Category: The T&H Blog

T&H’s ESOP: Celebrating 10 Years of 100% Employee-Ownership

A Milestone Moment

This year marks an extraordinary milestone for Tata & Howard as we celebrate 10 years of being a 100% employee-owned company. Over the past decade, our ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) has transformed not only the way we do business, but also how we connect and thrive as a team.

This milestone is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and collaborative spirit of every employee-owner who has helped shape us into the company we are today. Throughout every department, both in the office and out in the field, every single person on our team has played a key role in our success. As we reflect on our journey, we’re filled with pride and excitement for the future, knowing that it is the foundation of employee ownership that continues to drive us forward.

What It Means to Be an ESOP Company

ESOPs are not just a financial framework—they’re a transformative approach to employee empowerment and business growth. ESOPs represent a modern take on retirement planning by giving employees a direct stake in the company they help shape. In fact, studies show that companies with ESOPs often grow nearly three times faster than their non-ESOP counterparts, while providing employees with almost double the retirement savings.

But the benefits of working for an ESOP extends far beyond just financial gains. ESOPs are unique in that they cultivate a thriving workplace culture that is built on collaboration, shared purpose, and a deep commitment to success. When employees are also owners, they bring an unmatched level of dedication to their work, taking personal pride in the company’s accomplishments and feeling genuinely invested in its future. This pride of ownership not only drives higher performance, innovation, and a lasting connection to the company’s mission, but morale as well.

Employee-owners celebrated National Homemade Cookie Day with a cookie bake-off

At Tata & Howard, ESOPs have been at the heart of our journey since we became 100% employee-owned in 2014. This shift has not only reshaped our business model but also fostered a thriving, inclusive culture. To further strengthen this sense of ownership and community, we’ve established a fully supported ESOP Committee that plays a crucial role in enriching our workplace by spearheading initiatives that promote team building, sustainability, employee wellness, and community engagement. The ESOP Committee creates a supportive environment where team members are able and encouraged to connect on a deeper level, driving positive change both within Tata & Howard and in the communities we serve.

Every October, we meet to review our ESOP statements with all employee-owners in the plan.  As part of the meetings, we discuss the market value per share, vesting, and ending balances in their ESOP statements.  In order for all employee-owners to fully understand how their contributions to work impact the market value, we also hold a Business 101 class for everyone from new hires to seasoned technical professionals.  We review the ins and outs of how a business runs, the performance metrics that we monitor, and the lifecycle of a project – all of which have a direct relation to the ESOP value.

Our ESOP model has become more than just an ownership structure—it’s a driving force behind the success, growth, and spirit of collaboration that define who we are.

A Year in ESOP

As we celebrate our 10th year as an employee-owned company, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how the spirit of ESOP ownership has come to life within our team. To honor this milestone and collective passion, we wanted to make this year even more special. Traditionally, the T&H team has celebrated ESOPs every October; however, this year, we decided to extend the celebration to the entire year.

Throughout 2024, we’ve embraced the values of collaboration, empowerment, and shared success in a variety of ways, making sure to honor the commitment and dedication that make our ESOP structure so special.

Game night!

In January, we kicked things off with delicious bagels and breakfast in the office. February brought out our creative side with a Valentine’s Day-themed “gingerbread house” decorating contest. March was all about friendly competition as we hit the lanes for a bowling night at APEX. April saw us giving back with a walk and trash pick-up event that ended at Lost Shoe Brewing, while May featured a team dinner at Firefly’s. In June we celebrated our project successes with a catered lunch, and July took us out to Polar Park for a WooSox game. August brought another culinary treat with dinner at The Fix, followed by a relaxing lunch for the office in September. Finally, we wrapped things up in October with some competitive fun at Putt Shack, a homemade cookie contest, and our 32nd anniversary celebration.

Employee-owners at Putt Shack in October

This year’s events not only strengthened our bond as employee-owners but also showcased the positive impact ESOPs have on both our company culture and the broader community.

You can read more about the highlights from this past year in The Wave’s recent issue, here.

Conclusion

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we are reminded of the power of employee ownership and the collective spirit that fuels our success at Tata & Howard. Each event this past year has not only highlighted our commitment to collaboration and community but has also reinforced the values that make our company truly unique. The journey of the past decade has been one of growth, learning, and shared achievements, and we are excited to continue building on this strong foundation in the years to come.

Together, as proud employee-owners, we will forge ahead, embracing new challenges and opportunities, always striving to make a positive impact on our company and the communities we serve. Here’s to many more years of shared success, celebration, and making a difference together!

Protecting Resources and Your Budget: Why Water Audits Are Key

Water is one of the most critical resources for any community: it sustains public health, supports industries, and maintains local ecosystems. Unfortunately, it is also often taken for granted until there is a shortage or drought. As rapid climate change continues to affect our water supply, municipalities face increasing pressure to manage their water resources efficiently. One highly effective tool for tackling these challenges is the municipal water audit.

Municipal water audits are essential for identifying the causes and costs of water loss within public systems. By pinpointing inefficiencies and offering targeted solutions for repairs and maintenance, these audits help communities enhance drought resilience, improve water conservation, and achieve a higher return on investment through optimized resource management.

Understanding Water Audits

At its core, a water audit is a thorough examination of a water system and how the water flows throughout. The purpose is to evaluate the current water usage, pinpointing areas where water is being inefficiently used or wasted, such as in the case of non-revenue water. The auditing process starts by collecting water consumption data from a range of sources. The data is then examined to detect effects of climate and population changes or other patterns and abnormalities.

