Category: The T&H Blog

Water Utilities: Working Toward a Healthier Future

In today’s modern world, it’s fair to say that water utilities operate as the guardians of public health, constantly staying vigilant against threats to water quality, safety, and accessibility.

While their efforts may often go unnoticed by the general public, behind the scenes, water utilities are continuously improving their systems and operations to enhance safety and health standards for the public. From infrastructure upgrades and quality testing to innovative solutions and emergency preparedness, all are instrumental in enhancing the overall well-being of our community.

Infrastructure Upgrades

Water utilities’ relentless pursuit of minimizing leaks, contamination risks, and disruptions in water supply are at the forefront of modernization, specifically when it comes to the upgrading of pipelines, treatment plants, and distribution system components. With these crucial infrastructure updates, often a product of the combined efforts of water audits and utility management, utilities are able to decrease the need for new sources, treatment plants, facility upgrades, and expansions and reduce the number of entry points for disease-causing pathogens.

Through these passion-fueled, robust efforts, these upgrades become the backbone of a resilient and reliable water infrastructure, further increasing the safety and accessibility of public water.

Quality Testing and Monitoring

Ensuring the safety of water begins with a commitment to quality testing and monitoring. Water utilities that conduct meticulous lead inventories and testing procedures are able to swiftly identify potential risks, because as we know, lead is not our friend. By vigilantly tracking water quality, utilities safeguard communities from the harmful effects of these contaminants. They also maintain a constant awareness of the condition of our public infrastructure, gaining insights into both successes and areas that require improvement.

According to the World Health Organization, one million people die every year due to lead poisoning. Whether it’s from industrial settings, like mining and smelting, or paint and plumbing in older homes, lead poisoning maintains its spot as a high risk that can be mitigated by routine replacement of lead service lines.

Innovative Solutions

The relentless pursuit of improvement and modernization embraced by Tata & Howard helps water utilities further pave the way towards embracing more cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions. In addition, Tata & Howard is a 100% Employee Stock Owned Plan (ESOP) company, meaning that the collaborative nature of the client-ESOP firm relationship allows for both parties to explore and embrace more unconventional, innovative solutions: solutions such as advanced filtration systems and real-time monitoring, both of which can also be catered to our customers’ specific and individual needs.

Emergency Preparedness

As “guardians of public health,” water utilities also serve as sentinels, always prepared for the unexpected. The level of preparedness in their Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) allows for a swift and coordinated response to natural disasters, industrial accidents, or disruptions in the water supply.

In fact, all public water suppliers are required to have ERPs in place. Public water systems in Massachusetts are also obligated to conduct a minimum of 10 hours of Emergency Response training each year for their employees which plays a crucial role in enabling water system managers and staff to identify vulnerabilities, implement improvements, and establish effective procedures to be followed in case of an emergency.

The (mandated) preparation, continuous updating, and execution of a response plan are essential for strengthening system security, reducing property damage, minimizing liability, preventing illnesses, and saving lives.

Conclusion

As water utilities continue to evolve and collaborate on the continuous efforts of upgrading infrastructure, embracing innovation, and prioritizing emergency preparedness, the more secure they — and we as a community — are in the vital role they play in ensuring the availability and accessibility of clean and safe water.

Amidst the challenges we face as we navigate the modern world, let us not forget to acknowledge the relentless dedication of these guardians – the water utilities that quietly, yet profoundly, secure the health and safety of the communities they serve.

ESOP Culture: A Spirit of Philanthropy

Within the dynamic world of business culture, the idea of philanthropy has transformed beyond the conventional ideas of charitable giving. One unique shape the spirit of corporate philanthropy has taken on is in the form of Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) companies. These kinds of organizations grant their employees a stake in the ownership of the company and often exemplify a commitment to shared success and community impact.

Tata & Howard is proud to say that we have been 100% employee-owned since 2014.

