INSIDE: How one water utility operated during the most destructive wildfire in Texas history Page 3
TEXAS H20
February/March 2012
The Official Newsletter of the Texas Section AWWA THE Water Professionals
Acting local
The newly adopted State Water Plan will rely on local entities as well as the State of Texas for implementation, said Melanie Callahan, newly named Executive Administrator of the agency. Callahan stepped into the role of interim administrator March 1 of last year as Kevin Ward departed for the Trinity River Authority. The Board took the “interim” off her title Dec. 15. “The Texas Water Development Board was presented with a number of challenges last year: budget reductions, the drought, and a constitutional amendment,” noted Board Chairman Edward G. Vaughan in a statement, “As the interim EA, Melanie was steadfast in her leadership and did an excellent job managing the agency through these difficult challenges, making the Board’s decision … an easy one. She is the right person for this job, and I look forward to continuing to work with her as the new Executive Administrator.” Taking over the reins of the water agency at that point — at the height of the legislative session, as the worst one-year drought on record was scorching the state, and as TWDB was putting the final touches on the updated water plan — was, if nothing else, an astonishing display of bravery. “It’s been very interesting,” Callahan acknowledges, indulging in understatement. “I’m very fortunate to have a great group of professionals who work here, who know a lot more details than I do. I relied on them a lot.” On the same day she was designated Executive Administrator, the Board approved the 2012 version of the Texas Water Plan. “It needs to be more than just a plan; we need to implement it,” Callahan told TEXASH2O. To do that she and TWDB
New TWDB administrator stresses grassroots in new Water Plan staff will be working with various entities across the state. “Just as it’s formulated from the ground-up – from the locals all the way up – that’s really the way it’s got to be implemented.” The Executive Administrator said that TWDB will work with the Legislature to develop implement strategies, but “sixteen regional planning groups came up with the meat of the State Water Plan. That’s where we need to be working.” The 2011 drought has demonstrated that Texas is not prepared for a drought of record, she said, and entities will need to call on all the tools in the water plan to get ready. “Conservation is a big part of the plan,” she noted, “It’s not going to resolve all the issues, but it’s a big component. We will continue to foster conservation as a component of the plan.” As to reservoirs, Callahan said, “We would stand with the regional groups” and the plans they developed for reservoir development. “Reservoirs are a long-term solution,” she said, “There are lots of steps to go through; they are certainly not something that can solve our problem now.” CONTINUED PAGE 14 CALLAHAN
TEXASH2O
Letter from the Texas Section Chair
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By Dave Scholler
Texas Section American Water Works Association P.O. Box 80150 Austin, Texas 78708 www.tawwa.org DAVE SCHOLLER, CHAIR 281-558-8700 BRENT LOCKE, CHAIR-ELECT 254-562-5992 CHRISTIANNE CASTLEBERRY, VICE-CHAIR 512-751-9272 RICHARD TALLEY, IMM. PAST CHAIR 817-392-8203
MIKE HOWE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ SECRETARY-TREASURER 512-238-9292 FAX: 512-238-0496 EMAIL: 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 GCP Association Services PO Box 676 Pflugerville, TX 78691 512-251-8101 FAX: 512-251-8152 email: texwater@texas.net The publication name, TexasH2O: © 1996-2012 Texas Section - Amercian Water Works Association, Inc. © 2012 Texas Section - American Water Works Association, Inc.
T
Texas Water Plan
he Texas Water Development Board adopted the 2012 State Water Plan on Dec. 5, 2011, and sent it to the Governor on Jan. 5. I don‘t think the Governor received it personally since he was in South Carolina. To quote the TWDB website – “The primary message of the 2012 State Water Plan is a simple one: In serious drought conditions, Texas does not and will not have enough water to meet the needs of its people, its businesses, and its agricultural enterprises. This plan presents the information regarding the recommended conservation and other types of water management strategies that would be necessary to meet the state’s needs in drought conditions, the cost of such strategies, and estimates of the state’s financial assistance that would be required to implement these strategies. The plan also presents the sobering news of the economic losses likely to occur if these water supply needs cannot be met. As the state continues to experience rapid growth and declining water supplies, implementation of the plan is crucial to ensure public health, safety, and welfare and economic development in the state.” The population of Texas is expected to increase to more than 46 million by 2060. This is an 82 percent increase over the 2010 census count. Demand for water will increase only 22 percent by 2060 to 22 million acre-feet per year. The reason the demand does not increase at the same rate as the population is due to the projected decrease in agricultural irrigation and the increase in water conservation. We do not have sufficient water supplies to meet the future water demand. To meet these needs the State Water Plan estimates it will cost in excess of $50 billion in capital costs with the majority (more than $45 billion) required to meet the municipal needs including residential, commercial and institutional. Water providers will need over $25 billion in state financial assistance to meet these needs. If nothing is done, lost income to Texas businesses and workers could exceed $100 billion, lost revenue could approach $10 billion and lost jobs could exceed $100 million by 2060. The TWDB made several recommendations to facilitate the implantation of the State Water Plan. We should support these recommendations including: • Eliminating unreasonable restrictions on the voluntary transfer of surface water from one basin to another, and • Developing a long-term, affordable, and sustainable method to provide financing assistance. On another note Texas Water 2012SM is approaching fast. It is close to home and can’t be surpassed for training, exhibits and networking with colleagues. Hope to see you in San Antonio!