Next is a close inspection of the physicality of municipal water infrastructure systems to identify potential leaks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. This process includes a detailed analysis of how water is managed and distributed — no stone is left unturned during the water audit process.

Based on the examination’s findings, recommendations for water-saving tactics are provided in the form of an action plan. The action plan details steps to fix leaks, upgrade outdated municipal equipment, and implement water conservation measures, such as reducing water loss from aging infrastructure. The impact of these changes is then closely monitored to ensure that they are delivering the necessary results.

A lot can be learned by examining municipal water consumption data, revealing inefficiencies, waste, and opportunities for improvement. By evaluating patterns in water distribution, audits can detect leaks in infrastructure, reduce unnecessary losses, and optimize water usage across entire municipalities. This level of evaluation then results in more streamlined and stringent resource management, which is crucial not only in the day-to-day but also during emergency situations such as drought.

Strengthening Drought Resiliency

A drought or shortage in water can wreak havoc on an area, leaving both civilians and wildlife suffering severely from the negative impacts. To prepare for future droughts, communities have to build up what is called drought resiliency.

Drought resilience is a system, community, or environment’s ability to withstand and adapt to droughts without falling victim to their negative impacts. By building drought resilience, regions can maintain their essential services, support agricultural productivity, and protect their natural resources during extended dry periods. In areas that are more susceptible to drought, managing their water usage efficiently is no longer just a good practice — it’s a necessity.

Communities can take the first steps towards building their resilience by conducting a water audit and subsequently implementing the strategies and best practices provided. Audits are designed to identify inefficiencies in municipal water use, detect leaks in public systems, and provide local governments with recommendations for optimization. Implementing these strategies strengthens a water system’s ability to manage water resources during droughts or other natural disasters that disrupt water supply. In turn, this proactive approach not only supports sustainable water management but also protects vital resources and strengthens the ability to withstand future drought conditions without significant economic or social impact.

A Smart Investment

One of the most immediate impacts of a water audit is the potential to cut costs. By identifying inefficiencies in water usage — such as hidden leaks, overuse in certain processes, or outdated infrastructure — a water audit allows communities to tackle wasteful practices head-on. An audit can identify if leaks are present and pave the way for swift upgrading or repairing. That fix often leads to substantial improvements in quality and availability as well as recaptured revenue from lost water, making them worth the investment.

It’s incredibly common to find that the return on investment (ROI) from a water audit is swift. Once inefficiencies are identified and corrected, the savings can be immediate and long-lasting. A water audit helps municipalities streamline their water management processes and quickly recapture lost revenue, leading to long-term sustainability. Municipalities and local water districts, often operating with limited budgets, can use the findings of a water audit to reallocate savings to essential infrastructure improvements.

Resource Conservation

Beyond the drought resilience and financial benefits, water audits leave long-term, positive impacts on resource conservation. According to UNICEF, approximately 700 million people could be displaced by intense water scarcity by 2030. With water continuing to be an increasingly scarce resource for so many communities across the world, optimizing water use practices and limiting non-revenue water is key.

The insights gained from an audit can inform long-term water management strategies, helping municipalities design systems that are more adaptable to changing water conditions. Whether it’s upgrading infrastructure, investing in water-efficient technologies, or developing contingency plans for droughts, water audits lay the foundation for smarter, more sustainable water management in the years to come.

Conclusion

Water audits are instrumental in helping everyone — from individuals and businesses to organizations and municipalities alike. As we continue to experience rapid climate change and droughts become more frequent and severe, the importance of water audits will only continue to grow. By identifying inefficiencies and optimizing usage, audits provide communities with the power to reduce their water usage, lower costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability by making the most of the water available to them.

More information on Tata & Howard’s water audit projects can be found here.

Fall is the Ideal Time for Unidirectional Flushing

Fall is the time for pumpkin spice lattes, football, apple picking…and unidirectional flushing.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Unidirectional flushing, also known as UDF, is a method used in water distribution systems where water flows in a single direction through specific pipe sections in order to mitigate contamination, preserve existing infrastructure, and more. But what does that have to do with the fall?

Before we get to that, let’s refresh on how UDF works and why it is so important, not only to our water distribution systems but to our health as well.

How it Works

Hydrant flushing’s primary goal is to maintain water distribution systems’ cleanliness and integrity by flushing sediment, biofilm, rust, and other debris (known as tuberculation) build up from within the pipe’s walls. In both conventional and UDF flushing, water travels from the tank to a hydrant in order to “flush out” pipes. But that’s where the similarities end. Conventional flushing allows water to freely flow in both directions through distribution pipes, allowing contaminated water to flow through pipes. Conversely, UDF forces water to flush in only ONE direction by closing valves, which results in higher velocities in the distribution system — and cleaner pipes in the end. For a clear visual of just how UDF works,take a look at this diagram.

Efficient and Effective

With UDF, water is moving in one direction, which means the velocity is significantly higher than conventional flushing, allowing it to remove any tuberculation along the way. Due to this increased pressure and speed, it’s easy to assume that that means more water is being used with UDF.

Quite the contrary, actually.

In fact, UDF uses approximately 40% less water than conventional flushing, meaning it gets the job done without being wasteful. This is crucial as populations continue to increase and as climate change affects more of our resources, increasing demand on an already struggling supply. UDF can provide utilities with a more cost-effective and sustainable method to maintain, improve, and prolong this precious resource.

Preserving Aging Pipes

Our country’s water distribution infrastructure is in dire need of repair and replacement, especially since a lot of it utilizes lead pipes. As our pipes age, they are far more susceptible to tuberculation, which can lead to blockages, reduced water quality, increased pressure on the system, and the transportation of waterborne diseases.