Philanthropy: A Pillar in the ESOP Foundation

A profound way in which ESOPs embody philanthropy is through the empowerment of their team members. By granting employees ownership stakes and allowing them a seat at the table, these companies provide a direct link between individual effort and collective success. For employees, having a sense of ownership can inspire a strong work ethic and a shared commitment to the company’s success, ultimately resulting in increased productivity and innovation (not to mention high retention rates and overall morale!).

Even more, the philanthropic spirit within ESOPs often extends far beyond the workplace and into the broader community. As employees witness the positive impact of their collective efforts, a culture of giving back often emerges, with many ESOP companies actively engaging in community service, charitable initiatives, and support for local causes. The idea of shared ownership naturally paves the way to a shared responsibility for the well-being of the community at large, embodying a model of corporate philanthropy that goes beyond just monetary donations.

Philanthropy: The T&H Way

At the heart of T&H lies a profound belief that resonates with the very essence of ESOP companies: the unwavering conviction that every individual should have the right to access clean drinking water.

In the water and wastewater industry, the impact on the environment and public health is profound. ESOPs, like T&H, recognize this impact and actively engage in initiatives that prioritize ethical considerations, environmental sustainability, and community well-being, with these actions often reverberating far beyond profit margins.

Water for People

One of T&H’s favorite charities is Water for People.

Water for People’s mission is as straightforward as their name: to provide everyone with sustainable, clean drinking water. With this partnership, T&H staff members have the ability to donate straight from their paychecks, with the company matching 100% of each dollar donated. As a water engineering firm, we know firsthand the hardships disadvantaged communities experience due to a lack of clean drinking water. As it stands today, there are approximately two billion people worldwide who do not have that necessary access.

Through their efforts, Water for People ensures that donated funds reach families, clinics, and schools alike, bridging access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services for those living in Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, Bolivia, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Tanzania, and India. In 2022 alone, Water for People and their supporters have successfully brought improved water sources to over 220,000 people across over 500 different communities.

HopeWell Services

Every holiday season, T&H partners with HopeWell Services, an organization that provides disadvantaged children with gifts along with so much more. Each T&H team member has the opportunity to select an ornament from a giving tree that holds a child’s holiday wish list. The team member then shops accordingly, and then all gifts are delivered to the children.

Both T&H and HopeWell recognize the transformative power of collective action and shared prosperity, with the goal of bringing everyone the right to access clean water and joy during the holiday season. Together, our combined initiatives highlight the profound impact that can be achieved when organizations, irrespective of their nature, come together with a shared vision of making a positive difference in the lives of their local community.

Worcester County Food Bank

As an ESOP, T&H is deeply committed to shared ownership and responsibility, even mirroring the ethos of the Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) in addressing critical needs. Each Thanksgiving, T&H drives a collaborative, company-wide initiative to donate to the WCFB, one of only three Feeding America member food banks in the entire state of Massachusetts. In fact, in 2018 alone, the WCFB was able to distribute nearly 6.1 million pounds of food to approximately 75,000 people throughout the county.

October was ESOP Month, a month dedicated to recognizing their significance in the corporate world, their role in fostering innovative corporate philanthropic efforts, and the people who make these kinds of companies sustainable. As part of the month-long celebration, T&H initiated a month-long food drive for the WCFB — and as always, employee-owners stepped up to the plate in a big way.

Conclusion

As steadfast advocates for sustainable water practices, we recognize the transformative power of shared ownership embedded in the ESOP model. This kind of unique approach to corporate structure cultivates a sense of collective responsibility among employees who are not merely contributors but beneficial owners. Through our alignment with the principles of ESOPs, we contribute to a narrative of shared responsibility, where the right to clean water and other basic human rights is not just a belief but a collective endeavor that transcends the boundaries of business to foster a resilient and caring community and create a lasting, positive impact.

Benefits of Working with a Small Engineering Firm

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses operate 84.8% of establishments while employing 54.3% of workers. So, what is it about small businesses that attract over half of the workforce and make up the majority of establishments? For employees seeking a meaningful career and for clients in search of personalized and effective solutions, working for and with a small firm provides a myriad of benefits that often rise above the conventional expectations that come with larger corporations.

