia Beck is the first recipient of the new Alan Plummer Associates/TAWWA Environmental Scholarship. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in environmental and water resources engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Olivia was a “2013 Co-op Student of the Year” through UT and was a presenter at Texas CONTINUED PAGE 17 | scholarships
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TEXASh2o OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 | 3 |
| letter from the texas section chair |
Investments in Our Future Texas Section American Water Works Association P.O. Box 80150 Austin, Texas 78708 www.tawwa.org Alissa Lockett, Chair 210-233-3401 Jennifer Elms, Chair-Elect 713-784-4500 Daniel Nix, Vice-Chair 940-691-1153 Christianne Castleberry, Imm. Past Chair 512-751-9272 Mike Howe Executive Director/Secretary-Treasurer 512-238-9292 Fax: 512-238-0496 mikehowe@tawwa.org This publication is distributed bi-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 GCP Association Services PO Box 676 Pflugerville, TX 78691 512-251-8101 Fax: 512-251-8152 texwater@texas.net The publication name, TexasH2O: © 1996-2014 Texas Section – American Water Works Association, Inc. © 2014 Texas Section – American Water Works Association, Inc.
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Texas AWWA
BY ALISSA LOCKETT texas section chair
W
ater resources planning in Texas requires looking fifty years out to guarantee that the growth of a community can be supported by the available water supply. It's a continuous effort, as such plans are always evolving as the underlying assumptions change. Developing the water professionals to implement these carefully crafted water supply plans is also a continuous effort, as recognized by the TAWWA Scholarship Committee and Education Division. ALISSA LOCKETT Outreach to elementary, middle and high school 210-233-3401 students is effort well spent so we can guarantee alissa.lockett@saws.org that the next generation of Texans has a reliable water supply, and the Education Division is on the spot to provide tools to aid in this outreach. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Christianne Castleberry or visit the TAWWA website for more information. This year, TAWWA awarded sixteen scholarships to deserving students across the state, with a number of additional scholarships to be awarded by Chapters. Extra points for students pursuing a career in water are prevalent in the Chapters’ evaluations of scholarship recipients, as we want to cultivate the future leaders in this industry. With that goal in mind, the TAWWA Mentoring Committee has kicked off with initial discussions between mentors and mentees already underway. The program is in its infancy but is gaining traction fast, so if you are interested in being a mentee or mentor, please contact Letty Gomar or visit the TAWWA website for more information. You are never too old or experienced to be a mentee, so do not be shy to sign up even if you consider yourself a “seasoned” professional. You can even be a mentor and mentee at the same time. Another investment in our future are training opportunities, such as the November 7 webcast on Zebra Mussel Control Strategies coordinated by the Water Quality & Technology Division. Check out the Community Calendar on the TAWWA website for upcoming events so you can learn about current issues, obtain professional development hours and/or continuing education units and network with other water professionals. If
@txawwa
| 4 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 TEXASh2o
CONTINUED PAGE 29 | letter from the texas section chair
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We have a healthy respect for sustainability. It’s our business.
As Texas grows, so does its demand for more clean water—and at lower costs. GEO Specialty Chemicals, Inc. announces the construction of a new water treatment chemical manufacturing facility to be built on its Deer Park, TX property by year’s end. The facility will produce new, highly active polyaluminum chloride (PAC) products to serve Texas municipalities in need of better, cost-effective solutions in clean water practices. Call us to learn more: 800-453-2586.
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Rio Grande
| executive director report |
Supporting Higher Education BY MIKE HOWE tawwa executive director
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n the grand scheme of all that our members do in the water community, some of the most rewarding efforts are the philanthropic programs we support, such as Water For People and our scholarship programs. For the last three years, members of the Texas Section have raised more than $50,000 each year for Water For People. And, over the last few years, we have funded at least fifteen $2,000 scholarships totaling $30,000 on the state level and any number of additional scholarships at the Chapter level. And, this year, in a partnership with Alan Plummer Associates, their firm funded an additional $3,000 scholarship for one of our members. In total, since our scholarship program began many years ago, we have funded nearly $500,000 in scholarships for higher education. In one word, these efforts are "remarkable." You might wonder where these funds come from. About half of the Section scholarship funds are from interest we earn from our investments. But, the balance of these funds come from events such as the Scholarship golf tournament at the Texas Water Conference, and your generosity in direct donations. The need for your direct donations is becoming more and more important.
