Technical Assistance Center for
Water Quality

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Introduction

Western Kentucky University was awarded a grant by the Environmental Protection Agency (#X826659-01-0) to establish a small public water system Technical Assistance Center (the Center). This program seeks to focus our resources and expertise toward assisting small water deliverers in achieving and maintaining capacity development. The capacity development framework offers a forum within which this Center is working with state regulatory agencies and small water systems to assist them in acquiring and maintaining technical, financial and managerial capacity needed to provide safe drinking water and achieve the public health protection goals of the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act.

Western Kentucky University has developed this Center with long range goals, and a “regional” focus. The work plan for this Center is organized into tasks that have multi-year projects all aimed at completion during a five-year program. These tasks are distinct in nature, but mutually supportive. Task 1 addresses training in managerial and financial capacity development; Task 2 provides technical capacity development in a “circuit rider” approach; Task 3 conducts field studies in 17 different watersheds in Kentucky, and analyzes methods of source water protection; Task 4 establishes a database management system and develops information tools to receive, organize, integrate and distribute project information; and Task 5 establishes a forum to identify and help evaluate innovative and alternative technology applications that can assist small system operators in the delivery of safe drinking water to their customers; Task 5 also seeks to become a Field Testing Organization (FTO) in the EPA's Environmental Testing Validation (ETV) Program.

Executive Summary

Introduction. Western Kentucky University has established a Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality for small public water systems. Information presented in this report represents efforts during the third quarter of year two of this grant.

Synopsis. This third quarter, second contract year report depicts progress in each of the aforementioned task areas. The activities of the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality during this quarter have been focused upon presenting "Utility Management 101" courses on two occasions to water utility managers throughout the state, and in the development of two additional courses in utility organization, regulation and law, and utility finance and administration. Efforts continue in the establishment of an Associates Degree at WKU in Water Utilities Management; conducting on-site technical assistance; initial sampling, and evaluation of sites used for sources of drinking water; and identifying innovative methodologies that can provide help to small systems operators.

Task 1. The introductory course in Utility Management has been developed. The complete course symposium has been offered on two occasions during the third quarter of this contract year. This 3-day course was offered as a Kentucky Rural Water Association Management Course in April 2000, and again in June 2000. Sixty managers will be trained in year 2000. Widespread acceptance of this initial course offering was received by small utility water managers from across the state. Initial responses to a needs survey for the Associates Degree program, showing that 84 personnel from 78 water systems were interested in pursuing an Associates Degree in water utility management, were very encouraging.

Task 2. The Circuit Rider Program provided on-site, hands-on technical assistance in 53 visits to small community and non-community systems this quarter. Assistance ranged from water audits and leak detection to wellhead protection and contaminant inventories. Additionally, 38 systems received direct assistance in completing their Consumer Confidence Reports.

Task 3. Work on the Source Water Protection Initiative’s two major projects, the Best Management Practices (BMP) Study and the Trihalomethane (THM) Study, each achieved scheduled progress. The third quarter of year two was marked by a return to drought conditions throughout much of the state. Regular monthly sampling for each of the seven sites continued through the third quarter of 2000 on a 28-day schedule to June 15. As in previous quarters, the contaminants identified are primarily those associated with agricultural land use activities. Recognition of pesticides at several study sites (particularly Marion) has led the BMP group to continue analyzing for pesticides metribuzin, trifluralin, atrazine, and simazine.  In the associated macroinvertebrate study, rounds one (March 2000) and two (June 2000) of sampling have been completed for Auburn, Guthrie, Cadiz, Marion, and Caneyville, and organism sorting and analysis are underway. In the THM study, we have received THM data from our second multi-watershed survey in the Ohio River and its major tributaries in Kentucky and Indiana, all of which serve as drinking water supplies. We have also continued monthly sampling protocol at one reservoir in the Salt River watershed, Taylorsville Lake, and we have begun the first mesocosm experiment assessing the relationship of THM production to algal production.

