Why America’s Water Infrastructure Matters

When Hurricane Irma hit in September, the aging sewer systems in Brunswick, Georgia flooded, making a very bad situation even worse. It can be hard to imagine going without water for one day, but thousands in Brunswick were not able to take showers, wash dishes, or flush toilets for four days. Our water infrastructure plays a seamless part in everyday life, so when it goes awry, the public notices. This specific example is why upgrading America’s water infrastructure is so important.

The American Water Works Association’s 2017 State of the Water Industry Report suggests that renewing water and wastewater infrastructure is the number one concern of water utility professionals in North America. However, because water infrastructure is out of sight, the seriousness of the issue is often times misunderstood.

MYTH: The federal government already overspends on water infrastructure.

FACT: 96 percent of public spending on water infrastructure comes from states and localities. So even though the conversation often makes national news, local water utilities often carry the financial burden.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States has nearly 52,000 community water systems. Because water systems are such regional operations, this can lead to coordination difficulties.

MYTH: As a public utility, water doesn’t add much to the economy.

FACT: Just 30 of the country’s largest water utilities support $52 billion in economic output and nearly 30,000 jobs annually. That doesn’t even include the millions of households, businesses, and industries that need seamless water infrastructure to function and grow their business.

In Minnesota, agriculture is a very important economic engine, and water systems are vital for its success. That’s because agriculture is one of the largest consumers of water. Water systems are tied directly to this industry and to workers that grow our food.

MYTH: Water costs are rising because water providers want higher revenue.

FACT: Water rates are increasing in many cities to cover the cost of infrastructure upgrades and repairs. In Flint, Michigan, infamous for its water contamination scandal, that will add up to an extra $300 billion on the county’s water bill. That puts many families in danger of not being able to afford their water bills. More public investment could help alleviate some of this cost.


The Minnesota Section of the American Water Works Association is committed to providing clean drinking water to Minnesota. For more information, visit our website.

Finding Water Leaks In Your Home: Rising Costs and Wasting Water

Realizing you have a water leak days or even weeks after it began may be a costly and devastating discovery. The damage even a small drip can cause to your home is unbelievably destructive. Not only can a leak cause damage, but wastes water and increases your water bill. Being vigilant in finding water leaks in your home can help prevent all these problems.

Water Heaters

A common leak culprit is your water heater. If you notice water on the cement area around your water heater or water stains on the floor, there might be a problem with your temperature and pressure relief valve. This mechanism is very important to keep functioning properly as it can cause your water heater to malfunction if not serviced. Your water heater can also leak from the top as multiple plumbing lines go in and out of the appliance. Learn about testing your water heater for leaks and what you should do when you find one in this helpful article.

Leaking Toilets

One of the most common leaks occurs when a toilet flap is not properly closed, causing the pump to endlessly cycle water. An easy way to test this is to drop food coloring into the tank (just lift the cover) and watch the water in the bowl. If the water in the bowl changes color, you have a leak.

It is also common for toilet tanks to become unbalanced from the base when people lean back against them. Check periodically that there are no drips behind your toilet. Sometimes leaks are as easy as replacing chains or tightening bolts, but if you are unsure, it is best to call a plumber. Do not leave a leak unchecked.

Recognize Water Damage

Water damage can show up in many forms. Look for ripples in the drywall, mold or rot along baseboards, peeling and cracking plaster, or discolored ceiling tiles. The best way to find a hidden leak in your home's plumbing is to be aware of and investigate anything suspicious. If you see something you are unsure about, try to assess if it is damaged and where the damage is coming from. Often, you’ll find plumbing you were unaware of leaking and slowly deteriorating your home's building materials.

If you live in a home with metered water, check your meter for leaks. This is easy to do and will allow you to check your whole home's water outflow at once. Contact your water supplier if you suspect you have a leaking water meter.


Controlling leaks is an important aspect of limiting water consumption. When you care for the water in your home, you help care for the water in our entire planet. Fix a leak right away to cut costs, prevent damage to your home, and reduce water waste. Don't forget to always USE WATER WISELY.

A Recap of the 101st Annual Minnesota AWWA Conference

What a week! Our 101st annual MN AWWA Conference took place along the water (where else?) last month, in the beautiful city of Duluth.