TEXASH2O
Seen from west of the city, the Bastrop fire dwarfs Austin's skyline.
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Water utility helps fight Bastrop fire, works to maintain service during emergency Editor’s Note: Aqua Water Supply Corp. is the main water utility in the area struck by the Bastrop Complex wildfire over the Labor Day weekend last year. Blown up with 40 mph winds, the fire consumed almost the entire Lost Pines State Park, 1,600 family homes, and 55 square miles of hundred-year-old loblolly pines. Aqua lost some or all pressure in 70 percent of its 1,000-squaremile service area. General Manager William Loven prepared a paper on the experience for Texas Water 2012SM, April 10-13 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. Excerpts of the paper are presented here. For a full copy of the paper, check the TAWWA website, www.tawwa.org, after Texas Water 2012SM.
By William Loven Aqua Water Supply Corp. [M]ake no mistake, Aqua personnel were in the field fighting the fire. Their first challenge was to keep water in the system when almost 1,200 member homes burned to the ground. In most cases, the meters were destroyed along with the homes, and as a result, treated water was simply pouring out the 1,200 broken connections. At the peak of the wildfire, there were 800 firefighters engaged in fire suppression using 300-400 “brush trucks,” which are small to mid-size self-sufficient tanker/pumper units designed for fighting wildfires. These brush trucks needed to refill their tanks every few hours in order to continue fire suppression efforts. While Chinook helicopters were dipping water out of local ponds to try to stem the advancing front, the brush truck crews worked to save individual homes and outbuildings. Once the fire began, it was out of control within minutes and being blown southward by soft and steady winds. Police began emergency evacuation of communities in the path of the fire. The fire was approaching at breakneck speed and virtually all evacuees had to leave with only the clothes they were wearing. Monday, Sept. 5, was Labor Day. Nevertheless, Aqua requested that all available employees immediately return to the office. Close scrutiny of the SCADA system
showed key pumps that fed the fire area were already running unusually long cycle times. Management surmised that Aqua had lost quite a few connections to the fire. Of major concern was the possibility of losing all water pressure in and around the burning areas. If that happened, the firefighters would be severely hindered and the consequences could be disastrous for homeowners in the burning areas. So, teams of Aqua field personnel were deployed to the fire area to assess the situation firsthand. This meant Aqua teams would be required to directly enter the areas that were still burning out of control. There was no backup, nor the possibility for emergency extractions, because all emergency response personnel were already jammed with hundreds of requests for assistance. The “rules of engagement” were straightforward. Personnel were deployed in teams. While one person was checking burned meter boxes and turning off water, the other was to never lose sight of the escape route. Never let the fire ring the team. Don’t take any William Loven will be presenting chances. And, when in this paper at Texas Water 2012SM. doubt – get out! William Loven The immediate obAqua Water Supply Corporation servations and reports Thursday, April 12 Safety and Security track from the teams were 4 – 4:30 pm pretty saddening. So far, the fire had destroyed about one in three homes in an area of about 5,000 acres and 600 homes. The situation would only get worse. Aqua’s “M” pump station feeding the burning area had lost power because fire had burned the power lines to the pump house. A quick visit revealed fire was still burning all around the pump station and a pair of firefighters were nearby trying to save a home. Aqua decided to deploy one of its shiny new Baldor TS 250 generators at the site to get the pump station back on line. Just before leaving the site, a worker set up a garden hose to spray a continuing mist over the generator. CONTINUED PAGE 15 WILDFIRE
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Executive Director Report
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2012 State Water Plan in the 16-water regional planning groups around the state. It is based on current demand models and projections, and while conservation is an integral part of the plan, some think conservation should be a larger component with ecently, the Texas Water Develappropriate education and messaging funding attached. opment Board released the 2012 The plan does what it is supposed to do. Based on State Water Plan, the most recent what we know from the regional planning groups, it tells and more expensive proposal to prevent us what needs to be done and approximates the cost. Of major and economy busting water shortages in Texas, all course, what it doesn’t do is cause those projects to begin, while we face an ongoing drought and population numbers nor does it provide a funding source for any of them. set to grow from 25 million to 46 million by 2060. In the Instead the plan, and with its adoption by the Texas Water same timeframe, water demand is expected to grow from Development Board, says it is “imperative” that the 18 million acre-feet to 22 million acre-feet. Legislature address the need for a sustainable long-term By the way, only water insiders use acre-feet as a referfinancing mechanisms to implement the plan. ence benchmark. The public doesn’t think in those terms, But, as we are all aware, the Legislature has been, to so for discussion sake, an acre foot will serve 2-4 families be polite, “reluctant” to spend any money at all, much per year with water depending on their individual needs and less on water projects. Plus, as I have written here before conservation habits. But, I digress. over the years, most of the larger utilities believe it is their The cost of this plan has jumped from $18 billion in 2002, responsibility to fund their own projects locally through to $31 billion in 2007 to $53 billion in this 2012 version. their own rates. Additionally, any plans, such as a tap fee The Legislature would have to establish a “sustainable, or water tax that would transfer local funds to the State long-term” funding source for up to 26 new reservoirs, for water projects, did not get any traction in previous miles and miles of pipelines, dams, wells and other projects, legislative sessions. that, with the necessary accompanying legislation, would So, when you look at where we were in 2002, 2007 allow water transfers to occur more easily and support proj- and 2012, it appears not much has changed – except for ects to improve inadequate water systems statewide. The CONTINUED PAGE 18 HOWE plan’s purpose is to identify needed projects as identified