Task 4. Efforts by the Database Management and Information Tools section this quarter were focused in five areas: (1) ongoing website development as a tool for providing information to water systems; (2) development of software and information tools for the direct use of water providers themselves; (3) beginning to expand our information services to those states in EPA Region 4 beyond Kentucky; (4) ongoing construction and maintenance of the project database; and (5) reconstruction and refurbishing of donated, retired computers for use by water systems in need. A major renovation of the project's website has been undertaken. We have completed development of a computer software program for the use of small water systems in filing their Monthly Operating Reports, MOR Advisor; this software is now available for download from our website.  We have begun expansion of our data gathering and information services to the other states in EPA Region 4, and present here . Development of the project database is continuing. Finally, we have completed the rehabilitation of donated older computers for free distribution to small water systems, and have developed an Operator's Manual that will be delivered with the computers to water systems during the month of July 2000.

Task 5. This quarter's work consisted of efforts with a GIS mapping program employing a modified version of ArcView that has been customized for small water systems by Spatial Data Integrations, Inc.  A Sanitary Survey Self-Assessment Guide for groundwater systems has been completed, and a Guide for surface water systems will be completed in the fourth quarter of this contract year. Finally, a Western Spring Conference for water quality was hosted at WKU, bringing together small water operators, Kentucky Rural Water Association, states of Kentucky and Tennessee water authorities, EPA finance centers and the EPA Small Systems office. New rules and regulations were presented and discussed.

Costs invoiced during the second quarter, second year represent salary and fringe benefits for the Director. Costs also represent the efforts of administrative personnel and activities necessary to organize efforts in and among all five tasks, develop a cost accounting system and track accounts.  Administrative responsibilities further included interaction with officials in the Kentucky Division of Water, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority and the Kentucky Rural Water Association to assure that task activity was in accordance with the water quality objectives of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Director also met with and gave guidance to the Task Managers in order that our activities were in accordance with the grant technical proposal and milestone schedules.

During this quarter, the Director has worked with Brents Dickinson to finalize the Sanitary Survey Self-Assessment for groundwater, and attended the Western Spring Conference (see Task 5).

The Technical Assistance Center has acquired and modified approximately 24 386/486 personal computers (PCs) that were donated by departments within Western Kentucky University. The modification and cannibalization of these computers generated nine functional computers retrofitted with software packages that will provide small water systems with word processing and spreadsheet capabilities. We have also installed on these machines software developed by Dr. Ouida Meier and Mr. Seth Johnson of the Database Management Team that will give water systems the capability to easily generate monthly water loss reports, monthly operating reports, and annual consumer confidence reports. Internet connection capacity is also provided. These PCs are now being distributed at no cost to seven water systems based upon specific selection criteria. Technical assistance is also being provided in setting up and operating the computers.

Total administrative expenditures from 04/01/00 to 06/30/00 are $18,574. The year-to-date administrative expenditures have been $47,407 out of a second year budget of $80,814. Additionally, WKU has contributed a cumulative total of $116,591.83 through the third quarter, second year (10/01/98 - 06/30/00) of the Water Quality project for all tasks combined. The budget status of all tasks is depicted in Appendix A-1. The distribution of the WKU cost sharing among tasks is shown at Appendix A-2.

Task 1: Utility Management Institute (UMI)

I. Work Status

The goal of the UMI is to develop and deliver a series of courses to be included in a “Utility Management Professional” certification program available to system managers, operators, and office managers of water systems serving rural areas and small municipalities with populations under 10,000.

II. Discussion of Expenditures

Expenditures for this task from 04/01/99 to 06/30/00 were $24,471. The year-to-date Task 1 expenditures have been $48,675 out of a second year budget of $110,610.

III.  Key Personnel Changes

There were no personnel changes during the second quarter of the second year for Task 1.

Task 2: Circuit Rider Program

I. Work Status

The "Circuit Rider" approach to providing a combination of on-site technical assistance and training is nationally recognized as the most effective method of assisting small public water systems to comply with state and federal environmental regulations. The Circuit Rider program works in partnership with Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) to target the public water systems serving populations under 3,300, with particular emphasis on systems serving less than 500 people, that are experiencing profound difficulties in complying with SDWA provisions.

