tawwa / weatsections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2009nov-dec.pdfpage 4 tawwa / weat south texas...

The Problem For more than 30 years, utilities have been using purple pipe, pipe with purple markings, or pipe wrapped with purple tape to designate high-quality municipally or private utility treated domestic reclaimed water. This reclaimed water might be of different quality from one community or state to another, but the key is utility control of the consistent quality of reclaimed water. Utility workers and reclaimed water users are acquainted with and expect consistent high-quality water that—in urban applications—has often been filtered and received high levels of disinfection, producing water with low bacteriological content and clear appearance (color and turbidity). Over the last several years, there has been a movement among property owners to recognize onsite reuse of multiple source waters in order to be environmentally responsible and potentially gain LEED points for commercial developments. Interest in reusing any source of reclaimed water onsite has led to changes in plumbing codes and state regulations to allow use of such water on a private property, often with little or no utility or governmental oversight. The result is distribution of untreated or minimally treated wastewater on a private property in purple pipe with indoor (graywater) and outdoor (surface irrigation) applications that were previously not permitted. This accentuates the public health risk by allowing exposure to untreated or undertreated wastewaters potentially containing high bacterial population counts (including pathogens), when the public may trust that the purple pipe carries a highly treated, municipally controlled reclaimed water.

Public Health Threat International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) 2009 requires purple pipe for onsite alternate (non-potable) water. The Green Plumbing and Mechanical Supplement to the 2009 UPC Chapter 5 provides for similar but different labeling of purple pipe for graywater, onsite recycled water, rainwater catchment water, and reclaimed water. Wording in black uppercase letters is proposed to read: CAUTION: NON-POTABLE GRAYWATER, DO NOT DRINK. Each of the other three alternate waters would be substituted for GRAY, allowing specific designation of the type of non-potable water conveyed. Utility public health concerns included: Potential cross connections of multiple onsite wastewater sources with potable water supplies provided by the municipal utility; Potential cross

connections between two onsite wastewater systems, both conveyed in purple pipe, with significantly different treatment and quality, resulting in public

exposure to lower quality product water for reuse; Potential public exposure and health risks associated with inadequately treated wastewater in a municipal purple pipe system contaminated by an onsite cross connection; and, Potential negative impact to public confidence in the municipal reclaimed water system if untreated or undertreated onsite wastewater (in purple pipe) causes a negative public health impact. Reclaimed Water versus Graywater Quality Reclaimed water quality criteria vary from state to state and vary depending on the end use of the water and potential for human exposure. Low bacteriological numbers, regardless of the bacterial group selected as the monitor, are the result of reclaimed water typically receiving higher levels of disinfection than the associated treated effluent that would otherwise be

(Purple Pipe = Public Health Considerations ...Continued on page 9)

TAWWA/WEAT November/December

5th Annual Scholarship Dinner

Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Time: 6:00 pm

Place: Petroleum Club

8620 N. New Braunfels Avenue

San Antonio, Texas 78217-6394

Speaker: Mr. Alex Briseno

Chairman of the Board

San Antonio Water System

Topic: “Holiday Turkeys and Sugarplum Dreams”

TAWWA South Texas Chapter

January Meeting Date: Thursday, January 21, 2010

Time: 11:30 am

Place: San Antonio Water System 2800 US Highway 281 North San Antonio, TX 78212 Speaker: Ms. Carol Batterton Executive Director Water Environ- ment Association of Texas Topic: Regulatory and Legislative Update on Wastewater Treatment Issues Operator’s Corner: Charlie Powell Canyon Regional Water Authority

November/December 2009; Issue 71

In this issue... Purple Pipe 1

Letter from the President 2

Speaker Information 3

Charting the Course 4

Chapter Updates 5

YP Lake Dunlap Tour 6

YP Mitchell Lake Tour 7

Purple Pipe (cont’d) 9

Evening Social Highlights 10

Basura Bash! 11

Sudoku 12

TAWWA/WEAT Contacts 13

Upcoming Events 14

EDITORS: Ana Pena-Tijerina ([email protected]) Jana Cezeaux ([email protected])

TAWWA / WEATSOUTH TEXAS SECTION e-Newsletter

Purple Pipe = Public Health Considerations for Improperly Identified Reclaimed Water?