By directing the high-velocity water to flow through the pipes in a controlled manner, UDF removes tuberculation, reduces the strain on our already aging infrastructure, and prevents the accumulation of harmful substances that can speed up wear and tear. With UDF, municipalities and water utilities can delay the need for costly replacements, deliver a more reliable supply of clean water, and extend the lifespan of their existing infrastructure (even if it is aged).

Guarding Against Waterborne Threats

Waterborne diseases, such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid, can be transmitted in a variety of ways: skin-to-skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion. They can form from both human and animal feces, toxins from microorganisms, chemical contaminants, and more. What’s most terrifying is that if they make their way into our water distribution systems, they have a fast-track ticket to anywhere and everywhere.

UDF helps municipalities mitigate contamination by keeping distribution pipes clean and free from debris.

Fall’s Perfect Timing: Why UDF Matters Most in the Heat

So, what does all of this have to do with the fall?

Fall is an ideal time for UDF because the summer weather leads to an increase in water usage. This spike can not only exacerbate tuberculation in our water distribution systems, but the higher temperatures can also expedite microbial growth. Both contribute to the higher chance of potential water quality issues, like wasted resources and lower supply, higher costs for residents, waterborne diseases, and more wear and tear on our infrastructure.

Conducting UDF in the fall allows municipalities to address these concerns proactively by clearing out the buildup and contaminants that accumulated over the summer (and year!). Additionally, the (generally favorable) weather conditions reduce the risk of complications that normally come with New England’s freezing or extreme cold, making UDF more efficient and effective. This method of seasonal maintenance ensures that the water supply remains clean and safe directly after a time of peak consumption.

Schedule Your UDF

At Tata & Howard, our UDF programs have been implemented across the Commonwealth, ranging from Shrewsbury to Wayland, Melrose to Haverhill, along with parts of Connecticut. By adopting a UDF program, municipalities can provide their customers with a water distribution system that lasts longer, saves resources and funds, and provides residents with the clean drinking water they deserve.

For more in-depth information on the benefits and functions of UDF, we have a free download of our whitepaper, Unidirectional Flushing Programs: A Yearly History Lesson Whitepaper. You can also take a look at past T&H projects to help get a better understanding of the process and our capabilities.

To further discuss UDF or schedule your cleaning, reach out to us here.

Enhancing Asset Management and Pipe Condition Assessments with AMI Integration

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) integration is a phenomenal tool that offers utilities a wide variety of transformative benefits, particularly when it comes to asset management and pipe condition assessments.

But how?

Before we get to that, let’s take a quick detour into the basics of asset management and pipe condition assessments.

Asset Management: The Basics

Asset management is a fairly straightforward concept; essentially, it’s a strategic process utilities use to manage their assets. (See? Straightforward.) Utility assets can range anywhere from pipelines and power lines to the people themselves servicing them. At its core, asset management was developed for utilities, such as water, gas, electricity, etc., to reduce their operational costs while still providing consistent, efficient, and cost-effective service.

For water and wastewater utilities specifically, this approach means maintaining and upgrading utility infrastructures throughout their life cycles, including pipes, pumps, and treatment facilities. This kind of continuous maintenance, or “lifecycle evaluation” as many call it, is dependent on making time-sensitive decisions on when to replace, repair, or refurbish assets, which is key when trying to mitigate the risks of leaks or contamination.

One of the cornerstones of an efficient asset management system is proper documentation and record of all assets, their locations, specifications, maintenance history, and present condition. (If it can be recorded, it should be.) Asset management can provide utilities with the opportunity to implement a chain of custody, ensuring the safety, efficiency, durability, and reliability of their assets while simultaneously maximizing their investments.

But none of that can happen without a solid paper trail of the asset’s history and specifications.

For a more detailed overview of asset management, read our blog, The Crucial Role of Utility Asset Management: Providing Reliable Operations and Sustainable Infrastructure.

Pipe Condition Assessment

Pipe condition assessments are another critical aspect of water utility infrastructure maintenance, playing an important role in asset management. Proper pipe condition assessment typically includes visual inspections, acoustic monitoring, pressure testing, and flow monitoring, among other kinds of testing. By evaluating the condition of water and wastewater system pipes through these tests, utilities can get up close and personal with their infrastructure. In doing so, they have more knowledge and data and are therefore better equipped to make more intentional and sound judgments regarding maintenance and management. They can also identify problems before they become serious, mitigating the risk of corrosion, cracks, blockages, and leaks.

To put it succinctly, asset management and pipe condition assessments are two forms of predictive maintenance.

Capitalizing on Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)

AMI is a system made up of smart water meters, data management systems, and communication networks. The purpose of AMI is to provide two-way communication between water utilities and their customers — all in real-time. By combining asset management, pipe condition assessments, and AMI, utilities can completely revolutionize the game.

With this communication fast-track, utilities gain far more insight into their customers’ water usage and are able to manage their assets proactively. Instead of having to wait for routinely scheduled assessments, utilities have continuous access to the infrastructure and system’s historical data, meaning they’re able to detect anomalies — like pressure drops or leaks — more quickly and have faster response times.

This level of constant surveillance and two-way communication can also be used for instant customer consumption readings, allowing customers the autonomy to monitor their own consumption and be alerted in the event of leaks or other issues. With the ability to detect these issues in real-time, utilities can swiftly make the necessary repairs or replacements. In doing so, they make way for accurate customer billing and more robust leak protection, reducing water loss and saving customers money. Talk about a win-win.

