Spring 2012 Splash Magazine

S P L A S H Spring 2012Illinois Section American Water Works Association

www.isawwa.org/SPLASH Illinois Section American Water Works Association

3A d v A n c e d v A Lv e t e c H n o L o g I e S , I n c .

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S P L A S H Spring 2012

b A d g e r m e t e r • L A y n e c H r I S t e n S e n


5t A b L e o f c o n t e n t S • A b o u t I S A W W A

American Water Works Association (AWWA) is the authoritative resource on safe water, providing knowledge, information and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the water community.

The Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association (ISAWWA) has over 2100 members throughout the State of Illinois. Illinois Section AWWA is the resource for seminars, workshops, video rental library and teleconferences. The Association develops and delivers low cost and convenient educational seminars for water industry professionals.

If you would like to place an ad in Splash, please fill out the form in this magazine and return electronically to [email protected] or mail to the address below.

Illinois Section AWWA545 South Randall RoadSt. Charles, IL 60174

Cover Image: The cover image is the winning entry of the city of Moline’s “Water: Celebrate the Essential” student art contest by Butterworth Elementry School third grader, Elisia Atkinson.

The winning entry was unveiled at the City Council meeting on May 8 in conjunction with their celebration of National Drinking Water Week. Elisia and the other 10 finalists will be recognized by the mayor of Moline, City Council, and the Superintendant of schools.

About ILLInoIS SectIon AWWAtAbLe of contentS

Chair Report ..........................................................................06Chair Elect Report .................................................................07Past Chair Report ..................................................................08Vice Chair Report ..................................................................09AWWA Director Report ..........................................................13Legislative Report .................................................................14Trustee At Large Report ........................................................16District 1 Trustee Report .......................................................19Water Distribution Committee ..............................................20Meter Madness .....................................................................21District 4 Trustee Report ......................................................21Waterworks Museum ............................................................21Bob Sasman’s Honor Flight To DC .......................................22District 5 Trustee Report .......................................................22Membership Committee .......................................................23District 2 Trustee Report ......................................................25Water Fountain Trailer. ..........................................................25Water Efficiency Committee .................................................262012 Annual ISAWWA Water Tapping Contest ....................26Backflow Committee .............................................................30Outreach Committee .............................................................31Water Utility Council ..............................................................32Water Utility Council Looking for New Members .................33Illinois Public Service Institute .............................................34Small Systems Committee....................................................38Education Committee ...........................................................39MAC Committee .....................................................................40Water Taste Contest Champions ..........................................41Imtech Committee .................................................................41AWWA/WEF 2012 Young Professionals Summit .................44ISAWWA Conference Award Win ners ..................................45Top-Ops ..................................................................................46MO Section To Host Expos ....................................................46Water For People Committee ...............................................47ISAWWA Board, Trustees And Committee Chairs ................48Splash Advertisement Order Form .......................................49Index Of Advertisers ..............................................................50

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c H A I r r e P o r t • A e c o m • H e n r y P r A t t c o m P A n y

cHAIr rePortKevin Lookis, Chair

I find it hard to believe how quickly time flies…it seemed like only last week my good friend Jeff Musinski convinced me to run for Vice Chair of the Illinois Section and here we are…Chair already!

A big thank you needs to go to Dennis Ross for his outstanding term as Chair. There were some very difficult issues that came up during his tenure, and Dennis handled them with sensitivity and professionalism.

I want to take the opportunity to thank the remaining past and current Board members and Committee Chairs for all of the fine work that you have done this past year. I know how much of a sacrifice this can be in the age of “do more with less” and tighter budgets. Please know that your work is greatly appreciated! To all of those who attended WATERCON, again in the age of “do more with less” and tighter budgets, I want to thank you for your participation; and I hope that the conference was a positive experience and you left with more knowledge than you had when you arrived! I think we can say that WATERCON 2012 was a great success thanks in part to all of the members and volunteers who worked so hard to make it happen.

I also want to stress how important it is to be supportive of the time and effort that is put forth by our volunteers. This can be a good lesson for all of us in that whether it is our superior or subordinate, let’s try to be supportive of those who wish to volunteer their time to make the Illinois Section an even greater organization.

As the year progresses, you will see that I have several goals I would like to see accomplished as a Section; and it will take effort and participation to see these goals achieved. Remember the mantra of a real estate agent when showing a property? Location, Location, Location! Well, I have always felt strongly that the primary goal of this Section is to continue to provide the best and most convenient and affordable education and training possible…for this reason you will see me use in print and hear me say “Training, Training, Training” and “Education, Education, Education” a lot this next year! There will also be a big push to continue to increase our use of technology through our new website, mobile phone app and social media.

Remember that ACE is coming up in Dallas from June 10-14 and if you have not had the opportunity to attend, I strongly encourage you to do so…it is an incredible experience! Visitation Day is also coming up at Champaign with the Golf Outing on July 26th and Visitation on the 27th. Have a great spring and summer!

executIve dIrector rePortLaurie Doherty: www.isawwa.org/ExecDir

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cHAIr eLect rePortJohn Van Arsdel

Another Watercon has come and gone. I thought after last year’s we would have a tough time topping our performance. However, with the combined efforts of the Illinois Section AWWA and the Illinois WEA, we not only topped it, we rocked it! Between the IWEA, ISAWWA and the PreCon presentations, there were over 200 sessions. Where else can you get such exposure to such a wealth of knowledge, live and in person? Not to mention the events in the Exhibit Hall, YP functions, and Meter Madness, TopOps, and the Tapping competitions!! I admire the four ladies who donned hard hats and gloves and worked the tools of making a tap into a pipe. The Westmont team, however, made a grand showing and now will be able to go to Dallas, along with the ladies, as a result of their performance. That is very cool!

The Grand Opening started with the ribbon cutting, complete with a “marching band”, even though it was an awesome kazoo band! I played in that march. However I forgot to wear my kazoo kilt. What a show, and even the Splash Mob with folks dancing made a hit! Now I can say we just might have a few of those dancers that may be able to compete on “Dancing with the Stars” … well, maybe not. A rumba with an umbrella … you

get the picture. It was truly a good show, well done. My kudos go to everyone who helped make it possible; the staff, the Boards of IWEA and ISAWWA, and especially the vendors who exhibited their services and wares.

My congratulations go out to Kyla Jacobsen, our newest George Warren Fuller Award winner. Your dedication to your craft, our organization, and all you have done have been inspirational. Thank you for your sincere contributions to the water industry. It was great to hear Gene Koontz, the AWWA Vice President announce your award.

Now we start a new year. I have said this before, but it bears repeating. Our organization is changing. It happens whether we want it or not; like it or not. These changes in the world of water include loss of jobs from budget cuts, technology changes, educational needs, and the need to make wiser choices on how we use water. I have the unique opportunity to be able to interact with other AWWA sections, and I get to see what they are doing to keep up with the challenges of meeting the needs of their membership. We are fortunate to have such great talent in Illinois… not that the other sections don’t have talent. I just like ours a little bit better and like to brag about Illinois.

Our Section has adjusted to changes in the way it operates. Instead of meeting face to face at sessions, webinars have become prevalent. Our website has been updated and works very well. Our ability to get education events out to our membership has been greatly enhanced compared to several years ago. Our access to knowledge via the Internet has greatly enhanced our ability to streamline the education process. So, now, our organization’s role in helping professionals in the water industry is directly connected to our ability to make use of the technology we have. This means sharpening our vision and mission by continuing to provide new educational initiatives and continuing

with maintaining our membership levels. We are not unlike other organizations; they all are facing membership issues, too. I recently read in one of the other section’s quarterly magazine that every eight seconds, someone has retired. I feel like I am beating this issue up every time I write an article for Splash, and maybe I missed a few parts that have not been beaten yet, but the fact is we have to make extra efforts to attract new members into the Section as well as maintain the ones we already have. We have the ability, structure, leadership and more to make that happen. Get someone to join. There are lots of success stories out there as a result of membership in AWWA.

If you need an AWWA success story, look no further than our own John Donahue. I am glad that John has decided to take another shot at running for AWWA President. He has always talked about how AWWA has helped shape him into the water professional he is today. He is the one who talked me into getting involved at a higher level with the AWWA Water Loss Committee. I probably would not have taken that on had he not encouraged me. There are others we all can encourage to move up and help with our organization. We need that encouragement from time to time.

Later in April I will attend the RMSO (Regional Meeting for Section Officers) for our region. It is in Indianapolis; and for me it is only a short drive of a few hours. At this meeting others from our Section and I will get to engage in networking with other sections for our region, sharing in ideas of how to take what we have and make it better. The AWWA folks from Denver will lead us through the various items on the agenda, and after it is all done, we will be able to bring that experience back to the Section.

I look forward to this year and hope everyone has the opportunity to be a part of and grow with this great experience we call the Illinois Section AWWA.

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v I c e c H A I r r e P o r t • A q u A b A c k f L o W • P e e r L e S S m I d W e S t, I n c .

As the WATERCON 2012 wrapped up, I took a moment to review my year as Chair for the Section.

The conference was a huge success again, but what does that really mean and what does it take? What it means for the Section is our cash position, again, is going to be strong; and the Section can continue to provide unmatched services to our members. This includes training sessions second to none, a voice in Springfield for issues that are important to all of us, special small systems training, a way for systems to benchmark their energy demands, a place to find out everything you need to know about backflow issues,

PASt cHAIr rePortDennis Ross

an offer for YP’s to get together, a water fountain trailer to be at your next festival at no charge, source water protection questions answered, web based training on current issue and new products, a web site packed with information including career opportunities around the State, opportunities to have a real impact on less fortunate communities in foreign lands by providing safe water and sanitary systems, etc., etc. This list could go on for a page or two. I haven’t even touched on the relasonships and friendships that are developed, and if you are involved at any level, you WILL develop or improve your leadership skills. With this short list of true benefits it is no wonder that the Illinois Section is recognized as a leader around the halls of AWWA in Denver. Our membership numbers could always be better, and there is no doubt I am singing to the choir in this article, but if by some chance you are not a member or know someone who should be a member please share this list with them, membership in AWWA doesn’t cost, it pays! If this list is a surprise to you, I would suggest you consider getting involved with the Section, you will not be disappointed.

Back to the things I saw over my year as Chair, no doubt the web site is a big one, I hope by now you have had a chance to check it out, www.isawwa.org , there

is a ton of information for everyone on this web site, you will have to come back to it a couple of times to drink it all in. 2011 was another banner year for our Education Committee, the amount of training the Section was able to provide this year was amazing to say the least. The Conference has been in somewhat of a transition mode over the past few years, but we are now committed to partner up with IWEA for the foreseeable future. The kinks have all been worked out and our two organizations really pull together to put on a premier conference year after year. Not only do the attendees love it, but the exhibitors are very happy with the opportunity to serve both industries in one location. And what would the conference be without those exhibitors? Those guys and gals spend countless hours and dollars to make sure this conference is more than just a couple of days in a hotel watching a power point presentation and seeing a couple of cardboard cutout booths. Not only would Watercon not be possible without them, but the after hour activities could not happen without their time and support, thanks for that effort!

I will close with if you’re not a member you should be and if you were not at Watercon 2012 you should be there in 2013. I hope to see all of you there.

P A S t c H A I r r e P o r t • W A r r e n S A n d c o m P A n y • k L I n g n e r A S S o c .

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v I c e c H A I r r e P o r t • A q u A b A c k f L o W • P e e r L e S S m I d W e S t, I n c .

I always look forward to March for a few reasons. First, with my last name, St. Patrick’s Day is always a fun day. Second, the weather is usually starting

vIce cHAIr rePortTheresa O’Grady

to warm up, this year especially so. And third, it is great to see everyone at WATERCON. With close to 1500 attendees, it was once again a great show. Thank you to everyone who helped make it a success!

