Quench, May/June 2016

A Focus on the Future: Trends That Every Water Board Needs to Watch

Also Inside:

Water Utility Experiences Successes with TRWF Veteran Employment Program Meet the Recipients of TRWF's 2016 Student and Operator/Manager Scholarships May / June 2016 www.trwa.org

TRWA Today

TRWA Board of Directors

Leadership Team

Officers

Lara Zent Executive Director and General Counsel

Pat Allen President

Guadalupe (Dist. 9)

Larry Bell Technical Assistance Director

Celia Eaves Environmental Services Director

Brian Macmanus Vice President

Cameron (Dist. 6)

Janice Gibbs, CPA Finance Director Allison Kaminsky Communications Director

Chris Boyd Secretary Angela Russell, CMP

Erin Selvera

Denton (Dist. 3)

Barry Miller Treasurer

Michael Vollmar

Gonzales (Dist. 5)

Clay Hodges Immediate Past President Hunt (Dist. 7)

District Directors

Finley Barnett Taylor (Dist. 1)

Bruce Alexander Medina (Dist. 2)

Delores Goode Lampasas (Dist. 4)

Kent Watson Brazos (Dist. 10)

Kevin Spence Franklin (Dist. 11)

Vickie Armstrong Kaufman (Dist. 12)

Robert Nettles Walker (Dist. 13)

Rhonda Shaw Rusk (Dist. 14)

Established in 1969, the Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA) is a statewide nonprofit trade association with an active membership consisting of more than 750 nonprofit water supply corporations, special utility districts, municipal utility districts, small-town water departments, investor-owned utilities and individual members. In addition, more than 200 water industry suppliers participate in TRWA activities as associate members. TRWA members provide water and wastewater service to 2.5 million customers throughout Texas.

TRWA is dedicated to helping directors, managers and operators provide efficient service and clean, safe drinking water to their customers.

Through on-site technical assistance, education and information exchange, TRWA helps its members better meet their needs as well as the needs of their customers.

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Legal and Legislative Services Director Professional Development and Training Director

Office Staff

Melody Bennett Project Support Specialist Pam Cantrell Accounting Support Specialist

Adrienne Emmerich Course Development Specialist

Angela Harris Project Support Specialist

Deborah McMullan Assistant Projects Manager, Environmental Services

Charles Beseda Hill (Dist. 8)

Member Services Director

Field Staff

Thomas Acker, Jr. Instructor

Michael Beadnell Instructor

Ross Brookbank FMT Specialist

Alex Eaves Wastewater Technician

Paul King Circuit Rider

Steven Mindt FMT Specialist

Charles Perkins Circuit Rider

Refugio Rodriguez FMT Specialist

Anne Ruthstrom Source Water Protection Specialist

James Smith Circuit Rider

William White Circuit Rider

Contact the Editor Editorial and advertising inquiries may be directed to the Editor, Allison Kaminsky, at (512) 472-8591 or editor@trwa.org.

Find TRWA on Facebook “Like” our Page and join the conversation at: www.facebook.com/TexasRuralWaterAssn

Follow TRWA on Twitter!

Find us at @TexasRuralWater for all water industry news and @TRWALegislative for legislative updates relevant to you!

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22 Letter from the President

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Letter from the Executive Director

5

Keep it Legal

14

Ask Larry

18

Advertiser Index

31

Plan Ahead

31

Answers to your technical questions

TRWA’s Calendar of Events

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Water Utility Experiences Successes with TRWF Veteran Employment Program

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Meet the Recipients of TRWF's 2016 Student and Operator/Manager Scholarships

By Colleen Zarek, Texas Rural Water Foundation East Cedar Creek FWSD has hired four veterans and enjoyed many benefits from the Foundation's VEP.

By Allison Kaminsky, Texas Rural Water Foundation This year, six students and six utility personnel were awarded scholarships for continuing their education. Read more about them in this feature.

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In Every Issue:

Answers to your legal questions

Features:

Focus on the Future: Trends that Every 12 AWater Board Needs to Watch

By Hunter Hook and Taylor Gunn, CoBank Read about a few key trends that savvy water boards should be attuned to as they consider the future of their systems.

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When to Repair or Replace Pipe

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TRWA Briefs

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Classified Ads

By Doug Riseden, Krausz USA The question of when it makes the most financial sense to replace pipe versus repairing it is not a simple one to answer. Read more for three major items to consider to make this decision.

Mustang SUD Celebrates 50th Anniversary; Join us for a Family Fun Fish Fry in Support of the Texas Rural Water PAC; Register Today for our Training and Technical Conference; Participate in the 2016 Salary and Rate Survey; Let Us Know How to Best Serve Your Needs Read about career opportunities in your area!

On the Cover: Geyser at the End of the Rainbow Photo Credit: Ben Worsham, Utility Operators in Action Category Winner, PH 2OSTREAM 2016 Quench — May/June 2016 3

President’s Message

Greetings Friends and Neighbors, In the previous issue of Quench, my message to you began with how I am honored and privileged to serve as TRWA President along with the opportunity to work with Lara, the TRWA Staff and my fellow Board members.

Well, that is still the case...

“All of the planning or projects that may be put in motion will not be successful without you, your support and the support from your own governing Board.”

I just returned from a two-day work session and Board Member training with Lara and the TRWA Board. Putting it simply, our task was to review, rethink and revise the TRWA Mission Statement and Strategic Plan for the next three to five years. Our thoughts and discussions covered a wide variety of subjects from training programs to legislative issues. Discussion was held regarding our federal and state programs that TRWA facilitates, including how to perfect the representation and support given to the numerous water and wastewater systems that TRWA works with. Our goals included the need to develop ideas and plans on how to do a better, more efficient job with our given resources, as well as plans to develop new resources and to explore new avenues that will create a more efficient and stronger association.

Before you read on, it’s important that you realize the TRWA Board is comprised of representation from both small and large water and wastewater systems across the state of Texas. We realize that the issues affecting the smaller systems may not affect the larger systems and vice versa. I also need to inform you that the representatives of the small systems have just as much voice as the representatives of the large systems. Our two days of work was met with intense conversations and compassion for the people who perform the required daily tasks that complete the operations of the water and wastewater systems…no matter how small or large.

Finally, it is important that you know that there was a common factor that continuously became apparent. All of the planning or projects that may be put in motion will not be successful without you, your support and the support from your own governing Board.

TRWA is your association. It is your support with your daily issues, it is your opportunity for knowledge and training and it is your voice at the Capitol.

Our members systems are what makes a successful association.

You will be hearing more about plans and goals as we move forward. Rest assured, I have only just scratched the surface.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you, and I hope you will take the time to look me up at our upcoming conferences.

It’s a great day to be a Texan!

God Bless Us All,

Pat Allen President Texas Rural Water Association

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Letter from the Executive Director

I’m excited to share with you some of the things we have been working on and also introduce to you a new team member who started with us in May.

Nathan Cantrell joined our team on May 2nd as our new wastewater technician.

Nathan has an A Surface Water License, B Wastewater License and Customer Service Inspection License. He has experience with water and wastewater operations back to 1991, with his most recent position being the director of public works for the City of Blanco. We are very excited about Nathan joining our team and hope you will welcome him when he comes to provide assistance to your system.

Erin Selvera and I, along with our lobbyists Buster and Jennifer Brown, have been making weekly visits to the Capitol to educate key legislators about the great services our members provide on a daily basis, about the resources available through our Association and about our legislative priorities for 2017. Our number one priority is to get some relief for our members from Senate Bill 573, a bill that passed in 2011 that gives landowners the unilateral ability to decertify a CCN area, regardless of the system’s investment in facilities and water resources to serve there.