II. Discussion of Expenditures

Expenditures for this task from 04/01/99 to 06/30/00 were $16,977. The year-to-date Task 1 expenditures have been $43,308 out of a second year budget of $64,739.

III. Key Personnel Changes

There were no personnel changes for Task 2.

Task 3: Source Water Protection Initiative

I. Work Status

A. Work Progress.

Work on the Source Water Protection Initiative’s (Task 3) two major projects, the Best Management Practices Study and the Trihalomethane Study, each achieved scheduled progress.

Best Management Practices Study

The Best Management Practices Study encompasses three programs to characterize seven study site’s source-water catchments: 1) water sampling and water analysis, 2) Geographic Information System (GIS) land use analysis, and 3) the examination of macroinvertebrates indicative of water quality. Progress for the three programs are outlined below:

Water Sampling:

The third quarter of year two was marked by a return to drought conditions throughout much of the state. In April, conditions were classified as "moderate drought" using the Palmer Drought Index calculated by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Through June most of Kentucky had slipped into the "severe drought" category. The forecast for the fourth quarter is for below normal precipitation and continued drought conditions.

As mentioned in previous reports, regular monthly sampling for each of the seven sites began in January and continued through the third quarter of 2000 on a 28-day schedule. Samples were collected over a three-day period. In April samples were collected on the 18th – 20th, in May they were collected the 16th – 18th, and in June they were collected the 13th – 15th.

A two-person sampling team was mobilized to collect the water samples at each of the seven sites.

Collection of water samples was without incident during the May and June synoptic sampling events. However, during the April sampling event the compressor for the pump at the well sites developed mechanical difficulty and required several hours of maintenance to correct the problem. A contingency plan was initiated and the samples were still delivered to the lab during the sampling period. Each of the sites appeared to be at or at near normal water levels in April. Sporadic rain events throughout May and June were substantive to provide adequate flow for synoptic sampling at all seven sites, though water levels had visibly lowered. Plans for continued monthly sampling were made for July, August, and September to close out the second year sampling. Synoptic sampling data acquired through year two will likely provide a sufficient basis for reducing sampling from monthly to quarterly during year three.

The lack of significant and sustained rain events this quarter is likely responsible for the lack of detectable pesticides in May and June. As in previous quarters, the contaminants are primarily those associated with agricultural land use activities.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Development and Land Use Analysis:

Geographic Information Systems spatial database development and land use continued during this quarter. Thus far, we have completed USGS Anderson Level III land use analysis for five of the seven study sites, including Mammoth Cave, Diamond Caverns, Auburn, Marion, and Caneyville sites. The total combined areas of the study sites is 84 square miles. Approximately 68 square miles of land use (80% of the total project) have been interpreted using remote sensing techniques and color infrared photo-interpretation. Land use classifications for the interpreted areas have been digitized and placed on the Task 3 GIS in ArcView format. In order to take advantage of existing base map datasets produced by the State of Kentucky Office of GIS, the Task 3 GIS has been converted to Kentucky State Plane, South Zone, NAD1983. Land use analysis for the Guthrie (Meriwether Spring) study site is ongoing. The basin, covering 11.95 square miles, is one of the largest of the seven study sites. Completion of land use analysis of the Guthrie and Cadiz sites, as well as creation of metadata for the existing datasets, will be completed in the fourth quarter.

Dissemination efforts related to Task 3 during the past quarter was via an oral presentation by Rhonda Pfaff (undergraduate student working on the landuse study) at the Kentucky GIS Conference. This conference was sponsored by the Governor’s Office for Technology and was held on June 6, 2000 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The title of Ms. Pfaff’s presentation was “Landuse and Water Quality Threats to the Mammoth Cave Karst Aquifer”.

