ENHANCE YOUR WATER DISTRIBUTION MONITORING PROGRAM WITH FIELD DATA

COLLECTION CLOUD-BASED SOLUTIONS

Pam MossHach

Application Development Manager

NC AWWA-WEA SPRING SYMPOSIUMMarch 26, 2018

OVERVIEW

We, as water industry professionals, have recognized for several decades the importance of monitoring water quality in the water distribution system.

To assure a high quality product & to protect the public heath, we must monitor our raw water, our plant processes, & the water distribution system.

One challenge has been to get the analytical data from the distribution system to the plants quickly so that managers can make more timely data driven decisions.

Many of our water utilities have installed process analytical probes and analyzers at key points in the distribution system to monitor water quality but we all know that this does not give a full picture.

OVERVIEW

We have relied on grab sampling data from a field technician as part of the monthly microbiological sampling program. That data is only brought back into the WTP lab after a day of sampling so that data may be 3 to 5 hours old before reviewed. So, how can we get that data in real time?

This presentation will look at new Cloud based solutions for field data collection for not only the monthly microbiological sampling program but also for other field sampling programs such as watershed monitoring data as well any other field data collection needs.

This presentation will review how two utilities are taking advantage of these new technologies in their water quality programs.

WATER QUALITY IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM –HOW DO WE MONITOR?

Compliance = Microbiological, THMs / HAAs, Lead & Copper, etc.

Customer Complaints

Line breaks

New line installations

Purchase Water / Sell Water

Process Analyzers / Probes at elevated & ground storage tanks, at critical sites such as hospitals, master meter for purchase water sell, etc.

WATER QUALITY IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM –WHY DO WE MONITOR?

Ensure a safe & pleasant product

Protection of Public Health

Compliance

Select the most effective treatment procedures& determine if these are effective.

Effective Disinfectant levels

Microbiological control

Corrosion control

System pressure for fire flow

Hydraulics & modelling

Water age

Watch for Backflow / Cross Connection

ID & solve potential WQ problems

Partnership For Safe Water

SO WHAT DO WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO DO?

1) Combine Data from Field, Lab and Operations

2) Automate Manual Processes

3) Gather & Organize Data for Immediate Access & Analysis

4) Leverage Tools for Auto-Report Generation

5) Legally defensible data /Audit trails / Sample info

6) Monitor On-Going Performance

SHORT HISTORY OF MOBILE DATA COLLECTIONSynch with data collected on PDAs.

Synch with data collected on tablets.

Synch with data collected on tablets. Direct connection from field to central WQ data management solution like WIMS by VPN, Citrix……

Early Cloud based data collection solution (like Do Forms) with early apps and web browser.

Enhanced Cloud based solutions like Claros Collect for data collection, review of data history, quick trend graphing. Use app as well as web browser. Interface into WQ data management platforms. Use of APIs (interfaces) to other business systems.

CLAROS COLLECT

Claros Collect helps you make informeddecisions faster by reducing data errors at the source of collection and providing instant data availability on your Claros Cloud account and inWIMS.

• Reduce data errors at the sourceof collection

• Make informed decisions with instantdata availability

• Available anytime, anywhere

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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION: DATA STORE & FORWARD

When Network access is not available, data is saved on your mobiledevice and is automatically transmitted when a network connection isestablished.

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REQUIREMENTS10

Mobile iOS• Claros Collect from the App store

iOS 9.3.3 or greater

Mobile Android• Android V4.4 or greater

Mobile Other• Any mobile device with a

supported web browser

Web Browsers• We support the current and the

previous release of Google Chrome, Safari®, and Microsoft® Edge™ desktop browsers.

Water Information ManagementSolution (WIMS)• WIMS version 7.6.6 or later

REDUCE DATA ERRORS @ THE SOURCE OF COLLECTION

Claros Collect alerts you when entered values are invalid or outside of expected range, and allows entry of field observations for additional context. Be confident your data is accurate and complete.

Authorized users can input data on any device using a web browser, an iOS application, or an Android application.

Visual warnings and messages provide users immediate feedback on invalid values, improving data quality at the time and source of entry.

Data Collection forms are configured to match the processes and parameters in your operation.

APP OR WEB BROWSER

ENTER DATA ON THE APP = CONNECTED OR DISCONNECTED ENVIRONMENT

REVIEW HISTORY OF THE APP

WEB BROWSER

WEB BROWSER – ENTER DATA

WEB BROWSER - REVIEW

MAKE INFORMED DECISION WITH INSTANT DATA AVAILABILITYNo need to wait hours or days for paper to come back from the field; data entered on mobile devices is available in WIMS within minutes. As a decision maker, Claros Collect delivers the information you need when you need it.

Automate manual processes.