We tell the story of Mustang SUD, our member in north Texas, which had an area decertified despite the fact that they had a 2.25 million gallon elevated storage tank within 60 feet of the property and lines nearby with capacity to provide water and sewer service to the new development. The developer is instead forming a district to build new facilities that will be financed by bonds to be paid back by the future homeowners through a monthly assessment in addition to their water and sewer bills. The service provider will be the City of Aubrey, located 7 miles away. I had the privilege of visiting Mustang SUD recently to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Chris Boyd, their general manager and TRWA’s Board Secretary, gave me a tour of their service area. We don’t believe that SB 573 was meant to decertify a utility in this situation, and it is a compelling story highlighting some of the problems with this law.

During this legislative interim year, legislative committees have been holding hearings to study key issues. TRWA has been invited to give testimony to the House Natural Resources Committee on the issues of drinking water quality and on whether rural water systems are benefiting from the SWIFT funding through the Texas Water Development Board. We strive to be the go-to resource on these types of issues, so I’m thrilled that we have had the opportunity to provide the rural water perspective at these hearings. The Senate Agriculture, Water and Rural Affairs Committee is expected to study CCN issues at a hearing in August, and we anticipate being invited to give testimony there as well.

“We strive to be the go-to resource on these types of issues, so I'm thrilled that we have had the opportunity to provide the rural water perspective at these hearings.”

We will soon be emailing you a brief member survey that should only take a few minutes to complete. We really appreciate your taking the time to provide us with feedback on the member services we provide that are most important to you and to learn what we can do better.

I look forward to visiting with many of you at our conferences this summer. I hope you will join us for our “Family Fun Fish Fry” in Galveston. This is a great opportunity for us to socialize and network within our rural water family. We have already received a few generous sponsorships for this event from our associate members. Proceeds from individual entry fees and trivia team registrations will go to support our PAC. Raising money for our PAC is a very important part of our legislative efforts. We give this money to legislators who understand our issues and support rural water. It’s our opportunity to help them in their reelection efforts. You may read more about this new event in the TRWA Briefs Section in this issue of the magazine.

Thank you for the great work you do every day to serve your communities!

Best regards,

Lara Zent Executive Director and General Counsel Texas Rural Water Association

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Water Utility Experiences Successes with TRWF Veteran Employment Program

By Colleen Zarek, Foundation Program Specialist, Texas Rural Water Foundation

I

s your utility looking for a hard-working, dedicated and skilled employee? Consider hiring a U.S. veteran. Prior military experience gives veterans an edge when it comes to understanding hard work and responsibility. Many veterans are cross-trained to perform multiple roles and many have technical skills and knowledge that can translate to the water industry. Veterans are a key resource for utilities looking to recruit and train new talent, and the Texas Rural Water Foundation Veteran Employment Program (VEP) is here to help.

East Cedar Creek Fresh Water Supply District recognizes the value of hiring veterans and is a model success story for the VEP. The system has hired four veterans and received reimbursement for their training and license fees from the VEP through our grant from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Fund for Veterans Assistance (FVA).

increases based on performance. The system provides three opportunities for salary increases within the first year of employment. The first opportunity is at the six-month evaluation. If an employee’s performance is above standards, there is a chance for a salary increase. The next evaluation is at the one year mark.

Goheen said all his veteran employees have performed above standard expectations so they have opportunities to advance. Additionally, an employee earns a salary increase when they obtain their water or sewer license. Many licenses have reciprocity throughout the country, so they may choose to continue their career and continue contributing to the water/wastewater profession in different states.

East Cedar Creek offers competitive salaries within the area in addition to the benefits existing for salary increases.

Steven Mitchell, John Cox and Charles Barr are all veteran employees The VEP is “Several of the of East Cedar Creek FWSD and are enjoying benefits of the TRWF finishing up its veterans we have Veteran Employment Program. second year under hired have come the FVA grant and has to us with excellent been awarded a third grant scheduled to start July skills and training from their time overseas within 1, 2016. So far during the current grant cycle, the the military, and it has benefited our system to have VEP has assisted ten veterans and their utilities by hard working, dedicated men with good ethics,” reimbursing for training and exams and providing Goheen said. He also said it is important to hire resources to help them successfully transition to veterans “to help support the men coming back from civilian life. This success is a reminder to systems overseas that did a good job protecting us and our that the VEP can help you find qualified veterans for democratic society and give them an opportunity to open positions. get back into the workforce.”

Of the four veterans hired by East Cedar Creek FWSD, three are still employed with the system and are benefiting from the services provided by the VEP. Bill Goheen, general manager of East Cedar Creek FWSD, attributes that success to providing employees opportunities to advance and salary 6

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Goheen described the process East Cedar Creek uses to hire veterans.

“Most of them came to us through applications.

We noticed on the applications that they were in the military so that kind of gave them a leg up when we do our interviews. If there’s nobody who already has a license in that profession, that gives the veteran

a step up for us to hire them and get them in the program and start training them to get them back in the workforce,” Goheen said.

an OJT provider is beneficial to utilities because it attracts veterans to the industry and encourages them to stay with a utility.

East Cedar Creek FWSD uses the VEP, the Texas Workforce Commission and the local newspaper to find applicants. This strategy has been very successful, which is demonstrated by Goheen’s positive reviews of his veteran employees.

Once the veteran is hired by a water or wastewater utility that is approved as a TVC OJT facility, he or she is eligible for a monthly stipend from the U.S. Veteran’s Administration. This stipend is in addition to his or her regular salary. The TVC is responsible for approving OJT programs in Texas.

Generally, the approval process takes only a matter of weeks, and the veteran is eligible for the benefits retroactively from the date their employment began.

The three veterans employed at East Cedar Creek FWSD are John Cox, Steven Mitchell and Charles Barr. John Cox is a relatively new addition to East Cedar Creek FWSD and the VEP, but Goheen can already tell that he is a good worker.

Steven Mitchell works in the water department on the distribution side by fixing leaks, troubleshooting water problems. “He’s been a good hard worker and we’re looking to him to excel in the future with us,” Goheen said.

The Texas Rural Water Foundation Veteran Employment Program works with your utility and the veteran to make your application process with TVC as simple as possible. The utility only has to apply once, and the approval is permanent and can be applied to other veterans and new veteran hires.

Charles Barr is a pump maintenance technician, but also has extra expertise in troubleshooting electricity and is mechanically inclined. Regarding Charles’ performance, Goheen said, “Charles has excelled and actually surprised us with the additional skills that he has to help reduce the cost from outsourcing to a local contractor to do some work for us. He has the skills to do that in-house, so he has saved us some money and has also increased his salary on performance. He’s done a good job.”

C ROM T ANK S

Goheen expressed gratitude to the VEP for all the great work done to integrate veterans into the water and wastewater workforce and to the veterans and those in active duty for protecting us overseas.

If you questions about this program and would like to learn more about how you can get involved, please call us at (512) 472-8591 or email foundation@texasrwf.org.

QUALITY IN EVERY CAPACITY, AT EVERY CAPACITY.

“Continue your excellent work with the VEP. We really thank the veterans and those that are not veterans yet, but are still in the military, bless their hearts, doing a good job. When they do come back out of the service, the United States will give them the best opportunity to get them back in the workforce and help build a civilian life.”