By shifting the focus from a reactive to a more proactive approach, utilities can take their continuous influx of data and use it to predict potential issues or failures. This kind of preparation allows them to better schedule their assessments based on critical needs rather than a routine calendar schedule. With this kind of forecasting, utilities can allocate better resources, reduce unneeded service interventions, and better extend the lifespan of their infrastructure.

There are a multitude of benefits from integrating AMI into a water and wastewater utility’s asset management process. But there’s one other crucial benefit we haven’t touched on: environmental and regulatory compliance.

Since AMI integration helps water utilities reduce their water loss and improve efficiency all around, it also guides them towards complying with regulations aimed at water conservation and environmental protection. Thanks to its robust reporting capabilities, AMI integration systems are able to gather accurate and timely compliance data, helping utilities demonstrate their adherence to regulatory standards.

Conclusion

There’s no denying the benefits of integrating AMI with asset management and pipe condition assessments. The partnership among the three allows for real-time data collection and analysis, early leak detection and water loss reduction, predictive maintenance, improved resource management, and, of course, environmental and regulatory compliance. By adopting AMI technology, utilities can ensure the longevity and reliability of their infrastructure, enhance customer satisfaction, and achieve regulatory compliance, ultimately providing better service while conserving our world’s most valuable resource.

Navigating the Complicated Maze of Funding Opportunities for Water and Wastewater Projects

Navigating the complicated maze of funding opportunities can be, well, complicated; there’s the time it takes to research applicable programs, time to understand them and their application guidelines, then there’s organizing your own initiatives and keeping track of deadlines. Municipalities also have to weigh the pros and cons of choosing a public or private program (or maybe a hybrid!) or if they should venture into federal initiatives or state-specific programs.

Combined, all of these decisions can make a necessary task a daunting one.

Each source of funding comes with its own set of requirements, benefits, funding parameters, and other considerations. By taking the time and care to properly research the available opportunities, water and wastewater utilities can secure the critical resources they need in order to deliver better outcomes for their communities.

But where do you start? Right here!

While this is by no means an exhaustive list of all of the funding opportunities available to us in New England, it’s an informative and comprehensive starting point.

State Revolving Funds (SRFs)

Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF)

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) is a federal-state partnership program with the EPA that provides funding to projects focused on reducing water pollution and protecting our vital water sources.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, ones with a focus on constructing or repairing existing sewer systems, creating green infrastructure, mitigating nonpoint source pollution from runoff and urban stormwater, and other water management projects. In the form of zero percent interest to low-interest loans (and a 20% match by the state), the CWSRF is able to help municipalities upgrade their wastewater treatment facilities, which is crucial in removing contaminants and providing residents with clean, safe, and accessible drinking water.

Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF)

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) is another federal-state partnership program that provides funding for municipalities needing to make crucial improvements to their infrastructure, specifically those in small and economically disadvantaged communities.

Funding is given in low-interest loans and grants to eligible projects that are in need of repairing and upgrading wells and storage tanks to mitigate contamination, connecting multiple water systems, replacing broken or damaged pipes, building water treatment plants, or creating entirely new systems. In doing so, the DWSRF helps municipalities also fall in compliance with the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) by not only promoting public health but also ensuring residents can have access to clean, safe, and reliable drinking water.

It’s important to note that a stipulation of the funding is that eligible states must be able to match 20% of the grant.

Compared to the CWSRF, the DWSRF mainly aids projects with a focus on the safety and reliability of our drinking water. Whereas the CWSRF focuses on addressing wastewater infrastructure needs head-on, However, both are critical funding opportunities that focus on maintaining and improving our nation’s water infrastructure, protecting public health, and fostering environmental sustainability.

To read more information about these two SRFs, you can read our previous blog.

Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA)

The EPA’s WIFIA is a federal initiative that provides funding for eligible water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The funding is long-term and in the form of low-cost loans for projects that require substantial financial assistance on both a regional and national level. What is particularly great about this act is that the WIFIA funds are able to cover up to 49% of eligible project costs, meaning this kind of funding can make a serious impact on local municipalities that are in great need.

WIFIA is open to eligible projects that are also eligible for the Clean Water SRF, Drinking Water SRF, and other water facility energy efficiency projects. Other projects like desalination, aquifer recharge, water recycling, and drought mitigation, among others, are also eligible. More information on WIFIA can be found here.

Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant (EC-SDC Grant)

The EC-SDC Grant is a great resource for small or disadvantaged communities that are in critical need of improving their drinking water. With the funding, eligible municipalities can develop projects and activities in response to emerging contaminants, including PFAS. In doing so, they have the necessary tools to provide their citizens with continuous, clean drinking water. It should be taken into consideration that only municipalities with a population of 10,000 or less are eligible for this grant.

By focusing on communities with limited resources, this grant is able to better bridge the gap we often see in water quality and public health protection compared to more privileged communities, while supporting critical infrastructure improvements and instilling environmental justice across the state.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) supports rural water and wastewater utilities through its Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. This initiative focuses on only rural areas and small towns with populations of 10,000 or fewer, which, as we know, are often in need of financial assistance to take care of their critical infrastructure needs.

Funding is in the form of long-term, low-interest loans and can be used for acquiring, building, or improving drinking water systems, sewer systems, solid waste management, and stormwater systems. The program also covers other areas of the project, such as legal and engineering fees, land acquisition, permits, equipment, start-up operations, etc., that are vital for public health and environmental sustainability.

