s a x e T
on Tap
N
ov em
be
Winterizing Your Home to Prepare for Cold Temperatures Also Inside: Regulation Behind the "One Meter Per Residence" Rule Your Holiday Disposal Guide: Best Practices to Prevent Damage
Your Texas Rural Water News Source Texas Rural Water Association | www.trwa.org | (512) 472-8591
r
20
19
Regulation Behind the "One Meter Per Residence" Rule By Larry Bell, Technical Assistance Director, Texas Rural Water Association
D
id you know that state law requires each residence to have its own water meter? The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the state agency responsible for oversight of water quality, defines “connection” as “a single family residential unit or each commercial or industrial establishment to which drinking water is supplied from the system.” 30 Tex. Admin. Code Sec. 290.38. The agency also requires all community public water systems, including your utility, to provide accurate metering devices to each residential, commercial or industrial service connection. 30 Tex. Admin. Code Sec. 290.44. Further, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), the agency responsible for oversight of issues affecting water utility customers’ service, has its own rules that require systems to ensure only one meter for each connection. 16 Tex. Admin Code Sec. 24.169 prohibits customers from extending water lines or providing water to any other dwelling in addition to the original dwelling designated to be served by the original water meter. TCEQ Investigators have been known to cite utilities for violating its rules when they discover multiple houses, mobile homes or RVs connected to a single water meter. Each individual RV, mobile home or even garage apartment is its own connection according to the TCEQ, and it is therefore illegal for them to be connected to an existing customer’s metered service based on the aforementioned rules. Note that this is a different situation than businesses, apartments or RV parks that use a larger “master meter,” which is designed to deliver more water to multiple non-standard type connections and are subject to their own specific rules. Each water system is required to enforce these regulations any time they determine a customer is in violation of these or other rules. In these situations, the utility should provide notice to the customer informing them about the applicable rule and the enforcement actions the system has available to ensure compliance. Generally, when utilities find a single
2
Texas on Tap — November 2019
dwelling or business providing water to additional structures in violation of TCEQ or local health department rules, the meter for that account will be disconnected until the customer corrects the violation. It is also important that utilities be able to determine how much water each customer or location is using. It would be difficult or impossible for a utility to determine usage during a period of rationing, for example, without a separate water meter for each connection. TCEQ also requires utilities to maintain certain production, treatment, storage, pumping and distribution capacity to ensure continuous supply and adequate pressure and volume of water to each connection. Having a meter assigned to each connection is critical for the TCEQ to ensure that utilities comply with these requirements. Additionally, utilities need to have an accurate count of the connections being served by their system so they can adequately design and construct infrastructure to maintain capacity for all their customers. Customers should also be aware that under Chapter 341 of the Texas Health & Safety Code, TCEQ can fine or penalize utilities up to $5,000 per day for violations of these or other rules. Of course, utilities must recoup these costs somehow, so any fines or penalties may be passed thorugh to customers, causing an increase in water rates for everyone. Your neighbors may be causing your water bill to go up by violating the one meter per residence rule! The people running your utility are not enforcing these rules arbitrarily. They are attempting to keep your water rates down by staying in compliance with all the applicable rules and avoiding costly fines and penalties for violations. Contact your utility if you have any questions about whether a connection violates these or any other rules. It benefits everyone served by your utility when people adhere to the one meter per connection standard.
