How to Purify Water While Camping

When camping, one of the most important items of need is access or the ability to obtain clean water. It will be your source of hydration, energy, and sustenance. While bottled water is convenient, it can add a lot of weight to your camping gear haul, not to mention the burden on the environment caused by producing bottled water. Learning to find a source and purify water when camping can eliminate a few gallons from your camping gear and can help eliminate plastic waste from the environment. And it’s easy to learn!

Purifying your own drinking water is simple, inexpensive, and, most importantly, ensures a safe and sanitary source of drinking water. Consider the following methods when purifying water while camping:

Finding a Source

If you are camping in a state park or campground, there will likely be a supply of water nearby, such as a well or spout in which you can find water. From there, filtering isn’t usually an issue, unless you are worried about taste. To find a smart supply of water in more rugged terrain, look for clear, flowing streams. Lake and pond water are stagnant and more likely to hold contaminants and bacteria. Collecting condensation from tree branches and leaves can be effective, but takes a lot of patience. Treated snow and ice are smart options for when you are winter camping.

Portable Filters

Portable water filters can be an effective, albeit more expensive option for purification. With effective maintenance, portable water filters are compact and easy to use and there is a variety of options on the market. Look for filters equipped with either carbon or ceramic filters or look for filters that treat water with iodine or other chemicals to kill viruses.

One option is the SteriPEN - a small, battery-powered device that emits UV light and destroys bacteria. All you need to do is dip the pen into your water bottle and stir for about a minute. The newer version of the SteriPEN comes in an even smaller, more travel-friendly design and includes a micro USB charging port, though it boasts 40 purifications between charges.

Boiling

Boiling water can be the most effective way to purify water. In small batches, bring water to a rolling boil for at least five minutes to kill any microorganisms existing in the water. Wait for the water to cool, and remember that this method does not remove non-living contaminants, so you may need to filter it slightly beforehand. Boiling water is often the easiest for large groups like families and requires just a boiling pot over a campfire.

Image by Martin Cathrae via Flickr

Iodine Treatment

Another simple method for water purification is iodine treatment. It is often considered the most effective at killing most pathogens, although it will not remove sediment. Coming in the form of iodine tablets, crystals or liquid iodine, this is a process that is easy, inexpensive, and lightweight. Dissolve iodine in water while stirring constantly for at least 30 minutes. Use five drops of liquid 2% iodine for every quart of water and follow the manufacturer's details for iodine crystals and tablets. The iodine can leave a slight aftertaste, but neutralizing tablets are also available and effectively counteract the aftertaste.

When camping, water will be your biggest asset in keeping you energized, regulating body temperature, and in enhancing your physical performance. Make sure to keep a steady supply of water with you at all times and challenge yourself to learn how to purify water in the event of camping emergencies.

For more information on water conservation and protecting our resources, visit our website.

The 99th Annual MN American Water Works Association Conference

Join water professionals from across the Midwest at the Minnesota Section of the American Water Works Association’s (MN AWWA) 99th Annual Conference in historic Duluth, MN on September 16^th-18th. The conference will continue the Minnesota AWWA’s focus on educating attendees on water quality and treatment, and public health, safety, and welfare.

The conference will feature excellent technical sessions from university professors, engineers, and specialists on topics ranging from blending groundwater and surface water, to 3D modeling of water systems, to retrofitting water treatment systems to disinfection using ozone to achieve algal toxin and odor control.

The conference is a four-day event that will take place at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center overlooking the beautiful Lake Superior. With plenty of fantastic lodging options and a bustling scene of delicious restaurants in the immediate vicinity (Canal Park), it won’t be hard to consider attending the Minnesota AWWA as a small reprieve from this past August's heat wave.

A Preview of the Events:

Tuesday: Board Meetings and Water for People for Events (Sporting Clays shooting, Golf and Fishing Tournaments
 

Wednesday: Opening Events, Keynote address, Vendor Exhibitions, Committee Meetings, Best In Glass Water Taste Test, and MAC Social and Water for People Silent Auction
 

Thursday and Friday: Technical Sessions and Speakers, Federal and State Regulatory Updates, Business Lunch & Election, Appreciation Dinner and Awards Presentation

A portion of the conference will be devoted to several competitions and contests including Best in Glass, Pipe Tapping, Meter Madness, and new competition Hydrant Hysteria. Learn more about the competitions on the Minnesota Section website.

The four-day conference will focus on the importance of the various ways we treat and use water and the impact we have on the world’s most important natural resource. Don’t miss the chance to learn from and meet with the region’s top water professionals at the 99^th Annual Minnesota AWWA Conference.

Career Spotlight - Water Treatment Plant Operators

Turn your faucet on….Water comes out and unused “waste” water runs down the drain. This process occurs numerous times per day whether we are at home, at work or we are out running errands. This service is automatic and most of us have come to expect this service to be available 24/7/365. Safe, plentiful drinking water doesn’t magically appear in our cup, so how do we get it?

