The People Behind The Water

Holidays are all about spending time with family and friends -- whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter or other holidays. It often doesn't reveal the work on unsung staff working quietly without fanfare to make sure that water arrives without interruption to your house. While families gather together for holiday festivities, the person making sure that there is water in the nearby water tank is alone in the pumping room, overseeing the pumps that ensure water pressure and water availability to hundreds of thousands of people. In the cold and snowy mornings of winter, a water main breaks, threatening to leave a block of homes without water for the day. Water crews leave the warmth of their family homes to go tend to the break and repair it with haste to allow other families to continue on with their day, uninterrupted.

         

Without these men and women, the simple act of turning on the faucet to pour water over the potatoes to help make a holiday meal would never happen. The dishes would go unwashed, the toilets wouldn't flush and the holiday for many would be ruined without their hard work.

How many other people do you know working on during the holidays? Probably a lot, and most of the general public probably doesn’t realize it. We are a 24/7 operation so there are always three Water Treatment and three Distribution employees on duty to operate the treatment plant and to respond to any reported field events that may occur.  This is not unique to a certain holiday season but actually occurs on every federal holiday.  These employees put their chosen profession ahead of other interests as 417,000 people are relying on them to ensure that water service is uninterrupted and any field needs are responded to in a timely manner. We can’t thank all of our employees enough for all of their work, to name a few positions:

Water Treatment Operator

Many water treatment facilities are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. A Water Treatment Operator will monitor the water quality throughout the treatment processes and make changes to ensure both quality and quantity meets the expectations of the community.

Water Analyst/Chemist

Incoming water quality changes, process equipment changes and Safe Drinking Water Act testing requirements don’t take weekends and Holidays off. Water Analysts ensure regulatory compliance is met at all times.

Utility Service Operator
Water must reach our homes, restaurants, industries and businesses for use. Maintenance and operation of the water distribution system (water mains, hydrants, water pumping stations, water towers) is required to make sure water leaving the water treatment facility reaches the customer safely and reliably.

Utilities Maintenance Mechanic

Effective preventative maintenance ensures that water systems perform effectively. When equipment is in need of emergency repair or scheduling becomes an issue, a Utilities Maintenance Mechanic role is to make sure water is available around the clock.

Customer Service Employees

Have a problem with the water entering your home? Chances are a call to your local utility will be answered by a customer service employee. Customer service is unique and important to each utility. The Water System Never Sleeps.

 

There are many times where our employees have stopped their holiday celebrations with family to help keep your special day going. Steve Schneider, General Manager of St. Paul Regional Water Services, remembers a time when he worked during Christmas:

I personally remember a broken water main in the City of Oakdale that occurred right outside the main driveway to the church I was attending. The work to repair the main was commenced after the completion of the 10:30 PM service on Christmas Eve and was completed in time for the 7:00 AM service on Christmas morning. I am sure there were some of our employees that were inexplicably tired during the day on that December 25th

We can’t begin to thank everyone of our employees enough for all of their work and contributions throughout the years. So the next time you turn on your water faucet think of the men and women, often working alone or in the cold on holidays, who make your water possible. Remember all the professions working so you can have what you have; there are more than you know!

Minnesota Ice Fishing: Conditions and Tips

Winter in Minnesota can mean many things: blizzards, snowman building, puffy coats and woolen underwear. To many people all around the state, it also means fishing -- ice fishing, to be exact.

The act of ice fishing is simple -- drill a hole in the ice, stick your hook and bobber through, and wait for the fish to come biting-- but the art of it is an entirely different story that requires some patience, supplies, and good luck.

Ice fishing, along with many other winter activities involving ice, is encouraged only during safe conditions. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ice must be at least 4 inches before any activity may take place on it. This specification has so far caused a bit of a rough go for some fisherman this season. Many lakes, such as Leech Lake in Cass County, have broken their surfaces under the weight of heavy vehicles.