By Mike Howe TAWWA Executive Director
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TCEQ names Zak Covar next executive director TCEQ News Release The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Commissioners voted unanimously March 7 to appoint Zak Covar executive director for the agency effective May 1. Covar has served as deputy executive director since August 2009. He succeeds Mark Vickery, who is retiring from state government after 25 years of service. Covar began his career in state government when he clerked for Chairman Dennis Bonnen (State Representative District 25) on the House Environmental Regulation Committee. From 2005 to 2007, Covar also worked as the environmental and natural resource adviser to Governor Rick Perry. In this role, Covar was responsible for advising the governor and senior staff on all major budget and policy issues pertaining to the TCEQ, the Texas Railroad Commission, and Texas Parks and Wildlife. At the TCEQ, Covar served as the executive assistant to Chairman Bryan W. Shaw, Ph.D. and later as assistant deputy executive director. “Mr. Covar brings a tremendous amount of legislative experience and environmental knowledge to this position,”
said TCEQ Chairman Shaw. “Zak will maintain the steady leadership that’s been in place at this agency for the past several years and will build on those successes.” TCEQ Commissioner Buddy Garcia called Covar “an outstanding manager who understands the issues and the challenges facing this agency and this state. Zak has the proven skill and experience to move this agency forward.” “Mr. Covar has a proven track record of solving complex environmental and organizational issues,” said TCEQ Commissioner Carlos Rubinstein. “Zak will lead this agency into the future and provide stability and consistency. He will do a great job for all Texans.” “I appreciate the support and the vote of confidence from the TCEQ Commissioners,” said Covar. “It is a great honor to serve the people of Texas in this capacity. I understand and accept the tremendous responsibility that comes with this position and I vow to protect all our Texas resources.” A native Texan, Covar earned a Bachelor of Science in Poultry Science from Texas A&M University. He and his wife Krista have a daughter and identical twin boys.
Texas Water 2012SM April 10-13 | Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center | San Antonio
TEXASH2O ď ľ 7
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Texas Section promotes hiring veterans for jobs in the water industry
TEXASH2O
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The program at Texas Water 2012SM will feature one presenter who knows very little about the water industry. But he does know about the benefit of hiring veterans, and in an industry that’s concerned about workforce replacement, that’s a lot. Bryan Daye of the Texas Veterans Commission will speak at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 12, during the Utility Management and Workforce Issues track at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Daye is a Veterans Business Representative for the TVC. In that role, he works with large employers to promote hiring of veterans in general and matches specific job openings with qualified veterans in particular. He also establishes contacts with employer organizations and conducts seminars to assist recently separated veterans with their job-hunting skills. Daye’s presentation follows on the heels of a meeting that Katie McCain and Cathy Dominguez, representing the Section’s Workforce Strategies Committee, had with TVC officials in Austin. “The Texas Veterans Commission is ahead of veterans’ agencies in most of the other states,” said McCain, the former AWWA president and Texas Section chair. “They are doing some very innovative things to help Texas veterans return to the workforce.” She noted that along with TVC, the Department of 214.461.9867 Veterans Affairs offers many incentives for employers to 903.870.1089 hire veterans, ranging from grants to tax credits. For more information, go to www.workforwater.org and review “Recruiting and Training Veterans for Careers in the Water Sector” under Resources for Water Professionals. “Our main goal is to connect veterans who are looking for work with careers in the water sector utilities,” she said. “The veterans have made a huge personal sacrifice to keep us safe; now that they are home, they have a lot they can contribute to our utilities.” A panel discussion about the benefits of hiring veterans is being planned for AWWA’s ACE Conference in Dallas this June. ACE runs June 10-14, and the session is planned Tuesday, June 12. “AWWA is very excited about this initiative,” McCain said, “and will provide a booth for the Texas Veterans Commission and the Department of Veterans Affairs at ACE so that water professionals can speak directly to the people who are working with veterans.” McCain also sits on the AWWA-level Workforce Strategies Committee. McCain said that through both the AWWA and WEF initiatives, “word is getting out to veterans about careers in the water industry. It’s a win-win for both the veterans and for the water sector.”
