Keystone Tap - IN THIS ISSUE - SUMMER 2021 - Pennsylvania Rural Water Association
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Keystone Tap
SERV I NG T H E WATER AN D WASTEWATE R INDUSTRY SINCE 1988 SUMMER 2021
IN THIS ISSUE
TOOLS FOR AWIA COMPLIANCE
2021 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
PNC TAKES COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Keystone
Summer 2021
Tap
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOB BLOUGH II
President –District 5
In This Issue
RALPH STEWART
Vice President–District 4 WATER
DENNIS BECK
Treasurer– At-Large 14 Technical Article: Working Safely with Electricity - OSHA
ROBERT CROSBY 22 Technical Article: Build Flood Resilience - Gabrielle Minton, US EPA
Board Member –District 6
ROGER HADSALL
24 Column: Tools for AWIA Compliance - Charlene Kormondy, US EPA
Assistant Treasurer – District 2 26 Featured System: Bellwoood Borough Authority
HERB MATTERN
Assistant Secretary–District 3
CHRIS NORRIS
Board Member –District 1 WASTEWATER
GEORGE CRUM 30 Column: Never Stop Learning - Chris Williams
NRWA Director For PRWA
40 Technical Article: Ozone Disinfection - US EPA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
46 Featured System: Kline's Island Wastewater Treatment Plant
JOE FALCONE
SOURCEWATER / STORMWATER
FIELD STAFF 54 Column: 2020 Stormwater Needs Assessment Results - Rebecca
GLENN COWLES
Director of Operations / Water Technician Holler
JOEL JORDAN 56 Technical Article: Healthy Benefits of Green Infrastructure in
Director of Education
MICHAEL EMERY
Communities - US EPA
GIS Specialist 58 Column: Managing a Natural Asset: Forests - Kurtis Wagner
PHIL GIUNTA
Wastewater Technician
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)
TOM GOEHRING
Wastewater Manager / Trainer
CHAD HEISTER 52 Column: GIS Data Models - Vector Datasets vs. Raster Datasets - Mike Emery
Energy & Sustainability Circuit Rider
REBECCA HOLLER
Stormwater Specialist / Training Technician
WENDY MALEHORN
Education & Training Development
ADMINISTRATION
DON MUIR 2 Column: Holisitic Energy Management: What It Means & Why Your Organization Could
Sourcewater Protection Specialist Benefit - Susan Skirta
CHRIS SHUTT
Water Technician 7 Column: PNC Takes Comprehensive Approach to Financial Wellness - PNC Bank
JOSHUA STOEHR 8 Column: Creating A Sustainable Business Model - Chad Heister, CPA
Sourcewater Protection Specialist
KURTIS WAGNER 10 Column: Water Insecurity and the De-regulation of Bottled Water in PA - Erik Ross
Sourcewater Protection Specialist
TRAINING & EVENTS
CHRIS WILLIAMS
Wastewater Technician
9 PRWA Golf Outing
OFFICE STAFF 12 Certification Exam Study: Lead & Copper Rule Certification Check - Wendy Malehorn
STACEY WALKER
Director of Training & Events
16 Column: Plumbum - Wendy Malehorn
JEFF MARTIN 32 PRWA Annual Conference
Controller / IT Specialist
63 PRWA Annual Clay Shoot
PATTIE-JO HORNER
Membership Coordinator
KIRSTIE TAYLOR
Office Support IN EVERY ISSUE...
4 Training Schedule
Management & Finance 62 New Members of PRWA
PETER CALIRI
Rave / SwiftReach Public Notification
64 Advertiser Index
Cover Photo: depositphotos.com
MARGO MADDEN
APPI Energy
TONY WORLEY
eNetPay - Credit Card Processing
The mission of the Pennsylvania Rural Water Association is to work cooperatively
ROBIN RICHARDSON
PA Municipal Health Insurance Cooperative within the industry to support not only its members but all the water and wastewater
BRIAN PRESKI utilities throughout the Commonwealth with professional technical support,
NAWSC - Backflow Management
JASON OPFERBECK
certified training, legislative representation, and other valuable services and benefits.
Mapping Solutions
138 West Bishop Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823 | (800) 653-PRWA | Fax: (814) 353-9341
Printed by: THE YGS GROUP SUMMER 2021 KEYSTONE TAP 1
York, PA 17404
Administration | Column
Holistic Energy Management: What It Means & Why Your
Organization Could Benefit
By Susan Skirta
Communication Specialist, appi energy
Energy consultants, energy suppliers, energy managers, supply contract, but rather they look at your needs fully
energy brokers, energy advisors, the utility…if your head and holistically, first assessing and then presenting you with
is spinning from the options made available to your concrete solutions that are varied and also tailored to your
organization when it comes to taking control of your energy borough’s individual needs. Simply stated: you’ll be provided
usage, it stands to reason. So where do you turn and what’s with a comprehensive way to reduce energy expenses, reduce
the best course of action to consider? Let’s start by taking a demand, and improve resiliency and sustainability.
closer look at what holistic energy management means. What Solutions Are Available?
Holistic Energy Management Holistic energy management means taking a full-service
Energy is without a doubt one of the top expenses for approach to what solutions fit your needs to help you reduce
any organization. It’s a no-brainer to aim for decreased and improve. That can vary depending on your current
energy costs, but the question becomes: what is the best needs and goals, but a few options include:
way to reduce costs and minimize budgetary risks while • Negotiating with a wide base of fully vetted, trusted
concurrently improving the sustainability and efficiency of suppliers to provide you with ideal pricing and
your organization? Are you under pressure to be “greener” contract terms
or take greater strides to reduce your carbon footprint? It
all comes back to your energy management and energy • Locking into a new (and improved) natural gas or
strategy, which is where a holistic approach enters the scene. electricity supply contract, but also assisting you well
past the point the contract with your new supplier is
Holistic energy management is as simple as it sounds, signed. A holistic, comprehensive approach means
aiming to take a full, comprehensive, 360-approach to setting, your energy consultant is continually monitoring
meeting, and exceeding your organization’s energy goals, your accounts and keeping an eye out for new
be it reducing costs or meeting the demand for increased opportunities to reduce costs. Moreover, they’re on
renewables. Holistic energy consultants don’t look at one deck to assist you with any supplier issues that may
aspect of your organization, such as locking you into a new arise, such as a discrepancy on your bill or opening
additional service accounts.