Other lakes, such as Hanson Lake in Becker County and Blacksmith, Blue, Crappie and Newman lakes in Hubbard County, are lakes formed by pits that used to be used in mining. Since sinking, they have become filled with water, becoming new habitats for fish. Annually, they are stocked with trout, making them popular for anglers looking to snag a few fresh fish. However, fisherman are encouraged to use caution when using them. “[These lakes] are much deeper and take longer to cool down in the fall than natural lakes,” says Al Stevens, fisheries program consultant with the DNR. “As a result, the ice is usually thinner than on other lakes.”

However, most of the other 10,000+ lakes have safe enough conditions to fish. Hidden Valley Pond in Cottage Grove, MN, recently held a first-time fisher’s outing. The event was attended by Jim Levitt, a fisheries specialist with the DNR, who noted that ice fishing was “a great opportunity to really get that true Minnesota experience.” Many towns situated on lakes or deep ponds are introducing the idea of ice fishing to their residents, hoping to teach the proper safety precautions while also establishing a fun activity for families.

Fish Tales, a Minnesota Fishing Report published by Outdoors Weekly, notes that depending on the area fishermen are interested in, good catches are abound. Walleyes and panfish, such as bluegills and crappies, are the most popular species to catch during a Minnesota winter. In other areas, sauger, perch, pike, crappie, and trout are all available.

When trying to catch the perfect fish, the depth of the water you are fishing in is important, says the DNR. Bluegills and northerns prefer shallow water; walleyes often stay in deeper water. The time of day also plays a factor: bluegills and sunfish gather in schools and can be caught during the daytime, while crappies and walleyes bite best just before sundown. If you aren’t picky, northerns and trout are hungry throughout the day, just like muskies and bass.

The best place to go for all of your ice fishing needs is the Minnesota DNR’s website, which contains fishing reports, specifications, and regulations for all those interested. The ice fishing season will conclude in March/April, but fishing goes year round, as ice melts and lakes open up to warmer weather. For a closer look at the seasons, check this list.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Can you believe winter is here already? Whether or not we’re ready for the bitter cold and mounds of snow, the next season has arrived with a bang! Besides breaking out your winter jacket, snow shovel and ice scraper, there is one way you need to prepare your home.

If not properly winterized, pipes in the winter can be very damaging to your home and property. Minnesota homes are typically built with water pipes located on the inside of the building insulation, which protects the pipes from freezing weather. However, when weather becomes extremely cold or there are holes in the building that allow a flow of cold air to come into contact with pipes, it can lead to freezing – which may lead to busted pipes. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are the most vulnerable to freezing.

 

 

The first thing you should always remember to do is to wrap any pipes located in exposed or unheated areas to prevent them from freezing. Ask an associate at a local hardware store for the best materials to use.

Another way to prepare your home and protect your pipes is to seal off any openings. Be sure to cover up any doors, open cracks and air vents not used during the winter months. You can also install an electric fan on the furnace and direct it to blow hot air onto exposed basement water pipes.

Finally, always be mindful of your home’s temperature. This is especially important if you leave for a vacation. Turning thermostat down may save on a heating bill but be sure to leave it a reasonable temperature. We recommend no lower than 55 degrees.

 

If you suspect that you may have a frozen pipe, don’t take any chances- call a plumber immediately. If a water pipe bursts, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve and leave all faucets open. We highly recommend you do not try and fix this issue yourself for it may only cause more problems in the end.

Do you have any other winter tips for keeping your pipes in tip-top shape? Comment and share them below!

Celebrate Water - 2014 MN AWWA Conference

Considering we proclaim proudly that we are the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it goes without saying that we Minnesotans take water very seriously. Here at the Minnesota AWWA, we’re gearing up for our annual Minnesota Section of the American Water Works Association conference...and we couldn’t be more excited!

Why? Because this September, over 1,000 drinking water professionals will make the trek to Duluth for three days of educational presentations and social events centered around Minnesota’s - and planet’s - most precious and essential resource...WATER. (Some people may say children are our most precious resource, but they need clean fresh drinking water, so I am going with water).

Of course, the main purpose for gathering our great State’s water professionals together is to learn and share important information about the latest technology, trends and concerns within the drinking water industry.

Ideally, each attendee will leave far more informed and enthusiastic about the wide world of water than they arrived. But, the calendar is also stacked with numerous social events like a golf outing, trap shooting, and even the legendary Lake Superior fishing trip. All these events raise money for the worthy Water for People charity.

