Phase I of the water audit, Non-revenue Water Data Collection and Validity Review, for the City of Brookline water system collected and reviewed the validity of the system data. The results of Phase I were used to assist in completing the water audit.
As part of Phase I, the four master meters recording the flow from the wholesale supplier were visited and visually inspected. The meters were evaluated to determine if the operating conditions were appropriate for each meter. It was determined that inspection and calibration of one of the meters was not completed in some time which may be the cause of the high nonrevenue water in the system.
A Data Validity score based on a preliminary review of the system data was calculated. The score provides a level of confidence in the data provided for an audit. As part of Phase I, recommendations were provided to increase the Data Validity score and the accuracy of the data for the next phases of the water audit.
Phase II of the Water Audit included preparation of the water audit report and evaluation of the infrastructure leakage index (ILI). The work was conducted using the guidelines outlined by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) in Water Audits and Loss Control Programs, Manual of Water Supply Practices – M36, Third Edition, published in 2009.
A water audit was conducted according to the guidelines outlined by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) in Water Audits and Loss Control Programs, Manual of Water Supply Practices – M36, Third Edition. The data reviewed and analyzed included the volume pumped for each source, source meter errors/calibration, the volume of water imported/exported, billed and unbilled consumption, recorded leakage, main breaks, and unauthorized consumption.
Key performance indicators, including Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI) and non-revenue water, were evaluated to track management of the water utility. Based on the results of the audit, recommendations were made to improve system operation and reduce non-revenue water. Although the RWA’s non-revenue water water rate was around 15%, the audit confirmed that the RWA’s Infrastructure Leakage Index or ILI was at industry best practice levels, confirming that apparent losses made up the majority of RWA’s water loss.
The recommendations in the audit report included verification of flows at ten production meters, where serious over-reporting of flow was identified. As a result of this work, two of the production meters were replaced in 2013, including a 54-inch diameter venturi tube at the RWA’s main source. The audit report also confirmed statistical analysis of customer meter testing that led to a decision to focus meter replacement work on piston-type meters while leaving older but more statistically accurate nutating disc-type meters in service for longer periods.
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition (CMRSWC)
Tata & Howard is working with communities in south-central Massachusetts under a project funded by a Community Innovation Challenge (CIC) Grant. Of more than 120 applications received, this stormwater project was one of few that was fully funded, which demonstrates the importance of the work and the value to the region. This project, which is supported by MassDEP, DCR, Blackstone River Coalition, and many others, is highly regarded in the industry. Tata & Howard moderated several workshops with participating communities to determine the most essential tasks for this project as well as the critical content of each task. Based on the needs identified by these workshops, the project includes 31 key tasks, detailed below, all of which are directly related to stormwater:
Click on the CMRSWC logo to visit their website.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Template
Develop a Methodology to Reach a Common Benchmark (Standard Operating Procedures)
Develop a Training DVD/CD
Initial Development and Ongoing Maintenance of an Educational Website
Develop a Sump Pump Discharge Policy, a Salt/Sand Application Decision Tree, and a Stormwater BMP Toolbox
Develop a Request for Proposals for General Consulting Services
Develop Online Database for Data Management
Integrate Stormwater System Mapping
Cost/Benefit Analysis of a Regional Stormwater Laboratory
Develop a Drainage Extension Approach that Mirrors Inflow Data and Priorities
Develop Facility-Specific Figures for Incorporation into the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Template
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Documentation Packet
Purchase and Set-Up of Two Leica CS25 Vivas
In-The-Field Training on PeopleForms with Tablet Devices
Expand Year One Tasks to 17 Additional Communities
Expand FY 2012 Integrated Mapping with Additional Infrastructure
This project included installation of 850 linear feet of 8-inch diameter water main, installation of 450 linear feet of new drainage, sidewalks, and roadway reconstruction on Park Avenue. The work included temporary bypass piping for the duration of the project. The project was funded by a CDBG grant.
Tata & Howard also provided engineering services for the installation of new 8-inch diameter water mains on Green Street, Lincoln Street, and Squier Avenue. The project included the installation of drainage pipe and catch basins as well as roadway reconstruction and new sidewalks. The project was funded by a CDBG Grant.
Since 2009, Tata & Howard has worked with the City of Newton, Massachusetts on water main improvement projects throughout the water system. In total, the designs have included over seven miles of cleaning and lining and over eight miles of new 8-inch and 12-inch diameter water mains.
Our services have included design, completion of an Opinion of Probable Cost for construction, construction administration and resident observation. Plans were created using available GIS data from the City and field verification. The majority of the work has been funded through MWRA. A recent design included a new 12-inch diameter water main on Washington Street. Work includes cutting concrete panels, backfilling with Controlled Density Fill, and traffic management.
Tata & Howard is providing all engineering support services related to the operation of and modifications to the Town’s wastewater collection, pumping, and treatment systems including preparation of a Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) and preparation of a comprehensive Infiltration/Inflow (I/I) Evaluation. In addition, we are providing all ongoing support services related to the preparation of a Capacity, Management, Operations, and Maintenance (CMOM) program to meet US EPA’s regulations as well as technical assistance on the renewal of the Town’s NPDES permit. Included in this project is the preparation of the Town’s I/I control plan and all annual updates, preparation of the Town’s sewer use regulations and standard specifications for sewer construction, review of plans for all private developments, and review of all applications for industrial wastewater connection permits and pretreatment reports.