And now that WATERCON 2012 is over, it is time to start planning WATERCON 2013.

As Vice-Chair, one of my duties is Chair of Technical Program Committee for the annual conference. It is time to start thinking about presentations for next year’s conference. If you are not up to the challenge of being a presenter, there are many other ways to get involved. If you need ideas on how to get involved, you can contact me, ISAWWA Section Staff, or any of the other Board members. (I can be

reached by phone at 630-820-1022 or by email at [email protected] .)In my last Splash article I provided some pointers about the new ISAWWA website, www.isawwa.org. Hopefully everyone has had a chance to log onto the new website and explore. A lot of work has been put into making it a great resource for all of the members.

If you run into any problems or have any suggestions on how to make the website even better, please call or email me or ISAWWA Section Staff. Finally, please mark your calendars for the 2012 ISAWWA Visitation Day which is being hosted by Illinois American Water, Champaign, and is being held on July 26th & 27th. More information on the event can be found on the website.

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11t r I n e m u n I c I P A L S e r v I c e S , L L c

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d I x o n e n g I n e e r I n g • W A t e r W e L L S o L u t I o n S • S t r A n d A S S o c I A t e S

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A W W A d I r e c t o r r e P o r t • t A n k I n d u S t r y • H m g e n g I n e e r S , I n c

WOW – where did winter go? Oh, that’s right, we didn’t have winter. OK, maybe one or two days. I, for one, am grateful for the nice weather and the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Biking season hasn’t quite taken hold, but it’s just around the corner. It’s just that the day job and all my volunteer activities get in the way of my biking.

WATERCON2012 is officially “in the books”. What a fantastic conference. I think that every year I say, “I just can’t believe that it could get any better, run more smoothly or have more stuff jammed in”. Then the next year we exceed all expectations, AGAIN! It

AWWA dIrector rePortKyla Jacobsen

was a great conference and having a joint ISAWWA and IWEA conference makes sense – one-stop shopping for those folks that wear two hats and for the exhibitors who only have to be at one place. Nearly 1500 attendees is a remarkable milestone. Kudos to Laurie, Lisa and Sandi for making the conference appear to go seamlessly. I also wish to thank all the committee members who helped make WATERCON the success that it was. And not only for their participation at WATERCON, but the participation throughout the year that makes our Section as successful as it is.

For my part as the ISAWWA Director at WATERCON, I was the official host for the visiting dignitary from AWWA. We were proud to have Gene Koontz, AWWA Vice President from the Pennsylvania Section as our distinguished guest. Gene really dug in. He went to as many committee meetings as humanly possible (and he had lots to offer at these meetings). He attended all the social events that we planned for him. He was a special guest judge at our water taste contest. And, he even participated in the “SPLASH” mob opening of the Exhibit Hall – the WATER CYCLE dance. Gene’s insight into many of the issues facing our Section,

as well as his insight on changes at headquarters, was greatly appreciated.

Also, big thanks to Jon Meyer and Brian Kooistra for helping to orchestrate the second Bike & Breakfast. I mention that here because this is something that is near and dear to my heart. While we had NO PARTICIPATION at the first year’s event, this one was well attended. And Mother Nature totally cooperated, so that made the event even better. For next year I have plans to actually coordinate a breakfast at the half way mark. We can bike – eat breakfast and network – then bike back. That is my goal!

I want to thank the Section and the Fuller Award Committee for making me the 2012 George Warren Fuller awardee. It is such an honor and was a complete surprise. My work here is not yet done, so the Section should plan on getting many more years of “distinguished service to the water supply field and the constructive leadership”. Thank you to all.

The next great adventure will be our first Board meeting under our new leadership. We welcome Kevin Lookis as our new Chair and look forward to a year under his guidance.

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SPrIng 2012 LegISLAtIve neWSTerry Steczo and Maureen Mulhall

With only weeks to go in the spring 2012 session of the 97th General Assembly, the remaining weeks will be focused on the budget and developing a means of addressing the $8+billion in unpaid bills. Recently, Representative Jim Sacia of Pecatonica devoted his weekly column to a description of the budget for non-budgeteers. This is his description of the challenges facing the legislature:

The Illinois Budget - This is an effort to simplify a very complex problem involving billions of dollars. Our annual budget this next fiscal year is approximately $58 billion - of that amount you, the taxpayers, are expected to send us $33 billion 719 million in tax dollars. The difference between those two numbers is money we receive as reimbursement from the federal government and some other sources. It is predominately motor fuel tax that is specifically designated for such things as roads and bridges. It is tax money that you pay each time you pull up to the pump and put gas in your car. It is not part of what we call GRF or General Revenue Fund.

Of the $33,719,000,000 GRF that you will send us, here is the breakdown of how it will be spent. First and foremost

is non discretionary spending. These are obligations that must be made.

Number 1 - Our pension obligation is $5.1 billion (this is the state’s portion of the pension expense not including the employee contributions).

Number 2 is statutory transfer out money equaling $2.1 billion. This is money that we have collected and we owe a percentage back to local governments such as sales tax revenues.

Number 3 is our group insurance obligation totaling $1.2 billion. This is the state’s portion of the state workers’ insurance programs not including the employee contributions.

Number 4 is our debt services or our obligation for money we have borrowed, both principle and interest, totaling approximately $2.2 billion.

Number 5 is Medicaid. You the taxpayer are on the hook for $6 billion 638 million. (Our total Medicaid obligation this year is approximately $15 billion including federal reimbursements). Yes, tax payers are on the hook for all of it.

The above five “must be made”expenditures total approximately $17.2 billion. There is another $219 million in non discretionary expenditures bringing the total to $17.419 billion. If you do the math that leaves $16,300,000,000 for the five appropriations committees to divide which is close to $1 billion less than available funds last year.

If your eyes haven’t yet glazed over here is how it allocates out. Elementary and Secondary Education Appropriations receive 39.8 % of funding totaling $6 billion 491 million, a cut of $363 million. Higher Education receives 12.1% totaling $1.978 billion, a cut of $110 million. General Services receives 7.1% or $1 billion 165 million dollars, a cut of 65 million. Human Services appropriations (Medicaid removed) receives 31.2% of funding totaling $5 billion 87 million, a cut of 284 million dollars. Public Safety appropriations receives 9.7% of funding or $1 billion 576 million, a cut of $88 million. There will not be a happy agency in Illinois government but this is where the rubber meets the road.

One surprise in the allocation resolution for FY 2013 was the inclusion of Medicaid ($6.6 billion) to the fixed cost list. The $6.6 billion represents the funding level recommended by the Governor … including his proposed $2.7 billion cut. The allocation resolution states that if the legislature can’t find the $2.7 billion to cut, then funding for other areas will be cut to reach the needed level, which guarantees that many unpopular decisions loom.

A second surprise was theacknowledgment that the state needs to pay down some of the $8 billion in unpaid bills that have been mounting. In a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Julie Hamos warned members that if the Medicaid cuts are not made the billing payment cycle next fiscal year would balloon to 300 days. In response, not only has the legislature indicated that the Medicaid

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cuts are a “must” but they have also allocated resources to bring down the level of unpaid bills. The allocation resolution provides $300 million to reduce the non-Medicaid bill backlog. It also directs $500 million for the Medicaid backlog, which becomes $1 billion with federal matching funds added, making the total directed to old bills $1.3 billion.

A Hodgepodge of New Revenue IdeasBudget cutting isn’t the only option to address the budget challenges. In his budget message, Governor Quinn mentioned closing the corporate tax loophole on offshore oil drilling as one source of possible new state revenue. Illinois would gain approximately $75 million is this change were enacted. There has also been discussion of eliminating or reducing the retailer’s sales tax discount which costs $100 million annually. The retailer’s discount was originally intended to provide retailers with a stipend for the paperwork necessary to track sales taxes and send the funds to the state. In the electronic age that paperwork is now minimal so there is a move afoot to make a change.

During the last few weeks, advocacy groups who fear that their constituencies will bear the brunt of the budget axe have created a menu of other possible tax/revenue sources that could lessen the pressure for severe cuts. Some might be possible while other stand little chance.

Both the offshore loophole closure and retailer’s discount have a legitimate shot at being enacted. Increasing the cigarette tax ($300 million gain) has about a 50/50 chance, as does a reinstating of fund sweeps ($300M). Utilizing revenue from the road fund for the Secretary of State and State Police ($250M) has a 40% chance as does reducing statutory transfer by 9% ($200M).

New revenue advocates have also placed broadening the state sales tax to include selected consumer services on their list. Illinois has a very narrow sales tax base, as compared to a number of other states.

Broadening that base slightly could result in new revenues of $550 million or more. But it’s been discussed many times before and makes logical sense. In the face of redistricting elections, tea party protests, no tax pledges, and hysteria by those service providers not impacted that it’s the “camel’s nose under the tent,” it has zero chance.

Pension Premonition?At the end of March, a pension bill (HB 4513) introduced on behalf of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) raised a lot of eyebrows. The legislation increases employee and employer contributions to reach a funded ratio level of 90% by 2050. In doing so the bill requires that current employees increase pension contributions over three years and also increases employer contributions. The MWRD says that this change is needed so that their pension fund doesn’t implode. But what House Bill 4513 also does is apparently contravene the tenets of the Illinois Constitution’s provision relating to pensions being a contract that cannot be modified and could be a harbinger for more of the same as the session progresses.

In House floor debate on budget allocations Minority Leader Tom Cross stressed the need for pension reform to take place this year. He indicated that absent any action the General Assembly can look forward to another $1 billion in additional budget obligations for FY 2014, the same amount that the legislature will have to find this year to satisfy increased actuarial requirements. Because the state has already adopted a two-tier pension system, treating newly hired and older employees differently, any reform proposals will focus specifically on those who were employed prior to the enactment of the previous reforms … and how protective of the pension relationship the constitutional requirement actually is.

The General Assembly also passed a pension bill that impacts their more senior members. In 1994 the legislature

adopted a two-tier system that restricted pension benefits for those entering the legislature after August 22, 1994. Legislators serving prior to that date have the benefit of taking a position that’s covered by a reciprocal pension system and use that salary as their pension base, a very beneficial perk that has placed a heavy burden on the General Assembly Retirement System. The House unanimously passed HB 3969 that will charge the reciprocal system rather than the General Assembly Retirement System for the cost of the higher payout. This bill impacts only a few dozen legislators but is an attempt by the General Assembly that they’re trying to get their respective house in order as well. Plus, it provides a good possible vehicle bill that can be used for whatever other comprehensive pension reforms they may be contemplating, and may be a sign that the General Assembly may be poised to find out exactly how far they can go to get pension obligations under control.

Bills of InterestHB 5319 – Rep. Winters/Sen. Koehler - Amends the Sanitary District Act of 1917.

HB 5642 – Rep. Tryon/Sen. Frerichs - Amends the Environmental Protection Act.

SB 3280 – Sen. Frerichs - Provides that the Director of Natural Resources shall adopt rules that require, prior to hydraulic fracturing, the owner or operator to perform a suitable mechanical integrity test of the casing or of the casing-tubing annulus or other mechanical integrity test methods using procedures that are established by administrative rule. SB 3573 – Sen. Haine/Rep. Phelps- Provides an alternative procedure that a large public utility may choose in establishing the ratemaking rate base of water or sewer utility that the large public utility is acquiring.

Read more at www.isawwa.org/WUC (Members only legislative information, please log in.)

