september

Texas WaTer UTiliTies

JOURNAL VOLUME 22 SEPTEMBER 2012 NUMBER 9

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SAVE DATE

WHAT: TWUA 95th Annual School. This school is customize for water and wastewater professionals. We offer a variety of courses that will interest everyones training needs.

WHEN:February 24-27, 2013

WHERE: Corpus Christi, Texas American Bank Center and the Omni Bayfront Hotel.

February 24-27, 2013

TWUA 95th ANNUAL SCHOOL

TEXAS WATER UTILITIES JOURNAL TEXAS WATER UTILITIES JOURNAL (ISSN 1051-709X) is published monthly by the Texas Water Utilities Association, located at 1106 Clayton Lane, Suite 112 West, Austin, Texas 78723-1093, for engineers, operators, managers, laboratory technicians, customer service personnel, and other professionals employed in, or interested in, the water and/or wastewater industry. Five dollars of each annual membership dues payment to the Texas Water Utilities Association pays for a subscription. Non-Member subscription price: USA $50 per year; $4.20 per single copy; $60 per year outside USA. Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, TX. The Texas Water Utilities Association is wholly independent, and is not affiliated with the American Water Works Association, the Water Environment Federation, or any other National organization. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: TEXAS WATER UTILITIES JOURNAL, 1106 Clayton Lane, Suite 112 W., Austin, TX 78723-1093. TEXAS WATER UTILITIES JOURNAL is not responsible for facts and/or opinions expressed by contributors or in advertisements herein. Editorials and comments do not necessarily represent the official policy of the Texas Water Utilities Association. All inquiries should be directed to: Texas Water Utilities Association, 1106 Clayton Lane, Suite 112 W, Austin, TX 78723-1093, phone 512/459-3124. Any material accepted for publication is subject to revision and editing at the discretion of the publisher. All advertising in the TEXAS WATER UTILITIES JOURNAL is subject to approval of the publisher. Learn more about T.W.U.A. at our Web site: www.twua.org

ARTICLES S TRAINING LISTINGS S EMPLOYMENT

ARTICLES:President's Perspective..................................................................6 by, Norma Clark, TWUA President

TWUA Executive Director News: ....................................................8 by, Russell Hamilton, ED

PES News: Grease Trap/Interceptor Inspection Checklist ...........................10 by, Alphonse Newton, City of Fort Worth

Customer Service News: Boosting your Business in a Slow Economy................................12 by, Jeff Mowatt, CSP Customer Service Strategist

Safety News: Are Your Hand Tools Handy ........................................................16 by,Barry Stephens, Stephens Consulting Service

Central Texas News: Supply-Side Water Efficiency Strategies.....................................18 by, Doug Meeks, Texas 811

TWDB News: Groundwater Monitoring.............................................................20 by, Texas Water Development Board

TCEQ News: Public Drinking Water Program Staff Guidance..........................20 by, Texas Water Development Board

ADVERTISERS:Classified Ads.....................................................................................30 Ana-Lab...............................................................................................7 ChemEquip Services, L.L.C.................................................................. 19 Chlor-Serv, Inc...................................................................................24 Hartwell Environmental Corporation.......................................................2 Jim Cox Sales.....................................................................................12 Layne-Texas ........................................................................................9 Magna Flow ....................................................................................... .3 Moody Bros., Inc.............................................................................. .17 Professional Cards..............................................................................26 Precision Calibrate .............................................................................24 Samco Leak Detection.........................................................................11 Scoop Sludge Hog..............................................................................26 Smith Pump Company, Inc........................................ Inside Back Cover

TRAINING: TWUA West Texas Regional School Registration Information ............................. 5 TWUA Training Schedule................................................................................14 TEXAS AWWA Drinking Water Seminar Program...............................................19 TEEX Training Schedule..................................................................................27

Inside

4 TEXAS WATER UTILITIES JOURNAL www.twua.org September 2012

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18

22

TEXAS WATER UTILITIES ASSOCIATION 64th WEST TEXAS REGIONAL SCHOOL

LUBBOCK MEMORIAL CIVIC CENTER 1501 6TH STREET NOVEMBER 6 - NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Academic Offerings

WASTEWATER WATER WATER/WASTEWATER Basic Wastewater Basic Water Water Utilities Safety

Wastewater Treatment Water Distribution Water Utilities Management Wastewater Collection Ground Water Production Water Utilities Calculations Wastewater Laboratory Surface Water II *Pump & Pumping

Course schedule Tuesday 8:30 to12:00 and 1:00 to 5:30 Wednesday 8:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 5:00 *24 hour course will begin on Monday November 5th from 1:00 to 5:00 Thursday 8:00 to 12:00 Buffet Lunch Tue, Wed, Thu, 12:00 to 1:00

Registration and Fees

Pre-Registration Until November 1, 2012 TWUA Member Price Non-Member Price Mail Pre-Registration (Cash or Check Only) $ 200 $ 255 Internet Pre-Registration (Credit Card Only) $ 205 $ 260 On-Site Registration (No Credit Cards Accepted) (Check, Money Order, or Cash)

$ 220 with Proof of TWUA Membership

$ 270

Pre-registration via Mail or Internet (preferred) www.TWUA.org with Master Card or Visa. All students are provided study manuals, necessary class room supplies, a quality buffet lunch daily If testing, make arrangements with a TCEQ representative and have a SEPARATE CHECK made out to TCEQ.

Hotel Information

Holiday Inn Civic Center (Host Hotel), 801 Ave Q, Lubbock, TX 79401. (806) 763-1200 Group rate $72.00. Reservation cut off date is October 26, 2012. (To reserve your room online http://events.ichotelsgroup.com/DPRD-7LXU9V/LBBCC/website/ Use Group code WRW)

Radisson, 505 Ave Q, Lubbock, TX 79401. (806) 747-0171

La Quinta Inn, Inc., 601 Ave Q, Lubbock, TX 79401. (800) 531-5900

✄ ✄ ✄ Pre-Registration Form 64th WTRWUS School

Name: ___________________________________________ SS# or TCEQ Operator License#____________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________Home Phone:________________________________ Work Phone:_______________________________ Course Selection: _______________________________________________ Representing (Organization): _____________________________________Job Title:___________________________________ TWUA District/chapter: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Email Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________ Make checks payable to WTRWUS. No purchase orders accepted. No refunds after October 26, 2012. Please mail Pre-Registration Form and payment to: Attn: Secretary / Treasurer, P.O. Box 5068, Lubbock TX 79408 If you have any questions, please call Candy McCarthy at (806) 775-3221 or Fax (806) 775-3246

September 2012 TEXAS WATER UTILITIES JOURNAL www.twua.org

Hello to everyone, August was a busy month. The TWUA Mid-Year Board Meeting was held August 3th , and the Permian Basin Regional School was held in my hometown of Odessa August 14-16th. Thanks to Tom Ezell, Debbie McReynolds, and Larry Y’Barbo for their help with the school, as well as Matt Irvin and Roy Staggs for their assistance with the Special Topics course.

The East Texas Regional School was held in Tyler August 28-30th. The officers (Steven Matlock, Patrick Reed, and Mike Norris) and all of the volunteers did a great job.

Since I don’t have a TWUA member interview this month, I decided to entertain you with some facts and trivia about Texas. I will preface this by saying that I got this information from the internet and do not guarantee its accuracy or authenticity, but some of it made me chuckle, and we can all use a little more laughter in our lives.

To begin, some obscure laws:

In Lefors, it is illegal to take more than three swallows of beer at any time while standing (uh oh!). In Port Arthur, obnoxious odors may not be emitted while in an elevator. In Mesquite, it is illegal for children to have unusual haircuts. In Texarkana, owners of horses may not ride them at night without taillights. In Houston, it is illegal to sell limburger cheese on Sunday.

All across the state, it is still a “hanging offense” to steal cattle, and it is illegal to milk another person’s cow. A Texas law forbids people from carrying a fence cutter or pair of pliers that could cut a fence. It is also illegal to curse in front of a corpse, to spit on the sidewalk, to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel, or to put graffiti on someone else’s cow.

The name Texas is a variant of an Indian word, tejas, meaning friends. Texas is known as the Lone Star State. The state motto is friendship the state flower is the bluebonnet the state mammal is the armadillo the state sport is rodeo (the world’s first rodeo was held in Pecos on July 4, 1883), and the official dish of Texas is chili.

The Tyler Municipal Rose Garden is the world’s largest rose garden, containing over 38,000 rose bushes and 500 varieties of roses. The Texas Rose Festival is held there annually in mid-October.

The King Ranch in Texas is bigger than the state of Rhode Island.

During July 24-26, 1979, Tropical Storm Claudette brought

45 inches of rain near Alvin. This tropical storm produced the nation’s 24 hour rainfall record of 43 inches.

More wool comes from Texas than any other state.

Texas is the only state to enter the United States by treaty instead of territorial annexation.

Texas was an independent nation from 1836 to 1845.

El Paso is closer to Needles, California than it is to Dallas.

The world’s largest collection of beer bottles can be seen at Wurstfest in New Braunfels.

The second largest rock in the nation is Enchanted Rock, which has an exposed surface area, of 130 square miles. It lies on the border between Gillespie and Llano counties.

There are more than 70,000 miles of highway s in Texas.

The hurricane which hit Galveston on September 8, 1900 is the deadliest natural disaster in US history. The storm lasted 18 hours and killed an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 people.

Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth is the world’s largest country-western honky-tonk and includes a 4800 square foot rodeo arena.

The aftermath below:


TWUA PRESIDENT: Norma Clark, Permian Basin Regional Officer

The world’s largest oatmeal cake was baked and built in Bertram in 1991. The 33 layer cake stood more than 3 feet high, weighed 333 pounds, and served 3,333 people.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch Restaurant in Amarillo serves a 4 ½ pound steak for free—if you can eat it in an hour. (According to their website, you also have to eat the baked potato, salad, dinner roll and shrimp cocktail that are served with the steak. You can see a list of the people who have achieved this at the Big Texan website.)