Winterizing Your Home to Prepare for Cold Temperatures
A
s the winter months approach, be sure your home is ready for freezing temperatures by taking measures to prevent pipe leaks or breaks. When water freezes it expands to become ice, ultimately producing pressure and causing damage. In more extreme climates, winterization involves emptying the water heater, draining all water from the pipes and filling all fixtures with antifreeze solution. If you are not familiar with this process, please contact a professional. However, here are a few simple and helpful tips to prepare your home for cold temperatures: • Ensure all exterior pipes are covered with insulation sleeves, tape or foam covers. While plastic piping is more tolerant than metal, it is important not to leave any exposed gaps — use caulking or spray foam to seal any visible cracks. • Make sure outdoor faucet washers are secure, all hoses are disconnected and hose bibs have been drained. Use insulated faucet covers and secure the meter box lid to prevent freezing. • Insulate any interior pipes in unheated parts of your home (i.e. your attic, basement or under cabinet areas). During long freezes, you may want to open all cabinet doors containing pipes to allow heat to enter them. • Learn the location of the customer water shutoff valve and how to use it in the event of an emergency. It is also good practice to have the water provider’s emergency contact number posted and to keep extra water drawn and stored just in case. • Maintain a reliable heat source in your home if possible. If you must leave your house for a prolonged period, use the customer shutoff valve to turn off your water, and contact your utility or a plumber for additional direction.
Winterizing Your Irrigation System: Consumers living in the northern most part of Texas, where the freeze line is below six to eight inches, should contact a local-licensed irrigator to blow air through the piping to eliminate any water in the system. For most Texans, this process is much easier and can be completed by turning off the backflow device, draining the main line and insulating exposed pipes and valves. Turning off the backflow device prevents water flow to the irrigation system which can potentially freeze during the winter. After turning off the backflow device, manually turn on the controller to release any pressure in the main line. Depending on rainfall during the winter season, the controller can be turned off from November through February and can sometimes even remain off through spring months. The main shut off valve for your system, any exposed pipes and backflow preventers should be protected from harsh temperatures with insulated tape, plastic bags and foam tubes which can be found at any home supply store. When in doubt, give a professional or your system a call — ultimately you all are working toward the same goal, and a little preparation goes a long way!
• If you have no water and suspect you have a frozen pipe, please contact your a professional — situations are often worsened by attempted troubleshooting and can become dangerous.
Texas on Tap — November 2019
3
Your Holiday Disposal Guide: Best Practices to Prevent Damage By Kelsey Copeland, Communications Specialist, Texas Rural Water Association
T
he holiday season is just around the corner! As you plan to gather with your loved ones to share a delicious meal, keep in mind that improper disposal can lead to less-than-cheerful plumbing consequences that impact your home, your neighborhood, your public water system and the environment. When fats, oils and grease (FOG) are sent down the drain, they stick to the inside of pipes, hardening and building up until they cause clogs and sewer backups. This can cause sewage to overflow into homes, streets and local waterways. Whether the repairs are in your home or in the street, it can be costly, inconvenient and extensive. If the sewer overflows, local crews must shut down streets, tying up traffic and increasing expenses for both residents and water systems. Whether you're preparing turkey or tamales, follow these best practices to prevent damage and expense. Never Wash Oil and Grease Down the Drain: Small amounts of grease such as meat drippings can be soaked up with a paper towel and thrown into the trash. If you have a larger amount of grease, let it cool and then pour or scrape the solidifying grease into a sturdy closed-lid container like a coffee can and dispose of it in the trash. If you plan to load dishes and pans into the dishwasher, be sure to rinse them with cool water after wiping them down — hot water melts the FOG off the dishes and into sewer pipes. Some areas even collect grease for recycling year-round or exclusively during the holiday season — be sure to contact your city to learn more about what programs they may offer. Consider Composting: Some types of food waste can be composted rather than being washed down the drain, such as vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds and filters, and tea bags. If your area offers curbside composting, you may be able to place foods containing meat, bones, fish, dairy products, grease and oil depending on what is accepted in your bin. If your area does not offer composting services, consider starting your own pile in a dry, shady spot to use to nourish your yard and reduce the need for watering. Compost piles are typically most effective 4
Texas on Tap — November 2019
when they contain equal amounts of green (food scraps or grass clippings), brown (yard waste likes dead leaves or twigs) and water. Avoid adding dairy, eggs, meat, greases, pet waste or chemically-treated trimmings to your home pile — these products can attract pests and/or be harmful to humans. Check with your local HOA for rules or regulations on composting in your area. Limit Use of Garbage Disposal: Even non-greasy foods can be damaging. Always avoid putting fibrous or hard materials like corncobs, seeds and eggshells down the disposal. If composting is not an option in your area, dispose of these foods in the trash rather than your sink. Paint, unneeded medicine, motor oil, pesticides, solvents, cleaners and other hazardous liquids should never go down the drain. Non-hazardous liquid materials that are not made up of fats or oils are the only products guaranteed safe for your garbage disposal. Commit to taking care of Texas water infrastructure this holiday season by sharing these tips with your family and friends and encouraging these practices at your holiday gathering to ensure a merry and bright season for all Texans, including your utility staff who work hard to keep your water and wastewater pipes clean and clear!