• Identifying, presenting, and implementing energy
efficiency and sustainability solutions that are both
product and technology agnostic, ensuring you
are utilizing the most productive energy efficiency
measures such as:
• Energy Conservation Measures
o LED Lighting
o Solar
o AI Battery Storage
o Renewables
o Demand Response
o Utility Bill Management
o And more…
Through customized solutions, you’ll receive a
comprehensive evaluation of demand and usage profile, yielding
recommendations that are most impactful to your operations.
A great place to start is by contacting APPI Energy for
your complimentary assessment. S
2 KEYSTONE TAP SUMMER 2021
SUMMER 2021 KEYSTONE TAP 3
TRAINING SCHEDULE
July 2021
Contact W/WW/ Non
Date Course County Instructor Member
Hours Both Member
7/8/21 #2952 Securing Drinking Water & Wastewater 5 Both Clarion R. Holler $125 $165
Treatment Facilities
7/8/21 #722 Financial Management Basics for Small Utilities 6 Both Lycoming J. Opferbeck $130 $175
7/13/21 #8402 Fundamental Principles and Techniques in 5 Both Chester Eastcom $105 $140
Buried Utility Location Assoc.
7/13/21 #146 Operator Health & Safety Survival Guide 6 Both Armstrong J. Jordan $105 $140
7/13/21 #3035 Reducing Unaccounted for Water 6 W Westmoreland W. Malehorn $105 $140
7/13/21 #5657 Inflow and Infiltration Toolbox 6 WW Indiana P. Giunta $105 $140
7/14/21 #3038 Employee Evaluations Basics 4 Both Erie C. Heister $105 $140
7/14/21 #6527 Flagger Training 3 Both Huntingdon C. Shutt $70 $95
7/14/21 #2570 /7524 - Collection System Fundamentals I 6 WW Warren Exeter Supply $105 $140
Collection Rehabilitation & Maintenance
7/14/21 #3608 GIS 4 Both Venango M. Emery $105 $140
7/15/21 #7640 Water and Wastewater Workplace Safety - 6 Both Montgomery B. Spada $165 $220
Confined Space, Trenching & Bloodborne Pathogens
7/15/21 #2570 /7524 - Collection System Fundamentals I 6 WW Washington Exeter Supply $105 $140
Collection Rehabilitation & Maintenance
7/15/21 #146 Operator Health & Safety Survival Guide 6 Both Mercer J. Jordan $105 $140
7/20/21 #146 Operator Health & Safety Survival Guide 6 Both Franklin J. Jordan $105 $140
7/20/21 #6820 Importance of Air Release Valves in Water and 3 Both Centre Rockacy / $70 $95
Wastewater Systems A.R.I USA
7/20/21 #1658 Using Activated Sludge Process Control Tools 6 WW Carbon T. Goehring $105 $140
7/21/21 #6116 Basic Hydraulics 5 Both Dauphin T. Long $105 $140
7/22/21 #146 Operator Health & Safety Survival Guide 6 Both Adams J. Jordan $105 $140
7/22/21 #6964 Drinking Water System Fundamentals 101 5.5 W Blair W. Malehorn $105 $140
7/27/21 #8718 Flagger Training (SWBT Live Online) 3 Both Zoom C. Shutt $70 $95
7/27/21 #1658 Using Activated Sludge Process Control Tools 6 WW Clearfield T. Goehring $105 $140
7/28/21 #6114 Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants 5 WW Cambria T. Goehring $105 $140
7/28/21 #3608 GIS 4 Both Fayette M. Emery $105 $140
7/28/21 #3038 Employee Evaluations Basics 4 Both Luzerne C. Heister $105 $140
7/29/21 #5657 Inflow and Infiltration Toolbox 6 WW Berks P. Giunta $105 $140
7/29/21 #3035 Reducing Unaccounted for Water 6 W Beaver W. Malehorn $105 $140
Search: PaRuralWater to stay up to
date on all classes & events!
Schedule is Subject to Change
4 KEYSTONE TAP SUMMER 2021
TRAINING SCHEDULE
August 2021
Contact W/WW/ Non
Date Course County Instructor Member
Hours Both Member
8/3/21 #6116 Basic Hydraulics 5 Both Montgomery T. Long $105 $140
8/3/21 #6964 Drinking Water System Fundamentals 101 5.5 W Westmoreland W. Malehorn $105 $140
8/3/21 #6114 Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants 5 WW Lycoming T. Goehring $105 $140
8/4/21 #8402 Fundamental Principles and Techniques in 5 Both Erie Eastcom $105 $140
Buried Utility Location Assoc.
8/5/21 #3608 GIS 4 Both Dauphin M. Emery $105 $140
8/5/21 #6114 Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants 5 WW Lycoming T. Goehring $105 $140
8/5/21 #722 Financial Management Basics for Small Utilities 6 Both Chester J. Opferbeck $130 $175
8/10/21 #7640 Water and Wastewater Workplace Safety - 6 Both Adams B. Spada $165 $220
Confined Space, Trenching & Bloodborne Pathogens
8/10/21 #8718 Flagger Training (SWBT Live Online) 3 Both Zoom C. Shutt $70 $95
8/10/21 #3186 Protecting Your Drinking Water Sources 9 W Warren D. Muir $105 $140
“A Hands On Course”
8/11/21 #3186 Protecting Your Drinking Water Sources 9 W Clarion D. Muir $105 $140
“A Hands On Course”
8/11/21 #3038 Employee Evaluations Basics 4 Both Blair C. Heister $105 $140
8/12/21 #3608 GIS 4 Both Berks M. Emery $105 $140
8/12/21 #6964 Drinking Water System Fundamentals 101 5.5 W Snyder W. Malehorn $105 $140
8/17/21 #2952 Securing Drinking Water & Wastewater 5 Both Mercer R. Holler $125 $165
Treatment Facilities
8/18/21 #1658 Using Activated Sludge Process Control Tools 6 WW York T. Goehring $105 $140
8/18/21 #3038 Employee Evaluations Basics 4 Both Beaver C. Heister $105 $140
8/18/21 #3035 Reducing Unaccounted for Water 6 W Clearfield W. Malehorn $105 $140
8/19/21 #6114 Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants 5 WW Lehigh T. Goehring $105 $140
8/19/21 #6527 Flagger Training 3 Both Luzerne C. Shutt $70 $95
Register for classes at: WWW.PRWA.COM/STORE
Classes are regularly updated on our website. Check here for the most up-to-date schedule!