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“All’s well that ends well”! So sayeth William Shakespeare and I. WATERCON 12 has concluded and so has the reign

truStee At LArge rePortDennis Bowe, Trustee

of outgoing Chair Dennis Ross. We all must agree that both of those events were special. Thank you, Dennis, for your hard work and dedication during your year as Chair. And thanks also go to Section staff and all the volunteers who helped to produce a memorable and worthwhile conference.

Believe it or not, preparation has already begun for WATERCON 13; and our new Chair, Kevin Lookis, has taken the throne and begun his reign. We all wish Kevin a productive and unforgettable year.

All members of the Illinois Section have an opportunity to contribute to the success of the Section. Joining one of

the committees (or even two) is a great way to participate in Section activities and to network with other water professionals from throughout the State. Visit the Section website (www.isawwa.org) and click on the Committee tab where you will find descriptions of committee functions and events, as well as a list of the members of each committee and contact information. And, by all means, feel free to contact the committee chair of your choice to discuss joining that committee. You will find that committee membership is not only valuable to the Section, it is also a very rewarding experience to the member. Take a moment right now to join one of the hardworking committees of the Illinois Section.

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19d I S t r I c t 1 t r u S t e e r e P o r t

A few weeks before Watercon 2012, I journeyed to jolly old England to visit my youngest daughter, who has been working abroad since January. As water workers know, once water gets into your blood, it is there to stay and it colors one’s journey through life. Accordingly, one afternoon of my UK visit involved wandering through the seedy streets of the Soho area of London in search of the Broad Street pump. I have been intrigued by the story of John Snow and how he removed the handle from the Broad Street pump to stop the 1854 Soho cholera epidemic ever since one of my mentors, Rob Schab, introduced me to this bit of history. I succeeded in finding the John Snow memorial on what is now called Broadwick Street and added my signature to those which filled the pages of a dusty visitors’ book in the nearby John Snow Pub. It seems that others with water in their blood have completed a similar quest in the past.

My Broad Street pump quest was an interesting and powerful experience, which caused me to reflect deeply regarding the many changes that have occurred in water supply practices and the human condition since the time of John Snow. I carried those reflections with me back to the US. When I attended

dIStrIct 1 truStee rePortGreg Swanson

Watercon, I was truly struck by the complexity, diversity and effectiveness of water supply practices today. The depth of scientific knowledge and the variety of technological solutions reflected in Watercon’s technical sessions and vendor exhibitions were awe inspiring. We are certainly blessed to live in an era in which science and technology have risen to such a high level.

However, most water professionals have come to realize the greatest challenges facing them are not necessarily the technical challenges, but more often they are the human challenges. In this regard, it seems that perhaps not that much has changed since the time of John Snow. His greatest feat was overcoming the common belief that waterborne disease was caused by “miasma” (bad air), which was no easy task. John Snow’s scientific investigation yielded the foundation for his theory that the cholera was due to the water from the Broad Street pump, but the true key to his success was his outreach efforts. His ability to communicate effectively and to convince the local powers to remove the pump handle allowed his theory to be proven, as the outbreak quickly subsided.

Today, a wide variety of human challenges are currently facing Illinois water utilities and professionals. These challenges encompass areas such as consumer and youth education; political advocacy; recruitment and retention; and funding. ISAWWA has established a wide variety of resources designed to assist its members in addressing such needs and to provide professional growth opportunities, which can enhance one’s abilities to succeed in negotiating the many twists and turns associated with public water supply and the human condition.

Although our water work involves healthy doses of science and technology, it

is really all about people. Our ability to reach out, and to interact and communicate effectively with other fellow human beings is fundamental to our success and to the future of drinking water in our country. As we all know, this area of endeavor can be both extremely frustrating and extremely rewarding. I would like you to know that l have found that my interactions with other ISAWWA members, in both formal and informal settings, has allowed to me to refine my abilities in this crucial area. While I don’t expect these improved abilities will find me a place in the history books like John Snow, I do find that they allow me to do a much better job in serving my community and profession. I encourage you to explore this facet of ISAWWA involvement and to enjoy the humanistic development that accompanies such involvement.

In closing, I extend my sincere appreciation to all who invested time and energy to make Watercon 2012 an outstanding event; and a special thank you to Lydia Balla for making the journey all the way from Greece to enrich Watercon and our Source Water Protection Committee; and a huge congratulations to Billy Nichols and his University of Illinois poster team.

Read “The Ghost Map” by Steven Johnson and “The Blue Death” by Robert D. Morris to learn more about John Snow and the Broad Street pump.

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W A t e r d I S t r I b u t I o n c o m m I t t e e • H o r n e r & S H I f r I n , I n c • n d I A n , I n c .

Our Water Distribution Committee was very active at the WATERCON 2012 conference in Springfield this past March. Many of our Committee members attended and volunteered their time at many activities during the conference. The most popular activity was, in my slightly prejudice opinion, the “Bozo” game at the Water Distribution Committee booth. Fabulous prizes were there for the taking if a contestant could put the bean bags into the pipes. Everyone who played won something, and everyone who played had fun. I want to thank all the Committee members who donated their

WAter dIStrIbutIon commIttee Owen Keenan, Chair

time to staff the booth as well as all the vendors who donated prizes. The 5th Annual Water Distribution Conference in Countryside, IL was held on April 17th. This popular conference was very well attended once again, and the presentations were excellent. I would like to thank the following presenters for making our technical program so successful:• Michael Sturtevant, Chicago Dept. of

Water Management• Yakir J. Hasit and Susan Mc Kee,

CH2M Hill• Jeff Schramuk, CP Solutions• John Dillon, City of Batavia and

Michael Ramsey, Village of Westmont

• Jeff Musinski, Village of Arlington Heights

• Mike Ricks, Water Solutions Unlimited, Inc.

• William J. Cussen, Haeger Engineering

Also, I would like to thank all the exhibitors who bought tables and contributed to the conference’s success and the financial stability of the Illinois Section:• American Flow Control• Associated Technical Services Ltd.• AY McDonald Mfg. Co.• EJ• Festo Corporation

• Fischer Harris & Associates• HydroAire, Inc.• Illinois Section AWWA Membership

Committee• Illinois Section AWWA Water

Efficiency Committee• Lee Jensen Sales Co, Inc.• M.E. Simpson Co., Inc.• Midwest Meter, Inc.• Midwest Water Group• Pure Technologies US, Inc.• RJN Group, Inc.• RMS Utility Services• Sensus Metering Systems• Suburban Laboratories Inc.• Underground Pipe & Valve• USA Bluebook• Ziebell Water Products I feel very fortunate to have a wonderful group of dedicated water people who want to serve on our Committee. I am very appreciative of all the time and effort that they donate to our various Committee activities and to the Water Distribution Conference. GREAT WORK EVERYONE!

Last, but not least, special thanks to Lisa Hoffhines for all that she does for our Committee and the Illinois Section.I hope that all Illinois Section members and their families have a safe and enjoyable summer.

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m e t e r m A d n e S S • d I S t r I c t 4 t r u S t e e r e P o r t • W A t e r W o r k S m u S e u m

Thanks to all of our competitors for another successful Meter Madness. This year the competition consisted of using the Hersey 420 series water meter by Mueller Systems. Thanks to Jason Shelby for setting us up this year. What made this year’s competition different than years past is that the meter could be put together without tools! This made for some very fast times. This year’s competition had a total of six competitors. They included:• Kevin Zook, Fountain Valley MHP• Eric Kresmery, City of Elgin• David Yelton, Village of Downers

Grove

meter mAdneSS comPetItIon At WAtercon 2012Bruce Vaickus, Committee Chair

• Kirk Nix, Village of Westmont• Randy Tochon, Village of Westmont• Nancy Sullivan, AWWA Headquarters

(She was a good sport!)

Kevin Zook, David Yelton, Randy Tochon, and Eric Kresmery all made it to the semi-final round; but when it was time for the championship round, it was Eric and Kevin. Eric duplicated his 2011 win and came away with this year’s championship. I’d like to extend congratulations to all the competitors and a big “’atta boy” to Eric for sticking it out even though he was not feeling well. Way to go Eric! The Illinois Section of AWWA would also like to thank all the volunteers that helped out at the booth and the competition. Of course, special thanks goes to our Meter Madness official, John Donahue, for keeping all of us in line. If not for all of you it would not have happened. We hope to see all of you back next year for more exciting times. If you should have any questions about Meter Madness contact Bruce Vaickus at [email protected], (815) 467-6644, or Craig McDonald at [email protected], (815) 877-1421.

WAterWorkS muSeumAt WAtercon 2012 Laura Alley, Museum Committee Chair

Thank you to all who visited the Waterworks Museum during this year’s WaterCon. We had some fantastic artifacts on display. This year Springfield City, Water, Light and Power not only brought their amazing section of wooden water main, but also a large piece of 24 inch cast iron pipe. Looks can be deceiving because this wooden main is not as old as one might think. This particular piece is from the 1940’s when in wartime metal was scarce.

Another intriguing artifact was contributed by Kyle Wallis from the City of West Chicago. He brought a Hach Testing Kit which was originally used on his grandfather’s dairy farm. The piece was quite fascinating since it still had the chemicals it their original bottles. Without our volunteers and contributors, the museum would not have been a success. Thank you for volunteering your time and your artifacts. I hope next year will be just as successful.

Start looking around for next year. You never know what might turn up.

dIStrIct 4 truStee rePortLori Stenzel, Trustee

WATERCON 2012 was a great conference for me - not only were there many good sessions to attend, but I became the District 4 Trustee! It was nice to see all the operators again as well as learn about how to navigate ISAWWA’s new website. It will be a challenge to top this conference for next year. I hope operators will start thinking about sessions they would like to see in 2013 and let me know. I look forward to serving on the Board and fulfilling my duties for Southern Illinois.

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bob SASmAn’S “Honor fLIgHt” to WASHIngton dcJohn Callan

On April 4, 2012, ISAWWA’s own Bob Sasman participated in the Honor Flight Chicago program. Bob is a WWII veteran; and, as such, was eligible for the incredible journey to Washington DC. There are normally about 10 flights a year from Chicago to Washington DC put together by volunteers at no cost to the participants to honor the remaining

veterans of WWII. Approximately 3,000 vets have taken the flight with a waiting list of over 1,000 (there are over 20,000 eligible vets in the Chicago area). The average age of the vets is nearing 90. The trip (done in one day) consists of visits to various sites in DC including, of course, the WWII Memorial.

I became aware of this trip when Bob and I were talking while waiting to get in to the Fuller Award luncheon recently at WaterCon 2012 in Springfield. I asked Bob if he was a WWII vet, and he said he was. Bob mentioned that he was going on the April 4, 2012 flight; so, of course, I promised I would be there at Midway when they returned. The vets are given a schedule, but are not aware of the reception when they return. They are also not aware that there is a “mail call” during the flight home in which family and friends can pass along messages of love and thanks. Upon arrival home, the Chicago Fire Department trucks spray fountains of water when the plane pulls in and is met by a variety of Honor Guards

and a bagpipe band which escorts them to the terminal. Active soldiers and sailors act as escorts for the vets as they pass through the terminal. There are hundreds and hundreds of volunteers, families and friends to greet them in the terminal accompanied by a military band. The looks on the faces of the vets when they turn the corner and see the cheering crowds is very emotional, as most of them came home from the war with little fanfare. Some of the vets wear their uniforms bedecked with medals or with some indication of their branch of service and units or ships. Many are in wheelchairs due to their age, but not a one complained!