Another successful component of the VEP is our assistance and encouragement for utilities to apply to the TVC On-The-Job Training (OJT) program, which provides an alternative way for veterans to use their GI Bill. This program allows veterans to learn a trade or skill on the job rather than attending formal classroom instruction. East Cedar Creek FWSD was approved as an OJT provider in February of 2015. Since being approved, East Cedar Creek FWSD has hired three veterans who have been able to utilize their GI Bill. Becoming

OVER 4100 WATER AND WASTEWATER TANKS BUILT SINCE 1953 Robert G. Oyenarte, PE (O) 512-900-0471 | (C) 352-262-7020 rgo@cromcorp.com | www.cromcorp.com Quench — May/June 2016 7

Meet the Recipients of TRWF's 2016 Student and Operator/Manager Scholarships

By Allison Kaminsky, Communications Director, Texas Rural Water Foundation

T

he Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA), has been awarding scholarships since 1999 with the goal of assisting qualified students, operators and managers in their pursuit of continued education in areas of study that will benefit rural Texas. The Texas Rural Water Foundation (TRWF), a supporting organization to TRWA, now administers these scholarship programs, extending these great benefits to a larger pool of outstanding and worthy individuals from rural Texas pursuing higher education. One of the benefits of moving these programs under the administration of our Foundation is that contributions to the TRWF Scholarship Fund are now tax deductible. If you are interested in making a donation, you may visit the foundation's website at www.texasrwf.org.

Year in 10 of his 18 academic classes. In addition to his studies, he played on his high school’s junior varsity basketball team and helps his parents with ranch work. He plans to attend either U.T. Austin or Texas A&M at College Station to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and has already self-taught many computer programming languages, including Python, HTML and CSS. He is interested in the use of supercomputers to create models of photosynthesis. According to his studies, scientists believe they can use these models to to help optimize the photosynthesis process for maximum efficiency.

This year, the Awards and Scholarship Committee reviewed 37 applications from highly qualified students and operators. After careful consideration, the committee awarded six student scholarships and six operator/manager scholarships. Student scholarships are awarded in two installments of $500 per semester. Operators are awarded up to $250 in scholarship funds as a reimbursement to cover the cost of a TRWAapproved operator certification course. Learn more about this year’s recipients below.

“He is quietly courteous and kind natured with a very mature work ethic and deep sense of responsibility, honed while growing up on the family farm,” said Larry Angerholfer, president of the Barton Water Supply Corporation, where Brock’s mother works as an administrative assistant.

Student Scholarship Recipients Cameron Brock Cameron graduated from Huckabay High School in Gordon, Texas in May of this year as Salutatorian for his class. During his time at Huckabay, Cameron built an impressive list of academic achievements, including placing in the University Interscholastic League in math, spelling and vocabulary, active membership in the National Honor Society, inclusion on the “All A’s Honor Roll” for the past two years, and being named Student of the 8

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“Since I was a child, I have been fascinated with how science and technology can make the world a better place,” said Brock.

Kacie McCarley Kacie graduated from Leonard ISD in Leonard, Texas in June 2013 in the top third of her class.

During her time there, she was very active in student government, serving as class officer for three years and vice president her senior year. She also was a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club, where she helped organize food drives, raised money to help fund cancer research and helped with community trash pickups, blood drives and other community service projects.

Kacie is now a junior at Texas Tech University working toward a bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies in the College of Education.

She also works part time as a basketball coach at a private school. She ultimately would like to earn her master’s degree in Counseling and return to a small town to work with students from low income families.

environment around me,” said Sumrall. “I hope to make the ocean, and other bodies of water, healthier for its inhabitants and the humans around it.”

“Many small school students are from low income [households] and they begin life believing they are limited. But that is not the case,” said McCarley. “The Texas Tech teaching program has broadened my mind and I want to share it with a lower [socioeconomic status] school and help those students become more than they dreamed.”

Hannah’s grandfather serves on the board of directors for Files Valley Water Supply Corporation.

“She wants to be part of encouraging children to see the world and know they can do anything with a great education,” said Patsy Grimes, business manager for West Leonard Water Supply Corporation, where Kacie’s father is the president of the board.

Hanna Sumrall Hanna graduated in May from Bynum ISD in Bynum, Texas in the top 20 percent of her class.

She is very active in both academics and extracurricular activities at her school. She is the president of the 4-H club and also of the County 4-H Council, as well as a member of Future Farmers of America, National Honor Society and Spanish Club. She also participates in University Interscholastic League academics, qualifying regionally in poetry and feature writing, and her teams placing first in mathematics and computer science. She plays varsity basketball and was also named Bynum Female Golfer of the Year. Other activities include being a member and appointed youth leader of the Salvation Riders Hillsboro Chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association and serving on the First Baptist Youth Council for her church.

Hanna has been taking dual-credit courses while in high school at Hill College and has already been accepted to attend Texas A&M Galveston to study Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences.

“The reason I have chosen to go into this field of study is because I have a great love for the

Conner Walsch Conner graduated in May from Cayuga High School, where he was very active in academics and athletics alike.

He played varsity baseball and football, serving as co-captain for each team his senior year. He was an active member of the National Honor Society, and helped organize many of their fundraising events.

He also received the Presidential Award, was listed on the honor roll, was named the Rotary Club’s Student of the Month, and received commendations for perfect attendance for two consecutive years.

He is very dedicated to public service, completing over 600 hours in community service through programs such as Camp Champions Senior Camper Program, Palestine Junior Service League and the Anderson County Humane Society. He also works part time as a ranch hand for his grandfather’s cattle ranch.

Conner plans to attend Texas Tech in the fall to pursue dual degrees in Civil Engineering and Architecture. His professional goal is to become a licensed civil engineer and return to East Texas to focus on the infrastructure needed to create a more sustainable water system.

“Safe drinking water, wastewater collection and treatment, and storm water management are critical infrastructure needs, which will need to be focused on for the foreseeable future,” said Walsch. “Water management is one of the most vital issues facing our society.”

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Continued from page 9

“Connor has the intelligence and the ambition to succeed in college,” said Mike Link, president of the BCY Water Supply Corporation. Connor’s father currently serves as vice-president for BCY WSC’s board.

Mardi Wisdom Mardi graduated first in her class from Crowell High School in May. She was very involved in both academics and athletics, receiving many scholastic awards, including the Wichita Falls Times Record News Gold Start Student Award, Highest Average Award, and awards in the fields of World Geography, Algebra, Geometry, Chemistry, World History, Government, Physics, Economics and English. She was a member of the National Honor Society and was listed on the A Honor Roll, as well as participating in University Interscholastic League competitions, qualifying regionally. She was also very active in the Student Government, serving in officer positions for her class and the student body, including terms as president and vice-president.

Mardi’s grandfather was one of the founding members of Thalia Water Supply Corporation, and served as president for 42 years. Her aunt and uncle now operate the system, and encourage her to return to her hometown to further her family’s legacy of providing safe, adequate water to the residents in the area.

Mikayla Young Mikayla graduated in the top 15 percent of her class in May from Hudson High School in Lufkin, Texas. During her time there, she was very active in her high school and county 4-H groups, winning commendations such as the county 4-H Gold Star Award, Junior Leader Award and Teen Spirit Award.

She was also active in Future Farmers of America, acting as the McGee Bend FFA Treasurer. Other programs she was involved in included the Angelina County Leadership Tomorrow Program and her high school’s Student Council.

In addition to academics, Mardi was also very active in her school’s Tennis, Track and Basketball teams, as well as serving as the captain of the cheerleading squad. She also served as president of Future Farmers of America and 4-H, and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by her peers.

“I have had the privilege of growing up in a farm and ranch family where I have learned the value of hard work,” said Wisdom.

Mardi has already begun taking classes at Vernon College and would like to pursue a degree in Chemistry.

She has done intern work at a hospital and at a privately-owned pharmacy, and would like to one day become a pharmacist.

“I would like to be able to come back to my hometown and provide pharmaceutical services, as there are many surrounding towns that no longer have access to a pharmacist,” said Wisdom.