In addition to federal programs, there are funding opportunities for each state. States often have their own grant and loan programs that are tailored specifically to their own unique regional challenges and priorities. For example, you can find more information on water resources grants and other financial assistance for projects such as drinking water, wastewater, septic systems, wetlands, and watersheds within the Commonwealth here.

Conclusion

Remaining proactive in the hunt for water and wastewater financial assistance is not for the faint of heart. But it is evident that there are a range of options out there that are often able to be combined. Navigating federal programs, state-specific funds, private grants, and public-private partnerships can be overwhelming, but they provide communities with the robust framework they require in order to take the next steps in addressing their infrastructure needs.

By prioritizing these opportunities, utilities can not only overcome financial barriers, but they can also gain the necessary tools to find long-term solutions while completing their goal of providing their communities with accessible, clean, and safe drinking water.

You can also read more about other funding opportunities by visiting our previous blog, Funding 101: Where to Find Money for Critical Water and Wastewater Projects.

Tata & Howard Team Members Present to Elementary Students

Tata & Howard Senior Project Manager James Hoyt, P.E. and Project Manager Molly Caruso, P.E., gave their annual water and wastewater presentation to the third grade students of Stanley Elementary School in Waltham, MA. The students there have learned about the water cycle and the importance of being mindful of their water use and interaction with the environment.

The 90-minute presentation included a PowerPoint presentation and a treatment demonstration. The PowerPoint followed the water cycle, how we all interact with the water cycle every day, and how water and wastewater engineers use math and science to help us safely interact with the water cycle and our environment. James and Molly spoke about making the water we use safe to drink and how we clean our dirty water before putting it back into the environment. They also spoke about how the availability of water differs in Massachusetts and in Rwanda, with a brief talk about Tata & Howard’s experience with the Water for People trip to Rwanda.

For the treatment presentation, the students made their own wastewater with materials found around the house that can end up down the drain like dirt, food, soap, oils, and even plastics. The group then used a clarifier for primary treatment and a sand filter for additional treatment. They ended with a demonstration where they used granular activated carbon to remove dye from the water, turning it clear again.

James and Molly enjoyed working with the kids and are looking forward to going back next year.

ERP Training: Planning for a Safer Future

Over time, the need for robust emergency response planning has become increasingly apparent. Whether because of the frequency and severity of natural disasters or the ever-present threat of man-made incidents, the impacts these emergencies can have on public health, safety, and the environment have become impossible to ignore.

In light of these challenges, the importance of having a robust emergency response plan (ERP) and training has become increasingly evident, serving as not only a critical tool in safeguarding our water supply and quality but also in safeguarding the lives of those we serve, physical property, and our environment.

The WHAT

An ERP is exactly what it sounds like: a plan to use in an emergency. More specifically, it’s a thoroughly researched and meticulously created manual of strategies, plans, and resources to use in the case of a crisis or incident. An ERP is a powerful tool that allows water utilities to mitigate incidents, both man-made and natural, such as main breaks, localized floods, hurricanes, system contamination, and essentially any incident that can threaten life, property, and the environment.

ERPs are such powerful and critical tools that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates them for all public water suppliers that serve populations of more than 3,300, in accordance with America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018.

An ERP typically includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Utility information, such as personnel information, utility overview, key local services, etc.
  • Communication strategies on how best to notify the public and stakeholders
  • Contingency plans for alternative water sources, if needed
  • Distribution methods
  • Detection strategies, and more

The WHO

Now that we’ve covered what a water utility ERP is, it’s time to cover who it’s for — and that really encompasses a range of various people and roles. It may seem obvious, but ERPs are primarily for, well, us. You and me. Our neighbors and community. They’re for anyone and everyone, as any incident doesn’t just affect one person or utility department; it affects us all.

First and foremost on the training roll call are the management and operational staff of the water utility. They are the ones on the battlefield frontlines, ready to take on whatever obstacles stand between them and their service. From there, it’s the local government officials and agencies that are responsible for water management, as the role they play is pivotal in coordinating resources and providing support.

Emergency response teams are also involved since they are equipped with specialized skills and equipment and are trained to mobilize swiftly and efficiently in the face of an emergency. Regulatory bodies are also involved, as they are the ones ensuring compliance with safety standards and can even provide guidance throughout the process.

Combined, all of these stakeholders play a critical role in forming a comprehensive network that is essential for safeguarding water supply systems and protecting public health during emergencies.

The WHEN

ERPs are designed for us whenever an emergency situation affects water supply or quality. In order for ERPs to be effective and up-to-date, they need to be consistently and meticulously updated and reviewed. In some parts of the United States, it’s mandatory for all water utility employees to complete a minimum of ten hours of ERP training annually. By being prepared to act at a moment’s notice, water utilities can minimize the impact of emergencies, protect public health, and maintain the resilience of their infrastructure.

Before suppliers that service communities of more than 3,300 people can even submit their ERPs, they must file theirrisk and resilience assessment (RRA). An RRA evaluates the utility’s vulnerabilities, threats, and foreseen consequences from potential risks and precedes the ERP. Once the RRA is filed, the utility then has six months to file their ERP with the EPA. After that, they must submit recertification every five years.

Of note: since PWSs serving over 3,300 people were required to complete their RRAs and ERPs in 2020-2021 in accordance with America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, they are due for their five-year renewal in the coming year or two. This means that the WHEN for these PWSs is imminent and these utilities should be working on their RRAs and ERPs now in order to meet the submittal deadline.

The WHERE

ERP training, specifically, can take place in various settings, ranging from traditional classroom environments to virtual sessions. Depending on the scope and size of the utility operations and the geographical area they serve, training can be completed onsite by internal trainers or outsourced to external consultants with expertise in ERP systems.

