New York Rural Water Association: News

New York Rural Water Association (NYRWA) is committed to keeping its members informed on important news and information regarding the rural water, wastewater, and solid waste industries. In addition, we are determined to promote the effective exchange of knowledge between systems. If you have any news or information you would like to share with your fellow systems, please e-mail us: nyrwa@nyruralwater.org and we will post it on this page.

New York State Revolving Fund News, published by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation. This new quarterly newsletter contains information about funding for water and sewer projects, and is part of EFC's ongoing efforts to enhance client services. To view the news letter, please click here.

A group of dedicated individuals, organizations, municipalities, and agency folks have developed the NYWARN for water and wastewater utilities. WARN stands for Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network and it's purpose is "utilities helping other utilities to respond to and recover from emergencies".

We, at New York Rural Water Association, encourage all utilities to consider joining this network. To learn more about this, please go to www.nywarn.org and consider including your utility to this network.

On February 17, 2009 all full powered Television stations will begin broadcasting only in digital, as required by law. To assist US households with this transition, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, part of the US Department of Commerce, created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program to help Americans continue receiving over-the-air television after February 17, 2009.

If households receive television programs over-the-air using rabbit ears or rooftop antennas, they must take action to continue using their analog TV's after 2/17/09. There are three options: 1) buy a converter box that plugs into their current analog television; 2) buy a television with digital tuner; or 3) connect their analog television to cable, satellite or other pay services.

This change stands to affect rural residents more than urban residents and we are asking for your help in informing the public of the need to get converters. A limited number of coupons are available to help with the cost and the sooner TV viewers obtain them, the better. A very informational website has been setup www.dtv2009.gov to assist in the effort. Up to two coupons are available to receive a converter box, find out more at the website provided.

We are asking all that read this, to please help in getting the word out on this important event to our rural residents.

The New York State Wastewater Infrastructure Needs report is now available at www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/42383.html. Thanks to all that supplied information for this report.

The National Environmental Services Center (NESC) - www.nesc.wvu.edu. A great place to get water, wastewater,and environmental training information. You can visit their web-site or call (800)-624-8301 to get information on the many documents they have available on their Drinking Water Products List. Some of the products come with a minimal fee but allot of them are still FREE. You can also sign up to receive their On Tap Magazine - Drinking Water News for America's Small Communities. Every issue comes with a specific Tech Brief that contains very use full information. You can access Tech Briefs from previous editions on-line at: www.nesc.wvu.edu/ndwc_tb_available.htm

Roediger Belt Press is no longer located in Pittsburgh, PA, they have been bought out by the Charter Machine Company of New Jersey.

Reported in a USA Today article by Dennis Cauchon, it stated huge increases in water and sewer bills are on the way in many places as cities and towns try to repair aging pipes and correct artificially low prices. Does this sound familiar; are you considering raising your rates?

The article states that New York, Detroit, Tampa and Atlanta are among the cities facing large rate increases and that many of the nation’s 70,000 smaller systems are imposing major price hikes, too.

EPA estimates that the nation’s water and wastewater systems need an investment of up to $1.2 trillion over 20 years.

It was reported that the median rate increase was about 5% and that average rate increases of that amount are enough to finance the industry’s capital needs. Stated in the article they identify the problem, as many municipal owned systems have treated rate hikes like “tax increases” and avoided them for years. It was estimated that 29% of water systems and 41% of sewer systems charge customers less than the cost of the service. When this occurs those systems have no way to finance expensive repairs without delivering a rate shock to customers. Does this ring true of your system? Should you be considering a hike in rates to cover the cost of repairs?

Nationwide there are approximately 54,000 community water supplies and 16,000 wastewater systems.

Here is a nationwide snapshot of the water and sewer rate increases over a decade.

Water Rates from 1996–1998 12.3%; from 1998–2000 6.5%; from 2000–2002 8.8%; from 2002-2004 7.2%; from 2004-2006 7.1%

Now Sewer Rates from 1996-1998 3.5%; from 1998-2000 10.1%; from 2000-2002 7.9%; 2002-2004 12.1%; and 2004-2006 7.8%.

Well, He went and did it! Richard (Dick) Smith (Smitty) has hung up his moldboard plow shoes and turned in his chlorine test kit! Long time Public Works Superintendent of The Village of Sinclairville over there in Chautauqua County, Smitty has taken his retirement and decided to keep his golf clubs permanently shined up.

We ‘workin’ folk are going to miss that big, quick smile Smitty always had at the ready. We wish you a long, enjoyable retirement from New York Rural Water Association Mr. Smith. And we thank you for your years of dedication to the water system serving those friendly folks in Sinclairville and the surrounding communities.

As Dick takes his leave, we would like to welcome Mr. Jack Abbey to the helm and wish him well in his new position. We look forward to working with Jack as we did with Dick.

For any new operators applying for wastewater certification in 2008, there are new procedures in place. To see the the instructions and changes please click here. Also you can down load the New Application form here, and the Statement of Experience form here.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has honored New York’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) for its effectiveness and innovation in achieving sustainable public health protection, New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President David Sterman and State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., announced today. New York’s Drinking Water SRF program is administered by EFC and the New York State Department of Health (DOH).

