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News from Mission Communications for the Water and Wastewater Professional
Issue 9, Winter 2012
Contents
Runtime vs. Rainfall Report Detects Inflow and Infiltration
New Feature: Daily Pump Report Preferred Delivery Time
Reduce Your Community's Water Footprint
Smartphone Apps for Water and Wastewater Professionals
Using Supergraph for Everyday Operations

 

 How To Acknowledge an Alarm via Text Message

 

If you receive alarms via text messaging, acknowledge them by sending a reply text message that says "OK." 
  

 97%

of RTUs in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy remained online.

Online RTUs during Hurricane Sandy in Baltimore County, Maryland. Green icons indicate that the unit is online with no alarms. Red icons indicate that the unit is online with an alarm. Blue icons indicate that the user disabled the unit notifications.
  

 

Tradeshows

  

SD RWA Technical Conference

January 8-10

Pierre, SD

 

 NEWEA Annual Conference

January 27-30

Boston, MA

 

HWEA 2013 Conference

February 4-6

Honolulu, HI

 

Evergreen RWA Annual Conference  

February 5-7

Yakima, WA 

 

MI-AWWA/MWEA Joint Expo

February 7-9

Lansing, MI

 

CO RWA Annual Conference

February 11-14

Colorado Springs, CO

 

ND RWA Annual Conference

February 12-13

Bismarck, ND

 

NJWEA Technology Conference

March 4-6

Tinton Falls, NJ

 

MRWA Technical Conference

March 5-7

Minneapolis, MN

  

 RWAA Technical Conference

March 5-7

Chandler, AZ

  

SCEC

March 10-12

Myrtle Beach, SC

 

 IRWA 2013 Annual Conference

March 13-15

Idaho Falls, ID

 

Webinars

 

January 9

Week 2: Hardware, Instrumentation and Installation

 

January 16

Week 3: Web Portal I - Notification and Unit Setup Options

 

January 30

Week 5: Special Topics - Digital Intertie, Tank and Well, OPC and more

 

February 6

Week 1: Survey of Features

  

February 13

Week 2: Hardware, Instrumentation and Installation

 

February 27

Week 4: Web Portal II - Supergraph, Reporting, Volumetric Flow and Advanced Topics

 

March 6

Week 1: Survey of Features

 

March 13

Week 2: Hardware, Instrumentation and Installation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Runtime vs. Rainfall Report Detects Inflow and Infiltration 
Click to enlarge.

Inflow and infiltration (I and I) problems plague all sewer collection systems. Inflow is stormwater that flows into sewer systems through direct connections such as roof and foundation drains, storm drain connections and uncapped cleanouts. These sources are typically improperly connected to sanitary sewer mains. Infiltration is groundwater that seeps into sanitary sewer systems through faulty joints, cracks and areas of root intrusion in the sewer pipes. Sources of infiltration are generally the result of aging infrastructure. Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) occur as a result of inflow and infiltration. Increases in flow during rain events often cause sewer backups and overflows. When stormwater and groundwater enters the sanitary sewer system it must be treated like wastewater. SSOs reduce treatment facility sustainability and contribute to increases in fines for noncompliance. Implementing preventative measures to eliminate SSOs and CSOs is more cost effective than correcting problems as they occur.

 

The Runtime vs. Rainfall report is used during wet and dry seasons to evaluate sewer systems for potential inflow and infiltration problems and it is a cost effective alternative for initial inspection. Users can determine if inflow or infiltration is the primary source of entry into the sewer system during rainfall events. If the Runtime vs. Rainfall report shows that I and I are present, flow measurement tools can be used to more accurately measure the problem. Smoke testing, manhole inspections, dye testing and video inspection can also be used to locate points of inflow and infiltration. Duckett Creek Sanitary District (DCSD), located in O'Fallon, Missouri, incorporated many strategies to free their sewer system of inflow and infiltration issues.

 

DCSD used video inspection to inform homeowners of root intrusion in their lateral lines. Photo courtesy of Duckett Creek Sanitary District.

Prior to system improvements, annual bypass reports submitted to the EPA indicated noncompliance with federal regulations. Keith Arbuckle, Director of Engineering, collaborated with EPA officials to improve system operation and maintenance. Arbuckle began the sewer system investigation by observing the Runtime vs. Rainfall report and inspecting trunk and lateral lines with video. "When we had a significant rain event I looked at the data and it indicated that we had more inflow than infiltration because the peak flow occurred directly after the rain event. We had to battle infiltration, but it wasn't as bad as the inflow," explained Arbuckle. Video inspection unveiled cracked pipes and root intrusion. The data from the Runtime vs. Rainfall report and video inspection was used to plot locations on district maps that were in urgent need of repair. 