Don Vandertulip, P.E., BCEE WEF Water Reuse Committee Chair

TAWWA / WEAT South Texas Section E-Newsletter

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT I am proud to associated with the WEAT/TAWWA South Texas Chapter. We should all be proud of the service we provided to our community throughout 2009. Attendance and sponsors’ participation at our functions during the year were excellent. The Annual Scholarship Dinner and Evening Social was the icing on the cake to finish a spectacular year. What a great night we had with more than 120 attendees and 26 sponsors. Special thanks to Mr. Alex Briseno for being our speaker, to Young Generation for their spirited music, and to all officers for organizing the event.

Some of the activities during the last months were the YP tours and the Basura Bash. The YP tours included a trip to the Mitchell Lake Wildlife Refuge, and a trip to the Canyon Regional Water Authority Lake Dunlap WTP. The Annual Basura Bash event collected over two pick-up loads of trash from the San Antonio River, way to go members! Please be sure to look for our next year’s events as we plan equally fun activities.

This issue contains a hidden holiday message. Please spend some time reading our newsletter, find the hidden holiday message, and e-mail me the message as soon as possible. The first person that sends me the correct message will be treated to a free lunch during our January monthly luncheon. Winner notification will be sent out early January 2010.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you this year, it has been a great year for our Chapter.

May this season bring joy, peace, and happiness to you and your loved ones. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Warm regards,

Ana J. Pena-Tijerina

President, South Texas Chapter WEAT

San Antonio SectionSan Antonio SectionSan Antonio Section

WEATWEATWEAT

SCHOLARSHIPSSCHOLARSHIPSSCHOLARSHIPS

Congratulations to Mr. Ben Setterbo and Mr. Singaiah Chintalapudi as they have been named the San Antonio Section of WEAT’s first scholarship awardees. Both awardees attend the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Ben, who completed his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering this past Decem-ber, plans to pursue a master’s degree in Wa-ter Resources at Texas A&M. Singaiah, cur-rently a graduate student at UTSA, is pursu-ing a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering with a focus on hydrology. Both have received a check for $1,000.00 to aid them in their educational pursuits. Dennis Laskowski, San Antonio WEAT Section Rep-resentative is shown presenting Mr. Setterbo with his check.

The South Texas Chapter of TAWWA/WEAT also awarded Student Memberships to Mr. Setterbo, Mr. Chintalapudi and Ms. Laura Sewell.


JANUARY SPEAKER

Carol Batterton Executive Director

Water Environment Association of Texas

January 21, 2010

SAWS

Tower II, Room 154

FEBRUARY SPEAKER

Sterling Lee Utilities Operations Assistant

Superintendant

San Antonio River Authority

February 18, 2010

SAWS, Tower II, Room 145

Special Thanks to Our Evening Social Speaker!

Mr. Alexander E. Briseno “Holiday Turkeys and Sugarplum Dreams” Chairman of the Board, SAWS Former San Antonio City Manager Interim President-SA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

JANUARY “OPERATOR’S CORNER”

Charlie Powell CRWA


SAWS “Charting the Course” for Region’s Water Future President/CEO talks with community, business leaders about recent drought, water management

On Wednesday, November 04, 2009, San Antonio Water System welcomed more than 350 guests from the city and around the state for its inaugural “state of the water” luncheon, titled Water: Charting the Course. At the event SAWS CEO and President Robert R. Puente noted how the harsh drought of the last two years had changed the utility’s perspective.

“The drought of the last two years has been difficult, and it has taught us many lessons, both administratively and operationally,” said Robert R. Puente, SAWS President/CEO. “But it confirmed something that we already knew – that drought restrictions work. And that while our lawns may have been a little brown, our residences and businesses had all the water they needed to flourish.

“We have begun to analyze the impact of the last two years of drought, and in particular, the effectiveness of our drought ordinance and how it can be improved.”

“From a regional standpoint,” continued Puente, “our neighbors appreciate our conservation efforts. I’m sure it would be difficult for them to imagine a regional drought in which San Antonio was not doing its part to help manage the Edwards aquifer.”