Providing adequate funding for New York’s urgent drinking water projects is one of Governor Spitzer’s top environmental priorities,” said Mr. Sterman. “To help advance the Governor’s goals, we are continuously looking for new ways to optimize Drinking Water SRF Program funding to finance as many projects as possible in communities throughout the State. I’m delighted that EPA recognizes our success in our effective administration of the Program.”

Dr. Daines said: “The New York Drinking Water State Revolving Fund is a vital tool in helping communities throughout our State make needed improvements to their drinking water systems. We have worked very hard to effectively fund as many projects as possible and I appreciate EPA’s recognition of our efforts by giving us this award.”

EPA’s 2007 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Award recognizes New York State’s use of interest-free short-term financing and its new loan guarantees. With interest-free short-term financing, borrowers are able to access money more quickly, and long-term projects are budgeted for and more accurately planned. Short-term financing is typically used for planning and design, and is frequently rolled into long-term low-interest SRF financing. New York’s Drinking Water SRF Program also offers credit enhancements in the form of guarantees for applicants whose projects score below the funding levels established for the program, and, thus, would most likely be unable to receive financial assistance from the State. Guarantees also offer an extended financing term benefit of up to 30-years.

Since 1997, the Drinking Water SRF program has provided more than $2 billion in low-cost financing and grants and $135.3 million in direct interest subsidies for 541 drinking water improvement projects throughout New York State. For additional information on the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs, please visit www.nysefc.org.

Mapping Services from NYRWA

Posted 12/4/2007

WOW, what an excellent response to our recent newsletter announcement about the new mapping services we are offering to our small rural water and wastewater facility members. We are excited about the support and interest shown. NYRWA is pleased to be able to offer these reduced rate mapping services to our members. If you wish to receive a quote for your system, contact us on our toll free line at 1-888-NYRURAL (697-8725), one of our staff will be happy to work with you.

Anyone familiar with the Watertown Branch Office of Blair Supply Corp, will likely find a friendly face missing upon your next visit to the Bradley Street establishment. Mr. David Renzi has decided to take his leave and retire from the business after many years of service in the North Country. Dave, as we are sure you know, has endured some health issues and decided enough is enough! Well, Mr. Renzi, we at New York Rural Water Association wish you improved health and a long enjoyable retirement! Thank you for your service to the water industry!

NYRWA will soon be offering backflow device testing services throughout New York State. In an attempt to better serve our members, the NYRWA will be available to test devices for new installations and annual inspections. We will charge $100.00 plus tax for each device tested, which is below the State average. This service is being provided following requests from many members and local health departments, and will hopefully help sections of the State with limited testing service providers. If you have any questions regarding this service please feel free to contact Jamie Herman, Training & TA Specialist by calling 1-888-697-8725 Ext 13, or email Herman@nyruralwater.org

By now, all municipalities with permitted wastewater plants should have received the Needs Survey from EFC. This survey is important in determining the amount of money New York will receive to fund wastewater projects. Please take a few minutes and respond to the survey. If you have any questions, please call Steve Grimm at (518) 828-3155 x18 or Jason Denno of EFC at (518) 623-1244.

The Town of Long Lake and the residents of Raqutte Lake are hoping voters statewide will support the proposition to use forest preserve lands for drinking water wells in the hamlet of Raquette Lake in Hamilton County.

The proposed amendment would allow the state to convey 1 acre of land to the town of long lake to use as a site for their drinking water supply wells. In exchange the State would receive 12 acres of land that is equal in value to the land conveyed to long lake. The land the State receives would be included in the State preserve. Also the Raquette lake reservoir would be abandoned as a water supply use.

The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) provides a mechanism whereby drinking water and wastewater utilities can provide interstate (between states) mutual aid and assistance during times of emergency. EMAC has demonstrated its value in providing interstate mutual aid and assistance for multiple sectors and disciplines and can be used to share water sector resources such as equipment and personnel across state lines. To read more please click here

The 2008 NEW VIP Fleet price for NYRWA members can be found here. For some models the discount has increased to $6000.00. Also the VIP Fleet quote is eligible for in-stock units. In addition to being able to order from local dealers, there is a central fleet dealer for no hassle ordering. If this option is used, your vehicle will be delivered through the local dealer at no charge to the you.

Much of the world's water systems are inadequate or crumbling from age. Around the world, billions are spent each year to build or repair water and wastewater systems. Yet, there has been no place where utilities could announce their contract opportunities and be assured that interested vendors could find them. Until now. H2bid.com is a recently-launched international procurement website for the water and wastewater industries. H2bid.com is a global procurement portal exclusively dedicated to the water and wastewater industries. The site is for water and wastewater utilities and their vendors. H2bid allows utilities to post contract opportunities, and allows vendors to search and download the contract opportunities. Posting and searching is free, but there is a small fee ($7.95) to download the full details of a contract opportunity. Contract opportunities can be searched by categories (which are further divided into subcategories): Country, UNSPSC Code (United Nations Standard Products and Services Code), Document ID, or Keyword.

