City of Howell Water Treatment Plant Tour.
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CITY OF HOWELL
Water Treatment Plant
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Operations Manager: Jim Webster
Hello,
The Howell Water Treatment Plant is a 3.1 MGD, single stage lime softening plant serving the city
of Howell, currently just under 10,000 people.
The Water Treatment Plant is a 3.1 MGD Lime softening facility was built in 1990-91 and went on
line December 1992.
The city began softening the water in 1947 with 6 zeolite ion exchange filters using sodium chloride
(salt).
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We are a Complete Treatment System, using Lime to soften the water, dual media filters, and
chlorine to disinfect.
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Designed Treatment Capacity
Population Served
F4 = less than 0.5 MGD
F4 = less than 1,000
F3 = 0.5 – 2.0 MGD
F3 = 1,000 – 4,000
F2 = 2.0 – 5.0 MGD
F2 = 4,000 – 20,000
F1 = greater than 5.0 MGD
F1 = greater than 20,000
We can treat up to 3.1 MGD and as of 2010 census we serve a population of 9489.
This makes us an F-2 plant, F = Complete Treatment (Filtration)
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
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
Is the Principal Federal Law in the United States that ensures safe
drinking water for the public. Pursuant to the act, the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) is required to set standards for drinking water
quality and oversee all states, localities, and water suppliers who implement
these standards.

SDWA applies to every public water system in the United States. There
are currently more than 170,000 public water systems providing water to
almost all Americans at some time in their lives.

SDWA does not apply to bottled water. Bottled water is regulated by the
United States Food and Drug Administration under the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act. However, the EPA site states that: Bottled water
is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a food product,
and is required to meet standards equivalent to those US EPA sets for tap
water.
For more info: www.epa.gov/safewater
Main Points of the 1986 Amendments
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Well head protection program
New regulations for more contaminants
Filtration for certain surface water systems
Disinfection for certain groundwater systems
Ban on lead in solder and plumbing
Main Points of the 1996 Amendments
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 Consumer Confidence Reports: All community water systems must prepare and distribute annual reports about the
water they provide, including information on detected contaminants, possible health effects, and the water's source.
 Cost-Benefit Analysis: US EPA must conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis for every new standard to determine
whether the benefits of a drinking water standard justify the costs.
 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: States can use this fund to help water systems make infrastructure or
management improvements or to help systems assess and protect their source water.
 Microbial Contaminants and Disinfection Byproducts: EPA is required to strengthen protection for microbial
contaminants, including Cryptosporidium,
 Operator Certification: Water system operators must be certified to ensure that systems are operated safely. EPA
issued guidelines in February 1999 specifying minimum standards for the certification and recertification of the operators of
community and non-transient, noncommunity water systems. These guidelines apply to state Operator Certification Programs.
All States are currently implementing EPA-approved operator certification programs.
 Small Water Systems: Small water systems are given special consideration and resources under SDWA, to make sure
they have the managerial, financial, and technical ability to comply with drinking water standards.
Water Plant & Laboratory
Mission Statement
It is the Mission of the City of Howell Water
Department to continually serve our customers
with an adequate volumetric supply of water at
sufficient pressures for fire protection with an
emphasis on providing high quality potable water
and professional customer service,
all at a cost that is reasonable and competitive.
Water Plant & Laboratory
Mission Statement
To accomplish our Mission, we must strive to
uphold the following objectives:
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Originally, SDWA focused primarily on treatment as the means of providing safe drinking water at
the tap. The 1986 Amendment began looking at source water protection and implemented some
treatment upgrades (Filtration & Disinfection). It also banned the use of lead in solder and
plumbing. The 1996 amendments greatly enhanced the existing law by recognizing operator
training, funding for water system improvements, and public information as important components
of safe drinking water. This approach ensures the quality of drinking water by protecting it from
source to tap.
All of the plant operators are certified by the State of Michigan DEQ.
This is my license, showing that I hold a F-2 (filtration) and S-3 (distribution).
I am the Operator in Charge meaning my F2 license meets the requirement and the city operates
off my license.
All operators must have at least an F4 license.
We also have to maintain the license on a 3 year cycle, through Continuing Education Credits.
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The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the main federal law that ensures the quality of Americans'
drinking water. Under SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and oversees the
states, localities, and water suppliers who implement those standards. SDWA was originally
passed by Congress in 1974 to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water
supply. The law was amended in 1986 and 1996 and requires many actions to protect drinking
water and its sources: rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and ground water wells. (SDWA does not
regulate private wells which serve fewer than 25 individuals.)
Originally, SDWA focused primarily on treatment as the means of providing safe drinking water at
the tap. The 1996 amendments greatly enhanced the existing law by recognizing source water
protection, operator training, funding for water system improvements, and public information as
important components of safe drinking water. This approach ensures the quality of drinking water
by protecting it from source to tap.
Provide an adequate volumetric water supply to our
customers.
Maintain sufficient pressures for fire protection and
other public safety uses.