Bob arrived and was met by his extended family including his son and daughter. I was able to get a few pictures of Bob entering the concourse and posing with his family. The smile says it all! If anyone wants additional information on this fantastic effort for the “Greatest Generation”, please visit their web site at www.honorflightchicago.org.

dIStrIct 5 truStee rePortLarry Coloni, Trustee

For the next two years, it is my pleasure to serve members who live and work in District 5. With the economy still recovering, it will be more important than ever to support our membership with valued training and services. If you’re a supervisor or above, and you’re looking for leadership training, you need to check out the Illinois Public Service Institute that is held in Effingham every October.

I would like to thank those who have served in this position before me for their dedication to us and to our organization. If you have any ideas on how I can serve you as well as they did please contact me. My theme this year is to do less with less. We all know doing more with less is

a nice phrase, but who are we kidding? For most of us it’s time to propose or approve our 2012 – 2013 budgets. It’s hard to convince our leaders that we have little control over expenditures due to unforeseen weather issues that affect our production. It will be a challenge to get our politicians to fund new infrastructure that is buried and “invisible”, because they aren’t able to justify it as easily as they can a new building, plant, bridge or roads.

In closing, I want all of you to know that I am here to serve you. Please feel free to contact me at any time with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have on how we can use the services of the Illinois Section to help us do less with less.

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I was going to start off by saying it’s almost spring, but in fact, it has been spring for about 5 weeks now. How awesome it that! It’s about time we got spring instead of going from cold to hot – it’s a nice change. I want to thank all members for keeping ISAWWA one of the strongest in AWWA. We are currently 7th overall in the number of members, great job everyone!! I want to go over a few things and look forward to another great year.

When talking to individuals about membership you need to create a story. Here are a few things to keep in mind when talking to people. • KISS – keep it short and simple. • TARGET – don’t send a wingtip

message to a flip flop. I know most of you right now are like, what?! It just means don’t use the same message on a young person that you would on an older person.

• CASE – copy and steal everything; use other people’s techniques and ideas to help each and every one of you. Remember, one size doesn’t fit all! Try to find out people’s names right away and keep using it, make them feel special. People want to belong and be recognized - that is human nature.

I’m now going to talk a little about retention and give some insight into what I’ve learned in an effort to help you.

1. Orientation – Make them feel part of the club, people want to belong. I know I said this above but this is very true and important. Human nature is to want to belong to something.

2. Participation/Utilization – Get them involved early and often. New members will want to get involved; and you will want to get in touch with them with 60-90 days of their initial recruitment to help get them involved.

3. Leadership – Show them how we learn leadership from AWWA and what we can do with it in our current jobs, and how it has helped you; the art of inspiring to achieve a common objective.

Keep the new going. Just like having a new car, the longer the smell is there, the longer we take extra care of it. This is what we need to do with members - keep it going and don’t forget about them. Recognize those getting involved; make sure to show appreciation whenever you can. If you’re talking to someone who stopped being involved or stopped being a member, let them know that they are wanted and missed; make them feel part of us again. Obviously they wanted to be involved in the first place or they wouldn’t have joined. When talking to members, former members and potential members, we need to have passion. Remember why you joined and share bring this with them. If you show them your enthusiasm and commitment, you’ll undoubtedly excite them into joining AWWA or retaining their membership.

Think like a prospect. Know your members, know the organization, customize how you approach people. Try to be unique and always be honest. Like I said above, get their name and use it . . . a lot. People will often ask you, “what am I getting out of membership?” My answer to them is that they can get whatever they want to get out of it – it’s up to them. We can show them the benefits and share our ideas and our experiences; but be honest and let them know that, if it’s what they want, we will help them with the tools, but we cannot give them the experience. They have to achieve that on their own.

I would like to come up with a slogan for membership and would like ideas from you. Remember if you have seen one you like; e.g., CASE (copy and steal everything).

ISAWWA is also going to be participating in the 2012 Membership Matters Challenge. Our goal is as follows:

1.. YE Total Students: 41 (Currently at 40)

2. New YP: 10 (Currently at 4)3. YE Total Membership Goal: 18784. Retention Goal: 88%

I am asking all members to help ISAWWA reach this goal so we can show why we are one of the top sections in AWWA. One of the new key elements is our website. Everyone needs to learn how to use it and to take advantage of it since you get it for being a member. Everything from Webinars to Buyers Guide (for vendors) is there. Learn it, love it and use it. Also, don’t forget free webinars for 2012, new and tapped ones.

One last note, go CUBBIES

memberSHIP commItteeRandy Lusk, Chair

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d I S t r I c t 2 t r u S t e e r e P o r t • W A t e r f o u n t A I n t r A I L e r

dIStrIct 2 truStee rePortDon Jensen

I write this as I bask in the afterglow of another tremendously successful and informative WaterCon. Once again our Education Committee has out done themselves. Choosing among the 215 educational programs offered was no easy task. I’d like to share with you a few of the many “take home” nuggets of information that I brought back from WaterCon and will certainly put to good use.

• Cyber Security: While the suspected cyber attack against the Springfield water utility turned out to be unfounded, the process of investigating the incident revealed the need for the FBI to better understand water utilities’ reliance on computer control systems, and a better understanding by utilities of the

FBI’s capabilities and procedures for investigating cyber intrusions. From this I expect to see on ongoing dialogue and developing partnership with the Agency.

• LEAD and COPPER: The presentation on testing of alternative lead and copper sample collection protocols in Chicago provided great information on the concerns about first draw sample being unrepresentative of “worst-case” lead exposure along with the difficulties associated with obtaining more representative samples. The report on Racine’s difficulties in maintaining compliance with LCR was also very instructive. The ‘lessons learned’ by Racine should help others who find themselves exceeding the Action Limit.

• Water-Energy Nexus: The report on the Water-energy Nexus study in Illinois provided an overview of energy consumption by various types and sizes of water utilities, providing benchmarks against which we can each measure our own utility’s energy efficiency.

• Aging Membership: Our keynote speaker, Gene Koontz, brought us the sobering news that half of the AWWA membership will be retiring within the next 10 years. This underlines the urgency of the ongoing efforts to retain current members and recruit new ones. It also underscored the value of our Section’s vibrant YP program.

• Water Boot: During the Backflow Committee meeting I learned about a novel approach to the increasingly

common problem of homeowners unable to afford the annual cost of backflow device testing. One utility deploys tamper resistant locks on these homeowners’ sprinkler systems. These are installed for a small fee and remain in place until the homeowner is once again able to afford to activate the irrigation system and test the backflow device.

• Metering Accuracy: I found a presentation on common water meter accuracy problems quite enlightening. It gave a new perspective on what is “acceptable accuracy” in metering and what truly best practices in maintaining meter accuracy are.

These are but a few of the take-home lessons that I learned. Every WaterCon attendee has a different experience; but, no doubt, all obtained valuable information, not only from the formal presentations but from the multitude of networking opportunities available. If you missed WaterCon this year be sure to mark your calendar for WaterCon 2013 March 18-21, and remember to book your room early as they fill up fast.

P.S. I don’t know who won the iPad in the exhibitor logo hunt contest but I can guarantee you that the winner earned that prize! I never did figure out all of the logos but enjoyed the hunt, nevertheless. What a clever idea to generate exhibit hall traffic!

WAter fountAIn trAILer tourSSoutHern ILLInoISMatt Overeem

Our southern Illinois Section members now have a better chance to promote their utility by using the Illinois Section AWWA Water Trailer at their local events. Dennis Ross of the Otter Lake Water Commission is hosting the trailer at the Commission’s

Virden, Illinois, office. The Illinois Section AWWA Water Trailer is available free of charge for local events. The trailer features educational materials on water sources, treatment, and distribution, as well as water conservation concepts. In addition to its integrated five drinking fountains, two sinks, and a pet spigot, it can be used as an excellent public relations and educational tool for school events, festivals, picnics, parties, etc.It’s easy to reserve the trailer for your

events online at the Section webpage: www.isawwa.org/WaterTrailer.

You may also contact the Section offices 866-521-3595, ext. 3, or Laura Sommerfield at the Otter Lake Water Commission at 217-965-1566.

Hurry and book your event, as the trailer heads back north in late June.

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WAter effIcIency commItteeAmy Talbot, Chair

Wow, what a great conference! Thanks to everyone who stopped by our Committee booth to spin the wheel. Hope you are using the shower timers and leak detection tablets. Congratulations to our Committee member, Mike Ramsey from Westmont, on their team win at the Tapping Contest. We know y’all will make us proud at nationals.

For those that didn’t get a chance to see our presentation on the Water Energy Nexus Survey Report, I would like to remind you that we are still looking for more utilities to participate. The survey can be found online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/isawwa-water-energy-nexus or you can contact me for a PDF copy. The deadline is June 1, 2012. Thank you to the nearly 50 utilities that have participated thus far.

This year’s contest was held on Wednesday, March 21 at WaterCon12 with an unprecedented 7 teams competing. One of the teams, from Madison, Wisconsin, accepted our invitation to participate; and, for the first time in the ISAWWA Water Tapping Contest history, we had a women’s team from Illinois competing.

2012 AnnuAL ISAWWA WAter tAPPIng conteSt www.isawwa.org/tapping Tony Cuzzone, Chair

We had some new things taking place this year, including having the contest held on the second floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, thus allowing the Exhibit Hall to remain open longer. And we added some excitement by having each team theatrically introduced with strobe lights, a fog machine, spotlights and music. It was just like watching the start of a professional sporting event! Well, maybe close to it . . .

This year we missed having the veterans from Springfield competing. It seems the venerable Springfield City Water Light and Power team has decided to put their tapping machine and materials into storage and have officially retired from the contest. Springfield has given their loyal followers many years of excitement, joy, and sorrow; and they now become a part of ISAWWA history. Thanks to all the past members of the team for all the great moments we’ve enjoyed watching you compete at the state and national levels. The Springfield team

has an enviable record; and I have personally enjoyed working with all of you over the years! Hopefully, there are some younger enthusiasts to carry on your tradition.

Several other veteran teams were back, including the Village of Arlington Heights, and the Village of Itasca, “The Dirty Bores,” who have now been together for three years in a row. Also returning for the third year in a row was the City of Elgin. And returning for their second year in a row was the Village of Westmont. This year we saw the arrival of another newly formed team, the Village of Downers Grove as well as the newly formed Illinois women’s team, “The Tapping Queens.” And were they exciting to watch! Here is a brief summary of the teams.

Team cranker Keith Dollas of the Itasca team felt that being able to work with each other for three years in a row was a definite plus. They were ready to get right back at it, and it seemed

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2 0 1 2 A n n u A L I S A W W A W A t e r t A P P I n g c o n t e S t ( c o n t. )

2012 AnnuAL ISAWWA WAter tAPPIng conteSt (contInued)

as though they were able to work the butterflies out during their first tap, which they were able to complete with no penalties! Their second tap would have been well under 2 minutes if they had not been assessed 14 seconds in penalties. But they enjoyed competing in our event, and I have a strong feeling they will be back again next year. It’s been fun to watch them get better and better each year. Game tapes (DVD) will be available soon guys! The team has Mike Subers as the Copperman, Joe Augello as the Starman, Keith Dollas as the Cranker, and Alan Anderson as their coach. They earned the 5th Place Trophy.

I continue to have the deepest respect and pride for our next team, the Village of Arlington Heights. These guys have been in the ISAWWA competition since 1999, and have gone on to the national level competition. This past year they have been conducting training and practicing with newly formed teams and current teams at their facility, and have been a great inspiration to many. The team had some problems with their first tap, and were assessed some penalties. They tried to improve on their time during their second tap by getting a raw time of 2:12, but they picked up a small penalty. It was unusual, but we saw the team capture the 4th Place Trophy this year because the next team was 8 seconds faster. We enjoy watching them year after year, and truly look forward to their return next year. This famous tapping team has Dave Nordin as the Copperman, Mark Mock as the Starman, Ryan Holthouse as the Cranker, and their Coach is Terry Botterman. Again, thank you to the tapping team and to the Village of Arlington Heights.