H2bid enables water and wastewater utilities and their potential suppliers to find each other at a rate of speed that has never existed. In doing so, it enables utilities to fulfill their fiduciary obligation of getting the best product or service for the best price. Conversely, vendors now have a one-stop-shop to access water and wastewater contract opportunities all over the world.

For more information, go to www.h2bid.com, or contact Glenn D. Oliver at gdo@h2bid.com. Phone: 01-313-598-5659, Fax: 01-313- 833-9942. The company’s address: 453 Martin L. King, Jr. Blvd., Detroit, MI 48201, USA.

Rural communities nationwide will have access to $21.9 million to help cope with high energy costs.

Communities must apply before Oct. 1 for the grants, which are administered by the United States Department of Agriculture.

"These grants will help rural residents and businesses upgrade energy infrastructure and make other energy eff i ciency improvements," said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns. "The rising cost of energy can challenge ec onomic growth and opportunity. These grants are another example of how USDA works to help rural communities over come economic obstacles and create opportunity."

The funds can be used to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade or otherwise improve energy generation, transmission or distribution facilities serving communities in which the average residential cost for home energy exceeds 275 percent of the national average.

Grants are available to individuals, businesses, non-profit organization, states, local governments and federally recognized Indian tribes. Grants may not be used to pay utility bills or purchase fuel and may not be used for the sole bene fit of the applicant.

The application guide for this grant can be found at www.usda.gov/rus/electric or at Grants.gov under the Code of Domestic Federal Assistance Number 10.859

The following link is to another USDA grant program (through the Rural Housing Service) for communities and small businesses in rural areas to implement or promote energyefficiency open for applications through Sept. 6. One of the criteria, worth 20 of the 100 total points, is:

Technical assistance for the development of Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements--20 Points. The applicant must demonstrate how they will improve the recipients' capacity to carry out activities related to the development of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements for housing, community facilities, or community and economic development."

Congratulations to Louis Langone and the Village of Waterville for being awarded the DEC's Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award. The Village is now automatically entered into the national award competition. Good luck and a job well done. Thank you for "Protecting Our Environment".

The National Rural Water Association is holding their Annual Conference in Philadelphia this year from September 23-26, 2007. Systems with 400 connections or less can attend the NRWA Conference for free! To take advantage of this great offer go to National's website at www.nrwa.org and to the right of the opening page you will see 2007 Conference, below that you will see all the information on the conference including agenda and on-line registration. Come join us in Philadelphia, PA this September.

Just a quick reminder that your 2006 Annual Water Quality Report Certification form must be mailed and postmarked before September 1st, 2007. Blank copies of the certification form may be obtained from NYRWA Circuit Riders or the New York State Department of Health Website. The certification form details how the report was delivered and copies must be sent to both your local NYSDOH office and the Bureau of Water Supply Protection, Flanigan Square, 547 River St., Troy, NY 12180-2216

NY Congressman Thomas Reynolds (R- Clarence) announced on June 11, 2007 that the USDA has approved $300,000 in emergency funding to assist residents in Genesee County that had their wells contaminated in early April 2007 likely due to the spreading of manure. The funding comes from the USDA’s Rural Development Emergency and Imminent Community Water Assistance Grant Program (ECWAG). Local media accounts indicate that water lines will be extended to the affected area. In April, 56 residents submitted a petition to the Batavia Town Board requesting public water. Wells at some 60 residences in the Towns of Batavia and Stafford have tested positive for E. coli or coliform bacteria. Ultraviolet disinfection equipment was installed at the costs of dairy farmer Hans Boxler Jr. and the Towns of Batavia and Stafford. Preliminary findings from the state allege that Mr. Boxler violated state conservation law and a state permit when he spread manure on approximately 274 acres. Reportedly, Boxler spread too much cow manure on several different dates in January and February. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation is also alleging that he violated state Environmental Conservation Law and the conditions of his Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) permit by polluting several local streams with wastewater from bunk silos on his farm.

Recently NY Rural Water Association supported S. 3973 / A. 8016 legislation, which is a Governor's program bill which would change a definition in the Clean Water SRF and the Drinking Water SRF to make more capital available to both programs. By changing the term "corpus allocation" in the existing statutes to "allocation" more money can be made available. We are reporting that this EFC allocation legislation passed both houses this week. More money available for subsidized loans is always good.

Last week, A $14 billion bill was passed by the Senate that would help improve navigation on the upper Mississippi, help restore the Louisiana coast and authorize hundreds of projects that senators sought for their states. The Water Resources Development Act, approved 91-4, also take steps to assure that the Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for federal water projects, bases its work on sound economics and science. Corps projects have a history of being tainted by waste and abuse. U.S.

The bill is "about making sure that the water infrastructure in this country is up to the task that it faces," said Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., who leads the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. To read more please click here.

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) is developing a standardized Plant Maintenance Technologist certification program for drinking water and wastewater plant maintenance personnel. The program will cover all facets of treatment plant maintenance. Effective plant maintenance is a key component to every treatment facility. For more information, go to http://www.abccert.org/

Fall workshops to cover ins and outs of obtaining funding for water and sewer projects.

The New York State Water & Sewer Infrastructure Co-funding Initiative will be holding its 2007 Co-funding Workshop and Individual Project Consultations in four locations this fall. The schedule includes:

Painted Post: Wednesday, September 26, Corning/Painted Post Holiday Inn, 304 So. Hamilton St.