The world’s largest parking lot is located at DFW airport.

Participating in schools throughout the state has given me the opportunity to become familiar with many communities in Texas and see the different situations and unique challenges each area faces as it regards water utilities. What remains the same at every school and in every area is that there are talented and dedicated people helping to make a difference, not unlike one of our Texan founding fathers.

Davy Crockett served three terms as a congressman in Tennessee. Before leaving Tennessee, he informed his peers, “You’all can go to hell, I am going to Texas”. He died at the battle of the Alamo.

Ana-Lab Corporation is an employee-owned organization which provides industry,

government, consultants, and individuals with complete, timely, and accurate chemical analysis, including state approved total coliform testing.

P. O. Box 9000 • Kilgore, Texas 75663-9000903-984-0551 • Fax: 903-984-5914

www.ana-lab.com • email: [email protected]

Amarillo Dallas Austin 806-355-3556 972-620-8900 512-821-0045

Brownsville Houston 956-831-6437 281-333-9414

T104704201


I M A G I N E

A P R O G R A M

T H A T H E L P S U S

S AV E WA T E R T O D AY.

S O T H E Y ’ L L H AV E I T

T O M O R R O W.

EPA is proud to introduce WaterSense, a program that sets

performance and water-efficiency specifications for products and

services. Local utilities can use WaterSense to help residents save

water. Together, we can build an ethic of water efficiency and

protect this resource for future generations. Learn more at

www.epa.gov/watersense.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NEWS: Russell Hamilton, TWUA ED

Hope this finds all doing well. We are in the Hurricane season, and while I hope and pray the coastal area receives no impact or damage from any storm; I also pray that the “rain makers” provide much needed rain to Texas. Dear Lord we call upon you to provide this state and nation with abundant rainfall for we profess our beliefs and take comfort in our faith that you will see the areas in need, and you will graciously provide.

I sincerely hope this section of my article does not come across as TCEQ Bashing or throwing rocks – definitely not my intent. In case you have not read or heard, the state has enacted changes to staff guidance concerning Direct Supervision and licensing for those who provide duties related to Distribution. The following is copied directly from TCEQ’s website.

TCEQ has determined that the following distribution system activities are not considered process control duties and can be accomplished by an unlicensed individual:

1) line leak repair;

2) water meter reading;

3) water line excavation;

4) disinfection procedures for new water line installation and water storage

rehabilitation;

5) distribution flushing (i.e., flushing fire hydrants1);

6) operation of valves within distribution lines;

7) new construction;

8) water well and service pump replacement; and

9) water storage and pressure maintenance facility inspection.

Direct supervision is the oversight of the operations and/or maintenance of a PWS by an operator who holds an applicable, valid license issued under 30 TAC Chapter 30. Direct supervision can be accomplished on-site or by remote means, including but not limited to telephone and radio, with the exception of those processes covered by the 30 TAC §290.46(e)(6)(D) requirement. In other words, the operator does not need to be physically present while the work is being

performed, but the person performing the work needs to be able to access the operator at all times while performing the work.

I am at a loss for words. This is simply my humble opinion. I firmly believe this guidance document has effectively eliminated the need for a Distribution License. I take this guidance to mean - as long as someone associated with an entity or provider is licensed appropriately and he or she is available by some type of electronic means; that a supervisor can be anywhere in the free world, as long as they can be reached, they can provide supervision over a crew or process. Perhaps better stated – the provider would be in compliance with TCEQ. Is it just me or should there not be warning bells going off? Where is the concern for public health and safety?

In this edition, on (page 22) is a copy of the entire TCEQ Staff Guidance related to this update along with additional interpretations.

The story goes like this – There was a large grocery store that was part of a chain. The manager of the store was very supportive of hiring young people with special needs for sackers and stocking shelves. This store employed a young man whose name was Tim and Tim had Down Syndrome.

This young man did not allow others to feel sorry for him or his handicap. His family was very loving and supportive, and they encouraged him to do the things that brought him joy. For this young man, sacking, visiting with customers, and assisting with loading groceries always put a smile on his face. Tim was always whistling and humming. He had a smile that went from ear to ear, and he loved to visit with the customers.

In the evening with the help of his mom and dad, this young man would find encouraging phrases or brief, positive thoughts. He called it - Tim’s word of the day. Tim would write the thoughts and phrases on paper evenly spaced so he could print them out and copy. He would make about 300 of these messages each night and his parents would help him cut them into strips. The following day he would include one in the grocery sacks for each customer.

As time went on, the store manager retired, and a new person came to manager the facility. The new manger was all about efficiency and not as supportive of the special needs personnel. He attempted to place pressure on these employees hoping they would quit. He cut hours and hired more staff to increase the efficiency.


Proud Supporter of the:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NEWS: Russell Hamilton, TWUA ED

Tim for the most part ,was oblivious to the new store manager or his intentions. He just kept smiling, visiting, and sharing his “word of the day” with the customers.

One day the new store manager, noticed there was a line on register 2; that reached all the way back to the produce section of the store. He immediately got on the public address system and made an announcement“there was no waiting on any of the other registers”. No one moved, and no one seemed bothered by the extended wait.

The store manager came out and began visiting with those in line. “I don’t understand why you stand here when the checkers on the other lines have no waiting?” After he spoke to four or five customers, the manager made his way to the back of the line where an elderly lady was leaning against her cart and patiently waiting. The manager said “ma’am, you appear to be in some discomfort by standing, surely you would like for me to take your goods to one of the other available checkers; so we can get you out of here and off your feet as soon as possible.”

This elderly lady smiled and said, “Young man since we seem to have a little time and you asked; I am going to share a few thoughts with you.” “I live on the opposite

side of town, and I drive by a grocery store in order to shop here.” “I have the ability to shop at any store or move to another checker; who would more than likely, go through the motions and take my money and get me on my way.” “I have outlived most of my family and friends.” “I consider Tim a friend of mine.” “I choose to be in this line, or whichever line Tim is working, and I always call and make sure Tim is working before I come across town.” “I choose to have Tim sack my groceries; because he always gives me a hug and tells me to have a blessed day and he means it.” “I can’t wait to get home and read his word of the day, I have saved everyone that Tim has given me.’ Now this may not seem like a big deal to you; but young man, to an old lady a genuine hug, a smile, and a kind word - is priceless.”

Moral – don’t ask a senior citizen, if you don’t want to know what they are thinking. Seriously, the meaning of this story to me is you cannot place enough emphasis on good customer service and the power of a positive attitude. For those who take an extra minute to talk to a customer or show genuine interest in their problem or concern, your reward is knowing you made a difference in that persons day. If you can do that every day – you will be blessed.


PES NEWS: Grease Trap/Interceptor Inspection Checklist By, Alphonse Newton, REM City of Fort Worth

One of the most requested forms the Fort Worth Grease Abatement Program receives is for the check list for inspecting a grease trap/interceptor. What do you look for and how can you identify problems? A quick answer is; you go about it very carefully. There are dangers here you need to be aware of for the inspection. Are there any air intakes for the building nearby? If so you will most certainly receive odor complaints or worse from building occupants. Are there power lines above the grease interceptor to be inspected? If you are using a conducting probe to examine the grease interceptor, touching the power line could result in serious injury or death. Also be careful for insects and reptiles.

Grease Abatement Control Guide

a) Implement a training program to insure that Best Management Practices (BMP) is used.

b) Post “No Grease” signs in appropriate locations.

c) Encourage Food Service Establishments (FSE) to recycle waste cooking oil and maintain records.

d) Food waste is disposed of by recycling or solid waste removal and is not discharged to the grease interceptor/trap.

e) Grease interceptor is maintained on a regular basis; at least once every 90 days or more often if necessary. Document cleaning frequency with a manifest system.

f) Outdoor waste cooking oil containers are covered and do not show signs of overflowing.

g) Storm drains catch basins show no sign of grease or oil.

h) Roof show no signs of grease and oil from the exhaust system. If you are daring enough to get on the roof.

Make sure you have a hand pump sprayer that contains a combination of water, a good degreaser, detergent and plenty of paper towels. If you are heavy handed you may want to bring along a 5 gallon container of water and additional degreaser and detergent. This will go a long

way toward eliminating malodors on you, examination gear and vehicle. Moreover, you will radiate the appearance of the skilled professional that you are.

THE CHECK LIST Of course we want to start with the Date and the name of the individual conducting the grease interceptor inspection.

I. General Information

a. Facility Name

b. Facility Address

c. Contact person

d. Number of interceptors on site

e. Type of food service: Fast Food , Full Service, Cafeteria, Deli, Other

f. Hours of Operation

g. Seating Capacity, Number of Meals Served

h. Fixture count: sinks, hand sinks, floor drain, dishwashers, garbage disposal, other

i. Cleaning Frequency, Date of last maintenance

j. Description of grease trap / interceptor: Location, Volumetric capacity (gallons)

k. Obstructions or overflows reported in area

II. Exterior

a. Manhole Covers: Intact, Accessible, Removable

b. Exterior Clean-outs: Caps in place, Removable

c. Vent Lines attached

d. Test Well/Sample Basin


III. Part 3. Interior

a. Baffle Walls: Intact:

b. Inlet/Outlet: Equipped with Sanitary “T’s”, Extended below water surface

c. Number of chambers

IV. BMPs (Best Management Practices)

a. “No Grease” signs Posted

b. Recycles Waste Cooking Oil

c. Water temps at sinks<140°F

d. Food waste disposed as solid waste or recycled/not discharged to trap

e. Grease Trap cleaning frequency documented [manifest system]

f. Grease Trap volume is less than ¼ accumulation of grease or use rule of 25%.

g. Outdoor grease storage covered/no signs of overflow

h. No signs of grease stains around storm drains

i. Roof/Exhaust inspected for signs of grease

j. Exhaust system filters cleaned regularly

General information captures important information about the restaurant. It tells you who the contact person is to address any problems identified during the inspection. The nature of the business, hours of operation and seating capacity helps diagnose problems. Clearly a full service restaurant with a seating capacity of 300 people, with an under-sized grease interceptor, would be expected to experience oil, grease and solids problems; overflows, oil & grease discharge violations, backups, stoppages and odor problems.