As usual, the conference was four days chock full of events, kicking off September 12th with a day of clay shooting, golfing, fishing and the like to raise funds for Minnesota AWWA’s Philanthropic Committee and the life-changing missions of Water for People and the Water Equation.

The support adds up. Overall this year, MN AWWA events have raised over $30,000 for the MN AWWA Philanthropic Committee. We welcomed 13 tournament fishing boats, 50 sporting clay shooters, and 105 tournament golfers.

Keynotes and Competitions

On September 13th, we heard from keynote speakers Brenda Lennox, President of the American Water Works Association, and Erik Therwanger, author of “The Leadership Connection.”

Later, we named the winner of the highly anticipated “Best in Glass” taste test award. This year, the City of Bloomington has the best tasting water in Minnesota! The city will compete at the American Water Works Association’s ACE18 National Conference next June in Las Vegas.

We also crowned champs for the Meter Madness, Hydrant Hysteria and Pipe Tapping competitions. Brent Massmann of the City of Eagan, the Duluth Great Lakes Tappers and the Bloomington Gladiators saw victory in each category, respectively.

Each winner will compete at the American Water Works Association’s ACE18 National Conference next June in Las Vegas!

Meet Eric Volk

September 14th was a day of recognition. We elected Eric Volk as the new Section-Chair Elect. Eric has worked his way up in the industry the last 15 years, first as a water/wastewater operator with the city of Blaine, then as a Lead Water Operator and now Water Superintendent for Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU).

He served for nearly 23 years in the military, including four deployments. He retired from the military in December 2014. He has earned his Public Works Certificate and is now working toward a BS in Business Administration.

As chair, Eric plans to focus on operator recruitment and training. Specifically, that means working with the Professional Operator Development Committee to make sure current and future operators can meet the challenges of enhancing regulations, as well as recruiting new operators by connecting with several programs around the state to train a new generation.

Award Winners

On Thursday, several members received well-deserved recognition for their hard work.

• Patrick Shea was awarded the George Warren Fuller Award, which recognizes “distinguished service to the water supply field in commemoration of the sound engineering skill . . . the brilliant diplomatic talent . . . and the constructive leadership which characterized the life of George Warren Fuller.”

• Steve Schneider was presented the Leonard N. Thompson Award, an award for “distinguished service to the water supply field in commemoration of Leonard N. Thompson, past General Manager of the St. Paul Water Utility for nearly 34 years.”

• The Jon Eaton Excellence in Volunteering Award went to Brian LeMon, for advancing AWWA through his volunteer time and efforts.

We closed the week on September 15th with technical sessions, a panel session, and a farewell lunch. It was a great week learning from and with the state’s top water professionals.


View more photos from the conference here! To learn more about the Minnesota Section of the American Water Works Association, visit our website!

101st Annual MN AWWA Conference: Attendee Toolkit

Join Us in a SOCIAL TOAST to the

101st Annual Minnesota AWWA Conference!

STEP ONE: CONNECT WITH US!

Go to the Minnesota AWWA social media sites and follow/connect with us for conference updates.

Please note: To create real/true activity, you MUST do more than follow...please create posts, like, share, comment, tweet, retweet, etc.

• FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaAWWA
• FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE: http://bit.ly/2umoziw
• TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MinnesotaAWWA
• LINKEDIN GROUP: http://bit.ly/1TTx6jo

STEP TWO: GET ACTIVE!

Shout about the conference on your own social media platforms!

FACEBOOK

Join the Facebook Event page referenced above. Please share your updates, posts and please share your excitement! Use @ in your posts to tag the @Minnesota AWWA Facebook page.

TWITTER

Use the official 101st Annual Minnesota AWWA Conference hashtag #MNAWWA to share your updates, experiences and to stay current during the conference. Keep an eye out for special offers from local establishments throughout the conference as well.

STEP THREE: HELP US HELP YOU!

Have any materials to share about the conference? Send them to jordan@daytamarketing.com and we will be glad to advertise and share your excitement!

We've also created some material for you to share:

101st Annual Minnesota AWWA Conference Preview Blog: http://bit.ly/2vsewZY

101st Annual MN AWWA Conference: Vendor Toolkit

Join Us in a SOCIAL TOAST to the

101st Annual Minnesota AWWA Conference!