Gather & organize data for immediate access & analysis

Automated Data Entry:• SCADA Interface• LIMS Interface• Claros Collect Interface• CSV Import Interface• Other Third Party Software Interfaces

DATA TO WIMS

GRAPHING IN WIMS – ANALYSIS OF THE DATA = CONFIGURE GRAPHS FOR TREND ANALYSIS, CORRELATIONS, & CONTROL CHARTING

Time Series

Multiple Variable Analysis

Correlation

Probability

Multiple Linear Regression

Variable Analysis

Upper & Lower Control & Warning Limits

REPORTS IN WIMS – SCHEDULED & TRIGGERS

SCHEDULED REPORTS =Email reports to groups of users at set times and dates.Examples are Water Usage, Chemical Usage, Compliance Status, Bacteria results, Chlorine residuals, Total Chlorine / Monochloramine Ratios, etc

TRIGGER REPORTS = Email trigger reports when an exception has occurred. Set to run every day, every hour, or every 15 minutes.Examples are triggers at minimum or maximum for Free Chlorine, Total Chlorine, Monochloramine, Free Ammonia, Nitrite, pH, ration of Total Chlorine / Monochloramine, etc.

DASHBOARDS - MONITOR ON GOING PROCESSES

Visual management provides easy sustained monitoring =

* Customize dashboards for different levels of the organization.

* Enable quick retrieval of reports, graphs, and entry forms.

* KPIs = Key Performance Indicators.

* Make review of data & information part of every day culture.

CASE STUDY 1 = CITY OF COLUMBIA, SC WTPS

CASE STUDY 1 = CITY OF COLUMBIA, SC WTPSBeta & Pilot = Columbia WTPs has participated in the development of Claros Collect for Beta testing and Pilot testing. They have provided valuable input into the solution development.

Location = Two WTPs in Columbia, SC

Population served = 375,000

# of Bacteria sites per month = 210 to 300

# of Bacteria sites + other sites sampled / month average = 250

Field parameters = Total Chlorine, Free Chlorine, Monochloramine, Free Ammonia, Nitrite.

CASE STUDY #1 = CITY OF COLUMBIA, SC WTPS

Personnel involved = Lab / Field = Ketki ShethRonald HughesAngel AiyukDenis BergeronJill Martinez

Workflow for field data BEFORE Claros = Field sampler analyzed samples in the field, documented in log book, then entered data into WIMS when they returned to the lab after all samples are collected.

CASE STUDY 1 = CITY OF COLUMBIA, SC WTPS

Workflow for field data WITH Claros = Field sampler analyzes samples in the field & now enters the data directly into Claros using an tablet. This allows the sampler to spend more time in the field as well as have the data viewable from the WTPs as soon as she submits.Ron, Denis, Angel, Jill use Claros app in the field.Jill uses a Samsung Galaxy phone.Ron, Denis, & Angel use I-Pads.

What advantages do they see using this field data collection tool = Time savings. The sampler can see the data history for the site in the field and can trend. They do not have to spend time back at the lab manually entering all of the data.

CASE STUDY 1 = CITY OF COLUMBIA, SC WTPS

Lessons learned by Columbia for us to enhance this tool for future use = Columbia utilizes the LabCal module in WIMS for sample receipt. The data currently interfaces into WIMS for the variables, sample notes, log book, & audit trail but does not yet interact with LabCal. Therefore the field sampler does have to enter sample receipts times & a few other items required by LabCal.

Key Performance Indicators for the Water Distribution Samples = • Total Chlorine level = red flag if <0.2 mg/L or more than 4.0 mg/L.• Monochloramine level = red flag if <0.2 mg/L or more than 4.0 mg/L.• Ratio of Total Chlorine & Monochloramine = TBD.• Free Ammonia levels = about 0.18 to 0.2 mg/L.• Nitrite levels = <0.01 mg/L.• pH range = 7.0 to 8.4• Total Coliform bacteria = Absent.

CASE STUDY 2 = CITY OF ROCHESTER, NY WTP

CASE STUDY 2 = CITY OF ROCHESTER, NY WFP

Location = 48 MGD Water Filtration Plant located in Hemlock, NY = 40 + miles from downtown Rochester.

Population served = 210,000 as well as service several communities south of the City.

# of Bacteria sites per month = 32 sites / minimum of 120 samples / month are required. They collect 170 samples / month average.

# of Bacteria sites + other sites sampled / month average = 50 additional samples / month with reservoirs and WQ complaints.

CASE STUDY = CITY OF ROCHESTER, NY WFPField parameters = Free Chlorine, Temperature, pH, & Specific conductivity along with sample date & time.

Personnel involved = Amanda Little = Assistant Lab Tech / Sample CollectorBritt Vanno= Lab Tech / Microbiology Technical DirectorJohn Maier = Lab Director / ChemistDave Rowley = Chief of Water Quality

Workflow for field data BEFORE Claros = Field sampler entered the field data on a Laptop with WIMS remote used from 2013 to 2017.Field sampler entered the field data on a Laptop with VPN connection to WIMS client for 2017.