Advertise in Texas H2O! Call 512-251-8101
TEXASH2O 9
LCRA approves new water plan for Buchanan and Travis
TEXASH2O
LCRA’s Board of Directors has approved a new Water Management Plan for lakes Buchanan and Travis that provides LCRA more flexibility to respond to severe droughts. The 10-5 vote was the culmination of more than 18 months of work by LCRA and an advisory committee made up of volunteers from throughout the basin. The 10 plan determines how water is allocated from lakes Buchanan and Travis, the region’s water supply reservoirs. It will now be sent to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for final approval. “The Board should be proud of the complete and thorough vetting of this plan,” LCRA Chair Tim Timmerman said. “Board members showed that they can disagree about a weighty specific issue, but disagree agreeably. The plan contains important changes recommended by the advisory committee, as well as changes recommended during the public comment period. Nearly 450 written comments were submitted to LCRA, and 49 people commented to the board in person during meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday. “Today’s vote is representative of the heartfelt passion that has been evident in the 18-month long stakeholder process,”said LCRA General Manager Becky Motal. The new plan contains many changes from the current one. Among them: • Using two trigger points during the year to determine how much stored water from the lakes is available for agriculture, mostly downstream rice farming. One trigger point, Jan. 1, would be used for the first rice crop and a second, June 1, would be used for the second crop. The current plan contains only a Jan. 1 trigger point. • Eliminating “open supply,” which is the practice of making unlimited water from the Highland Lakes available for downstream agriculture when the lakes are above a defined trigger point. In the future, the amount of stored water available from the lakes for downstream agricultural operations would have an upper limit at all times. • Asking firm water customers, mostly cities and
industry, to reduce water use consistent with their drought plans only after interruptible water from the Highland Lakes for agriculture is restricted. Current practice can result in LCRA requesting firm customers implement voluntary conservation before agricultural water is restricted. Firm customers pay considerably more for their water than farmers and other “interruptible” customers. • Using two different projected future demand levels in the new plan to set triggers based on the amount of water used by cities and industry. The current plan is based on a single demand projection looking 10 years in the future. This new approach responds to actual growth in water use and could make more water available for agricultural needs until it is needed by cities and industry. • Incorporating new scientific studies that better reflect the needs of the river and bay environment. The board also adopted a resolution with a goal of implementing projects to find 100,000 acre-feet of new water supply in the next five years. Because of the record hot and dry conditions in 2011, the amount of water flowing into the Highland Lakes last year was the lowest since the lakes were built. This has resulted in some of the lowest lake levels in history and could mean that most downstream farmers receive no water from the Highland Lakes this year. “Everyone agrees that we need to develop new water supplies and this is the start,” Timmerman said. “This is the solution to the competing interests of the upper and lower basin.” LCRA has used a state-approved Water Management Plan to manage lakes Buchanan and Travis since 1989. The plan was updated in 1992, 1999 and 2010. The 16-member advisory committee that assisted LCRA by making recommendations on proposed updates to the plan was made up of members representing the major, and sometimes competing, interests that rely on the lakes’ water: cities and industry, environment, lake area businesses and residents, and agriculture.
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TEXAS WATER 2012 GOLF TOURNAMENT SCHOLARSHIP TUESDAY, APRIL 10 THE REPUBLIC GOLF CLUB www.republicgolfclub.com 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. This year’s event will be held at the Republic Golf Club, 4226 Southwest Military Drive, 201-359-0000. The Republic was voted the #1 course in San Antonio for 2006, 2007 and 2009. This majestic beauty has a forgiving layout and large target greens, but also plenty of bite on a windy day. You will not be disappointed with the course, amenities or the staff. A good time will be had by all. 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 $135/person by 3/21/12; $150 after; No later than 3/28/12 TEAM REGISTRATION $545/team by 3/21/12; $600 after; No later than 3/28/12 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: Team registration, firm logo on tournament signage, PLUS sponsorship of the Raffle Table. INDIVIDUAL OR TEAM CAPTAIN NAME:__________________________________________ Firm Name:______________________________________ Address:_________________________________________ City:____________________________________________ State:_________________________Zip:_______________ Daytime Phone:___________________________________ Fax:_____________________________________________ Email:___________________________________________ TEAM PLAYER NAMES #2:_____________________________________________ #3:_____________________________________________ #4:_____________________________________________
CALCULATE FEES Bronze Package.........$750
$___________
Silver Package...........$1,000
$___________
Gold Package.............$1,500
$___________
Sponsorship Opportunities ___Hole (@ $450) ___Registration Table (@ $750) ___Hole in One (@ $500) ___Longest Drive, Men (@ $500) ___Longest Drive, Women (@ $500) ___Beverage Cart (@ $500) ___Closest to the Pin (@ $500)
$___________ $___________ $___________ $___________ $___________ $___________ $___________
NAME FOR SPONSORSHIP SIGN: ____________________________________________
Individual Registration
$___________
Team Registration
$___________
Tournament Extra(s)
___Mulligans ($5/each; max 4/player) $___________ $___________ ___Forward Tee ($20/team) to move to 150 yds. out from pin on Par 5 #11 hole $___________ ___Raffle Tickets ($5/each)
THE EASIEST WAY TO REGISTER IS ONLINE!