Uphold a citizen’s right to high quality water, with an
emphasis on delivering potable water.
Provide proficient and professional customer
service, promoting an environment of trust, respect
and teamwork.
Our objective for the plant and the lab are:
To supply adequate quantities of water that is palatable, safe and reliable. To provide high quality
analytical data which is timely, accurate, reliable and adequate for its intended purpose…? All in
a cost-effective manner.
Our objective for the plant and the lab are:
To supply adequate quantities of water that is palatable, safe and reliable. To provide high quality
analytical data which is timely, accurate, reliable and adequate for its intended purpose…? All in
a cost-effective manner.
We now will follow the path that water takes to go through our system.
From the well to the home.
We start here, at the Well Field.
We currently have 6 wells that supply the water.
This is our newest well #8, put on line in 2004.
WELL 8
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Should be noted that all well heads are located inside buildings for security reasons.
4 of our 6 wells are like this:
Vertical Turbine 100 hp pumps that pump 1000 gpm.
300 + feet deep, hard water (300ppm hardness)
All large wells have stand-by generators on site.
A well head protection program is in place that was approved by the state in 2001.
Well Head
Turbine Pump
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Stand-by
Generator
Before
Water enters the plant through a 16 inch transmission line from the well field to the plant. Inside
the plant it’s reduced to a 10” Main Influent line to give us better control of the water.
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Raw Water
enters the water plant.
Headtank
(with splash curtain)
BEFORE 2006
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Before 2009 upgrades
Headtank
(after 2006 updates,
no splash curtain)
2006 - 2009
Head Tank / Splash Aerator
Ground water generally has some degree of methane & hydrogen sulfide gasses in them (common
taste & odor causing). These interfere with the chlorination & lime softening process. This multitray aerator is used to aerate the water, remove these gases & add oxygen to the water. The Head
tank also supplies head pressure to move the water through the claricone (no motors or mixers are
used).
In the fall of 2006 we installed a new cover to the head tank this was done to reduce the moisture
inside the water plant.
Overflow
Vent
Head Tank / Splash Aerator
In the fall of 2009 the plant was taken off line, sandblasted and painted. Here is the head tank after
the painting is done.
Gasses are still removed through the Vent.
(to outside)
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After 2009 upgrades
Lime Bin
Head Tank
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Claricone
A view over the top of the plant.
Claricone: Before the 2009 DWRF (Drinking Water Revolving Fund) painting.
Chemical Feed
Before 2009 upgrades
(Sulfuric Acid, Chlorine & Phosphate)
A view over the top of the plant (after the upgrade in 2009).
Lime Bin
Head Tank
Claricone:
42 ft wide with a 24 foot operating depth. Holds 113,700 gallons water
Used for softening (removal of calcium).
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Claricone
Chemical Feed
After 2009 upgrades
(Sulfuric Acid, Chlorine & Phosphate)
Lime Silo (for pebbled lime)
Holds 44 Ton of Lime,
Used 800,940 pounds
(400.47 Tons) in 2011
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Before 2009 upgrades
Lime Silo
Holds 42 ton of pebbled limestone.
Gives us about 1 month’s time of softening.
On average we use around 400 tons of lime each year. This number fluctuates according to
annual flows (water demand).
Before 2009 upgrades
In the lime slaker pebbled lime is added to water to produce the lime slurry that is pumped into the
bottom of the claricone. This machine is probably our biggest headache in the plant. When lime
added to water it produces heat. This runs at 140 degrees F.
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Lime Slaker
Combines pebbled lime to
water which makes “slaked
lime” a slurry which is added
into the cone for softening.
Before 2009 upgrades
Clarification Zone
Solids Contact
(Flocculation) Zone
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Mixing Zone
“Rapid Mix”
Cone Operation: Water enters at bottom of cone in two locations straight in and around the other
side to create a helical (drive water to middle of cone) pattern of mixing inside cone.
Mixing Zone: Rapid Mix 1000–1800 gpm raw water enters and mixes with lime slurry and polymer.
Solid Contact Zone: Gentle mix where water and lime are in contact with each other and floc is
allowed to grow and settle out. Taking out the calcium carbonate (hardness). The cone utilizes its
shape and helical flow path to provide a smooth transition from intense mixing to a gentle mixing as
the particles move upward in the cone, and where the lime blanket is formed.
Clarification is accomplished by the process of sedimentation which is the separation of suspended
solids from water by gravity.
An overview of how the claricone operates.
The darker the brown – the heavier the lime is.
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Lime Concentrator: Looking
through about 10 feet of water.
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Lime Blanket
Looking inside the claricone, through approx. 10 feet of water, you see the lime blanket that is
formed at a pH around 11.0. The concentrator is where the spent lime is taken off as lime sludge.
Inside the blanket is the solids contact zone and the clear water above is the clarification zone.
It takes about 1 hour for water to travel through the cone.
Since the city of Howell’s raw water source does not provide water with a potentially destructive
concentration of magnesium, and since non-carbonate hardness removal is not necessary,
single stage softening is sufficient to remove calcium carbonate hardness.