Let’s explore the dual joys of being an employee in a small firm and a client seeking the unique advantages we as a small firm bring to the table.

For Employees

Ability to Embrace Innovation through Varied Roles and Responsibilities

Working for a small business or firm provides employees with a unique opportunity to wholeheartedly embrace innovation and creativity. When embracing this level of ethos, small firms are able to foster an environment where every voice is heard. This mindset empowers employees to don multiple hats, as each person joining the team has their own set of skills, perspectives, and expertise that they can bring to the table.

Each day brings a new set of challenges, creating a dynamic and engaging work environment that offers employees the opportunities to not only lean back on their past experiences, but also learn new skills and provide a “new set of eyes” when interacting with said challenges. These multifaceted roles not only broaden the team’s skillset but also provide a more holistic perspective, inspiring creative and innovative problem-solving, whereas larger corporations and firms may experience more constraints.

Opportunities to Make an Impact

At the heart of our small team lies a collective dedication to a fundamental service: providing communities with clean water. This shared purpose fosters a profound sense of meaning, creating a workforce that is driven by a commitment to our public’s well-being.

Since we are a small firm, our employees and clients are able to consistently make a bigger impact due to having direct access to key decision-makers. Having the opportunity to quickly run new ideas by a key stakeholder allows our team to work more efficiently due to the lack of “hoops” many larger firms often have to jump through, further encouraging innovation and creativity.

This accessibility to decision-makers cultivates a culture of open communication, cutting down on decision-making time. This empowers employees to feel a sense of ownership over their projects, encouraging them to think creatively about solutions and leading them to spend their time working on value-adding tasks and projects.

Added Benefits of ESOP Small Business

And speaking of ownership, all Tata & Howard employees are actually owners, creating even more of an ownership mindset in our organization. Being a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) provides unique benefits not only to clients who appreciate the effort, attention, and pride of work that comes with ownership, but also to employees who enjoy the financial rewards of ownership.

For Clients

Personalized Service and Direct Communication

There’s a distinct advantage to choosing to work with a small firm, often in the form of more attentive, personal, direct, and customized service. The more intimate nature of small firms can be quite challenging to find in larger corporations, with many lacking direct communication.

With a small firm, direct communication with decision-makers is not only a hallmark, but it also ensures clients that they are more than just another transaction; they are in fact valued partners. This kind of intentional accessibility allows both firm and client to foster a deep understanding of each other’s needs and preferences, making way for service with a level of laser precision that can often go far beyond the standardized solutions larger firms offer.

It’s this level of commitment to customer service and satisfaction that is often ingrained in the ethos of small firms that results in returning customers and more collaborative partnerships.

Cost-Efficient Partnership

Selecting a small firm as a client often means a more cost-efficient partnership compared to working with larger corporations. Small firms often operate with lower overhead costs as they typically have streamlined operations and are laser-focused on efficiency, meaning they can offer more competitive prices.

But, how is that possible?

Small firms can afford to be more flexible, allowing themselves to work around and cater to the specific needs of each client, tailoring services to meet these individual requirements. Unlike larger corporations that may offer standardized solutions at a premium, small firms can provide these services at a more affordable rate.

This level of dependability, innovation, and dedication to going the extra mile when providing a fundamental service allows small firms like T&H to build strong, lasting relationships with satisfied clients.

Entrepreneurial Spirit Leading to Innovative Solutions

It’s not just small firm employees that can benefit from embracing innovation and creativity; clients are encouraged just as much to immerse themselves in a firm’s entrepreneurial culture. The collaborative nature of the client-small firm relationship allows for both parties to embrace more unconventional ideas and solutions, while larger firms may be bound by established processes. The lack of these constraints combined with the fostering of innovation and “out of the box-ness” allows small firms to take more calculated risks when solving problems, which can lead to a more dynamic and proactive approach.

Conclusion

When working for a small firm — particularly an ESOP — employees are valued for their contributions and are empowered to actively participate in the decision-making process. In partnering with a small firm, clients are not just mere recipients of a service but are also active participants in their own problem-solving.