This past year, we had 54 applications for scholarships from very worthy students. Our Scholarship Committee has the difficult task of determining which of those students are ranked to receive scholarships, and of course, to determine who MIKE HOWE don’t. This task is extremely 512-238-9292 mikehowe@tawwa.org difficult, as far more than the fifteen students are more than deserving and in need of financial support. If you have college-age students, you know the financial burden of going to school and the debt load that many students carry after college. And, even for students who are not college-bound, acquiring the appropriate training still carries a financial burden. We have talked about developing a funding program that would support other workforce education programs, but for now, that step is beyond our means. There are a number of ways you can donate to our scholarship program. If you go to our website, www.tawwa.org, and select Scholarship from the CONTINUED PAGE 30 | executive director report
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| 6 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 TEXASh2o
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| ebola facts |
What Your Utility Needs to Know About Ebola The Water Research Foundation Shares the Facts
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n response to utilities receiving questions from customers about Ebola's fate in the water supply, the Water Research Foundation generated and distributed the following information regarding Ebola. Some water utilities have begun receiving inquiries regarding Ebola. Below are a few facts and resources to reinforce that Ebola cannot spread through the water supply. The Ebola virus causes an acute illness that is often fatal with a death rate of up to 90%. Ebola virus disease first appeared in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks, one in a remote area of Sudan and the other in a village near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo, from which the disease takes its name. The
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current outbreak in West Africa (the first cases reported in March 2014) is the largest and most complex Ebola outbreak since the Ebola virus was first discovered.1 The current outbreak has spread through both urban and rural areas.2 Ebola is not a foodborne, waterborne, or airborne illness. The virus is transmitted to humans from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission. Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids (e.g., blood, vomit, feces).1,3 The Ebola virus can only replicate within host cells. Therefore, it cannot survive CONTINUED PAGE 22 | ebola facts
TEXASh2o OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 | 9 |
| sara study |
Development of Water Quality Models and Innovative Tools for the San Antonio River Watersheds BY SHEEBA THOMAS san antonio river authority
S
an Antonio River authority (SARA) recently completed a Flood Insurance Study for the Bexar County watersheds through a collaborated effort with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), City of San Antonio, Bexar County, and other stakeholders. The Flood Insurance Study produced a set of up-to-date hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) models and other useful watershed data that allowed SARA to conduct holistic watershed master planning (WMP) on several major watersheds including the Salado Creek, Leon Creek, and Upper San Antonio River (USAR) watersheds (Figure 1). The holistic WMPs are to integrate hydrologic, hydraulic, stream restoration, water quality, and other components into a watershed-wide planning process that can also assist in prioritizing Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) and regulatory support. Within the urban portions of the watersheds, several water bodies have been listed as “impaired” due to bacteria levels, dissolved oxygen, and other constituents not meeting state and federal water quality standards. While storm water runoff has been identified as a potential source of impairment, the listing of impaired water bodies is mostly based on limited monitoring data sampled at selected time intervals (mostly CONTINUED PAGE 23 | sara study
Figure 1: Leon Creek, Salado Creek and Upper San Antonio River Watersheds in Bexar County.
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| 10 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 TEXASh2o 6/10/2011
1:06:06 PM
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| veterans’ job fair |
Hiring Red, White & You! Job Fair Provides Employment Opportunities for Veterans
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n Thursday, Nov. 13, visit the statewide Hiring Red, White & You! veterans’ job fair to find new employees for your utility, company or organization. This third annual job fair is hosted by the Texas Workforce Commission, in cooperation with the 28 Workforce Solutions partners. The Red, White & You job fair is designed to connect Texas employers with Texas veterans who bring valuable experience and discipline to the workplace. In its first two years, Hiring Red, White & You! has connected more than 21,000 veterans with more than 3,000 employees, with an estimated 3,500 jobs created. To participate in this free event, contact your local
| 12 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 TEXASh2o
Workforce Solutions office. There are 28 workforce regions in Texas. To find out where your local workforce office is located, visit the Texas Workforce Commission website at www.twc.state.tx.us and click the Red White & You link under the Events tab. Or send an email to redwhiteandyou@twc.state.tx.us. To find out more about the TAWWA Workforce Committee, visit www.tawwa.com or contact Cathy Dominguez at cathy.dominguez@brazos.org.
www.tawwa.org
| zebra mussels |
City of Waco Project Aims to Decrease Zebra Mussel Infestation in Lake Waco BY THOMAS CONRY city of waco water utilities services
T
he Russians are coming! The Russians are coming! While this is not technically true, there are invaders from the Black Sea and Caspian Sea now overtaking lakes and reservoirs in North America. They are unstoppable, at least thus far. Their economic impact is in the billions of dollars annually. They are about the size of a quarter. Physical characteristics of the zebra mussels make them so difficult; they have byssal fibers that can attach to any hard surface and they reproduce at levels
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up to one million per year per mussel. The optimum temperature range for their spawning is 50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 25 degrees Celsius). Accidentally introduced into North America in 1988, zebra mussels, or their close relative, quagga mussels, are found in all but 15 states (summer 2014, USGS website). In April 2009, zebra mussels were confirmed in CONTINUED PAGE 14 | zebra mussels
TEXASh2o OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 | 13 |
| zebra mussels |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 | zebra mussels Texas. In five years, seven lakes were reported as infested, with other lakes likely so. These lakes are in three major river basins, so downstream reservoirs are at risk for infestations. So, what can one do? The City of Waco (Waco) partnered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the U.S.
