Diversity & Inclusion Committee Update One Water Registration Info - PAGE 6-7 Ohio EPA Update - oawwa
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SPRING 2021 Diversity & Inclusion Committee Update PAGE 20 One Water Registration Info PAGE 6-7 Ohio EPA Update PAGE 48
Straight From The Chair
Sierra McCreary
Black & Veatch
Like most of you, I always try to start a new year
with equal parts reflection and preparation. While
2020 certainly had more than its share of events
worth reflecting upon, through it all, I find myself
grateful. While digging deep to find ourselves in a
mental state of gratitude has certainly been a focus
to survive the pandemic, we often turn that inwards.
As I mentioned in the winter newsletter, the water
industry has done an exemplary job of keeping our
communities safe amidst unprecedented times. I
am not in a position to ask for more effort from any
of you, but if I could, I would ask us all to take some Table of Contents
time to express our gratitude towards one another!
Pick up the phone to call a fellow water industry
professional that you have not had the chance Straight from the Chair..................................... 3
to see in a while and check-in; I promise, you will Director’s Report............................................... 4
make their day. We’re all missing each other! PFAS Treatment Challenges, Solutions, and
Considerations.................................................. 8
In the spirit of preparing for a new year and
the years ahead, I’ve been involved in several Diversity & Inclusion Committee.................... 20
conversations lately about workforce retirement YP Spotlight .................................................... 24
issues in our industry and how to bring more Hydraulic Modeling Well Pump Design......... 28
people into the workforce. This is a significant
Ohio Section AWWA Calendar........................ 37
issue, and it’s not one that any one utility,
Protecting Water Storage Tanks.................... 38
engineering firm, or other organization can solve
on their own. It will take a concerted and collective Ohio EPA Corner.............................................. 48
effort from all of us individually to increase the Nitrification in Water Distribution
visibility of our industry and the variety of career Systems (Part 3 of 3)...................................... 54
options available to young professionals. We all Advertiser Directory........................................ 67
care about the work we have dedicated our careers
continued on page 4
2 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 3
continued from page 3
Straight From The Chair
to doing, and we all owe it to ourselves and to each will be handing down to the next generation of January, was not being able to once again see my Relative to the budget, after cutting expenses and
other to find a way to spread that passion. water professionals. fellow peers. with the help of a PPP loan, the Association ended
the 2020 fiscal budget year with only a 3.6 million
I believe that one way to accomplish this is to look Between the stresses of working (and schooling) At the meeting, David LaFrance, CEO of the
dollar deficit. However, because of its long-term
for opportunities to impact someone on a personal remotely, staying safe and healthy for those of us Association, provided the Board of Directors a
fiscal management strategies, even with the 2020
level. We need to be more deliberate than ever out working with customers, and maintaining the status update of the Association. Two areas
deficit, AWWA is still fiscally strong, which was
in this predominately virtual world. Whenever an high standard we have cultivated in our industry, of focus in his overview was membership and
great to hear.
opportunity presents itself, talk to future leaders – the demands being placed on all of us are greater the budget. Membership in 2020 declined by
college freshmen, high school, and middle school than ever. Finding time to volunteer in the middle about 5%, down to 49,454. Even though AWWA One of the highlights of the winter board meeting
students in your community! This will not only of that can be difficult, and we realize not everyone anticipated the membership would decline based is the election of new officers. This year the
spread the good word about opportunities in the can make a major commitment right now. The upon the economic fallout from the pandemic, nominating committee brought forth to the Board
industry, but it will also help to increase diversity in section has several “micro volunteer” opportunities the good news is that it was less than expected. a well-rounded and diverse slate of candidates.
our workforce. for you. Please consider getting involved and help The majority of the decline, around 90%, was The election resulted in the following new officers
us out with specific tasks, as you are able! individual memberships. A goal was set to that will come into their new role this June at ACE
We devote incredible amounts of time, energy, and
increase membership back above 50,000 in 2021. in San Diego, California:
money to managing and planning our physical It may seem like things have been quiet, but your
assets, yet on a professional level, our people are Governing Board, districts, and committees have AWWA NEW OFFICERS
our greatest assets. If you’re not already doing been busy behind the scenes adapting to our new President – Elect, Joe Jacangelo (Stantec)
so, let’s start including our employees as part of realities and planning for a safe in-person One Director at Large, Ari Copeland (Black and Veatch)
our asset management plans, so that collectively Water conference. In addition, we currently working Vice President, Randy Black (Lakewood Water District- Washington State)
we can ensure we have the knowledge transfer on a Section Handbook and updated Sponsorship Vice President, Heather Collins (Metropolitan Water District of Southern California)
needed to protect the priceless infrastructure and Plan. I look forward to sharing some of those Vice President, Angela Ballard-Landers (WSSA- Maryland)
life source that we manage every day in place and developments with you in the next newsletter. Vice President, Cheryl Porter (Great Lakes Water Authority)
Keep safe and well!
Also at the Board of Directors Meeting, the work As most already know, the Association is moving
of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Utility Enterprise some of their specialty conferences and summits
Membership Model was presented and discussed. to a virtual platform in the first half of 2021,
Director’s Report The Committee’s report included an evaluation of along with AWWA Fly-in. However, ACE21 will
an eight-month long study analyzing the feasibility be a hybrid event, with both in-person and virtual
of an Enterprise membership model for Utility options. The in-person conference will still be held
Members. A key component of the Enterprise in San Diego, June 13-16. This year’s theme is
Danella Pettenski
Membership benefit package is Utility Members “Inform, Influence, Impact”. What a great thought
City of Columbus receive an unlimited number of memberships provoking message to leave all of you as I wrap
for employees of the utility. Currently, that this Director’s report. As water professionals, are
The winter AWWA Board of Directors Meeting was held virtually on membership is limited. The Committee requested we doing all we can do to inform, influence and
January 26, 2021. I participated in the meeting from the comfort of more time to complete the evaluation and an impact those around us? I like to think the Ohio
my office looking out at the cold, grey sky of central Ohio, instead of extension to the project’s deadline. The request Section and its members excel at this, but we can
enjoying sunny and relatively warm Savannah, Georgia. Even more was granted and the final report is anticipated to always to do more. As we head into 2021, what
disappointing than not being able to travel to a warmer climate in be delivered at ACE21. more can you do to make a difference?