The next team continues to be a force to be reckoned with. The City of Elgin, just formed two years ago, really heated things up because they were getting

close to hitting that 2 minute mark. They completed their first tap with an impressive raw time of 2:15; however, they improved on their 2nd tap to a raw time of 2:04. They picked up a 4 second penalty which gave them a finished time of 2:08. In the end, it was enough to capture the 3rd Place Trophy. BUT watch out next year! The team has Rob Berg as the Copperman, Terry Smart as the Starman, John Fabrizius as the Cranker, and Kevin Kujak as their Coach. What a great performance!

Then there was the newly formed team, the Village of Downers Grove. Move over Rover, these guys are coming over! Last year David Bird promised he would have a team by this year, and he delivered! For making their first appearance, this team made a lasting impression. Cruising to a raw time of 2:08 on their first tap, it looked like they came with the intention of capturing the top prize! Finishing their second tap with a finished time of 1:57 due to a minor penalty, it looked like things were getting close. But in the end, the Village of Downers Grove captured the 2nd Place Trophy. The team has Ed Lewandowski as the Copperman, John Pfursich as the Starman, Dante Rigg as the Cranker, and Keith Kenning as their Coach. Looking forward to this team’s return next year!

Then came the Village of Westmont. Mike Ramsey had become so enthused working the DEMO and the Water Tapping Contest almost every day at ACE 10 in Chicago two years ago, he was successful in putting a team together last year. He not only put them together, but made them competition worthy. His team continues to look like former Chicago Bears Linemen! Wow! They were happy to finish their first tap with a raw time of 1:52 and had NO PENALTIES! Their second tap was assessed 12 seconds in penalties

and left them with a finished time of 2:16. But guess what? Their 1st tap was good enough to capture 1st Place, AND WE HAVE A NEW ISAWWA STATE CHAMPION! What a great climb to the top capturing 4th Place last year in their first year competing as a team. The team has Jim Cates as the Copperman, Brian Beusse as the Starman, Tony “I’ll Wrip Your Arm Off” Falada as the Cranker, and Mike Ramsey as their Coach. What a great performance! Congratulations! We wish you the very best in the nationals this year in Dallas, Texas!

Having worked with the tapping team from Madison, Wisconsin at Products Day last fall in Algonquin, we decided to invite them to our contest, and they accepted. This was the best thing that ever happened for them. Unbelievably, they completed both taps with NO penalties. They came very close to the 2 minute mark on their first tap by completing it in 2:17. Their second tap was completed in 2:30. The team admitted this was good practice for them as they are planning on making the trip to the nationals at ACE 12. We enjoyed having them compete with our teams, and they enjoyed our camaraderie and hospitality. They were awarded a Certificate of Appreciation. The team has Don Russell as the Copperman, Bob Kempfer as the Starman, Greg Kolek as the Cranker, and Pat Reagan as their Coach.

And now, making their debut at Watercon 12, were The Tapping Queens. The ISAWWA Water Tapping Contest first Illinois Women’s Tapping Team. Michelle Hoepner has been very instrumental and successful in forming this enthusiastic AND determined team of ladies. Working very hard the past several weeks, the team was ready to show everyone they can tap watermains for time also! They had the entire hall cheering them on as they showed

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their determination, teamwork, and competiveness. You could feel the enthusiasm and excitement all over the room! They completed their first tap with a respectable time, but managed to shave 43 seconds off their second tap and did it with NO PENALTIES for a time of 6:05. Amazing! This was absolutely great to watch! The ladies were awarded the 1st Place Womens Division Trophy. And guess what? Yes, they will be going to the nationals at ACE 12 in Dallas, Texas. So, the ISAWWA will be represented by our championship men’s team, and championship women’s team. A FIRST! Congratulation, ladies . . . you definitely earned it! The team has Candace Scholz from Strand Associates, Inc. as the Copperman, Michelle Hoepner from Midwest Water Group, Inc. as

the Starman, Andrea Putz from City of Chicago Water Management as the Cranker, and Lisa Martini from Lee Jensen Sales as their Coach.

Once again, Ralph Gross, aka Mr. Microphone, was the Master of Ceremonies, and provided exciting play-by-play for the entire event. Ralph was using his very “Primo” portable sound system. Dennis Bowe did an outstanding job working with me and pulling everything together to help make this year’s contest, once again, truly one of the best yet! Thanks to the manufacturers and distributors who donated all the items and materials needed to help offset many of the costs. And a special thank you to Terry Botterman for his much needed assistance and experience.

Jeff Fischer (Mr. Kodak) once again assisted with doing a fabulous job taking pictures. Also, to make the contest fair, honest, and reputable, Lenny Gahgan was the Head Judge with a team that included judges Tim Brodnan, Tim Thilly, and Frank Colletti (JJ). This year our digital clockman was Joe McCarthy, another veteran! Tucker Moore and Chris Lahner took care of running the strobe lights and fog machine, respectively. David Brodnan, David Bird, Kevin McCarthy, Joe McCarthy, Bill Manns, and Doug Cycholl assisted with keeping the tapping area and piping secured and operational at all times. Jeff Musinski assisted with the time sheets, judges, and signage. Marla Braun assisted the videographer and Owen Keenan ran the follow spotlight.

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OFFICIAL SCORE SHEET 2012 MEN’S DIVISION

FIRST PLACE: Village of Westmont FOURTH PLACE: Arlington HeightsFirst Tap: First Tap:Raw Time 1:52:16 Raw Time 3:23:88Penalties 0:00:00 Penalties 0:12:00Final 1:52:16 Final 3:35:88Second Tap: Second Tap:Raw Time 2:04:69 Raw Time 2:12:18Penalties 0:12:00 Penalties 0:04:00Final 2:16:69 Final 2:16:18

SECOND PLACE: Downers Grove FIFTH PLACE: Village of Itasca First Tap: First Tap:Raw Time 2:08:00 Raw Time 2:03:16Penalties 0:10:00 Penalties 0:14:00Final 2:18:00 Final 2:17:16Second Tap: Second Tap:Raw Time 1:53:62 Raw Time 2:41:00Penalties 0:04:00 Penalties 0:00:00Final 1:57:62 Final 2:41:00

THIRD PLACE: City of Elgin APPRECIATION: Madison, WIFirst Tap: First Tap:Raw Time 2:15:05 RawTime 2:17:11 Penalties 0:04:00 Penalties 0:00:00Final 2:19:05 Final 2:17:11 Second Tap: Second Tap:Raw Time 2:04:88 Raw Time 2:30:41Penalties 0:04:00 Penalties 0:00:00Final 2:08:88 Final 2:30:41

OFFICIAL SCORE SHEET 2012 WOMEN’S DIVISION

FIRST PLACE: Tapping Queens First Tap: Raw Time 6:40:50 Penalties 0:08:00 Final 6:48:50 Second Tap: Raw Time 6:05:56 Penalties 0:00:00 Final 6:05:56


We appreciate all the help we receive from our sponsors, the committee, the teams, and the CWLP crews in getting the pipe and carpets and other tapping materials set up for the contest. This event helps bring competitive staff together from all departments in public works, whether they work in the public or private sector, in the field, or in the office. The teams at the Illinois contest are offered free hotel rooms to help defray costs. The winning team also gets up to $6,000 toward travel expenses for the national AWWA competition. This year the winning teams will get up to $1,500 per person toward travel expenses to the national AWWA convention which is in Dallas, Texas.

After the competition, all of the teams were invited out to Top Cat’s Chill & Grill for refreshments and a great buffet thanks to the coordinated efforts of Tom Skelly and the ISAWWA. Thanks Tom!

Congratulations to all the teams for a very spirited contest. Thank you, again, to all our volunteers, sponsors, and committee members for making this year’s event so exciting and memorable.

See you next year in Springfield!

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bAckfLoW commItteeMike Eisenhauer, Chair

Another great Watercon has ended and, on behalf of the ISAWWA Backflow Committee, I would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s event. A very special thank you goes out to Laurie, Lisa and Sandi as well as all the volunteers; they all comprise the most amazing, hardest working group in all of AWWA.

In the last issue of Splash I asked each water purveyor to seriously take a look at your current cross-connection control program and answer honestly to yourself the following three questions:• Do you know where all of the

backflow assemblies are located in your water system?

• Have all cross-connections in your water system been removed or protected by an approved backflow assembly?

• Have all testable backflow prevention assemblies in your water system been tested by licensed CCCDI in the last twelve months?

These questions represent the three key elements to all effective cross-connection control programs. In this issue let’s explore in more detail the first of these questions. For some water systems the answer to the question,

“do you know where all of the backflow assemblies are located in your water system” is, unfortunately, no. The reason that this question is one of the big three is that, in order to effectively track (record keeping) backflow preventers, one must first know where they are located.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, through its rules and regulations, requires each water system in Illinois to create and maintain records and keep track of the cross-connection program. The first requirement is to perform what is referred to as a bi-annual survey. So there is no misunderstanding as to the language in Title 35 here is the actual verbiage from section 653.801(a)

“An active cross-connection control program shall be adopted and shall include the following:a) A cross-connection control survey

of the distribution system shall be conducted at least every two years by the official custodian or an authorized delegate.

1) The purpose of this survey is to compile and update an inventory of devices; the survey must consist of pencil and paper collection of information conducted by telephone, mail or personal visit to the manager or owner of a specific property.

So, that is what Title 35 says, but the true question, on a practical level, is what does it mean and how do I comply with it?

First let’s all understand that Title 35 makes absolutely no distinction between types of water service connections in your distribution system, meaning that ALL water connections, commercial, industrial and, YES, residential are all treated equally and all are subject to the applicable EPA rules and regulations.

Simply put, Section 653.801 is asking the water purveyor to find the location of the backflow prevention assemblies and record their information at least every two years. The data collected from this survey should be used with data from Section 653.802(c), which requires specific information to be kept for backflow assembly records and that reads: C) Cross-Connection control programs

shall include a record system which will maintain data on inspection, reinspections, repairs, alterations and tests.

There is a whole host of other information that must be managed by the water purveyor to maintain an effective cross-connection control program but that is for a future article.

One of the more effective ways to comply with the survey requirements is to send a returnable postcard to each water connection on your distribution system asking the utility customer for the specific information required. With the information received from the postcards you will then be able to incorporate the findings of the survey into the backflow assembly record keeping system and, thereby, use the data from the survey as a baseline and a means of updating the backflow assembly inventory.

Of course there is always a but, and here it is. The water department actually has to work together with the plumbing department!!! For some this will be quite simple and for others, well, not so much. Investor-owned utilities and rural water districts or water co-ops, for example, do not have an in-house plumbing department, but must coordinate with local plumbing authorities in the counties and municipalities they serve.

After you have initially, successfully determined where all of the existing backflow prevention assemblies


31b A c k f L o W c o m m I t t e e ( c o n t. ) • o u t r e A c H c o m m I t t e e • b A x t e r & W o o d m A n

Increased student involvement at WATERCON is a major goal of the Outreach Committee, as we strive to educate the next generation about the importance of water in everyday life, as well as the diverse career opportunities available to them in our industry.

Two college students were awarded a Safe Water Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 each for the 2012-13 school year in recognition of their pursuit of careers in the water industry, academic merit, and leadership qualities. The scholarship winners were recognized at the annual Awards Breakfast and include Chris Baumann (Marquette University) and Emily Huynh (Northwestern University). Emily attended WATERCON on Wednesday and Thursday to take in the technical tracks, tour the exhibit hall, and attend the tapping competition. She has now become a member of AWWA as well!

