Tag: water utilities

Smart Capital Planning for Water and Wastewater Utilities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capital Planning

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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.

Risk & Resilience Assessments And ERPs

Questions Concerning New AWIA Requirements? We’ve got answers.

Community water systems that serve more than 3,300 people are required to complete a Risk and Resilience Assessment as well as develop an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) under Section 2013 of America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018.

What is a Risk and Resilience Assessment?

Risk and Resilience Assessments evaluate the vulnerabilities, threats, and consequences from potential hazards, including:

  • Natural hazards and malevolent acts
  • Resilience of water facility infrastructure
  • Monitoring practices
  • Financial systems
  • Chemical storage and handing
  • Operation and maintenance

With this new requirement, utilities must conduct the assessment and submit certification of its completion to the U.S. EPA by:

  • March 31, 2020 if serving >= 100k people
  • December 31, 2020 if serving 50k-99,999 people
  • June 30, 2021 if serving 3,301 to 49,999 people

When do water utilities need to get their Risk and Resilience Assessments re-certified?

Your utility must review the Risk and Resilience Assessment and submit a re-certification to the U.S. EPA every five years.

What is included in an ERP for drinking water utilities?

ERPs are critical for drinking water utilities as they provide plans and procedures for responding to a natural hazard or malevolent act that threatens safe drinking water. Preparing and practicing an ERP can save lives, prevent illness, enhance security, minimize property damage and lessen liability. Included in the plan are actions and identified equipment that are necessary to lessen the impact of a natural hazard, including alternative water sources and the relocation of intakes and flood protection barriers.

When do water utilities need to certify completion of their ERPs?

After completion of the risk and resiliency assessment, utilities must develop or update an Emergency Response Plan and certify completion to US EPA no later than six months after the risk and resiliency assessment certification.

When do water utilities need to get their ERPs re-certified?

Within six months of submitting the re-certification for the risk and resilience assessment, utilities must certify they have reviewed and, if necessary, revised, their emergency response plan.

Where can I find more information?

The U.S. EPA has a wealth of information on their website regarding these two new requirements. Use the links below to learn more.

Tata & Howard Can Help

Tata & Howard offers consulting services to assist water suppliers in completing the Risk and Resilience Assessment as well as update Emergency Response Plans to meet AWIA requirements. In addition, Tata & Howard offers flexible, one- and two-day training programs to assist water utilities and operators in obtaining the required ERP training. Training programs are approved for 7 Training Contact Hours by the MA board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities.

For additional guidance, assistance with meeting the AWIA requirements, or to schedule an ERP training session, please contact Michael Knox, Client Service Specialist at 508.925.7559 or by email at MKnox@TataandHoward.com.

Giving Thanks – for Water!

It is widely known how important water is to our lives and the world we live in. Our body and planet is comprised of about 70% water – making it seem like it is easily accessible and plentiful. However, when you rule out our oceans and ice caps, less than 1% of all the water on Earth is drinkable. Of that less than 1%, groundwater only accounts for 0.28% of fresh water around the globe. Safe drinking water is a privilege we often take for granted while we brush our teeth or drink a glass of water in the morning. While we are giving thanks to our family, friends, and food during Thanksgiving, we should also give big thanks for our clean drinking water and the people who make it happen.

The Importance of Clean Water 

hauling_water_in_malawi
Villagers in Malawi travel miles to find and transport water which is rarely safe for human consumption.

Keeping yourself hydrated can do wonders for your health. The benefits water provides for our bodies range from relieving headaches, flushing toxins out of the body, improving mood, helping with weight loss, and relieving fatigue. In the U.S., we are fortunate enough to have some of the cleanest drinking water anywhere in the world to keep us healthy and safe. In other countries and for some 783 million people, that is not the case. Many do not have access to sufficient drinking water and the water they do have often contains dangerous pathogens. Often, unclean water sources are miles from villages and some people are forced to spend hours each day simply finding and transporting water. The typical container used for water collection could weigh between 40 and 70 pounds when filled. Imagine how difficult it would be to carry the equivalent of a 5-year-old child for three hours out of each day just to have water to drink. With so many people not having access to clean drinking water around the world, it is important to appreciate the plentiful and safe drinking water we have here in America.

W_WW_treatment_INFOGRAPHIC
A visual diagram of water and wastewater distribution systems. Click the image to see full size.