SUMMER 2021 KEYSTONE TAP 5
TRAINING SCHEDULE
September 2021
Contact W/WW/ Non
Date Course County Instructor Member
Hours Both Member
9/1/21 #6116 Basic Hydraulics 5 Both Armstong T. Long $105 $140
9/14/21 #7577 Advanced Disinfection Technologies for Water 6 Both Westmoreland M. Harrington $130 $175
and Wastewater
9/14/21 #6820 Importance of Air Release Valves in Water and 3 Both Dauphin Rockacy / $70 $95
Wastewater Systems A.R.I USA
9/14/21 #3186 Protecting Your Drinking Water Sources 9 W Lycoming D. Muir $105 $140
“A Hands On Course”
9/15/21 #3186 Protecting Your Drinking Water Sources 9 W Lackawanna D. Muir $105 $140
“A Hands On Course”
9/15/21 #3036 The 10 Best Kept Water and Wastewater 6 Both Westmoreland M. Harrington $130 $175
Process Management Secrets
9/15/21 #8460 Activated Sludge-A view beneath the Surface - 3 WW S. Leach $70 $95
Microbiology
9/16/21 #7640 Water and Wastewater Workplace Safety - 6 Both Washington B. Spada $165 $220
Confined Space, Trenching & Bloodborne Pathogens
9/16/21 #3608 GIS 4 Both Blair M. Emery $105 $140
9/21/21 #8402 Fundamental Principles and Techniques in 5 Both Luzerne Eastcom $105 $140
Buried Utility Location Assoc.
9/21/21 #2952 Securing Drinking Water & Wastewater 5 Both Berks R. Holler $125 $165
Treatment Facilities
9/21/21 #6114 Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants 5 WW Beaver T. Goehring $105 $140
9/22/21 #3038 Employee Evaluations Basics 4 Both Montgomery C. Heister $105 $140
9/22/21 #1658 Using Activated Sludge Process Control Tools 6 WW Mercer T. Goehring $105 $140
9/22/21 #6964 Drinking Water System Fundamentals 101 5.5 W Adams W. Malehorn $105 $140
9/23/21 #6527 Flagger Training 3 Both Erie C. Shutt $70 $95
9/23/21 #8460 Activated Sludge-A view beneath the Surface - 3 WW Lehigh S. Leach $70 $95
Microbiology
9/23/21 #3608 GIS 4 Both Lycoming M. Emery $105 $140
9/28/21 #8718 Flagger Training (SWBT Live Online) 3 Both Zoom C. Shutt $70 $95
9/29/21 #5657 Inflow and Infiltration Toolbox 6 WW York P. Giunta $105 $140
9/29/21 #3035 Reducing Unaccounted for Water 6 W Schuylkill W. Malehorn $105 $140
9/30/21 #1658 Using Activated Sludge Process Control Tools 6 WW Lackawanna T. Goehring $105 $140
9/30/21 #722 Financial Management Basics for Small Utilities 6 Both Clearfield J. Opferbeck $130 $175
Search: PaRuralWater to stay up to
date on all classes & events!
Schedule is Subject to Change
6 KEYSTONE TAP SUMMER 2021
Column | Administration
PNC Takes Comprehensive Approach to Financial Wellness
By PNC Bank
PNC Organizational Financial Wellness offers tailored that include surveys, online tools, live and virtual
solutions designed to help improve employees’ financial meetings, webinars and more.
health—and your bottom line. The first step in implementing an effective financial
The impact of employee financial stress is substantial, wellness program is understanding the needs at all levels of
costing American businesses $500 billion a year in your employee base. PNC’s Financial Wellness Consultants
productivity alone.1 Additionally, employers that don’t take can help recommend financial wellness solutions based
an active role in their employees’ financial wellness will upon each company’s unique needs and can serve as the
most likely continue to face challenges retaining talent, as touch point for consumers as they kick off their financial
well as the inevitable expenses associated with attrition. planning or saving for the future. If you are interested in
To address these issues, PNC recently launched a new learning more, please contact Ginger Bosworth at ginger.
offering called PNC Organizational Financial Wellness, bosworth@pnc.com or visit https://www.pnc.com/en/
which is focused on delivering financial wellness solutions to corporate-and-institutional/organizational-financial-
both our corporate and consumer clients. PNC collaborates wellness.html. S
with the human resources decision-maker or dedicated
benefits manager to design a custom program for each
organization, built with an understanding of employees’
financial wellness needs.
Whether it be budgeting workshops, wealth management,
investment strategies or even student loan relief programs, This article was prepared for general information purposes
consumers are eager for training, tools and resources that only and is not intended as legal, tax or accounting advice
provide basic financial education. Below are three solutions or as recommendations to engage in any specific transaction,
that tend to make an immediate difference in employees’ including with respect to any securities of PNC, and do not
financial well-being. purport to be comprehensive. Any reliance upon any such
information is solely and exclusively at your own risk.
• A strong bank-at-work program: This program
should offer a variety of account options for
employees to choose from, as well as onsite and (Endnotes)
virtual financial services. Employers should also
1 The Employer's Guide to Financial Wellness - 2019,
implement workshops and informational events Salary Finance
on direct deposit sign-ups, applying for mortgages,
understanding various credit card programs and
utilizing digital money management tools.
• Healthcare savings resources: Today, more and
more employees are being asked to take greater
responsibility for paying for their healthcare.
Offering them an HSA has become a common
solution, but it’s vital that employees know how
an HSA works, understand the often-overlooked
benefits and know how to use the tools they have
available to them.
• Retirement Plan and Fiduciary Investment Services:
Since most likely every employee has a goal of
financial independence, including the ability to
retire on their own terms. Successful programs
should focus on everything from investment
selection to policy assistance, and offer a dedicated
resource to deliver annual education campaigns
SUMMER 2021 KEYSTONE TAP 7
Administration | Column
Creating a Sustainable Business Model
By Chad Heister, CPA
If you have ever taken my financial or utility management Board and/or Authority Manager qualified, proactive and
plan you may have heard this already, but we are in the understands how to lead others? Be financial sustainable
water and sewer business to make a profit! Unfortunately, and make this mission a reality. Are they diligent and can
too many systems are not financially viable, because they persevere when circumstances get difficult?
only generate enough income to pay for the operational The operating plan is the day-to-day process of making
expenses (and sometimes don’t even do that) and nothing this mission a reality. This involves creating procedures,
else. If something major breaks down, there is no capital to training employees, preventative maintenance plan, hiring
replace it. Yes, we may be a municipality, but we also must procedures, accounting procedures, handling customer
be a sustainable business enterprise. complaints, emergency response plans, the daily operation
The first thing that any business must start with is a plan. of the water and wastewater plants and other administrative
A business plan basically asks two questions: Why does this duties.
opportunity exist? And How can we develop it? Well, just The next plan is the Financial Plan. A great place to
like the children’s book says Everybody Poops! …there’s the start is creating a yearly cash flow budget. This way you
opportunity… how can we exploit it? can match up bills with months where you know the most
A business plan or vision has several elements. It money is coming in. This is very handy for systems that
has a mission, what kind of system do we want to be? It do quarterly billing. The cash flow budget is not only for
has planning. This includes management planning, ensuring you are liquid enough to get the bills paid, but it is
operating planning and financial planning. Lastly, there is what enforces your mission. There is a misconception that if
accountability, how are we doing and what needs to change? you don’t spend the money, then you are saving the money.