Wiping Out the Problem: Flushable Items in Sanitary Sewer Systems By Alex Eaves, Wastewater Technician, Texas Rural Water Association
A
major problem has been rearing its ugly head across the United States and worldwide—“flushable” items in sanitary sewer systems. These products are marketed as flushable, disposable, biodegradable and environmentally friendly, but they are causing major issues and costly maintenance bills for the treatment plant. These items may eventually break down over time, but sometimes we fail to consider how long it takes them to biodegrade. The topic that is at the forefront in the wastewater treatment business is the overuse of wet-wipes, or baby wipes, which are being flushed into the sanitary sewer systems.
"Yes, they do go down the drain and may even make it through the piping system, but what happens after that? I’ll tell you what—a major environmental and labor problem." I have been in the water treatment business for thirty years, and up until the past 15 years, the main use of wet-wipes was cleaning up after babies during diaper changes, and they were disposed of with the diaper in the waste basket and ultimately ended up in the landfill. That is where they belong. However, this has changed in recent years, and the products are being marketed toward adults for everyday use. I visit with rural water utilities on a daily basis and have an intimate knowledge of the challenges they face both operationally and financially. The flushing of these products is causing a major problem for the treatment systems. The influx of these wipes causes equipment at the treatment plant to not work as efficiently, which also causes the plant to expend more energy. In some cases, it has even caused equipment failure, which is even more costly. All these issues put the treatment process at risk.
Additionally, it affects the personnel responsible for the sewer collection and treatment systems. Work hours escalate due to having to pull pumps to unclog them, clean out clogged sewer lines and prevent the refuse from entering the treatment plant. On the environmental side, these wipes do not just go away—they have to be contained and disposed of properly. This results in more manpower expended, which means more cost for the system. If your house uses a septic tank, flushing wipes can cause a serious plumbing issue for you. These wipes have the potential to clog the sewer line between your house and your tank, which can cause the septic to back up into the house. An accumulation of wipes in septic tank will also reduce its ability to remove solids from the water discharging to your leach area. Further, flushing chemicals, wipes or other items into your septic tank can cause the waste eating bacteria to die, costing you expensive repairs to your system. Overall, flushing these items will increase the maintenance burden for the septic system because it will need to be cleaned out more often, which means more hassle and higher costs for you. This situation affects us all, so we need to do our part in educating others and making them aware that the cost of wastewater treatment will continue to go up unless they do their part. It is not flush and forget—it could be flush and regret! Keep our systems flowing efficiently by keeping wipes, paper towels and plastics out of sewer systems.
Texas on Tap — November 2019
5
Five Responsibilities of Office Utility Staff that May Surprise You
W
ater systems across Texas work hard to ensure consumers have safe and reliable water, and while every system’s structure varies, the office staff of the utility industry is largely responsible for smooth operations. Billing clerks and customer service representatives serve as the liaison between the customer base and the utility — chances are that if you’ve spoken with a team member, you’ve spoken to a billing clerk or customer service representative. Working days for office staff are incredibly busy — the demand to access updated information in real time is high, while the time to do so is limited. Below are five things you might not know about these masters of multi-tasking that help ensure our public health. 1. They are the frontline of the water system. This position’s primary role is interfacing with the system’s customer base, which includes assisting customers with their inquiries and requests, as well as fielding complaints. These workers answer phones, process new accounts and account changes, help with new service or transfer service requests and assist customers with making payments or processing reports.