Chemistry of Lime Softening
Conventional Single Stage Treatment is used at the Howell WTP
1. CaO (quicklime) + H2O  Ca(OH)2 + heat
[Lime slaking] = Hydrated Lime Slurry
Carbon Dioxide reacts first with the Hydrated Lime. underlined is insoluble (precipitates out as lime sludge
2. CO2 + Ca(OH)2  CaCO3 + H2O
Purpose of softening is to remove calcium and magnesium ions (hardness) from the water. This is
done by forcing the formation of compounds containing calcium or magnesium with low
solubility limits which precipitation out [Calcium Carbonate = CaCO3].
Carbonate Hardness Removal As more Lime added.
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3. Ca(HCO3)2 + Ca(OH)2  2CaCO3 + 2H2O
Calcium Bicarbonate
4. Mg(HCO3)2 + Ca(OH)2  CaCO3 + MgCO3 + 2H2O Magnesium Bicarbonate
The bulk of the hardness is made up of calcium compounds and the amount of
magnesium hardness in the water in not great enough to result in the formation of
magnesium hydroxide scale in hot water heaters. Water containing magnesium
concentrations greater than 40 mg/l may deposit scale in heaters.
City of Howell’s raw water = 25 mg/l magnesium ion
More Lime added to convert the soluble form to insoluble (precipitates out)
5. MgCO3 + Ca(OH)2  CaCO3 + Mg(OH)2
Not done here.
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Lime Lagoons (Drying Beds)
Two ponds, 110’x190’ each;
Removed 1740 cubic yards (2011)
1575 in 2010
/
2040 in 2009
/
2760 in 2008
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Lime Lagoons (Drying Beds)
Two ponds, 110’x190’ each;
Removed 1740 cubic yards (2011)
1575 in 2010
/
2040 in 2009
/
Lime slaking= pebbled lime added to water creates hydrated lime & heat
Lime reacts with carbon dioxide (CO2) first. Producing Calcium Carbonate that will
precipitates out (creating the lime blanket).
No. 3&4 - Calcium & Magnesium ions appear with bicarbonate anions. (Carbonate
hardness).
No. 5 - More lime is added to change magnesium Carbonate ( insoluble) to Magnesium
hydroxide (precipitates out)
Lime Lagoons - where our lime sludge (spent lime) is sent.
We use lime to soften the water, resulting in lime sludge as a byproduct.
(This is the Ca++ and Mg++ cations that are removed (hardness).
This picture shows a full lime lagoon.
Lime Lagoons This picture shows a just cleaned out a lagoon = 1500 cubic yards lime sludge was removed. The
spent lime is used on farmer’s fields to increase the pH of the soil to better grow crops.
2760 in 2008
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Filters:
4 cells at 12’x14’ made up of 20 inches of anthracite (coal) over 10 inches of sand.
Before the filters sulfuric acid is added for pH control (to lower the pH) and stabilize any excess
lime that flows over into the filter. Polyphosphate is also added to aid in sequestering iron in
solution and prevent scale formation in the distribution system.
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A closer look at a filter cell
Filter Clearwell
BEFORE 2006
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After leaving the filters the water enters this clear-well (fluoride is added here).
This clear-well holds 25,700 gallons of water. A 20 inch line transports the water to the ground
storage reservoir (through gravity).
This is the BEFORE picture.
Filter Clearwell
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This is the AFTER picture.
In 2006 we covered the Clear Well, to reduce moisture and corrosion inside the plant. This also
covered finished water (safety/security).
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Ground Storage Reservoir
70 feet diameter, 22 feet tall
Holds 630,000 gallons.
This is finished treated water, ready to be sent out into the distribution system.
AFTER 2006
Ground Storage Reservoir
630,000 gallons
High Service Pumps
4 pumps @ 1,100 gpm at a total dynamic head of 150 ft.
These are single stage, double suction; horizontal split case centrifugal pumps by Allis Chalmers
corp. They send the water into the distribution system and fill the North Tower (pictured below).
Before 2009-10 upgrades
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High Service Pumps (4 of them)
Each can pump 1100 gpm
High Service Pumps (4 of them)
Each can pump up to 1100 gpm
Two pumps have VFD’s (variable frequency drives)
VFD (pumps 1&4)
(variable frequency drive)
PLC - Computer
(programmable
logic controller)
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2009-10
HSP #4 s (VFD)
Swing check valve
High Service Pumps Our 2009 upgrade added two VFD’s (High Service Pumps #1 & 4).
These allow us better control on distribution system pressure, especially when the North Tower is
out of service. The system switches from level mode to pressure mode automatically.
VFD (pumps 1&4)
(variable frequency drive)
High Service Pumps (4 of them)
Each can pump up to 1100 gpm
All pumps now have swing check valves
Foam is removed, currently painting the pipes
PLC - Computer
(programmable logic controller)
2012
HSP #1 s (VFD)
Swing check valve
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HSP #2 & #3
Swing check valve
HSP #4 s (VFD)
Swing check valve
High Service Pumps
We have continually made modification in our system. Here shows the foam insulation removed,
new swing check valves installed, ready to be painted.