The first step is to create a mission statement. Everyone That might work for your personal finances, but not when
should learn and know that mission statement. This needs you are running a commercial business. The budget is what
to be communicated clearly and frequently throughout the dictates what you are going to do that year to ensure you are
whole organization. The mission reflects what you want the maintaining your infrastructure, able to have capital saved
system to be. Do you want to provide a quality product up for upgrades, new equipment or major repairs. Don’t
or effluent? Do you want to have highly trained, competent rely on loans and grants. Water and wastewater systems are
and passionate people? Do you want to be financially designed to be self-sustaining business enterprises.
sustainable? Do you want to keep the lowest rates possible? Where to begin? There are Business Plan Consultants
Do you want a non-toxic work environment? You might like out there that can be a great service. They can help with
all of these; however, the purpose of the mission statement computer upgrades, billing upgrades, human resources,
is focus on what is important to you. Therefore, only try to financial advice and infrastructure strategies. It won’t be
pick two to four goals. cheap, but its an investment in your community. You can
A great example of a mission statement is from Altoona seek help through Pennsylvania Rural Water Association
Water Authority: or another one of our Member Associates. The paramount
concern is to maintain the health and safety of your
As stewards of the community’s water system, our mission community and ensure your survivability for many years to
is to provide a clean, safe, reliable water supply and to collect come. S
and treat wastewater in a manner that protects public health
and the environment. Our commitment is to ensure a cost-
efficient operation, render the highest standard of customer
service and maintain an active role within the community.1
Chad Heister, CPA
It’s not too simplistic, shows that they put some thought Energy & Sustainability
into it, but not too wordy that it becomes unrealistic and Circuit Rider
ambiguous. cheister@prwa.com
Planning involves putting action to make this happen.
(Endnotes)
The different plans are all important, but the most important
is the management plan. Arguably, this is even more 1
https://www.altoonawater.com/our-mission-statement
important that producing quality water or effluent. Is your
8 KEYSTONE TAP SUMMER 2021SUMMER 2021 KEYSTONE TAP 9
Legislative Update
Water Insecurity and the De-Regulation of Bottled Water in PA
By Erik Ross
Due to the lead crisis in Flint, Michigan, PFAS regulate all bottled water facilities; however, there has been
contamination and infrastructure concerns associated a policy in place since 1984 where the PDA oversees facilities
with public water systems, there is a growing concern about that bottle water less than a half-gallon in size and DEP
water insecurity and a general distrust in our tap water. oversees facilities that bottle a half gallon in size or larger.
This is a problem for the drinking water industry because Much has changed since 1984 including consumption
if people do not trust their tap water they may shift to more habits where bottled water is now probably the highest
expensive and often less healthy options, like bottled water volume mass-market drink in the U.S. Over 90 percent of
or sugary drinks. consumers choose bottled water for its perceived safety and
A recent study: “Examining Recent Trends in the Racial many utilize it as a replacement for their drinking water
Disparity Gap in Tap Water Consumption,”1 estimated supply. Moreover, parents often make baby formula with
that approximately 61.4 million people in the United States bottled water because it is marketed as safe and pure.
did not drink their tap water as of 2017-2018. This study Therefore, bottled water should be held to the higher
was released in preprint format on April 8, 2021, and has standards established by the PA SDWA, which is more stringent
not yet been peer reviewed, but found that this number than federal regulations and more protective of public health.
has grown sharply in the past several years. According to Water for human consumption in Pennsylvania should
the study’s authors, who also penned an op-ed, stated that be regulated under the same standards and not bifurcated
“other research has shown that about 2 million Americans between state agencies or defined differently simply to avoid
don’t have access to clean water. Taking that into account, DEP regulation. Whether in a bottle or from the tap, drinking
our findings suggest that about 59 million people have water does not have preservatives or acids like a beverage;
tap water access from either their municipality or private therefore, all water is subject to bacterial growth if not properly
wells or cisterns, but don’t drink it. While some may have monitored, sampled, and treated. It is not enough to simply
contaminated water, others may be avoiding water that’s
actually safe.”2
The op-ed also explained, “our new study found that in
2017-2018, the number of Americans who didn’t drink tap
water increased at an alarmingly high rate, particularly for
Black and Hispanic adults and children. Since 2013-2014
– just before the Flint water crisis began – the prevalence of
adults who do not drink their tap water has increased by 40%.
Among children, not consuming tap water has risen by 63%.”3
This op-ed got my attention, as I recently witnessed a
debate in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives where
they passed a two-bill package (House Bill 7544 and House
Bill 7555) by a 120 to 81 vote on each bill that, together,
would exempt bottled water systems from the primary
and secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL),
treatment techniques and Maximum Residual Disinfectant
Levels (MRDL) required by the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking
Water Act (PA SDWA), and its attendant regulations.
While these bills seek to consolidate regulatory oversight
of bottled water under PA Dept of Agriculture (PDA), they
would do so by exempting systems which provide water for
human consumption from the definition of “public water
system” under the PA SDWA. Food Safety regulations have
gaps that are filled by Safe Drinking Water regulations.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) currently has the statutory authority to
10 KEYSTONE TAP SUMMER 2021Legislative Update
have DEP regulate the water sources for bottled water. The (Endnotes)
permitting process also includes many other things, not the
1 “Examining Recent Trends in the Racial Disparity Gap
least being an approved treatment process. in Tap Water Consumption,” MedRxiv, April 08, 2021 https://
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) had www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.06.21255016v1
sent a letter saying that this legislation could jeopardize PA’s
2 Nearly 60M Americans don’t drink their tap water,
Safe Drinking Water program, which would result in the research suggests. Here’s why that’s a public health problem
loss of $24 million in federal funds, but it seemed to have | Opinion, Pennsylvania Capital-Star https://www.penncapi-
no effect. Even our legislators who favored regulatory relief tal-star.com/commentary/nearly-60-million-americans-dont-
for the bottled water industry openly expressed distrust for drink-their-tap-water-research-suggests-heres-why-thats-a-
the DEP and paid no regard to the requirements of the PA public-health-problem-opinion/
SDWA or the drinking water industry itself. How could
3 IBID
this have happened?