How can you identify problems and transmit that information to the owner of the facility? This is especially important for restaurants that are creating problems within your collection system. First you must obtain evidence of grease trap malfunction, such as pH violations, oil & grease violations, overflows or visible grease in sample basin. Normally you will need overwhelming evidence to convince facility that it is their grease trap that is causing the problem. Because the bottom line, once you prove that it is their grease, then we know who is expected to clean up the mess.

They must understand that there is a cost associated with FOG problems in the collection system. It cost anywhere

from $3 to $6 dollars a linear foot to clean a sewer line. Moreover, there may be overflows, stoppages, blockages and odor associated with the problem. Correcting these problems has a cost and this cost is normally passed on to the facility identified as causing the problem.

All FSE suspected of causing problems in the collection system or at treatment facilities will be inspected. Some municipalities use the following criteria to inspect grease interceptors:

Percent of interceptor filled

Interceptor condition

25 Good25 -50 Fair>50 Poor

Fort Worth requires pumping at a frequency of once every three months, or more often if necessary. XC2, a software program, is used to track pumping frequency and each trip ticket is scanned into the XC2 database for tracking. This allows inspectors to examine the pumping history of each FSE.

Finally, a check list is one of many tools in the battle against FOG. Used properly it will enable POTW’s to identify problems. Once identified the POTW can work with the offender and require corrective action.

You can contact me at [email protected].


CUSTOMER SERVICE NEWS: Boosting your Business in a Slow Economy By, Jeff Mowatt , CSP Customer Service Strategist

Question: what are two words that will become increasingly important to customers over the next decade? The answer, according to marketing guru Frank Luntz, is “hassle free”. Customers are fed up with being forced to jump through hoops. Yet bizarrely, even in a slow economy, companies are actually becoming more difficult for customers to do business with - before, during and after purchases. To see if your organization is creating these unnecessary hassles for your customers, take this mini-quiz.

When customers arrive early:

Do you force your customers to wait outside your establishment until the minute your officially open? Worse, do you rush them out the door or bar them from entering as closing time approaches? Ever seen customers standing outside a business pointing at their wrists to store employees, trying to compare whose watch is right?

Fortunately, there is a helpful tip on avoiding this hassle that I learned at a convention where I was the opening keynote speaker and the other presenter was Roly Morris, CEO of Krispy Kreme operations in Canada. Roly explained they have a practice called ten before ten after... meaning they are open for business (and answering phones) ten minutes before they are open, and they remain open (and answering phones) ten minutes after posted closing. Of course, you have to pay employees for the staggered times, but the good will and extra revenues you’ll generate make this a worthwhile investment.

When making buying decisions:

Are your customers faced with too may choices? It’s fine to have a large selection to attract customers, but forcing customers to make too many decisions creates stress and buying resistance. As products and services become more complex, customers are increasingly afraid of making the wrong decision. Fortunately, your employees can reduce this customer stress while boosting your revenues using the rule o 3. Here’s how it works.

If you offer your customers only two choices, they may simply opt for the less expensive. However, using the rule of three, your employees would consider all the products and services you offer and narrow them to the top three most suitable for that customer. Interestingly, if you offer three choices from least to most expensive, customers will typically choose the middle option. That means that offering three choices not only helps your customer make easier buying decisions... it also helps steer them away from choosing the cheapest item. Less hassle, more buying. Everybody wins.

When there’s a problem:

Can your customers return products to your location, or are they expected to have kept the original packaging and ship it to the manufacturer? Do they face a huge waiting line at the ‘customer service’ desk that’s understaffed and over-grumped? Do you give customers any compensation or even an apology for the inconvenience of having to return a defective product?

Some managers appear to believe that making dissatisfied customers run a gauntlet discourages product returns. Actually, it discourages your customers from returning. If you plan on keeping customers over the long term, you know that sooner or later they’re likely to have a problem. That’s an opportunity for you to demonstrate that your are indeed different from your competitors.

So how did your company do in this quiz? For most organizations, there are at least some opportunities to reduce the hassle factor for customers. The good

news is these types of adjustments to customer service are simple. They reduce complexity and bureaucracy. Our corporate clients report that the payoff is worth it in terms of strengthened customer loyalty, increased spending per customers, and enhanced team spirit. Not bad for simply making the customers’ buying experience hassle free.


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To register for any TWUA classes – simply complete the registration form and fax to (512)459-7124 or contact TWUA @ 888-367-8982 for additional details. *NOTICE: Due To Recent Increases For Training Materials - Class Costs Have Increased. ***Pre-Registration Is Defined To Mean 14 Days Prior To Any Scheduled Event. All registrations received after the pre-registration cutoff date must pay on-site registration fee. We strongly encourage everyone to please pre-register by fax, e-mail, or calling on site registrations are welcome but not preferred.

TWUA TRAINING SCHEDULE

Date Location Course Address Hours Credit

Oct 9-11 Weslaco Basic Water 20 WDec 11-13 Waco Basic Water 200 Colcord 20 WJan 15-17 New Braunfels Basic Water 355 FM 306 20 WSept 18-20 Victoria GW Prod 2902 Bluff 20 WSept 4-6 New Braunfels Distribution 355 FM 306 20 WOct 2-4 Waco Distribution 200 Colcord 20 WNov 6-8 Weslaco Distribution 20 WMay 21-23 New Braunfels Distribution 355 FM 306 20 W

Feb 12-14 New Braunfels Basic Wastewater 355 FM 306 20 WWSep 4-6 Waco WW Collection 200 Colcord 20 WWOct 16-18 New Braunfels WW Collection 355 FM 306 20 WWOct 16-18 Victoria WW Collection 2902 Bluff 20 WWNov 13-15 Corpus WW Collection 2726 Holly 20 WWApr 9-11 New Braunfels WW Collection 355 FM 306 20 WWSep 4-6 Gatesville WW Lab 110 N 8th 20 WWOct 1-3 Corpus Act Sludge 2726 Holly 20 WW

Nov 13-15 New Braunfels Pump and Pumping 355 FM 306 24 W/WWNov 13-15 Victoria Pump and Pumping 2902 Bluff 24 W/WWSep 11-13 Carrollton Safety 4750 Josey Lane 20 W/WWOct 9-11 Waco Safety 200 Colcord 20 W/WWDec 11-13 New Braunfels Safety 355 FM 306 20 W/WWMar 12-14 New Braunfels V & H 355 FM 306 20 W/WWOct 16-18 Gatesville Chlorinator Maint 110 N 8th 20 W/WWSept 17-21 Beaumont IDE (Instructor II) 40 No operator hours

Renew online today at www.twua.org please contact Henrietta Adee at: 512-279-8129 for questions about your membership.


TWUA TRAINING SCHEDULE20 HOUR CLASSES : (PRE-REGISTRATION) $200 MEMBER $250 NON-MEMBER (ON-SITE ) $250 MEMBER $300 NON-MEMBER

24 HOUR CLASSES: (PRE-REGISTRATION) $260 MEMBER $310 NON-MEMBER (ON-SITE) $310 MEMBER $360 NON-MEMBER You can registrar on-line at http://www.twua.org/training.php for

your next training class.

TWUA COURSE REGISTRATION FORM (Note: Please Print Legibly)

Name:_______________________________ E-Mail Address:_____________________________________

Course Name: ___________________________________ Date:__________________________________

Location:___________________________________________ Fee: ________________________________

Home Address:_________________________________ City:_____________State:_____ Zip:___________

Day Time Phone #:______________________ SS# or W/WW License number#:______________________

Company Name: _________________________________TWUA Member/Non-Member_________________

Visa/MC Acct. #: __________________________________________Expire Date: _____________________

Cardholder: __________________________________________________________________________

For credit cards please fax this form to 512/459-7124 Checks or money orders mail completed registration form along with payment to: Texas Water Utilities Association · 1106 Clayton Lane, Suite 112 West · Austin, TX 78723-1093, Phone: 512/459-3124 or 888/367-8982, FAX: 512/459-7124, Register on-line at www.twua.org To obtain TCEQ License Number: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/nav/data/licensed_data.html

OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING CUSTOMERS: Beginning March 1, 2011, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will accept a credit card or electronic check transfer for payments for all new occupational license and registration applications. As a result, any person applying for a new Occupational License or registration will be able to pay their application fee online using the TCEQ’s ePay system. Note: All online renewals will continue to be processed through Texas.gov. The ePay system allows companies, cities, municipalities, and organizations to pay up to 20 employees at one time using this system. At the time of the exam a printed receipt will be required. The receipt is considered to be a copy of the email verifying your payment or a copy of the web page showing the Trace Number and Voucher Number(s). For additional information and instructions on how to use the ePay system, please visit http://www.tceq.texas.gov/licensing/exams/registration. If you have questions please contact the Occupational Licensing Section at 512-239-6133 or email us at [email protected]. Allan Vargas, Manager Occupational

(24 hours) *(24 Students Max)Pre-registration $260 Member, $310 Non-Member On-site Registration $310 Member, $360 Non-Member 8 hr Mod I: TCEQ Training credit for: 8 hrs BPAT, CSI, LI, W/WW & WTS Licenses8 hr Mod II: TCEQ Training credit for: 8 hrs BPAT, CSI, LI, W/WW & WTS Licenses 8 hr BPAT PRACTICAL SKILLS REFRESHER: TCEQ Training credit for: 8 hrs BPAT ONLY License


SAFETY NEWS: Are Your Hand Tools Handy? By, Barry Stephens, Stephens Consulting Service

Is your tool box equipped with an assortment of quality, well made tools that you use every day? Or is it equipped with dangerous, deadly instruments just waiting to pinch, cut and injure the unwary?