This dual experience of working for and with a small firm invites all parties to a world where innovation, creativity, and collaboration are not only welcomed and encouraged but embraced wholeheartedly. It’s with this level of dedication and prioritization that small firms are able to carve a niche area for themselves, providing a level of service that many large corporations are unable to fulfill.

T&H Honored at MWWA Annual Meeting

On the evening of Friday, November 4, Tata & Howard team members attended the MWWA Annual Meeting, where the team was presented with the Presidential Sponsorship Award recognizing Tata & Howard’s contributions to the industry. Co-President Karen Gracey, P.E. accepted the award on Tata & Howard’s behalf.

In addition, Tata & Howard co-founder Paul Howard, P.E. was presented with an Honorary Member Award for his decades of selfless contributions to the water sector. He was presented the award alongside longtime client Phil Guerin from the City of Worcester, who was also given an Honorary Membership.

Finally, T&H Vice President Jon Gregory, P.E. was elected Third Trustee of MWWA, meaning he will advance to MWWA President in five years. Congratulations to all!

on Gregory, P.E., second from left, was elected Third Trustee at MWWA during the Annual Meeting

T&H Celebrates ESOP Month

There’s more to celebrate during the month of October than pumpkin spice lattes and leaf peeping…it’s ESOP Month!

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are more than just a financial arrangement. They represent a unique and modern take on retirement plans through a highly tax-advantaged plan in which employees own shares through a trust funded by the company. Studies have shown that companies with ESOPs grow almost three times as fast as non-ESOP companies and are able to provide employees with approximately two times the retirement assets.

Beyond the financial aspect, ESOPs promote a rich culture of collaboration and commitment, where employees have a genuine interest in the company’s success, driving them to contribute their best efforts and feel empowered by their commitment.

ESOPs have been an integral part of the Tata & Howard journey as we have been 100% employee-owned since 2014. Since doing so, we have created four dedicated ESOP committees: the ESOP Communications Committee, the Green Committee, the Wellness Committee, and the Philanthropy Committee. Together, these committees work tirelessly, both independently and together, to bring team building and bonding, a sense of community, lighthearted entertainment, and a positive change to the T&H environment.

This month, we want to take this opportunity to recognize their significance and the wonderful people who make them work – our amazing team!

How does T&H embrace ESOP culture?

For starters, outside of ESOP Month, we have monthly planned team activities that focus heavily on philanthropic initiatives and client-centric special events, including a time capsule planting, an annual scholarship, and other team-bonding focused activities like poker nights, and more — all thanks to our ESOP committees!

This month, we have a multitude of fun-packed events that have been perfectly curated for our ESOP family, all based on at least one of our core values.

Month-Long Food Drive

The first week of the month saw the start of our month-long food drive to the Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB). The WCFB is one of only three Feeding America member food banks in the entire state of Massachusetts, providing food to tens of thousands of people every year. At the end of the month, we will weigh the collected donations to see just how much our team was able to rally together for the members of our local community that are experiencing food shortages, all the while demonstrating T&H’s commitment to social responsibility.

Family Feud Competition and Level 99 Adventure

Every Tuesday this October, the T&H crew will break out into teams for the month-long Family Feud competition. We even have our very own Steve Harvey! (pictured below). Not only will the weekly competition serve as a sure-fire cure for any lingering post-Monday blues, it will also foster friendly competition, a sense of togetherness, communication, and of course, a lot of laughter and light hearted entertainment! The competition started on October 3 and the final round will be held on October 24.

As we cannot seem to get enough friendly competition, our team brought their A-game at October 12’s Level 99 event. Level 99 is a one-of-a-kind destination where patrons have access to over 40 themed challenge rooms that are designed to test both their physical and mental capabilities in an effort to win challenges and collect rewards. (Again, have we mentioned just how much the T&H team loves some friendly competition?)