STEP ONE: CONNECT WITH US!

Go to the Minnesota AWWA social media sites and follow/connect with us for conference updates.

Please note: To create real/true activity, you MUST do more than follow...please create posts, like, share, comment, tweet, retweet, etc.

• FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaAWWA
• FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE: http://bit.ly/2umoziw
• TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MinnesotaAWWA
• LINKEDIN GROUP: http://bit.ly/1TTx6jo

STEP TWO: GET ACTIVE!

Shout out to attendees and vendors! Create activity! The more the merrier!

FACEBOOK

Join the Facebook Event page referenced above to advertise your activities, promote your booth/company/services, share updates, posts and please share your excitement! Use @ in your posts to tag the @Minnesota AWWA Facebook page.

Here are some example posts to get you started (attach graphics to posts as needed):

• @Minnesota AWWA members - stop by our booth for more information about (insert company description). 
• Attention @Minnesota AWWA members! Pick up your (insert company name) swag at booth # (insert booth number). We can't wait to see you at the 101st Annual Conference!
• @Minnesota AWWA members: Don't be uncouth, visit our booth while you're in Duluth! 

TWITTER

Use the official 101st Annual Minnesota AWWA Conference hashtag #MNAWWA to share promotions.

Here are some example tweets to get you started (attach graphics to tweets as needed):

• @MinnesotaAWWA members - make sure to visit our booth at the 101st Annual Conference! #MNAWWA
• We're an official vendor of the 101st Annual #MNAWWA Conference! Get more info here: http://bit.ly/2vsewZY
• We can't wait for the 101st Annual #MNAWWA Conference! @MinnesotaAWWA members, what are you most excited for?

STEP THREE: HELP US HELP YOU!

Have you created any photos, graphics, articles, promos or videos for this year's conference? Send them to jordan@daytamarketing.com and we will be glad to advertise and share your excitement!

We've also created some material for you to share:

101st Annual Minnesota AWWA Conference Preview Blog: http://bit.ly/2vsewZY

101st Annual MN AWWA Conference: Local Establishment Toolkit

Join Us in a SOCIAL TOAST to the

101st Annual Minnesota AWWA Conference!

STEP ONE: CONNECT WITH US!

Go to the Minnesota AWWA social media sites and follow/connect with us for conference updates.

Please note: To create real/true activity, you MUST do more than follow...please create posts, like, share, comment, tweet, retweet, etc.

• FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaAWWA
• FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE: http://bit.ly/2umoziw
• TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MinnesotaAWWA
• LINKEDIN GROUP: http://bit.ly/1TTx6jo

STEP TWO: GET ACTIVE!

Shout out to attendees and vendors! Create activity! The more the merrier!

FACEBOOK

Join the Facebook Event page referenced above to share updates, posts, special offers, promotions for dinner specials, tag vendors/conference attendees and please share your excitement! Use @ in your posts to tag the @Minnesota AWWA Facebook page.

Here are some example posts to get you started (attach graphics to posts as needed):

• Welcome @Minnesota AWWA members! Enjoy your 101st Annual Conference (insert special offers for members)
• No water, no beer. @Minnesota AWWA
• Free water for all @Minnesota AWWA attendees!

TWITTER

Use the official 101st Annual Minnesota AWWA Conference hashtag #MNAWWA to share promotions and specials.

Here are some example tweets to get you started (attach graphics to tweets as needed):

• Welcome to Duluth for your 101st Annual Conference, @MinnesotaAWWA members! #MNAWWA
• Hey @MinnesotaAWWA members, we'll give you a reason to hydrate! #NoWaterNoBeer #MNAWWA
• Attention @MinnesotaAWWA members! Stop in for (insert specials for members)

STEP THREE: HELP US HELP YOU!

Have you created any special offers, articles or graphics to welcome Minnesota AWWA members to this year's 101st Annual Conference? Send them to jordan@daytamarketing.com and we will be glad to advertise and share your excitement!