A Special Thanks for the People Who Make Our Water Safe

When looking at America’s clean water, it is especially important to give special thanks to the water and wastewater utilities that work nonstop to give us some of the cleanest drinking water in the world. Despite the fact that our country has beautiful rivers and lakes, the water that comes from them to our taps goes through several processes that require a lot of work and maintenance. Our water and wastewater utilities maintain some of the highest standards in the world when it comes to drinking water, and new innovations for treatment and distribution are always being researched and implemented. Water and wastewater employees work tirelessly to meet regulatory requirements and preserve local waterways despite major setbacks like deteriorating infrastructure and shrinking funding for necessary projects. On top of treating our water, utilities are responsible for keeping their distribution systems running efficiently and also to being stewards to the environment through improving effluent quality. Our water utilities are arguably the most important utilities in the nation because water is so crucial to our survival.

In Conclusion

We are so incredibly fortunate here in the United States to not have to think twice about the purity of water from the tap, a glass of water in a restaurant, a highway rest stop, an airport, or motel – all thanks to our water and wastewater utilities. For that, we should be especially thankful. This Thanksgiving, be sure to give special thanks for having safe drinking water and to the dedicated, hard-working people at water and wastewater utilities.

Smart Grid Water Networks: Part of the Water Efficiency Arsenal

Water-Grid-FeatureThe impacts of global climate change have driven governments, businesses, and communities around the world to consider efficiency and conservation in all areas of our lives, rethink business plans, and reconsider the relationships between people and resources to create a more sustainable future.

Nowhere is this focus on sustainability clearer than in water utilities. Faced with an aging distribution infrastructure in need of overhauling, growing populations, and shrinking supply, utilities are struggling with developing innovative, yet cost effective, ways to maintain and improve already maxed out water systems.

Just as smart metering has shed light on our energy use, utilities, environmental groups, and governments are beginning to look to smart metering to help with water conservation.

What is Smart Networks and Metering? AMI vs. AMR

A smart water network – or smart grid for water – may be the next big thing as communities around the world come to terms with water scarcity and the need for water conservation.  The crux of the smart water network is advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) technology. AMI can provide a remote and constant two-way communication link between utilities, meters and consumers via the usual communications technologies (broadband, fiber optic cable, wireless, etc.).

As a key component of a smart water network, smart water meters integrated with sensing technologies give water utilities advanced tools for more efficiently measuring water consumption and providing water customers with data to help them monitor their water usage and reduce costs.  Often known as “smart lite”, advanced meter reading (AMR) technology, one-way information gathering from customer to utility is seen as a cost effective approach to accurate billing and leakage. This solves the bulk of many water utility needs.

Benefits – Knowledge is Power

Smart metering increases the information available to the customer which helps them better understand and curb their water use.

Preliminary investigation indicates that customers with displays are more likely to use less water. However, installing monitors at each customer site may come with a price tag water utilities find difficult to afford. As a result, many elect less expensive ways to provide consumption details, such as Web sites or printouts enclosed with bills. Although surveys indicate that customers prefer the on-site display, web portals are another effective method to link concerned customers to information on how to lower consumption and/or bills.

Smart metering also delivers valuable data to utilities. For example, utilities can use the data collected to detect customer-premises leaks from their end. Utilities could also use the technology to identify possible leaks at commercial and industrial properties with round-the-clock water use.

More over, according to UN-Water, approximately 8% of the world’s energy production is used for pumping, treating and transporting water. Saved water means saved energy—a double benefit—and a better future for generations to come.

Smart water networks have evolved to the point where they can reliably produce the benefits described above, within very reasonable payback periods. While many jurisdictions are contemplating extreme measures – water rationing, desalinization plants, building canals hundreds of miles long – smart water networks can reclaim 20% to 40% of water that is typically lost to leaks and theft, according to SmartGridNews.com.

So What’s the Catch?

While there are increasing studies looking at the benefits and uses of smart metering, utilities are not overlooking the price tag that comes along with the technology.    Additionally, the jury is still out whether or not customers will embrace yet another judgement on their lifestyle.  In the early days of energy metering, some utilities paid big bucks to have local  energy use comparisons printed on customer bills.  The frowning face on high energy-use customers’ bills did very little to encourage conservation and win over utilities good intentions with the public.

There are still many challenges in network understanding and costs analysis that make smart water networks slow in development. Despite the many benefits, justifying the implementation of the technology to support smart metering will require cooperation and support from local and regional governments, communities, and above all, customers.

Careful planning and close scrutiny of all the costs associated with implementing a smart water network will allow utilities to plan for scaleable implementation of this technology.