Tag: water audit

This Spring, Don’t Forget Your Water Audit!

During the spring, many municipalities focus on preparing their budgets, gearing up for Town Meetings, and planning for the upcoming year. During this time, it’s also important to focus on ways to improve your water system’s financial health, and a water audit is arguably the most cost-effective first step, providing an ROI in months rather than years. Conducting a water audit is an essential tool in not only ensuring the efficiency of your water infrastructure, but also in reducing unnecessary costs. The combination of technology such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and sound asset management practices makes now the perfect time of year to assess the state of your water system and plan for future upgrades.

Why Water Audits Matter

Spring is the perfect time for municipalities to evaluate their existing systems, including their water infrastructure. A thorough audit of your water system provides a comprehensive quantification of both consumption and losses within the distribution system and helps identify sources of lost water. Planning and budgeting for fixing these losses helps with resource management, operational performance, system integrity, and, of course, financial performance.

At Tata & Howard (T&H), we advocate for performing regular water audits. A water system audit looks at everything from the condition of water mains and service lines to the performance of the meters and billing system. When conducted alongside an asset management strategy, these audits give municipalities the information they need to make data-driven decisions about repairs and upgrades.

The Cost of Leaks and Inefficiencies

Leaks are a major problem for many municipalities and can be a significant hidden cost. According to the EPA, U.S. utilities lose an estimated 6 billion gallons of treated water every day due to leaks in the infrastructure. This means municipalities are wasting not only water but also the energy and costs associated with treating and distributing that water. A water system audit helps identify leaks early, saving money on both treatment and repair costs while ensuring that water is being used efficiently, naturally leading to conservation.

As an example, Tata & Howard, Inc. was retained by the Town of Wayland, MA to complete an AWWA M36 water audit of the water distribution system based on data and system information for a three-year period. The AWWA water audit results found that the Town’s cost of water lost during the three-year period was over a million dollars!

Leveraging AMI and Asset Management for Efficiency

In addition to the Town of Wayland’s water loss and associated costs, the water audit found 64% of the Town’s meters were over 15 years old and not providing accurate usage readings. To address the aging meters, Tata & Howard completed a water meter and AMI evaluation.

Modern technologies such as AMI can make water system audits more effective than ever. AMI allows municipalities to monitor water usage in real time, detecting leaks and inefficiencies before they turn into larger issues.

The Town of Wayland’s project included an evaluation of water meters, automatic meter reading (AMR) systems, and AMI systems for the Town of Wayland’s water distribution system in order to provide a recommendation for AMR/AMI technology to best suit the needs of the Town. AMI was found to be the most efficient and cost-effective solution.

Following the meter evaluation, we provided assistance with a request for proposal (RFP) for new water meters and AMI system, and we are currently assisting with the implementation of the AMI system and the installation of the water meters and RF endpoints for the Town.

Now that spring has (finally!) sprung, it is the ideal time to consider implementing AMI in your own municipality. Pairing AMI with a regular water system audit allows municipalities to proactively track their water usage, identify inefficiencies, and optimize water distribution.

Funding Opportunities for Water System Improvements

Spring is also a great time to explore available funding programs to support water system improvements. With funding opportunities available, municipalities can address aging infrastructure and implement modern technologies without breaking the bank. It’s important to remember that conducting a water system audit is an investment in the future, one that can unlock new pathways for funding and ensure that your municipality’s water system remains reliable and efficient for years to come.

A Strategic Approach to Long-Term Water System Sustainability

With spring officially here and the demand of summer close on its heels, municipalities should be focusing on taking stock of their infrastructure and planning for the future. Proactive water audits allow municipalities to identify leaks, address inefficiencies, and make necessary upgrades, all while leveraging available funding opportunities. By incorporating technologies like AMI and strategic asset management practices, municipalities can ensure their water systems operate at peak efficiency, preventing costly repairs and improving overall reliability.

At T&H, we’re here to help municipalities navigate the complexities of water system audits, ensuring their infrastructure remains in optimal condition for the long term.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Law Affects Small Community Water Systems

Effective October 1, 2018, Connecticut’s Department of Public Health (DPH) is requiring all small community water systems to complete Fiscal and Asset Management Plans by January 1, 2021 and update them annually. This new law effects small water companies that regularly serve communities of at least 25 but not more than 1,000 year-round residents.