4 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 5
Exhibition u l y 2 7 -28
Package Early Late
(by 5/5/21) (5/6/21 -
Onsite J
7/9/21)
The annual One Water Conference moves to a different region of the state every year. In
Full Conference
July 26-29, 2021 Member $395 $445 $495
2021, we are excited to be at the Duke Energy Center in beautiful Cincinnati, Ohio. With
Cincinnati, OH Nonmember $520 $570 $620
more than 1,400 attendees expected, this is a can’t miss event!
e Reasons why you want to exhibit:
Retired 1
$270 $320 $370
Student 2
$100 $150 • Opportunity to connect with hundreds of water and wastewater professionals
Attendee & Exhibitor Registration
Single Day Registration • Booth price includes one full conference registration
Now Open
Member $215 $275 $305 • Additional registrations are available at a greatly reduced cost
ffice More information at onewaterohio.org Nonmember $275 $335 $395 • Booth includes a table, two chairs, and wastebasket equaling reduced additional costs
Sick of being stuck inside? Thinking Monday Plant Tour • The One Water conference schedule is built to give dedicated exhibit time and plenty of
Member $50 networking time outside of the exhibit hall
about all you missed out on in 2020? Give Not Available
Nonmember $75
• It’s YOUR booth and YOUR choice, you will be able to pick your booth when you register
yourself something to look forward to with Monday Research Workshop and will immediately have your final booth number.
One Water! Plan now to attend one of the Member $125
Pricing & Options
Not Available
largest gatherings of water and wastewater Nonmember $150
Extra Tickets
professionals in the Midwest! Package Early Late Onsite
Tuesday Meet & Greet $100 (by 5/5/21) (5/6/21 - 7/9/21)
Reception/Gala $50
We can’t wait to see you again, safely, and IN- Member 10x10 Standard* Booth $995 $1,145
Guest Package 3
$325
PERSON. We know that this year’s One Water Golf Nonmember 10x10 Standard* Booth $1,295 $1,445 Not
might look a bit different and we are planning Foursome $500 Available
Individual Golfer $125 Not Available Member 20x10 Heavy Equipment Booth $1,695 $1,945
ssis- for that. While we anticipate there will still be
ated Golf Hole Sponsor $250
bus some social distancing in place, along with Nonmember 20x10 Heavy Equipment Booth $2,195 $2,445
Exhibition
w the possible other safety precautions, we KNOW Each Additional Booth Attendee
le. Member 10x10 $245 $325
$995 $1,145 (max of 2 per 10x10 space)
that bringing together water and wastewater Standard4 Booth
Nonmember 10x10 Listing in Exhibitor Passport $250
Not
professionals will be a great time. There will $1,295 $1,445 Available
Standard4 Booth
de Not Available
be informative technical sessions, exciting Member 20x10 Heavy Premium booth space available for additional $150
*
$1,695 $1,945
new products and services in the Expo Hall Equipment Booth
WTP along with plenty of networking. This is your
Nonmember 20x10
$2,195 $2,445 Booth Registration Schedule
Heavy Equipment Booth
t Simply go to www.onewaterohio.org and choose your spot.
ty. chance to reconnect with everyone you Each Additional Booth
missed seeing in 2020. Attendee (max of 2 per $245 $325 One Water Sponsors Opens January 14, 2021
10x10 space)
Listing in Exhibitor OWEA/OAWWA Members Opens January 21, 2021
It’s been way too long since we have been $250 Not Available
Passport
1 Everyone Opens January 28, 2021
together, so you won’t want to miss out on all must not be currently employed and have retired membership status
2
must have valid university ID
that One Water will be.
3
cannot be in the industry
m onewaterohio.org
4
premium booth space available for additional $150
13
6 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 7
PFAS Treatment
INTRODUCTION
The presence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (collectively referred to as “PFAS”)
in various water supplies has received increased attention in recent years due to their
Challenges,
potential health impacts. PFAS are defined as a group of chemicals that are used in the
manufacturing of a wide variety of industrial and consumer products including nonstick
cookware, grease-resistant paper, fast food containers and wrappers, microwave
Solutions, and
popcorn bags, candy wrappers, water-resistant clothing, as well as stain-resistant
coatings that are used on carpets and upholstery. PFAS are very difficult to degrade
as a result of their extreme chemical and biological stability. After over seven decades
of using PFAS containing products without monitoring and treatment, the presence of
Considerations
PFAS chemicals in water supply systems is causing serious concern among the general
public.
POTENTIAL HEALTH IMPACTS
The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has recognized the potential health
impacts (1) from PFAS, and in 2016 issued a Health Advisory Level for PFAS at 70 ng/L.
by Health advisories provide information on contaminants that can cause adverse human
health effects and are known or anticipated to occur in drinking water. The USEPA has
YuJung Chang, PhD, CDM Smith, Bellevue. Washington, changy@cdmsmith.com stated that there is evidence suggesting exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health
Dora Chiang, PhD, PE, CDM Smith, Atlanta, Georgia, chiangsd@cdmsmith.com conditions in humans. It has been consistently found that PFAS has the potential to
increase cholesterol levels among exposed populations. Additionally, according to
Fred Smith, Columbus, Ohio, Smithfj@cdmsmith.com
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), there are limited findings
and Andrew Bohlen, BohlenAT@cdmsmith.com suggesting the presence of PFAS can be related to low infant birth weights, effects on
the immune systems, cancer (for Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and thyroid hormone
disruptions (for Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). The USEPA further states that
animal studies have indicated PFOS and PFOA can cause tumors in animals, as
well as other health impacts, such as reproductive, developmental, liver, kidney, and
immunological conditions.
PFAS STANDARDS AND EVOLVING
REGULATORY GUIDANCE
According to data analyzed by the Environmental Working Group and Northeastern
University, there are at least 610 locations in 43 states where PFAS has been detected,
including in drinking water serving an estimated 19 million people. (2) While some
states are currently following the USEPA’s advisory level for PFAS at 70 ng/L, some
states, as shown in Table 1, have proposed or issued more stringent PFAS regulations.
continued on next page
8 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION
continued from previous page
Table 1. Examples of PFAS regulations for selected States. Figure 1. Illustration of a PFAS molecule
Authority Health Advisory or MCL
USEPA Health Advisory: 70 ng/L PFOA, PFOS, PFOA+PFOS
Michigan Identified 7 candidate compounds for MCL, 6 - 400,000 ng/L
MASSDEP 20 ng/L total for 6 specific PFAS
Vermont MCL: 20 nt/L PFOA+PFOS
New Jersey MCL:13 ng/L PFNA
NL of 5.1ng/L for PFOA and 6.5 ng/L ng/L for PFOS.