Anniversary Lunch and Website/Movie Premiere

On October 19, 2023, T&H turned 31 years old, so cue the “happy birthday” song! We were founded on October 19, 1992 by Donald J. Tata and Paul B. Howard. This exciting anniversary was celebrated by a company-wide catered lunch where we also discussed important company initiatives. Once the business portion of the day was completed, it was time for the party to start. The company hosted a premiere of both our new website (click around and check it out!) and new corporate video, both in-person and virtual for our team.

Other Planned ESOP Month Events

  • Represent Your Alma Mater Day where our team is encouraged to don a shirt or item of clothing representing their colleges.
  • An Owners Meeting followed by a suspenseful, immersive, and exciting Murder Mystery party.
  • A Halloween-themed party, and more!

This ESOP Month, let’s celebrate the power of shared ownership, dedication, and teamwork. Thank you for being part of our journey and for helping make our company the success that it is today.

 

The Crucial Role of Utility Asset Management: Providing Reliable Operations and Sustainable Infrastructure

From large power plants to water distribution networks, utility assets form the backbone of our modern-day society. They provide us with the essential services we rely on daily, from electricity to clean water and beyond. However, the sheer scale and complexity of these assets demand a systematic and strategic approach to maximize their optimal performance, safety, and longevity.

This is where asset management comes into play. Utility asset management is not only about providing smooth operations and reliable service delivery, but it also plays a pivotal role in building sustainable, future-ready systems that can withstand the challenges of a dynamic world.

So, let’s get into it!

The Basics: What is Asset Management?

Utility asset management is a systematic process in which utility companies can manage and maintain their physical assets, such as water, gas, electricity, and their corresponding infrastructures. These infrastructures can range from pipelines and power lines to meters and transformers, even staff, encompassing any essential utility delivery service and technology.

Utility asset management takes into account the entire lifecycle of an asset, from acquisition or construction to decommissioning or replacement. This type of “lifecycle evaluation” includes decisions on when to repair, refurbish, or replace assets based on specific factors, such as technological advancements, regulatory changes, and cost-effectiveness.

These programs provide utilities the opportunity to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all of their assets, including location, specifications, maintenance history, and current condition. All of these factors contribute to an effective plan for the safety, efficiency, durability, and reliability of these assets, while also maximizing the value of their investments over the asset’s lifespan.

Now that we’ve covered the what, let’s evaluate the why.

Why is Asset Management Necessary?

Knowledge is Power: A Predictive Maintenance Mindset

Try to think of asset management as a type of predictive maintenance: with asset management, utilities — like water works — can be proactive by utilizing available life cycle data and industry experience to anticipate just when maintenance is needed. These predictions further optimize maintenance schedules and can substantially reduce downtime and operational costs. Additionally, these programs allow for more sustainable infrastructure opportunities by offering details on potential issues, deterioration, or future risks, and provide other guidelines on how to prevent unexpected failures while simultaneously allowing for timely maintenance and/or repair.

High Scalability Meets Compliance Regulations

Asset management has a high scalability, making it a critical tool for all water, wastewater, stormwater, and public works systems, regardless of their size. Due to the adaptiveness of the program, utilities need to align their asset management efforts with relevant industry regulations and standards for optimal safety, environmental compliance, and public welfare. Like any kind of public works, utilities are subject to various environmental regulations that govern emissions, waste disposal, and resource usage.

What may be surprising to some is that utilities must also consider data security and privacy regulations. Protecting sensitive information related to assets, maintenance, and operations is essential to complying with data protection laws and other compliance regulations. (Yes, there’s loads of personally identifiable information on utility bills!)

Utility operations require permits and licenses from regulatory authorities, which are all collected during a preliminary assessment. Since asset management procedures involve tracking and renewing these permits, utilities can rest assured knowing that all necessary legal requirements are met.

By incorporating regulatory compliance into utility asset management, utilities receive continuous monitoring of regulatory changes, and often collaborate with legal and regulatory experts. Integrating compliance considerations into asset management strategies assists utility companies in maintaining operations that are lawful, safe, and environmentally responsible.

Endgame Goals

So, what is the end goal when implementing utility asset management? That’s easy: to continuously improve the reliability, safety, efficiency, and longevity of these assets while also optimizing costs and delivering high-quality services to customers.

