FRWA eNews/PFAs

It was 1928 when Frigidaire patented a miracle compound called Freon, a new class of chloro-fluoro-carbons (CFCs) that were non-flammable, non-corrosive gasses of extraordinary usefulness as refrigerants. This invention brought on the advent of CFCs and ushered in a new era of organic chemistry exploration. In 1938, the semi-accidental discovery of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) revolutionized the plastics industry and, in turn, gave birth to limitless applications of benefit to mankind. As it turns out, the discovery also gave birth to what are perhaps some of the most ubiquitous and difficult to remove toxic trace contaminants of all time.

Fast forward to 1949. DuPont introduced Teflon, made at their Washington Works Plant near Parkersburg, West Virginia. The precursor chemical was made by 3M. In 1967 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zonyl, a class of PTFE powders, for use in food packaging. Zonyl was remarkable because it repelled both grease and water. It was cheap and effective and became the go-to chemistry for the packaging of many products, such as microwave popcorn, fast-food wrappers and pizza boxes.

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are generally nonflammable and non-corrosive; as close to inert as any chemicals ever synthesized. As a class, PFCs fulfill chemists dreams for materials that are relatively easy to make, and which do not have undesirable chemical properties. PFCs do not burn, degrade or react with other chemicals. Their chemical properties make PFC's particularly useful as fire retardants. more

Scholarship Opportunity

Don't forget that March 31st is the deadline to submit your application for the Curtis E. Lloyd Scholarship! Scholarships are awarded to assist students with tuition, educational fees and/or other expenses. Individual scholarships are will be awarded for up to $1,000.00. Upon completion please submit the application along with a synopsis of the applicant's educational and professional goals with as much specificity as possible. This information may be mailed to FRWA, 2970 Wellington Circle, Tallahassee FL 32309 or emailed to Amanda.Read@frwa.net

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National News

Water System Preparedness for Pandemic Influenza A pandemic could cause serious disruptions to the operations of critical infrastructure, including drinking water systems. more

Implementing the Hierarchy of Controls for Wastewater Worker Protection What to do in case of exposure to waste or sewage. more

EPA Region 4: Risk Assessment & Emergency Response Plan Training (Webinar) Thank you for your interest in registering for the Risk Assessment and Emergency Response Plan Training! On October 23, 2018. more

Introduction to Coronaviruses The recent outbreak of novel coronaviruses (COVID-19) in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China is being closely monitored as it causes acute respiratory illness and has the potential to be fatal (CDC, 2020). more

Lawmakers learn extent of water contamination issues near US military bases In one Florida case, 15 people who live near an Air Force base came down with rare forms of brain and breast cancer. more

Amid Florida fight, Debbie Wasserman Schultz proposes a tax on bottled spring A debate over spring water in Florida has Washington's attention. more

NRWA Statement on the COVID-19 Virus The National Rural Water Association continues to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and recommends all water and wastewater utilities review the best and latest information on the following trusted websites... more

Vermont Releases Reports On PFAS Chemicals Results from sampling of waste streams, identification of potential treatment options and presentation of the framework for surface water quality standard development. more

Maryland Rural Water Association (MRWA) Stands Up to State Legislation to Unfairly Advance Water Privatization Opposition to House Bill 1416 (Public Water Systems - Supplier Requirements (Water Quality Accountability Act of 2020)) more

Ransomware Attacks Prompt Tough Question for Local Officials: To Pay or Not to Pay? When cybercriminals struck Lake City, Florida, last June, city officials had to make a tough choice: Pay the hackers or restore systems on their own. more

Advice note to EHS on COVID-19 in chlorinated drinking water supplies and chlorinated swimming pools This advice note has been preparedto answer any concerns about whethercoronavirus (COVID-19 virus) can be transmitted through chlorinated drinking water supplies or swimming poolwater. more

Water, sanitation, hygiene and waste management for COVID-19 In late 2019, an acute respiratory disease emerged, known as novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). more

State News

County commissioners approve $55.5M from sales tax for 43 new projects to help lagoon | Florida Today Brevard County commissioners have approved using $55.5 million in anticipated sales tax revenue to help pay for 43 new projects aimed at helping improve the condition of the Indian River Lagoon.  more

Bill aimed at battling algae blooms headed to DeSantis | Herald Tribune Supporters call it the Clean Waterways Act, but many environmentalists doubt it will provide the clean-up needed.  more

Clay County Utility Authority hires new executive director | Florida Times Jeremy Johnston succeeds Tom Morris, who retired after working for the utility since it began operations in 1995.  more

Officials set record straight in PCB; NO boil water notice in effect | My Panhandle  A little bit of confusion in Panama City Beach has residents concerned about their water but city officials say there's no need to worry.  more

'Clean Waterways Act' passes Florida Senate; what does it mean for the state? | WINK Lawmakers are trying to make sure another water crisis doesn't happen to our state again.  more

Miami Beach Lost Half Its Sewage Capacity. Age Was Partly To Blame | WLRN  Miami Beach joined the ranks of South Florida cities battling aging sewer systems when three sewer line breaks knocked out half the city's sewer capacity last week, dumping nearly 1.4 million gallons of raw sewage into Biscayne Bay.  more

Budget conference: Florida Forever funding tripled | Florida Politics The 2020 Legislative Session will finally be the one where environmentally sensitive lands will start to climb back to funding levels enjoyed prior to the Great Recession. more

This Week in Water History

Akron Fire Impacts on Water Supply

March 11, 1869: Major fire in Akron, Ohio leads to early improvements in water service.The fire burned down all of the buildings between High and Main Streets. Soon after, the public demanded water reservoirs for fire safety. Citizens pooled their money to purchase large cisterns and in the early 1870s, eighteen cisterns were constructed throughout the city each holding 500 to 2,000 gallons. In 1880 M.S. Frost Consulting Engineers and a group of prominent local men nego tiated a deal with the city to be the sole provider of water to the city. The company would construct a water system for Akron as long as the city would agree to pay $6,750 per year for water service to fight fires and to rent 150 fire hydrants that the company would install. In 1880 the M.S. Frost and Son sold the rights of the water deal to the Akron Water Works company headed by Frank Adams and George W. Crouse.

Commentary: Without doubt, the major reason to build centralized water systems in the 19thcentury was not to provide a water supply to a city. Pressurized water systems were needed to stop cities from burning to the ground.

For more articles on what went on this week in water history, click here.

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