The Fiscal and Asset Management Plan must include:

  1. A list of all the system’s capital assets;
  2. The asset’s (a) useful life, based on their current condition, (b) maintenance and service history, and (c) manufacturer’s recommendation;
  3. The small community water system’s plan for reconditioning, refurbishing, or replacing the assets; and
  4. Information on (a) whether the small community water system has any unaccounted-for water loss (i.e., water supplied to its distribution system that never reached consumers), (b) the amount and cause of such unaccounted-for water loss, and (c) measures the system is taking to reduce it.

Under the new law, each small community water system must also complete an initial assessment review of its hydropneumatic pressure tanks by May 2, 2019 on a form developed by the DPH.

Failure to complete or update their fiscal and asset management plans on or before January 1, 2021 maybe subject to civil penalties by DPH.

Compliance Concerns?

Tata & Howard has extensive experience with all facets of asset management planning and programming. Our services focus on condition assessment and analyses of critical capital assets, as well as operational evaluations, water audits to reduce unaccounted-for water, and long-term capital planning.  Initial hydropneumatic pressure tank inspections can be also be performed in time to comply with the DPH deadline of May 2, 2019.

In addition, Tata & Howard can help secure financing through grants, such as those available through the USDA Rural Development Water and Environmental Program.

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Asset Management

Tata & Howard has assisted numerous Water Companies with their Asset Management Planning.  Please contact us for more information.

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State Revolving Fund Loan Program

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), is now accepting Project Evaluation Forms (PEFs) for new drinking water and wastewater projects seeking financial assistance in 2019 through the State Revolving Fund (SRF).  The SRF offers low interest loan options to Massachusetts cities and towns to help fund their drinking water and clean water projects. PEFs are due to the MassDEP Division of Municipal Services by August 24, 2018, 12:00 PM.

Water Main ReplacementFinancing for The Clean Water SRF Program helps municipalities with federal and state compliance water-quality requirements, focusing on stormwater and watershed management priorities, and green infrastructure. The Drinking Water SRF Program, provides low-interest loans to communities to improve their drinking water safety and water supply infrastructure.

This year, the MassDEP Division of Municipal Services (DMS) announced the following priorities for SRF proposals.

  • Water main rehabilitation projects which include full lead service replacement (to the meter) – this is a high priority for eligibly enhanced subsidy under the Drinking Water SRF.
  • Reducing Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contaminants in drinking water.
  • Asset Management Planning to subsidize Clean Water programs.
  • Stormwater Management Planning for MS4 permit compliance and implementation.

In addition, Housing Choice Communities will receive a discount on their SRF interest rate of not less than 1.5%.

Summaries of the Intended Use Plans (IUP), will be published in the fall, which will list the project name, proponents, and costs for the selected projects. After a 30-public hearing and comment period, Congress will decide which programs may receive funding from the finalized IUPs.

To Apply for SRF Financing

Tata & Howard is experienced with the SRF financing process and is available to help municipalities develop Project Evaluation Forms along with supporting documentation, for their local infrastructure needs.

Please contact us for more information.

The MassDEP Division of Municipal Services are accepting Project Evaluation Forms until August 24, 2018 by 12:00 PM.

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We Can Help

For more information on the MassDEP State Revolving Fund and assistance preparing a PEF contact us.

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MassDEP Info

PFAS – Emerging Contaminants in Drinking Water

Health Advisory Guidelines for Per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances Detected in Public Water Systems

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced in early June, and through the Office of Research and Standards (ORS), its recommendations on the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR 3) for emerging contaminants-specifically Perflourinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS).

PFAS or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of man-made compounds that include perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perffluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perflouroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS).

US map of PFASAccording the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all these UCMR 3 PFAS compounds have been detected in public water supplies across the US. Since PFAS are considered emerging contaminants, there are currently no established regulatory limits for levels in drinking water. However, in 2016, the EPA set Health Advisory levels (HA) of 0.07 micrograms per liter (µg/L) or 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for the combined concentrations of two PFAS compounds, PFOS and PFOA.

MassDEP’s ORS established drinking water guidelines that follows the EPA’s recommendations for health advisory levels at 70 ppt, which applies to the sum total of five PFAS chemicals – PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHXS, and PFHpA.  And, if the level of contamination poses unacceptable health risks to its customers, Public Water Systems (PWS) must take action to achieve safe levels. They also must provide public notice.