Essentially, an effective utility asset management program results in (but is not limited to) the following:

  • Reduced operational costs
  • Improved service reliability
  • Minimized downtime
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction
  • Better resource allocation
  • Infrastructure stability
  • Operational resiliency
  • Community sustainability

How Can Tata & Howard Help?

At Tata & Howard, we start off a client’s asset management program by conducting a preliminary assessment of above and below ground infrastructures, staffing, and condition of assets. We review all existing documentation, records, drawings, and reports prior to the preliminary assessment. Once the pre-preliminary assessment has been completed, a site visit is arranged to review all of the utilities’ infrastructures and assets, and data is collected pertaining to equipment type, installation dates, capacities, manufacturers, model and serial numbers, and more; all of which is vital in providing our clients an in-depth and effective report.

So, what happens after our assessment? For starters, we provide utilities a full report on recommendations for prioritizing funds for individual asset replacement based on the criticality of the replacement, the current condition of the asset, its age, and any potential risks. Included is a Five-Year Asset Replacement Plan that includes an estimate of potential construction costs. Our findings and reports help utilities to allocate resources effectively by identifying which assets need immediate attention, which ones can be deferred, and which new investments will bring the most value in terms of performance improvement or cost savings.

In Conclusion

In summary, asset management planning is absolutely critical to the current and future health and maintenance of our utility supplies. It requires a combination of data-driven strategies, technological integration, and informed decision-making so that utility assets perform optimally throughout their lifecycle. At Tata & Howard, our team specializes in comprehensive utility asset management solutions. With years of experience, our team of experts is dedicated to delivering exceptional utility asset management services that empower water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities and companies to operate efficiently, meet regulatory requirements, and contribute to the well-being of the communities they serve.

AMI = ROI

How Advanced Metering Infrastructure Helps Water Systems Recapture Lost Revenue

According to the National Geographic Society, only 3% of our planet’s water is freshwater, and only 1.2% of that is safe for drinking. As our planet continues to experience climate change at alarming rates, the higher the demand is for clean drinking water. Meanwhile, our drinking water supplies continue to shrink. It is now more imperative than ever for us to focus our attention on sustaining our already limited water supplies.

AMR and AMI: What’s the Difference?

Automated meter reading (AMR) is a system that automatically collects data pertaining to the consumption of water and then sends the collected information to a centralized database where it is analyzed and used for billing purposes. AMR systems typically refer to a mobile or drive-by meter reading system.  This technological system replaces the need for a physical visual inspection and access to the customer’s property.  AMR systems, when reviewed with proper analysis, can greatly help both utility providers and customers to have better control over the use and production of their utilities.

An AMR fixed network is often referred to as an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and allows for real-time consumption readings, rather than relying on a technician to physically read meters.  AMI is a bit more technologically advanced than a mobile AMR system; the development of AMI has actually extended AMR technology by allowing a two-way communication system that has the ability to send and receive real-time water usage readings but can also receive and act on instructions and program changes sent from the meter reading software to the customers meter. These commands can be time-based pricing data, demand-response actions, remote service disconnects, and can even send alarms for leak detection, reverse flow, tamper, and other utility issues.

In today’s world, the data from an AMR system or AMI, whether mobile or fixed, is crucial. In the United States, seven billion gallons of clean, treated drinking water are lost every day. The lost water, or non-revenue water (NRW), is often a result of leaking pipes, water main breaks, theft, and improper accounting of water. Water audits are a phenomenal resource to help identify causes and costs that come with water loss, provide solutions for repairs and maintenance, and a higher return on investment.

In tandem with water audits, AMI offers providers the opportunity to learn more about their water usage (and therefore loss), and in turn be able to use that information to dispatch repair crews more quickly, reduce the number of outages and customer disputes, and leave room for further operational efficiencies. For customers, AMI provides them accurate and timely billing, more control over their consumptions and costs, and higher rates of customer satisfaction.