The free full-day workshop includes information on various public funding programs, application processes and procedures, project planning and development, plus much more. Presenters include representatives from New York State’s Environmental Facilities Corporation, Office for Small Cities, Department of Health, Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of State, and USDA Rural Development. Individual Project Consultations will be arranged by appointment and held concurrently with the workshops. The consultations give communities an opportunity to discuss their particular water or sewer project with agency funding experts.

The program is specifically developed for local officials, county planners, economic developers, consulting engineers and fiscal advisors. Approval is pending for training contact hours for Drinking Water and Wastewater Operators.

For additional information visit the Environmental Facilities Corporation website at www.nysefc.org or call 1-800-882-9721.

Thanks to all the NYRWA members in Congresswoman Gillibrands district that wrote to her to tell her the importance of our programs to your community systems. We are hopeful that many others will sign on. The deadline is quickly approaching. Thank you Congresswoman Gillibrand for standing up for the rural communities of New York State.

The New York Rural Water Association wishes to thank all it’s members that took the time to write their representatives asking for support of our programs. We realize the deadline is April 27th for the congressional leaders to sign on to the Dear Colleague and that there may be many more NYRWA members that will help us in this letter campaign to gain the necessary support to continue to provide you with training and on-site technical assistance. If you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact Pat Scalera, CEO for the NYRWA and she will be happy to assist you in any way. We were pleased to hear that Congressman Hinchey, Congressman Walsh, Congressman Kuhl, and Congressman Hall have signed on to support Rural Water. Also, Senator Clinton and Senator Schumer is supporting Rural Water. If these congressional representatives are from your district, be proud that your message was carried to them and that your representative is supportive of safe drinking water and this industry.

A movement has begun to further protect the Genesee River. A group of stakeholders, spearheaded by Genesee Finger Lakes Regional Planning, NYSDEC, and Monroe County Department of Environmental Services, have been meeting monthly to discuss what has been done to protect this important waterway as well as what are the next step(s). The stakeholders are in the process of planning an all day conference to be held within the Genesee River’s Drainage Basin. The conference (to be held during the summer of 2007) will have a number of prominent speakers discussing a variety of topics which will include the current health of the river, biodiversity, recreational and economic issues, and general information on the state of the basin. Be sure to look for informational mailings (going out this spring) as well as updates regarding the conference on the Genesee Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council’s website- www.gflrpc.org. Feel free to contact Josh Bossard (518) 828-3155 Ext 23 if you have any questions regarding the Genesee River protection effort.

On February 22, 2007, Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus vetoed a proposed law passed by the Dutchess County Legislature that would require water quality testing of all new private wells as well as existing private residential wells at the time of sale of the property. Testing of wells for all commercial and commercial rental property would eventually be mandated, and any necessary corrective actions required. In vetoing the bill, the County Executive referred to the proposed local law as “ill-advised, misguided, mandated, intrusive legislation” and an “expensive government mandate”. Dutchess County Health Commissioner, Dr. Michael Caldwell, also did not support the proposed law. He was reportedly concerned about the impact it would have on his department since it would be administering the well testing program.

In March, Dutchess County legislators subsequently failed to override Steinhaus' veto of the well testing law. Twelve Democrats and one Republican voted to override the veto, but this was insufficient in the 25-member Legislature. In 2005, Rockland County, NY passed a private well testing law. In 2002, the Private Well Testing Act (PWTA) was implemented in New Jersey. It requires that potable water wells be tested as a condition of each contract for sale or lease of real property in the state. The Act also requires landlords of certain properties to test potable wells and to provide a written copy of the results to tenants.

The Poughkeepsie Journal reports that some towns in Dutchess County may now move forward with their own town-level well testing laws.

The House of Representatives Wednesday approved legislation that would authorize a $1.5 billion program for cities and towns to repair and upgrade aging and outdated sewage systems that often overflow during wet weather conditions.

H.R. 569 provides $1.5 billion over five years for EPA sewer overflow control grant to states and municipalities. Cities and towns across the nation are faced with making massive repairs to infrastructure that is often more than 100 years old.

This bill will help provide cleaner water in communities, and will require EPA to distribute grant money to those communities most in need of assistance.

A companion clean water bill, The Water Quality Act of 2007 (H.R. 720), will provide $14 billion in federal loan guarantees to help cities and towns finance water and sewer improvements. The measure would reauthorize the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to provide low interest loans to government entities for clean water and nonpoint source pollution control projects.

Federal dollars in the form of loans and grants are only way America can address clean water infrastructure funding gap estimated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at between $300 and $500 billion dollars

The current major concerns in regard to water quality are lead and disinfection byproducts (Binnie et al, 2002). Lead is a key operational and treatment concern for municipal water treatment plants. It cannot be considered independently of other water quality and treatment issues. In fact, it seems that water disinfection and protection from lead infiltration are at odds with each other. The pH level required for disinfection must be below 8.0, but the pH level required to minimize lead solvency in plumbing systems is often 8.0 or higher. Water treatment plants provide clean, disinfected water to home plumbing systems, but this water is immediately contaminated from lead as it passes through the plumbing system. The solution to this problem may be the removal of lead from plumbing systems, a factor that would completely revolutionize the plumbing industry.