A dehumidifier was also installed to remove moisture.
Current
North Elevated Storage Tank
300,000 gallons (storage)
Supplies storage & distribution system pressure for the City.
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North Elevated Tank
300,000 gallons
Before 2009 Painting
TOTAL STORAGE
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Ground Storage Reservoir:
North Elevated Tank:
Clearwell:
630,000 gallons
300,000 gallons
25,700 gallons
TOTAL STORAGE = 955,700 GALLONS
Current
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Before
Total Storage for the City of Howell:
Ground Storage Reservoir = 630,000 gallons, North Tower Tank = 300,000 and small Clearwell =
25,700 for a TOTAL = 955,700 GALLONS. Because even on our slowest days we have a demand
for about 1 million gallons, the plant must operate every day of the year.
Chemical Feed Room – These chemicals are added.
Sulfuric Acid = pH control. Lowers the tap water pH from a high of 11.0 inside cone down to below
9.0 leaving plant to city.
Fluoride (HSF- 23%) helps prevent tooth decay.
Phosphate = sequestering agent helps keep iron "tied up" or in solution.
Polymer = to aid in the flocculation process inside the cone (helps create the lime blanket inside
the cone).
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Chlorination
2 - 150# chlorine tanks, one in use and the other on stand-by.
2 – V Notch chlorinators each can feed up to 50# of chlorine per 24 hours.
Used for disinfection of the water, fed to 4 different feed points.
We feed on an average 30# chlorine per day.
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The following pictures show a filter being washed.
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Each filter will be washed every 90 – 120 hours of use.
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A washing reversed the flow of water from going down to moving up. The filter cell is white
because it shows the lime floc from the cone being removed from the filter cell.
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A filter is washed for approximately 20 – 25 minutes to get it clean.
Using approximately 50,000 gallons of water to clean it.
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Here you can see the filter beginning to look cleaner.
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Closer look.
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Here you see a clean filter.
The backwash will be stopped and the filter cell will be placed back in service.
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)
SCADA Main Info Screen
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)
SCADA Computer (Overview)
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Well Computer
Before
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Command Central:
This is our new (2009) SCADA ('Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition') / PLC (“Programmable
Logic Controller”) System: We have 2 PLC’s one here and one in the High Service Building. The
PLC interprets the data and controls (makes changes) with all the systems (flow, valve positions
etc.) in the plant and high service building (distribution system), the SCADA computer system
monitors and controls our treatment process. It also collects all the information and stores it.
SCADA – Overview Screen: Shows water coming into the plant, through the cone then through the
filters, into the ground storage reservoir and finally to the North Elevated tank via high service
pumps.
SCADA – Trending - Level Screen
Blue & Red = North elevated tank water level.
Green & Lt. Yellow = Ground Storage level.
The Trending Options shows ALL the Trend Screens we have the option to view.
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The Lab is certified by Michigan DEQ (Department of Environment Quality) on a three year cycle.
We currently are approved to test for:
Inorganic chemistry (Fluoride testing).
Microbiology - Plate Count & Coliform Testing
When the MDEQ Certifies our Lab, they check out everything that we do as we are testing the
water to make sure that we are following the SDWA (Safe Drinking Water Act).
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Wet chemistry side of the lab
We do all our own daily testing
Total & calcium hardness, total alkalinity, free & total chlorine residuals, pH & fluoride
concentrations, & turbidity.
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We run some sort of test every 2 or 4 hours from different sample points of the treatment process.
Here shows testing: total alkalinity (left side), total Hardness (right)
Other things are tested once a day, once a month and some things every year or more.
Examples:
Lead & Copper testing in the distribution system is done every 3 years.
Partial Chemistry (including Nitrates, Sodium etc) done yearly.
Metals & Radiological done every 9 years.
We make up many of our own chemical solutions, broths and agars to do the daily testing. This is
a cheaper way than buying pre-made.
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There is a lot of Quality Control & Quality Assurance in the Lab.
This will be tubes of standard plate agar. Used to test the water for bacteria.
Bacteria’s Testing is done DAILY and MONTHLY, where we go out into the distribution (throughout
the city) and collect samples to test.
This shows an m-Endo Agar Plate. A 24 hour test looking for coliform bacteria in the water.
Bacteria Testing: Indicator Organisms
Monitoring to detect all bacterial, viral, and protozoan species that cause waterborne disease would be a very timeconsuming and expensive undertaking. For this reason, a certain group of bacteria has been selected by the water
industry for monitoring to assess the overall fecal contamination of the water.
These bacteria comprise the total coliform group, which includes Escherichia coli (E. coli) as one of its members,
and are known as indicator organisms.
Coliform bacteria are primarily opportunistic pathogens that are safe to ingest in small numbers. However, when
they are detected in a water sample, the water is assumed to be unsafe to drink because of the possible presence of
pathogenic microorganisms.