AMI Real Life Application

Tata & Howard, Inc. completed a water audit of a distribution system using data from 2013 to 2015. We used the American Water Works Association M36 water audit methods and found that the Town had nearly 400mg in NRW over the three years, equating to approximately $1,137,000 in lost revenue.

Let that number sink in.

As part of the water audit, we were able to help the Town find that an overwhelming amount of NRW loss was due to customer meter reading and billing errors. Our team was able to recommend administering a customer meter testing and replacement program, replacing their current customer billing system, implementing an AMI technology, and further documenting any unbilled or unmetered water use.

Tata & Howard has extensive experience working with municipalities and water companies to determine sources of water loss and with implementing AMI to mitigate losses. Contact us to learn how we can help your system save water — and money.

Donald J. Tata 2023 Scholarship Winners Announced

Tata & Howard presented the Donald J. Tata Engineering Scholarship Award to two deserving high school seniors this spring: Bennett Sonneborn from Natick High School and Emma Devens from Marlborough High School. Both are pursuing engineering degrees and exhibited not only exemplary GPA and grades in their classes, but were also involved in extracurricular activites and philanthropic initiatives. We had so much fun presenting them their big checks, and we wish them all the best on their college journeys. In the fall, Bennett is attending New York University and Emma is attending the Rochester Institute of Technology. 

The Donald J. Tata Engineering Scholarship Awards are annual scholarships given in honor of Tata & Howard co-founder Don Tata to deserving seniors from Natick and Marlborough High Schools who will be pursuing engineering degrees in college. 

Identifying Non-Revenue Water — And Why It Matters

In the United States, there are approximately 170,000 public drinking water systems, with 54,000 of them collectively delivering water to more than 264 million people, more than half of the country’s population. Unfortunately, due to the state of our nation’s drinking water system, limited infrastructure funds, and climate change, we are losing approximately seven billion gallons of water a day.

So where exactly is that water going?

Non-Revenue Water Crisis

Non-revenue water (NRW) is water that has been, essentially, dined and dashed, or water that has been consumed but not paid for by way of inaccurate meter reads or theft. Additionally, leaks in the system can be a major contributor to NRW.

With NRW comes two main types of loss: apparent and real loss. Apparent losses occur when water is delivered to the consumer but is either measured or metered incorrectly. Real losses occur when water is physically lost and never makes it to the consumer. While a very small amount of NRW comes from firefighting, hydrant flushing, municipal construction, and street sweeping, this is considered to be an “unbilled metered” source of NRW and is not considered a part of the “real loss” crisis. (You can find more information on different forms of NRW here.)

So, how does this affect the general public? Well, if you use less water, your monthly bill will go down, as with any typical utility. However, if water is being lost within the plumbing in your house, and there is a higher demand, your monthly bill will be raised. In fact, the average household in the US loses approximately 10,000 gallons of water a year, meaning NRW affects, quite literally, everyone.

Hundred-Year-Old Pipes

In the United States, there are an average of 240,000 water main breaks every year, with approximately 650 to 700 happening per day. Unfortunately, this information isn’t entirely shocking given that a large amount of our nation’s pipes and mains are over a hundred years old and in need of critical replacement in order to prevent further breaks. As it turns out, 75% of drinking water investment needs are for repairing and replacing leaky pipes.

Drinking water system component parts have an average life expectancy of fifteen to ninety-five years, so while new pipes are being added to expand our current systems, other parts are continuing to degrade. Degrading leads to water main and pipe leaks, which not only disrupt service to customers, but can also cause the subsurface of our roads and public infrastructures to erode which, when untreated, can eventually lead to road collapses and deteriorating building foundations. Just as concerning, broken or leaking pipes invite the potential for toxins and disease-causing pathogens to enter the water supply, causing water quality issues that require mitigation — yet another expense.

Why Water Audits?

To fix all of our water distribution systems, it would cost the United States approximately $200 billion, and almost half of that money would be allocated for water loss control. With water audits, the most critical areas can be identified first so the (already limited) funds can be dedicated solely to repairing the infrastructure. From there, water audits can help municipalities develop strategies and courses of action for future problem areas; recapture lost water; decrease the need for new sources, treatment plants, facility upgrades and expansions; and reduce the number of entry points to disease-causing pathogens.