Hand and power tools are a common part of our everyday lives. These tools help us to perform our jobs that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. However, if these tools are not properly maintained, they have the potential to cause serious injuries. Special care and maintenance is needed to reduce or eliminate the hazards.

Wrong tool for the job

You may think that you have the tools you need to do the job, but even tools of the highest quality can be detrimental to our health and safety or that of our co-workers when used improperly.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that more than 100,000 injuries requiring hospital treatment due to misuse of common hand tools occur each year. The word “misuse” means to use the wrong tool for the job. When we use the wrong tool for a job or use a tool incorrectly, we may have to apply more force than normal to get that tool to do what we want. Damaged or worn tools can have the same effect. More importantly, use of damaged or worn tools or use of the incorrect tool for the job can be a safety hazard and cause injury.

All hand tools are extensions of our hands that add more torque, power and leverage to our muscles to make difficult jobs easier. Hand tools also create a separation between our bodies and the work area. When hand tools are dull, worn or weakened, improperly cared for or the incorrect tool for the job, they will slip or break, which can put your body in direct contact with your work surface and lead to injury to yourself or a co-worker.

Tools need Proper Maintenance

Hand tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes from screwdrivers and wrenches to shovels and picks. Proper use and maintenance of your hand tools is important to avoid injury and to guarantee that you can perform your task quickly, safely and with the least amount of frustration.

Have you ever used pliers to remove nuts and bolts or a screwdriver as a chisel or for prying? Have you ever used a crescent wrench or vise-grips as a hammer? Of course, you have! We all have!

Why? Could it be because of convenience or possibly we did not have the correct tool available at the time. Whatever the reason, when we use a tool for a purpose that it was not meant to be used for it increases our risk of getting hurt or injured when the tool fails or becomes damaged.

Special Care for Long Handled Tools

Tools with long wood handles (shovels, sledge hammers, picks) require special attention. Since these tools stay in the beds of pick-up trucks, they are being jarred continuously during the day and are exposed to moisture, sunlight and extreme temperatures.

These environmental exposures can contribute to the tools failure. As a tool ages, it is more likely to break during normal use and with applied pressure where you could be at the other end. Additionally, fiberglass handles can give the user a false sense of security, but can also become damaged due to exposure to the elements.

Electrical Tape is Not a Fix

We are just fooling ourselves and risking our lives when we use a tool that has is worn out, rusted, chipped, cracked, creaking, slipping or bent.

Are any of these scenarios familiar?

• Electrical tape around a split shovel handle and now it is just as reliable as ever.

• A shovel is pushed into the ground. As it is being used, the handle starts to creak and bend. It is close to failure, but you continue digging with it.

• Teeth on the pipe wrenches get worn, and you realize that it only slips a little and there is not another one.

It’s time to get rid of these old worn out tools, and not just continue to repair them. If a tool fails there will be a sudden release of energy, which could result in back and muscle sprains, bloodied knuckles, cuts and bruises.

Clean and Inspect Tools for Damage and Wear

After each job assignment, the tools should be cleaned and inspected for damage and wear. Wash the tools to remove mud and dirt, any excess water and oil any moving parts.

It is time now to inspect your hand tools and safety equipment:


• Is the hammer head loose on the handle the last time you used it?

• Did the ratchet slip or stick while in operation?

• Are the tips of your screwdrivers rounded?

• Is the shovel handle chipped, cracked or starting to splinter?

• Are the guards in place and not damaged or missing?

• Are safety glasses available and not scuffed or scratched?

• Are work gloves thin at the fingers or have any holes in the gripping surface?

Since most ratchets are not “water tight”, very fine sand can enter the mechanism. Ratchets should be disassembled, and all moving parts and housing cleaned, oiled and then reassembled. If you can no longer hold a tool properly or use it in the way it was designed to be used without making an unusual effort; it’s time to replace that tool.

Safety Rules to Prevent Hazards

Here, are some basic safety rules can help prevent hazards associated with the use of hand and power tools:

• Keep all tools in good condition with regular maintenance.

• Inspect your tools after every use. Clean and oil if needed.

• Examine each tool for damage before use and do not use damaged tools.

• Use the correct tool required for the job.

• Operate tools according to the manufacturers’ instructions.

• Inspect and properly use the right personal protective equipment.

All hand and power tools and similar equipment, whether furnished by the employer or the employee, should be maintained in a safe condition, to minimize injuries. Do not be afraid to buy new tools. A new shovel is a lot less expensive than a loss work/time injury.

A good rule of thumb for tool safety is: You can’t hold a tool without one.

Barry is a water and wastewater consultant with Stephens Consulting Service and is a member and Past President of the Caprock District in Lubbock. If you would like to contact Barry, he can be reached at: [email protected]

Is this the correct tool for the job? Note the potential hazards and find out the answers in the next month’s Journal.


CENTRAL NEWS: Supply-Side Water Efficiency Strategies By, Doug Meeks, Texas 811

In the aftermath of the 2011 drought, I think it is safe to say that every drinking water provider in Texas has been working diligently to improve water efficiency in their systems.

As a novice to the industry, I see 3 critical components which will impact the future of our existing water supplies; source sustainability, supply-side water efficiency, and consumer water conservation. With Mother Nature being the wild card in this equation, it appears to me that of the three critical components, supply-side water efficiency is the easiest for the drinking water provider to control. For the purpose of this article, I won’t address the most obvious supply-side water efficiency measures, such as leak repair, replacement programs, and system upgrades. Instead, I would like to focus on prevention of 3rd party damage to underground infrastructure. If you one of the approximately 250 drinking water providers that are currently registered in the Texas 811 notification system and provide positive response to facility locate requests, you understand how this loss control strategy not only reduces operating costs, it also reduces system lost & unaccounted-for.

Participation in the Texas 811 notification system provides substantial opportunity to improve efficiency through damage prevention and public education programs. A significant percentage of damage to water systems are the result of Excavators notifying the 811 system to request facility locates, but failing to realize that the water utility was not registered in the Texas 811 notification system. The Excavator sees red, yellow, and orange marks on the ground and begins their work not realizing that the water main had not been marked. The end result is drinking water down the storm drain and the TCEQ knocking at your door.

Receiving locate requests through the 811 system provides a means of notification from a single, verifiable source. If you currently rely on the Excavator to call your utility directly for facility locates, consider the fact that they are not required by state law to do so. Title 5, Chapter 251 of

the Texas Utilities Code requires Excavators to call 811, but not utilities operating outside of the 811 system. Taking advantage of this legal requirement presents the drinking water provider with a higher level of control at reducing damage by third party excavators.

Granted, notification of intent to excavate is just one step in the process. Accurate locates of existing facilities is one facet of damage prevention that some facility operators still struggle with. And believe me, I hear the excuses every day; “We don’t know where our pipelines are.” Seriously? Your employees are repairing leaks on a regular basis; they just aren’t documenting the data to upgrade mapping. When critical parts of your infrastructure, like valves and mains, are exposed, drop a marker ball in the excavation and map it. “Our pipelines are unlocatable.” Two words; tracer wire. Natural gas utility operators began installing

tracer wire on polyethylene distribution systems beginning in the late 70’s and early 80’s so every system installed since that time period is locatable. Developing an effective supply-side water efficiency program requires consideration of future impact to the system by Excavators; by installing tracer wire on all new installations, and mapping existing infrastructure, you will be able to locate the lines in that part of the system from that point forward.

Participating in 811 notification system just makes good business sense and is one of the most cost efficient methods of keeping drinking water in the pipe until it reaches the consumer. Consider that other drinking water providers are already participating in the Texas811 notification system and achieving spectacular results. For example, the City of Fort Worth water utility reduced third party damage to their system by a whopping 72% within the first year after registering with Texas811.

In closing, participation in the Texas 811notification system and locating underground facilities ahead of construction is a fundamental water loss control measure. It is not only the smart thing to do; it is the right thing when it comes to preserving our most precious commodity.

For additional information, www.texas811.org


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TWDB NEWS: Groundwater Monitoring By, Texas Water Development Board

Many Texas homeowners, farmers, water suppliers, and industries have something in common: they are using water from an aquifer. If you’re a member of one of these groups, how do you know how much groundwater there is or whether its quality is good? The answers to these questions matter whether or not Texas is in a drought. Our Groundwater Monitoring staff is the only statewide

entity that helps people-including citizens, water suppliers, and industries-know and understand the changes that take place in their wells over time. Nine staff members cover the entire state, collecting and disseminating groundwater data from nearly 8,000 wells and

collecting samples for water quality analysis at nearly 600 wells and springs. Nearly 160 wells across the state are equipped with automatic water-level recorders that transmit real-time data to our Web site. Together with nearly 50 groundwater conservation districts, the U.S. Geological Survey, and other municipalities, our staff collected and compiled nearly 25,000 measurements last year. Using steel tape, electric line, sonic detectors, pressure gauges, and satellite telemetry, our Groundwater Monitoring staff keeps track of changes in aquifer quality over time and depth to water in wells. These details help people understand the changes happening in their wells, help planners predict changes of groundwater in storage, and help groundwater conservation districts develop drought triggers. Both historic and current information on the depth of groundwater and its quality is vital for communities that want to expand their water supplies. All these data are entered in a groundwater database: the Water Information Integration and Dissemination (WIID) System, which uses internet-based mapping technology to significantly improve access to water-related data. WIID covers 137,000 wells in Texas,

including 2,100 springs. The database contains information on each well, including location, type of construction, water-level measurements, water chemistry and aquifer properties. The WIID is extremely popular-more than 21 million hits to the site have been recorded over the last year. Most importantly, the data housed on WIID are available free to the public via the TWDB Web site. Groundwater Technical Assistance Our Groundwater Technical Assistance section has one primary goal: to help all Texans understand their groundwater resources. This groundwater help desk for the state of Texas is located at the TWDB. The help we provide includes responding to emails and phone calls, making presentations at public meetings, and maintaining web tools (like the WIID System mentioned previously) that everyone can access. Have a question about your well? If it’s not in our database, we’ll look at data from nearby wells and maps to determine which aquifer you’re near, how deep you might have to drill to get a good supply of water, and what the quality of that water might be. Want to reach local groundwater regulators? TWDB can provide contact information for your groundwater conservation district, educate you about the groundwater decision making process, let you know about public meetings in your area, and help you use the WIID. TWDB also reviews the management plans of Texas’ groundwater conservation districts. These plans are submitted every five years and describe a district’s goals, including how it provides the most efficient use of groundwater, controls and prevents groundwater waste, and addresses drought conditions. We also provide technical support to groundwater conservation districts across the state that are engaged in joint