The EPA and MassDEP’s recommended guidelines for PFAS include:

  • Public Water Suppliers take immediate action to reduce levels of the five PFAS to be below 70 ppt for all consumers.
  • Susceptible health-risk groups (pregnant women, infants, and nursing mothers) should stop consuming water when the level is above 70 ppt.
  • Public Water Systems must provide a public Health Advisory notice.

Water testingThe EPA also recommends that treatment be implemented for all five PFAS when one or more of these compounds are present.

Although, PFAS are no longer manufactured in the United States, PFAS are still produced internationally and can be imported in to the country1.  PFAS have been in use since the 1940’s and are persistent chemicals that don’t breakdown, accumulate over time in the environment and in the human body.  Evidence shows that prolonged exposure PFAS can have adverse effects on human health and the ecology.

PFAS can be found in:

  • Agricultural products grown in PFAS-contaminated soil or water, and/or handled with PFAS-containing equipment and materials.
  • Drinking water contaminated from chemical groundwater pollution from stormwater runoff near landfills, wastewater treatment plants, and firefighter training facilities2.
  • Household products, including nonstick products (e.g., Teflon), polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning products, and stain and water-repellent fabrics.
  • Firefighting foams2, which is a major source of groundwater contamination at airports and military bases where firefighting training occurs.
  • Industrial facilities that manufactured chrome plating, electronics, and oil recovery that use PFAS.
  • Environmental contamination where PFAS have built-up and persisted over time – including in fish, animals and humans.

While most states are relying on the EPA’s Health Advisory levels (including Massachusetts), some, such as Connecticut, Minnesota, New Jersey, Arizona, and Colorado have addressed other UCMR 3 PFAS pollutants as well.

Boy drinking waterMost research on the effects of PFAS on human health is based on animal studies. And, although there is no conclusive evidence that PFAS cause cancer, animal studies have shown there are possible links. However, PFAS ill-health effects are associated with changes in thyroid, kidney and liver function, as well as affects to the immune system.  These chemicals have also caused fetal development effects during pregnancy and low birth weights.

PFAS are found at low levels throughout our environment—in foods we consume and in household products we use daily. PFAS in drinking water at levels higher than the EPA’s recommendations does not necessarily mean health risks are likely. Routine showering and bathing are not considered significant sources of exposure. And, while it is nearly impossible to eliminate all exposure to these chemicals, the risk for adverse health effects would likely be of concern if an individual continuously consumed higher levels of PFAS than the guidelines established by the EPA’s Health Advisory.

MassDEP is continuing its research and testing for PFAS in Public Water Systems.  Large Public Drinking Water Systems have already been tested and sampling indicated that approximately 3% had levels of PFAS detected. MassDEP is currently working with smaller Public Water Systems to identify areas where PFAS may have been used or discharged to the environment.

As more information and regulations develop on this emerging contaminant, MassDEP will continue to communicate their findings. Tata & Howard is also available for any questions that may arise, as well as, assist with testing and recommend treatment options for our clients.

 

1 In 2006, the EPA and the PFA industry formed the PFOA Stewardship program to end the production of PFAs.

2 MassDEP in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (MassDFS), announced in May a take-back program to remove hazardous pre-2003 firefighting foam stockpiles and be neutralized. Manufacturers stopped making PFAS foam in 2002 and have since developed fluorine-free and more fluorine stable foams that are safer to the environment.

The Importance of Incorporating Sustainability and Efficiency into Modern Water Treatment

sustainability conceptMunicipal water treatment and distribution requires an exorbitant amount of resources, wreaking havoc on the environment and on budgets. And it’s getting worse. Over the past several years, operating costs have consistently been on the rise, while municipal budgets continue to shrink. In addition, regulatory requirements are increasing, forcing municipalities to upgrade treatment processes ahead of schedule. These changes result in limited unsustainable systems and utilities scrambling to find ways to manage their insufficient operational budgets while maintaining levels of service. The good news is that low-cost initiatives exist that can provide quick and significant cost and environmental savings and increase system sustainability.

When incorporating sustainability into water systems, utilities consistently rank capital cost, life-cycle costs, and service lifetime as the top three considerations, while climate change and habitat protection are the lowest ranked factors. These statistics highlight the extreme fiscal challenges facing utilities today. While environmental factors are certainly important, water systems simply do not have the luxury to place them above financial concerns, as budgets are reaching a critical juncture. In short, cost drives decision-making. Fortunately, energy efficiency and sustainability result in a healthier environment, even when implemented primarily for cost-savings.

wayland water treatment plant
Tata & Howard completed a water audit for the Town of Wayland, MA.