According to the study’s authors and their op-ed, “news 4 House Bill 754 (Day-R) https://www.legis.state.pa.us/
cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2021&sind=0&body=H&-
reports – particularly high-visibility events like advisories
type=B&BN=0754
to boil water – lead people to distrust their tap water even
after the problem is fixed. For example, a 2019 study showed 5 House Bill 755 (Day-R) https://www.legis.state.pa.us/
that water quality violations across the U.S. between 2006 cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2021&sind=0&body=H&-
and 2015 led to increases in bottled water purchases in type=B&BN=0755
affected counties as a way to avoid tap water, and purchase 6 Nearly 60M Americans don’t drink their tap water,
rates remained elevated after the violation.”6 Could this research suggests. Here’s why that’s a public health problem
distrust for tap water be what is occurring in Pennsylvania | Opinion, Pennsylvania Capital-Star https://www.penncapi-
with the passage of these bottled water bills? tal-star.com/commentary/nearly-60-million-americans-dont-
The PA SDWA is more stringent than the federal law drink-their-tap-water-research-suggests-heres-why-thats-a-
and the drinking water industry is one of the most heavily public-health-problem-opinion/
regulated industries in the Commonwealth. While lead
services lines have proven to be a tricky problem to deal with,
the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed Act 120 of 2018
to address the replacement of lead service lines (LSL) and
damaged wastewater service laterals (DWSL). Moreover, the
USEPA recently developed a revised Lead and Copper Rule
which the states will soon begin the implementation process.
So how do we rebuild confidence in tap water?
Investment in infrastructure replacement is always a
best practice to reduce service disruptions and exceeding
regulatory requirements to be above standards, like the
Partnership for Safe Drinking Water Program promotes,
has always been a hallmark of the drinking water industry
in Pennsylvania. While the service you provide is often
called the silent service, it is time for public water systems
to educate their customers about the benefits of tap water,
which will help rebuild their confidence. For ideas, take
a few minutes to view this video https://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=vcCXCPD4lYY from the South Coast Water
District in southern California which urges customers to
choose tap water over bottled water.
The drinking water industry has always provided high
quality service to its customers and your excellence and
sacrifice should not go unnoticed this year. Please take the
time to plan some events in your community to highlight
your employees and the work you do, particularly the
sacrifices made during the COVID-19 pandemic. S
SUMMER 2021 KEYSTONE TAP 11Certification Exam Study | Feature
Lead & Copper Rule Certification Check
By Wendy Malehorn
Water systems: check your knowledge of the current Lead c. Corrosion inhibitors
and Copper Rule. And prepare for the revisions! S d. All of the above
1. Action level exceedance occurs when the 6. When a phosphate inhibitor is used for corrosion
concentration of a contaminant in more than 10% of control:
tap water samples is greater than the action level of
__________ for lead or _________ for copper. a. A protective coating is formed from the pipe
metal combined with the phosphate.
a. 0.015 mg/L, 1.3 mg/L
b. Phosphate inhibitors should not be used in
b. 0.15 mg/L, 0.13 mg/L water treatment
c. 0.051 mg/L, 3.1 mg/L c. The phosphate reacts with the pipe metal to
d. 1.5 mg/L, 1.3 mg/L eliminate corrosion tendencies in the water
2. If the 90th percentile results exceed the action levels d. The system is trying to decrease corrosion
for lead or copper: control costs
a. The system must monitor the lead and copper 7. Common pH/Alkalinity adjustment chemicals
levels in 10 months include:
b. The system must take action because it exceeded a. Sodium Hydroxide
the action level b. Calcium Hydroxide
c. The system is in compliance c. Sodium Carbonate
d. The system must redirect compliance to the d. All of the above
households
8. Which chemical is used to raise pH and increase
3. Lead and copper samples are collected at cold water alkalinity?
kitchen and bathroom taps or an interior tap used for
consumption. The sample must be: a. Zinc Orthophosphate
a. Collected after the system has been completely b. Potassium Permanganate
flushed for 6 hours c. Lime
b. The first‐draw after six hours of standing time d. Sodium Bicarbonate
c. The first-draw after 10 hours of standing time 9. Which pH/Alkalinity adjustment chemical is the
d. Collected after the system has been completely most hazardous?
flushed for 10 hours a. Lime
4. __________________ refers to corrosion that is b. Sodium Bicarbonate
caused by two different metals or alloys coming in c. Soda Ash
contact with each other.
d. Caustic Soda
a. External corrosion
b. Electrolysis 10. Uses of polyphosphates include:
c. Galvanic corrosion a. Control scale
d. Internal corrosion b. Sequester iron, manganese and calcium
c. Neither a or b
5. Lead and Copper Rule Corrosion Control Alternatives
include: d. Both a and b
a. pH/alkalinity adjustment
b. Calcium hardness adjustment
12 KEYSTONE TAP SUMMER 2021Feature | Certification Exam Study
11. Ortho/Poly blends are made to: 14. The sample size needed for a lead and copper sample:
a. Sequester iron and manganese a. 1 liter
b. Form film to reduce lead levels b. 500 mL
c. Form film to reduce copper levels c. 250 mL
d. All of the above d. 2 liters
12. As pH increases, corrosion____________. 15. What objectives can be met with corrosion control
a. Increase treatment?
b. Decreases a. Minimize amount of lead and/or copper
dissolving into tap water.
c. pH has nothing to do with corrosion
b. Maximize the service life of plumbing materials.
d. Does nothing
c. Improve the hydraulic characteristics of water
13. When a small or medium system exceeds a lead distribution systems.
or copper action level, what is the first step in the d. All of the above.
corrosion control treatment activity milestone:
a. Complete a feasibility study within 24 months
b. Complete a feasibility study within 18 months
Wendy Malehorn
c. Complete a feasibility study within 12 months Training & Education
Development
d. Contact the PA DEP to complete a treatment wmalehorn@prwa.com
permit
ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS CAN BE
FOUND ON PAGE 31.