QA/QC Testing: (Quality Assurance / Quality Control)
The larger plates are the standard plate agar plates being made in the previous slide. This is a 48
hour test and looks for all kinds of bacteria in the water.
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Heterotrophic plate count agar:
E. Coli Testing: w/ mEndoAgar plates.
is a procedure for
estimating the number of live heterotrophic bacteria (requiring
organic compounds of carbon and nitrogen for nourishment) in water. This
test can provide useful information about water quality and
supporting data on the significance of coliform test results.
The test tubes in the back are part of our Quality Control Requirement (done to maintain our lab
certification). Every year we have a number of tests (unknown results) that we have to run, &
submit to the testing company. We have to pass these to maintain our certification.
Outbreaks: 1993 Milwaukee Cryptosporidium:
(micrometers)
BACKGROUND. Early in the spring of 1993 there was a widespread outbreak of acute watery diarrhea among the residents
of Milwaukee. Over 2 week span, 403,000 of 1.61 Million were sick and approx. 100 people died due to this outbreak.
METHODS. We investigated the two Milwaukee water-treatment plants, gathered data from clinical laboratories on the
results of tests for enteric pathogens, and examined ice made during the time of the outbreak for cryptosporidium o-ocysts.
We surveyed residents with confirmed cryptosporidium infection and a sample of those with acute watery diarrhea
consistent with cryptosporidium infection.
RESULTS. There were marked increases in turbidity of treated water at the city's southern water-treatment plant from March
23 until April 9, when the plant was shut down. Cryptosporidium o-ocysts were identified in water from ice made in southern
Milwaukee during these weeks. The median duration of illness was 9 days (range, 1 to 55). The median maximal number of
stools per day was 12 (range, 1 to 90). Among 285 people surveyed who had laboratory-confirmed cryptosporidiosis, the
clinical manifestations included watery diarrhea (in 93 percent), abdominal cramps (in 84 percent), fever (in 57 percent), an d
vomiting (in 48 percent). We estimate that 403,000 people had watery diarrhea attributable to this outbreak.
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin Cryptosporidium Outbreak 1993
CONCLUSIONS. This massive outbreak of watery diarrhea was caused by cryptosporidium o-ocysts that passed through
the filtration system of one of the city's water-treatment plants.
The City of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin made numerous changes to filtration and testing procedures in an
attempt to ensure such a tragedy can never happen again. One of the simplest is to increase the frequency of
testing for, and acceptable level of, turbidity (cloudiness) in drinking water.
Years after the outbreak, new information from laboratory investigators aided in the formulation of a theory
regarding the source of Cryptosporidium. The source of Cryptosporidium contamination was human, proven by
genotypes. Three rivers run into Milwaukee and come together to flow into a bay made by a small indentation in
Lake Michigan. There are three water breaks that protect the bay and thus direct the flow of water out of the bay.
The current in Lake Michigan is counterclockwise and sitting at the mouth of the river is a human waste sewage
treatment plant for the city.
Heavy rains reported that March may have produced sewage overflows that contaminated the rivers and the bay.
Water in the bay was pushed by the counterclockwise currents toward the water intake pipeline for the southern
water plant, one mile out in Lake Michigan.
Outbreaks: 1993 Milwaukee Cryptosporidium:
(micrometers)
BACKGROUND. Early in the spring of 1993 there was a widespread outbreak of acute watery diarrhea among the residents
of Milwaukee. Over 2 week span, 403,000 of 1.61 Million were sick and approx. 100 people died due to this outbreak.
METHODS. We investigated the two Milwaukee water-treatment plants, gathered data from clinical laboratories on the
the spring
1993 ice
there
a the
widespread
outbreak
of
results of tests forEarly
entericinpathogens,
and of
examined
madewas
during
time of the outbreak
for cryptosporidium
o-ocysts.
acute
watery diarrhea
among
theand
residents
ofthose
Milwaukee.
We surveyed residents
with confirmed
cryptosporidium
infection
a sample of
with acute watery diarrhea
consistent with cryptosporidium infection.
Over 2 week span, 403,000 of 1.61 Million were sick and
RESULTS. There were marked increases in turbidity of treated water at the city's southern water-treatment plant from March
100
people diedo-ocysts
due towere
thisidentified
outbreak.
23 until April 9, when theapproximately
plant was shut down.
Cryptosporidium
in water from ice made in southern
Milwaukee during these weeks. The median duration of illness was 9 days (range, 1 to 55). The median maximal number of
stools per day was 12 (range, 1 to 90). Among 285 people surveyed who had laboratory-confirmed cryptosporidiosis, the
clinical manifestations included watery diarrhea (in 93 percent), abdominal cramps (in 84 percent), fever (in 57 percent), and
vomiting (in 48 percent). We estimate that 403,000 people had watery diarrhea attributable to this outbreak.
53
CONCLUSIONS. This massive outbreak of watery diarrhea was caused by cryptosporidium o-ocysts that passed through
the filtration system of one of
the city's
plants.