We can thank Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators for providing safe, clean water. Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators have extensive responsibilities and lead rewarding and fulfilling careers.

What do they do?
As an Treatment Plant Operator, responsibilities include operating of equipment in the water and wastewater treatment facilities in order to purify drinking water, remove pollutants from water, and return clean water and biosolids back to the environment. Having safe and clean drinking water is essential for life and good health. They are also in charge of maintaining the pumps, motors, chemical feed systems, computer process that control remote water storage facilities and wastewater pump stations that convey wastewater through the sewer system. As an operator, it is critical to abide by the guidelines of the Federal Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act as well as comply with Minnesota Department of Health and Pollution Control Agency requirements.

Hours and Earnings
Treatment Plant Operators usually work 8-12 hours a day and 40 or more hours per week. Because many treatment facilities operate 24 hours a day, Operators may be required to work different shifts. Earnings vary depending on the size of the facility and its locations, the skill of the operator, education, experience, and certification. Most operators receive “overtime” pay, paid vacations, and benefits. The average national salary for a Treatment Plant Operator is $42,760.

Education and Training
With the complex instrumentation and computer-controlled equipment now in use in many water treatment facilities, employers seek applicants with at minimum, a high school diploma. Education requirements are increasing as plants become more complex. Each plant has a formal training process that employees must complete.

Certification and Licenses
All water and wastewater systems are required to meet state and national standards as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In every state, Operators must pass a certification examination to show they are capable of overseeing a wide variety of treatment processes. There are classes of certification for different size treatment plants. Some states, such as Minnesota, have their own certification program.

Future
Public perception may be that with improvements in technology and the increase use of automation and remote access control, the need for water professionals may be decreasing. The new tools available have helped reduce the need for some work tasks, but the increase regulatory requirements, demands for the highest quality water and consumer expectations require more water system professionals than ever before.

Mike Rowe and the crew for Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs at the Moorhead water treatment plant 2011.

Available Jobs
Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities and systems operators held over 111,000 jobs throughout the United States and it is expected to grow at an 8% rate. Most work for local governments, but State and Federal positions are also available. Others work for private water, wastewater, and sanitary utilities and services companies, which increasingly provide operation and management services to local governments on a contract basis. There are many fulfilling career choices in the water quality profession including Treatment Plant Operator, Laboratory Technician, Maintenance Mechanic, Civil Engineer, Chemist and Biologist; just to name a few. Which career are you most interested in? Share below!

Surface Water Treatment Workshop 2014

Starting Tuesday, April 29, 2014, Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota American Water Works Association chapters gather in Fargo to kick-off the 2014 Surface Water Treatment Workshop (SWTW).

The SWTW is a three-day workshop that covers current and future issues surrounding all things water. Industry professionals, scientists, and operators alike gather to discuss issues that range from optimization and treatment to technology and case studies. 

Surface water is becoming an alarming issue due to rooftops, roads, parking lots, driveways and other impenetrable surfaces no longer allow rainwater to be absorbed into the ground; rainfall becomes a dangerous runoff. Elements such as trash, chemicals, oil, fertilizers and animal waste all have effects on the quality of water, and once these are exposed will affect the quality of water. These elements all contribute to the degradation of water quality all over the world.

To effectively prevent surface water degradation and pollution, it is critical to come up with advanced solutions and systems to prevent further harm to waterways. This event will cover strategies, case studies, effects of impact and advancements that deal with surface water-related concerns and issues.

Members and employees of AE2S will act as the event’s keynote speakers. AE2S is an environmental and civil engineering consulting firm based out of North Dakota that specializes in electrical, structural and water services. AE2S’ CEO Steve Burian just recently participated in, and won “Dancing with the Special Stars,” to help support North Dakota Special Olympics. 

On Tuesday, April 9, as part of the SWTW '14 event, k-12 students submitted posters were featured along with the three selected winners of the poster contest. The poster contest’s key message this year was “Trust the Tap,” educating younger generations of the safety and convenience of tap water over bottled, and learning more about public and private water issues. Over 900 submissions were submitted by students of all ages throughout the state of Minnesota.

The three-day event will conclude with a facility tour of Fargo’s Ground Storage Reservoir, Moorhead Public Service Red River Pumping Station and Industrial Treatment Facility (Fargo Brewing Company). Pre-registration is required to attend tours and a lunch will be provided.

AWWA gives you the information and resources you need to deliver safe water to the world. Since its inception in 1881, AWWA has provided the information and leadership needed to advance policies that protect the public’s health. Becoming a member of AWWA is easy and has many benefits. As a member, you will enjoy access to technical resources, networking opportunities, advocacy efforts, career development resources, and more!

Bullert Wins Honorary Member Award

Having over 35-plus years of experience in the water industry, it’s no wonder Mr. Bernie Bullert was recently honored by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) with an Honorary Member Award.