 

This manhole was cement lined after points of infiltration were identified. Photo courtesy of Duckett Creek Sanitary District.

"We made the decision early on in the process to focus our attention on the manholes first," stated Arbuckle. "We identified leaks in manhole covers and vandalism as a major source of our inflow problem." Excess water from golf course fairways and farm fields was being dumped into nearby manholes. "Objects ranging from large plastic Easter eggs to car transmissions obstructed the flow and had to be removed. Our goal was to eliminate vandalism. The EPA doesn't recognize these kinds of things in reports, but it is our job to make sure they don't happen," Arbuckle stated. 

 

DCSD replaced the lids on 500 manholes with sealed and locked lids. Manholes with severe cracks and holes were lined with cement. "We are still in the process of rehabilitating the system, but costs have dramatically reduced as a result of our efforts to eliminate I and I. The Runtime vs. Rainfall report gave us great insight into our problems."

 

 

 

 New Feature: Daily Pump Report Preferred Delivery Time

 

Landfill station near Kapolei, Hawaii. Photo courtesy of Waste Management.

 

Justin Lottig is the Environmental Protection Manager for Waste Management of Hawaii where he manages several municipal landfills. To better manage his email inbox he requested Mission add a feature to allow him to receive his daily pump report at a specific time of day. "I need the report in the morning before I arrive at work so I can review the pump activity for any emergency problems that need to be fixed right away. This helps us to be more proactive and responsive to problems that could potentially cost us a lot of money," Lottig explained.

 

Municipal landfills are required to keep leachate levels below the maximum amount allowed by the EPA. The M110 RTUs at the landfill provide Lottig with pump alarms and data to ensure that leachate levels are in compliance. "The Mission system reduces the risk of violation with the Hawaii State Department of Health and that alone provides peace of mind and a huge potential cost savings," Lottig stated.

    

  

To change the delivery time of the daily pump report, log in to your web portal and choose "Setup." Select "Reports", click on the wrench next to the destination and select the desired time for delivery.  

 

 

 

 

 

Reduce Your Community's Water Footprint 


1.3 billion gallons of water have been consumed in 2012 according to Worldometers. This large number can be attributed to the U.S. population doubling over the past sixty years. Water conservation is becoming an increasingly important concern. Many water-saving efforts can be made to save money and responsibly manage valuable water resources.


Rain barrels and cisterns are mature water reclamation techniques used to collect, store and distribute rainwater from rooftops. Residents and businesses use them to irrigate lawns and gardens. They are also used to reduce SSOs, CSOs and storm water management costs. Many municipalities and organizations develop and endorse rain barrel programs to educate residents and businesses about water preservation, lawn and garden watering techniques and best practices for installation.

 

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a nonprofit organization with a vast array of programs designed to educate residents on the importance of preserving the Chattahoochee River and its natural surroundings. The organization hosts education programs and awareness events like rain barrel workshops, Sweep the Hooch cleanups and floating classrooms on a local lake. The rain barrel workshops provide homeowners with a water efficiency presentation, a rain barrel, an installation kit and information on how to harvest rainwater.

 

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper hosts rain barrel workshops to educate residents and businesses about rainwater harvesting. Photo courtesy of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.
Chattahoochee Riverkeeper hosts rain barrel workshops to educate residents and businesses about rainwater harvesting. Photo courtesy of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. 

 

Since its 2009 inception, the rain barrel workshop program provided nearly 4,000 rain barrels to local residents and businesses. With an average collection of 1,300 gallons of rainwater during peak summer months, an estimated 5.2 million gallons of treated water has been saved! "Local residents are thrilled to play an active role in preserving resources," explains Sally Bethea, Executive Director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. "Our programs bring the community together to do something that will impact future generations in such a positive way."


Reclaimed or recycled water distribution systems supply communities with wastewater treated to non-potable water quality standards. Reclaimed water is used to irrigate residential gardens and landscapes, parks, landscaping along interstates and school grounds. Reclaimed water is also used for industrial processes, toilet flushing and cooling systems. One of the most noteworthy benefits of using recycled water is that less potable water is used for non-potable applications.

 

St. Petersburg, Florida maintains one of the largest reclaimed water systems in the nation with a distribution of 37 million gallons per day of recycled water provided to nearly 10,600 customers. In accordance with the Florida Legislature's Wilson-Grizzle Act of 1972, city officials committed to zero-discharge of treated wastewater into surface waters by constructing an urban reclaimed water system. The city continues to upgrade the system to expand water conservation efforts.

 

St. Petersburg displays signs to notify residents of reclaimed water use. Photo courtesy of St. Petersburg Water Resources Department.