CASE STUDY = CITY OF ROCHESTER, NY WFP

Workflow for field data WITH Claros = Field sampler enters field data into Claros Collect using iPad and Smart phone. Then the data interfaces from the Claros Cloud into WIMS. They have this interface set to run every hour.

What advantages do they see using this field data collection tool = Ease of use.Rapid access to field data.

Lessons learned by Rochester for us to enhance this tool for future use = New user so will add comments as they progress. They expect the Claros Collect field data collection tool to be an excellent addition to their WIMS for their water quality sampling program.

CASE STUDY = CITY OF ROCHESTER, NY WFPKey Performance Indicators for the Water Distribution Samples =

• Free Chlorine level = 0.20 mg/L - 2.0 mg/L

• pH range = 6.8 – 8.3 SU

• Specific conductivity = < 290 uS/cm = Hemlock Lake Water.291-300 uS/cm = blend.> 300 uS/cm = Lake Ontario Water (used to identify source of

supply).

• Total Coliform and E. Coli bacteria = Absent

NEXT STEPS FOR ROCHESTER• Set up KPI report for Free chlorine. 1) A chlorine residual < 0.20 mg/L would require additional microbiological

testing for the flagged sample location – Heterotrophic Plate count in addition to Total Coliform/E. coli.

2) Elevated residuals could impact DBP formation and/or result in chlorine taste and odor complaints.

• Workflow = They have three storage reservoirs within their distribution system (one covered & two open water reservoirs) so they plan to add additional users and variables to CLAROS specifically for data entry by our reservoir operators (chemical inventory data such as gallons of chlorine used per day and pounds of copper sulfate used per day). They currently record data on hard copy for subsequent data entry into WIMS back at their office.

• They will also be using the GPS data from CLAROS to create distribution system water quality complaint maps in ArcGIS.

MORE NEXT STEPS FOR THESE USERS

Set up Scheduled Reports for Distribution system sample results.

Set up Trigger Reports for Free Chlorine or for Total Chlorine / Monochloramine / Free Ammonia / Nitrite for each of these location.

Update SOPs for Workflow for response to these reports & triggers.

Flushing program input.

Optimize treatment at the WTP(s).

Water age in the distribution system.

Know your problem areas.

PERFORMANCE GOALS FROM EPA’S CPE FOR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPTIMIZATIONDisinfectant Residual Goal = Free Chlorine Systems = Maintain greater than or equal to 0.20 mg/L Free Chlorine residual at all monitoring sites in the distribution system at all times.

Disinfectant Residual Goal = Total Chlorine Systems = Maintain Monochloramine residual of greater than or equal to 1.50 mg/L at all locations throughout the distribution system. This goal is intended to provide a barrier of protection against microbial contamination & nitrification prevention.

Ammonia Residual Goal = Maintain a detectable Free Ammonia concentration of less than or equal to 0.10 mg/L as NH3-N in the plant effluent at all times. Minimizing Free Ammonia is a major nitrification prevention control strategy.

Two references used from Matthew T. Alexander, Environmental Engineer at the U.S. EPA Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water =Performance Goals Summary – Chloraminated Distribution System Optimization – Revised July 11, 2017.Optimization Goals Adopted by the NOLT – Updated June 2017.

THEY SEE THE BENEFITS AS

• More accurate data collection from the source

• More timely access to data

• More efficient collection of data

• More defensible data

• More effective use of personnel

• More effective decision making

• Collect data using most mobile devices – when connected or disconnected

• Wi-Fi or Cellular

• Get instant feedback on data via alerts and trends

• Unlimited users

• Custom routes/entry forms

• Automatic upload to WIMS

• Configurable parameters according to your plant operations

SUMMARY

As a result, a system can monitor water quality with both strategically placed process instruments thru SCADA as well as grab sampling programs on the field to more quickly react and improve water quality. These Cloud-based solutions can also be applied to operator rounds inside the WTP or WWTP, watershed monitoring data, wastewater collections, data, storm water, and upstream / downstream sampling data.

Samples can be analyzed in the field then data sent to the Cloud for real time viewing. This data can then interface from the Cloud to WIMS for real time data analysis to provide insights and clarity to the water quality at that time in the distribution system. These solutions provide much more timely data driven decisions and increased workflow efficiencies.

As a result, a water system can respond much quicker to water quality issues by deploying flushing crews and sampling crews as well as have better insights into their overall water quality management program. This leads to improvements in water quality for both microbiological, disinfection, and corrosion programs.

THANK YOU!

Pam MossApplication Development Manager – Software Solutions

pmoss@hach.com970-227-1498