We've also created some material for you to share:

101st Annual Minnesota AWWA Conference Preview Blog: http://bit.ly/2vsewZY

A Preview of Minnesota AWWA's 101st Annual Conference

The Minnesota Section of the American Water Works Association’s 101st Annual Conference is right around the corner and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Following last year’s historic celebration of a century, the annual conference continues Minnesota AWWA’s focus on educating attendees on water quality and treatment, public health, and safety. Water professionals from across Minnesota will gather in Duluth from September 12th-15th for a combination of social and educational events dedicated to preserving and protecting our state’s most vital resource...WATER!


The conference, which takes place over the course of four days, kicks off on Tuesday with a day of fun events hosted by the Minnesota AWWA Philanthropic Committee. The events — sporting clays, a golf tournament, and a fishing tournament — are not only sure to inspire some friendly competition, but also raise funds for the life-changing missions of Water for People and the Water Equation.

The conference convenes at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center overlooking the massive and breathtaking Lake Superior. What better backdrop to discuss water than a view of the largest lake in North America! If you’ve attended the conference in the past, you already know that each day is jam-packed with networking and educational events, including workshops and exhibits. Here’s what you can expect at this year’s conference:

Tuesday, September 12:

• Board meetings
• Philanthropic events

Wednesday, September 13:

• Opening sessions with a welcome by Minnesota AWWA Chair Tony Belden, and AWWA President Brenda Lennox
• Keynote speaker Erik Therwanger
• Vendor exhibitions
• Competitions (including Meter Madness, Hydrant Hysteria, Pipe Tapping, and Best In Glass Water Taste Test)
• Water for People silent auction
• The MAC Social at Grandma’s Sports Garden

Thursday, September 14:

• Concurrent technical sessions and speakers
• Annual business meetings and lunch
• Section election results
• AWWA Appreciation Reception and Dinner
• Awards presentation
• Test your knowledge at the Young Professionals Trivia Tournament at Grizzly’s Restaurant

Friday, September 15:

• Technical sessions
• Panel discussion
• Farewell lunch for attendees

Join us in this opportunity to network and learn from the state’s top water professionals at the 101st Annual Minnesota AWWA Conference. You can register here. Remember to get social with us on Facebook and Twitter, and share your conference experiences with us.

Are You Drinking Enough Water?

At least 60 percent of your body is made up of water. It’s important to drink as much as water as you can to help replenish your body every day. Sadly, water is only the second-most popular beverage in the United States–after soft drinks. That’s a scary realization, since overindulging on sugary soda drinks is an enormous health hazard.

When you’re not drinking enough water, your body will give you warning signs that something isn’t right. Here are a few other warning signs:

You Can Feel it in Your Bones

Just as a car needs oil to run properly, your body needs water to do well. If you don’t have enough water in your body, your joints will begin to break down and you could injure yourself while doing normal activities. According to an article by Lifehack.org, the cartilage that protects our joints is made up of 80% water. This means if you’re not getting enough water, you can risk injury while running or jumping or even when performing daily activities or making sudden movements.

You Don’t Recover Well From Illness

Your grandmother always told you to drink more fluids to help you recover from an illness; she was right. Your body requires a minimum amount of water each day to function at a normal level and get the toxins out of your system. These amounts vary depending on your body type, activity levels, and several other factors, but illnesses will dehydrate you faster than normal - especially if you are vomiting, have diarrhea, or have a fever. When you get sick, increase your water intake even more. Even things like soup, fruit juices, and gelatin help with your fluid intake.

You Feel Sleepy

Fatigue is one of the first signs you’ll encounter from being dehydrated. If a lack of fluids turns into full-blown dehydration, it can cause an imbalance in your sodium, potassium and electrolytes, therefore, making you sleepy and lethargic.

You Get Hungry Out Of Nowhere

When you don’t drink enough water, your body receives mixed signals on hunger. According to an article on Spright.com, “Your hypothalamus, the portion of your brain responsible for controlling feelings of hunger and thirst, responds similarly whether you’re thirsty or you haven’t had enough to eat.” Dehydration causes you to believe you need to eat when you actually need more liquid in your system.

You Don’t Age Well

Water acts as a natural (and much cheaper) facelift as it flushes out the toxins in your body. Hydrating yourself on the inside will result in a dewy and fresh-looking skin on the outside. If you’re dehydrated, things will start to look dry, cracked and unhealthy.