Water audits follow the M36 Water Audit methodology from American Water Works Association (AWWA) and are an affordable and efficient solution to increasing water availability and helping to identify the costs and causes of water loss. In the past, Tata & Howard has been retained by the Towns of Wayland and Grafton, MA, and South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (SCCRWA) to complete water audits to determine the volume at which NRW is occurring, potential sources of the lost water, and make recommendations on how to reduce future water loss.

For more information on water loss control and the M36 methodology, take a look at our webinar here.

Celebrating Drinking Water Week

Recognizing the Criticality of Water — and Water Professionals

Every year during the first week of May, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and members of the water community celebrate Drinking Water Week, a week-long campaign dedicated to educating the public about the critical role clean water plays in our daily lives.

Drinking Water Week got its start in 1988 when the AWWA partnered with the League of Women Voters, the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to bring their mission to the attention of the U.S. Government. The outcome? President Ronald Reagan signed a joint congressional resolution and the annual, week-long educational movement has been a staple holiday within the water community ever since.

The (In)Accessibility of Clean Drinking Water

Water is our most vital and natural resource, and one of the four essential needs we as humans require in order to survive. Unfortunately, challenges surrounding our drinking water arise every day.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2020, only 74% of the global population (5.8 billion people) had access to a safely managed drinking-water service, meaning clean drinking water was located on site, was fully accessible, and free from any contaminants.

What about the remaining 26% of people?

  • 2 billion people had basic services, meaning they had access to an improved water source that was located within a 30 minute round trip;
  • 282 million people had limited services, or an improved water source that took more than 30 minutes to collect;
  • 368 million people drank water from unprotected wells and springs; and
  • 122 million people, unfortunately, collected untreated water from lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.

By ingesting untreated water, people run the high risk of contracting deadly diseases, like cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio (to name a few). What’s worse is that if people do not have access to clean drinking water, it also means that they do not have access to safe water for other sanitation reasons, like hand washing and cooking.

In 2010, the UN General Assembly explicitly recognized that access to clean water and sanitation was a basic human right. They ruled that every person on our planet has the right to sufficient, continuous, safe, acceptable, physically accessible and affordable water. At Tata & Howard, we stand by that.

Our Role in Drinking Water Week

In the past, Tata & Howard, along with our wonderful partners, have joined the AWWA’s mission. And this year is no different. As global citizens, we recognize the criticality of clean drinking water and the life-sustaining role it plays in our day-to-day activities. As water engineers, we also recognize the importance of the infrastructure required to distribute it among citizens, and want to highlight the crucial work of water professionals.

Here’s how you can do your part during Drinking Water Week:

  • Adopt-a-Hydrant Program: This program allows residents to “adopt” a local water hydrant of their choice and partner with their local fire department to keep fire hydrants clear of snow for the winter. This allows firefighters to swiftly access critical water supplies to be able to put out fires quickly. There are programs available for cities and towns all across Massachusetts.
  • Further educate yourself on your local water system! Visit your local water works’ website to learn about the inner workings of your community water system and see what methods of disinfection and filtration are being used.
  • Spread the word. Talk with your friends, family, coworkers, (anyone!) about their water supply concerns, educate them on how they can better use their own water supply, and teach them about the critical work of our water professionals.
  • Circulate the AWWA’s press and news releases amongst your friends and family.

“Access to clean, safe drinking water is vital to our daily health, hygiene and hydration,” said American Water Works Association CEO David LaFrance. “Professionals in the water sector work tirelessly to ensure we have affordable access to the high-quality water we need to strengthen our everyday life and broader communities today and in the future.”

We couldn’t agree more. To learn more about Drinking Water Week, visit the AWWA website here.

About Drinking Water Week

For several decades, AWWA and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week, a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together in recognizing the vital role water plays in daily lives. Free materials for download and additional information about Drinking Water Week are available on the Drinking Water Week webpage.