For where you can find more information, visit the EPA website. They have a plethora of resources where water utilities can find information pertaining to RRA and ERP filing schedules, how to certify their RRAs and ERPs, compliance information, and even an ERP template for both drinking water and wastewater utilities.

The WHY

By now, the “why” is pretty clear: to ensure the safety, accessibility, and consistency of our water supplies and to protect public health. An ERP allows water utilities to explore vulnerabilities, make critical improvements, and establish emergency protocols that can ensure the safety and continuity of our water supply, protect public health, minimize property and environmental damage, and lessen liability.

The HOW

As we know, ERPs are a compilation of strategies, plans, and resources for water utilities to use in an emergency. But where do you start?

  1. A preliminary assessment of the utility’s needs, processes, objectives, and goals, as well as potential weaknesses or vulnerabilities. For example, a utility that services a coastal town may view hurricanes as a significant risk, so that must be taken into consideration.
  2. Regulatory mandates vary from state to state and must comply with the EPA, requiring consultation from those regulatory bodies we mentioned earlier. Complying with the proper regulations can not only streamline the ERP process but also ensure the safety and well-being of individuals, communities, and the environment.
  3. In addition to bringing in those regulatory bodies, the utility must collaborate with other emergency response plans and teams in their community to create a symbiotic relationship. When an emergency arises, time is of the essence, so everyone involved needs to be on the same page and have clear action items.
  4. This coordination also extends to other important stakeholders, like local government officials and agencies, as they can greatly assist in collecting resources and expertise and providing communication channels.
  5. Once the above steps are completed, the training programs are then meticulously crafted and delivered to not only equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively utilize the ERP system in their day-to-day operations, but also to create a culture of continuous improvement. This culture is key to driving optimization and innovation within the ERP environment, further enabling water utilities to adapt to evolving needs and industry standards effectively.

Conclusion

ERPs and robust training both play pivotal roles in providing organizations with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern-day emergencies. By investing in comprehensive training initiatives, utilities can empower their employees to harness the full potential of ERP systems, paving the way for a safer, more resilient future.

Have questions on ERP implementation? Reach out to us today — our team has expertise in ERP training and would be happy to answer your questions.

Earth Day: Environmental Stewardship of Water Engineers

As Earth Day approaches, it serves as an essential reminder to recognize the tireless efforts taken behind the scenes to protect our planet’s most precious resource: water. Our work at T&H isn’t just a profession, nor does it end once we clock out; it’s a calling and a duty. It’s a passion and responsibility to uphold the very principles of environmental stewardship and sustainability every day.

But how exactly do we uphold environmental values year-round?

Striving for Sustainable Solutions

As we continue to experience rapid environmental transformations due to climate change and pollution, we have no other option than to make the fight for economic and resource conservation take on a more aggressive approach. At Tata & Howard, we continue to be industry leaders on sustainability, placing environmentalism at the forefront of every project we take on. Whether it’s providing an innovative and effective water and wastewater Capital Efficiency Plan™ (CEP), providing site stormwater management and funding assistance, designing efficient solutions that incorporate green initiatives with the future in mind, or any one of our many services, our goal remains to minimize environmental impact while meeting societal needs.

Compliant with Environmental Regulations

However, we can’t do our part successfully without recognizing the pivotal role environmental standards and regulations play. By fostering a deep understanding of the intricacies of environmental regulations and standards, we are able to meticulously navigate this maze and ensure that every project is compliant. Since we’re conducting thorough environmental assessments, like water audits or utility asset management, monitoring pollutant levels, and implementing best practices, we are able to better safeguard water quality and environmental health while checking each mandated box.

T&H also continues to be proactive in implementing federal and state stormwater management programs, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s NPDES Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) program and its Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP).

Conservation Advocacy

As it stands today, the world loses approximately seven billion gallons of water a day. (Yes, a day.) So while we know that striving for sustainable solutions and compliance with environmental regulations both play large roles in our environmental efforts, we recognize that conservation advocacy is also crucial.

Given our tenure in the industry, we’re able to use our experience to create efficiency plans for businesses and communities, support water preservation and accessibility campaigns, and educate our community on the value of water conservation efforts, among other things. Through educational programs, community projects, and collaborative partnerships, we have the power (and duty) to empower communities to embrace water-saving behaviors, implement water-efficient technologies, and promote mindful resource usage.

Conservation advocacy isn’t just one component of our work; it’s a cornerstone that drives our efforts to protect our planet’s most precious resource for future generations.

ESOP Culture

At T&H, we wholeheartedly believe that together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future for all. It’s why we are proud to be 100% employee-owned. Our status as an ESOP gives our approach to environmental efforts a bit of an edge. Each and every one of our team members is invested in our success and long-term viability as employee-owners. Because of this shared ownership, departments are able to collaborate and communicate openly, exchanging ideas and insights. As a result, we have an abundance of collective knowledge and experience that we use to our advantage when developing more creative and practical solutions for the communities we serve. Employees with ESOP status are encouraged to go above and beyond in their job and increase our potential to implement greener initiatives that meaningfully contribute to protecting the future of our world by leveraging the power of knowledge and collaboration.

Water Engineers’ Role as Guardians of Public Health

While water engineers are the backbone of ensuring safe and sustainable water management practices, they’re also most likely to be some of the more passionate environmentalists you’ll meet. Every day, water engineers work tirelessly to preserve and defend our waterways, taking painstaking care to ensure each drop is protected and used responsibly.