planning and management of groundwater resources. Technical assistance has ranged from engaging in basic research on aquifer conditions to developing and using groundwater availability models to assist in the preparation of desired future conditions. Our staff have participated in public meetings for groundwater managers as well as given technical presentations and seminars to groundwater stakeholders and other water professionals. Finally, our Groundwater Technical Assistance section helps review loans before we issue them to water entities. We determine, based on the State Water Plan and water quality data, whether there will be enough water for the life of the loan. Groundwater Availability Modeling In 1999, the TWDB began developing a groundwater availability model to help water planners working on their regional water plans assess how much groundwater was in a portion of the Trinity Aquifer. Largely due to the success of that model, in 2001 the Texas Legislature provided funding for the TWDB to develop additional models for the state’s aquifers and TWDB’s Groundwater Availability Modeling program began in earnest. Known as GAMs in TWDB parlance, groundwater availability models are three-dimensional, numerical computer models based on hydrogeologic principles, various aquifer measurements and stakeholder guidance. Because groundwater is difficult to observe and measure, water planners need assistance in gauging how much groundwater is and will be available under various conditions. These models provide that critical information. The first models proved so important to the water planning process that the legislature later mandated the development of models for all the aquifers in the state. There are nine major and 21 minor aquifers in Texas, and all but nine of the minor aquifers have now been modeled. Of those remaining

nine, studies are underway for seven aquifers. These numbers, however, do not tell the whole story. Because many of the state’s aquifers are very large and complex, they required more than one model. Since 1999 our modeling team and other collaborators have developed more than 38 models for Texas aquifers, with an additional three scheduled for completion this year. In 2005, the groundwater availability models became even more essential to water planning efforts when the legislature established a new process for managing groundwater. The process requires that regional water planning groups and groundwater conservation districts use modeled available groundwater values based on the desired future conditions of aquifers. Groundwater availability models are used to determine those values. In the first round of this new process, our modeling staff assisted groundwater conservation districts by conducting numerous model runs on various aquifers to estimate groundwater availability values. All told, our staff performed 166 model runs to assist the districts with decisions on the desired future conditions for their groundwater resources. Since the program began in 2001, our staff has completed 450 model runs and related model exercises. In almost all cases, the models are the default

tool for estimating modeled available groundwater values from desired future conditions.

TWDB’s groundwater availability modeling program is the only one of its kind in the United States. No other state has attempted to model all of its aquifers. Given the size of Texas, the accomplishments of the modeling program are even more impressive. The models, though, are more than just nifty scientific tools. Armed with the

models’ predictions, Texans can make more informed decisions about their water supplies and the fiscal resources necessary to manage them.


TCEQ NEWS: Public Drinking Water Program Staff Guidance By, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality


CLARIFICATION – PROCESS CONTROL DUTIES AND DIRECT SUPERVISION. Rules Affected: 30 TAC §§30.5, 30.381, 290.38(63), 290.46(e), and 290.46(f)(3)(A)(vii)

I. Background: As stated in 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §290.39(a), the Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC), Chapter 341, Subchapter C, describes the duties of the commission relating to the regulation and control of public drinking water systems in the state. Specifically, THSC §341.034(b) requires a person who performs process control duties in production or distribution of drinking water for a public water system (PWS) to hold a license issued by the TCEQ under Texas Water Code (TWC), Chapter 37, unless the duties are provided to a transient, noncommunity (TNC) water system and the water system uses groundwater that is not under the influence of surface water. However, any person who operates a PWS on a contractual basis, even a TNC water system, must be registered with the TCEQ under TWC Chapter 37.

While PWSs may employ or contract with licensed operators to perform process control duties, they also employ or contract with non-licensed individuals to assist with PWS operations. The TCEQ regional offices issue citations to individuals that are performing process control duties without a license or holding an inappropriate level of license as required by the rules. Issues of noncompliance have occurred when interpretation of the requirements have differed between regional offices and the regulated community.

Additionally, the rules do not define “direct supervision,” which has resulted in the supervision requirement also being applied inconsistently by the regional offices and the regulated community. Therefore, direct supervision must be defined so both the process control duty requirement and the direct supervision requirement can be enforced consistently across

the state. This document seeks to provide guidance regarding compliance with the process control duties and direct supervision requirements.

II. Performing Process Control Duties:As stated above, a person performing process control duties must be licensed under TWC Chapter 37, the rules for which can be found in 30 TAC Chapter 30 (Occupational Licenses and Registrations). In accordance with 30 TAC §290.38(63), process control duties are activities that directly affect the potability of public drinking water and include

• making decisions regarding the day-to-day operations and maintenance of PWS

production and distribution;

• maintaining system pressures;

• determining the adequacy of disinfection and disinfection procedures;

• taking routine microbiological samples;

• taking chlorine residuals and microbiological samples after repairs or installation of lines or

appurtenances;

• operating chemical feed systems, filtration, disinfection, or pressure maintenance

equipment; or

• performing other duties approved by the Executive Director (ED).

An individual must hold a Class “D” or higher PWS operator license to perform any process control duties listed in the definition.

III. Activities in the Distribution System: The TCEQ has determined that the following distribution

system activities are not considered process control duties and can be accomplished by an unlicensed individual:

1) line leak repair;

2) water meter reading;

3) water line excavation;

4) disinfection procedures for new water line installation and water storage rehabilitation;

5) distribution flushing (i.e., flushing fire hydrants1);

6) operation of valves within distribution lines;

7) new construction;

8) water well and service pump replacement; and

9) water storage and pressure maintenance facility inspection.

1 The rules do not specifically require systems to take residual samples during a flushing event, but the TCEQ highly encourages the practice to ensure that the lines have been flushed adequately. If the residuals are checked by the system in conjunction with fire hydrant flushing, then the individual checking the residuals must be licensed because he or she is determining the adequacy of disinfection. In other words, residual checks cannot be performed by an unlicensed individual, even under the direct supervision of a licensed person.

2 The provision does not allow a Class “D” operator to adjust or modify the treatment processes at a surface water treatment plant unless an operator who holds a Class “C” or higher surface license is present at the plant and has issued specific instructions regarding the proposed adjustment. The Class “C” or higher licensee must be physically on-site while those duties are being performed. However, the TCEQ may grant an exception to the rule on a case-

Continued on next page September 2012 TEXAS WATER UTILITIES JOURNAL www.twua.org

by-case basis and in accordance with 30 TAC §290.39(l).

To ensure that public health standards are met, the unlicensed individual must be directly supervised in accordance with 30 TAC §290.46(e), which states that the production, treatment, and distribution facilities at a PWS must be operated at all time under the direct supervision of a water works operator who holds an applicable and valid license.

IV. Direct Supervision: Direct supervision is the oversight of the operations and/or maintenance of a PWS by an operator who holds an applicable, valid license issued under 30 TAC Chapter 30. Direct supervision can be accomplished on-site or by remote means, including but not limited to telephone and radio, with the exception of those processes covered by the 30 TAC §290.46(e)(6)(D) requirement.2 In the context of directly supervising someone who is performing process control duties or activities, this means that the licensed operator would have to provide oversight of the activity either by being present on-site or available to the person by remote means. In other words, the operator does not need to be physically

present while the work is being performed, but the person performing the work needs to be able to access the operator at all times while performing the work.

If an individual holds a license but does not hold the highest level of license that is required for the system according to 30 TAC §290.46(e), then the individual must always perform process control duties under the direct supervision of an operator with the required level of license for that system.

V. Operators-in-Training: An individual entering the field of PWS operation for the first time who has less than one year of experience and is in training to perform process control duties in production or distribution of public drinking water may be classified as an operator-in-training (OIT) in accordance with 30 TAC §30.387(4). Under 30 TAC §30.402(b), an OIT is exempt from the licensing requirements and can perform process control duties without being licensed. However, due to public health and safety concerns, an OIT must be supervised at all times. To do otherwise would allow a person who has not

gone through the necessary TCEQ training and testing to carry out the same activities as a licensed operator. Therefore, an OIT may conduct process control duty activities, but that individual must always perform those duties under the direct supervision of a licensed operator holding the highest level of license required at the system by rule. Furthermore, the licensed operator directly supervising the OIT will need to sign for any activities that require a signature, such as routine bacteriological sampling. The OIT must become a licensed operator before the end of the one-year OIT period if he or she wishes to continue to perform process control duties.

VI. Conclusion: An individual must hold a Class “D” or higher PWS operator license to perform process control duties. The TCEQ has identified certain distribution system activities (Section III) that are not considered process control duties and can be performed by an unlicensed individual under the direct supervision required by 30 TAC §290.46(e).

Direct supervision means that a licensed operator is providing oversight of process control duties (Section II) or distribution system activities (Section III), either by being physically present on-site or available by remote means. An OIT may perform process control duties, but that individual must always perform those duties under the direct supervision of a licensed operator holding the highest level of license that is required by 30 TAC §290.46(e) for the system.

A TCEQ investigator may issue a field citation or other enforcement action against an unlicensed individual performing process control duties or for performing the activities in Section III while not under the direct supervision of a licensed individual.

Finalized and Approved by: Elston Johnson, Manager, xx/xx/2011

If no formal expiration date has been established for this staff guidance, it will remain in effect until superseded or canceled.