Participants unroll and move the 950-pound tarpaulin to the water.
Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) in 2011 to plan an education and outreach program at Lake Waco, the public drinking water source for about 200,000 Central Texans. The TPWD program emphasized the “CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY� approach for boaters leaving a lake. This helps with other invasive species, like hydrilla. From Memorial Day weekend through August in 2013 and 2014, teams of inspectors were at boat ramps, beginning as early as 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends and Friday afternoon, to conduct surveys using a standardized, statewide TPWD form about boating preferences, destinations and lakes. Boats from lakes with infestations were inspected for zebra mussels on boats, trailers and with water in wet wells. (It is a misdemeanor to transport invasive species from one lake to another in Texas.) Inspectors were trained by the TPWD about invasive species, particularly methods to look for zebra mussels and their immature stage veligers. Educational materials developed by the TPWD were provided to boaters. Local media supported the effort with several articles and news segments about the program and
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| zebra mussels |
Securing a tarp with sandbags while another tarp is on the ramp, ready to be placed.
zebra mussel impacts in other areas of the country. T-shirts were designed for inspectors to help identify them to boaters. Approximately 4,178 boaters were contacted, and 152 boats were inspected from 44 lakes that were or were suspected to be infested. Success? No, a barge owned by James Phillips (of Belton) was moved from that infested lake, and was not cleaned, but then launched at a private marina boat ramp (not one that was inspected) and brought zebra mussels to Lake Waco. Fortunately, one part of the initial response plan developed in 2012 included monthly surveys of the lake and boat ramps (12 sites around the lake) and on September 26, 2014, this inspection identified zebra mussels at the private boat ramp and marina. Subsequent inspections by TPWD confirmed the presence of the mussels and TPWD initiated DNA sampling around the lake to determine whether veligers (i.e., reproduction) were present. Intensive assessment of the extent and area of the infestation was initiated, with scuba divers and shoreline sampling. Concurrently, representatives from Waco, TPWD and the Corps met October 3 to discuss options to reduce the impact on the drinking water source. The assessment and the DNA analyses confirmed the infested area was limited to the boat ramp and not in any other part of the lake. Discussion at the October 3 meeting provided an approach to eradicate or reduce the infestation without chemicals or intrusive methods — covering the
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area with heavy tarpaulins that would prevent oxygen or water interaction with the zebra mussels, effectively starving and/or smothering them. This approach limited the impact to indigenous species and recreational use of the lake. Cooperation was spectacular between all participants and the urgency was palpable, since the water temperature was approaching the optimum range for mussel propagation. Within a couple days, additional research on “tarp-ing” an area was completed, a vendor was located for 30 mil polyvinylchloride sheets (Colorado Lining International) with an expedited delivery for October 20. The nine tarps (150 X 35 feet) would be secured with nearly 1,000 sandbags, and the deeper water work was performed by American Underwater Services. The tarps weighed roughly The nearly acre area covered with tarps 950 pounds each and secured with sandbags. CONTINUED PAGE 16 | zebra mussels
TEXASh2o OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 | 15 |
| zebra mussels |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 | zebra mussels and were manually wrestled to the lakeshore, then two boats helped pull and place the tarps in the infested area. Overlapping the tarps by 5-7 feet ensured no water would pass through any abutted sheets. The tarps were continued to 10 feet on the shore, in the event of a rain raising the lake level. Teams from the City, TPWD and Corps toiled over three days to complete the job and finished October 23, 27 days after the initial discovery of the infestation. That is fast response, to limit the infestation and the required response. In summary, 42,000 sq ft (an acre is 43560 sq ft) was covered and secured to try to eradicate this invasion.
positive economic impact for the local economy. Even purchase of the equipment and instrumentation to treat zebra mussels to keep them from clogging the water intake is more than $100,000 and then there are annual costs for chemicals. An update will be submitted sometime next spring with the results of the eradication effort.
Advertise in TEXASh2o! Call 512-251-8101 today!