Using Stream Macroinvertebrates as Indicators of Water Quality (Dr. Scott Grubbs):

My responsibility, within the framework of Task 3 for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 1999-2000, was two-fold.  The first responsibility was to continue work on creating a protocol for (a) an assessment of stream habitat, (b) collection and laboratory processing of macroinvertebrate samples, and (c) an assessment of stream health using measurements of stream habitat and macroinvertebrate structure and function. A working draft of the protocol, focusing on sampling and analysis techniques for surface-water habitats, continues to be revised as macroinvertebrate sampling is conducted from each of the seven localities. Local conditions (i.e., meso-habitat availability (e.g., wood, riffle), season, physical nature of streambed) have dictated the need for a specialized protocol to fit the biological and physical nature of local and/or regional stream structure. A "virtual" protocol, as an HTML document (as described above), is nearing completion with the aid of Mr. Brian Rix (WKU undergraduate student). I have reviewed this document and alterations will be made following testing of all collecting and analysis methods during Summer 2000. The second major responsibility was to complete two rounds of macroinvertebrate sampling of no less than five karst and/or non-karst sites throughout western Kentucky. Sampling dates for fiscal year two were selected during summer 1999 according to predicted periods of surface water flow. Two rounds of sampling were scheduled to include both early/mid-February and early/mid-April. The sampling dates were modified: round one: late February to early April; round two: June. Rounds one and two of sampling have been completed for Auburn, Guthrie, Cadiz, Marion, and Caneyville (Table 1).

Table 1. Macroinvertebrate Sampling Summary

SAMPLING LOCALITY	DATE SAMPLED	SPECIFIC LOCALITY	HABITATS SAMPLED	SAMPLES SORTED	SAMPLES ANALYZED
Auburn	26 Feb. 2000	Small stream immediately below "Blue Hole Spring" (= water intake)	Riffle Depositional	Yes	No
Auburn	15 Feb. 2000	same as above	Riffle Depositional	No	No
Guthrie	26 Feb. 2000	Small stream immediately below artificial impoundment (= water intake)	Riffle Depositional Wood	Yes	No
Guthrie	15 June 2000	same as above	Riffle Depositional Wood	No	No
Cadiz	05 Mar. 2000	Small stream immediately Below concrete cistern (= water intake)	Riffle Depositional Wood	Yes	No
Cadiz	15 June 2000	unable to sample same as above
Marion	05 Mar. 2000	Outlet of upper lake (= Lake George)	Riffle	Yes	No
Marion	15 June 2000	unable to sample same as above but stream reduced to standing pools only
Caneyville	06 April 2000	Bennett Branch of Caney Creek, main inlet to Caneyville Reservoir, immediately upstream of Caneyville Reservoir	Riffle Depositional	Yes	No
Caneyville	14 June 2000	same as above; but stream reduced to standing pools only	Depositional	No	No

Anticipated Activities of Macroinvertebrate Study:

By the end of the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 1999-2000, I anticipate that macroinvertebrates from all sites will be identified. Approximately 60% of all samples have been sorted, but I have not yet initiated identification. All identification will commence and I anticipate will be completed by the end of the second fiscal year. In addition, habitat analyses need to be completed for all sites. A preliminary site characterization, which describes both habitat structure and macroinvertebrate community structure, will be available. Prior to any anticipated remediation event or BMP, the macroinvertebrate plus habitat assessment will serve as baseline data.

Trihalomethane Project (Dr. Jeffrey Jack, University of Louisville)

The work performed during this period included the following items:

We have received THM data from our second multi-watershed survey in the Ohio River and its major tributaries in Kentucky and Indiana, all of which serve as drinking water supplies.  See preliminary data in Figures 1-3. These preliminary values are shown to indicate the delineation of these watersheds that our efforts are focused upon. The Environmental Analysis Laboratory at the University of Louisville is analyzing water quality parameters. Once these are assembled, we can begin the correlational analysis. This will be reported in our next quarterly report.

We have continued monthly sampling protocol at one reservoir in the Salt River watershed, Taylorsville Lake.  We sampled the lake at its inflow and outflow and also at two depths, epilimnetic and hypolimnetic, in the lake proper.  With the initiation of stratification, we have added another inlet (Beech Creek) to the sampling program to better assess the condition of the water entering Taylorsville reservoir.

