At the time of this writing, novel coronavirus is now in all 50 U.S. states. Across the country, bars and restaurants have been ordered to shutter their doors to dine-in guests, and social gatherings have been limited to 10 people or less. The main piece of advice as this disease grew into pandemic and then national emergency has always been to “wash your hands,” highlighting the important role of a reliable water supply. The importance of the work that water and wastewater professionals do has never been more evident as it is now.
As we are all feeling the impact of in-person social distancing and many industries transition to working from home, those in the water sector do not have that luxury. By the end of March, 17 states had enacted “stay at home” orders, effectively shutting down all non-essential businesses to stop potential spread of the virus. But water and wastewater employees, considered essential even in the face of such a sweeping order, continue to show up to work each day to make sure that citizens have reliable water services. Some have even sheltered in place at their plants to keep the water flowing, like the 10 employees at the Claude “Bud” Lewis desalination plant in Carlsbad, Calif., who voluntarily locked in at the plant for 21 days to make sure that operations continued without interruption. Similarly, in Iowa, Des Moines Water Works employees are alternating two-week shifts, living on-site in campers at the plant to ensure the continuity of critical operations measures there.
It’s been a tough — and confusing — time for members of the water industry, but we will continue doing our jobs as we always have. For us, that means keeping you informed.
This month, we feature Las Vegas Valley Water District’s success in reducing transients in its distribution line by making changes to operations based on network monitoring data. Read all about how pressure monitoring helped the district reduce pipe bursts in its system on page 8.
Our special section on water utility management highlights the important work of utility operations. On page 12, read about how Walla Walla, Wash., successfully put an end to non-revenue water with analytics, and on page 14, learn how automation and digital technology helped one Georgia utility accomplish its ambitious growth strategy.
Next, we feature the Sabine River Authority’s $75 million pipeline project. Launched in early 2016, it began with the task of dewatering tunnels under an open highway, an active railroad, and a set of gas pipelines. On page 20, read about how a targeted approach led to successful completion of the project with minimal disruption to the local community. On page 24, we tackle pump problems, namely the potential causes of impeller deterioration and methods to prolong the life of impellers during the design and operations phases. Finally, our international coverage looks to Australia, where the community of Kinglake West, while on a waiting list to receive government financing for a new sewer system in 2009, was hit by a disastrous fire. The damage was so extensive that funding for a wastewater collection system was expedited. Learn more on page 28.
During this time, we want you and your families to stay safe and healthy, and we hope that our coverage in print and online brings you the information you need as things continue to change. As a community, I know that we will make it through these turbulent times. Thanks for reading! WW