There are many technologies and practices that water systems employ to increase sustainability and energy efficiency, the most common of which is reducing non-revenue water (NRW). NRW includes real losses, the majority of which is the result of leaks in the distribution system. In fact, the United States loses about seven billion gallons of water every day to leaking pipes — enough to supply the nation’s ten largest cities with water — and this lost water puts a strain on supply, budgets, and the environment. Reducing NRW is most easily accomplished with a water audit, which helps water systems identify the causes and true costs of water loss, and develop strategies to reduce water loss and recapture lost revenue. Water audits are often the most cost-effective and efficient solution to increasing demand, and the return on investment of a water audit is typically less than one year. Effective water loss control programs reduce the need for facility upgrades and expansions as well as the need to find additional sources, while the recovered water helps systems to generate revenue and meet demand. In addition, an effective water loss control program protects public health by identifying the leaks from which disease‐causing pathogens can enter the system.

Other technologies and practices include educating customers on water conservation, source water protection planning, automated meter reading, and trenchless pipe repair, as well as energy audits. When water utilities decide to integrate sustainability and efficiency into their operations and infrastructure, the best place to start is with water loss. Water loss reduction initiatives tend to have a quick return on investment while providing significant cost and environmental savings. Once the effects of these savings are realized, implementing other green initiatives becomes more appealing and justifiable to management and water boards.

long pond water treatment plant
The newly completed 8.0 mgd DAF Long Pond Water Treatment Plant incorporates several energy efficiency and sustainability features.

For new treatment plants, incorporating sustainability and efficiency features into the initial design allows the plant to function at a superior efficiency level right from the start. As an example, Tata & Howard provided design, permitting, and construction services for the new Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) Long Pond Water Treatment Plant in Falmouth, MA. The project consisted of the construction of a new 8.0 mgd water treatment plant (WTP) for the existing Long Pond surface water supply.  The existing Long Pond Pump Station, constructed in the 1890s, operated under a Filtration Waiver issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and did not include filtration processes to remove algae, organics, or particulates from the water.  The new WTP provides the Town with several key benefits:

  • Meets the current regulatory requirements of the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule;
  • Reduces disinfection by-products and organics;
  • Removes pathogens, taste, odor, and algae/algae toxins;
  • Produces stable water quality;
  • Provides the flexibility to meet uncertain future regulatory and water quality challenges.

In addition to providing a solution to the water challenges faced by the Town of Falmouth, the Long Pond WTP also provided more sustainable and efficient operations, saving the Town money while also protecting the environment. Some of these initiatives included the following:

  • Recycling spent backwash water to head of plant and back into the treatment process, after it passes through a plate settler to remove solids;
  • Recycling laboratory analyzer and filter influent piping gallery analyzer discharges back into the treatment process;
  • Using filter-to-waste water after a filter backwash sequence as supply water for the next backwash, instead of using finished water for backwashing;
  • Discharging cleaner supernatant water off the top of the lined lagoons to an unlined infiltration lagoon and back into the ground to minimize residuals;
  • Use of local/native plants for landscaping, including an irrigation system using collected rainwater from roof drainage;
  • Interior and exterior LED lighting fixtures; and
  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on HVAC equipment and process equipment motors.

sustainability conceptEfficiency and sustainability are no longer considered luxuries for water systems. Rather, incorporating green initiatives into infrastructure design and operational standards has become crucial to the future sustainability of water systems. And while utilities today value cost-effectiveness over environmentalism due to the criticality of their budgets, there will likely be a shift in thinking as these systems ease the burden of their unsustainable operational costs through effective practices such as efficiency and water loss reduction.

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Prioritizing Asset Management in Ontario, Canada

water-infrastructureEach municipality and utility is responsible for making sure that its assets, including water, wastewater, and/or stormwater systems, stay in good working order, regardless of the age of its components or the availability of additional funds. This requirement makes properly maintaining and monitoring assets paramount. With limited resources, an asset management plan can help municipalities and utilities maximize the value of their capital as well as their operations and maintenance dollars. Asset management is a scalable approach that can be utilized by all types of systems, of any size.