California
Response Level: 10 ng/L for PFOA, 40 ng/L for PFOS
Rhode Island MCL: 6 groups of PFAS @ 20 ng/L
ONE WATER: PFAS IN THE WATER CYCLE
PFAS are particularly challenging from a public health perspective since they can be
It is important to note that since PFAS regulations are currently being developed and/or updated by found in every stage of the water cycle. For example, when a drinking water supply
individual states, one should refer to the updated information and details of regulations posted on source is contaminated by upstream industrial discharge, PFAS will enter the potable
the website of each state’s primacy agency for drinking water. water system, and then be later discharged back into the water environment through
local wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). An illustration of how PFAS that are
discharged from the source will affect entire the water system, and eventually the entire
HOW PFAS CHEMICALS ENTER ecological cycle, is shown below in Figure 2. This concept of a holistically linked water
THE WATER ENVIRONMENT cycle is referred to as One Water.
PFAS are a category of man-made chemicals perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), a subgroup of
invented in the 1940s that have been widely PFAS, is its extreme stability and its resistance Figure 2. One Water: PFAS in the water cycle (image courtesy of CDM Smith)
used in various industrial and commercial to biological and chemical oxidation processes.
applications since then. In addition to their use in This extreme chemical stability is the result of
the industrial and consumer products mentioned the chemical bond between carbon and fluorine
above, PFAS are also actively used in the (the C-F bond), which is the strongest bond in
chrome-plating, oil/gas industry, electronics, and chemistry. In addition, while most parts of each
aerospace industries. PFAS are also commonly PFAA molecule are associated with fluorine,
present in Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), which makes the molecule hydrophobic, the last
which is widely used to extinguish fuel-based carbon at the tail end of the structure is usually
fires, including during fire training exercises. associated with carboxylates (for PFOA) or
Events such as spills, as well as the discharge sulfonates (for PFOS). This makes PFAS water-
of PFAS-containing chemicals without treatment soluble and thus allows it to travel freely in water
to either surface water or groundwater, has environments. An illustration of a PFAS molecule
the potential to contaminate drinking water is shown below in Figure 1.
supplies. One of the unique properties of
continued on page 14
10 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 11
12 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 13
continued from page 11
Literatures have indicated that while associated with the dewatered EGLE implemented an Industrial of these PFAS-laden media to confirm the complete of removing PFAS and other
conventional WWTPs may receive sludge, sludge containing PFAS Pretreatment Program (IPP) has been widely applied, and destruction of PFAS and to emerging contaminants that
PFAS from upstream sources, the may not be allowed to be disposed for PFAS by requiring upstream it is anticipated that high investigate any byproducts that were detected in local source
WWTP treatment processes have via land applications and this industrial dischargers to implement temperature incineration that can be generated through water. The RO reject brine will
minimum effectiveness in removing can pose significant disposal PFAS reduction programs. This can destroy PFAS. Currently the incineration processes. be discharged into a local river,
PFAS (3),(4) and the biological challenges for WWTPs. PFAS that involves dischargers providing there is no consensus on the downstream of the intake.
As mentioned earlier, another
processes at a WWTP could remain in the liquid phase could PFAS treatment, eliminating leakage temperature required for a This RO treatment approach
effective treatment process
biologically transform precursors, also create a challenge for water of PFOS-containing fire-fighting complete PFAS destruction will require an adequate
to remove PFAS compounds
if present, such as polyfluoroalkyl reuse applications as they could foam, or restricting PFAS levels using incineration. It is blending ratio from the river
from water is reverse osmosis
substances (e.g., 8:2 FtS) into be concentrated in the reverse in the WWTP discharge. The IPP generally assumed that the to minimize the impacts on
(RO). CDM Smith has recently
perfluoroalkyl substances (e.g., osmosis (RO) reject brine and substantially reduced PFOS level temperature required to destroy regional ecology. The system is
designed a 36-MGD PFAS
PFOA), which are more persistent therefore require both a higher level at those 8 WWTPs by 89 – 99% the C-F bond could be as high currently under construction.
treatment system using RO
and toxic. of treatment and/or be subject (5). The study suggested that as 1,100 to 1,400 centigrade.
membranes which are capable
to more stringent regulatory establishing an effective IPP to More research is needed
Some PFAS, particularly the ones
requirements. control PFAS at the source is
with longer carbon chain lengths
(greater than 6 carbons), can have Due to the persistence of PFAS
likely the most cost-effective way
EMERGING PFAS TREATMENT &
to mitigate PFAS impacts on a
strong interactions with solids in the environment, and the cost
community. It should be noted that DESTRUCTION SOLUTIONS
residuals, and literally partition associated with its treatment, it is
the estimation of cost for PFAS There are several innovative 70,000 gpd and requires no consist of highly concentrated
into biosolids. The short chain important to note that controlling
treatment at water, wastewater, or PFAS treatment technologies chemical additions or sorbents PFAS, followed by a simple
PFAS (PFAS compounds with less PFAS pollution at the source is
reclaimed water treatment facilities that have been developed to separate PFAS from defoaming process to collect
carbons on a carbon chain), which critical. For example, the Michigan
should also include the cost of recently, such as CycloPureTM impacted waters. A photograph the highly concentrated PFAS
are more mobile and not associated Department of Environment,
disposing the final waste from (for drinking water) and of the facility is shown below liquid solution. This technology
with biosolids, will tend to remain Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
PFAS treatment processes, which PerfluorAdTM (for wastewater, in Figure 3. This “air-in-PFAS- takes advantage of surfactant
in the treated wastewater. These monitored the concentration of
could be in solid or liquid form. landfilled leachate or industrial out” treatment technology properties of PFAS for
PFAS in WWTP effluent are then PFAS in the effluent from 8 WWTPs
It is anticipated that disposing discharge applications). While generates PFAS foams with efficient removal of PFAS from
discharged to the receiving water, that receive upstream industrial
PFAS laden wastes could be more these technologies provide micro-bubbles and then groundwater, wastewater and
which may serve as the source discharge, and a significant
challenging and expensive than potential cost-effective harvests these foams, which landfill leachate.
of drinking water for utilities level of PFOS was detected due
regular wastes, due to potential treatment alternatives, they
located downstream. Additionally, to upstream chromium platers,
liability issues for the waste Figure 3. Foam fractionation technology full-scale demonstration
still generate final wastes
as longer-chain PFAS could be contaminated sites, and landfills.
management sites. facility (image courtesy of OPEC Systems)
with concentrated PFAS
that need to be addressed.