We have begun the first mesocosm experiment assessing the relationship of THM production to algal production.  This experiment is using the Ohio River Experimental Station mesocosms to conduct a controlled analysis of the impacts of algal production on THM formation potential.  This experiment will end on July 7. Preliminary data will be available for the next quarterly report.

We have begun planning for a low pool river survey to be conducted in late July/early August.  This survey will sample the major tributaries as before during a period in the rivers (low pool) when THM formation potential may be at a peak.

Other Task 3 Activities

During this past quarter, communications were made for the project to begin a focus on Marion, Kentucky and its atrazine problem. We are anticipating not only to continue our cooperation with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Division of Pesticides, Kentucky Division of Water, the Kentucky Rural Water Association, and the USGS, but also to contact Novartis (atrazine manufacturers) for possible additional support to study the noncompliance situation at Marion.

Also during the past quarter, we recognized the need for addressing problems with biological contaminants. With WKU matching funds, we purchased a fluorescent microscope for the Ogden Environmental Water Quality Lab at WKU that is capable of analyzing Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and similar microbial contaminants in supply waters.

B. Difficulties encountered

The Best Management Practices Study had no significant complications during the third quarter. Monthly sampling crews have encountered only inconsequential difficulties during sampling events.

No major difficulties have been encountered this quarter in the THM study.  Samples have been shipped to WKU with no problems.  We have received our budget distribution for the next fiscal year, and have adjusted our projected activities for the TACWQ accordingly.

C. Preliminary Data Results

Best Management Practices Study

Recognition of pesticides at several study sites (particularly Marion) has led the BMP group to continue analyzing for pesticides metribuzin, trifluralin, atrazine, and simazine. Raw pesticides data collected from the field sites are displayed in Appendix C-1. Water-quality sampling data occurring on a 28-day cycle are presented in Appendix C-2.

These data show the synoptic variation associated with water quality but are not specifically tied to wet or dry characterization data. The next quarterly report will provide detailed analysis of all synoptic data and compare and contrast it with wet characterization and dry characterization data.

Within the macroinvertebrate study, there are no water quality data to report in either habitat analyses or macroinvertebrate assessment. As indicated previously, macroinvertebrate samples from five sites over two sampling periods have been obtained and are in the process of being assessed. Data will be presented in the fourth quarter report.

Trihalomethane Study

Preliminary and patterns are presented and discussed in Figures 1-3, following.

Figure 1. Data and graphs from the two river surveys we have conducted (survey # 3 is scheduled for next month). In both the low and high pools of the Ohio River and major tributaries we have been seeing a similar pattern of relative THM values, although total THMs have differed.   The Wabash River is a major source of THMs for the Ohio River watershed.  This is a largely agricultural watershed with high levels of chlorophyll a, nutrients etc. in its flow.  The largest tributaries, the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers, do not contribute much THM to the Ohio mainstem; perhaps because of the large reservoirs they both have near their confluence with the Ohio (Lakes Barkley and Kentucky).  Our preliminary data indicate that the Ohio River is acting as a sink for THMs. This may be due to dilution, in-river processing or both.  We are designing mesocosm experiments to try to separate these impacts and assess their importance.

Figure 2.  This is part of the dataset we have generated from Taylorsville Reservoir assessing the relation of THM formation with organic constituent concentrations.  One previous study found a significant correlation between THM formation and concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC).  For the first 6 months of our study, we have found a correlation as well but its explanatory power is very low (R²=0.04).  We are now beginning to look at more powerful statistical techniques (etc. multiple regression) to relate multiple factors to THM formation.  It is likely that THM formation is a complex phenomenon in this lake.

Figure 3.  This is another aspect of our Taylorsville Reservoir sampling program.  Taylorsville Reservoir seems to be a source of THM for three months for which we have data analyzed, particularly in late winter/early spring. This is in contrast to the Ohio River, which seems to be a sink for THM (see above). This may be the result of the release of nutrients and increase in dissolved organics during turnover in this lake.