The advanced treatment process retains trace amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus that enhance the growth of landscapes. "An estimated thirty to sixty percent of household water is used for outdoor watering. Local studies found that residential customers save an average of 300 gallons per day of potable water after reclaimed water service is provided," explains Christine Claus, the Water Conservation Coordinator for St. Petersburg Water Resources Department.  "The savings are a win for everyone - the treatment facilities, the environment and, most importantly, our customers.

 

The city also provides numerous water conservation programs that give residents and businesses incentives for implementing water efficiency measures. Water customers using these programs have helped to reduce potable water use from 41 to 28 million gallons per day since 1986 - a 32 percent reduction!

 

 

Smartphone Apps for Water and Wastewater Professionals 

Over the past several years, the surge in smartphone popularity has produced remarkable smartphone applications. Time management apps increase organization and efficiency, business apps synchronize calendars and customer relationship tools, and science/math apps educate and inspire. Whether you are an engineer, operator, plant manager or sales associate, the list below will provide you with applications that will make your job easier.

 

  1. Disinfection Calculations iOS | Android
    Calculate the amount of chlorine needed to disinfect tanks and pipes.

  2. Leak Loss Calculations   iOS | Android
    Calculate the water loss from a leak.

  3. Sizing a Chemical Pump   iOS | Android
    Determine the pump size required for your application.

  4. Percent Efficiency Calculator   iOS | Android
    Use influent and effluent values to evaluate the efficiency of the treatment process.

  5. Solar Panels Suitability Checker   iOS
    Identify the best location and angle for optimal sunlight.

  6. K-Convert   iOS| Android
    Unit conversions for industrial and process industries.

  7. Evernote   iOS | Android
    Get organized and increase productivity by recording voice reminders, taking notes and creating task lists that can be synced to other computers and devices.

  8. Voltage Drop App   iOS | Android
    Calculate the voltage loss along a wire.

  9. Wire Current Calculator   iOS
    Use this app to design or troubleshoot a circuit.

Did you download one or more apps listed above? Tell us what you think by sending an email to news@123mc.com.

 

 

Using Supergraph for Everyday Operations

 

Supergraph is a line graph which displays monitored data parameters for a specified time period. Supergraph parameters include analog channels, RTU performance information, site visits and pump data. The data can be used collectively for diagnostic purposes. Supergraph is available for M110s and M800s, but M110s do not collect real-time data for trending purposes.

 

How to Use Supergraph
To view Supergraph, log in and double-click on a square or diamond RTU icon located on the map.

 

Time Frame: Different time intervals can be selected using the duration selection tool and the calendar icon located above the graph. When viewing the graph in a shorter time frame, gaps in the data may appear due to unit check-in times.

 

Graph Parameters: Use the check mark boxes to remove or add a parameter on the graph.

 

Graph Data Display: The green line along the top of the graph indicates the connectivity status of the unit. Device performance parameters are displayed near the middle of the graph. Digital inputs configured as pump runs appear as colored lines at the bottom of the graph when the pumps are running.

 

Print: The printer icon above the graph allows you to print Supergraph. You can also convert the graph to a PDF if Adobe Acrobat is installed on your computer. Click the printer icon, select "Adobe PDF" under "Select Printer" and then click "Print."
 
Set Preferences: Set Supergraph preferences to view the same data parameters each time you log in. To change the Supergraph default preferences log in, select "Setup" on the control menu and click "Preferences." The last preference listed is "Supergraph Device Parameters Display." The device performance parameters will not be visible on the graph if "Default Off" is selected. To remove analog inputs from the graph select "Setup" > "Unit Maint" > "Edit" > under "Analog Inputs", click "Edit." The last item is "Supergraph Display." Select your preference from the drop-down menu.

 

Supergraph Solves Problems

Jim Jans, Manager of Corbett Water District located in Corbett, Oregon, received a low reservoir alarm on one of the four water reservoirs. In response, he logged into the web portal to better understand the problem. "I looked at the Supergraph for that site. The water level dropped like a lead balloon! Shortly thereafter Hans, our District Operator, called to inform me that a customer was not receiving water," Jans explained.

 

Because of the dramatic decrease in water level, Jans determined that there was a large main break below the reservoir. The Corbett Water District crew replaced 20 feet of cracked PVC pipe and the problem was resolved.

 

  

 

Supergraph provides an overview of the RTU which is helpful for system diagnosis and problem solving. Users are able to quickly resolve problems which creates shorter service interruptions and reduces unaccounted for water. Join us for the next Web Portal II webinar to learn more about Supergraph.

 
"To put your hands in a river is to feel the chords that bind the earth together." -Barry Lopez
  
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