A Nation’s Infrastructure in Crisis

The 2016 Canadian Infrastructure Report card states that over one-third of Canada’s municipal infrastructure is in fair, poor, or very poor condition, and at risk of rapid decline. With the support of the federal government, Ontario municipalities are embarking on an unprecedented renewal phase of these critical assets, recognizing that Canadians rely on this infrastructure for their quality of life.  The Ministry of Infrastructure released its guide to asset management planning and has made funding available to small, rural, and northern municipalities in Ontario to develop and implement asset management plans.

In addition, as part of the New Building Canada Plan, the renewed federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) was announced in the 2013 Economic Action Plan as a long-term, stable source of funding for municipal infrastructure. Implemented as a means of addressing the infrastructure funding gap, the GTF will provide $10.4 billion to Canada’s municipalities through 2018. Because Canada recognizes the criticality of an up-to-date asset management plan, the renewed GTF prioritizes long-term capital planning and asset management. The Province of Ontario has moved a step further, actually requiring each municipality to build and implement an asset management plan.

Setting Rates Based on Sound Financial Planning

water-funding It is apparent that financial planning for municipalities and utilities must be based on sound asset condition projections from an engineering and operations perspective – not just financial assumptions. Customers are often adamantly against rate and tax increases; however, these sometimes-unavoidable increases are easier for customers to understand — and accept — when they are backed up with clear data showing exactly what system improvements are needed and why. There are many costs associated with municipality and utility operations and maintenance. One of these is the cost of asset ownership, a cost element not currently present in the audited financial statements of many municipalities and utilities. An asset management approach can aid municipalities and utilities in understanding the true costs associated with ownership and operation along with complying with government regulations.

Budgeting Focused on Critical Activities

An asset management program helps to identify exactly what maintenance and repair work is necessary, eliminating guesswork. Targeting municipalities’ admittedly limited funds to pipes, roads, structures, and other critical assets that are most in need of rehabilitation or replacement, rather than randomly selected  assets, allows municipalities to stretch their infrastructure dollars and to proactively avoid critical asset failure. This methodology also creates the opportunity to utilize the savings to accomplish other system goals. Examples of the opportunities are as follows:

Meeting Consumer Demands with a Focus on System Sustainability

ontario-manhole-coverFinding and detecting failures such as leaks in the system can prevent water loss as well as reduce energy consumption of treating and pumping water that never makes it to the customer. Reducing water loss eases demand on water systems, allowing for smaller, lower cost infrastructure and reducing water shortages. Also, reduced energy consumption allows systems to run greener and more cost-effectively. Thoughtful investments in critical assets can extend the life of those assets by several years, providing a significant return on investment. And by maintaining critical assets rather than prematurely replacing them, customers enjoy better, more consistent service for lower cost.

Better Data Management

Through accurate data collection, municipalities and utilities can expect significant benefits from an asset management approach. Collecting, sharing, and analyzing data about a distribution system helps utilities make better informed decisions on maintaining, rehabilitating, and replacing aging assets. Utilities can also use this data to better communicate with their governing bodies and the public. In addition, asset management helps communicate information across departments and coordinate planning and decision-making related to infrastructure needs and improvement plans.

In Conclusion

There is a difference between a cost and an investment, and asset management is a true investment in municipalities’ and utilities’ future.  It helps systems to provide better service at a lower cost with reduced risk and improved financial planning options. Asset management results in better decision-making and supports the long-term success of a municipality or utility’s mission, goals, and objectives. With Ontario’s groundbreaking legislation, municipalities and utilities now have an unprecedented opportunity to improve and rehabilitate crucial assets with the full support of local government.

Rhonda E. Harris, P.E., MBA, WEF Fellow, IAM Certified

Rhonda E. Harris, P.E., MBA, WEF Fellow, IAM Certified
Vice President and Global Director of Asset Management

Rhonda has over 40 years of experience in managing and administering a variety of facilities and programs in the water environment industry. She has been actively involved on an international level in addressing issues of water and sanitation through leadership and participation in the top water professional organizations in the world. As a Past President of WEF, an elected member of The International Water Academy (TIWA), an Honorary Member of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), a member of the Executive Committees of LakeNet and The Inter-American Water Resource Network (IWRN), and participant in a number of additional non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the water sector, she has worked for change and improvement of the global water environment for many years. She holds a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, and an M.B.A. degree in Business Administration from Southern Methodist University.

Rhonda can be reached at 214-697-0109 or rharris@tataandhoward.com.

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