PFAS TREATMENT & CHALLENGES Foam fractionation is another
technology currently under
Conventional PFAS treatment from the liquid phase to the stringent state treatment criteria. full-scale demonstration in
involves adsorption technologies surface of the adsorptive media. However, disposing these spent Australia that has the potential
using either granular activated These technologies have been media at landfills could result in to remove PFAS by leveraging
carbon (GAC) or ion exchange resin demonstrated and proven to PFAS release in the landfill leachate, PFAS’s high foaming tendency.
(IXR), however these treatment remove PFAS to trace parts per thereby sending PFAS back into This full-scale groundwater
processes only transfer PFAS trillion (ppt) levels and to meet the environment. Incineration remediation facility in
Australia has a capacity of
continued on next page
14 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 15
continued from previous page
CDM Smith is currently working on a bench-scale Figure 4. Results of PFAS destruction by While GAC and IXR have been adopted as shown promising results in effective PFAS
unit for evaluating and optimizing this process, electrochemical oxidization with BDD electrodes the default treatment process for PFAS, destruction. Similar to this combination of
using different sources of waters across a broad disposing of or incinerating the PFAS- Foam Fractionation and ECO to remove,
range of water qualities. In foam fractionation, laden material from these processes concentrate and destroy PFAS, many other
the final step needed to complete PFAS can pose additional threats to the coupling treatment approaches are under
treatment is the destruction of concentrated environment. There are several new PFAS development, all with the main objective
PFAS collected from the process. treatment technologies being developed, of not returning PFAS back to the
such as a new “air-in-PFAS-out” treatment environment. A multi-faceted approach
Several PFAS destruction technologies are
approach using Foam Fractionation of combining these innovations, reducing
currently under development. For example,
technology, that has successfully shown PFAS-containing product uses, controlling
electrochemical oxidation (ECO) technology
to be an effective approach to remove the import and export of PFAS containing
is being researched at this time, and the
and concentrate PFAS at remediation products, ceasing the release of PFAS
technology has gone through the pilot testing
sites. It’s potential applications for from the sources and implementing
stage where different types of anodes have been
drinking water are currently under treatment and pretreatment solutions to
developed and tested for PFAS destruction. The
evaluation. Subsequent treatment of destroy PFAS will be the most effective
Boron Doped Diamond (BDD) electrode is one
concentrated PFAS solutions using way to protect human health and the
of the commonly used and published anodes
destructive technologies (e.g., ECO) has environment going forward.
for the destruction of PFAS which has achieved
encouraging results that suggest the reduction
of PFAS could be as high as 80 percent with an
8-hour reaction time(6). A graph depicting the
REFERENCES:
results of PFAS destruction by electrochemical 1. Interstate Technology Research Council (ITRC) April 2020. https://pfas-1.itrcweb.
oxidization with BDD electrodes is shown below org/7-human-and-ecological-health-effects-of-select-pfas/#7_1
in Figure 4.
2. Breaking Down Toxic PFAS. https://earthjustice.org/features/breaking-down-toxic-
pfas
SUMMARY 3. Mass flows and fate of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the
wastewater treatment plant of a fluorochemical manufacturing facility. Xavier
PFAS have been widely used in the production challenge to public health. Using a holistic
Dauchy et. al., Science of the Total Environment 576 (2017) 549-558
of numerous commercial and personal One Water conceptual approach to addressing
products since the 1940s but its potential these PFAS challenges is critical, since these 4. Distribution and fate of perfluoroalkyl substances in municipal wastewater
impacts to human health were not discovered substances travel throughout the entire treatment plants in economically developed areas of China. Wei Zhang et. al.
until more recently. While the USEPA has set ecological system. Built upon years of study on Environmental Pollution 176 (2013) 10 – 17.
a Health Advisory for PFAS at 70 ng/L, and is PFAS fate, transport and treatability in and out
5. Electrochemical Transformations of Perfluoroalkyl Acid (PFAA) precursors and
in the process of making a formal Maximum of drinking water and wastewater treatment
PFAAs in Groundwater Impacted with Aqueous Film Forming Foams. Environmental
Contaminant Level (MCL) for PFAS, some systems, it has become clear that source
Science & Technology, Charles E. Schaefer et. al., 2018, 52, 10689 – 10697.
states have established their own MCL or health reduction and source control by implementing
guidance for PFAS at levels much lower than 70 effective control strategies such as industrial 6. Initiatives to Evaluate the Presence of PFAS in Municipal Wastewater and
ng/L. Today, PFAS have become a significant pretreatment programs, is critical. Associated Residuals (Sludge/Biosolids) in Michigan, June 2020: https://www.
michigan.gov/documents/egle/wrd-pfas-initiatives_691391_7.pdf
16 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 17
18 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 19
OAWWA Diversity & Inclusion Committee
March is Women’s History Month
As we have just finished celebrating Black History Month and we head toward Woman’s CHALLENGE:
History Month we are reminded of the benefits of having a diverse workforce. Diverse
Look at these four stages and think what you can do within your current stage and position
companies are proven to be 35% more successful than companies that are not diverse.
to become an ally to a woman interested in entering into the water industry.
With the ever evolving workforce, women have continued to flourish in diverse and inclusive
How can you assist your organization in the Attraction, Recruitment, Retention and
environments and positions within the work force that have not always been available to
Advancement of women in the water industry?
them. According to Fortune magazine online, the number of women running Fortune 500
companies has hit an all-time record. According to the article there are now 37 Woman Write about your experience and submit to committee chair Savina Phillips, savina_
who run fortune 500 companies compared to 2001 there were 3 women in those positions. phillips@clevelandwater.com for a chance to win and D&I swag bag! Four winners will be
Although the ever-vacillating number is not a scientific assessment of the state of woman announced.
in business it does provide a useful snap shot. Woman now run 7.4 percent of fortune 500
Your assistance in helping in these topics will make your organization more diverse and
companies when in comparison 20 ago years is was 2%.
inclusive and overall make it more successful.
This relates to all industries including the water industry, were according to research done
by the World Bank’s Water Global Practice, less than one in five water workers are women.
This study reveals that women are also underrepresented in technical and managerial WORKS CITED:
positons and on average only 23 percent of licensed engineers and managers are women.