When will we know if this was successful? In late February or March 2015 we will know concerning any zebra mussel presence. However, it is already a success based on the teamwork between the participating entities. Additionally, costs for this rapid response for tarpaulins were nearly $30,000 — but consider that the lake is an annual $20-30 million
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| scholarships |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 | scholarships Water 2014. She is a Graduate Engineer A at Austin Water Utility, WTP #4, and is a student member of AWWA through the University of Texas. "The only way to meet the global water crisis is to work with communities individually to understand their specific water challenges, help educate that community on safe water practices, and present solutions that can be integrated into that community’s existing culture." LISA CAMPBELL Lamar University | Educational Leadership Lisa Campbell is working on a master's degree in education at Lamar University. She would like to become an academic lead teacher (ALT), as well as a curriculum specialist at the district level. Lisa works for Humble ISD and is the sponsor for her school’s National Junior Honor Society. She has been nominated for Teacher of Year and named Employee of the Month twice. She was selected by Rice University to write curriculum for Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) activities for school districts in the Houston area. Her AWWA family member is Chris Campbell, senior project manager at Binkley & Barfield, Inc. "I believe that this scholarship will be an investment in my future and, ultimately, an investment in the future of the children I can teach." BRETT CAST University of North Texas | Public Administration Brett Cast is working toward a master's degree in public administration from the University of North Texas, with the goal of pursuing a career in the public sector. He is an Operator I and administrative assistant at the Trinity River Authority and is an active member and volunteer at Cristo Rey Presbyterian Church. His
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AWWA family member is Sid McCain, plant manager at the Trinity River Authority. "Education is a lifelong pursuit that can, if applied properly, grow the soul and promote fruitful civil pursuits." BRYANT CHAMBERS University of Texas at Austin | Environmental Engineering Bryant Chambers is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. His work, Effects of Chloride and Ionic Strength on Physical Morphology, Dissolution, and Bacterial Toxicity of Silver Nanoparticles, was recently published in Environmental Science and Technology. He’s been involved with Engineers Without Borders and helped develop a program called Hot Science Cool Topics, designing 12 hands-on engineering activities for students. He is a student member of AWWA through the University of Texas at Austin. "I envision a career where I will work to strengthen the relationship between engineering and society so I can positively impact public health and the education of future engineers. " DAVID COBURN Texas A&M University | Civil Engineering David Coburn is working toward a civil engineering degree from Texas A&M University. David is a member of ASCE, has assisted with STEM day, and served as an intern with Alan Plummer Associates last summer, where he became interested in environmental engineering. His AWWA family member is Doyle Coburn, manager of southern region support services at the Trinity River Authority. "I am learning how important water is and I also recognize how important a good education is and how fortunate I am to be receiving one." CONTINUED PAGE 18 | scholarships
TEXASh2o OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 | 17 |
| scholarships |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 | scholarships LAUREN FUERST University of Pittsburg | Neuroscience Lauren Fuerst is currently pursuing a degree in neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh, with minors in chemistry and American Sign Language. She plans to continue onto medical school. On campus, Lauren served as a member of the University of Pittsburgh Varsity Swim Team and is active with the Phi Eta Sigma honor service fraternity, the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and the American Chemical Society. She has volunteered with the National Relief Network and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Her AWWA family member is Brian Fuerst, senior project manager at CH2M HILL. "While I can’t know what life has in store for me, my education is the best way to prepare for it." AMANDA HAWS University of Arkansas | Psychology Amanda Haws is currently attending the University of Arkansas, where she is working toward a degree in psychology with a minor in political science. She wants to study law and become a corporate attorney, and would eventually like to become the CEO of a nonprofit or handle the legal aspects of a charitable company. She is active on campus, participating in the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society, Young Life, National Society of Collegiate
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| 18 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 TEXASh2o
Scholars and the University Honor Society. Her AWWA family member is Brian Haws, process engineer for Austin Water Utility. "I believe that everyone deserves a chance to achieve their dreams and that when someone falls they deserve a second chance." KEVIN KNEUPPER University of Houston | Civil Engineering Kevin Kneupper graduated from Clear Creek High School last May and is currently attending the University of Houston, working towards a civil engineering degree. In high school, Kevin was involved in band, football and soccer, and was part of the Distinguished Achievement Honors Program. He has worked for Terracon Engineering for the last two years. His AWWA family member is Douglas Kneupper, a city engineer for the City of Texas City. "Successful completion of my bachelor's degree will help me develop strong character and give me confidence for my future career." CASSANDRA LANGE University of Central Arkansas | Chemical Physics Cassandra Lange is currently attending the University of Central Arkansas, majoring in chemical physics, with minors in math and STEMteach, a program derived out of UT Austin. She plans on becoming a teacher, as well as a soccer coach. Cassandra is a member of the University of Central Arkansas soccer team and is involved with the Catholic Campus Ministry and the Student Physics Society. Her AWWA family member is Donald Lange, senior project engineer at Brown & Gay Engineers. "By gaining my own education I will be able to be the teacher that cares greatly about the education of my future students and hopefully help them appreciate and love physics and chemistry as I do."
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| scholarships |
COLLEEN LYONS University of Texas at Austin | Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Colleen Lyons is currently finishing a master's degree in environmental and water resources engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, with plans to earn a Ph.D. She served as the technical design lead and a mentor for Engineers Without Borders and was the head camp counselor at Girls Adventures in Math, Engineering and Science. Upon completion of her degrees, Colleen plans to build water distribution systems in East Africa. She is a student member of AWWA through the University of Texas. "I now actively strive to use my engineering background to help others, especially in my pursuit of transferring technological knowledge so that people have the ability to help themselves."