Water is very important to your overall health. Becoming dehydrated too often can do plenty of damage to your body, and as you’ve probably heard, if you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables that are high in water content is also a good way to stay hydrated. Staying full for the entire day is just as important as staying hydrated.

For more information on hydration, visit the Minnesota Chapter of the American Water Works Association.

The Effect of Clean Water on the Economy

Water pollution, chemical spills, and algae blooms can wreak havoc on a community, not only by affecting the water supply and animal populations but also through many seemingly unrelated industries that tend to suffer with “dirty” water.

Keeping our water clean through regulations like the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act directly bolster the local economy by providing safe water for food & beverage production, fishing, shipping, tourism, and real estate. Even indirectly, clean water supports the Minnesota communities in which we live, work, and keep our companies profitable.

As Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner, John Linc Stine, explains, "We all want clean water. We all recognize the value it brings to Minnesota: both in terms of tangible economic benefits such as increased property values and a robust tourism industry, and intangible benefits that enrich our lives as Minnesotans. We must work together to find creative, cost-effective solutions to paying for it. We can achieve water quality when we all do our fair share.”

Most obviously, clean water makes for great Minnesota activities and is key to tourism. From the North Shore to Minnehaha Falls and everything in between, out-of-towners and local folks alike expect sparkling water and clear shorelines. Tourism in Minnesota is a $14 billion industry, with much of it centered around the waters that give our state its name—the land of “sky-tinted waters.”

Our clean water provides us with a healthy fishing industry and makes shipping on Lake Superior possible. The real estate industry, particularly when it comes to lakeshore properties, relies on unpolluted waters and healthy ecosystems to keep up property values.

Additionally, food & beverage industries need good quality water for production. The beer industry has become more vocal in standing up for clean water, because, “You can’t make great beer without clean water.” Put simply, “Clean water is essential to more than a great-tasting pint—it’s also critical for our health and our economy at large.”

In fact, the majority of small businesses put a high value on preserving water quality over cutting corners at the potential detriment to clean water. In this poll by the American Sustainable Business Council, 71% of small business owners agree that clean water is necessary for jobs and a healthy economy, an opinion that was held across party lines.


So let’s celebrate our beautiful waters and be diligent about keeping ecosystems and water supplies healthy. It’s just good business.

Learn more at mnawwa.org

Must-See Waterfalls in Minnesota

We appreciate the importance of water in every aspect of our lives. Water has the power to carve out valleys, move mountains, sustain life, and elicit awe. The natural wonders created by water can be appreciated right here in Minnesota. Here are some must-see waterfalls that will surely impress. Plan to visit one (or all of them) this summer with your family!

Minnehaha Falls

Arguably the most famous waterfall in Minnesota, Minnehaha Falls is a peaceful site amidst the urban landscape of Minneapolis. Visitors can bike and walk along the expansive park and get a close-up look at the gushing water. There's even an on-site restaurant to make a day of it. For a fun winter expedition, check out the beautiful colors the ice creates when the falls are frozen!

Minneopa Falls

If you are in the Southern part of the state, the most beautiful waterfall to visit is Minneopa Falls in Mankato. Minneopa State Park includes the 40-foot fall, as well as a smaller, scenic waterfall dropping just up river. Find the perfect angle to capture both falls in one epic viewing. All this set in gorgeous scenery and rocky bluffs make this a great escape.

High Falls of the Pigeon River

Located in the northeast corner of the state where Minnesota borders Canada, High Falls on Pigeon River is the tallest waterfall in the state at 120 feet. The falls thunder down a rocky cliff and flow into Lake Superior. A 1-mile hike from the nearest parking lot will allow you to visit this recluse and the natural landscape is sure to take your breath away.

Gooseberry Falls

The epitome of the north shore experience, Gooseberry Falls is just beyond Duluth in Two Harbors, MN. With 5 sets of falls through a rocky river gorge, the Gooseberry River flows out to an agate beach and into the largest lake in the world–Lake Superior. While the main falls are just a quick walk from the visitor’s entrance, there are a few others that can make for a fun hike in the nearby pine forests and rocky cliffs in this adventurous landscape.

The Cascades

Cascade River State Park is also along Lake Superior, making this the third must-see waterfall on the northern shore of Minnesota. The Cascades are a series of smaller waterfalls bumbling down a rocky slope. There are many to see; enough for an entire day of marveling as you hike.