Several college students attended the conference on Wednesday, March 21, to give poster presentations on their academic research in the water and wastewater fields. Billy Nichols from University of Illinois won the top prize from ISAWWA for his presentation on long-term expansion and treatment upgrade solutions for the Moline Water Treatment Plant. Billy and his team of fellow students worked with ISAWWA District 1 Trustee Greg Swanson to study the Moline plant’s raw and finished water, relevant drinking water regulations, and several different treatment alternatives to come up with a long-term master plan for improving and expanding the facility. Billy will be sponsored by ISAWWA to attend AWWA’s annual conference in Dallas in June 2012 to compete against poster winners from other Sections.

outreAcH commItteeKristin Rehg, Chair

are located, gathered all of the pertinent information and incorporate all of this information into your record keeping system, you should then receive backflow test reports for each of these backflow prevention assemblies on an annual basis. Now for the tricky part. This only works if your plumbing department requires that all newly installed backflow prevention assemblies require a permit for installation and that final plumbing inspection of these installations is not completed until the newly installed backflow prevention assemblies are tested, and those results incorporated into the water purveyor’s survey and record keeping system. At this point you have completed the survey cycle. If there is no plumbing permit program, you will have to wait until the next survey is completed and the new backflow assembly reported to require submission of the initial test results.I hope that this article will shed some light on some perceived difficulties in moving forward with your cross-connection control program as well as, maybe, debunking some old myths.

Please visit the ISAWWA Backflow Committee website blog for any questions about backflow prevention and cross-connection control at: www.backflowblog.blogspot.com

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Water utility leaders take innovative infrastructure proposal to CongressUtility leaders approached Congress in more than 400 meetings during American Water Works Association, Water Environment Federation Water Matters! Fly In

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – More than 160 water utility leaders took to Capitol Hill Wednesday, March 7th and Thursday, March 8th to show their support for draft legislation that would create a federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA).

The draft legislation, currently being considered by the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, would lower the cost of large water projects for consumers at a time when infrastructure is aging and in need of replacement. The Fly-In took place just days after AWWA released a new report showing the investment needs in drinking water infrastructure alone will top $1 trillion over the next 25 years.

Needs on the wastewater side are thought to be similar.

Participating again in this year’s Water Matters! Fly-In, representing the Illinois Section AWWA, were Jerry Bever, Baxter & Woodman; Tom Skelly, City of Springfield; and John Donahue, North Park Public Water District. During their meetings with Illinois Congressional members and staff over the two days of the Fly-In, Jerry, Tom and John explained the merits of WIFIA, and sought support for the legislation as it proceeds through the legislative process. They emphasized that having a reliable water supply and a means of treating wastewater before returning it to the environment are necessary to economic development. Rehabilitating and replacing needed infrastructure produces jobs and helps protect

public health. The U.S. Department of Commerce has estimated that every dollar spent on water infrastructure generates $2.62 in the private economy. For every job added to the water workforce, about 3.68 jobs are added nationally.

The WIFIA mechanism would borrow U.S.Treasury funds to provide low-interest loans, loan guarantees, or other credit support to local communities. Loan repayments – with interest – and guarantee fees would flow back to WIFIA and into the Treasury – again, with interest. Eligible water infrastructure projects would include water, wastewater, and wet weather related projects.

WAter utILIty councIL (Wuc)Jerry Bever, Chair

Left: Pictured in the rotunda of the Cannon House Office Building are (from left to right) Jerry Bever, Tom Skelly and John Donahue

Right: (From left to right) John Donahue, Congressman Adam Kinzinger and Jerry

Bever. Congressman Kinzinger represents

Illinois in the 11th Congressional District.


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The Water Utility Council is looking to fill three (3) open positions. We are look for an AWWA member from a water utility within ISAWWA District 4 and one from District 5 (See the map below of ISAWWA Districts). We are also looking for an AWWA member from a related manufacturing representative.

ISAWWA WUC Mission The Water Utility Council shall have the responsibility of promoting an effective legislative and regulatory environment for the water community.

ISAWWA WUC Goals Provide timely articles for inclusion in SPLASH publication. Maintain information of the Illinois Section AWWA portal website for Section membership use. Provide timely response to State and Federal legislative and regulatory issues as they develop. Maintain communication exchange with AWWA Water Utility Council and Legislative Affairs Committees. Represent Illinois in Washington, DC for AWWA Water Matters! Fly-In.

ISAWWA WUC Guiding PrinciplesSupport legislation, regulation, and policies at all levels that will benefit consumers, the environment, and the water community. Participate in development of legislation and regulations. Provide information to membership of pending legislation and regulations that may impact the water industry. Promote positive relationships with legislators and regulators, and promote AWWA and Illinois Section AWWA as the leading source for information and expertise within the drinking water profession.

WUC Time Commitment The WUC usually has one face-to-face meeting which takes place in Springfield during the annual conference. Other WUC business is conducted by e-mail and conference calls. The frequency of e-mails and/or conference calls depends on the level of legislative activity.

Interested individuals should contact:Laurie Dougherty, ISAWWA Executive Director at [email protected], or Jerry Bever, WUC Chair at [email protected]

WAter utILIty councIL LookIng for neW memberSJerry Bever, Chair

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I L L I n o I S P u b L I c S e r v I c e I n S t I t u t e

It was great to see many of you in Springfield at WATERCON 2012. It was a fast trip for me, but I did visit with several IPSI grads and some of our currently sponsored members. It is great to hear how well the program is accepted and the gains that individuals get from it. These are comments from one of the attendees from last year.

Dear Mr. Page,

Thank you for the opportunity to attend the Illinois Public Service Institute (IPSI) in 2011. It was a professionally beneficial experience for me. During the week I was able to consider ways to establish and improve my personal leadership skills. Upon completion of my first year, I have found applications that can be integrated into my daily work. Additionally, I have identified areas where I need improvement, and I have since been able to work on these areas.

I will admit that during the first day of class, I began to become somewhat discouraged as we discussed challenges that we face as public works professionals. A challenge that many are faced with is declining resources and capital, coupled with the expectation to maintain the level of service delivered. This crunch is experienced throughout the public services, and many expressed the stress this has placed on them. The group discussion turned to how we can address this issue to make progress, and we realized that we are generally in a reactive mode. We determined that we need to prioritize where we can be proactive and make a difference in these areas. Ultimately, as the week progressed we were offered tools to face these challenges and shown that these challenges are the reason that we are needed to work in this field.

I was able to attend IPSI because of the scholarship offered from the Illinois Section of American Water Works Association and would like to thank the selection committee for awarding this scholarship to me. As a relatively new member of AWWA, I am very appreciative of all the opportunities that the Illinois Section offers to help in growth of the members.

Thank you,Eric B. Weiss, P.E., Water Operations EngineerCity of Elgin – Water Department

I hope everyone that is in a role of leadership or plans to be, considers attending the IPSI. The ISAWWA sponsors four new attendees each year for this three-year program; and,m having graduated from the program, I would love to have you apply for sponsorship.

The scholarship is $500 toward the tuition for the first year. Once you have successfully completed the course the first year, you are eligible to receive a $500 scholarship for each of the remaining two years of the three-year course (one week per year). You can start the course any year; you do not have to wait until a “beginning” session because each year is different.

The scholarship committee would like a short explanation of why you are applying for the scholarship, and how this course will help you in your career. I’m not looking for an essay- a paragraph on each part (the why and the how) will be sufficient. Be sure to include the fact that you are a member of the ISAWWA. You’re not going to be judged on how fancy the paragraphs are-we just want to know why and how.

Complete the online form at www.isawwa.org/IPSI-apply to be considered for this scholarship.(Members only, please log-in.)

ILLInoIS PubLIc ServIce InStItuteStephen Page, Chair


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S m A L L S y S t e m S c o m m I t t e e

SmALL SyStemS commItteeJon Meyer, Chair

The Small System Committee completed its first ever Operator Day joint session with the Education Committee at WaterCon2012. This inaugural event was a success. The day started with a combined morning track where operators met some of the IEPA staff, listened to some of the changes occurring at the IEPA, and asked questions of the staff. Additional special guests included representatives from the Illinois State Water Survey, and the Illinois State Geologic Survey. Although they only provided a brief introduction to attendees, it was beneficial to all to see the wealth of resources available within our State.

The Small Systems track session focused on training for minimally staffed utilities, and followed the combined morning track. This session was definitely a success. Our Committee’s very own Wayne Nelson (see him in action at WATERCON in the inset photo), who had recently undergone minor surgery, demonstrated to operators present that even if you aren’t feeling your best, you still have to get the job done. He wasn’t going to quit on our Small System operators in attendance because he knows what they go through

each and every day. Small water (and wastewater) systems have to provide quality service to their communities, and there is frequently only one operator with no backup. He was just doing what they do every day. Delivering.

And Wayne did deliver. He described scenarios that he has personally encountered as a small system operator, and that he has seen through his many years of experience at IRWA. Session attendees were packed in. In follow-up conversations with attendees, they all thought that both the session and Wayne provided them with useful and practical information. Our Committee hopes to build on this session next year.

Jim Strutz (from ILWARN [and behind Wayne in the inset photo]) and Steve Wilson (Illinois State Water Survey and Small System Committee member) also presented during the Small System’s track. Jim provided an overview of the ILWARN system including what it is, how it works, and how to join. He mentioned that, thankfully, disasters don’t occur every day; but, by joining ILWARN, you are prepared for when they do occur. This is an important point. You can’t take an exam without preparing through study and practice. Well, you can’t be ready for a disaster if you are not prepared with an established process and resources. Although you may have a “gentleman’s agreement” with your neighboring community, what happens if they are affected by the same disaster that has impacted your community? ILWARN sounds like a good tool to have in your disaster recovery tool belt!

Steve’s presentation was on SmallWatersupply.org. This website is tremendous! This is a one-stop-shop for free (repeat FREE) online resources, training, etc. It’s a simple user-friendly website that’s mines through the data available on the Internet. This website

is easy to navigate, and one you must check out. There were quite a few operators who were impressed with it. We were also very proud of the small system operators who joined us for lunch and the afternoon roundtable discussion. Their interaction with each other, meeting with exhibitors, and general interest in making the most of their day at the conference was very encouraging. We were happy to have them spend some time with us.

Finally, I would like to thank each of my Committee members including Wayne Nelson, Pat Gleason, Steve Wilson, Mike Burris, and new member Scott Bailey. Together we were awarded the AWWA national Small System Committee award including a check for $200. We will formally receive this award in Dallas at ACE2012.

Please visit our page on the new ISAWWA website for more information regarding the Small System Committee. If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please contact me at [email protected] or (312) 780-7754.

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educAtIon commItteeNick Winkelmann, Chair

I always felt that the Splash issue that follows Watercon is the most important because it provides an opportunity to thank all of those individuals who invested a significant amount of time

and effort into making the conference a success. Watercon 2012 was, again, a great conference with many learning opportunities available to all of the attendees. I especially want to thank those members of the Education Committee who assisted the AWWA staff at this year’s conference.

One of things that is so important in education is person-to-person learning. Typically, we learn more, whether it is practical or theoretical knowledge, from someone who is in the same industry or has the same career. Therefore, the Education Committee is working on providing more opportunities for what we call “In the Plant Training.” This concept will allow for some instruction time followed by a facility tour at various locations. The Committee members and I believe that this will allow the time you invest to be extremely productive and educational. If you have an idea or topic, or if you are a municipality that would like to host an “In the Plant Training” seminar,

please contact a member of the Education Committee to discuss it in more detail. Please feel free to contact the Committee with other ideas as well. We want to meet the education needs of our Section and its membership. We are always looking for input.