If you’re attending this year’s event, we’re certain you’re well-aware of the fact that each day is teeming with workshops, and you will meet your goal of learning something new. This year we hope along with the education and networking opportunities, you extend your stay in order to spend some time checking out Duluth/Superior to take in the great lakeside sightseeing, dining and shopping.

So, without further ado, here’s our short list of great places to catch the flavor of Duluth.


CANAL PARK
Formerly an industrial, warehousing section of the port city, Canal Park is now home to a wide array of restaurants, bars, shops and attractions, all within a lovely Lake Superior neighborhood. The area includes four miles of lakeside walking and biking paths, the impressively huge and intricate William Irving floating museum, the DeWitt Seitz Marketplace (with more little shops and restaurants than can be listed here) and a favorite of this particular blogger, the Portland Malt Shoppe. Pick a starting point and let your feet guide you!; no car needed!

Another popular attraction in Canal Park is the famous Canal Park Brewery. Stop by for a pint made with fresh, local ingredients and stay for a tour. Don’t forget to try a NorthCoaster Burger! This year the brewery is donating 20% of all proceeds from Tuesday night to Water for People and check out their latest beer that will be named in honor of Minnesota AWWA. Any guess as to what they’ll name it?

GLENSHEEN MANSION
This ornate gem, atop a hill overlooking Lake Superior, boasts a complex and twisted history. The Glensheen Mansion, now owned by the University of Minnesota - Duluth, is not only the most lavish historic home in the region, but was also the scene of a brutal, high-profile double-murder in the late 1970s. This tale and more are the foundation of daily mansion tours; if you have some free time, consider a visit and leave town with a richer understanding of regional history!

FITGER’S RESTAURANT/BREWHOUSE
Another lakeside haunt, Fitger’s is just an awesome place for a fine meal, a delicious appetizer, and/or a pint of seriously good beer. Added bonus - the historic, harborside building includes a hotel (frequently booked solid) and unique shopping. Definitely put this on the short list of places to check out.

Duluth is a vibrant place, and this is only a short list; check this out for even more Duluth sightseeing options.

Have a favorite Duluth haunt? Leave us a comment and tell us about it!

See you at the convention in September!

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!

March Review: Tips to Save Water All Year Long

March was a busy time for the water industry. The Clean Water Act turned 40-years-old, the U.S. EPA hunted down loose faucets and leaks for a week, and March 22nd was World Water Day.

The Safe Drinking Water Act, established in 1974, helped to establish a set of national standards and regulations for all public water suppliers. The federal government provided leadership and funding to help states nationwide to help meet these standards. These nationwide standards help regulate states by meeting federal standards. Minnesota has always had strict water standards even before the federal mandate was issued. This act ensures safety procedures carried out by water suppliers and water treatment facilities. The water has been tested, it is safe to drink, and it has met the standards of the SWDA. 

Walter Mondale, who was U.S. Vice President when the act was passed, said, “Safe drinking water is almost the first requirement of a prosperous community.”

More than 97% of Minnesota water supplies meet all Safe Water Drinking Act standards.

The U.S. EPA, partnering with Water Sense, chased household water-wasters down for a week to reduce annual household waste in its “Fix a Leak Week”. The focus was to reduce household leaks that annually contribute to over one trillion gallons of water wasted nationwide. By fixing or repairing simple maintenances, for instance, a dripping faucet, a running toilet and other leaky valves, it will reduce the cost of water consumption while promoting sustainability.

Tips to Help Save Water Year-round 
· Take a look at your water usage during a colder month, such as January or February. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, there are serious leaks.
· Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
· Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 15 minutes, you have a leak. (Be sure to flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)
· Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.

The UN System raised awareness of the inter-dependency between water and energy on March 22, titled World Water Day. This awareness event reached over 700 million worldwide, highlighting the importance and necessity of clean sources of drinking water in areas that need it most. 

Without water, there would be no life. That is why it is essential for our industry to keep growing, thriving from new innovations, to provide a healthy and dependable resource to those who matter most: you.

Cheers!