SUMMER 2021 KEYSTONE TAP 13Water | Technical 14 KEYSTONE TAP SUMMER 2021
Technical | Water SUMMER 2021 KEYSTONE TAP 15
Training | Column
Plumbum
By Wendy Malehorn
Why is the symbol for lead Pb? It is the abbreviation for Yet, the health effects of lead poisoning were too serious
the Latin word for lead - plumbum. So close to the word and could not be ignored. Regulations were needed to
plumbing and so important for plumbing. Lead has been protect public health and stop the use of lead. Lead poisoning
a part of society for thousands of years and is an incredibly can cause brain and kidney damage. Additionally, lead
useful metal due to it is malleability and corrosion resistance. poisoning can cause anemia due to decreased production
Romans used lead in a variety of products including of hemoglobin, as well as hemolysis. Signs of hemolysis
cosmetics, paint, solder and pipes. In the American may include jaundice. Young children are particularly
Colonies, lead was first used in the manufacture of arms and vulnerable since lead poisoning affects the development
ammunition. Like Rome, drinking water was transported of the central nervous system. Specifically, lead poisoning
through lead pipes and it is reported that by 1900, more than causes an irreversible reduction in neurocognitive potential,
70 percent of American cities with 30,000 or more residents decreased attention span, and increased aggressiveness.
were using lead-based products for conveying water. In 1970, as a result of heightened public concerns about
As amazing of a plumbing material that lead may have been, air quality, waste management, and contaminated water
it was well documented that lead caused multiple ailments supplies, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was
and deaths including saturnine gout, sterility, infertility, formed.
and still births. By the late 1800s, the consequences of lead The Safe Drinking Water Act was passed by Congress in
exposure were well known and documented. Yet, despite 1974 to protect public health by regulating the nation’s public
mounting scientific evidence and conclusive research, drinking water supply. Since that time, concerns about lead
lead-based plumbing and products were still developed in our water supplies has prompted multiple changes to the
and used. This was most likely due to The Lead Industries Safe Drinking Water Act. Most notably, in 1991, the EPA
Association, formed in 1928, which monitored changes to published the Lead and Copper Rule. The purpose of the
building codes. The group continued lobbying and stayed regulation was to protect public health by minimizing lead
active through the 1970’s and published education materials and copper levels in drinking water. The rule replaced the
to support the continued use of lead pipes. previous standard of 50 ppb, measured at the entry point
16 KEYSTONE TAP SUMMER 2021Column | Training
to the distribution system. Additionally, at the time, most should ensure that drinking water systems and primacy
drinking water regulations required sampling at entry states have three full years to take the actions needed to
points to the distribution system. However, because the assure regulatory compliance. However, to help systems
source of lead and copper is generally the customer-owned prepare, EPA has produced the following document on
piping rather than any part of the water supplier’s plumbing, the Lead and Copper Rule Comparison guide highlighting
equipment or even the source, the Lead and Copper Rule the existing Lead and Copper Rule and the final Lead and
required specific tap water samples. Copper Rule revisions. However, system personnel should
Collecting lead and copper samples significantly attend any training sessions offered on the Lead and Copper
complicates sample collection and makes water suppliers Rule revisions. The five bullets listed and/or the guide does
responsible for the quality of water sampled at pipes and not adequately explain how systems will comply with this
locations completely out of the supplier’s control. Samples updated regulation. When training is offered, sign up and
are collected from kitchen or bathroom taps of residences prepare for what appears to be some big changes for system
or other buildings. However, this is necessary because staff. S
lead and copper in drinking water is primarily due to
the corrosion of distribution and household plumbing
materials. In addition to sample collection, the 1991 rule
required public water systems serving more than 50,000 Wendy Malehorn
Training & Education
people to survey their corrosion control systems and to
Development
replace their pipelines with state-approved corrosion wmalehorn@prwa.com
control by January 1, 1997. Suppliers who served a smaller
number of people only had to replace their pipelines if lead References:
and copper levels were exceeded at the tap.
Coleman, L. (2021, January 15). EPA update of lead and COPPER
Long before the events leading up to lead-laced water rule is first revision in 30 years. Retrieved April 06, 2021, from
poisoning thousands of residents in Flint, Michigan, EPA https://ehsdailyadvisor.blr.com/2021/01/epa-update-of-lead-
was trying to strengthen the Lead and Copper Rule. And, and-copper-rule-is-first-revision-in-30-years/
finally, on December 22, 2020 the revisions to the Lead and
Lead poisoning. (n.d.). Retrieved April 06, 2021, from https://
Copper Rule were announced. The final revisions include: www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/
• Using science-based testing protocols to find more lead-poisoning
sources of lead in drinking water.
Revised lead and copper rule. (2021, March 31). Retrieved April
• Establishing a trigger level to jumpstart mitigation 06, 2021, from https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drink-
earlier and in more communities. ing-water/revised-lead-and-copper-rule
• Drive more LSL replacements. Team, F. (2017, November 02). A brief history of lead in water
• Required testing in schools and childcare facilities. supplies: Fluence. Retrieved April 06, 2021, from https://www.
fluencecorp.com/brief-history-lead-water-supplies/#:~:tex-
• Requiring water systems to identify and make t=Lead%20pipes%20came%20into%20use,poisoning%20in%20
public the locations of lead service lines. the%20late%201800s.&text=Lead%20pipe%20could%20also%-
20be,existing%20buildings%20or%20other%20structures.
EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler stated that the hope
is “This new Lead and Copper Rule will protect children The origins of EPA. (2021, January 13). Retrieved April 06, 2021,
and families from exposure to lead in drinking water,” from https://www.epa.gov/history/origins-epa
and “For the first time in nearly thirty years, this action
incorporates best practices and strengthens every aspect of
the rule, including closing loopholes, accelerating the real-
world pace of lead service line replacement, and ensuring
that lead pipes will be replaced in their entirety.”
Water treatment system staff and owners have been
offered webinars which introduce the changes to the
revised Lead and Copper Rule which were to take effect in
2021. The effective date has been extended due to President
Biden’s Executive Order on Protecting Public Health and
the Environment. The extended compliance deadline
SUMMER 2021 KEYSTONE TAP 1718 KEYSTONE TAP SUMMER 2021
20 KEYSTONE TAP SUMMER 2021
SUMMER 2021 KEYSTONE TAP 21
Water | Technical
Build Flood Resilience
By Gabrielle Minton, US Environmental Protection Agency
Introduction The planning measures outlined in the Flooding IAC
The services provided by drinking water and wastewater encourage utilities and community partners to work
utilities are vital to the health and resilience of a community. together before potential incidents to identify priority water
However, extreme summer weather, such as heavy seasonal customers, obtain their contact information and develop a
rainfall can trigger flooding that can disrupt drinking water plan to restore those customers first, in case of prolonged
and wastewater services, underscoring the need for long- water service disruptions. Further, confirming with local
term resilience solutions in the water sector. law enforcement before an incident that your water utility
response access credentials are valid can make all the
Any drinking water or wastewater utility, large or small, difference when staff are urgently needed to restore flood-
can be at risk of sustaining significant and costly flooding ravaged facilities.