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In the fall, Mikayla plans to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in Agricultural Business. She is particularly interested in where water conservation and agricultural business intersect.

“Whether it be innovating to find more efficient ways to water crops or livestock, I would like to do whatever it takes to make a stand and protect Texas’ reservoirs from going dry,” said Young. “I would be willing to do whatever it takes to help preserve our water supply in Texas, as well as nationwide, and quite possibly even worldwide.”

“Her passion for agriculture and all of its aspects, including water conservation, make her an outstanding advocate. She will serve our industry well in the future,” said Saundra Renfro, secretary at Hudson Water Supply Corporation, where her grandfather serves as the board president.

Operator/Manager Scholarship Recipients Christine Biggs Christine is an assistant operator at View Caps WSC and has been there for 1.5 years. She currently has her D Water License and intends to use her scholarship to attend CSI training or Water Distribution to allow her to take on more responsibilities at her system.

James Hatfield, Cross Timbers WSC James has been an operator at Cross Timbers WSC for less than a year, and is seeking his D Water License. He will use his scholarship to take a Basic Water course.

Tyler Hull Tyler has been a field technician for Coryell City WSC for two years and currently holds his C Distribution License. He will use his scholarship to take CSI training to obtain his CSI License.

“Through this course I hope to learn the policies and compliance measures to ensure our water system stays safe for the public we serve. Learning the operating procedures that are available through these education courses are key to being efficient in my position,” said Hull.

Raymond Self Raymond has been the public works director for the City of Normangee for five years.

He has his C Water License and his D Wastewater License.

He plans to use his scholarship to take Chlorinator Maintenance to help him “maintain equipment accordingly for a sewer plant and water system. We’re a small city and we need help.”

Anthony Preter Anthony has been a field operator for Wylie Northeast SUD for less than a year and is seeking his D Water and Wastewater Licenses.

“My goal is to gain the skills necessary to give both my utility and myself the optimal service I can and is required. My goal is to have a long term positive career in the water and wastewater industry by pursuing continuing education,” said Preter.

Suzanne Silva Suzanne is currently the operations manager for Crystal Clear SUD and has been with the utility for 34 years, starting in the office.

She now has her C Water License, D Wastewater License, CSI License and BPAT License, and has plans to test for her B Groundwater License by the end of the year.

“Crystal Clear currently budgets for employee training. Since I am trying to take a lot of classes in 2016, any amount received to help pay for a class would leave other money available for other employees,” said Silva. *** Congratulations to all 2016 scholarship recipients! The selection process was a rigorous one, and we encourage those of you who applied and did not receive a scholarship to reapply next year. We appreciate those of you who contribute to the Foundation’s scholarship fund to make these programs possible, and we thank those of you who help to spread the word about these programs to your staff, colleagues and community members.

The 2017 scholarship application cycle opens in mid-December, and will run through February of next year. If you or someone you know is interested in applying, please keep these dates on your calendar. We will run an article with application details in a future issue of this magazine, and eligibility requirements and application packets will be mailed to your system and will also be posted on the Foundation’s website at www.texasrwf.org.

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A Focus on the Future: Trends That Every Water Board Needs to Watch

By Hunter Hook, Senior Relationship Manager, and Taylor Gunn, Lead Economist, CoBank

O

ne of the key responsibilities for any rural water board is to make sure the utility’s business is sustainable, not just into the next decade but into the next generation. Rural water utilities are a community service in addition to being a business operation, and play a critical role in supporting a vibrant rural economy.

But it’s important to remember that sustainability isn’t just about pipelines, treatment systems and other forms of infrastructure investment. It’s also about planning, foresight and pragmatic financial management. It requires understanding the economic forces in your community as well as a vision for where major trends are headed.

Knowledge and the understanding of complex issues can often be the difference between shortterm failure and long-term success.

At CoBank, we see this dynamic every day. We have financed hundreds of rural water systems throughout the country, and we deal regularly with progressive boards and management teams who are thoughtfully addressing challenges facing their service territories. Occasionally, we also encounter organizations that are not as adept at planning or as well prepared for the future.

From our perspective, here are a few key trends that savvy water boards should be attuned to as they consider the future of their water system.

Population Change and Demographics The most important factor in determining future plans for a water utility is the number of people who will be using the service. In fact, the difference between a wise capital expenditure and a wasteful one can come down to understanding what the demographic trends have in store for your community. If a board underestimates population and industry growth in its service area, it can end up short of the capacity to properly serve its customer base. Likewise, if a board overestimates that growth, it can end up dangerously indebted as a result of service expansions that turn out to be unnecessary.

Population trends vary widely from area to area, but they are well tracked by the Census Bureau 12

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and state organizations. In Texas, from 1980 to 2010, the Austin area grew by 193 percent and the McAllen area by 173 percent, while the BrownsvilleHarlingen area grew by just 94 percent. Of the 177 Texas counties classified as rural, only 12 exceeded the state average population growth of 76 percent, while 23 grew by less than 5 percent. So it’s not enough to know that rural counties are generally losing population; a forward-thinking water board will have to know whether its county’s population is diverging from the larger trends.

One valuable source of demographic data is TexasEconomy.org, a state-run website that serves as a repository for research on population and demographic trends throughout the state. The federal Census Bureau (www.census.gov) also keeps population and demographic data for every county in Texas.

Unemployment and Job Growth It’s easy to follow the unemployment rate for the United States as a whole—the monthly release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics always generates headlines. It’s a bit more challenging to dig down into local rates, but they are available, down to the state and even the county level. For instance, in Texas, unemployment rose by more than 1 percent in each of the West Texas counties around Midland in 2015, but fell by more than 1 percent in Dallas County and the surrounding areas. Declining employment figures often signal economic problems for the area, which can mean a declining customer base in the future.

The Dallas office of the Federal Reserve publishes a wealth of economic data at dallasfed. org. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes employment data down to the county level; go to bls.gov and search for the LAU (Local Area Unemployment) database. The federal Census Bureau also maintains a wealth of data on employment trends, such as the fact that Travis County, Texas, tied with San Francisco for the highest job growth in 2014.

Industry Trends Anyone involved in the energy industry has

learned in recent years how certain business segments can ebb and flow over time. A water board making long-range plans needs to be aware of how healthy the local economy is, and will be in the future. These trends can be tricky and interrelated.

The oil slowdown, for instance, brought with it a 14 percent nationwide decline in machinery jobs in 2015 and a 13 percent decline in fabricated metals.

But the chemical industry showed a 3.3 percent rise in jobs over the same period.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cited above, also keep tabs on trends in employment by industry.

Investments in water infrastructure are intended to last for decades. Planning for those investments requires careful insight into the future. Water boards in Texas and around the nation who want to serve the future of their community should pay careful heed to these long-term trends.

Taylor Gunn is the lead economist for power, energy and water in CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Division. Hunter Hook is a senior relationship manager in CoBank’s Water and Community Facilities Banking Division.

Water Planning and Usage In many ways, this is the hardest trend to follow, given that it’s so dependent on other factors, but it’s also the most crucial for a water board making longterm plans. Fortunately, there are agencies such as the Texas Water Development Board watching water usage trends and publishing their research.

The Texas Water Development Board provides detailed projections of water usage for every region and county in Texas, all the way till the year 2070. There’s plenty to explore at https://2017. texasstatewaterplan.org/statewide—a resource no water board in Texas should be without.

Quench — May/June 2016 13

Keep It Legal Answers to Members’ Questions by Erin Selvera, TRWA Legal and Legislative Services Director

Q:

Last fall in Quench, I read about a couple of new of laws regarding system debt reporting and business conflicts disclosures for our officers. When do these kick in and what are these new requirements?