AARON RECK Texas A&M University | Mechanical Engineering Aaron Reck is currently attending Texas A&M University, working toward a degree in mechanical engineering with the goal of also earning a master’s degree. He originally majored in civil engineering, but changed majors after his sophomore year after realizing his interest in mechanics. Aaron is a member of ASCE, and worked as a counselor at Pine Cove Christian Camps over the summer. His AWWA family member is Todd Reck, utilities director for the City of Irving. "Our society is always going to have problems that will require good engineers to solve and I hope to someday have a career that will allow me to help solve some of them." CONTINUED PAGE 20 | scholarships
MARGARET MILLER American University | Broadcast Journalism Margaret Miller is currently majoring in broadcast journalism, with a minor in international studies, at American University. She is an anchor for ATV News, serves as an American University Ambassador, is secretary of the Lion’s Club chapter on campus and is a member of the Gamma Delta Chapter of the Phi Mu Sorority. She would like to become a correspondent for a large news organization. Her AWWA family member is Nora Mullarkey, manager at the Lower Colorado River Authority. "I hope to come away with not only a diploma and the skills to help me make something of myself, but also memories to look back on in the future."
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TEXASh2o OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 | 19 |
| scholarships |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 | scholarships ANNIE RECK Texas A&M University | Chemical Engineering Annie Reck is currently pursuing a degree in chemical engineering from Texas A&M University and minoring in chemistry. On campus, she is involved with the Society of Women Engineers, as well as Freshman Leaders on Campus (FLOC). Annie is a New Life Baptist Preschool Volunteer. Her AWWA family member is Todd Reck, utilities director for the City of Irving. "Knowledge gives power, and I want the power to help this world and make it a better place." DYLAN SWOBODA Texas A&M University | Civil Engineering Dylan Swoboda graduated from New Braunfels High School last May, and is currently attending Texas A&M University, majoring in civil engineering. In high school, Dylan served as the athletic trainer for the football and track teams, and was a member of the National Honor Society. He has participated in mission trips to Memphis and New Orleans, and was a youth leader at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. His AWWA family member is Greg Swoboda, vice president at HDR Engineering. "I hope my time at college will expand my learning opportunities and benefit me further in life."
KRISTEN VAN HOOSIER University of Texas at Austin | Civil Engineering Kristen Van Hoosier is currently working towards a degree in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, with a minor in Korean language. She is vice president of the student chapter of AWWA/WEF, is a Student Engineering Council Representative for AWWA/WEF and a member of the Sigma Phi Lambda sorority. Kristen would like to one day start a non-profit for water development in underdeveloped and under-served communities. She is a student member of AWWA through the University of Texas. "I hope to fully and appreciatively embrace my education so that I can become a better person, a more effective engineer, and a philanthropist." MELISSA VASQUEZ Western Technical College | Physical Therapy Assistant Melissa Vasquez is currently enrolled in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program at Western Technical College, with plans to attend the Physical Therapy Bridge Program at the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston to become a physical therapist. She has worked at the Sierra Medical Center in El Paso for six years and is a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Her AWWA family member is Maria Vasquez, El Paso Branch Manager at Huitt-Zollars. "I want to inspire others to achieve their goals in rehabilitation and in life, as the physical therapists with whom I have had the pleasure of working with have done for me."
See your ad here! Call 512-251-8101 or email Tracy Wagner at tbwagner@texas.net | 20 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 TEXASh2o
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Wednesday, November 12 United Way Resource Center 50 Waugh Drive Houston, TX 77007
Thursday, November 13 Dallas City Hall 1500 Marilla Street Dallas, TX 75201
9:30 AM – 2:30 PM Registration $30 -‐ Lunch and Meeting Materials Provided
www.texaswater.org
Developing rate structures that successfully balance revenue management, resource efficiency and fiscal sustainability is becoming more challenging than ever in a world of scarce supply, variable weather and declining demand. Learn from experts about the newest resources and strategies that can help water managers to navigate these challenges, including:
• • • •
Strategies to model and evaluate rates that achieve revenue stability AND incentivize efficiency Policies and planning tools to enhance utilities’ financial outlook How cost-‐effective efficiency programs support revenue management and fiscal sustainability Proficiency in the latest ratemaking tools available and confidence to apply them
• • • •
What block rate design could allow us to preserve our current level of revenue while reducing demand? What proportion of customer bills in each class will increase under new proposed rates? How should we adjust rates to support demand management objectives during water shortages? What is the likelihood we will meet one-‐year, three-‐year, five-‐year revenue targets?
Participants will receive in-‐depth training on the new Alliance for Water Efficiency Sales Forecasting and Rate Model, an innovative, free and user-‐friendly tool that can help model rate structures and effects on revenue and water use. This model addresses the shortcomings of typical models, which assume that future sales are set and do not respond to factors such as weather, price and the economy and helps answer questions such as:
Don’t miss this chance to learn how to use the latest tools for your rate setting and resource management challenges!