damages. To better prepare for the upcoming summer
season, your utility can take steps before, during and Prepare for Cascading Impacts: Power Outages
after weather emergencies using the U.S. Environmental The summer season can bring heavy seasonal rains and
Protection Agency’s (EPA) suite of easy-to-use tools and flash floods. These conditions can overwhelm existing
resources. infrastructure and lead to pipe breaks, flooded facilities and
Identify Response Actions and Critical Customers widespread power outages. Power loss can have devastating
impacts on drinking water and wastewater utilities and the
Floods are one of the most common and widespread communities they serve. Inoperable pumps at drinking
weather-related natural disasters. They can be caused by a water utility infrastructures can compromise firefighting
variety of weather events, including heavy summer rains. The operations and cause local health care facilities and
EPA has developed the Flooding Incident Action Checklist restaurants to close. EPA developed the Power Resilience
(IAC) that lists activities utilities can conduct to prepare for, Guide for Water and Wastewater Utilities to provide
respond to and recover from flooding emergencies. information and strategies for strengthening relationships
with electric providers and increasing water sector resilience
to power outages from floods, as well as from other weather
emergencies.
The Power Resilience Guide identifies steps your utility
can take to establish emergency communication protocols,
determine your utility’s power prioritization status, and
maintain onsite fuel storage, among other recommended
actions. The Guide also highlights case studies from water
utilities that have successfully implemented power resilience
measures.
22 KEYSTONE TAP SUMMER 2021Technical | Water
Transform Preparedness into Mitigation Consolidate Information in an Emergency Response Plan
While preparedness measures can strengthen your utility’s Another key aspect in planning for and responding to
resilience to flood-related impacts, putting long-term flood-related incidents is developing a robust Emergency
mitigation planning for flooding incidents into practice is Response Plan (ERP). An ERP describes strategies, resources,
the most effective way to ensure your utility and community plans, and procedures to prepare for and respond to an
can better withstand and recover from disasters. To assist incident, natural or man-made, that threatens life, property,
planning for long-term mitigation projects, EPA’s Hazard or the environment. Under America’s Water Infrastructure
Mitigation Guide for Natural Disasters provides examples of 2018 (AWIA) Section 2013, community water systems
of mitigation projects for disaster scenarios that drinking serving over 3,300 people are required to develop or update
water and wastewater utilities may encounter during a an ERP. The information, plans and procedures developed
flood, such as purchasing or renting a generator to prepare when utilizing the Flooding IAC, Power Resilience Guide
for power outages and elevating wellheads to mitigate the for Water and Wastewater Utilities and Hazard Mitigation
impacts of flooding from summer rains or water runoff. Guide for Natural Disasters contribute to the foundation of
The Guide encourages drinking water and wastewater your ERP. Compiling this information provides a clear and
utilities to work with their local mitigation planners to concise process for unexpected emergencies and fosters a
execute priority projects that are consistent with the overall culture of preparedness at your utility.
community strategy. Interested in Learning More?
To learn more, visit www.epa.gov/waterresilience or join
the What’s Going On newsletter email list by contacting
WSD-outreach@epa.gov. With the help of EPA’s free water
resilience resources, you can help ensure that your utility
continues to provide safe and reliable services to your
customers during emergencies. S
Contact information:
Gabrielle Minton
Minton.Gabrielle@epa.gov
The Hazard Mitigation for Natural Disasters Guide also
includes information on eligibility for funding, such as
federal grants or loans, to support mitigation work. This
includes the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s
(FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) which
can be used by communities to implement hazard mitigation
projects following a Presidential Disaster Declaration.
Identify Federal Funding Opportunities for Mitigation
There are several federal programs, including HMGP to
help utilities understand and obtain federal disaster and
mitigation funding. EPA developed the Federal Funding for
Water and Wastewater Utilities in National Disasters (Fed
FUNDS) tool so that utilities can quickly screen funding
programs from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Small
Business Association, FEMA and EPA to identify those that
are applicable to your utility. It also provides examples of
successful utility applications and tips for funding.
SUMMER 2021 KEYSTONE TAP 23Water | Column
Tools for AWIA Compliance
By Charlene Kormondy, US Environmental Protection Agency
Water utilities today face unprecedented threats to the AWIA Compliance Resources
security and resilience of their systems. In Pennsylvania, If CWSs need help meeting these requirements, EPA has
drinking water utilities may be susceptible to a wide array of several tools available to help systems develop their RRAs
extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and winter and ERPs. EPA does not require water systems to use these
storms that can damage treatment and distribution systems, or any designated standards, methods or tools to conduct
disrupt power supplies, and potentially contaminate source the RRAs or to prepare the ERPs. Rather, these tools are
waters. When disasters do occur, rural water systems serve provided as optional support during the process:
as a critical lifeline for water systems, public health and the
community at large. While responding to natural disasters • Baseline Information on Malevolent Acts for
can be challenging, you can take steps now to prepare your Community Water Systems: The information in
utility and community for future incidents. this document can help systems identify and assess
the likelihood of malevolent acts occurring at their
America’s Water Infrastructure Act – Section 2013 water system as part of their RRA.
One of the first steps to prepare for disasters is to • Vulnerability Self-Assessment Tool (VSAT 2.0):
conduct a detailed assessment of your risks. The America’s VSAT 2.0 is a user-friendly tool that can help
Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) Section 2013 requires drinking water utilities of all sizes conduct an RRA.
Community (drinking) Water Systems (CWSs) serving
more than 3,300 people to develop or update a Risk and • Small System Risk and Resilience Assessment
Resilience Assessment (RRA) and Emergency Response Checklist: This guidance is intended for small CWSs
Plan (ERP). The law outlines what components must be serving greater than 3,300 but less than 50,000
included in the RRAs and ERPs and establishes deadlines people to comply with the AWIA requirements for
by which water systems must send a certification of RRAs.
completion to the United States Environmental Protection • Emergency Response Plan Guidance: This template
Agency (EPA). and instructions will assist water utilities with
The certification deadlines are based on system population developing or updating an ERP in accordance with
size reflected in the Safe Drinking Water Information the AWIA.