§290.38(60) Process control duties - Activities that directly affect the potability of public drinking water, including: making decisions regarding the day-to-day

operations and maintenance of public water system production and distribution; maintaining system pressures; determining the adequacy of disinfection and disinfection procedures; taking routine microbiological samples; taking chlorine residuals and microbiological samples after repairs or installation of lines or appurtenances; and operating chemical feed systems, filtration, disinfection, or pressure maintenance equipment; or performing other duties approved by the executive director.

Any comments offered below are in no way meant in a negative way toward any TCEQ staff member. I apologize now if my comments offend or appear to be directed toward staff. I want to be clear; the following is the opinion of Russell Hamilton as an operator and it is not automatically the opinion or position of TWUA.

A few of my thoughts, related to the Guidance Document and the above 290 rule. My initial thought is that a “staff guidance” does not trump a rule. Meaning a “guidance” document is not enforceable but a rule is. Inspectors and regional staff may be educated and directed to comply with the guidance, thereby stopping the issuance of field citations; but the language in rule is in effect until revised or repealed due to a legislative act.

This issue is something that should have the interest of all licensed operators. Should the language of this guidance make it to rule; I have only been able to identify a couple of duties or tasks where a Distribution License would be needed in the future. Collecting a sample, testing for chlorine residual, or adjusting a chlorinator setting are about the only tasks that I can come up with that would require a license.

What started all this discussion? If you remember back to 2007, field inspectors began checking utility workers if they happened to be driving by and observed work being performed such as; water leak repairs, service taps, or other maintenance type work being performed on a water distribution system. If the work being performed was deemed a “process control” task or duty and no one at the

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worksite could produce a TCEQ license – a field citation was issued.

When this issue was first taken to the TCEQ Drinking Water section, the intent was to define and clarify what duties are considered Process Control and what Direct Supervision is. What came five years later from all this discussion is the Guidance Document above.

What does this guidance mean? Again this is simply my humble opinion; but as budgets become strained what is typically the first area examined to reduce expenditures? The answer a lot times is staff. If a management team or governing board is provided the option of paying a licensed operator a higher wage; versus hiring several lower waged non-licensed workers – what typically happens? Another way to look at it is if you are the manager and you are told or due to rule changes it is implied that it is no longer required to staff a person with a Distribution

License, how long can you justify having a licensed person on your payroll or compensating this person fairly for his or her knowledge and experience?

I am very concerned about the concept of remote supervision and the effectiveness of supervision from a “cell phone” or “other electronic means” with especially with no requirement for the licensed person to be within the geographical boundaries of the provider or within a certain response time or within X number of miles of the entity or water provider. As I mentioned in the meetings – what will keep a licensed operator from moving to the Bahamas and providing a satellite phone and marketing the license in order to provide compliance to this guidance? (for a nominal fee of course)

Does anyone see a problem with opening a water main line and not being required to have someone

onsite who is licensed to oversee the work? What happens to disinfection requirements? What happens to protecting and assuring public health and safety?

Will this guidance open the door for the use of untrained “day workers” or contracting with a private utility contractor to provide what was once considered process control duties?

Is this guidance a major step backwards and was there enough thought or concern given toward public health and safety?

If you have feeling either way, please voice your thoughts and feelings to TCEQ staff and to those that have the ability to enact legislation that would resolve these and any of your concerns.

Next month I will have another article regarding this issue whereby I take an in-depth at the guidance and the rule.

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Texas Engineering Extension ServiceInfrastructure Training & Safety Institute

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teex.org/water | [email protected]

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WATER OPERATOR CLASS A CHRISTIAN, HOWARD ESQUIBEL, MICHAEL WYBLE, JEFFREY D CLASS D ARRIAGA, ELEAZAR C ARTHURTON, JOEL BEARDEN, WILLIAM J BOUNDS, ROCKY D BRANNAN, BILLIE D CANTU, MARTIN JR CARLSON, MATTHEW A CLARK, CARLEIS R CLAWSON, TRAVIS M PG COLEMAN, JAMES R COSPER, CHAD R DAVIDSON, DANIEL L DAVIS, CLARENCE G DAVIS, JASON D DEAN, JOHN A JR DRAKE, TERRY L DUNN, TONY W FISHER, DAVID C FOX, WILLIAM J FREDERICK, JASON D GERINGER, BRANDON J GILSTRAP, DAVID R GOBELLAN, ROGELIO SR GRAHAM, JASON D GRAHAM, JEFF D GRAYER, DEWAYNE GREENE, CORA L HENDRICK, LONNY D HERING, JACQUELYN A HERNANDEZ, ASAEL HIXSON, JONATHAN E HOLCOMB, TYRONE M HOLT, GREGORY HUGHES, DONNY HUNT, TRAVIS J KELLEY, PATRICK D KENNE, CODY O KOROS, JONATHAN M MACKELBURG, KEVIN B MANRY, ZACHARY A MARTINEZ, TOMAS L I MCDOWELL, JORDAN M MEDFORD, KENDELL M MEDINA, ABRAHAM MIMS, JOHN W MITCHELL, AMANDA L MOORE, NATHAN A MORROW, AIMEE L MORTON, TAMMIE R NALUPARAIL, JOSEPH T NGUYEN, DUONG M NOTTINGHAM, ROY A PINA, EDDIE E JR PITTMAN, DANIEL R

WATER OPERATOR CLASS A CHRISTIAN, HOWARD ESQUIBEL, MICHAEL WYBLE, JEFFREY D CLASS D ARRIAGA, ELEAZAR C ARTHURTON, JOEL BEARDEN, WILLIAM J BOUNDS, ROCKY D BRANNAN, BILLIE D CANTU, MARTIN JR CARLSON, MATTHEW A CLARK, CARLEIS R CLAWSON, TRAVIS M PG COLEMAN, JAMES R COSPER, CHAD R DAVIDSON, DANIEL L DAVIS, CLARENCE G DAVIS, JASON D DEAN, JOHN A JR DRAKE, TERRY L DUNN, TONY W FISHER, DAVID C FOX, WILLIAM J FREDERICK, JASON D GERINGER, BRANDON J GILSTRAP, DAVID R GOBELLAN, ROGELIO SR GRAHAM, JASON D GRAHAM, JEFF D GRAYER, DEWAYNE GREENE, CORA L HENDRICK, LONNY D HERING, JACQUELYN A HERNANDEZ, ASAEL HIXSON, JONATHAN E HOLCOMB, TYRONE M HOLT, GREGORY HUGHES, DONNY HUNT, TRAVIS J KELLEY, PATRICK D KENNE, CODY O KOROS, JONATHAN M MACKELBURG, KEVIN B MANRY, ZACHARY A MARTINEZ, TOMAS L I MCDOWELL, JORDAN M MEDFORD, KENDELL M MEDINA, ABRAHAM MIMS, JOHN W MITCHELL, AMANDA L MOORE, NATHAN A MORROW, AIMEE L MORTON, TAMMIE R NALUPARAIL, JOSEPH T NGUYEN, DUONG M NOTTINGHAM, ROY A PINA, EDDIE E JR PITTMAN, DANIEL R POTTS, TERRY D QUEENAN, ROBERT A RAMIREZ, ROBERT M SCOTT, JOHN L SCOTT, TIMOTHY G SHAWMEDE, ANTHONY SMITH, MARLIN D SMITH, ROBERT D SPINK, STEVEN C SWOPE, AMANDA C TORRES, DANIEL SR TROCCHIO, JOHN P II WILSON, JASON D WILSON, PATRICK D WOODS, ANA I YBARRA, GARY G YOUNG, KENNETH C

GROUND WATER TREATMENT CLASS B WATKINS, THOMAS YIN, JOHN D CLASS C DIAL, BEAU K DONAHOO, JEFFREY FARR, ANDREW P FORD, TERRY L GREGET, TODD A HENRY, CHARLES B IGLESIAS, EDUARDO LOZANO, JOSEPH P NEECE, BRANDON D OLDEN, JUSTIN C THOMAS, JONATHAN B VALENZUELA, FEDERICO JR WRIGHT, GLENZIL R SURFACE WATER TREATMENT CLASS B HESKETT, TREVER L IVES, DANIEL D MCKETHAN, JOSHUA L NESMITH, GREGG W RESENDEZ, GUADALUPE O SALDIVAR, GERARDO E SMITH, SARAI E CLASS C CAFFEY, GUY S DAVIS, DEBRA C GILBREATH, MILOUS D HILL, DANNY K LITTLEJOHN, DEREK B MATHESON, MICHAEL L OLIVAS, ERIK S PENA, STEPHEN B PROCTOR, WILLIAM L QUIJANO, VICTOR JR REYNOLDS, RYAN J SMALLIN, GAIL L STEVENS, WILLIAM R STUFFLET, LAURENCE WATER DISTRIBUTION CLASS B IVEY, CHRISTOPHER JONES, DAVID A

GROUND WATER TREATMENT CLASS B WATKINS, THOMAS YIN, JOHN D CLASS C DIAL, BEAU K DONAHOO, JEFFREY FARR, ANDREW P FORD, TERRY L GREGET, TODD A HENRY, CHARLES B IGLESIAS, EDUARDO LOZANO, JOSEPH P NEECE, BRANDON D OLDEN, JUSTIN C THOMAS, JONATHAN B VALENZUELA, FEDERICO JR WRIGHT, GLENZIL R SURFACE WATER TREATMENT CLASS B HESKETT, TREVER L IVES, DANIEL D MCKETHAN, JOSHUA L NESMITH, GREGG W RESENDEZ, GUADALUPE O SALDIVAR, GERARDO E SMITH, SARAI E CLASS C CAFFEY, GUY S DAVIS, DEBRA C GILBREATH, MILOUS D HILL, DANNY K LITTLEJOHN, DEREK B MATHESON, MICHAEL L OLIVAS, ERIK S PENA, STEPHEN B PROCTOR, WILLIAM L QUIJANO, VICTOR JR REYNOLDS, RYAN J SMALLIN, GAIL L STEVENS, WILLIAM R STUFFLET, LAURENCE WATER DISTRIBUTION CLASS B IVEY, CHRISTOPHER JONES, DAVID A