A: In 2015, the 84th Legislature passed HB 1378 with new Local Government Code Section 140.008 requiring political subdivisions to annually compile certain debt obligation data and post it continuously on their own websites or report it to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The law took effect Jan. 1, 2016, and only applies to fiscal years ending after that date. The 2016 filing deadline is 210 days after an entity’s fiscal year ends, so the first group whose fiscal year ended January 30, 2015, must compile and either post or report this information by August 31, 2016. In 2017 and subsequent years, the deadline will be 180 days after the close of the entity’s fiscal year. The Comptroller added 30 days to the 2016 filings because the agency is still working on an online reporting form that won’t be available until this summer.

Water districts can comply with all requirements of this law by submitting to the Comptroller the same annual financial report they already are required to file with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

This report is either an audit report, an affidavit of financial dormancy or an annual financial report per Subchapter G, Chapter 49, Water Code. This will be submitted electronically through the Comptroller’s online portal when it becomes available.

The new law does not require water districts to post debt information on their websites, but TRWA encourages district members that maintain a website to also post this information online to increase transparency in your community.

Municipalities have two options: either continuously post an annual report on the city's website along with the city's contact information, or report the information to the Comptroller's website, which is still under development.

The law also includes an alternative option for small cities under 15,000 population. These cities 14

Quench — May/June 2016

must still must compile the annual debt information listed in the law and send it to the Comptroller, but do not have to continuously post an annual report on the city’s website along with the city’s contact information. The law provides some flexibility under this option, requiring the city to post a link to the Comptroller’s website only if they maintain a website.

The law does not require a city to create a website for this purpose.

The following link to the Comptroller’s Texas Transparency Program provides more information on what debt information must be compiled annually under Local Government Code Section 140.008: http://www.texastransparency.org/Local_Government/ HB1378/.

Water supply corporations are not subject to the new debt reporting requirements in Local Government Code Section 140.008.

The Comptroller’s office confirms that the web upload systems should be in place sometime in July and that they are currently developing rules, electronic reporting processes and tools to enable compliance with this bill. TRWA will monitor these developments and rules to ensure our district and city members’ interests are represented and no additional reporting is added.

The Legislature also passed HB 23 to expand and clarify the conflicts disclosure requirements of certain business relationships in Chapter 176, Local Government Code regarding contracts. The law now requires local government officers and vendors to file a disclosure statement when they have a “family relationship” at the time the vendor and local government enter into a contract or are considering entering into a contract. Family relationship is defined as two people related within the third degree by consanguinity (blood or child by adoption) or the second degree by affinity (by marriage).

HB 23 has been in effect since Sept. 1, 2015, but the Texas Ethics Commission provided an updated conflict disclosure form and a new questionnaire form in December. Districts and cities should ensure they are using these revised forms at https://www.ethics. state.tx.us/filinginfo/conflict_forms.htm.

Local government officers subject to this disclosure include water district board members, city councilmen and aldermen, the executive officer of the district or city and any agent of a local governmental entity who exercises discretion in the planning, recommending, selecting or contracting of a vendor.

Under this law, the term agent includes an employee, so general managers of water districts may be subject to the requirements if they are given the discretion to make decisions regarding a vendor.

Both local government officers and vendors must file the disclosure statement and questionnaire with the district or city within seven days of learning such a relationship exists.

The law already required local government officers to file this disclosure statement if a vendor had an employment or other business relationship with the officer or his family member in which the officer or family member receives taxable income, other than investment income, exceeding $2,500 during the 12 months before he became aware a contract had been executed or was under consideration.

simply set as policy by the board. If your WSC has this type language in its conflict of interest policy, you should remove it. If your board wants to put these type of restrictions on board directors, most bylaws require the WSC members to vote on amending the bylaws.

Q: We recently discovered a water main running across property owned by a lumber and sawmill company. The line previously sat next to a county road so it was in the right of way, but the county moved the road many years ago and our line remained. We have no documentation of this water line in any files in the office or the county deed records.

The supervisor of the lumber yard informed us one of their trucks recently drove over this area and broke our line. The company did not request any line locates, so we invoiced them for the repair. They refused to pay for any damages and said it is not their fault the water line is on their lumber yard property. The supervisor wants the water line located and moved.

“This policy cannot state that if a person has a conflict of interest, he/she is not eligible to run for the board because this is inconsistent with the law...”

The law also already required officers to file this disclosure if a vendor gives the officer or his family member a gift or gifts of more than $250 in the 12 months before the officer became aware a contract had been executed or was under consideration. The amendments to the law lowered this threshold to require disclosure for gifts over $100. These gifts do not include political contributions or food.

Water supply corporations are not subject to the business relationships disclosure requirements in Local Government Code Section 176, but are subject to Business Organizations Code section 22.230, which outlines the steps that must be taken regarding contracts or transactions between a corporation and one or more directors, officers, members, their affiliates or associates.

Regarding WSCs and conflicts of interest, TRWA recently learned some WSCs still are using an outdated conflict of interest policy. This policy cannot state that if a person has a conflict of interest he/ she is not eligible to run for the board because this is inconsistent with the law and does not have the force and effect of the law. This type of provision would need to be set forth in the corporation’s bylaws, as adopted by the members of the corporation, and not

If we take the time and manpower to excavate and relocate this water line, should the lumber company be responsible for the costs involved? The company is requesting this water main be moved, so shouldn’t the lumber company be responsible for the costs of this construction?

Are there any laws stipulating the timeframe of how long a water line/main has been on a property or in a location that a water supply does have the right for the line to be there?

A: Based on your description, you cannot find any documentation regarding the prior roadway location or any easement or other form of permission for the lines to be in that location. Unfortunately, this means the line is technically trespassing on the lumber company’s property. Texas Water Code Section 49.220 does allow for placement of lines along existing rights of way, but in this situation the roadway no longer exists, and without this documentation, it will be an uphill battle.

You also asked about the potential for getting a prescriptive type easement, which is an easement created by continuous use over time. This may have many hurdles and significant costs since you would Continued on page 16 Quench — May/June 2016 15

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Continued from page 15

need to go through the courts and prove, among other things, that everyone knew the lines were there—basically that they were open and notorious.

However, since the exact location of this 1.5-inch water main was not known by the sawmill or the system for decades due to the relocation of the old county road before any of the current owners or WSC personnel began working for this system, the likelihood of prevailing on the “open and notorious” element would be difficult, if not impossible.

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In addition, it is not likely that a court would grant a prescriptive easement if it significantly interfered with the landowner’s use of his property. It seems likely that there would continue to be line breaks on this property due to the heavy trucks the sawmill uses for its business.

I suggest you try to work out an arrangement with the sawmill to provide service through the 4-inch main for which you already have an easement to avoid further issues.

If you have a legal question you would like answered, please email legal@trwa.org.

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Quench — May/June 2016 17

Ask Larry

Q:

A Q&A column with TRWA Technical Assistance Director Larry Bell

When a developer contributes lines to serve an area, the TRWA sample water supply corporation tariff calculation deducts this amount from an equity buy-in fee.

Those lines are part of the assets of the company, are depreciated over time, are the company's responsibility to maintain, repair and replace, and will need to be included in any long range capital expenditure plans. It seems these contributed funds should not be deducted in the calculation.

Isn't the long-term intent of the equity buy-in fee to ensure equality among the members?

By subtracting these funds, the members are not receiving equal “member equity” in all the assets of the company, and new members will be able to buy-in at less than their share of the total assets of the company. Can we remove this deduction in our calculation if the board approves it?

A: We’ve been asked before about what to deduct and what not to from the equity buy-in fee calculations.