The
Citywater-treatment
of Milwaukee
and State of Wisconsin
The City of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin made numerous changes to filtration and testing procedures in an
made numerous changes to filtration and testing
attempt to ensure such a tragedy can never happen again. One of the simplest is to increase the frequency of
procedures
an attempt
to ensure
testing for, and acceptable level
of, turbidityin
(cloudiness)
in drinking
water. such a
tragedy can never happen again.
Years after the outbreak, new information from laboratory investigators aided in the formulation of a theory
regarding the source of Cryptosporidium.
The source
One of the simplest
is of
toCryptosporidium
increase the contamination
frequency was human, proven by
genotypes. Three rivers run into Milwaukee and come together to flow into a bay made by a small indentation in
of testing for, and acceptable level of, turbidity
Lake Michigan. There are three water breaks that protect the bay and thus direct the flow of water out of the bay.
(cloudiness)
drinking
water.
The current in Lake Michigan is counterclockwise
andin
sitting
at the mouth
of the river is a human waste sewage
treatment plant for the city.
Heavy rains reported that March may have produced sewage overflows that contaminated the rivers and the bay.
Water in the bay was pushed by the counterclockwise currents toward the water intake pipeline for the southern
water plant, one mile out in Lake Michigan.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin Cryptosporidium Outbreak 1993
Major Highlights!
Outbreaks: 2000 Walkerton, Canada = Escherichia coli :
Summary
Walkerton is a small community located in Ontario. The water supply for the town of Walkerton was operated by the
Walkerton Public Utilities Commission, with Stan Koebel as manager and Frank Koebel as water foreman. Neither
had any formal training in their position, retaining their jobs through three decades of on-the-job experience.
The water supply became contaminated with the highly dangerous strain of E. coli bacteria, from farm runoff into
an adjacent well that was known for years to be vulnerable to contamination. Starting May 15, 2000, many
residents of the town of about 5,000 began to simultaneously experience bloody diarrhea, gastrointestinal infections and oth er symptoms
of E. coli infection. For days the Walkerton Public Utilities Commission insisted the water supply was "OK" despite being in possession of
laboratory tests that had found evidence of contamination. On May 21, an escalation in the number of patients with similar symptoms
finally spurred the region's Medical Officer of Health, to issue a boil water advisory warning residents not to drink the water. At least
seven people died directly from drinking the E. coli contaminated water, who might have been saved if the Walkerton Public Utilities
Commission had admitted to contaminated water sooner, and about 2,500 became ill. During the time of the tragedy, both Stan and
Frank Koebel denied any wrongdoing and firmly held that the water at Walkerton was safe to drink. However, as the tragedy grew in
severity the two were eventually part of the criminal investigation into the tragedy, and, as a result, both would eventually plead guilty to a
charge of common nuisance through a plea bargain. In their plea, they admitted to falsifying reports and Frank admitted to drinking on the
job, though a beer fridge did exist at the facility. They were both formally sentenced on December 21, 2004, with Stan receiving a year in
jail and Frank nine months of house arrest. Reaction to their sentencing was mixed.
Aftermath
The Ontario Clean Water Agency was put in charge of the cleanup of Walkerton's water system. An inquiry, known as the Walkerton
Commission led by Court of Appeal for Ontario Associate Chief Justice Dennis O'Connor, reported in 2002. It estimated that the
Walkerton water tragedy cost a minimum of $64.5 - 155 million (Canadian dollars) and laid much of the blame at the door of the
Walkerton Public Utilities Commission.
From the report:
For years, the Walkerton Public Utilities Commission operators engaged in a host of improper operating practices,
including failing to use adequate doses of chlorine, failing to monitor chlorine residuals daily, making false entries
about residuals in daily operating records, and misstating the locations at which microbiological samples were taken.
The operators knew that these practices were unacceptable and contrary to Ministry of Environment guidelines and directives.
54
Walkerton, Canada E. Coli Outbreak from 2000
The Ontario government was also blamed for not regulating water quality and not enforcing the guidelines that had been
in place. Part 2 of the report made many recommendations for improving the quality of water and public health in Ontario.
All of its recommendations have been accepted by succeeding governments of the province. The recommendations have
also influenced provincial policies across Canada. Over $70 million dollars was invested in claiming the residents, but also
fixing the water sources
Key recommendations touched on source water protection as part of a comprehensive multi-barrier approach, the
training and certification of operators, a quality management system for water suppliers, and more competent
enforcement. In Ontario, these requirements have been incorporated into new legislation.
Outbreaks: 2000 Walkerton, Canada = Escherichia coli :
The water supply became contaminated with the highly dangerous
strain of E. coli bacteria, from farm runoff into an adjacent well
that was known for years to be vulnerable to contamination.
Summary
Walkerton is a small community located in Ontario. The water supply for the town of Walkerton was operated by the
Walkerton Public Utilities Commission, with Stan Koebel as manager and Frank Koebel as water foreman. Neither
had any formal training in their position, retaining their jobs through three decades of on-the-job experience.