All services related to I/I identification, evaluation, and removal performed on the Milford’s sewer system, which consists of approximately 100 miles of interceptor sewers and mains, including an innovative sump pump removal program, has resulted in a dramatic reduction in extraneous flow to the system.
Tata & Howard conducted an energy efficiency study on the aeration blowers and pumps at the Rio and Wildcat Hill treatment plants. The testing showed that modifications to these systems have the potential to save the City approximately $250,000 in annual electrical costs and $445,000 in APS rebate funds for the modifications. Pumping systems had efficiencies as low as 20%. Pumps and blowers were oversized to meet peak and future demands but not efficient at low flows or off peak flows. Energy usage per million gallons treated of 2,170 KWH/MG with cogeneration and 2,804 KWH/MG at the Rio plant, with national average usage of 1,750 KWH/MG.
The project included the testing of blowers and pumps at two reclaimed water plants; review of all the wells, pressure reducing valves, boosters, and splits for energy savings; further evaluation of the turbo blowers and barscreens; and an evaluation of the replacement of the biogas piping for use in cogeneration.
Presentation:
Abstract: In Arizona, the Arizona Public Service (APS) estimates that water systems use 1/7th of all the power used in the State. From the APS testing program, it is estimated that 60 to 70 percent of all pumps have tested below industry standards or changes in operations are needed to operate more efficient. This presentation discusses the findings associated with energy studies completed for a small water supply system (Kachina Village Improvement District) and for a large system (City of Flagstaff, Arizona). The studies show that any water and/or wastewater system, regardless of size can benefit from an energy audit. The studies resulted in significant annual savings, potential rebates from APS to offset replacement costs, high return on investments, while promoting green initiatives.
Tata & Howard is working on a five year infiltration/inflow (I/I) control plan for Cherry Valley Sewer District (CVSD) in Leicester, Massachusetts. The program consists of flow monitoring, field investigation, and rehabilitation to the wastewater collection system.
In year one of the program, continuous flow, groundwater, and rainfall monitoring took place in the spring to collect data for program analysis. Simultaneous to the monitoring, manhole inspections were performed to assess I/I potential from manholes.
Year two consisted of a data analysis of the flow monitoring results of year one. The results of this data analysis from the I/I control plan provided guidance to moving forward with I/I investigation.
Field investigation commenced in year three of the program with smoke testing being completed throughout the collection system. To follow up with results from the manhole inspection, manhole rehabilitation was performed on manholes in which I/I was evident.
Year four focused on field investigations. A large section of the collection system was inspected via closed circuit television (CCTV). Follow up building inspections were also performed in areas where sump pump connections were suspected to be an issue. Year four also focused on system operation and maintenance. Documents were created for CVSD to focus on operations and maintenance of the system, and specifically for the manhole which houses the system flow meter into Worcester.
Year five is consisting of further CCTV investigation and a final report to summarize the project and provide recommendations on moving forward with investigations. Future work is anticipated to focus around GIS aspects of the system and working with CVSD to maintain records and reduce I/I by being proactive with investigation and maintenance.
Tata & Howard conducted an alternatives analysis for the collection and disposal of the 80,000 gpd of wastewater anticipated from the Medway Industrial Park at full build out. The study included investigations of on site treatment and subsurface effluent disposal, intermunicipal connections, and/or a pump station with force main and gravity sewer to provide sewers to the Industrial Park. Upon completion of the study, Tata & Howard was retained to design a new sewer interceptor and pump station to service the industrial park.
Tata & Howard completed the design of 18,000 linear feet of 8-inch and 18-inch diameter gravity interceptor sewer and a dedicated pump station with force main to service the Medway Industrial Park. The pump station is a wet well mounted suction lift pump station with a capacity of 500 gallons per minute and it includes a dedicated standby generator with automatic transfer switch.
Tata & Howard prepared a wastewater treatment and disposal alternative analysis for the Town of Ayer. The analysis evaluated alternative plans for treatment and disposal of wastewater utilizing the Town’s existing wastewater treatment facility, a proposed regional wastewater treatment facility, or a combination of both facilities.
The alternative analysis estimated the wastewater flows and loadings, assessed the condition and capacity of the existing plant unit processes, and recommended improvements to meet the future service needs over the next 20 years. Tata & Howard designed upgrades to the existing main wastewater pump station which pumps the entire volume of wastewater generated in Ayer.
In addition to the overall rehabilitation of the pump station, Tata & Howard designed the addition of new pumping facilities to divert wastewater to the nearby regional wastewater treatment facility at the former Fort Devens, now managed by Mass Development. The main wastewater pump station has a peak capacity of 4.0 mgd and includes four wastewater pumps with a capacity of 2,800 gpm. The upgrades included new variable frequency drives for the pumps and new SCADA.
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