Again, I want to thank the members of our Committee for their hard work and involvement. This dedication and interest in education makes working with this Committee an extremely positive experience. Please contact us if you would like to become a member of the Education Committee or if you just have some questions regarding membership.

Please do not ever hesitate to contact Lisa Hoffhines or me with your suggestions, comments, or if you are a utility or organization that would like to host a seminar. We can be reached by email at [email protected] or [email protected].

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mAc commItteeTerry Locke, Committee Chair

Watercon 2012 is now in the history books. And what a wondrous week it was!

Talk about a busy two days. The Grand Opening of the exhibit hall on Tuesday was a whole lot of fun. We had the official BIG scissors that were used by Krishna Pagilla, the new president of IWEA and Dennis

Ross, the outgoing chair of the ISAWWA to cut the ribbons and start the Kazoo-led parade into the exhibit hall.

Now, I know there’s video out there somewhere of the Splash Mob routine performed to the Water Cycle song but, luckily I haven’t seen it yet. I just hope I didn’t embarrass myself too much. Top-Ops, the Water Taste Test, a box lunch, the Meet & Greet and 50-50 raffle rounded out the action on Tuesday.

With Wednesday morning’s 9 a.m. start, all the hard working vendors were able to sleep in an extra hour over years past. I, for one, was grateful as I was awake until after 1 a.m. helping with the Texas Hold’em tournament. The Logo Hunt on Wednesday seemed to be a big hit with a lot of people. The buffet lunch, the IWEA putting contest and the Silent Auction kept traffic moving in the exhibit hall most of the day.

We made a lot of changes in this year’s exhibit hall. The committee members circulated around the hall seeking out comments including criticism and compliments. We heard plenty of both and we realize that we need to adjust our plans accordingly. Our MAC Committee’s ultimate goal for Watercon is to make it the Number One event in the Midwest for exhibitors – the one you surely don’t want to miss.

So, here are the proposed changes for 2013. The new exhibit hall hours will be:

Sunday, March 17 Booth setup – 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Monday, March 18 Booth setup – 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Grand Opening 1 p.m.Meet & Greet 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.IWEA Putting Contest 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Tuesday, March 19 Exhibit hall open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.TopOps – 11 a.m.Water Taste Test 12 noonBox lunch 12 noonMeet & Greet 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.50-50 Raffle 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.Texas Hold’em 9 p.m. - ?

Wednesday, March 20 Exhibit hall open 8 a.m.Silent Auction closes at 11 a.m.Exhibit hall closes at 12 noon

Silent Auction items will be on display at individual booths all day Tuesday. We will have scheduled breaks in the educational sessions each day to allow traffic through the exhibit hall. If anyone has any questions or comments you can send them to any member of the MAC Committee. The list of members is available at www.isawwa.org.

We look forward to seeing everyone at Watercon 2013 in Springfield, March 18 – 21, 2013.

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W A t e r t A S t e c o n t e S t c H A m P I o n S • I m t e c H c o m m I t t e e

vILLAge PArk foreSt 2012 ISAWWA WAter tASte conteSt cHAmPIonSNora Bertram, Chair

During the Illinois Section American Water Works Annual Conference in Springfield on March 20, 2012, six utilities competed in the 18th Annual Water Taste Contest to win the title of the best water produced in the State of Illinois.

Among the competitors were the Village of Glencoe, last year’s ISAWWA winner; the City of Paris, winner of the 15 County Water Supply Operators Association water taste contest; the City of Elgin, co-winner of the Kane County Water Association water taste contest; The Village of North Aurora, co-winner of the Kane County Water Association water taste contest; the Village of Park Forest, winner of the South Suburban Water Works Association water taste contest and the City of Evanston, winner of the West Shore Water Producers Association water taste contest.

A drinking water sample, produced by each of the six utilities, was submitted and evaluated by a panel of local celebrity judges on water clarity, odor and taste.

Once the scores were tallied, Village of Park Forest was awarded best water produced in the State of Illinois and will

be eligible to defend it’s title next year at the ISAWWA 19th annual Water Taste Contest and to compete in this year’s 8th annual AWWA water taste contest in Dallas, Texas, for the best water produced in North America.

Sincere thanks are extended to the contestants and our judges; Mr. Tom Cavanaugh, Sangamon County Treasurer; Mr. Dean Bair, retired from the State of Illinois Recycling Programs, and Mr. Gene Koontz, current AWWA Vice President.

Only utilities that produce water and are winners of local water association contests are eligible to compete in the ISAWWA’s Water Taste Contest. Therefore, if you are a water association looking to host a competition and have your winner participate in next year’s 19th annual Water Taste Contest, contact Nora Bertram at (312) 236-9147 or [email protected].

ImtecH commItteeDoug Strempek, Chair

The IMTECH Committee would like to start off by thanking everyone who visited our booth at WATERCON. It was a great success for our Committee and a good opportunity to spread the word about our upcoming conference. It’s almost here; remember to save the date - June 5th at McHenry County College.

For those of you who are not familiar with the Committee, our main focus is to educate water and wastewater professionals about current and up-and-coming technologies. Over the last few months, in planning for our event, we feel we have achieved that goal with a new and improved conference. The Committee has reached out to speakers in a variety of areas and will be offering a multi-track approach. Tracks at our

event will relate to planning, design, implementation, and operation of water and wastewater-based technologies. The speakers will appeal to everyone from utility managers to IT professionals, in addition to operations and field staff.

Again, the conference is June 5, 2012 at:McHenry County College8900 US Highway 14Crystal Lake, IL 60012

Please help us make the event a success by spreading the word within your organization. You can earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.Hope to see you there! www.isawwa.org/TCON

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S W A n A n A Ly t I c A L • c L A r k d I e t z • H e n e g H A n & A S S o c . , P. c .

CONTACT US TODAy TO FIND OUT HOW! Phone: 866-521-3595x2 | Email: [email protected]

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AWWA/Wef 2012 yP SummIt At tHe utILIty mAnAgement conferenceBrian Kooistra, YP Chair

Mission of the AWWA YP Committee: To encourage student and younger water industry professionals to take an active role in the Association.

This year the YP Annual Committee meeting and YP Summit were scheduled to coincide with the Utility Management Conference in Miami, Florida. Attendees to the Summit were offered discounted rates to attend UMC. The YP Summit is a collaboration between AWWA and WEF, bringing together Young Professionals from both ends of the pipe.

The YP Committee meeting occurred Saturday, the day before the YP Summit. David LaFrance spoke to the group about the “State of AWWA”, the status of the organization’s membership, and offered some vision casting before the YPs undertook workshops to try and accomplish a year’s worth of face-to-face planning and strategy. David’s commitment to the YPs was evident as he stayed on to work with us through the entire session. As issues regarding an aging workforce continue to impact the country, industry, and AWWA, the importance of

a well-run and effective YP organization is brought into sharp focus.

The YP Summit content included presentations from WEF and AWWA leaders (including David LaFrance, again) as well as local politicians and several young professionals. Highlights of the Summit were: Jim Ginley’s presentation on networking; Section/MA program sharing; and one of the best panel discussions I’ve ever seen. Brian Shields (Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department Deputy Director), Dan Espino (City of Miami Springs Vice-Mayor), Ilene Lieberman (Broward County Commissioner) and Doug Yoder (Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department Deputy Director) came together to discuss the water business (with an emphasis on engineering projects because of the audience) each from their unique perspective.

All in all, it was a great Summit. Feedback on the event so far has been tremendously positive, and I look forward to attending next year’s Summit. Thanks to David LaFrance and Nancy Sullivan for taking (and, most importantly, sharing!) pictures of the event.

Thirty-nine AWWA young professionals attended the committee meeting from 25 Sections. Sixty-six young professionals attended the YP Summit, with 43 of those attendees representing AWWA. The 2013 Utility Management Conference will be held in Phoenix, Arizona March 10 -13, 2013. The YP Summit will take place on Sunday, March 10th. And the YP Committee Meeting will be held on Saturday, March 9th.

Left: David B. LaFrance, AWWA Executive Director, addresses the YP Summit. Above: Meredith Quinn, PE (AE2S) leads the YP Association Outreach workshop in the YP Committee meeting.

A W W A / W e f 2 0 1 2 y o u n g P r o f e S S I o n A L S S u m m I t

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I S A W W A c o n f e r e n c e A W A r d W I n n e r S

congrAtuLAtIonS to 2012 AnnuAL ISAWWA conference AWArd WInnerS!Terry McGhee, Awards Committee Chair

We appreciate the dedication, service, and loyalty you have demonstrated to the water industry and to AWWA.

Please make sure you log-on to www.isawwa.org and follow the links to submit your nomination for the Thurston E. Larson Best Paper Award presented at the 2012 ISAWWA Annual Conference, if you haven’t already done so. Remember “Your Vote Counts”!

Keep your eyes and ears open for possible candidates for the upcoming year’s awards, it’s never too early to nominate one of your colleagues.

The 2012 award winners are presented below:

young Professional Excellence Award for outstanding leadership and participation demonstrated as a Young ProfessionalAndrea Putz - City of Chicago

Water Professional of the year Award for dedication and motivation demonstrated through a career in the water works industryEsther Dundore – Illinois American Water

Volunteer Appreciation Award for recognition of time and effort volunteered to the enhancement of the Illinois SectionCity Water, Light & Power

Thurston E. Larson Award for Best Paper at the 2011 ISAWWA ConferenceAndrea Putz - City of Chicago

Meritorious Service Award recognizes an individual that has contributed valuable and significant volunteer time and effort to the Section activities and goals.Mike Whitington – Carbon Cliff

John Lechner Award of Excellence An individual award of excellence to recognize a section Manufacturers/Associates Council member who has demonstrated exemplary service to the drinking water community and to AWWA’s mission and goals. Ralph Gross - ATS

Safe Water Scholarship Awards Multiple scholarships worth $500 to $1,000 each are available for students in the following programs:

• Adult Continuing Education (full- or part-time)

• College Undergraduate (full-time)• Technical School (full-time)• Enrichment Program (high school) Kimberly HuynhChris Baumann

Quarter Century Service Award25 years of service to the industryRobyn Doescher - Baxter & WoodmanGary Cacciapaglia – City of RockfordTom Moore - City of RockfordLarry Johnson - City of RockfordKeith Benson - City of RockfordLeonard Cassaro - City of RockfordRobert Madison - City of RockfordDenise Bell - City of Rockford

James Allen - City of RockfordMark Sauer - City of RockfordBessie Williams - City of RockfordDave North - City of RockfordKevin DeHart - City of RockfordGregg Jacobson - City of RockfordHoward Ross – City of East MolineLeath “Chip” Drake - City of East MolineMyron Gochanour - City of East MolineBob West – CWL&PSandra O’Neill - City of Rock IslandDarlene Rosenthal - City of Rock IslandDonna Clark - City of Rock IslandJohn Kitson - City of Rock IslandCalvin Willard - Manito/HopedaleSam Spears - BeardstownRandy McClure - VirginiaBill Zombro - Maroa Robert Bratton - Cerro GordoMark Mitchell - Ashland/Blue MoundJack Cosner - Ashland/JacksonvilleLoy McCart - Athens/Broardwell Mike Patidge - Mt. PulaskiScott Bailey - MonticelloMichael Bechtel - City of Decatur Richard Nelson - City of GalesburgRussell Calkins - City of Galesburg

100 year Club AwardPublic water supplies that have served Illinois residents for 100 yearsVillage of MarkVillage of HamiltonCity of Crystal LakeCity of Wood River City of TampicoCity of FloraCity of LostantCity of Lake ZurichCity of BridgeportCity of AnnaCity of UnionCity of SeatonCity of SalemLow Point WaterWm W Fox

www.isawwa.org/Awards-2012

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t o P - o P S • m o S e c t I o n t o H o S t e x P o S

toP-oPS troPHy doeS round trIP bAck to eLgInLarry Thomas

How do you compete with the pageantry of a splash mob? You do Top-Ops! As promised we rid ourselves of that buzzer thing and set the competition up to compete on the basis of water knowledge rather than reflexes. And it worked! Evidently the Elgin Aquatards are not just fast, but smart as well, because they won the trophy and a trip to ACE once again. Our competitors this year were:

• City of Elgin Aquatards: Stuart Nelson, Mike Bourgerie, Brad Huerta

• Lake Forest Membrane Masters: John Gullendge, Charlie Douglas

• Summit’s Team DUDE: Jeff Duley The Aquatards stumbled on the first question, but followed up with correct answers the rest of the way. The Membrane Masters and Team DUDE also made strong showings with the final results much closer than they have been in the past.