II. Discussion of Expenditures

Task 3 expenditures are on schedule. The combined materials, analytical, and personnel cost for the first three quarters has expended and encumbered 74.7% of the $135,355.00 budget. $60,638.03 (44.8%) of this amount has been spent for the Trihalomethanes study emphasis under Dr. Jeffrey Jack at the University of Louisville.

Cost-matching from Western Kentucky University comprises an additional $43,064 in Task 3 project funds. $19,902 (46.2%) of these funds has been expended during the first three quarters of this project year. These funds have been earmarked by the university for laboratory analysis, materials, supplies, equipment, and travel. The larger percentage budget remaining in the cost-matching account reflects lessened analytical billing as a result of the major drought which continued into the project's first quarter. As parameters of concern have been identified from the BMP water sampling program, we have noticed particular problems with pesticide contamination. Over the project's second and third quarter, we have been using the funds to continue characterizing the water supplies' pesticide loads. We plan to continue the pesticide characterization during the fourth quarter.

Combined Year 2 expenditures through the third quarter for all accounts used by Task 3 (including those funded by EPA and cost-sharing by WKU) are $120,989 of $178,419 (or 67.8%). There are no discrepancies to report.

EPA expenditures for this task from 04/01/99 to 06/30/00 were $1,902 from the year 1 budget and $36,715 from the year 2 budget. The year-to-date Task 3 expenditures have been $55,895 out of a second year EPA budget of $135,355. An additional $396 remains available to Task 3 from its year 1 EPA budget.

Trihalomethane Study Expenditures ($60,638.03 subcontract):

Compared to our milestones we are one month behind schedule because of the loss of the December 1999 data. We have expended roughly 59% of our budget for the year and we have a number of outstanding bills for analysis we will need to pay next quarter. We should be able to finish the first year of this project on budget. There are no discrepancies to report

III. Changes in Key Personnel

THM Study  Dale McGaha has joined the project as a graduate student researcher. Mr. McGaha will be focusing his efforts on the role microbial communities play in THM formation in “raw” waters.

There are no other key personnel changes to report in Task 3.

 Task 4: Database Management and Information Tools

It is the responsibility of Task 4, Database Management and Information Tools, to provide appropriate methods and structures for reporting data and metadata to meet the needs of: (1) facilitating efficient and convenient reporting of information by all other Tasks, (2) appropriate capture and storage of data and metadata by the Database Management System, and (3) accessible retrieval of information and materials by end users along with ancillary information required for interpretation. The Information Tools function of our Task works to put technology, information, and the tools to create information capacity and capability directly into the hands of water providers, and to make that technology and information as accessible as possible.

II. Discussion of Expenditures

Expenditures for this task from 04/01/99 to 06/30/00 were $20,311. The year-to-date Task 1 expenditures have been $53,394 out of a second year budget of $99,401.

III. Key Personnel Changes

There have been no changes in key personnel within Task 4 during this quarter. Dr. Ouida Meier continues to direct the efforts of Task 4. We are very fortunate in having a team of four bright, talented undergraduate students who are currently assisting with the work in Task 4 very creatively and capably:  Mr. Seth M. Johnson, Computer Programmer, who has developed the MOR Advisor software and User's Guide, contributed significantly to the preparation and final check of the loaner computers, and harvested data from the EPA SDWIS database; Mr. Shane Fryer, GIS Specialist, who plotted the maps that appear in this report and developed new modes of information layout; Ms. Kim Gaines, Research Assistant, who is tracking down information on source water quality to extend our analyses; and Mr. Jake Lyon, Linux Specialist, who was responsible for a final check of the loaner computers, authored the loaner computer Operator's Manual, and is now assisting with website renovation. The Center is very grateful for their dedicated and skillful efforts.

Task 5: Innovative Technologies

I. Work Status:

The objectives of task 5 have developed into the following four main headings.