“The number of female CEO’s in the Fortune 500 hits and all-time record” (May 18, 2020);
These numbers have slowly but surely continued to increase. As a diversity and inclusion
champion you can look to see what you can do to help these numbers to grow and ensure Emma Hinchliffe; Fortune Online ( ortune.com)
your workplace is diverse and inclusive
“Woman in Water Utilities: Breaking Barriers” (August 27, 2019) Worldbank.org
Based on findings in the report “Women in Water Utilities: Breaking Barriers”, some women
may face particular barriers in joining, staying and growing in a sector that are dominated
by men. Although circumstances vary some of these barriers include- gender norms, lack of
role models, harassment, and lack of women-friendly environments. The report focuses on
four stages of employee lifecycle: Attraction, recruitment, retention and advancement; SWAG BAG
20 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 21OAWWA Diversity & Inclusion Committee
VIRTUAL SPEAKER SERIES NEW MEMBERS
Diversity in Water Virtual Series Welcome New Members:
In November of 2020 the Diversity and Inclusion committee in partnership with the Young We would like to introduce and congratulate our new members!
Professionals committee launched the Diversity in Water Series.
Kristen Miller - Cleveland, Ohio
The Diversity in Water Series is an ongoing, bi monthly virtual discussion highlighting the
diverse stories and experiences of very valuable, interesting and leading professionals Ray Singletary - Cleveland, Ohio
within the water industry.
Niranjan Deshpande - Cincinnati, Ohio
Exposure to these stories can elevate our awareness as water professionals. Allowing us to
look past our own biases and see the journeys of others through diverse eyes. In turn this
will create a more diverse environment and overall a more successful industry.
RECRUITMENT MERCH
Recent Events:
Feel like you want All D&I Allies Need
Women in Water: Sierra McCreary Women in Water: Laquania Graham to learn more
about Diversity Their Gear.
Date: Mar 4, 2021 Date: Mar 18, 2021
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM EST Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM EST
and Inclusion The Diversity & Inclusion Committee has swag available
initiatives? for purchase. Great for game days, casual Fridays,
If you are looking to be a part supermarket shopping and cultural statement days.
of a truly diverse group of like- Get these limited editions pieces before they are gone
minded individuals, that share forever. If you are interested in purchasing t-shirts, book
ideas in search of tools and bags, cup holders and/or bottle openers, please contact
resources, that will promote Savina Phillips at savina_phillips@clevelandwater.com.
diversity and inclusion into the *FREE SHIPPING INCLUDED*
Ohio water industry,
We are looking for you!!!
For inquiries on joining
the OAWWA Diversity and
Inclusion committee, please
contact committee chair
Savina Phillips at savina_
phillips@clevelandwater.com
Be sure to subscribe:
For more information on the Diversity in Water Series
please contact: diversityinwaterohio@gmail.com Ohio Diversity in Water Speaker Series
22 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 23Careers Start Here: YP Spotlight
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MAILING
LIST
Warming Up with the YPs
Although the COVID-19 pandemic and cold winter weather prevent many of the YP Litter Cleanup Challenge
committee’s traditional group gatherings, the committee remains diligent in planning
fun and educational events for our members to attend safely in the upcoming months. Megan Shortridge, our southwest district YP representative, was the mastermind
Check out some of the activities that we have organized since the last edition of the behind the fall litter cleanup challenge through the Litterati app. The litter cleanup
newsletter below: challenge was an initiative that ran from mid-August through the end of 2020. It
encouraged participants to get active in their own neighborhoods and to collect trash
along their walks or hikes. The participant would use the Litterati app to document and
Happy Hours earn “points” for the trash that they collected (one “point” per piece of trash). At the end
of the challenge, participants had collected 1,346 pieces of trash! Our top litter collector
Why limit happiness to just one hour?
was Flo Nickerson with 451 pieces of trash! Wow! Thank you to all of our participants
The YPs have extended the fun by
for helping to clean up Ohio!
hosting frequent virtual happy hours
for anyone who wants to join. These The YPs are looking to host a virtual litter clean-up again in 2021. If you or someone
happy hours can be done effectively you know may be interested in helping with the event, please contact Randall Berkley at
and safely while social distancing Randall.Berkley@Jacobs.com! This would be a great way for a student to get involved
remains essential. They allow with AWWA!
attendees to meet other professionals
Ohio State University (OSU) Society of
in water and wastewater in a relaxed,
Environmental Engineers (SEE) Presentation
low-key environment and to form
relationships that will last throughout their careers! Erik Fulton and Andy Elderbrock, our southeast district YP
representatives, presented to a group of OSU students about
We hosted a spooky Halloween happy hour led by Isabelle Hammer on
AWWA, the water industry, and resume/interview tips and tricks in
October 29th. Approximately ten professionals were able to join the call
this virtual event with SEE on January 25th. They answered many
and about half of them wore Halloween costumes in true holiday spirit!
questions from the roughly twenty students in attendance about
The happy hour also featured some Halloween trivia and friendly pets like
working full-time and how students can best prepare themselves
Isabelle’s dog (pictured) who dressed up in a pumpkin hat!
for success once they graduate.
An additional happy hour was held on December 10th and hosted by the
Thanks to all our YP members for a great end to 2020 and a
southeast district YP co-representatives, Erik Fulton and Andy Elderbrock.
positive start to 2021! We are planning lots of exciting events for
There were approximately six attendees and lots of laughs and good
2021, and we look forward to seeing you at one (or all) of them!
conversation for the duration of the event!
Our most recent happy hour was February 26, 2021 at 5:30PM! It was
Who are we? Generally speaking, YPs are below the age of 35 or have 10 years or less
hosted by Megan Shortridge, the southwest district YP co-representative.
of experience in the water industry. However, we welcome all! To learn more about the
Please refer to the online OAWWA calendar for upcoming happy hours.
events we host or to get involved with the Young Professionals (YP) Committee, check out
our website (https://oawwa.org/page/yp_comm) or contact Randall Berkley, the current
YP Committee Chair, at Randall.Berkley@jacobs.com.
24 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 25Careers Start Here: YP Spotlight
MEMBER
SPOTLIGHT
For this edition of the newsletter, we will
be chatting with Isabelle Hammer, a co-
representative for the Young Professionals
group in the northeast district.
Isabelle, to begin, can you tell us a little
bit about your educational background?
Yes! I went to Carnegie Mellon University and
received a degree in civil and environmental
engineering.
What is your favorite aspect of being in
the water or wastewater industry? Whoa! That is awesome. It sounds
I enjoy working in the water industry because I like your career really opened you up
get to work with folks across many engineering to a great opportunity to travel and
disciplines. experience a new culture as well as
learn and work! Thanks for sharing.