The rising concern over chlorine byproducts is also likely to affect the future of water filtration. It has long been recognized that chlorination of water results in the formation of THMs. THMs are harmful chemicals that form as a reaction between chlorine and natural, organic materials in water. The most well-known of the THMs is the poison chloroform. This poisonous gas, detrimental to the respiratory system when inhaled, is one of the most important reasons for the installation of shower filters or whole house water filters. It is likely that future research will find other byproducts of chlorination, and the use of chlorine for disinfection could be restricted.

Though these are all speculations, water filtration and treatment will, doubtlessly, continue to evolve in the future. The most important future development may well be the complete transformation of water filtration technology from municipal water treatment plants to whole house water filters, or a combination of the two systems.

Publis Works TV - Asset Management Source for North America

Posted 1/14/2007

You can watch the AMSNA Public Works on Air channel via Video Broadcast from their multi-homed Tier-1 redundant BGP network located on the North American Internet. AMSNA is dedicated to information sharing among public agencies and utilities. Included in their January programming schedule is a presentation on how a small city runs a high-tech and efficient water system that delivers better value than most. Steve Kimbrough, City Manager of Corning, CA demonstrates a “marvel of a water system”.

Visit http://amsna.org their home page for more information

Visit http://amsna.org/mres.html to find out about the PWA channel

Visit http://apwa.tv to go straight to the program guide

Source Water Collaborative Established

Posted 1/5/2007

A number of federal agencies and prominent national organizations have committed to work together to promote the protection of our nation’s drinking water sources. This group of stakeholders, the Source Water Collaborative, has agreed to share, develop, package, and disseminate information related to source water protection. What makes the collaborative significant, is it is the first group of its kind that has nationally brought resources from the number of agencies and organizations together and put a spotlight on the topic of source water protection. The collaborative has a website that lists the stakeholders involved as well as, going into more detail regarding the mission of the collaborative. We at NYRWA encourage you to investigate the website. The website location for the source water collaborative is as follows- www.protectdrinkingwater.org

Blue Ribbon Water Quality Trading Awards Program

Posted 12/8/2006

EPA is seeking nominations for the Blue Ribbon Water Quality Trading Awards Program, a new awards program, to recognize outstanding leadership in designing or implementing water quality trading programs and policies that have achieved or will achieve environmental and economic benefits. EPA’s Water Quality Trading Policy offers participants a tool to help foster accelerated restoration of our nation’s watersheds. Trading programs allow facilities facing higher pollutant control costs to meet their regulatory obligations by purchasing environmentally equivalent (or superior) pollutant reductions from another source at lower cost, thus achieving the same water quality improvement at lower overall cost. Water quality trading is gaining increased acceptance as a cost-effective method of meeting new challenges. The deadline for applications is January 16. For more information about Water Quality Trading, please visit here. For more information about the Blue Ribbon Water Quality Trading Awards Program including the Federal Register notice on the program, please visit here.

EPA Expands Water Contaminant Information Tool

Posted 12/6/2006

EPA has expanded the Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT) to assist water utilities, public health officials and federal, state and local agencies to better plan for and respond to intentional or accidental contamination events. Launched in November 2005, WCIT is a secure, on-line database profiling chemical, biological, and radiological contaminants of concern for drinking water and wastewater utilities.

WCIT includes both regulated and non-regulated contaminants and provides current, reliable data from peer-reviewed reports and research. The system includes general information for 93 contaminants and now includes additional information in four new data categories: drinking water treatment; wastewater treatment; environmental impacts; and infrastructure decontamination.

Access to WCIT data is password protected and qualified individuals must apply to EPA and undergo screening before being granted access. Currently, drinking water and wastewater utilities, State drinking water primacy agencies and laboratories, drinking water and wastewater associations partnering with EPA, state and local public health officials, and federal officials (including government laboratory personnel) are eligible for access.

To apply for access to WCIT visit http://www.epa.gov/wcit

Today’s Look at Tomorrow’s Technology

Posted 11/20/2006

According to a recent report, the World Bank said that today, 300 million people live in areas of serious to severe water shortage and 25 years from now, that number could reach upwards of three billion. Furthermore, as the demand for water supply increases and the available unpolluted water resources are depleted, the option of tapping into what may be considered less-than-desirable water resources continues to be explored.

Over the past few years, an ever-increasing number of water and wastewater treatment facility managers have decided to incorporate membrane-related filtration technology as part of their treatment systems. As evidence, the value of the membrane market in the U.S. was around $2 billion last year. Average annual growth has been estimated just above 8% in the U.S., which would put the value of the market in the neighborhood of $3 billion by 2008.

As quickly as the need for onsite membrane-related technology has become a preferred method for meeting stringent water and wastewater treatment requirements, the need for more information, both from a technical and application-based standpoint has become necessary, as well. Water & Wastes Digest has designed this exclusive Membrane Zone in order to address questions you, the Water & Waste Digest reader, may have in regards to membrane-related issues.