www.texas-water.com
Or mail form with payment to: TW12 Golf Fundraiser for Scholarships P.O. Box 676 Pflugerville, TX 78691 Or fax to 512-251-8152
TOTAL (ADD COLUMN AT RIGHT)
$___________
Tournament Chairs: Joe Aillet, 210-404-1330 Kira Iles, 210-404-1330
PAYMENT METHOD: Check Payable to “Texas Water 2012” BILL MY: AMEX VISA MasterCard Discover 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 2012 REGISTRATION EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE MARCH 18, 2012 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 on Received or before 3/18/12 after 3/18/12
Full Registration - MEMBER
$295
$345
_________
- I am currently a member of AWWA WEF Full Registration - NON MEMBER $445 $495 _________ NEW MEMBERS ONLY. Full registration at the non-member rate includes a free one-year membership to either AWWA or WEF. With full, non-member registration, please indicate which organization you wish to join: AWWA WEF Student - (no meals)
THE EASIEST WAY TO REGISTER IS ONLINE: www.texas-water.com PAYMENT METHOD: Check Payable to “Texas Water 2012” BILL MY: AMEX VISA MasterCard Discover
Card # _________________________________________ Expiration _____________________________________
$40
$50
_________
Wednesday Only (breakfast and conference lunch) - MEMBER
$165
$195
_________
Wednesday Only (breakfast and conference lunch) - NON MEMBER
$215
$245
_________
Thursday Only (includes Box Lunch) - MEMBER
$130
$160
_________
Thursday Only (includes Box Lunch) - NON MEMBER
$180
$210
_________
Friday Only - MEMBER
$80
$90
_________
(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.)
Friday Only - NON MEMBER
$90
$100
_________
For more information, contact:
Add’l Conference Proceedings USB Drive 1 included with all Full Registrations
$25
$25
_________
$125
$135
_________
Guest Program
Guest Name for Badge ____________________________________________ * Exhibit Hall Only- (4/11, 4/12) $55 $55 _________ (Sorry: No one-day passes available) FRIDAY FACILITY TOURS QUANTITY Select tour: ____ x $30 Tour 1: SAWS Aquifer Storage & Recover WTP
$35
_________
Tour 2: SAWS Dos Rios Water Reclamation Center/Meter Facility Tour 3: SARA Tunnel & Martinez II WWTP EXTRA TICKET * Conference Luncheon - WED. * Awards Breakfast - THURS.
QUANTITY ____ x $60 ____
x $35
$65
_________
$35
_________
I plan to attend the Women Of Water Lunch (Box lunch ticket required; included in Full Registration or Thursday Only. Or purchase ticket below.)
Cardholder Name:______________________________ Signature ______________________________________ Credit Card Billing Address: ____________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ (Put “Same” if same as above, necessary to process)
Security Code: _________________________________
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 2012 Registration c/o GCP Association Services P.O. Box 676 Pflugerville, TX 78691 or fax to 512-251-8152 Physical:
200 W. Main, Ste. 200B Pflugerville, TX 78660
* Box Lunch - THURS.
____
x $30
$35
_________
No refunds will be granted after March 18, 2012. A $60 cancellation fee will be assessed to all refund requests made prior to March 19, 2012. 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.
* TW12 Edition: Night in Old SA
____
x $65
$75
_________
I have special dietary needs: Vegetarian
Gloyna Breakfast - FRI.
____
x $35
$35
_________
Other __________________________________________________
Donation “Water for People” - Optional Enter amount of donation:
_________
Pre-registration deadline March 18, 2012
I plan to participate in the Dodson Drive Fun Run 5K 6:30am WED. 4/12
TOTAL PAYMENT (add right column) * included with Full Registration
______
After April 2, registration only available on-site
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TEXASH2O
Callahan
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from Page 1
By 2060, the State Water Plan says, the population is expected to grow 82 percent, increasing water demand 22 percent. The water supply is projected to drop ten percent. The 295-page document said $53 billion would be needed to build its water supplies over the next 50 years. Without action, the state faces economic devastation – up to $115.7 billion a year in 2060 losses if a drought-ofrecord hits. Callahan said one of her priorities was to beef up the role of financing in the water planning process, a reflection of her three decades of experience in public sector financial management, including accounting, budget and finance. A Certified Public Accountant, Callahan joined the TWDB in 2001 as the Director of the Fiscal Services Division and the Chief Accounting Officer. She was named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 2007. In her role as the CFO, Callahan monitored a $3.5 billion debt portfolio, a $5.1 billion loan portfolio, and a $1.2 billion investment portfolio and formulated and managed a $70 million annual operating budget. Callahan said that voters’ passage of Proposition 2 on the November ballot helps address the need for water supplies and efficient infrastructure. The proposition allows TWDB to issue additional debt to provide loans to local utilities. “We can pass along the low interest rate [that the State gets],” she said. “We do have funding available. We will do what we can to help [the local entities].”
Wildfire
"The fire burned so hot that it vaporized the PVC plumbing within the concrete slabs." the remaining fuel that had not burned in the first pass. About 95 percent of the homes in the area were burned to the ground. A typical burned home consisted of a concrete slab, maybe a brick fireplace, charred appliances, and the occasional metal roof. Experts estimated temperatures in the fire reached nearly 4,000 degrees Fahr-
from Page 3 TEXASH2O
Late in the afternoon on Labor Day, the wind velocity began to pick up and by evening the fire was racing south, backed by 30-40 mph winds. The fire burned at a hellish pace, taking on an increasingly wider front as it raced south. What had been an out of control wildfire was now a firestorm. Flames clawed almost 400 feet into the night sky. A couple of very experienced wildfire fighters from California said they had never been so scared in their entire lives. Miraculously, no firefighters were lost in the racing inferno. When dawn broke on Tuesday, Sept. 6, families had been evacuated from almost 2,000 homes in the area. Experienced wildfire fighters and their brush trucks were pouring into Bastrop County from all over the country. It would eventually total more than 800 firefighters in all. The new Bastrop Convention center was converted into the headquarters for the Incident Command Post (ICP), and within hours, the parking lot was stuffed with satellite trucks from every major news network. The first major news briefing took place that morning. Meanwhile, Aqua converted its Board room to the Aqua ICP. During the night, the fire had expanded by about 15,000 acres and it had also backflashed through the previously burned areas to consume
Aqua Water Supply’s “HT” elevated tank, featuring the WSC’s trademark smileyface, stands out among the devastation of the Bastrop Complex wildfires.