Given that they spend their careers preserving our waterways, it’s fair to say that water engineers embody environmentalism at its core. Water engineers are exceptional at sourcing, designing, and implementing sustainable solutions and systems that not only meet the needs of our communities but also minimize environmental impact. Whether it’s implementing cutting-edge water treatment technologies, integrating green infrastructure to manage stormwater, or advocating for water reuse initiatives, their goal remains the same: to provide clean and accessible water to all.

Conclusion

As we continue to plan for the future of our water systems, we remain committed to our mission of supporting Earth Day and its principles every day. Through our dedication to sustainability, advocacy for conservation, and adherence to regulatory compliance, we strive to make a positive impact on the health of our planet and the well-being of future generations.

At T&H, we know that together, we can ensure that every drop of water is treated with the respect and care it deserves. Water is the essence of life, and our commitment to preserving it and making it accessible for all guides everything we do. From designing state-of-the-art water treatment plans to implementing innovative stormwater management solutions, our projects are driven by a deep-seated calling (call it destiny) to play our role as global citizens.

Smart Capital Planning for Water and Wastewater Utilities

For a waterworks system to ensure reliable, long-lasting services, it’s critical that a fundamental component be efficient resource allocation. By incorporating capital efficiency plans, master plans, and a methodical capital planning process, utilities are able to navigate the complexities of their industry, not only by enabling them to strategically allocate resources and address dire infrastructure needs but also by meeting the persistent demands of evolving environmental regulations.

As we forge ahead, smart capital planning remains the compass that guides utilities towards a future where access to clean water is not just a necessity but a sustainable and well-managed reality.

Capital Efficiency Plans (CEPs): The Blueprint for Resource Organization

Capital Efficiency Plans (CEPs) at T&H follow a standard Venn diagram method. For every water main segment, there are three sets of evaluation criteria: key components, asset management, and hydraulic modeling.

With each set comes its own set of unique drawbacks, and it’s where the three overlap that the system’s weak points are put on display. If it seems that the weaknesses meet more than one set of criteria, then they are swiftly prioritized above the others as they require the most attention. By choosing this type of visual method, CEPs can quickly and justifiably pinpoint areas of criticality, allowing utilities to make a targeted plan of attack.

To put it simply, CEPs are a vital element of smart capital planning because they provide utilities with a strategic roadmap leading them towards the treasure trove of resource optimization. CEPs prioritize resource allocation by identifying the projects that will offer the greatest impact on efficiency (in other words, the ones that require the most attention), while also evaluating any potential risks such as regulatory changes and environmental challenges.

By streamlining capital investments, utilities can ensure cost-efficiency while also maintaining and improving their service standards and mitigating any potential, unforeseen issues.

Master Plans: The “What, When, and How” for Sustainable Development

A water master plan is essentially what it sounds like: a blueprint for sustainably managing and using water resources within a specific region. Diving deeper, a water master plan is a detailed framework that takes a variety of factors into account, like evaluating the current water supply, demand forecasts, infrastructure development, conservation tactics, financial planning, and environmental impact evaluations, to name a few.

Water, after all, is our lifeblood; without it, we could not sustain ourselves, our ecosystems, or our industries. It’s no secret that water utilities are often the ones on the front lines battling mitigation efforts, a lack of funding, and a complex web of other responsibilities. This juggling act often means that they need to know the “what, when, and how” as soon as possible: what do they need to do? When do they need to do it? How are they going to pay for it?

A water master plan has three main components: infrastructure assessment, data collection and analysis, and long-term goals. The first step is an infrastructure assessment that will evaluate the current water systems and infrastructure, including a review of pipelines, treatment plants, distribution networks, storage facilities, etc. This comprehensive evaluation will also be able to identify any infrastructure needs, such as maintenance, upgrades, or expansions.

The second step in any effective master plan is data collection and analysis. The master plan is constructed by using the initial assessment’s findings as its foundation—everything from demographic trends to industry developments can provide crucial information that can lead the plan down the path of success or failure. This step is important because it will influence the master plan. After all, bad data equals bad resource allocation. Thirdly, water master planning needs to extend far beyond the immediate needs; long-term goals are absolutely critical in ensuring the future of sustainable water management and utilization.

The heart of a water master plan is straightforward: ensure that water resources are allocated fairly, address critical issues like population growth and climate change, and establish a robust, accessible, and dependable water delivery system. Because at the end of the day, a water master plan promotes long-term water security, the health of people and ecosystems, and effective water management by integrating technical, economic, and environmental concerns.

Capital Planning

Utilities use the capital planning process, a structured methodology, to identify, prioritize, and allocate resources for capital projects. By addressing present demands and preparing for upcoming obstacles, this strategy helps utilities to align investments with strategic objectives. It starts with a thorough evaluation of the state of the infrastructure, which paves the way for the identification of priority projects that solve short-term issues and support long-term objectives.

An essential part of the planning process is estimating the price of proposed capital projects. Utilities use financial analysis to evaluate project viability and pinpoint possible funding sources, and a detailed risk assessment is carried out in order to identify and minimize any issues that could affect the success of capital projects. Investment resilience is increased by proactive risk management.

A financial analysis can help utilities determine just how feasible their projects are and aid in the search for funding by assessing their weaknesses in order to foresee any challenges that could impact the project’s success. Important stakeholders are then consulted to ensure the process takes into account a variety of viewpoints and community requirements. This cooperative and collaborative strategy not only promotes transparency, but it also has the power to greatly increase stakeholder trust.