NEW SOLE SOURCE AQUIFER DESIGNATED IN NEW YORK

Posted 11/6/2006

On November 2, 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it has designated the Northern Tug Hill Glacial Aquifer as a Sole Source Aquifer. The Northern Tug Hill Glacial Aquifer and its watershed includes portions of eight towns in Jefferson County (Adams, Champion, Ellisburg, Lorraine, Rodman, Rutland, Watertown, and Worth), portions of three towns in Lewis County (Denmark, Montague, and Pinckney), and portions of four towns in Oswego County (Boylston, Redfield, Richland, and Sandy Creek). The 21-mile long aquifer is the sole or principal source of drinking water for the Hamlet of Adams Center, Hamlet of Pierrepont Manor, Village of Adams, Village of Lacona, Village of Mannsville, and the Village of Sandy Creek.

The significance of the designation is that all Federal financially assisted projects constructed in the Northern Tug Hill Glacial Aquifer Area and its stream flow source zone (upstream portions of the drainage basin) will be subject to EPA review to ensure that these projects are designed and constructed so they do not create a significant hazard to public health. The Sole Source Aquifer designation was initiated by a 2003 petition from the Village of Lacona. New York Rural Water Association’s Groundwater Specialist, Steven Winkley, worked with the Village of Lacona to prepare this lengthy document. The Northern Tug Hill Glacial Aquifer becomes the 14th aquifer in New York to be granted Sole Source Aquifer designation by EPA. It is the first to be designated in the state since 1992.

Sole Source Aquifer designation is an important step to increase public awareness on the nature and value of local ground water resources in the region. Not only does it ensure that federally funded projects do not contaminate the aquifer, but it also raises the consciousness of other agencies when reviewing projects. In addition to the protection benefits, water supply improvement projects in Sole Source Aquifers receive additional priority for funding (25 scoring points) through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

Village of Wellsville Recognized for Environmental Stewardship

Posted 10/20/2006

The Village of Wellsville Water Department has been recognized by the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) for its environmental stewardship by becoming the second recipient of NRWA’s Excellence in Environmental Achievement. NRWA’s Excellence in Environmental Achievement Award is presented to an individual, a water or wastewater utility that has gone above and beyond normal job duties by performing actions that better protect the environment. The Village of Wellsville Water Department has received this award for its Genesee River Clean-Up Project.

The project, identified by the Village’s Source Water Protection Program, was put together and carried out in large part due to water department staff. Collaborating with the New York Rural Water Association, local boyscout troops, and community volunteers, the Village effectively removed more than 80 cubic feet of debris, automobile parts, tires, and white goods upstream of the Village’s intake. The Village of Wellsville Water Department has set a standard for all of New York’s public water suppliers for assisting with community projects that benefit water quality. The New York Rural Water Association congratulates the Village of Wellsville Water Department for their environmental stewardship.

Picture above is (Left) Josh Bossard Source Water Protection Specialist for NYRWA and Dana Harris Village of Wellsville.

The Cost of Clean and Safe Water

Posted 10/20/2006

Without doubt, the costs of maintaining, repairing, and replacing aging infrastructure and meeting increasingly protective environmental regulations are of growing concern to Northeast communities. Many struggle to balance the high costs of improving wastewater and drinking water systems with the numerous other public services they provide. Like these communities, state and federal agencies are struggling to identify innovative methods for sustaining our nation’s water infrastructure. The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission has published a report on this issue, if you would like to read the report please click here.

Congressman McHugh Lauded for Standing up for Small and Rural Communities, Advancing Clean and Safe Water

Posted 10/13/2006

The New York Rural Water Association (NYRWA), the state’s largest small community water organization with over 1,400 small and rural community members, thanks Congressman McHugh for his efforts in leading the New York Congressional delegation in the effort help small communities provide safe drinking water and comply with federal water regulations. During the House of Representatives deliberations on environmental spending for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Congressman McHugh led the effort to make sure this year’s environmental budget helped out rural and small communities. He sponsored the state’s delegation letter on behalf of rural and small communities (http://www.ruralwater.org/nydele.pdf).

NYRWA Executive Director, Pat Scalera said, “The Congressman’s leadership resulted in New York having the most Congressional support for small communities of any of the states – we had the most cosigners on letter. Thanks to this help, both the federal funding bills for EPA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture increased the amount of funding for small community technical assistance and small community grants for water treatment. Small communities typically have a much harder time complying with federal mandates because they have fewer consumers to absorb the costs (so called limited economies of scale) – the Congressman help ensures that small communities are treated more fairly by federal policies and received very needed funding assistance. He led the effort in the House of Representatives and all our small and rural communities are grateful.”

New Rule Boosts Protection of Underground Drinking Water

Posted 10/13/2006

(Washington, D.C. - Oct. 12, 2006) More than 100 million Americans will enjoy greater protection of their drinking water under a new rule issued today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The rule targets utilities that provide water from underground sources and requires greater vigilance for potential contamination by disease-causing microorganisms.

"The Bush Administration's Ground Water Rule boosts drinking water purity and public health security," said Benjamin H. Grumbles, assistant administrator for Water. "These first-ever standards will help communities prevent, detect and correct tainted ground water problems so citizens continue to have clean and affordable drinking water."