Who Should Attend? Water Utility Directors and Conservation Managers, CFO’s and Finance Directors, City Managers, Business and Community Leaders, Consultants, Advocates, Mayors, City Council, County Leaders, Board Members of MUD’s & Regional Water Authorities
Brought to you by:
| ebola facts |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 | ebola facts long in water because it does not have its host — either a human or an animal. Because of Ebola’s fragility when separated from its host, bodily fluids flushed by an infected person would not contaminate the water supply.4,5 Researchers believe that Ebola survives in water for only a matter of minutes. This is because water does not provide the same environment as our bodily fluids, which have higher salt concentrations. Once in water, the virus will take in water in an attempt to equalize the osmotic pressure, causing the cells to swell and burst, thus killing the virus.
1 World Health Organization (WHO) Website: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/ebola/en/ 2 World Health Organization (WHO) Website: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/ 3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website: http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/about.html 4 CNN interview: http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/01/health/ebola-usreader-questions/index.html 5 NPR interview: http://www.npr.org/blogs/goatsandsoda/ 2014/09/12/346114454/how-do-you-catch-ebola-by-airsweat-or-water
SAVE the DATE
Texas Water 2015 | 22 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 TEXASh2o
American Bank Center Corpus Christi, Texas April 14-17, 2015 www.tawwa.org
| sara study |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 | sara study quarterly) and limited stations. Substantial temporal and spatial gaps have been identified throughout the holistic WMP process. To help fill these gaps and support compliance with increasing water quality (WQ) regulations, SARA conducted WQ modeling and tool developments to support the WMPs. The related WQ regulations include the Clean Rivers Program (CRP) screening and the 303(d) impaired water body listing, Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) regulations, Texas Instream Flow Program (TIFP), Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL), and potential upcoming nutrient limits. Selection and implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Low Impact Development (LID) strategies to address urban runoff pollution have become important components of the holistic WMPs. These efforts not only address existing WQ impairments and support regulatory compliance, but also guide future watershed planning, especially when substantial population growth and urbanization is forecasted. The newly created WQ models and tools help identify potential WQ impairments (locations, timing, and constituents), pollutant load reduction needed to address the impairments, and the types and numbers of BMPs needed to achieve the required load reductions. Dynamic water quality modeling, model linkage, and development of modeling standards SARA and the LAN team have developed dynamic watershed WQ models for three major watersheds in SARB using the Hydrological Simulation ProgramFORTRAN (HSPF) a software program which was jointly
developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Geological Survey. These developed models are capable of simulating watershed and instream hydrologic and water quality processes dynamically through both dry and wet periods. SARA and the LAN team have also developed dynamic instream WQ models for three main stems using EPDRiv1, which is based upon the CE-QUAL-RIV1 model developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) but modified by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). These models can simulate instream hydrodynamic and water quality processes in much greater spatial and temporal resolutions. SARA and the LAN team have also developed converter programs and algorithms for linking HSPF, EPDRiv1, and the Gridded Surface Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA) models together. As there are various ongoing WQ modeling efforts in the SARB, SARA developed a WQ Modeling Standards Document in December 2013 to ensure the quality and consistency of the developed WQ models. The CONTINUED PAGE 24 | sara study
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TEXASh2o OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 | 23 |
| sara study |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 | sara study Standards Document addresses all aspects of the WQ modeling process; from model setup to input data development, to model parameterization, and ultimately to model calibration, validation, application, and overall model performance assessment (Figure 2). It is one of the first of its kind to ensure consistency in WQ model setup, calibration/
Figure 2: Cover Page of the WQ Modeling Standards Document.
validation and applications. Development of water quality modeling tools To support the WQ modeling efforts, a set of several Best practices for RP, RPDA, DC, DCDA
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state-of-the-art tools were developed, including the SARA Enhanced BMP Tool, automatic Load Reduction Tool (LRT) and Timeseries Utility Tool (TUT). These tools were developed to work with HSPF and have been tested. The TUT was developed to support analysis and management of time series Figure 3: Timeseries Utility Tool Dialog. data e.g. runoff, pollutant load. The tool includes a graphical user interface to allow users to choose among the available timeseries and specify the number format needed for the exported timeseries. This tool also includes some re-engineering of the HSPF output timeseries to better handle large files. The TUT was developed, tested, and released to public through EPA’s BASINS user community on October 24, 2013, and SARA has received positive feedback from users. The LRT was developed to determine the load reduction needed to meet screening levels specified by the users. The tool processes HSPF results and calculates flowweighted average concentrations for comparison against the screening Figure 4: Load Reduction Tool Dialog.