LICENSES ISSUED: JULY 2012

KIRKPATRICK, EVAN D MCGEE, ANTHONY P WALLACE, ROBBY L WHITEWAY, MANUEL A CLASS C ALEJO, MIGUEL A ALFONSO, ESTEBAN B AYERS, JAMARCUS W BRIGGS, GREGORY S CANTU, RAFAEL SR CARVER, JOHN P ENGELHARDT, MARKUS M FINLEY, JAMES A FOWLER, TOBEY G GONZALEZ, ALFREDO JR HAFFNER, JON E HOLBROOK, BRENT W JOHNSON, KURT C JONES, CLINT M LAMBERT, ADAM C LONEY, AARON L MARTINEZ, GREGORY D III MINOSKY, TIMOTHY J PICASO, STEVE A REED, MARK A SANDWICK, PATRICK J SMITH, STEPHEN B TAYLOR, CLAYTON L VOTAW, RODNEY E WEBER, PAULA D

KIRKPATRICK, EVAN D MCGEE, ANTHONY P WALLACE, ROBBY L WHITEWAY, MANUEL A CLASS C ALEJO, MIGUEL A ALFONSO, ESTEBAN B AYERS, JAMARCUS W BRIGGS, GREGORY S CANTU, RAFAEL SR CARVER, JOHN P ENGELHARDT, MARKUS M FINLEY, JAMES A FOWLER, TOBEY G GONZALEZ, ALFREDO JR HAFFNER, JON E HOLBROOK, BRENT W JOHNSON, KURT C JONES, CLINT M LAMBERT, ADAM C LONEY, AARON L MARTINEZ, GREGORY D III MINOSKY, TIMOTHY J PICASO, STEVE A REED, MARK A SANDWICK, PATRICK J SMITH, STEPHEN B TAYLOR, CLAYTON L VOTAW, RODNEY E WEBER, PAULA D WASTEWATER COLLECTION CLASS I ALFONSO, ESTEBAN ANDERSON, FLOYD H BARBEE, MAJO R E IV BILBREY, JIMMIE B CALVO, JOSE D SR FACUNDO, JOSE E HOLT, GREGORY HYATT, BOBBY O JOHNS, JOE E II MARTINEZ, ADAM R MAYS, DONALD D RAY, SEAN H RIVERA ADORNO, JOEDI SACHTLEBEN, MELISSA SMITH, COY L WIATREK, REGAN L CLASS II ABBOTT, TIMOTHY R BIMAGE, RODNEY B SR CONNELL, GERALD S IV DAILEY, ROWDY C DURHAM, KENNETH R GARZA, BENITO HUGHES, LANCE L HYMAN, LOUIS J II LEADER, CHRISTOPHER N LONEY, AARON L NOEL, BRUCE A ORTEGON, ISIDRO JR REESE, TROY L JR ROSE, CHRIS B SANCHEZ, DAVID P CLASS III ABENDROTH, JOEL D ANTUNEZ, AURORA P BILDERBACK, PATRICK K HARRIS, MICHAEL D HINES, JOE E PRESCOD, DANTE M WASTEWATER TREATMENT CLASS A CHAVEZ, JOSE A SR DE LEON, SIGIFREDO JR DEE, WILLIAM L FARGUSON, ADAM N KOHO, STEPHEN B MOODY, RUSSELL D SAVOY, CLAYMOND C STUDIVANT, ELLERY W TIJERINA, EDGAR E

WASTEWATER COLLECTION CLASS I ALFONSO, ESTEBAN ANDERSON, FLOYD H BARBEE, MAJO R E IV BILBREY, JIMMIE B CALVO, JOSE D SR FACUNDO, JOSE E HOLT, GREGORY HYATT, BOBBY O JOHNS, JOE E II MARTINEZ, ADAM R MAYS, DONALD D RAY, SEAN H RIVERA ADORNO, JOEDI SACHTLEBEN, MELISSA SMITH, COY L WIATREK, REGAN L CLASS II ABBOTT, TIMOTHY R BIMAGE, RODNEY B SR CONNELL, GERALD S IV DAILEY, ROWDY C DURHAM, KENNETH R GARZA, BENITO HUGHES, LANCE L HYMAN, LOUIS J II LEADER, CHRISTOPHER N LONEY, AARON L NOEL, BRUCE A ORTEGON, ISIDRO JR REESE, TROY L JR ROSE, CHRIS B SANCHEZ, DAVID P CLASS III ABENDROTH, JOEL D ANTUNEZ, AURORA P BILDERBACK, PATRICK K HARRIS, MICHAEL D HINES, JOE E PRESCOD, DANTE M WASTEWATER TREATMENT CLASS A CHAVEZ, JOSE A SR DE LEON, SIGIFREDO JR DEE, WILLIAM L FARGUSON, ADAM N KOHO, STEPHEN B MOODY, RUSSELL D SAVOY, CLAYMOND C STUDIVANT, ELLERY W TIJERINA, EDGAR E CLASS B ADAMS, ERIC A BENNER, BRIAN D CANTU, EUGENIO DUPRAY, BRUCE R GRANADO, SHAWN L GUTIERREZ, ALBERT J HODGE, LARRY J JR MCBEE, JASON B MILLER, RUSSELL W PEREZ, LUIS R PYAWASAY, DARRYL J SCHREIBER, JAMES O SEIGLER, JAMES A JR SMITH, BRAD S WRIGHT, WESLEY O CLASS C BLACK, LARRY A BLAIR, JOE F DICK, RICKEY L ESPEN, SCOTT D FRANCLEMONT, ALEX E GOERTZ, CRAIG W HUFFMEYER, ANDREW F II JAIMES, LUIS JONES, WILLIAM D II KING, JOSHUA W KOCH, MARK I LIONBERGER, LOTIS L MCADOO, MATTHEW E MCCREERY, JARED J MONTANTE, RAFAEL O NICHOLS, RONNIE G PRUSKI, ROGER E ROBERTSON, RANDY J YBARRA, JUAN JR CLASS D ALLEN, RODNEY BALDWIN, LARRY HAIRE, KACI T HARDT, ELMO W HARRINGTON, MICHAEL D HENDERSON, SCOTTY M HERING, JACQUELYN A HOLDEN, JAMIE E HOLM, BRIAN A JAMES, GARY W JEAN, JOHN B KILLION, JAMES A LADUE, JOSHUA M MANNING, BRIAN W MARTINEZ, VIDAL J NOLAN, DANIEL P OVERALL, KASH D REEVES, MARK T RICO, ANDRES SABRSULA, SHANE A


CLASS B ADAMS, ERIC A BENNER, BRIAN D CANTU, EUGENIO DUPRAY, BRUCE R GRANADO, SHAWN L GUTIERREZ, ALBERT J HODGE, LARRY J JR MCBEE, JASON B MILLER, RUSSELL W PEREZ, LUIS R PYAWASAY, DARRYL J SCHREIBER, JAMES O SEIGLER, JAMES A JR SMITH, BRAD S WRIGHT, WESLEY O CLASS C BLACK, LARRY A BLAIR, JOE F DICK, RICKEY L ESPEN, SCOTT D FRANCLEMONT, ALEX E GOERTZ, CRAIG W HUFFMEYER, ANDREW F II JAIMES, LUIS JONES, WILLIAM D II KING, JOSHUA W KOCH, MARK I LIONBERGER, LOTIS L MCADOO, MATTHEW E MCCREERY, JARED J MONTANTE, RAFAEL O NICHOLS, RONNIE G PRUSKI, ROGER E ROBERTSON, RANDY J YBARRA, JUAN JR CLASS D ALLEN, RODNEY BALDWIN, LARRY HAIRE, KACI T HARDT, ELMO W HARRINGTON, MICHAEL D HENDERSON, SCOTTY M HERING, JACQUELYN A HOLDEN, JAMIE E HOLM, BRIAN A JAMES, GARY W JEAN, JOHN B KILLION, JAMES A LADUE, JOSHUA M MANNING, BRIAN W MARTINEZ, VIDAL J NOLAN, DANIEL P OVERALL, KASH D REEVES, MARK T RICO, ANDRES SABRSULA, SHANE A SCOGGINS, MATTHEW L SILVA, JOSEPH J SIMONS, RALPH C THOENE, CURTIS M TYE, LAURA F WATSON, CARRIE L WILKERSON, BENJAMIN C

Licensing Review Questions

Answers to Licensing Review:1.C 2.D 3.A 4.B

BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY TESTER ADAMS, MITCHELL O BARBEE, JUSTIN W BAYER, CHAD A BEAN, RONALD R JR BRETADO, RUBEN JR CARRILLO, ROMAN COLE, ERNEST S JR COLLINS, RONALD L DISCHER, JEFFERY JR DRUM, MICHAEL ELLISON, KADE R FARMER, RONALD C FENDLEY, MEAGAN L FLORES, GEORGE FLOWERS, FLOYD JR FREESE, ROBERT R GARCIA, SAMUEL R GILL, DAVID B GONZALES, DAVID GONZALEZ, CARLOS A HALEY, DAVID W HALL, DAVID A HAMMETT, JOSHUA D HAMMOND, SHAUN C HAWKINS, ROBERT H HELGESON, GREGORY HOWARD, ROBERT W HUSELTON, JAMES W HYDE, KELL Y W INGRAM, KIRK J LEACH, ANDREW M LEGRAND, JEFFREY D LEON, DAVID LUDWIG, ADAM D LUGO, JORGE A LUNA, JUVENAL LUSE, CHARLIE W LUXEM, TODD A MCKEEVER, MICHAEL MELENDEZ, JOSE S MEYERS, DAVID A MILLER, TERRY J MORPHIS, CLIFTON C NICHOLS, JEREMY NOFFSINGER, STEVE R NUNEZ, JESUS M PATTERSON, MARK L PINNER, ROBERT B POE, KYLE R POLK, BRIAN L PORFIRIO, RUI M RICKS, RAY G ROBERTS, BERYL ROLLINS, TREMAYNE SEXTON, ANDREW K SHAW, CHRISTOPHER L SHEPHERD, WAYNE M SMITH, GARY W SMITH, SCOTT T STANUSH, STEVEN R VAQUERA, SEBASTIAN

BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY TESTER ADAMS, MITCHELL O BARBEE, JUSTIN W BAYER, CHAD A BEAN, RONALD R JR BRETADO, RUBEN JR CARRILLO, ROMAN COLE, ERNEST S JR COLLINS, RONALD L DISCHER, JEFFERY JR DRUM, MICHAEL ELLISON, KADE R FARMER, RONALD C FENDLEY, MEAGAN L FLORES, GEORGE FLOWERS, FLOYD JR FREESE, ROBERT R GARCIA, SAMUEL R GILL, DAVID B GONZALES, DAVID GONZALEZ, CARLOS A HALEY, DAVID W HALL, DAVID A HAMMETT, JOSHUA D HAMMOND, SHAUN C HAWKINS, ROBERT H HELGESON, GREGORY HOWARD, ROBERT W HUSELTON, JAMES W HYDE, KELL Y W INGRAM, KIRK J LEACH, ANDREW M LEGRAND, JEFFREY D LEON, DAVID LUDWIG, ADAM D LUGO, JORGE A LUNA, JUVENAL LUSE, CHARLIE W LUXEM, TODD A MCKEEVER, MICHAEL MELENDEZ, JOSE S MEYERS, DAVID A MILLER, TERRY J MORPHIS, CLIFTON C NICHOLS, JEREMY NOFFSINGER, STEVE R NUNEZ, JESUS M PATTERSON, MARK L PINNER, ROBERT B POE, KYLE R POLK, BRIAN L PORFIRIO, RUI M RICKS, RAY G ROBERTS, BERYL ROLLINS, TREMAYNE SEXTON, ANDREW K SHAW, CHRISTOPHER L SHEPHERD, WAYNE M SMITH, GARY W SMITH, SCOTT T STANUSH, STEVEN R VAQUERA, SEBASTIAN VEGA, JOSE C IV WALDROP, DAVID C WARD, RUSSELL A WASSON, JOSHUA A WHEELE, STEVEN R CUSTOMER SERVICE INSPECTOR BROCK, JIMMIE E BROOKS, JEROD A CARDONA, PRECILIANO DUNCAN, CHRISTOPHER FITCH, JOHN T FRAHM, ROBERT A JR FRANKS, KAREN F GORE, JON C GREEN, ALVIN D HOLLEY, RICHARD R KE ITH, LOYD G LABELLE, JEREMY D LAIRD, ERIC W LINDBERG, STEVE P JR MCADA, EUGENE R MEADOR, CHARLES D OWENS, JOHN A SHOOK, MICHAEL R SIFUENTES, RAYMOND TAYLOR, DOUGLAS A YOUNG, CLIFTON K PE

(1). Taste and Odor issues in groundwater are typically caused by: a. High pH b. Low pH c. Hydrogen Sulfide d. Carbon Dioxide e. Zinc and Copper

(2). In most surface water one will find the following indicators: a. Chemicals. Petroleum byproducts, Algae, Bacteria b. Protozoa, Nematodes, Nitrates, Algae Petroleum c. Turbidity, Organics, Chemicals, Algae, Magnesium d. Protoza, Nematodes, Diatoms, Algae, Bacteria e. Both B & C

(3). Your primary ground water well is responsible for 1,330,000 gallons of production per day on the average. What is the approximate production in gallons per minute for this well? a. 923 GPM b. 1,440 GPM c. 1,760 GPM d. 2,216 GPM e. 5,958 GPM

(4). Ammonia is present in most surface water and is added at surface water and GUI plants. The ammonia reacts with hypochlorus acid to form: a. Chlorine b. Chloramines c. Ozone d. Chlorine Dioxide e. None of the above

ELECTRICIANPerforms assigned duties as necessary to inspect, troubleshoot, repair, construct, retrofit and otherwise maintain electrical systems and related equipment for the District’s water and wastewater treatment systems and other facilities. Typical/Essential Duties: 1)Inspects, troubleshoots, repairs, and otherwise maintains electrical systems for water and wastewater treatment plants, meter vaults, lift stations, pump stations, storage tanks, and related facilities. Duties include maintenance and repair of medium-service electrical systems, switchgears, transformers and related equipment. 2) Performs general facility/building electrical maintenance, to include repair and maintenance of lighting, battery back-up, security, and HVAC systems. 3) Constructs and retrofits electrical systems as part of, or in conjunction with, new construction or existing building/facility modification. 4) In accordance with applicable electric standards and requirements, performs preventative maintenance on electrical systems as needed or required to ensure consistent and reliable operation. 5) Performs additional duties as assigned. Work requires specific knowledge, experience and skills of a vocational or technical nature. Knowledge, experience and skills may be obtained through the completion of four years of high school resulting in the receipt of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent, and the completion of various colleges, vocational or technical programs related to the field of electrical repair and maintenance. At least two (2) years of specifically related experience working with water or wastewater utility, municipal or industrial electrical systems is required, with three (3) to five (5) years of experience preferred. A Master or Journeyman Electrician License issued by the State of Texas is required. Must have the ability to read, analyze and understand related technical manuals, blue prints, schematics and construction plan documents. Must possess a valid Class C Texas Driver’s License. Must be able to pass applicable pre-employment Drug Screen, Physical, and Background and Credit Checks. Position is considered “Open until Filled.” Note: All applicants must complete an employment application

and submit it to the District’s Personnel Department in order to be considered for employment. Please visit the District’s website at www.utrwd.com to obtain an application and for instructions on how to apply. $18.11 to $23.67 (DOQ -Full Salary Range to $29.23) Upper Trinity Regional Water District Personnel, Fax resume and salary requirements to: 972-219-7519 Email resume and salary requirements to: [email protected]

ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN

Under the general supervision of the Maintenance Superintendent, pe r fo rms ass igned du t i es necessary to install, maintain, revise and repair electronic, control and instrumentation equipment related to water and wastewater treatment facilit ies; including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Wire less Elect ron ic Communication Equipment and Facility Security and Surveillance Systems. Typical/Essential Duties: 1)Performs duties to maintain SCADA systems for water and wastewater treatment systems by updating and programming software, and programming, calibrating, troubleshooting and repairing associated computers, electronic and other equipment. 2) Performs duties to maintain microwave and other electronic communication system networks by testing, troubleshooting, programming and repairing network components. 3) Performs duties to maintain security systems by programming, troubleshooting, repairing, replacing and installing security related electronic equipment, necessary to operate and monitor surveillance cameras, gates, and doors. 4) Assists the Senior Electronics Technician in reviewing construction project plans for the purpose of identifying potential problems or conflicts with existing or proposed SCADA, microwave, or security systems, and assists with preparing recommendations to resolve any such problems or conflicts. 5) Performs additional duties as assigned. Work requires specific knowledge, experience and skills

of a vocational or technical nature. Knowledge, experience and skills may be obtained through the completion of four years of high school resulting in the receipt of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent, and the completion of various colleges, vocational or technical programs related to the field of process control electronics. At least two (2) years of job related experience is required. Two (2) to four (4) years of specific job related experience performing maintenance and repair of process control instrumentation, or working with water and wastewater control and operating systems is preferred. Must have basic knowledge of Microsoft operating systems, desktop applications and networking fundamentals. Working knowledge of HMI software (Wonderware and Iconics) and programming of PLCs using Modsoft, Concept or Unity software is desired. Must have the ability to read, analyze and understand related technical manuals, schematics and construction plan documents. Must possess a valid Class C Texas Driver’s License. Must be able to pass applicable pre-employment Drug Screen, Physical, and Background and Credit Checks. Position is considered “Open until Filled.” Note: All applicants must complete an employment application and submit it to the District’s Personnel Department in order to be considered for employment. Please visit the District’s website at www.utrwd.com to obtain an application and for instructions on how to apply. $18.11 to $23.67 (DOQ - Full Salary Range to $29.23) Upper Trinity Regional Water District, Personnel Fax resume and salary requirements to: (972) 219-7519 Email resume and salary requirements to: [email protected]

OPERATOR/ OPERATOR

TRAINEEWATER OPERATOR TRAINEE Flo Water Supply Corporation is accepting applications for a FULL TIME career minded individual to play a meaningful role in our future growth. Applicants must be highly motivated, willing to attend a Water System Training course and pass a basic Water Operator test within six months of employment. The Company will pay for the cost of training and obtaining a class D or C water operator license. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, Texas driver’s license and reasonable mechanical skills. Applicants are subject to pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. This job is performed outdoors year around and occasionally requires working on weekends, holidays and after hours. Some duties include performing preventive maintenance, assisting in repairing leaks, meter reading, flushing lines and numerous other duties. Benefits include Health & Dental Insurance, paid vacation and basic holidays. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applications are available on-line at: www.netmwd.com. High School or equivalent, D.O.Q. minimum 12.00 hr. Northeast Texas Municipal Water District, Pete D. Wright, Fax resume and salary requirements to: 903-639-2208 Email resume and salary requirements to: [email protected]

TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORWater Treatment Operator to operate and maintain the City’s Water Treatment Facility. More information - www.cedarparktexas.gov HS Grad or GED + 2 yrs exp. Water Treatment Operations. Class C Surface Certification from TCEQ. $15.98 + DOQ & Certification level- City of Cedar Park: Email resume and salary requirements to: [email protected]

UTILITY SERVICE TECHNICIAN

UTILITY SERVICE TECHNICIAN TO ACCESS FULL JOB POSTING AND CLOSING DATE OR VIEW OTHER JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Job line (972)721.3773 ext 346 or www.cityofirving.org HS diploma or GED, one year water distribution system maintenance experience, Class C Water license, Class A CDL Texas DL required. City of Irving, Texas: Human Resources, Fax resume and salary requirements to: (972)721.2582 Email resume and salary requirements to: [email protected]


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