The risk-targeting strategy incorporated in the rule provides for: regular sanitary surveys of public water systems to look for significant deficiencies in key operational areas triggered source-water monitoring when a system that does not sufficiently disinfect drinking water identifies a positive sample during its regular monitoring to comply with existing rules. implementation of corrective actions by ground water systems with a significant deficiency or evidence of source water fecal contamination compliance monitoring for systems that are sufficiently treating drinking water to ensure effective removal of pathogens.

A ground water system is subject to triggered source-water monitoring if its treatment methods don't already remove 99.99 percent of viruses. Systems must begin to comply with the new requirements by Dec. 1, 2009.

Contaminants in question are pathogenic viruses — such as rotavirus, echoviruses, noroviruses — and pathogenic bacteria, including E. coli, salmonella, and shigella. Utilities will be required to look for and correct deficiencies in their operations to prevent contamination from these pathogens.

Microbial contaminants can cause gastroenteritis or, in rare cases, serious illnesses such as meningitis, hepatitis, or myocarditis. The symptoms can range from mild to moderate cases lasting only a few days to more severe infections that can last several weeks and may result in death for those with weakened immune systems. The new ground water rule will reduce the risk of these illnesses.

Fecal contamination can reach ground water sources, including drinking water wells, from failed septic systems, leaking sewer lines, and by passing through the soil and large cracks in the ground. Fecal contamination from the surface may also get into a drinking-water well along its casing or through cracks if the well is not properly constructed, protected, or maintained. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, between 1991 and 2000, ground water systems were associated with 68 outbreaks that caused 10,926 illnesses. Contaminated source water was the cause of 79 percent of the outbreaks in ground water systems. Ground Water Rule and more information about drinking water: epa.gov/safewater/disinfection/gwr

Research on the Restoration of Wastewater-Contaminated Ground Water

Posted 8/15/2006

Can an aquifer naturally clean itself of sewage contamination from on-site disposal? In recently released results, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) says probably yes, but it can take much longer than originally thought. Studies at an abandoned land disposal facility at the Massachusetts Military Reservation on Cape Cod indicate that it may take decades before natural processes return the ground water back to clean levels. After disposal of wastewater was discontinued in 1995, USGS scientists now predict a return to oxygen levels characteristic of pristine aquifers by 2021 to 2028. It appears that the aquifer's sediments have adsorbed a large amount of material from the wastewater over time. These sediments serve as a continuing source of dissolved constituents (such as nitrogen) that contributes to the long-term persistence of the overall plume. In addition, monitoring data now indicates that phosphorus does migrate in ground water, in contrast to previous thinking that phosphorus in ground water migrated little. As a consequence, the land disposal of wastewater must be more carefully located in order to avoid phosphate-enrichment of sensitive lakes and streams through groundwater discharge. More information on this study can be found at: http://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/natural_restoration.html.

SEMO Stockpile

Posted 7/21/2006

Given the recent flooding that tragically devastated much of the Central Southern Tier of New York State we decided a reminder of the State Emergency Management Office stockpiled equipment was in order.

SEMO handles a vast array of emergency equipment for use during these situations. They stockpile equipment such as chainsaws, generators from 4400watts to 100Kw, pumps from 2” to 6”, light plants, quick connect pipe and even DE filters capable of filtering .5MGD.

To get this equipment you must request the assistance from your county emergency manager, who in turn requests the equipment from SEMO. It is important to remember that SEMO provides the equipment and any instruction needed to operate, but does not transport. Therefore, any system requesting the use of stockpiled equipment must make arrangements to transport the equipment to the affected area. You are also responsible to return the equipment when you are finished using it.

The equipment is kept in fine working order by a small but dedicated and capable staff that take great pride in their work. They will make arrangements to make the equipment available upon request.

SEMO has 2 warehouses in the state to make transportation and the time involved less rigorous. Please keep this equipment in mind if you are ever in need of assistance and need more equipment then your local or county government can provide.

New Water Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness Website

Posted 7/14/2006

You are encouraged to access the WaterHealthConnection web site www.waterhealthconnection.org and review the NEW water terrorism and disaster preparedness resources. Although it is not realistic to believe that we can prevent the first cases of illness resulting from natural or intentional contamination of water, we could play a critical role in minimizing the impact of such an event by using disaster preparedness resources to help us recognize and manage an event in our community. Preparation and access to the ready made tools available at the Water Health Connection website may make the difference between a controlled response to a water contamination event versus a public health crisis.

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR FLOOD REPAIRS

Posted 7/13/2006

Businesses, municipalities and low-income homeowners affected by recent flooding are urged to contact their local USDA Rural Development office to determine their eligibility for home repair, business and water system loans and grants.

“Rural Development offers several types of loans and grants that individuals, businesses and local governments can use to repair flood damage,” said Scott Collins, Acting State Director for Rural Development in New York. “We urge residents, business owners and government officials in flood-damaged areas, even if they are outside declared disaster areas, to contact their local Rural Development offices to find out if one of our programs can help them.”