Our thanks to everyone who participated. We hope to see the same teams back next year and to have others join the fray. The new format really works much better for the teams and the audience.

Top Ops is a contest between teams of water treatment operators. Questions asked of the contestants encompass all aspects of water supply, treatment, and distribution and are comparable to those on the water operator certification exam. A moderator poses a variety of multiple choice questions to the panel of teams, each of which attempts to respond correctly using a white board to write the letter corresponding to their response. Each team that presents a correct answer scores a point. Teams can consist of one, two, or three operators. The operators do not have to be from the same utility. In order to complete in Springfield, operators do not even need to be a member of AWWA. Team members are required to work full time as a water treatment plant employee, a water distribution system employee, or in a first-line supervisor capacity. They must also possess a valid operator, laboratory, or distribution certificate. Engineers, upper-level supervisors, etc., who do not work as a day-to-day operator are precluded from participating as an official team. (“Spring training” teams are allowed in some circumstances, but those teams are not officially entered and are not allowed to win.)

ISAWWA Conference registration is complimentary for participants for the day of the competition. ISAWWA will also provide one room night accommodation for contestants during the conference with double occupancy. Additionally, the Illinois Section assists with travel costs for the winning team to compete at the AWWA conference. Consider putting a team together for next year.

Congratulations to the City of Elgin Aquatards! And good luck in Dallas.

mo SectIon to co-HoSt AWWA’S dSS exPo And WSePc exPo Larry Thomas

AWWA’s premier conferences covering distribution and security and emergency preparedness is coming to the MO Section. DSS and WSEPC will be held in St. Louis, MO from Sept 9-12, 2012 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.

DSS has a four track technical program filled with distribution topics geared toward both engineers and operators. Topics include hydraulic modeling, water loss control, distribution O&M, asset management, cross connection & backflow prevention, and more. The WSEPC has a three track technical program covering a wide variety of security concerns utilities face everyday. These focused conferences assist utilities in establishing and updating response plans before its water system is at risk to contamination. Utilities will learn how to take the necessary steps to securing its water system from vandals and terrorists, training employees on emergency response procedures, and making it a priority to address and take action. Topics include risk and resilience assessment, cyber and process control systems security, utility response and security case studies. For operators and engineers, CEUs and PDHs are available for all technical sessions to help keep your license current.

In addition to the great technical knowledge exchange at these joint conferences, ample networking opportunities exist in the expo hall, between sessions and in committee meetings. Vendors within the distribution and utility security industry will be in one location for the attendees’ convenience.

Other exciting events at DSS include our opening general session where thewinners of AWWA’s Gimmicks & Gadget (continued on next page)

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(MO Section to Co-Host AWWA’s DSS Expo and WSEPC Expo, continued)

contest are awarded. These ideas are submitted by your peers and reviewed internally by AWWA staff. A 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prize is awarded including funds to help make more of the winning products and ideas. Last year’s 1st place winner is pictured in this article. Other awards given out at DSS/WSEPC are “the Best of Opflow” Paper award and the Distribution and Plant Operation Division’s “Peak Performance Award” for excellent volunteer service to the division.

Looking for a volunteer opportunity? AWWA is always looking for volunteer room monitors for our conferences. If interested, please contact the MO Local DSS Host Chair, John Schillings at [email protected]. Want to volunteer to help out on an AWWA committee related to distribution and plant operations or security? Many of our committees are filled with industry experts so volunteering is both a learning and networking opportunity! Feel free to come to the meeting the day of the conference. All AWWA committee meetings are open to members and non-members alike. Contact Ari Copeland, Staff Advisor - DSS, at [email protected] or Kevin Morley, Staff Advisor – WSEPC, for more information at [email protected]. The MO Section and AWWA hopes to see you there!

Pictured Left: Greg Dixon (left) and Nate Porte (Right), of the Contra Costa Water District, created the Porto-Puller as an ergonomic alterative to their hand held lifting tool for valve covers. This Gadget won First Place at DSS11.

Nooks, Kindles, coffee makers, and, um, purses? That is right, boys and girls. Seems like the donors are not just thinking of sporting items anymore! What a variety of items we had this year for the auction! Sporting tickets are always very popular items; but we also received gift cards, gift baskets, chocolates, and even homemade wine! We are grateful for ALL of the donations. Thank you to each and every one who contributed. As always, Barbara Waddell did a tremendous job at coordinating everything. We would not have the success that we do with her. Proceeds of $3,552 from this year’s silent auction will go directly to the Water for People fund.

We also received a $2,000 check from South Suburban Water Works Association. Thank you again for your annual donation. We wouldn’t be able to meet our target each year without your generous support. And last, but certainly not least, the 50/50 raffle was successful again this year raising $1,369 for WFP on Tuesday and $920 on Wednesday totaling a whopping $2,289 - great proceeds to Water for People and to our lucky winners.

WAter for PeoPLe commItteeEdna Sugden, Chair

Thank you to all who gave of their time and money. The Committee really appreciates the efforts of Barb Waddell and Andy Kieser with the silent auction. As for the “Raffle Crew”, a big thanks to Andrea Putz, Candace Scholz, Michelle Hoepner, Marla Braun, Kristin Rehg, Dave Bird, Chris Drey, Wayne Snedden, Aaron Horbovetz, John Van Arsdel, Randy Lusk and Todd Schaefer for your help. Volunteer efforts along with the funds generated go a long way in helping thousands of people achieve clean and safe water.

Tony Szabo of National Wash Authority dba Midwest Mobile Washers, also donated a 2300 psig power washer for the WFP Committee to raffle off. We will be looking for a creative way to offer this item. Thanks again, Tony. This was a very generous donation from your company.

Our Committee has been busy working on planning events for this year. Some ideas are a summer baseball day at the park, another Ravinia outing, bartending for Charity at Irish Oaks in Wrigleyville, and a reception/meet and greet in Chicago. We are looking for other committees that we can partner with. If you are associated with any type of a club or organization and you’d like the exposure of inviting the WFP crew to join, we can certainly find ways to create an event together. We are also willing to give presentations at your facility or via phone conference.

Thank you again for a great conference and please stay tuned for what exciting plans we have this summer. If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments please share with me at [email protected]. Our committee meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. via phone conference 1-800-791-2345 x 39942. Please join us.

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I S A W W A b o A r d , t r u S t e e S A n d c o m m I t t e e c H A I r S 2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3


49S P L A S H A d v e r t I S e m e n t o r d e r f o r m

Black and White ads □ Business card ................□ 1/4 page ...........................□ 1/2 page ...........................□ Full page ........................

Full color ads (4-color cmyk)□ 1/4 page ...........................□ 1/2 page ...........................□ Full page ........................□ Inside Front Cover .........□ Inside Back Cover .........□ Outside Back Cover ......

SPLASH advertisement order form

hoW are you suBmitting your advertisement artWork? □ As a high resolution, PDF, TIFF, or EPS file □ I have already submitted my artwork □ Please include my artwork from last year

select payment option: □Invoice me □Sending check □Purchase order □Credit card Name on card: Credit card number: Expiration date:

Purchase Order #:

Fill out contact inFo Company Name: Contact Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: Contacts Email: Email to bill/receipt (if different than above):

For more inFormationvisit www.isawwa.org | phone: 866-521-3595 ext. 2 | Fax: 866-521-3591 | email: [email protected]

1

2

step 1: Fill out & suBmit this Form to reserve your ad space FaX: 866-521-3591 mail: ISAWWA, 545 South Randall Rd, St. Charles, IL 60174

step 2: send your artWork By deadline BeloW Ads should be emailed to [email protected] as high resolution, PDF, TIFF, or EPS files

$200.00 (3 1/2” wide by 2” tall) $300.00 (3 1/2” wide by 4 1/2” tall) $550.00 (Vertical: 3 1/2” wide by 9 1/4” tall; Horizontal: 7 1/4” wide by 4 1/4” tall)$985.00 (7 1/4” wide by 9 1/4” tall)

$600.00 (3 1/2” wide by 4 1/2” tall) $850.00 (Vertical: 3 1/2” wide by 9 1/4” tall; Horizontal: 7 1/4” wide by 4 1/4” tall)$1,300.00 (7 1/4” wide by 9 1/4” tall) $1,500.00 (ask if available) $1,500.00 (ask if available)$1,800.00 (ask if available)

artwork due ByJanuary 1April 1August 1October 1

select advertisement type: yEARLy PRICE IS FOR INCLuSION IN 4 ISSuES

additional inFo Artwork will be run in 4 consecutive issues. Artwork changes outside of the renewal period are subject to a $100 ad-change fee per issue.

Illinois Section American Water Works Association

issueFebruary ..............................May ......................................September ...........................November ............................

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I n d e x o f A d v e r t I S e r S • r . e . P e d r o t t I c o . , I n c .

Index of AdvertISerSACIPCO ...................................................................................18Advanced Valve Technologies, Inc. ........................................3AECOM .....................................................................................6Aqua Backflow .........................................................................9Backflow Solutions, Inc .........................................................35Badger Meter ...........................................................................4Baxter & Woodman ...............................................................31Black & Veatch ......................................................................24Cady AquaStore Inc. ..............................................................10CDM Smith .............................................................................36Clark Dietz .............................................................................43CP Solutions, Inc. ..................................................................42Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. ...............................................24Dixon Engineering .................................................................12Farnsworth Group .................................................................28Ferguson Waterworks ...........................................................33Flolo Corporation ...................................................................39Heneghan & Assoc., P.C. .......................................................43Henry Pratt Company ..............................................................6HMG Engineers, Inc ..............................................................13Horner & Shifrin, Inc .............................................................20HR Green ...............................................................................18

Illinois American Water Co. ...................................................36Klingner Assoc. ........................................................................8Layne Christensen Co. ............................................................4M.E. Simpson ..........................................................................2Mueller Co .............................................................................35Natgun Co ..............................................................................16Ndian, Inc...............................................................................20Norman Noe Co. Inc. .............................................................40PDC Laboratories, Inc. ..........................................................42Peerless Midwest, Inc. ............................................................9R.E. Pedrotti Co., Inc. ............................................................50Strand Associates .................................................................12Swan Analytical .....................................................................43Tank Industry .........................................................................13Tnemec ..................................................................................24Test Gauge & Backflow Supply, Inc. .....................................51Tonka......................................................................................37Trine Municipal Services, LLC ..............................................11USA BlueBook........................................................................52Utility Service Co. ..................................................................28Val-Matic ................................................................................17Warren Sand Company ...........................................................8 Water Solutions Unlimited ....................................................39Water Well Solutions .............................................................12

Illinois Section American Water Works Association545 South Randall RoadSt. Charles, IL 60174

Non Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage PAID

Sycamore, ILPermit No. 66

Spring 2012 Splash Magazine

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