enheit. The fire burned so hot that it vaporized the PVC plumbing within the concrete slabs. What had been aluminum wheels on cars were now aluminum puddles below scorched rims. By Tuesday morning, Aqua’s water system was almost completely flat. The fire had burned through the heart of the system, and some or all pressure had been lost in roughly 65 percent of its service area. Aqua raced back to the M pump station to check on its $75,000 Baldor generator. The homes firefighters had saved on Monday were destroyed by Tuesday morning. One hundred-year-old loblolly pines were charred posts. Cedar tree stumps were burning holes two and three feet deep into the ground. But the quick thinking of the worker that set up the garden hose to overspray the generator had saved it. The red Baldor generator stood out brightly in a landscape that was now only gray and black. It was at this point that Aqua sent out requests for help with the TXWARN network. Within 24 hours, the City of Austin delivered three more generators to add to Aqua’s pair, along with about 24 more radios, enough to outfit all field operators. Moreover, they sent an entire crew completely outfitted with a haul truck-and-backhoe, a debris truck, and all the spare parts they could
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carry. In addition, the City of Bryan sent two field operators to help, as did Travis County Water District No. 17. These folks graciously provided extraordinary help and assistance during the crisis and Aqua will be forever indebted to them. …As part of its Emergency Preparedness, Aqua had prepared a list of critical customers, charted their water consumption, and knew exactly how long each could last without water. The M.D. Anderson rodent research center was completely self-sufficient if it lost water, but the M.D. Anderson primate research center could only last about 30 hours without water. One by one, the addresses of the critical customers were checked off against the burned areas to be sure none were in danger of running out of water. A half-dozen schools lost all pressure because of the fire, but none of the schools actually burned because the playing fields and parking lots kept the flames away. It became clear to Aqua that parents needed to get their kids back in school so they could get on with the task of meeting with insurers, aid agencies, FEMA, and so on. Aqua set as its first priority to get all of the schools back on-line and ready to conduct classes by the following Monday morning, which was CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE
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announced at the Thursday morning briefing. By 5 p.m. Saturday, pressure had been reestablished at all schools, the lines had been flushed and disinfected, and all samples had passed the bacteriological tests. Indeed, the schools would be ready for business on Monday morning. In one of its last morning briefings, as a gesture of faith and sympathy, Aqua offered free water to all of its 16 homeowners who lost their homes for the duration of the time it would take to clean their lots and rebuild their
"In its very first meeting with FEMA, Aqua was asked to give a rough estimate of its loss. The company put the figure at $300,000. The community in total lost about $400 million." homes. It was a spontaneous idea of the author, but I genuinely wondered if my Board was going to fire me for such largesse. Instead, it made the Aqua Board of Directors exceptionally proud, and the gesture was lauded by the 16,000 Aqua customers who did not lose their homes. As they say in golf, sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good!
RECOVERY
…Aqua field technicians worked tirelessly and the entire Aqua system was back on line ten days after the fires started. In all, about 1,200 Aqua customers lost their homes, including three Aqua employees. One of the most frustrating elements of the response and recovery was Water Engineering Services Providing comprehensive services for more than 65 years
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that, as pressure was built back up in the system, a new crop of leaks would spring up every morning. Consequently, technicians that had just repaired all the leaks in one subdivision would have to turn back around and make yet another sweep through the same area. This went on for maybe six, eight or ten cycles! Though it was exasperating, it was unavoidable. Aqua’s initial contacts with FEMA occurred even while the company was still fighting the fire, during the response phase of the wildfire. The company was relieved to learn it would receive 75 percent reimbursement for all water system equipment required to put the system back into the same condition it was before the fires. In its very first meeting with FEMA, Aqua was asked to give a rough estimate of its loss. The company put the figure at $300,000. The community in total lost about $400 million. If losses are under $500 million FEMA labels it a “disaster” – over $500 million and it’s a “catastrophe.” Go figure. Now that Aqua had reached the recovery phase, it was faced with a dilemma. In order to receive the 75 percent FEMA reimbursement, Aqua would have to buy and install up to 1,200 meters at lots that contained no homes. A major concern existed, because already there was a steady trickle of Aqua customers coming to Customer Service to request permanent disconnects. Many folks had moved to the area to build custom homes and be surrounded by the beautiful loblolly pines. Now, they were all gone, and their community was a lunar landscape. Why stay? …Though Aqua believed it was risky, for better or worse, Aqua decided to replace all burned meters even though a home may not be built on the lot for some years – if ever. This would be necessary in order to receive the $225,000 in FEMA reimbursement money.