Puente noted that while the rest of the state wrangles over the creation of water storage reservoirs to help meet the state’s future water needs, San Antonio already has its own. The Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility is four times as large as Applewhite would have been, and holds three times as much water as Braunig Lake.

In addition, SAWS has developed the largest direct recycled water system in the nation, providing highly treated wastewater to companies throughout the city for beneficial uses. Recycled water is already used daily to assemble Toyota trucks, provide flow in the world-famous River Walk, irrigate municipal and private golf courses, and help cool CPS Energy power plants.

Puente recognized local businesses that have led the way in commercial conservation through innovative programs frequently underwritten by SAWS. Companies like Toyota, Frito-Lay, and Hilton are saving hundreds of millions of gallons each year while bringing their economic benefits and jobs to the city.

Puente also announced that SAWS had closed an Edwards water lease agreement with former Governor Dolph Briscoe and his partners that would provide 8,300 acre feet of water to the city.

“I am pleased to announce to you today, that the supply gap of 2014 no longer exists,” said Puente. “ SAWS has closed that gap, and not just because of recent rains. By the end of this year we will have acquired a total of over 20,000 acre-feet of new Edwards water rights. We have done such a good job, that in 2010 we will no longer lease Edwards water. SAWS will only be in the market to buy.”

Since 1992, San Antonio Water System has provided leadership in managing and developing water resources in the San Antonio region. Water and wastewater services are provided to more than 1 million consumers in the San Antonio area. For more information, visit www.saws.org.


The Texas Section Mid-Year Board Meeting was held November 6th at the Wells Branch Municipal Utility District Community Center. Mari Garza-Bird began the meeting as the new Chair of the Section with Mike Howe the Executive Director giving the Financial Report. Mike Reported that the Texas Section was financially sound and presented the audit performed by Monday N. Rufus of the Section books. The audit showed no financial irregularities and that the Section had operating funds for 6 months.

Mike Howe reported that membership is down from the previous year. Texas 2010 to be held in Corpus Christi is sold out to exhibitors already. Texas Water 2009 was third in income with 2006 and 2008 slightly higher. 2009 Texas Water netted $134,500 with high being $140,949.00.

Chairman Bird then proceeded to the AWWA National Directors Report presented in writ-ing by Charlie Anderson. The report stated AWWA National also expects a cut in member-ship because of the economy. The National Board will be reducing staff by 18 positions by end of 2010. They also will increase the number of Web casts in order to reduce travel for training.

Director Anderson reported that is expected that Utilities will curtail capital projects due to a lack of funding. AWWA is working in Washington to help ensure future funding for water and wastewater funding in the economic stimulus legislation.

It was also reported that AWWA is still seeking and Executive Director. This position is still open for applications until filled.

National AWWA is seeking affiliation agreements with the Sections in order to have an operat-ing agreement for insurance and tax purposes. Texas has executed the agreement. About 74% of the Sections have approved the agreement.

Chairman Bird had each Committee report their progress along with the various Chapters in attendance. All the Committees reported progress and the Section is in a positive direction. David Davenport Trustee for the South Central Texas Section reported on activities of the San Antonio area Chapter.

TAWWA/WEAT South Texas Chapter Updates


Young Professionals CRWA Lake Dunlap WTP Tour On a rain soaked November day, approximately 25 “young” professionals attended a

tour of the Lake Dunlap Water Treatment Plant operated by the Canyon Regional Wa-

ter Authority (CRWA). Lake Dunlap and the water plant are located on the Guadalupe

River downstream from New Braunfels. David Davenport, CRWA General Manager,

led a presentation about the plant and Charles Powell, CRWA Operations Manager,

led a tour of the plant which utilizes 10-inch diameter ultrafiltration hollow fiber mem-

brane cartridges to treat surface water from Lake Dunlap.