System as of October 23, 2018, the date when the AWIA was • How to Certify Your Risk and Resilience Assessment
enacted. Compliance deadlines depend on the system size: or Emergency Response Plan: This webpage
System Size Risk and Resilience Emergency Response
Assessment Plan
If serving over March 31, 2020 September 30, 2020
100,000 people
If serving 50,000 to December 31, 2020 June 30, 2021
99,999 people
If serving 3,301 to June 30, 2021 December 30, 2021
49,999 people
Within six months of certifying completion of the RRA,
water systems must also certify completion of the ERP. The
AWIA requires systems to consider factors such as monitoring
practices, financial systems, chemical storage, and operations
and maintenance in their RRAs. For the ERP, the AWIA requires
utilities to include items such as strategies and resources to
improve resilience and procedures to lessen the impact of
malevolent acts or natural hazards. See the following webpage
for more information and details about the AWIA - https://
www.epa.gov/waterresilience/americas-water-infrastructure-
act-risk-assessments-and-emergency-response-plans
24 KEYSTONE TAP SUMMER 2021Column | Water
explains the three options available to CWSs for The Water Utility Response On-The-Go (Response OTG)
submitting certification statements and includes a Application is an interactive tool allowing real time access to
training video on the electronic certification option. response resources to track severe weather, contact response
Other Resources partners, identify key response actions, and document
damages.
After completing an RRA and ERP, utilities can further
explore how to lower risks and increase resiliency using EPA Learn more about these and
tools and resources. The Flood Resilience Guide provides many other water utility resilience
practical solutions to help drinking water utilities respond resources at: https://www.epa.
to and recover from floods. The guide presents real-world gov/waterutilityresponse.
examples of flood scenarios that Pennsylvania water utilities EPA provides regular updates
might face and includes information on staffing, emergency on water security and resilience
response plans, funding, water supply and demand resources. To learn more, visit
management, communications, and partnerships. www.epa.gov/waterresilience
or join the What’s Going On
newsletter email list by contacting
WSD-outreach@epa.gov. Use
these free water resilience
resources as you continue
working toward providing safe
and reliable services to customers
during emergencies. S
Contact information:
Charlene Kormondy
Kormondy.charlene@epa.gov
SUMMER 2021 KEYSTONE TAP 25Water | Featured System
Bellwood Borough
Authority
After 25 years in the public water and wastewater business been on the system, with the ability to add notes with what
you have an appreciation for up-to-date maps. The Bellwood kind of leak, and pictures of the repairs showing OD of pipe,
Borough Authority had maps for designs of new water type of material of the main or service and has allowed the
mains, books that had shut-off valve locations that had not Authority to maintain the information forever.
been updated in many years, but no whole system maps.
There were no plans from the original water system that
started in 1893 due them being destroyed in a fire, which
left many mysteries to uncover. Every time a water main
would need shut down, we would have to look through
multiple maps and books, plus rely on memory. And trust
me, nobody remembers the same thing after many years.
In 2017 the Bellwood Borough Authority contracted
with Pennsylvania Rural Water Association to GIS map the
Authority’s water and wastewater system. Mike Emery from
PRWA and I walked our entire system that has roughly
1400 water customers and 700 sewer customers and covers
approximately 2.4 square miles. The GIS map was a huge
improvement and gave us the ability to look at maps on all After working on the mapping software for a few weeks
types of devices at any time. I felt that presenting the program to the Authority for
When it came time to update our GIS mapping, while purchase was the next step, because the software was so easy
Mike and I discussed the changes needed, I said to him that to use and priced reasonably. During the presentation I was
it would be nice if there was a way to update our own maps as able to show the many layers that I had added, and the Board
we find things and while its fresh in our minds. He said, “it was amazed by the versatility of the program. Another layer
is funny you would say that”. He told me that Pennsylvania that I added, and the Authority has found to be helpful,
Rural Water Association is partnering with Diamond Maps, a layer for future project ideas. By creating that layer, the
a cloud-based GIS mapping system. He said there was a free Authority has been able to discuss with our engineering
trial that was available and that you can upload existing GIS firm what we are looking to do in the future. The engineer
mapping to the program. can then advise us on where grant money may be available
to complete those projects. Following that presentation, the
That evening I signed up for the free trial and uploaded Authority approved the purchase of Diamond Map with a
all the GIS files we were currently using and watched the unanimous vote. The Authority also approved an Arrow
online video training provided on the Diamond Maps 100 submeter GPS receiver to work with our tablets, so now
website. I had the software up and running in no time. I we can do our own mapping with reasonable accuracy.
have never had training of any kind on mapping and
very limited computer training, but with the online video This summer while completing a project of installing
training supplied by Diamond Mapping, I was able to make new water mains, we were able to map as we completed the
changes to our map very quickly. project. We added fields to the layers and uploaded pictures
of everything we installed. Now in 20 years someone will be
After reviewing our original GIS file more thoroughly able to go back and see what is underground.
I had found errors that I had missed during the proof-
reading phase, but I was able to correct them myself easily. Diamond Mapping can be used for maintenance
One of the nice features of Diamond Maps is the ability information also, such as fire hydrants. There are fields for
to add layers. With the layer function I was able to add GPM and PSI which will hold historic information. We
different layers showing information you would not find have also added to the history any time a hydrant is used
on GIS mapping. Adding a layer showing where leaks have for a fire. All the information is available just by selecting
Continued on Page 28
26 KEYSTONE TAP SUMMER 2021Mapping
Solutions
Whether you're looking for a custom map of your assets or an easy database
system, PRWA is your solution!
Diamond Maps is a cloud-based GIS designed for sewer and water
systems to help them keep track of their infrastructure.
Those starting from scratch love how easy it is to plot valve
locations and draw pipes on the rich Google imagery backdrop.
Existing GIS users move their data to Diamond Maps because they
love how their team can all manage pictures and notes. Users can
edit the map from any phone, tablet or PC.
Best of all it costs just $20/month*!
*$20/month for one user. Unlimited users are determined by each municipality.
On The Go!
o Access your map anywhere with
an internet connection.
o Runs in your browser on any
phone, tablet or computer.
o Nothing to install or back up.
o New data entered by any one
person is instantly available to all
users in your account.
Work Orders
o Work orders allow municipalities to organize and maintain repairs, routine
tasks and special projects.
o A history is maintained for the ability to export a spreadsheet of all past
and current work orders. Orders can be set to reoccurring so they can be
completed each day, week, month, or year.
o Employees can receive and complete work orders on mobile phones or
tablets.
o Work orders allow you to assign each task to a specific employee.
Whether you’re looking for a custom map of your assets or an easy
database system, PRWA is your solution!
800-653-7792 | F: 814-353-9341
138 West Bishop Street, Bellefonte PA 16823
WWW.PRWA.COMYou can also read