This annual award is presented to three individuals whose knowledge and accomplishments in the field of water supply entitle him or her to special recognition. Candidates must have knowledge and accomplishments in water supplies at international, government, association, and section levels.

Steve Scheinder (left), Manager of St. Paul Regional Water Services, and Bernie Bullert (right), Honorary Member Award Winner

Bullert is currently the Director of Water Treatment and Distribution Services for the City of Minneapolis, where he has improved the division’s performance both fiscally and operationally. As a long-time AWWA member, he has significantly contributed to the water industry as a consultant and long-time public servant.

Bullert’s devotion to improving drinking water standards while eliminating taste and odor issues has positively impacted potable water as a primary public service. He has served over a million customers by leading the two largest water supplies in Minnesota, the City of St. Paul and its counterpart, Minneapolis. He has also assisted numerous communities as and Engineering Consultant.

Bullert attributes his success to his dedication, persistence, and love of and commitment to the water business, both from a professional and volunteer perspective. “It’s good to enjoy what you do, when you enjoy what you do, you’re successful,” says Bullert. “It’s not just work, it’s fun.” His membership in multiple professional water organizations shows the breadth of his passion and knowledge for sustainable water systems and their importance to communities.

Bullert exemplifies what it means to be an honorary member of AWWA; constantly seeking solutions to improve public health, protecting the environment, strengthening the economy, and enhancing the quality of life deserves such recognition.

Opportunities for a career in the water industry should be considered by individuals who understand the importance of sustainable water and the impact it has on both locally and internationally. Bullert states, “It’s a very good business, it’s always there, and it’s always needed. It takes a certain amount of work, but it’s a very reliable career.” He believes the public takes water for granted to a certain degree, but it is an invaluable resource and that those who maintain it should be devoted. 

Bill Spain Wins 2013 George Warren Fuller Award

 

 The Minnesota section of the American Water Works Association is proud to present to the winner of the 2013 "George Warren Fuller Award". This year’s winner is Bill Spain, the water environmental technologies instructor at St. Cloud Technical and Community College. Spain was presented the award at the Minnesota Section’s annual meeting where he was recognized for his distinguished service to the water supply field.

Partick Shea, Bill Spain, Matthew Keil
(MN AWWA Past Chair, Award Winner, Dean of Trades & Industry - St. Cloud Technical College)

Sound engineering skill, brilliant diplomatic talent, and constructive leadership are a few of the many traits that have allowed Spain to contribute to MN AWWA’s success. As a committee member, Spain is known for going above and beyond what is expected of him. His performance reflects his exceptional character and work ethic.

Spain has committed his life to the water industry - he has provided over thirty years of excellent service to the water industry and over twenty years of equally excellent service to the St. Cloud Technical and Community College. As an educator, Bill taught and inspired students of all ages in the realm of water and wastewater operations. Bill is also a long-time member of the AWWA and has served on a number of committees. His work on the section board as a District Trustee, Section Chair, and Section Director helped create awareness and solve problems for Minnesota’s water industry.

To visit MN AWWA's Facebook page, click here.
For more info on the George Warren Fuller Award, click here.

George W. Fuller

Eaton Gains Prestigious AWWA Honor

The “Leonard N. Thompson” Award was created in memoriam of the two-time American Water Works Association (AWWA) president. Annually bestowed to a Minnesota Section member, the award is designed to honor someone whose longevity, community service, and service to the water industry rivals the memories of Thompson’s impact.

Past Chair Bert Tracy, Awardee Jon Eaton, Current Chair Steve Schneider

This year the honor went to Jon Eaton, an extraordinary AWWA member and water utility businessman. For nearly twenty years, his leadership roles have branched through the water supply industry. Now Superintendent of Utilities for the city of Eagan, Eaton’s journey included an eighteen-year relationship with the waters of Bloomington, Minnesota, where he was Water Quality Supervisor. Eaton also served on the Minnesota Section Executive Board as Secretary and Treasurer (he will be the 2014 Section Director), the national AWWA Finance and Section Services Committees, Suburban Utilities Superintendent Association (SUSA) executive board, and the Minnesota Department of Health “Environmental Health Knowledge Management Project”.

Eaton’s experience in environmental science dates back thirty years and received a jumpstart at the University of Minnesota, where he graduated from the Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Chemistry. Since then he has polished his stormwater management skills and civil engineering techniques and has gained an unrivaled handle on municipalities.

Eaton’s success is likely due to his determination to realize lifelong passions. According to the October 15, 2013 Minnesota AWWA “News Release”, the 2013 awardee enjoys “helping others and promoting public health, safety, and welfare through the improvement of water and public infrastructure”.

It is clear that the Eaton embodies what the “Leonard N. Thompson” award aims to honor. Once again, congratulations to Jon Eaton. Thank you for your decades of community service. Thank you for creating awareness for AWWA and helping moving the water supply industry forward.

For more info on the Minnesota section of AWWA, click here.
For more info on AWWA national, click here.

Feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comment section below.