5. They make it look easy. The diligence and hard work required to be a good utility billing clerk is often underplayed, but that’s because they make it look easy! In addition to all aforementioned duties, these team members also oversee billing adjustments that include leak adjustments, forfeits, final bills and pay-out agreements. After processing adjustments, they close out payments and prepare monies for bank deposits.
2. They are detail oriented. In addition to addressing customer concerns as they arise, these team members are responsible for preparing, printing and mailing customer bills. This includes keeping your customer records updated to ensure accurate billing information.
Ultimately these utility workers strive to meet the varying needs of consumers, and their responsibilities exceed far beyond answering phones. Next time you’re frustrated with a high water bill, keep in mind that these individuals have your best interest in mind and work hard to ensure your experience is pleasant and simple.
3. They work well under pressure and handle multiple duties. Strict deadlines to produce billing documents require close coordination and oversight of meter reading. In some systems, these employees are even responsible for producing route sheets, analyzing meter readings and organizing re-read work orders as needed. 4. They are looking out for you! These employees search for unusual trends in bill cycles and proactively contact customers with extremely or unusually high bills to mitigate concerns.
6
Texas on Tap — November 2019
!
?
4
Across
6
1 2
5
3
10 8 9
2. A way that some animals deal with the harshness of winter. They curl up in a safe place and stay there until winter ends 5. Winter _____: Occurs on December 21st this year, when one of the Earth's poles will have its maximum tilt away from the Sun 7. A hanging, tapering piece of ice formed by the freezing of dripping water 8. The controlled application of water for agricultural purposes through man-made systems to supply water requirements not satisfied by rainfall 9. Can be used to melt ice on roads
7
Down 1. A process in green plants in which water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight combine to form sugar 3. Prefix meaning water; a greenish-blue variation of the color cyan 4. A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight, walking in a winter _______ 6. A “frosty” representation of a human figure created with compressed snow 10. A state of matter, neither gas nor solid, that flows and takes the shape of its container
INGREDIENTS: 12 Gingerbread Oreos | 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar | 1.5 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract | 8 ounces Cool Whip 3/4 cup prepared Gingerbread Pudding (prepared according to package)
Photo and recipe can be found at: www.mybakingaddiction.com
GINGERBREAD OREO NO BAKE MINI CHEESECAKES
1. Create fine crumbs for the crust from Gingerbread Oreos. 2. Divide and gently press the crumbs into six parfait cups or small canning jars 3. Combine and mix cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract and Gingerbread Pudding until well combined 4. Fold in Cool Whip until completely incorporated 5. Spoon or pipe cheesecake filling into each serving cup 6. If desired, pipe additional Cool Whip onto each mini cheesecake, then place one Gingerbread Man on top
1. PHOTOSYNTHESIS; 2. HIBERNATION; 3. AQUA; 4. WONDERLAND; 5. SOLSTICE; 6. SNOWMAN; 7. ICICLE; 8. IRRIGATION; 9. SALT; 10. LIQUID
Texas Rural Water Association
1616 Rio Grande | Austin, Texas 78701
Texas on Tap Published by Texas Rural Water Association 1616 Rio Grande, Austin, TX 78701 www.trwa.org
TRWA Editorial Staff Lara Zent, Editor in Chief Allison Kaminsky, Managing Editor Kelsey Copeland, Art Director
Questions? General correspondence should be directed to your utility office. Editorial inquiries may be directed TRWA Communications Staff at (512) 472-8591 or editor@trwa.org On the cover: Nevada WSC Photo Credit: Lonnie Sanders
Student Art Contest Visit www.trwa.org/imagine or www.facebook.com/ TexasRuralWaterAssn to see the winners of the Texas on Tap "Imagine a Day Without Water� student art contest!