Now, what about your role in OAWWA’s
Who is your current employer, and what
YP committee? What does your role
is your job like?
as a co-representative for the Young
I have been in the industry for six years and
Professionals group mean?
worked for Stantec, a design consulting firm,
I help to organize events, such as plant tours,
for all six of those years! I became an officially
happy hours, and student outreach, to get more
licensed professional civil engineer in December
young professionals involved in OAWWA.
of 2020. In my time with Stantec, I’ve gotten
to work on a variety of water and wastewater
treatment projects for municipal clients in the What do you enjoy about your role, and
Cleveland area. I also spent two years working in how has it benefited you?
Stantec’s Brisbane Australia office, where I got to I enjoy getting to meet other YPs in the water
work on a large filter rehabilitation project—and industry. OAWWA has helped me expand my
pet a kangaroo. professional network and keep up with changes
in the industry. I’m very happy that I got involved!
Thank you, Isabelle, for sharing your experience with us, and thank you
for all you do for the YP committee and water industry!
26 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 27The City of Fairborn, Ohio operates six existing wells in their Mad River
Wellfield, which is part of the Great Miami Valley Buried Aquifer. The City needed to
replace Well 3 because it could no longer produce its design capacity of 1,200 GPM.
The well has been cleaned and rehabilitated but the performance has only worsened.
It is an older style well with a pitless adapter manufactured by MAASS, as shown in
the pictures to the right. Although Well 3 is not in a floodway, debris builds up around it
because it is close to the river and it is just upstream of a bridge crossing that restricts
the river. The entire wellfield is located within the Huffman Dam Retention Basin which
means that during a 500-year flood event, the entire wellfield could be up to eleven feet
below water. The Ohio EPA does not require that wells be elevated or protected to this
level. However, the one-inch diameter vent pipe on Well 3 could easily be broken by
floating debris and allow the river to contaminant the well during a much
smaller storm event.
Prime AE Group assisted the City of
Fairborn (OH) by preparing a design
memorandum, design plans, bid
documents, permitting (Ohio EPA and
the Miami Conservancy District), and
construction administration services.
The proposed Well 9, which will replace
Well 3, will have a capacity of 2,500 GPM,
which is more than double the capacity of
existing Well 3. The new well will be able
Hydraulic Modeling, to supply the current peak capacity of the
Water Treatment Plant (WTP) so the City
plans to use it as their primary source
Well Pump Design, and without the additional wells.
A location assessment was completed to
Construction of a 2,500 GPM select the site for the new well with the
assistance of Eagon & Associates. The
WELL 3
Well for the City of Fairborn site required adequate distance from the
Mad River (50 ft), from other wells (300
ft), and from a Marathon petroleum transmission pipeline cutting across the wellfield.
Two pilot borings were completed using the cable-tool drilling method – one at a site
nearby existing Well 3 (southern site) and one at a site southwest of Well 8 (northern
By Jeremy M. Cook, P.E. (PRIME AE Group, Inc.) site) as shown in the Aerial on the next page. The northern site had less depth to clay
& Jeremy Billetter (City of Fairborn) and would require a new permanent isolation easement. The southern site was found
to have a deeper sand and gravel aquifer that was suitable for a natural gravel pack
well design which costs less. Therefore, the southern site was recommended for the
construction of the new well.
continued on next page
28 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 29continued from previous page
WTP. This model included proposed Well 9 as well as the other five active well pumps
(using their actual pump curves) and the two parallel raw waterlines. Multiple scenarios
were built with different well pumps operating along with Well Pump 9.
A variable frequency drive (VFD) was specified to allow turndown to meet this wide
range of flow and head conditions. VFDs can vary the frequency supplied to the electric
motor to shift the performance curve up or down, without having to trim the impeller in
accordance with the pump affinity law: Q 1 / Q2 = (N1 / N2). The WTP operates 24/7
and lacks a raw water flow control valve, so the well pump needs to meet the minimum
flow of 2.5 MGD and a maximum flow of 3.8 MGD. With the VFD, the selected pump
could satisfy these conditions. VFDs also minimize wasted energy and ensure that the
pump does not operate too far left or right of the BEP which could cause vibrations and
stresses on the pump and lead to premature failure and increased maintenance costs.
The 9,000-ft long 20-inch raw waterline from the wellfield to the plant installed in 1974
broke in 2008, causing a plant shutdown that lasted 24 hours. Afterwards, the City
decided to install a backup raw waterline to prevent similar shutdowns in the future.
In 2013, a new parallel 18-inch raw water line was constructed from the wellfield to
the WTP. Addition of this 18-inch parallel line significantly reduced the system head
losses. PRIME AE modeled multiple scenarios to verify the range of system conditions,
including:
After modeling the various scenarios and checking available pump curves, PRIME AE
• Both 20-inch and 18-inch Waterlines Operational chose a design point of 2,500 GPM (3.6 MGD) at 215 feet TDH to be conservative.
There are many variables and unknowns such as the groundwater levels and pipe
• 20-inch Waterline Only Operational
roughness coefficients. An Excel spreadsheet was used to check the results of the
• 18-inch Waterline Only Operational model. Figure 1 shows a graph with the three system curves for the scenarios listed
above along with the pump curve at different speeds. The TDH for each scenario was
The current water demand varies from 2.5 MGD to 3.8 MGD but the City also desired to
calculated by adding the head losses between Well 9 and the WTP to the static head
meet a future demand of 10 MGD. In order to test the well pump size under this wide
of 152.5 feet from the groundwater elevation (which is variable) in Well 9 to the top of
range of flow conditions and head conditions incurred due to the parallel waterlines, a
the aerator at the WTP. A pipe roughness coefficient “C” value of 100 was used due to
hydraulic model using WaterCAD was developed to verify the total dynamic head (TDH)
be conservative because at low velocities, iron deposits and tuberculation can scale
for the new well pump. TDH is the total energy or pressure that must be overcome by
raw waterlines. These deposits can be inches thick and drastically change the system
the pump at a given flow rate, including pipe friction losses, minor losses for fittings
head losses. A roughness coefficient of 120 was also evaluated to make sure the pump
and valves, elevation change from the groundwater level to the top of the aerator at the
would not runoff the curve, but it is not shown on Figure 1.