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| sara study |
levels. The difference is used to develop a needed load reduction via BMP application in HSPF, and the LRT continues the iteration until all calculated flow-weighted average concentrations are meeting the screening levels within user specified tolerances. The LRT was developed to run using a graphic user interface on Windows computers. It also allows users to specify point sources that may require load reduction adjustments if the non-point source reductions are not adequate to achieve the specified screening levels. The LRT was developed, tested, and released to public through EPA’s BASINS user community on May 9, 2014. The SARA Enhanced BMP Tool is being developed to help select the types and number of BMPs to achieve the required load reductions identified by the LRT (or the users). The tool combines robust land surface representation from HSPF with the BMP optimization components of EPA’s SUSTAINOPT program, which optimizes the number and type of BMPs throughout a subbasin by minimizing overall costs while achieving the required target load reductions. The tool’s output includes types, numbers, and cost of BMPs as well as CONTINUED PAGE 26 | sara study
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| sara study |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 | sara study load reduction results. The tool includes a very extensive BMP Tool Database that contains BMPs’ data not limited to just dimensions, removal efficiencies and costs. The SARA and LAN team have conducted a substantial data collection effort to populate the database.
Figure 5: SARA Enhanced BMP Tool Dialog.
In addition to tool development, SARA and the LAN team conducted and tested several enhancements to HSPF and EPDRiv1 codes. These efforts included improved steady-state backwater solution, reduced numerical instabilities, as well as added a quasiunsteady routing algorithm option, automatic time step adjustment, in-stream BMP removal efficiency, and a GSSHA converter/importer. The enhancements
| 26 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 TEXASh2o
to EPDRiv1 also result in much faster runtime and more stable program execution. Additional EPDRiv1 enhancements by the SARA team also include cross section editor, HSPF WDM support in WRDB Graph and EPDRiv1 import, EPDRiv1 import tool, hydrodynamic file editor, and ability to handle water temperatures below freezing. A new BMDUtil Tool was also developed to extract/merge large EPDRiv1output BMD files, process BMD files, and statistical analyses of timeseries. Conclusion SARA has invested substantially in the development of WQ models and innovative tools to support sustainable WQ enhancements in the SARB and hence supported its mission as “Leaders in Watershed Solutions.” These efforts have resulted in a set of very powerful and advanced WQ modeling tools that would allow SARA and its stakeholders to conduct holistic watershed master planning and evaluation of the effects of BMPs and LIDs. The developed innovative tools, which are in public domain, would benefit all WQ professionals, and SARA’s efforts are increasingly getting national attention.
www.tawwa.org
| sara study |
Authors’ Note This article is prepared by Dr. Sheeba Thomas who manages the development, testing, and applications of the tools and Dr. Yu-Chun Su of Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN). We would also like to acknowledge SARA’s support in fostering the development of new technology along with team project team members from AQUA TERRA Consultants (ATC), Wilson Engineering (WE), Natural Resource Engineering (NRE), and Atkins. Dr. Thomas has been with the San Antonio River Authority since January 2008. She is a licensed engineer in Texas, a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) and a Project Management Professional (PMP). Her expertise lies in several hydraulic, hydrologic and water quality modeling. Dr. Su received his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin with focus on Environmental
and Water Resources Engineering (EWRE), and he is currently the EWRE Director for Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN), a planning, engineering and program management firm. He has more than 20 years of experience in water quality modeling and engineering. He is a licensed professional engineer in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Florida, a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), a Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality (CPSWQ), and a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM).
TAWWA Sponsored FINANCING SUSTAINABLE WATER WORKSHOP Wednesday, Nov. 12 » Houston Thursday, Nov. 13 » Dallas 9:30 am-2:30 pm $30 - Lunch & materials provided Register at www.texaswater.org
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TEXASh2o OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 | 27 |
| new members |
TAWWA Welcomes New Members Joining August 1 – Oct. 15, 2014 ARM Nabiul Afrooz Austin, TX
Ardita Dushi Carrollton, TX
Brian Jonescu College Station, TX
David Montagne Orange, TX
Khurram Rafi Houston, TX
James Sweeney Bryan, TX
Joseph Alvarez Westworth Village, TX
John Dutschmann Lorena, TX
Luvina Jurao El Paso, TX
Arturo Montoya San Antonio, TX
Muhammad Rafique DFW Airport, TX
Jenny Torres College Station, TX
Sarah Arguijo Austin, TX