Conclusion

In the face of a constantly evolving environment while meeting complex regulatory and social dynamics, there is no denying that smart capital planning is essential for the sustainable development of water and wastewater utilities. To put it succinctly, in order to have sustainable development, management, protection, and distribution of water and wastewater utilities, extensive planning is non-negotiable. Combined with ever-changing technology, utilities are further empowered to adapt and thrive.

By incorporating capital efficiency plans, master plans, and a methodical capital planning process, utilities can navigate the complexities with far more ease and effectively meet the needs of their communities.

Knowledge is Power: Understanding PFAS and the Role of Water Utilities

Often in times of innovation, we as a society face unintended consequences. One that has held our attention for quite some time is the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our water sources. PFAS are commonly found in everyday products and have made their way into our water supplies, posing a significant threat to public health.

In the ongoing battle against PFAS, water utilities have found themselves on the front lines, battling mitigation efforts, a lack of funding, and a complex web of responsibilities.

Understanding PFAS

PFAS are manufactured compounds that are characterized by their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making them resistant to heat, water, and oil. (So right off the bat we know that we don’t want these anywhere near our water supply.) While these properties have led to widespread use in manufacturing, they have also led to contamination in our water supplies thanks to industrial discharges, firefighting activities, and the destruction of consumer products.

Despite being in use for the past eight decades, these synthetic toxins are still categorized as emerging contaminants. For context, emerging contaminants are grouped into eight main categories: pharmaceuticals, PCPs, hormones and steroids, disinfectants, flame retardants, herbicides and pesticides, industrial additives, and gasoline additives.

This classification represents the lack of necessary regulatory limits for how much of these compounds can legally be in public drinking water. Since it is virtually impossible to destroy them (and it can be even harder to completely avoid them), the possibility of producing adverse side effects over time is high, with the potential to cause severe complications in both the environment and within the human body.

So, where can PFAS most commonly be found today?

  • Soil, water, and/or PFAS-containing equipment and materials from PFAS-grown agricultural products.
  • Drinking polluted groundwater from stormwater runoff near landfills, wastewater treatment plants, and firefighter training facilities.
  • Household items such as nonstick products (e.g., Teflon), polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning agents, and fabrics with stain and water repellency.
  • Firefighting foams expelled at airports and military bases during firefighting exercises.
  • Industrial facilities that utilize PFAS when manufacturing chrome plating, electronics, and oil recovery.

Mitigation Efforts

The role water utilities play in mitigating PFAS contamination simply cannot be overstated. In order to protect the community from contamination, utilities require a robust toolbelt: a combination of advanced technologies, vigorous monitoring and reporting systems, and extensive regulatory frameworks.

There’s also the option for more advanced treatment technologies, like activated carbon filtration and ion exchange, that can be used when trying to eliminate these toxic, persistent substances. Activated carbon filtration is when water passes through a bed of activated carbon particles that aid in absorbing PFAS contaminants. Ion exchange is another similar method that instead replaces the PFAS ions with less harmful ones, helping to reduce contamination levels.

Utilities take it one step further by conducting routine monitoring and testing at the sources, as it is crucial to being able to identify contamination early on and act fast. Combined with ongoing research, utilities are able to keep themselves on top of their mitigation practices and existing technologies.

Funding Difficulties

Now, we know that water utilities receive very limited funding and are the ones left behind to clean up the mess (pun intended). While grants can be incredibly helpful, they’re not guaranteed and can be far and few between.

In the summer of 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced new health advisories related to PFAS contamination in public drinking water. This act aligned with President Biden’s initiative to provide clean drinking water to the American people, alongside an initial $1 billion grant, which was part of a larger $5 billion initiative. The grant was extended nationwide and was designated for comprehensive water testing, technical support, contractor training, and other essential action items. In addition, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $9 billion over five years to help communities that are on the frontlines of PFAS and other contamination reduce levels in drinking water.

However, $1–9 billion simply won’t cut it.

The insufficient amount is hardly enough to supply testing on a national scale, a necessary feat in rectifying almost 100 years of damage from PFAS contamination. Water utilities are then forced in between a rock and a hard place, leaving them with limited funds and ill-equipped to fix the contaminated waterways. The responsibility, unfortunately, falls onto utilities, when in reality, it should fall on the corporations that originally introduced PFAS, given the years of profiting from these compounds.

We’ve entered a time where it is now up to these corporations to contribute to the cleanup of our land and water, especially considering that public water systems are often the ones burdened with the financial repercussions.

Role of Manufacturers

Manufacturers, who have historically utilized PFAS in their products, play a significant role in addressing the contamination crisis. Even while advancements in alternative chemicals are currently underway, the responsibility to rectify the issue should really fall on to those who have played a hand in its creation. (Essentially, you break it, you buy it!)

As we know, the costs of detecting, treating, and preventing PFAS contamination place a hefty burden on water utilities. Manufacturers can help alleviate this financial strain. And besides, if manufacturers can express transparent acknowledgment of their past actions and make a full commitment to not only rectifying their wrongdoings but fronting the bills, it would build trust among the consumers and communities affected, making it some sort of a win-win.

Conclusion

In the face of PFAS contamination, knowledge is indeed power. Water utilities are armed with an understanding of the issue and have accepted their mission as the bodyguards of public health.

However, the challenges they face, including a lack of proper funding and the need for cooperation from manufacturers, often put a spotlight on the complexity of the issue. It is crucial for us as a society to recognize the shared responsibility in addressing PFAS contamination, making the intentional effort towards collaboration between stakeholders to make sure the burden does not disproportionately fall on those working diligently to provide safe and clean water to communities.

Through collective efforts and informed decision-making, we can pave the way for a sustainable and PFAS-free future.