The plant also utilizes clarifiers with chemical coagulation for pretreatment. The Lake

Dunlap WTP is rated at 16.4 MGD. The tour offered participants a glimpse of the wa-

ter plant laboratory, feed pump room, prefiltration room, ultrafiltration system, and plant

operations room. Mr. Davenport and his staff were very accommodating and provided

a unique learning experience for the “young” professionals in attendance. A wonderful

barbecue lunch from Schwab’s was provided by River City Engineering.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS


Young Professionals Enjoyed Tour of Mitchell Lake

Roland Gutierrez, SAWS Operations and Maintenance Engineering, and Michelle Eckman, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center Education Manager, led seven young professionals on a morning tour of Mitchell Lake on Friday, October 30th. Roland began the tour with an informative presentation about the lake’s history and future and then it was off to the tour van for an opportunity to see first-hand why Mitchell Lake is considered a world-class bird-watching site. The group of American White Pelicans pictured above uses the wave barrier on the north side of Mitchell Lake as a perch. Chris Dunston of SAWS commented that he was hoping to see some gators, but Roland informed the YPs that the last gator from Mitchell Lake wandered off to a nearby apartment complex and was shot. Special thanks to Roland and Michelle for sharing their morning. The Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is open to the public on Saturday and Sundays from 8 am to 4 pm.

Watch for News of

Upcoming

Young Professional

Events!


discharged. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) varies from 5 to 20 milligrams/liter (mg/l), nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) from 2 to 3 turbidity units, and TSS at 5 mg/l in Florida where turbidity is not specified. There have not been as many or exhaustive research studies on graywater water quality, but a 2006 study funded by the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) conducted by Colorado State University included an extensive literature search that identified the distribution of indoor water use and the quality typically associated with each source. Graywater is typically defined as indoor wastewater that has not come in contact with toilet waste, kitchen sink water, or dishwasher water. Some states also specifically exclude laundry water from soiled diapers, photo lab sinks, and water softeners. The WERF study reported data from several researchers, including Rose (1991). Rose reported that households with young children had higher bacterial concentrations in graywater and shower water is higher in total and fecal coliform bacteria than laundry water. A summary of data compiled from three previous reports is shown below to illustrate the significant difference in water quality.

The reclaimed water quality ranges shown above are based on the state criteria from five states (CA, CO, FL, NV, TX). This table illustrates the significant difference in quality and the basis of concern reclaimed water providers share regarding potential cross connection with a graywater source. Utility Organization Position In 2008, when reclaimed water professionals became aware of plumbing code changes, three utility reclaimed water organizations came together and began responding to the plumbing code changes. AWWA (represented by Alan Rimer),and WEF, and WateReuse Association (represented by Don Vandertulip) began communication with IAPMO to reverse the designation of purple pipe for onsite distribution of untreated or undertreated wastewaters. Two letters were sent jointly by the three organizations and represent the first recognized public health threat to be endorsed by the three organizations in a common effort to mitigate a public health risk. To date, the code has not been changed and the process to update the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) by IAPMO and the International Plumbing Code (IPC) will begin in February 2010 for the 2012 Code editions. IAPMO is accepting public comments that could affect changes in the 2012 UPC until February 1, 2009.

Purple Pipe = Public Health Considerations…?

Graywater Quality

Adapted from Rose, JB, Water Research, Jan 19991


Music was provided by “Young Generation”.

Representatives of the Marines and Navy were on hand to accept donations to “Toys for Tots”.

Jonathan and Marci Vorheis with Ana J. Pena‐Tijerina.

Melissa Bryant and Lizanne Douglas at the “Welcome Table”.

A donation to “Water for People” was made on behalf of Mr. Alex Briseno.

Joe Aillet, Geri Clouse, Robert Macias, Steve Clouse and Donald Lange enjoy the evening.


Basura Bash!

Robert Macias accepts the “Trash Trophy” on behalf of SAWS for having the most participants at the Autumn Clean‐up Day.

This year’s Autumn Clean‐up Day crew! Over two pickup loads of trash was collected from the banks of the San Antonio River near Mission Espada.

Before

During

After!

Have you made a New Year’s resolution yet? Why not join in the fun at one of our Basura Bash events!

The South Texas Chapter is committed to increas‐ing our members’ stewardship of San Antonio’s rivers by hosting two clean‐up events each year. Protecting our environment is a heritage we must pass on to our children. Come join us for the April 2010 Basura Bash!


Sudoku Answer on Page 13

1 Collect rainwater for outdoor use during the peak summer months, and you can save up to 1,300 gallons of water.

2 Watering your lawn in the morning saves water from being evaporated by the midday heat and reduces your water bill, too!