LESSONS LEARNED
At 17,600 connections, Aqua is too big to conduct business like a small rural water supplier, and too small to have the all the tools of a large water municipality. But the company was fortunate enough to have a good GIS system and an experienced GIS leader on staff when the fires hit. Because we needed GIS maps and a lot of them. We were constantly marking the locations of leaks, the deployment of field teams, and which streets had been CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE
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swept for leaks. Each day the field crews assembled for a morning briefing, came back to the ICP, delivered their updates and grabbed a hot lunch. Then, they returned at the end of the day with another round of updates. We marked up about a dozen maps per day. Aqua was very fortunate that none of its field operators were injured or burned during the response phase. One lesson learned was that if we had to do it over, we would have immediately ordered Nomex fire resistant clothing for all field operators. The Nomex clothing is not cheap at about $350 for a shirt and trousers. But with glowing embers constantly floating down like snow, and with our workers constantly hunched over valve boxes in the ground, somebody could have had their shirt catch on fire in an instant. Another lesson learned was the value of radios and the additional safety net they provided. It’s a pretty sobering experience when you pull up to a police checkpoint and they say, “You know you are on your own, right?” But with the radios, everybody knew where everybody else was almost all the time. In addition, the next time you see a police officer, firefighter or EMS technician, take a close look at their radio and you will see a prominent orange button on the top. That’s the “Man Down” button. When pressed, the microphone automatically opens for 10 seconds, and your distress call is broadcast to every radio in the county. That’s a comforting factor when you are out in the field with fires still burning out of control all around you. Aqua also learned to be flexible. For example, we were being held up by our IT system when we tried to create
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"The importance of good company communication cannot be overestimated." a new Work Order template specifically for fire repairs. After some hours of meeting and laying out on paper what information we wanted on the Work Orders, we abandoned the idea of having the computer generate its usual Work Orders. Instead, we simply typed up what we wanted on a piece of paper, photocopied it, and used these as Work Order forms to record the work for all fire repairs. Finally, the importance of good company communications cannot be overestimated. The company used a combination of live morning news briefings, daily press releases, radio interviews, and sent out e-mail messages to every address on file. Before the fire, the company had about 1,500 e-mail addresses on file. Today, it has more than 7,000. With e-mail, the company could prepare a clear and concise message with “Boil Water” information, updates and forecasts, that was not subject to auditory interpretation. In the end, e-mail turned out to be the most effective communication channel.
B&V.TX-H20.Business Card_cmyk.June2011.indd 1
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Howe
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from Page 4
the price tag, a remarkably tight state budget, the most significant drought any of us has seen in our professional lifetime, a rapidly growing population, an economy that on one hand screams for infrastructure spending while at the same time can’t move forward because of tight funding availability, political winds that divide us past the point of common sense, a whole lot less available water, customers who are unable or unwilling to pay more for water, policymakers who are unwilling to raise rates, continuously aging infrastructure and, oh, did I mention the drought that doesn’t want to go away? It is clear that even if the Legislature finds a funding method that everyone agrees to without too much bloodletting, many of these projects will take years to complete. But, there are some things we can start to do, or do better, to reduce consumption of water. These ideas are more immediate, easier to implement and frankly, can cost less than you think. These fall into two familiar areas – pricing and conservation, and efforts related to these two areas. And, they both can easily fall into the local arena. We all know that water is underpriced. When water was plentiful, water rights were free and costs of production were low, it was easy to keep the price of water to customers low. The expectation was created that water, essential to life, should be cheap, readily available and with no limits. That model was so well-loved, we let water system infrastructure suffer to keep rates low. Of course, policymakers also were reluctant to let water rates rise to meet true cost because it was not politically expedient. We can’t continue this model much longer. Rates are often set below the real cost which in turn, has jeopardized the ability to deliver a sustainable water supply. If supply is limited, which it is, and competition for water is growing, which it is, then the opportunity cost of water is also high. If there is one thing this drought has given us is a reason to shift water pricing based on available supply. And, in some cases, that could (and should) cause a dramatic increase in water costs. Of course, the impacts of potential price increases can be partially offset by implementing block rates essential to sustaining life (that means keeping us alive and maintaining a reasonable lifestyle), ensuring each community can support their economy, and incentivizing conservation programs that allow customers to decide, within reason, how much they save in money based on how much water they conserve. Of course, this concept is much easier to say in the last 142 words than actually implement, but I assure you, studying and implementing the details of new pricing models is much more efficient than waiting five more years for the next water plan and doing nothing in between. Plus, if we are believers in local control, then CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE
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this is how you can start. If you want to know more, let me know at mikehowe@tawwa.org. Lastly, and not least important, we have an enormous opportunity to capitalize on this box we find ourselves in, which is underscored by the drought. As we come into this spring, the public is more than aware of the drought, the need to conserve water, and what changes must be made to adopt water conservation habits, landscaping and better long-term conservation plans. And yes, while the idea is to sell less water, utilities all over the state are more ready than ever to “sell” this message. I’m actually looking forward to seeing some new, unique and creative conservation messages from utilities around the state. To do this better, I offer some simple ideas. First, can we please adopt a consistent statewide standard for each stage of conservation and thus, one consistent message to the public? Stage one, Stage two, etc. should mean the same in every community in the state. And if not statewide, please, one consistent message in every media market. Years ago, when I did walk the halls of the Austin Utility, we adopted a simple consistent message in the Austin media market so it was easy for the public to understand. It took some effort, but it worked and the public responded. Second, while I do believe conservation messaging should be a local effort, the public will never accept paying for the millions of dollars needed to fund any element of the State Water Plan, locally or statewide, unless they understand the enormity of the problem. This is an old drum, but I am going to beat it one more time. If we are serious about finding solutions, we must fund a statewide water needs and water conservation messaging program that sets the stage to allow the Legislature the wiggle room to move the discussion to the high level of urgency it deserves. We will disagree about what projects in the water plan to fund. And, it will be even more difficult to agree on an acceptable funding source. But we can all agree there are few issues in this state more important than water, and therefore, we must agree to elevate conservation messaging to the priority it deserves – on a statewide level with a powerful and consistent message that lets the public know this is serious stuff.