To answer your last question first, the board of directors can develop its own front-end capital or equity buy-in fee calculation method for any fees or rates the system charges. The downside of this approach is the system can’t state it used the established methodology and would have to defend that methodology at the Public Utility Commission (PUC) should one member protest or seek to appeal this fee.

As an aside, many new applicants probably would not realize how the fee was calculated or question it. So the WSC may get along for years without an appeal, but it only requires one person to take exception to paying the fee for any reason and then the PUC would check to see how the fee was calculated and the system would have to defend this specific fee to the agency staff.

The benefit of using the calculation TRWA has included in the sample tariff for WSCs is it has been accepted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality staff as a reasonable and justifiable method for accounting for all the assets used to establish the system as it is today. The 18

Quench — May/June 2016

PUC has not yet ruled on an appeal by a system’s customer/applicant on this particular issue.

Developer contributions are considered as a type of grant because the members have not paid any of the costs for these assets that have been added to the system. TRWA feels confident the PUC also would support developer contributions as if they are grants to the system.

You are correct in that these initial grants and developer contributions have not added to the customers’ water rates at all. However, as you stated, the operations and maintenance and long-term replacement costs are the same for these paid-for assets as it is for assets paid for by debt service or by customers rates that included a line item for capital improvements.

These initial expenses to install system facilities by use of grants or developer contributions were not part of a customer’s monthly rates nor paid for by any other type of charge to existing customers and, therefore, are removed from the equity buy-in fee calculations.

The long-term intent of the equity buy-in fee is to ensure equity for the new customers based on what the existing customers have paid. If the existing customers have not paid anything for facilities paid by grants or developer contributions, then there should be no costs passed on to these new customers in the form of an equity buy-in fee for assets paid for by these type grants and contributions.

Again, if the board of directors wants to remove the deductions for developers’ contributions or modify this calculation process, they can. The board just needs to be aware this type modification is not an established method and the system would have to justify its calculation process with the PUC should someone appeal this re-calculated fee.

Q: When we find an illegal device on the meter or line at a customer service location, we charge an illegal hook up fee of $500. My question is should the fee be charged against the owner of the property or the tenant? Another question is are we limited to the dollar amount we charge as an illegal hook up fee?

A: Districts have the authority to adopt and enforce penalties/fines or fees as long as these penalties/fines or fees are spelled out in the district’s service policies or rate orders. Some districts use the term “rate order” and some use “district service policy” to describe their “customer service policies.”

Cities also have this authority through its utility rules and ordinances.

These customer service policies have to contain all fees, charges, penalties and fines, as well as what triggers a levy. In this case, your district service policies must contain a prohibition or policy describing an illegal hook up or equipment damage and state that violators will be charged a penalty, fine or fee; and the system may disconnect water service until these charges and lost water revenues are paid.

As you are probably aware, districts must publish a notice in the proper manner in a local newspaper any time they implement or amend these type “punitive” measures in their policies. This must be published once a week for two consecutive weeks in one or more newspapers with general circulation in the area in which the district is located. For special utility districts, municipal utility districts and water control & improvement districts, the rules take effect five days after publication; and for fresh water supply districts this timeframe is seven days.

You asked also if there is a limit to the amount a district can charge for these type violations.

I am aware of one SUD that adopted a set of policies to address theft of service type issues that you describe. This district charges a $500 policy violation fee plus a $5,000 theft of service fine plus the actual costs associated with repairing any system facilities damaged and the subsequent service trip to unlock/reactivate that service once these charges are all paid.

Texas Water Code Section 49.004 allows districts to adopt and charge “reasonable” penalties for violation of the district’s policies. These penalties cannot exceed the jurisdiction of a justice court, which is $10,000, as provided by Section 27.031, Government Code.

Finally, you asked about who the district charges with this type violation, the renter or land owner?

That is always the difficult question for a district, because it could have been either of these parties who is responsible for the illegal device or damage.

The renter/occupant would have an immediate need for the water for day-to-day use, but the owner of the property would also have a vested interest in getting

water to the property if he is trying to rent it.

The burden of proof is on the district in these type cases. Most folks will not readily admit they installed the illegal device, but some do and seem to be proud they got away with it for so long a time. If someone admits they committed this offense, then their statement should be recorded or at least witnessed by a couple other folks who could provide testimony against them in court proceedings. Otherwise, it may be difficult to prove who did this. We also recommend taking photos of an illegal device or tap on the system’s equipment to document when the system discovered the issue and what it looked like.

Water supply corporations are limited in the penalties that can be charged. The TRWA Sample Tariff states the penalty for meter tampering cannot exceed six times the base rate.

If you have a technical question you would like answered, please email Larry.Bell@trwa.org.

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When to Repair or Replace Pipe

By Doug Riseden, Technical Support Manager, Krausz USA

U

.S. municipalities and water utilities are struggling to make upgrades due to budgetary restraints, even as their water and wastewater infrastructure is deteriorating. In the meantime, utilities make pipe repairs until a long-term solution can be financed and implemented. The question of when it makes the most financial sense to replace pipe versus repairing it is not a simple one to answer.

The short term costs of repairing pipe may seem like an attractive option to keep costs low, but at a certain point, repeated repairs aren’t economical.

When does it make sense to repair pipe rather than to replace it? When it is time to replace, what can be done to ensure it’s done properly and keep the project on time and on budget?

There are three major items to consider when thinking about whether to repair or replace pipe.

Cost At a certain point, the costs involved in making repeated repairs outweigh the costs to replace the pipe. This includes the cost of parts and expenses involved in closing up the work area once the repair is completed. If utility crews are repeatedly visiting the same section of pipe, this is the first clue that the pipe may need to be replaced. While a repair can solve the problem in the short term, there could be higher costs and service interruptions in the long term.

Complaints The reality is that customers can dictate when and what kind of response a utility will take when water or wastewater problems arise in their neighborhood.

If service to homes and businesses is not reliable, customers are going to expect a solution that is dependable and minimizes interruption of their service.

Data It’s impossible to make an informed choice that could involve hundreds of thousands of dollars without useful data. By keeping good records, carefully examining repair data and noticing trends, water utilities can make sound decisions about whether to repair or replace pipe.

It’s never too late to start gathering data. Develop a system where information can be stored and 22

Quench — May/June 2016

Water utilities can make sound decisions about whether to repair or replace pipe by keeping good records, carefully examining repair data and noticing trends.

easily recalled as data is only as good as it can be accessed. In the absence of data from the field, residences and businesses in the neighborhood can help give information on the history of water and wastewater pipe repairs in the area.

Whenever repairs are being made, there are six questions to ask to help gather information for future decisions on pipe repair or replacement: who, what, when, where, why and how.

Who? Who was making the repair? Who was there, and who did what?

What?

What was the issue? What actions were taken to make the repair?

When?

When was the repair made? Be accurate with day, date and time.

Where?

Where was the repair? How many times have crews been to this same location or close by?

Why? Why is the pipe breaking? Was the break due to a one-time incident, such as a gas company boring into the ground and hitting the pipe, or is the cause the same each time. Factors that can be considered are

external forces such as ground movement, trains or heavy traffic.

How was the repair made?

What parts and equipment were used to make the repair? How much did they cost? Were quality parts and good repair techniques used to fix the pipe?

When answers to these questions are recorded each time a repair is made, trends can be detected and it becomes possible to predict how likely future repairs will be needed.

How to Ensure Pipe Installation is Done Right After reviewing the data and the costs involved, utilities can determine whether to move forward with replacing the pipe. Here are steps to ensure that new pipe installations are done properly while keeping the project on schedule and on budget.

Form a strong construction committee To ensure that the installation goes smoothly, you need to have a committee of people who can supervise and review the project from beginning to end.