Rural Development programs that may assist flood victims are the Single Family Housing (SFH) Home Repair Loan and Grant Program, the Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program, and the Water and Environmental Program, which provides loans, grants and loan guarantees to municipalities for water and waste treatment systems.

The SFH Section 504 Home Repair Program is tailored to very-low income individuals. Qualified homeowners can obtain 1 percent interest loans to make general home repairs, such as replacing roofs, siding and windows, repairing foundations and walls, and making septic system improvements.

Homeowners may obtain multiple Section 504 loans, but $20,000 is the maximum an individual may borrow at any given time and 20 years is the maximum repayment term. To be eligible for a 504 home repair loan, an applicant must live in a rural area, have the ability to repay the loan, have an acceptable credit history and an income falling within the very-low income category of the county inhabited. The local USDA Rural Development office can determine eligibility. Persons with Internet access can also find income limits and eligibility requirements at http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility.

Businesses with flood damage should ask their local Rural Development office about the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program. Most businesses in rural areas with populations under 50,000 are eligible. Charitable, educational and religious organizations are not eligible. Interested parties can review eligibility requirements at http://www.ers.usda.gov/data/loanlookup.

B&I loans may be used for working capital, machinery and equipment, buildings, real estate and debt re-financing. Eligible lenders include all state or federally chartered banks, savings banks, saving and loans institutions, credit unions and farm credit unions.

There is no minimum for B&I loans and the maximum is generally $10 million. Terms and interest rates for the loans are determined by the lender. Loan guarantees of up to 80 percent are available on loans up to $5 million. Loans of $5 to $10 million receive up to 70 percent guarantees.

There are equity requirements for B&I loans. Local Rural Development offices can provide these requirements to interested parties.

Villages and municipalities with damaged water and sewage systems should inquire about the Water and Environmental Program, which makes direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to local governments in rural areas of up 10,000 people. Loan applicants must be unable to obtain funds from other sources at reasonable rates and terms and the money must be used to build, repair or improve water and waste collection systems.

Low-income communities can obtain pre-development planning grants to help fund planning and initial engineering work. Technical assistance to help with the application process and assess damage is also available. Interested groups should contact their local Rural Development office for more details on eligibility requirements.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs, contact the New York State Rural Development office at (315) 477-6400 or visit USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

USEPA Launches Water Efficiency Partnership

Posted 6/30/2006

EPA is supporting a national organization (The Alliance for Water Efficiency) to promote water conservation using water-saving products, services and practices. The organization will take the lead in developing labels for consumer products and services certified to achieve at least 20 percent greater water efficiency. The products will be labeled with a "WaterSense" The WaterSense site calls on water utilities to help promote the program "through public awareness campaigns to attain local water conservation goals" and to "become a leader in water efficiency" by developing water conservation plans, reducing water loss and developing sustainable infrastructure programs".

JOSH BOSSARD RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

Posted 6/16/2006

At the National Rural Water Association In-Service Training event on June 14th in Milwaukee, New York's Sourcewater Protection Specialist Josh Bossard won the prestigious National Sourwater Protection Specialist Award for 2006. Selected by his peers from across the country, Josh was honored at a special award luncheon. We at NYRWA, are proud to have Josh's professionalism and dedication acknowledged nationwide.

Drinking Water Rules and Regulations Made Easy

Posted 6/13/2006

Have you ever found yourself confused about testing requirements for your system? You’re not alone, with the rapid pace at which rules and regulations are changing, it is difficult to stay on top of what is, and isn’t needed. In an effort to help overcome this problem, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has developed a new interactive web based tool, know as the Rule Wizard to help you sort through this information and gain insight to the “Federal Requirements” of your particular drinking water system. This tool will ask a few simple questions about your system, and then walk you through the various portions of your system, from source water all the way to the tap. It must be stressed however that these are only the U.S.E.P.A.’s requirements and that your system may have other requirements established by the New York State Department of Health, so always follow up with your Local Health Department Office. If you would like to access this new tool you can do so from our “links page” or directly, at the following address www.rulewizard.org

Volatile Organics in Ground Water

Posted 6/5/2006

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recently published a study entitled “Volatile Organic Compounds in the Nation’s Ground Water and Drinking-Water Supply Wells”. This assessment of ground water included analyses collected during 1985–2001 from various types of wells, representing nearly 100 different aquifer studies. This report is available for download at http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/circ1292/.

The study included results from over 100 water wells in New York located in five regions: the Allegheny River Basin, Delaware River Basin, Hudson River Basin, Long Island, and New Jersey Coastal Drainages (i.e. Rockland County). The results in New York were generally typical of national findings which were that VOC's were detected in most aquifers and were not limited to a few specific aquifers or regions. The most frequently detected VOC's were chloroform, the solvents PCE and TCE, and the gasoline oxygenate MTBE. Approximately one-half of the tested wells in New York were public wells. The rest were private domestic wells. Interestingly, chloroform and other trihalomethanes (THM's) were found in many untreated domestic wells. The USGS theorizes that the recharge of chlorinated water as well as the presence of these compounds in the effluent of domestic septic systems has resulted in these compounds being present in ground water. The levels of THM's are quite low, well far below the MCL.

Current News/Information

Mapping Services from NYRWA

Posted 12/4/2007