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9:00 am – 4:00 pm
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TEXAS WATER REUSE CONFERENCE - JULY 20, 2012 TEXAS WATEREUSE ASSOCIATION, WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS, and TEXAS AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION invite you to attend the 2nd Annual Water Reuse Conference in Texas — co-sponsored by our three associations.
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TECHNICAL PROGRAM The Program will provide attendees current updates on reclaimed water topics including UTILITY OPERATIONS, FOLLOW THE MONEY, WATER REUSE PLANNING, and WATER QUALITY ISSUES. Participants will enjoy networking with industry professionals interested in extending our water resources into the future. Lunch will be included and the schedule has been developed to offer maximum instruction time in a one-day conference.
CONFERENCE LOCATION: HILTON DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH
817.870.2100 • www.hilton.com Mention the Water Environment Association of Texas for the discounted room rate of $129 KEYNOTE SPEAKER: BRIAN GOOD, PRESIDENT OF WATEREUSE ASSOCIATION
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT FORM Name Attending Network Reception?
As Denver Water’s Deputy Manager of Organizational Improvement, Brian Good provides strategic leadership in developing and implementing initiatives that enhance Denver Water’s standing in the community and as an industry leader.
o Yes o No
Agency or Company Address City
State
Phone
Fax
Zip
Email (confirmation will be emailed) License Number*
NETWORKING RECEPTION THURSDAY, JULY 19 Join your colleagues in the industry for a networking reception Thursday, July 19, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Hilton Downtown Fort Worth. Light hors d’oeuvres and one drink ticket will be available to Texas Water Reuse Conference attendees.
$85/PERSON ($100 AFTER 7/12/12) NON-REFUNDABLE
o AMEX o Discover o VISA o MasterCard o Check** o Money Order** Credit Card # Expiration Date Card Holder Signature *Please provide license number for Wastewater Operator credit **Make check/money order payable to: Water Environment Association of Texas, Tax ID-74-1969689
RETURN FORM AND PAYMENT TO: 2012 Water Reuse Conference, c/o Water Environment Association of Texas1825 • Fortview Road, Suite 102, Austin, TX 78704-7654 Phone: 512.693.0060 • julie@weat.org • Fax: 512.693.0062 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND TO VOLUNTEER CONTACT: FRANK CRUMB 817-392-8246 frank.crumb@fortworthgov.org
GREG MESZAROS 512-972-0108 Greg.Meszaros@austintexas.gov
Register online at www.weat.org
DON VANDERTULIP 210-825-3200 VandertulipWD@cdmsmith.com
OPENS DOORS
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NOW... A special deal opens the door to the Largest Regional Water Show in the Nation!tm Register for Texas Water 2012sm in San Antonio and get a year’s membership in AWWA for only $40 more! Membership in the American Water Works Association opens the door to the future for water operators. As an AWWA member, you’ll have access to: • fellow members in AWWA’s Texas Section, the leading water organization in the state. In many Texas cities, you can join active chapters, where you’ll meet your future coworkers...and your future employers. • periodicals, like Opflow, with information to help you work smarter. • AWWA’s conferences, events and e-learning. As a member, you’ll get discounted registration fees, including AWWA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition this summer in Dallas.
TEXASH2O
For Texas operators, membership in AWWA...
TEXAS WATER 2012sm April 10-13
SPECIAL OPERATOR TRACK THURS., APRIL 12 EARN TCEQ OPERATOR HOURS Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio Early bird registration ends March 25. Click to:
www.tawwa.org
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Classified Advertising
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CHIEF OPERATOR POSITION Harris County FWSD #61 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 Brian by phone 281-469-9304, email bdbreeding@district61.org or apply in person at 13205 Cypress N Houston Rd, Cypress Texas 77429.
INFORMATION
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Texas Section Calendar
March 30 Drop by Dropless: Managing 8:30am - 3pm LCRA Dalchau Service Center www.texaswater.org Your Resources Through a Drought Austin
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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
April 10-13 Texas Water 2012SM
Henry B. Gonzalez Conv. Center www.texas-water.com San Antonio
June 10-14 AWWA ACE
Dallas Convention Center www.awwa.org
Annual Meeting of the Board of Trustees - Texas Section AWWA Tuesday, April 10, 2012 2-5 pm Hilton Palacio del Rio Hotel Salon del Ray South (2nd floor) 200 South Alamo Street San Antonio, TX 78205
TEXAS AWWA c/o GCP Association Services, LLC PO Box 676 Pflugerville, TX 78691
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