With so many beautiful waterfalls along Lake Superior, a drive to the north shore of Minnesota would make a wondrous summer vacation. But if you would like to see some awe-inspiring waterfalls closer to you, consider Minneopa and Minnehaha Falls as excellent choices, too. It is important we all take the time to appreciate the powerful qualities of life-giving water we take for granted in this world!

You can find more information about Minnesota water on the Minnesota AWWA website.

Four Water Organizations That You Should Know About

Water is vital to the existence of every community, but millions of people across the world don’t have regular access to sanitized water. Water organizations around the world develop educational opportunities to help developing countries. Initiatives include understanding water sanitation and hygiene, addressing health concerns and issues related to unsanitary water, raising funds to support sustainable water technologies, and providing immediate access to drinkable water.

Water for People

Developed in 1991, Water for People was created out of the American Water Works Association. This non-profit organization serves in Bolivia, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Malawi, Nicaragua, Perú, Rwanda, and Uganda. It aims to improve the quality of life in these communities by supporting the development and accessibility of high-quality drinking water and sanitation services. Water for People also encourages partner countries to invest in sustainability so that everyone can have a hand in reliable access to water and sanitation for years to come.

Pure Water for the World

Pure Water for the World serves communities in Central America and the Caribbean. This non-profit organization is committed to ending illnesses caused by unsanitary water sources by providing education about preventable waterborne diseases and managing sustainable and sanitary water systems. By providing educational workshops on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), the Pure Water for the World team works with local community programs in order to develop customized solutions to a community’s water problems.

Charity: Water

According to Charity: Water, nearly 663 million people drink from contaminated water sources. Based in New York but operating in over 20 countries, Charity: Water raises funds to develop water technologies for developing countries. These water technologies range from hand-dug and drilled wells, rainwater catchments, gravity-fed systems, water purification systems, and latrines.

Through the Pipeline initiative, Charity: Water helps communities to maintain water technologies long after they are installed by providing funds to train and equip local mechanics to repair systems in need, develop innovative technologies, and educate the community on clean water sustainability.

Drop in the Bucket

Drop in the Bucket’s mission is to grant clean water access to children seeking an education. One of the ways Drop in the Bucket confronts the issue of clean water is by drilling wells at schools in sub-Saharan Africa. The presence of wells on a school campus grants greater accessibility to clean water and sanitation systems to students.

Because young girls are often tasked with the chore of fetching a family’s supply of water, having wells at school improves the chances that more girls can attend and graduate school rather than spending the majority of their day traveling to get water.

Getting Involved in Minnesota

If you are wondering how you can get involved, the Minnesota Section of the American Water Works Association will be sponsoring the annual Water for People Benefit Concert on April 29th at Bogart’s in Apple Valley. Featuring musical guest Big Bob and the High Rollers, the proceeds of the Water for People Benefit Concert will support the initiatives of Water for People. For more details, visit the Water for People Benefit Concert web page.


When you help support water charities with your time or money, we can come together to address the issue of clean drinking water. See what you can do to contribute to water education in your local community, and become a member of the American Water Works Association. Learn more at www.mnawwa.org.

The Benefits of Becoming a Minnesota AWWA Member

If you are looking to make a positive impact in your community, consider becoming a member of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). The goals of the American Water Works Association are to promote public health, safety, and welfare with the effort of the entire water community. This is done through the dispersal of educational resources disseminated through the network of water professionals who include water quality specialists, operators, engineers, safety regulators, and managers. The American Water Works Association has over 50,000 members worldwide.

AWWA Member Benefits

By becoming a Minnesota AWWA member, you can enjoy special benefits. Among these include access to special member rates for workshops, national conferences, webinars, and publications. Members can also gain access to technical resources and training opportunities.

With the ability to connect with water professionals across the world, scientists and advocates of safe and clean water treatments can speak on how we can better serve our communities. From policy and legislature to implementation, see how your membership with the American Water Works Association could positively impact your community.

The best thing about being an AWWA member is the people. The people in the water industry are some of the best I have ever met from any other industry. They’re real, hard-working, inclusive people who want the best for their communities and customers. You can’t find that many other places.