Kaci Earp Houston, TX
Ray Kamps College Station, TX
Alisha Multer Bryan, TX
Kimberly Rhodes College Station, TX
Rachel Turner Friendswood, TX
Shishir Basant College Station, TX
Robert Ehlers San Antonio, TX
Robert Kimball Abilene, TX
Kenneth Mulvey El Paso, TX
Kayla Rohrbach Bryan, TX
Adolfo Varela Lubbock, TX
Jeffrey Bate Austin, TX
Andrew Figueroa Little Elm, TX
Keith Klimple Houston, TX
Thomas Salazar Three Rivers, TX
Francisco Vincent Round Rock, TX
Lance Beasley Highland Village, TX
Charles Fontanier College Station, TX
Adam Landon College Station, TX
Municipal District Services Katy, TX
Timothy Samford Texas City, TX
Duane Whitehead Rosenberg, TX
Camila Biaggi Bryan, TX
Gary Griesenbeck Austin, TX
Katelyn Lazar College Station, TX
Nathaniel Sandlin San Antonio, TX
Russell Widner Humble, TX
Garret Bland Frisco, TX
Huang Haiyan College Station, TX
Russell Lindsey Heath, TX
Floyd Scurry Houston, TX
Barron Williams Kyle, TX
Anna Breytus Dallas, TX
Bill Harp Little Elm, TX
Monica Long College Station, TX
Hamid Shafiezade College Station, TX
Tyson Williams College Station, TX
David Christiansen Austin, TX
Kirstin Hein College Station, TX
Dexter May Fort Worth, TX
Suzanne Silva San Marcos, TX
Randy Winston Weslaco, TX
City of Houston Houston, TX
Sam Hermitte Austin, TX
John McElya Stafford, TX
Jim Bob Sims Granbury, TX
Mingyue Yang College Station, TX
Steven Cochran Houston, TX
Theresa Hlavinka Austin, TX
Doug Meeks Dripping Springs, TX
Nick Skadberg Houston, TX
Liu Ying College Station, TX
Nicholas Cook Deer Park, TX
Aaron Huttel Fate, TX
Valerie Miller Dallas, TX
Timothy Skoglund McAllen, TX
Yiwen Zhang College Station, TX
John Degenova Dallas, TX
Wiley Jennings Austin, TX
Vinny Minchillo Plano, TX
W. Bruce Douglass Montgomery, TX
Kerry Johnston Tomball, TX
Paula Monaco Lubbock, TX
Ocey Dow Mineral Wells, TX
Chelsea Jones Kingsbury, TX
Scott Monaghan Dallas, TX
Jason Murray College Station, TX Jifar Nata Bryan, TX Trevor Nolan Lubbock, TX Raul Olvera Austin, TX Benjamin Ornelas Atascosa, TX Emily Palmer Austin, TX Harold Palmer Corpus Christi, TX Nicole Pearsall Bryan, TX Ann Peche San Antonio, TX Tera Pigg Wimberley, TX Anthony Pinion Kingsville, TX
Karis Smith Weatherford, TX Kathy Sokolic Austin, TX Anna Stehouwer Houston, TX
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| letter from the texas section chair |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 | letter from the texas section chair you have an idea for a future webinar, let me know or reach out to one of the Division or Committee Chairs. We want to provide our members with education opportunities that meet their current needs and are always looking for new ideas. I encourage everybody to get involved in some sort of outreach, be it through a school, with the scholarship program, as a mentor or mentee, or by participating in a seminar or webinar. We are all responsible for protecting the future of our water resources and having the right people in place to keep the water flowing.
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TEXASh2o OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 | 29 |
| executive director report |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 | executive director report drop down menu under "Get Involved,� you can make a selection to donate directly to the program, donate in the name of anyone you wish, or follow the links to purchase our unique Water Conservation License Plate. If you purchase the license plate, which you can do anytime and not wait for your car license to expire, $22 of the extra $30 comes directly to the Section through our sponsor, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Council. Or, you can donate to the recently established Central Texas Chapter scholarship in memory of Curtis Smalley. If you wish to establish a more substantial legacy donation in memory of someone or as an estate donation, please contact me directly. There is no better investment in the future of our water community than supporting scholarships and I hope you are able to contribute today. If you wish to contact me directly, email me at mikehowe@ tawwa.org or call 512-238-9292.
Texas Water Conservation Series How to develop and implement a water conservation program for your community
Join TAWWA, with special funding from TWDB, for a series of 4 FREE webcasts Jan 30 | March 13 | May 15 | Aug 15 12:30-2:30 pm FREE Total of 8 TCEQ operator hours pending for live viewing. Each attendee must be registered. Register online
| 30 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 TEXASh2o
www.tawwa.org
www.tawwa.org
| calendar |
What’s Happening Across Texas DATE
ACTIVITY
NOV 12 & 13 Financing Sustainable Water Workshop
TIME 9:30-2:30 pm
LOCATION Houston & Dallas
INFORMATION www.texaswater.org
NOV 13
North Central Texas 6:30 pm Chapter Casino Night
Museum of Geometric & MADI Art Dallas
www.tawwa.org
DEC 8
Southeast Chapter 11:15 - 1 pm Luncheon
HESS Club Houston
www.tawwa.org
JAN 30
Texas Water Conservation Series Free webcast series
APRIL 14-17 Texas Water 2015
American Bank Center Corpus Christi
www.tawwa.org www.tawwa.org
Want to share your event with the Texas water community? Contact Mike Howe, 512-238-9292 or mikehowe@tawwa.org. Check the Section’s website, www.tawwa.org, for the latest information on Section activities.
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