Include the following people on your construction committee:

construction starts to help manage claims that could come up. This activity should continue along with daily written reports, especially when changes are made to the original plan.

Speak and consult with engineers as often as needed. You will want to have your inspector closely monitoring the project as these people know the rules and regulations regarding installations, and will help ensure the project gets approved upon completion.

Choose good products and work with responsible contractors Your utility will likely have specs on what you will accept and use in different situations. Make sure products have a great work history with the backing of other local professionals and your engineer.

It pays to use high quality products that are exceptionally durable, even in harsh conditions, and designed to prevent future pipe damage. Products that maintain a flexible connection to prevent damage from post-installation ground shifts and temperature changes can greatly protect your investment over the long-term.

•

at least one council member, this person is critical to communicating updates to the rest of council

•

the municipality’s finance officer

•

the utility’s lead engineer and their assistant

There’s a difference between the lowest responsible bidder and the lowest bidder. The lowest bidder will sometimes leave things out of their bid and come back with a change order which can dramatically increase the budget. When it comes to using the right contractor and parts, do your homework, and get references to avoid surprises.

•

the public works director and their assistant

Have a realistic schedule

•

the project inspector (who might be supplied by the engineer)

•

a customer

Make sure that your work schedule is fair to all of those involved. Customers will expect a project that adheres to a schedule that has the least effect on them. Your contractor will want a tight schedule so they can continue to their next job, and avoid penalties for not meeting the scheduled completion date. Be realistic and stay in close communication with all those involved in the project, especially when plans change during construction.

Bringing together the right people at the beginning of the project is especially critical so that everyone is on board with the plan. Follow up meetings should also occur whenever there is a change to the plan, and it’s also a good idea to use email, Skype and other communication tools to keep everyone in the loop. Remember to be in contact with media and local officials, such as police, so the public at large can be aware of what is happening before and during construction.

Stay in close contact with public works, engineers and inspectors Public works or your utility should be the lead on your project since their crews will be tasked with maintaining the finished product. Ensure that they review the site and physically go out and walk around it. They should take photos and video before

If all goes well, there should be no surprises.

Contractors and engineers should walk away happy, and the utility and customers should have a well done project. Determining whether to repair or replace pipe is not an easy decision to make. It requires recording and analyzing data and costs, and close communication between customers, engineers, contractors, inspectors and the utility. It is hard work but the long term benefit of reliable service will last for decades.

Quench — May/June 2016 23

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TRWA Briefs Mustang SUD Celebrates 50th Anniversary

O

n May 13, Mustang Special Utility District celebrated 50 years of service with an anniversary party for the community.

Mustang SUD started as a very small Water Supply Corporation on May 13, 1966, with less than 50 connections. In the early 2000’s Mustang became a Special Utility District and witnessed a population and connection growth few rural utility companies ever achieve.

The system now has 100 square miles of CCN service area and provides water and sewer service to 11,000 customers.

The system issued the following statement on their website: “From our most northern customers in the Pilot Point area to our southern-most boundary in Oak Point and all of the cities and communities we serve in between—we will continue to improve our system and provide you with the very best water quality and sewer service we can achieve.”

Join us for a Family Fun Fish Fry in Support of the Texas Rural Water PAC

I

f you’re planning to meet us in Galveston for our annual Training and Technical Conference, join us after the first day of sessions for the TRWA Family Fun Fish Fry! This family-friendly event, hosted by AIA Insurance, will benefit the Texas Rural Water Political Action Committee (PAC). The PAC is individually-sponsored by hundreds of concerned constituents who want to make a difference in the Texas rural water and wastewater industry.

Festivities will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, and will include dinner, games and a team trivia challenge!

The fish fry will include catfish with all the fixin’s, homemade peach cobbler, sweet tea and $3 beer.

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Games will include golf putting for PAC, activities for kids and the Trivia Showdown. Your trivia team, which may consist of up to six players, will have the chance to showcase your knowledge and compete with your peers for fabulous prizes!

General admission for the Family Fun Fish Fry is $15 per adult and $10 per child under 18. It is an additional $10 to register a team of up to six people for the Trivia Showdown. We encourage you to use a personal form of payment (personal check, credit card, cash) so your registration fee can support the PAC. We give these PAC funds to legislators who understand our issues and support rural water. A PAC contribution helps open their doors to consider our positions on issues important to our membership.

There are sponsorship opportunities available, so if you are an associate member and would like to get involved, contact us at (512) 472-8591. A list of sponsorships can also be found on our website.

For more information, visit www.trwa.org and click on the “PAC” tab in our navigation bar to find the TRWA Family Fun Fish Fry menu item. There you will also be able to find a downloadable registration form for both attendees and sponsors. Space is limited, so please sign up or RSVP now to save your spot. We hope to see you and your families there!

Register Today for our Training and Technical Conference

N

ow is the time to register for the 2016 TRWA Training and Technical Conference, to be held in Galveston from July 13–14. Whether you are a director, manager, operator or member of the office staff of a water/wastewater system, our educational program has something for you.

Before the conference commences, operator training, including Customer Service Inspections, and Water Utility Management, as well as Public Funds Investment Act training will be made available at the Hilton Hotel beginning Monday, July 11 for those interested in earning continuing education credit.

Operator training courses range from 16 to 20 hours each, and Public Funds Investment Act initial and renewal courses range from four to six hours. These sessions all require separate registration.

The conference itself begins on Wednesday, July 13, and offers a wide range of courses. Technical topics include sessions on Revised Total Coliform Rule assessments, GIS and mapping software, Continued on page 28

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Quench — May/June 2016 27

Continued from page 26

equipment calibration, leak detection and water loss, disposing of sludge and more! Managerial topics— such as compliance issues, infrastructure funding options, and CCN issues—will also be covered.

Water and wastewater operator certification credit has been requested from TCEQ for the conference topics. The full agenda can be viewed on our website at www.trwa.org.

To make room accommodations, you may contact the San Luis Hotel or the Hilton Galveston Hotel.

Both hotels have been offering a special discounted rate for TRWA conference attendees; however, as of the printing of this magazine, these room blocks are currently full. Please check back with the hotels to check for cancellations. Be sure to mention the Texas Rural Water Association to ensure you get the discounted rate if rooms are available.

More details about this event can be found at www.trwa.org. Contact us at (512) 472-8591 if you have any questions.

Participate in the 2016 Salary and Rate Survey

D

on't miss your opportunity to get a free copy of TRWA's 2016 Salary Survey Report and Rate Comparison Report! Every TRWA member system that participates in our Salary and Rate Survey is eligible to receive a complimentary copy of each report.

Hard copies of the survey were mailed out in early May to each member system and include questions regarding salary ranges and averages, benefits, water rate scales, typical fees and usage statistics.

You may also access and take the survey online by logging into our website at www.trwa.org, and visiting the "Resources" tab in our navigation bar.

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The deadline for completing the survey is August 15, 2016, and the reports will be published in late September. These reports are only as good as the information that goes into it, so we need your participation to make this a useful tool. The more responses we receive, the greater confidence we have in the accuracy and relevance of the results, translating into a more useful tool for your system. We can assure you that all responses are confidential, and TRWA staff will destroy the responses after we have registered the results and before they are published.

In 2014, we received 248 responses. Help us reach our goal of gathering data from over 300 systems this year! We have already received a great deal of responses and are well on our way to our 2016 goa!

If you have questions about the survey, please contact TRWA's Communications Director Allison Kaminsky at Allison.Kaminsky@trwa.org or Project Support Specialist Melody Bennett at Melody.

Bennett@trwa.org. You may also call us at (512) 4728591.

Let Us Know How to Best Serve Your Needs TRWA is in the midst of strategic planning, and we want to know how to best serve you, our members.