– Minnesota AWWA member, Kara Fritze

Being an AWWA member allows me to feel connected to the water community on a large scale. I enjoy attending AWWA events to meet new people and learn what topics people in the industry are focused on.

– Minnesota AWWA member, Allison Wheeler

When you begin the American Water Works Association membership process, you have the option of becoming an individual, utility, or service provider member. This means your membership will be catered to your interests, skills, and the needs that you can provide to your community.

 

To learn about more experiences of real members, take a moment to watch the videos of American Water Works Association members from across the country.

Whether you have a burgeoning career in the water industry or are a veteran, these opportunities to learn and network with other water professionals are priceless. Everyone from business managers to field workers to students can benefit from these connections. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to become involved in local water issues and grow your leadership skills! Fill out this form, and become a member today. To stay on top of the latest news and events of the American Water Works Association, visit the Minnesota American Water Works Association today.

The Best Smartphone Apps for Conserving Water

We are well into 2017 and the high water (use) season is right around the corner. What can you do to keep a little money in your pocket? To get started, think about all the ways that you can conserve water and not let your hard earned money flow down the drain. In fact, with all the available phone apps out there, let your phone do all the work of conserving water! Take a look below at the best apps for conserving water.

Dropcountr

This app takes a look at your entire individual water usage either hourly, daily, or monthly, allowing you to more deeply understand how your resources are being used in comparison to homes near you. Dropcountr even sends you personalized tips on how to conserve money as well as water by sending you rebates. The greatest benefit of this free app is that it connects water utility services directly to the consumer!

Water Timer

This interactive app helps to cut down on those long leisurely winter showers. Water Timer calculates the water and money that you could save from shortening your showers.This app is only available on iOS devices.

Water1der

If you are looking to teach water conservation to kids and teens, the Water1der app is an excellent choice. This app includes easy-to-read information and games that range from word scramble to multiple choice to true or false questions. The content of the games covers everything from the water cycle and water usage to water pollution and conversation. This app is only available on iOS devices.

Rain Harvest

If you are looking to begin harvesting your own water, look to Rain Harvest. This app estimates how much rainwater you could potentially collect from a rain storm. This is done by formulating rainfall, efficiency, and the total area that could catch rainwater.

Apps allow us to do everything from keeping track of our fitness to streaming music to finding shops and restaurants while on the go. In addition to these water conservation apps, you can find apps on landscaping and irrigation tracking, water fountain locaters, water leak calculators, and more! Find the perfect app to help your household conserve water.

For more information on water conservation, visit the American Water Works Association of Minnesota.

How Much Water Is Used To Produce The Food We Eat

If you want to conserve water and lessen your environmental footprint, you might consider taking shorter showers or only washing clothes when they are really dirty. However, the most effective way you can reduce your water usage is by choosing more carefully what you eat. This is because the food we eat makes up more than 2/3 of our total water footprint. This might surprise you until we take a closer look at how much water is used to produce the food we eat every day.

The LA Times posted a website article during California's terrible drought in 2015 that included an intriguing tool. You can select various foods to put on your virtual plate and it will tell you how many gallons of water went into producing those items. Take, for instance, a plate consisting of a pork chop, pasta, an apple, and a glass of milk. This plate used 500 gallons of water to produce! The majority of the water came from the 330 gallons it takes to raise a pig and butcher it to get that pork chop on your plate. In fact, the majority of our water usage when it comes to producing food comes from meats. If you are looking for ways to lighten your water footprint, simply eat less meat in your diet. Instead, replace them with eggs or beans for protein.

If we are considering our meal items, why not choose the one that used significantly less water to produce? For instance, if you are choosing a starch for your meal, potatoes only use 34 gallons of water per pound versus corn which uses 146 gallons per pound. The difference between coffee versus tea? Tea only uses 108 gallons of water per gallon of brewed tea contrasting coffee which uses a whopping 1,056 gallons of water to produce one gallon of brewed coffee. These efforts can really add up!

This article can help you choose between common foods like beer vs wine or asparagus vs broccoli. The foods you choose to eat can be very mindful of the environment if you educate yourself.

While it may seem drastic to cut these foods out of your diet entirely, knowing the amounts of water it takes to produce them can make you more mindful of your choices. You can find more information on water preservation on the MN AWWA website.