1. Encourage pilot projects that demonstrate the benefits and effectiveness of innovative and emerging technologies in the drinking water industry.
2. Establish Western Kentucky University Technology Assistance Center (Center) as a Field Testing Organization (FTO) for NSF and EPA.
3. Develop a Sanitary Survey Self-Assessment Field Guide for Ground Water and Surface Water operators.
4. Develop a Spring Conference at the Center each year to present new innovative technologies and new rules and regulations promulgated by EPA.

II. Discussion of Expenditures:

Expenditures for this task from 04/01/99 to 06/30/00 were $1,284. The year-to-date Task 1 expenditures have been $5,742 out of a second year budget of $9,081.

III. Key Personnel Changes:

There were no personnel changes during this period.

Task 5, Innovative Technologies: Attachment #1

In June, 1999 the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality (TACWQ) at Western Kentucky University, the Kentucky Rural Water Association (KRWA), and Spatial Data Integrations, Inc. (SDI) announced the establishment of an Innovative Technology Demonstration Project to illustrate the advantages of using a GIS (Geographic Information System) for facilities management at small water utilities. Lake Village Water Association (LVWA) of Burgin, Kentucky was chosen as the site for the project which ran from July 1999 through June 2000. LVWA , which has 1750 customers and more than 83 miles of mains, is headed by Mike Royalty who was the principal tester for the project.

In July, 1999 SDI provided LVWA with base maps for its service area. These maps included seamless digital topographic maps prepared from USGS DRGs (Digital Raster Graphics), digital aerial photography produced from USGS DOQQs (Digital Orthophotograhic Quarter Quadrangles) and an elevation grid produced from USGS DEMs (Digital Elevation Models). SDI also provided LVWA with WaterWorks/FM™ -- a GIS system developed by SDI, to enable small and medium-sized utilities to digitize and display mains, valves, hydrants, service lines, meters and other facilities information on a digital map. Once this system information is "drawn" and keyed into the program, the software enables the utility to analyze its system data to assist with facilities management, customer service, long-range planning and other operational issues.

In August, 1999 Mike Royalty began "drawing" his mains into the software using the aerial photography as his point of reference. As mains were added, the lines were automatically snapped together by the software to ensure connectivity. Then point features were added including fittings, valves, and hydrants among others. Service lines were added to connect meters to the mains. As each service line was drawn  on the map, the software automatically snapped the service to the main and added a saddle at the main and a meter at the other end of the line. As Mr. Royalty had free moments, he worked on entering more data into the system. By early 2000 he was ready to begin adding information into the system to describe the attributes of the features that he had drawn on the map. By the end of June, 2000 LVWA has completed digitizing all of its mains, meters, valves, hydrants, and other features and was well into the task of coding the information about these features.

Throughout the year, Mike Royalty has freely shared his time and information with other utility managers who have been interested in GIS. He has participated in a number of meetings in which he has discussed the demonstration project and how GIS is being utilized in his system. In June 2000 he was on the program at the KYGIS conference in Bowling Green to talk about his experience with the demonstration project. He is now a strong advocate for utility operators to use GIS in the management of their operations. Among the anecdotes which Mr. Royalty shared at the conference were these:

A resident showed up at board meeting and wanted to know what it would cost to get water hooked up to his property. Using the GIS software, Mike was able to locate the resident's property on the map, use a measuring tool in the software to calculate the distance from the closest main to the man's property, and provide an estimate on the spot. Prior to having the GIS software, Mike would have had to go out to the property, use a wheel to calculate the distance, and then prepare a quote for the resident--a process that normally took at least a week.

Using a Leak Tracker component that comes with WaterWorks/FM, Mike was able to determine that several leaks had occurred along the same 10-mile section of pipe and was able to recommend to his board that the whole section be replaced to avoid further service interruptions and water losses.

LVWA is in the process of completing the entry of existing features into its GIS system. A key advantage that LVWA has found in using GIS is that its system map need never be out of date. As new water mains and service lines are put in the ground they can be added to the digital mapping system. As repairs take place on older mains in the system where size and material were unknown, this data can be recorded in the GIS. Having all of the system information in one place is a real convenience for LVWA.

Appendix A

These Appendixies and figures are availbable in hard copy format, if you need any of these please contact us.

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