A short survey will be coming to your email inbox in mid-June. Please take a minute to complete the fivequestion member survey. This feedback from you is important so that TRWA can better understand what we are doing well for you and what we can be doing better to help give you the maximum benefit for your membership.

Thank you in advance for your participation in this survey. Our association would not be possible without the support and success of our membership.

American-Darling Landscape 7.5x4.5.pdf 1 10/1/2015 11:35:02 AM

American Flow Control.

Part of the American landscape.

Small towns, big cities and Main Street, USA, wherever you go, there we are. AMERICAN has been part of the landscape for over a century.

While our past is one of innovation, the same is true of our future. New products are always in the pipeline. When it comes to someone you can trust with your valve and hydrant needs, look no further than AMERICAN. The company where strength, dependability and integrity just come with the territory.

R W G at e Va lv e s GIS c a p t i vat e r I n n o v at i o n . I t ’ s p a r t o f e v e r y t h i n g w e d o .

PO Box 2727, Birmingham, AL 35207 Phone: 1-800-326-8051 • Fax: 1-800-610-3569 EOE/Minority/Female/Veteran/Disability

DUCTILE IRON PIPE

FLOW CONTROL

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

www.american-usa.com/firehydrants S P I R A LW E L D P I P E

STEEL PIPE

Water | Wastewater | Solid Waste | Electric Asset Appraisals

Economics/Feasibility Studies

CCN Valuations

Litigation Support

Cost of Service and Rates

Procurements

www.newgenstrategies.net David S. Yanke | (512) 649-1254 | dyanke@newgenstrategies.net Chris Ekrut | (972) 232-2234 | cekrut@newgenstrategies.net

Quench — May/June 2016 29

Classified Ads Leak Detection/GPS Technician SAMCO Leak Detection

Under supervision of the Project Manager, this position will require new hire to perform acoustic leak detection, water conservation consulting and GPS data collection services to help improve utilities' infrastructure by enhancing operational efficiency and reliability during water system leak surveys. Salary dependent upon qualifications.

EDUCATION: • High school diploma or equivalent • No TCEQ water license required KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: • Able to travel overnight and out-of-town • Three meals a day, individual room accommodations and company vehicle provided when out of town for work week, which will consist of four 10-hour days followed by 3-day weekend.

• When working on local projects, work week will consist of five regular 8-hour days per week • Must be tech savvy with computer experience; GPS skills are a plus • Leak detection combined with water distribution and water leak repair experience are a plus JOB FUNCTIONS: • Plan, develop and perform leak detection surveys using various sound sensitive leak detection and line locating equipment • Work independently to pinpoint leaks in water distribution systems to identify and make recommendations for correcting problems • Prepare written reports of system water audits to determine need for follow-up action and offer suggestions for correcting problems • Maintain excellent relations and communications through in-person, phone and email interaction • Perform data collection in the field • Download data from GPS unit into specified formats PHYSICAL DEMANDS: • Ability to perform strenuous physical work, including having sufficient strength, flexibility and endurance to perform essential job 8 or 10 hours a day. Occasionally overtime and call out work.

• Ability to walk for long periods of time and for approximately five miles per day • Because good hearing is required to use acoustic leak equipment, passing an auditory test is required EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: • 50% company contribution for employee-only medical • 10% company contribution of employee gross income to SEP IRA after 2 years of full-time employment • Paid vacation and holidays EMPLOYEMENT REQUIREMENTS: • Successfully pass pre-employment background check • Possess valid Texas driver’s license and maintain insurability • Read, write and understand English Visit www.samco-leakservice.com and email application with resume to Sam Godfrey at sgodfrey@samcoleakservice.com or call (512) 751.5325 with questions.

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General Manager Bastrop County Water Control and Improvement District #2 This is a newly-created position. If you are looking for a growing & thriving community just 30 minutes from Austin, Texas then this is the place for you.

The General Manager, reporting to the District’s Board of Directors, will lead a seasoned team responsible for the executive management of water, wastewater and road plan management for a community 4000+ residents. We are growing at a rapid pace of >5% annually and need an experienced business leader to drive our financial and operational success.

The right candidate will have the following qualifications: • 5 years management experience leading a diverse team as a General Manager, Assistant General Manager, or Manager of large department • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience • Strong business acumen & use of tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) • Knowledge and demonstration of administrative & HR procedures • Proven success driving P&L financial performance of a business • 5 years experience working in a highly functional business where modern business practices were utilized routinely • Demonstrated success working on highly complex issues resolved through influence and leadership with entities not directly managed • Demonstrated improved performance of business you have directly led by developing strategic ideas and executing those ideas effectively and efficiently • Strong communicator with polished presentation skills • Demonstrated strong negotiation skills • Confident, self-assured, honest, trustworthy Additional desired but not required qualifications: • 10 years Management Experience • Experience working for a utility or municipal entity • Experience in management of $1,000,000 plus construction projects • Comprehensive knowledge of design, construction, operation, management and maintenance of modern water and wastewater systems and road maintenance/construction • Knowledge of federal, state guidelines regulating water and wastewater • Master’s degree in Business To Apply: email cover letter and resume to: generalmanagerBCWCID2@gmail.com

Plan Ahead CONFERENCES: July 13-14, 2016

Training and Technical Conference, Galveston, San Luis Resort; Hilton; Galveston Island Convention Center

October 5-6, 2016

Fall Management Conference; Water Districts Conference, San Antonio, Hilton Palacio Del Rio

November 2-3, 2016

Fall Management Conference, Dallas, Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront

OPERATOR TRAINING COURSES: Water Credit Courses

Basic Water Works Operations: Denton/Aubrey, July 26-28 Water Sampling and Field Analysis: San Antonio, June 28

Water and Wastewater Credit Courses

Advanced Math: San Antonio, June 15-16 Chlorinator Use, Handling, Safety, SCBA: San Antonio, June 29 Customer Service Inspections: Galveston, July 11-12  College Station, July 19-20 Valve and Hydrant Maintenance: Van, July 6-8 Utility Calculations: San Marcos, June 28-30 Utility Management: Galveston, July 11-13 Utility Safety: Harker Heights, June 21-23  San Saba, July 19-21  San Antonio, July 26-28

Wastewater Credit Courses

Operation of Activated Sludge Plants: San Antonio, August 2-4 Wastewater Collections: San Antonio, August 9-11 Wastewater Lab: San Antonio, July 6-8

Public Funds Investment Act Training PFIA Renewal: Galveston, July 12 PFIA Initial: Galveston, July 12

Advertiser Index

AIA Insurance Agency......................................... Page 17 American Flow Control.................................................29 Childress Engineers......................................................16 Chlorinators Inc.............................................................28 CROM................................................................................7 Daniel & Brown, Inc.......................................................27 DN Tanks........................................................................27 Ferguson........................................................................25 Global Treat....................................................................20 Hayes Engineering........................................................28 HD Supply......................................................................21 KSA Engineers...............................................................16 Maguire Iron...................................................................29 NewGen Solutions.........................................................29 Pittsburg Tank & Tower Maintenance Co., Inc............16 RG3 Meters..............................................................13, 24 Russell Drilling Co., Inc................................................16 Schaumburg and Polk...................................................19 S. Kanetzky Engineering LLC.......................................27 Smith Pump Co., Inc......................................................29 Tabor & Associates, Inc................................................13 Tank Connection............................................................16 Texas Aquastore............................................................25 TraC-N-Trol, Inc..............................................................27 USA Bluebook................................................ Back Cover Quench — May/June 2016 31

1616 Rio Grande| Austin, TX 78701-1122 Telephone: (512) 472-8591 | Fax: (512) 472-5186 www.trwa.org