continued on next page
30 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 31continued from previous page
As the graph shows, the pump curve selected for Well 9 can deliver between up to 4.1 All the Cities Well pumps are currently submersible turbine pumps (STPs) with pitless adapters;
MGD (2,900 GPM) with both lines in service; 4 MGD (2,800 GPM) with the 20-inch line; however, they wanted to evaluate a vertical turbine pump (VTP) alternative for Well 9 and
and 3.9 MGD (2,700 GPM) with the 18-inch line. The pump can also be turned down to potentially would replace all their STPs with VTPs in the future. PRIME AE evaluated both
approximately 1.1 MGD (800 GPM). The pump has five stages which is like having five alternatives for the City.
pumps in series. This produces a steep pump curve in which the pump capacity does not
The STP design has several advantages. They do not
change as drastically per unit change in head as with a flatter pump curve. In a situation
require a building, which saves on project costs as well
like Well 9, this is beneficial. The shape of the system curve and its starting point (the static
as heating and lighting costs associated with buildings.
head) also plays an important role in how much variability in flow can be obtained out of a
Submersible motors are cooled by groundwater and do
pump. In this case, a high static head and a relatively flat system curve are what allow the
not make noise at grade. Due to the short motor shaft,
pump to be turned down to 1.1 MGD.
there are no vibration issues, unlike with VTPs. This
Figure 2 shows a graph of the same three system curves but with Wells 7 and 8 operating in allows submersible motors to operate at higher speeds
parallel to Well 9. Well pumps 7 and 8 are very similar to Well 9; otherwise, it would be more (3,500 rpm vs 1,800 rpm) as well, which means fewer
difficult to show the pumps in parallel. If additional pumps of a similar size are added to pump bowl stages and a smaller diameter well casing.
the wellfield in the future, higher capacities could be obtained. If the 20-inch raw waterline For Well 9, an 1,800-rpm motor was selected to provide
is out of service, the Wells may not be able to provide the peak water demand of 3.8 MGD; an even longer life.
however, the City found this to be an acceptable compromise.
STPs have disadvantages as well. They require longer
power cables which can offset cost savings from the
shorter shaft. The bearings on STPs are lubricated with
dielectric oil which must be continuously circulated,
causing between 1 and 2 percent efficiency loss
compared to water lubricated bearings for the VTPs
(although a food grade oil is sometimes used if the
pump is exposed to temperatures below freezing). The
STP
need for a crane to lift the submersible motor out of the
well pit for servicing creates an additional maintenance
cost. Submersible motors are susceptible to failure in
the event of leakage of seals. These seals must operate
when subjected to abrasives in the well water and to
high pressure for deep set wells.
PRIME AE selected a pitless adapter made by Baker Monitor for the STP option, which matches
the City’s newer wells. This is a special attachment on top of the well that allows the pump to be
removed easily for maintenance or for cleaning and servicing of the well itself. O-ring seals on
the spool permit withdrawal of the entire inner assembly simply by lifting. Well 3 used a pitless
The WaterCAD hydraulic model allowed a pump to be selected that would work over a
adapter manufactured by MAASS. The pitless adapter does not extend above the flood elevation
wide range of flow and head conditions. However, no pump curve could be found to meet
– only the 1-inch pipe vent does, which can easily be damaged by floating debris. The unit has a
the extremely wide range of flows and head conditions for all piping scenarios. From the
flat cap which does not shed water and snow, and which accelerates corrosion, whereas, Baker
graph above, 10 MGD (7,000 GPM) is possible with both parallel lines; however, only 6.5
has a domed cap. There are dissimilar metals in the construction of the MAASS unit which also
MGD (4,500 GPM) is possible with the 20-inch line out of service. This requires a balance
accelerates corrosion, and the unit is only protected with epoxy paint. The Baker unit is hot dip
between providing additional capacity for future growth while also designing a pump that
galvanized. The STP alternative also requires a buried valve vault to allow access to valves and
can be efficient at present conditions.
prevent them from freezing.
continued on page 36
32 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 33Learn more at awwa.org/ace 34 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 35
continued from page 33
Advantages for the VTP design are that the motors are above
ground and accessible. They are typically more efficient than
Ohio Section AWWA Calendar
submersible motors due to their larger size and use of well water
for lubrication instead of dielectric oil. A crane is not required to
remove the pump from the well pit for servicing the motor, since
it is an above ground motor. The building over the well provides
shelter to operators and electrical gear.
The VTP design has disadvantages as well. The above ground
motor necessitates a building to protect the pump and valves
2021 Ohio Section Meetings
from freezing, which adds considerable construction and site April 20-21: Small Systems Workshop - Virtual
work costs. For deep wells there are efficiency losses from the
line-shaft bearing friction, which can be one to two horsepower May 13: Diversity in Water Webinar
per 100 feet of depth. The long line-shaft is susceptible to
June 8-9: Small Systems Workshop – Virtual
vibration.
Both Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) and precast concrete June 15: Diversity in Water Webinar
buildings were considered for the well house. The FRP building
was more in cost but already included insulation. After adding September TBD: Finance and Rates Training – Virtual
VTP
an insulation package to the concrete building, both came in at
September 9: Diversity in Water Webinar
similar costs of around $50,000.
PRIME AE selected examples of performance curves from November 11: Diversity in Water Webinar
manufacturer catalogs for both STPs and VTPs and performed
November 16: Finance and Rates Training - Virtual
design calculations to specify horsepower, pump column size,
number of stages, bowl and impeller sizes, and operating
efficiency. The nominal motor speed chosen for Well 3’s pump
was 1,800 rpm which should allow it to last longer than a higher
speed pump.
2021 District Meeting Dates
The bowl efficiency of this STP model is 82 percent. For the VTP, the efficiency was 86 Northwest District Meetings Northeast District Meetings
percent. However, both pumps used 200 HP motors, and after factoring in the cost of October 14: Bryan TBD
electricity for heating the building for the VTP options, the difference in expense due to
energy consumption was negligible. The preliminary estimate of total project cost was Southwest District Meetings Southeast District Meetings
significantly lower for the STP as compared to the VTP, at $603,000 versus $865,000. The September 21: Southern Expo TBD
existing well pumps in the wellfield are all Goulds STPs, so the operators already have
familiarity with the operation and maintenance requirements for this type of pump. The October 8: Location TBD
City chose to continue using STPs due to cost and familiarity. The well will be drilled using
the cable-tool method. A variable rate step test and a 24-hour constant rate pump test will
be performed to ascertain and certify the rated capacity of the pump for OEPA approval.