The water supply became contaminated with the highly dangerous strain of E. coli bacteria, from farm runoff into
an adjacent well that was known for years to be vulnerable to contamination. Starting May 15, 2000, many
residents of the town of about 5,000 began to simultaneously experience bloody diarrhea, gastrointestinal infections and oth er symptoms
of E. coli infection. For days the Walkerton Public Utilities Commission insisted the water supply was "OK" despite being in possession of
laboratory tests that had found evidence of contamination. On May 21, an escalation in the number of patients with similar symptoms
finally spurred the region's Medical Officer of Health, to issue a boil water advisory warning residents not to drink the water. At least
seven people died directly from drinking the E. coli contaminated water, who might have been saved if the Walkerton Public Utilities
Commission had admitted to contaminated water sooner, and about 2,500 became ill. During the time of the tragedy, both Stan and
Frank Koebel denied any wrongdoing and firmly held that the water at Walkerton was safe to drink. However, as the tragedy grew in
severity the two were eventually part of the criminal investigation into the tragedy, and, as a result, both would eventually plead guilty to a
charge of common nuisance through a plea bargain. In their plea, they admitted to falsifying reports and Frank admitted to drinking on the
job, though a beer fridge did exist at the facility. They were both formally sentenced on December 21, 2004, with Stan receiving a year in
jail and Frank nine months of house arrest. Reaction to their sentencing was mixed.
Aftermath
The Ontario Clean Water Agency was put in charge of the cleanup of Walkerton's water system. An inquiry, known as the Walkerton
Commission led by Court of Appeal for Ontario Associate Chief Justice Dennis O'Connor, reported in 2002. It estimated that the
Walkerton water tragedy cost a minimum of $64.5 - 155 million (Canadian dollars) and laid much of the blame at the door of the
Walkerton Public Utilities Commission.
From the report:
For years, the Walkerton Public Utilities Commission operators engaged in a host of improper operating practices,
including failing to use adequate doses of chlorine, failing to monitor chlorine residuals daily, making false entries
about residuals in daily operating records, and misstating the locations at which microbiological samples were taken.
The operators knew that these practices were unacceptable and contrary to Ministry of Environment guidelines and directives.
Starting May 15, 2000, many residents of the town of about 5,000
began to simultaneously experience bloody diarrhea,
gastrointestinal infections and other symptoms of E. coli infection.
2500 became sick and 7 deaths.
55
From the report:
For years, the Walkerton Public Utilities Commission operators
engaged in a host of improper operating practices,
including failing to use adequate doses of chlorine, failing to
monitor chlorine residuals daily, making false entries
about residuals in daily operating records, and misstating the
The Ontario government was also blamed for not regulating water quality and not enforcing the guidelines that had been
locations
at 2which
microbiological
samples
were
taken.
in place. Part
of the report
made many recommendations
for improving
the quality
of water and public health in Ontario.
All of its recommendations have been accepted by succeeding governments of the province. The recommendations have
Thealso
operators
knew that these practices were unacceptable and
influenced provincial policies across Canada. Over $70 million dollars was invested in claiming the residents, but also
fixing the to
water
sources
contrary
Ministry
of Environment guidelines and directives.
Walkerton, Canada E. Coli Outbreak from 2000
Major Highlights!
Key recommendations touched on source water protection as part of a comprehensive multi-barrier approach, the
training and certification of operators, a quality management system for water suppliers, and more competent
enforcement. In Ontario, these requirements have been incorporated into new legislation.
TEST
SAMPLE
LOCATION
FREQUENCY
OF TEST
Lead & Copper
City Distribution
Taken in twenty
Residential homes.
Every 3 Years
Plant Tap
treated water
entering the City
distribution system.
Every 9 Years
Radiological
Monitoring for natural radiological
contaminants, including gross alpha,
radium-226, and radium-228.
Other Water Testing Done
VOC (Volatile Organic Chemistry), Partial Chemistries, Metals, Arsenic, SOC (Semi-Volatile
Organic [Pesticides, Herbicides, Carbamates] & Radiological, Lead & Copper & Total
Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids
Partial Chemistry
Including Nitrate, Nitrite, Fluoride,
Chloride, Sodium & Sulfate.
56
Plant Tap
Every Year
Plant Tap
Every 3 Years
Plant Tap
Every 9 Years
Plant Tap
Every 3 Years
Distilled Water
Used in the lab for
making & testing
the lab chemicals.
Every Year
VOC
(Volatile Organic Compounds)
Including (but not limited to)
Benzene, Carbon Tetrachloride,
Ethylbenzene, Total Trihalomethanes,
Vinyl Chloride & Xylene and many
more.
Metals
Including (but not limited to)
Arsenic, Antimony, Barium, Beryllium,
Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, Nickel,
Selenium Thallium and many more.
SOC
(Non-Volatile Organic)
Includes: Pesticides Screening,
Herbicides, Carbamates
Some items tested for but not limited to:
2,4D, Atrazine, Alachlor, Heptachlor,
PCB,
and many more.
Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Lead,
Nickel, Zinc & Bacteria
The right picture is our Monitoring Schedule for 2010.
57
Water Sales
Sold to pool haulers, hydro-seeders, tree sprayers, underground drillers, road sweepers, car
cleaners, etc. Our Peak year for gallons sold was 2005 selling almost 11.5 million gallons.
58
Water Sales
On average we sell enough water to generate over $40,000 revenue.
Most Pressing Concerns: The past few years have presented unprecedented challenges to
LACKLUSTER, SLUGGISH, STRUGGLING, SHAKY!!!
the water industry. Poor economic conditions have resulted in slower growth, foreclosures,
reduced overall water consumption and resistance to water rate increases. Forcing utilities to
No matter how you characterize it, the economy
slash budgets, delay important capital projects, and basically do more with less.
has been the common thread throughout the last
59
FROM AWWA State of the Industry
Report
2011: of
2012:
#1= Infrastructure,
#2= Business
three
editions
AWWA’s
annual profile
of the Factors
1. Business Factors: water industry. Unfortunately, not much has
a) Financing repairs, replacements & upgrades for aging infrastructure, imbalance
changed
theand
2012
report.cost of production.
between the rates
charged with
for water
increasing
2. Infrastructure: (physical), but should also cover financial.
Every
month,
the experts
read
the
tea leaves
–
a) Age of distribution
system
and likelihood
of failure,
lack
of funds
to resolve
domestic
product,
employment figures,
3. Regulatory Factors: gross
To date: 18
regulation addressing
91 contaminants
a) Compliance with
new regulations
increased
cost to treat that
them.the
housing
starts and
– and
prognosticate
Regulation
Proposed
Final
economy is recovering or stalled, making slow-but2012
2012
the financial
Revised Total Coliform Rule
2010
3rd Unregulated steady
Contaminant
Monitoring or
rule backsliding
2011
progress
into
Revised Lead & Copper Rule
2012
abyss.
Third Regulatory Determination
2012
(VOC) Volatile Organic Chemicals
2013
4.
5.
2013/14
2013
2015
The view from the ones working in the trenches, all
Source Water:
they see are slashed budgets, dwindling revenues,
a) Source water protection, water supply/shortages, conservation and water reuse.
and the expectation that as stewards of water they
Workforce:
a) Shortage of qualified
workers,
salaries,
perceived
of prestige
will do
more limited
and more
with
less &lack
less.
associated with the industry, loss of industry knowledge as workers age and retire,
need for training and certification. Noted: huge gap with many age 45 and over.
Most Pressing Concerns: The past few years have presented unprecedented challenges to
the water industry. Poor economic conditions have resulted in slower growth, foreclosures,
reduced overall water consumption and resistance to water rate increases. Forcing utilities to
slash budgets, delay important capital projects, and basically do more with less.
60
FROM AWWA State of the Industry Report 2011: 2012: #1= Infrastructure, #2= Business Factors
1. Business Factors:
a) Financing repairs, replacements & upgrades for aging infrastructure, imbalance
between the rates charged for water and increasing cost of production.
2. Infrastructure: (physical), but should also cover financial.
a) Age of distribution system and likelihood of failure, lack of funds to resolve
3. Regulatory Factors: To date: 18 regulation addressing 91 contaminants
a) Compliance with new regulations and increased cost to treat them.
Regulation
Proposed
Final
Revised Total Coliform Rule
3rd Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring rule
Revised Lead & Copper Rule
Third Regulatory Determination
(VOC) Volatile Organic Chemicals
4.
5.
The AWWA (American Water Works Association) puts out an annual “State of the Water Industry”
report. This highlights what was in the 2012 report.
2010
2011
2012
2012
2013
2012
2012
2013/14
2013
2015
Source Water:
a) Source water protection, water supply/shortages, conservation and water reuse.
Workforce:
a) Shortage of qualified workers, limited salaries, perceived lack of prestige
associated with the industry, loss of industry knowledge as workers age and retire,
need for training and certification. Noted: huge gap with many age 45 and over .
61
For More Information and for the
Annual Water Quality Report
go to the City website at:
www.cityofhowell.org/watertreatment
Number 1 & 2 always seem to be on top and are closely related (Business Factors &
Infrastructure). Here in Howell – I feel we have done a GREAT job of staying ahead of the normal.
Our road program in the past 4-5 years has replaced a majority of the water distribution lines (that
were 30-50 years old). The 2009 & 2010 upgrades at the water plant have dramatically upgraded
our facilities. They should last many years.
Number 3 is always a concern (Regulatory), as the EPA is continually finding new things for us to
test at added costs.
Number 5 is a BIG concern. The current workforce over the whole country is getting older and
young people are not showing much interest in working in this field. In the next 10-15 years they
expect 60 – 70 percent of our current workforce to retirement.
The City of Howell website:
cityofhowell.org/watertreatment has our Annual Water Quality Report.