3 When needed, water your lawn one inch, once a week. Place a 6-ounce tuna can on your lawn and stop watering when it’s full.

4 If every household fixed just one leaky faucet, we could reduce water use in Texas by more than 13 billion gallons a year!

5 Installing a water-efficient showerhead can reduce water consumption by 25% to 60% and save energy.

6 Check your toilet by using a leak-detection dye tablet; otherwise, you could be wasting about 200 gallons of water a day.

7 Turn off the water faucet while you brush your teeth and save up to 4 gallons of water per minute.

8 Replacing older toilets with water-efficient toilets can save 9,000 gallons of wa-ter a year.

9 Washing only full loads of laundry can save an average household more than 3,400 gallons of water each year.

10 An Energy Star dishwasher is about 25% more efficient than a conventional one, and will save about 800 gallons of water per year.

TEN EASY WATER CONSERVATION TIPS


AWWA / WEAT CONTACTS

AWWA OFFICERS

OFFICERS NAME DAY PHONE FAX NO. E-MAIL

President Jonathan Vorheis, PE 210.377.3081 210.349.8944 [email protected]

Past President Alissa Lockett, PE 210.233-3401 210.233.4494 [email protected]

Vice President Kerry Averyt, PE 210.233.3591 210.233.4804 [email protected]

Secretary Melissa Bryant, PE 210.302.3611 210.302.3692 [email protected]

Deputy Trustee David Davenport 830.609.0543 830.609.0740 [email protected]

WEAT OFFICERS

OFFICERS NAME DAY PHONE FAX NO. E-MAIL

President Ana Peña-Tijerina, PhD, PE 210.829.5612 210.829.4159 [email protected]

Past President Rudy Kilian, PE 210.829.5612 210.829.4159 [email protected]

Vice President Roberto Macias 210.233.3824 210.233.4406 [email protected]

Secretary Jana Cezeaux 210.826.3200 210.826.8876 [email protected]

Treasurer Raymond Perez 210.233.3934 210.233.4352 [email protected]

Section Representative Dennis Laskowski, PE 210.233.3682 210.233.5234 [email protected]

YP Representative Josh Marazzini, EIT 210.494.8004 210.494.8286 [email protected]

Treasurer Steve Renneker, PE 210.349.3271 210.349.2561 [email protected]

Trustee Sandra Gomez, PE 210.233.3483 210.233.4303 [email protected]

YP Representative Marcia Muñoz 210.213.2005 [email protected]

Scholarships Chair Marisa Vergara, PE 210.494.8004 210.494.8286 [email protected]

Answer to puzzle on Page 12

The South Texas Chapter sends Holiday Greetings and

Best Wishes for a Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

DON’T SEE YOUR COMPANY IN THE NEWSLETTER? Contact Alissa Lockett ([email protected]) or Steve Renneker ([email protected]) for information on advertising.


UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Date Location Event Host Topic / Presenter

January 21, 2010 SAWS, Room 154 TAWWA/WEAT Legislative Update

Carol Batterton, WEAT

March 18, 2010 SAWS, Room 145 TAWWA/WEAT Ethics Presentation for Professional Engineers & Operators; Clifton Bond

April 13-16, 2010 Corpus Christi TAWWA Texas Water

April 22, 2010 SAWS, Room 145 WEAT/TAWWA New Innovations in Lift Station

Applications; Patrick Lackey

May 4 & 5, 2010 Austin Convention Center TCEQ Environmental Trade Fair &

Conference

May 20, 2010 SAWS, Room 145 TAWWA/WEAT Introduction to Local Hydrology;

George Ozuna

June 20-24, 2010 Chicago, Illinois AWWA-ACE

September 12-15, 2010 WateReuse Symposium WateReuse Association

October 2-6, 2010 New Orleans, Louisianna WEF WEFTEC

February 18, 2010 SAWS, Room 145 WEAT/TAWWA Operators & Engineers Working

Together; Sterling Lee, SARA

ARE YOU RECEIVING THIS e-NEWSLETTER IN ERROR? PLEASE EMAIL MELISSA BRYANT ([email protected]) or JANA CEZEAUX ([email protected])

tawwa / weatsections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2009nov-dec.pdfpage 4 tawwa / weat south texas...

Documents