The project was set to advertise in March of 2020 just as the government shutdown
non-essential businesses due to the Covid19 pandemic, so the City decided to delay the
advertisement until June 2020.
* Subject to change. Please check oawwa.org for most up-to-date information.
36 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 37Until a few years ago, water tanks were always drained before exterior surfaces were painted
because surface moisture or condensation at the time of application would cause a coating
failure - usually blistering - if traditional coating systems were applied. But a coating technology
borrowed from the bridge and highway industry, and transferred to the water tank market, has
transformed tank painting. Painting tank exterior surfaces - without draining the tank - is now
both possible and beneficial. This method of protecting exterior surfaces of water tanks, while
in-service, began with a 10 million gallon storage tank and is being used to this day.
This article summarizes a presentation most recently made to the International Union of
Painters and Allied Trades in Buffalo, NY in March 2020.
INTRODUCTION
Painting water storage tanks in-service offers significant benefits because in many
municipalities and most industrial facilities, draining water tanks - especially those used
for fire prevention purposes - may be considered an unacceptable risk. Since most water
systems do not have excess storage capacity, taking down a tank just to repaint the
exterior surface (or refresh a multi-colored logo, for example) cannot be tolerated. This is
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER especially true in warm months when municipal water demand is highest.
The AWWA Manual, M60 Drought Preparedness and Response is designed to help water
PROTECTING WATER
managers who are facing water shortages. M60 “illustrates demonstrated methods of
past as well as new tools”. Painting water storage tanks in-service, as highlighted in this
article, shows an additional, new tool to combat drought conditions by keeping water
STORAGE TANK EXTERIORS storage tanks full during exterior painting operations.
IN-SERVICE BACKGROUND
The inaugural, first-of-its kind project took place in the year 2000. Repainting was needed
YOU DON’T NEED TO DRAIN THE TANK! on a 25-year-old reservoir in an area of increasing population. The tank exterior had lead-
based primer and mild drought conditions were being experienced. Both circumstances
strained the available repainting options.
Tony Ippoliti, Senior Coatings Consultant,
The original painting specifications called for abrasive blast cleaning in accordance with
Tank Industry Consultants, Indianapolis, IN SSPC-SP 6 Commercial Blast Cleaning, an epoxy primer and epoxy intermediate coating,
followed by a urethane topcoat, all in accordance with the AWWA D102 Standard, Coating
Steel Water-Storage Tanks, Outside Coating System 5 (OCS No. 5).
continued on page 42
OHIO SECTION | 3940 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 41
continued from page 39
Circumstances arising after the specifications
PROCEDURES
were written, however, prevented abrasive
blasting and spray painting. Rather than The inaugural project used ultra-high-pressure water methods as found in SSPC WJ-1 /
abandoning or delaying the painting project, NACE WJ 1, for complete removal of the existing coating system. A flash-rust inhibitor was
the project engineer, the painting contractor, used to maintain the surface condition until painting began.
and the author met to discuss alternate coating The coating system consisted of three coats of moisture-cured urethane. First, 2.0 – 3.0
technologies. Moisture-cured urethanes mils of a micaceous iron oxide (MIO)-filled aluminum was applied to act as a barrier to
(MCU’s), a group of coatings originally developed moisture penetration to the substrate causing corrosion. It was followed by 2.0 – 3.0 mils
to benefit the bridge and highway industry, of an aliphatic MCU intermediate coat shaded to facilitate application and inspection.
were offered by the author and the tank owner The finish coat was a white aliphatic MCU at 2.0 – 3.0 mils DFT. Application methods are
accepted them for the project. critical to the success of these projects and can be discussed with tank owners on an as-
The use of moisture-cured urethane coating needed basis by contacting the author.
technology has greatly improved the process Regarding MCU’s, the AWWA D102 Standard states further, “Color and gloss retention of the
of coating water storage tanks. Moisture- finish coat are similar to that provided by two-component aliphatic polyurethanes.”, Section
cured urethanes are available in several primer, intermediate, and topcoat varieties A.2.2. Simply put, the tank owner does not sacrifice appearance for the benefit of painting a
allowing specific systems to be recommended as needed for specific water tanks. tank in-service.
Further, moisture-cured urethane coatings are somewhat surface tolerant, quick drying,
applicator-friendly and capable of application under conditions that would cause Contractors using moisture-cured coating systems on water tanks state that there is little
standard two-component urethanes coatings to fail – such as during periods of high loss of time when using this system. On the inaugural project, the amount of condensation
humidity, when condensation is present, or when rain is expected. As their name on the exterior tank surface fluctuated, yet no time was lost because of this condition and
indicates, “moisture-cured” urethanes require moisture to cure. A significant benefit. the project was actually completed ahead of schedule.
And, when properly specified, they can out-perform common epoxy/urethane tank
coating systems.
INSPECTION ASSESSMENTS
The successful use of moisture-cured
A 6th-year anniversary inspection of this tank was performed in May 2006 to determine
urethane coating systems on this, and
the long-term corrosion resistance of this coating system and a few of the results are
other, projects resulted in the American
presented below. [Author’s comment: In 2018, the tank owner confirmed that the tank has
Water Works Association (AWWA) adopting
not needed to be repainted. An excellent testimony to the value of this coating system!]
moisture-cured urethanes for tank painting
in the revised 2003 AWWA D102 Standard ADHESION:
as Outside Coating System 2 (OCS No. 2).
Adhesion testing was conducted in accordance with ASTM D4541 Pull-Off
Whereas OCS No. 2 did not demand tanks
Strength of Coatings using Portable Adhesion Testers. Adhesion dollies were
to be painted while in-service - which is
glued on the northeast side of the tank, approximately 10 feet from the overflow
the purpose of this Technology Transfer
pipe on lowest shell ring. The area was cleaned prior to gluing the dollies with
article - it does recognize the benefits of
water and a rag and wiped dry with another rag. The steel temperature was 56ºF.
using moisture-cured urethanes for water
The next day at 1:15 pm, the dollies were pulled with the following results:
storage tanks. “The primary distinguishing
characteristics of this system are the #1 - 100% glue failure at 300 psi #3 - 85% glue failure at 900 psi
relatively wide range of temperature and #2 - 95% glue failure at 500 psi #4 - 85% glue failure at 600 psi
humidity condition within which it can be
successfully applied”, Section A.2.2 * glue failure means that the coating sticks to the tank better than the adhesive used to perform the test!
continued on next page
42 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION OHIO SECTION | 43You can also read
