THIS WEEK IN WATER:
Innovative Method for Improved Water Quality at Closed Hydraulic Zone Valves - February 16, 2012
Nadine Miller, Water Quality Supervisor (far left) and Larry Pierce, Water Quality Technician (right) will be presenting our findings of an Innovative Method for improved Water Quality at the 2012 IEWA Watercon Conference.
ABSTRACT OF FINDINGS: In water distribution systems, valves are closed to create hydraulic zones that improve neighborhood water pressure. These closed valves create dead-end mains that result in poor water quality. The City of Rockford set out to determine if the installation of by-passes on these valves would result in improved quality. The by-passes were designed to allow a low flow that would maintain quality but not compromise the pressure zone. Improved water quality was demonstrated with turbidity readings and duration of hydrant flow collected during the City’s Annual Unidirectional Flushing Program.
Generator Testing - January, 2012
At Well 13, Water Operations staff are receiving specific training on our new Caterpillar Diesel generator and the Unit's switchgear, this is our fourth and final generator installation. The Water Division conducts many trainings every year to keep up on technology and changing regulations.
Rockford Water Division will be participating in the Youth Ground Water Festival on March 14, 2012
The Groundwater Festival is a learning fair for 4th and 5th grade students where education is used as the key to addressing groundwater issues. The Groundwater Festival is free of charge and number of participants are limited. Please contact Robbin Snodgrass at r.snodgrass@rockvalleycollege.edu for more information.
Rockford Water Environmental Lab will sample Ryan Air - December 1, 2011
US EPA published the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR) in 2009. This rule ensures safe and reliable drinking water is provided to airline passengers and crew.
The ADWR tailors the existing primary drinking water standards to the operations of all aircraft.
Major requirements of the ADWR are:
- Develop and implement operation and maintenance plans and coliform sampling plans
- Routine disinfection and flushing
- Self-inspection of the aircraft water systems every 5 years
- Corrective action in response to sample results that may be a public health risk
- Periodic EPA compliance audits.
Each air carrier was required to submit a coliform sampling plan and an aircraft water system operation and maintenance plan to USEPA by April 19, 2011.
The Rockford Environmental Lab will be testing all aircraft in the Ryan fleet each time the internal water system is emptied and disinfected or when an aircraft returns from overseas.
Well 13 - Open House and Dedication - November 10, 2011
Well 31 Solar Panel Project - October 21, 2011
Rockford Water Division to participate in Illinois State Water Survey - October 16, 2011
Customer Service Call Center - October 5, 2011
Preventing, Detecting, and Responding to Drinking Water Contamination - October 5 - 6, 2011
Environmental Lab - September 19, 2011
National Ground Water Protection Day - September 13, 2011
Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC’s) detected in two private wells in Winnebago County - August 22, 2011
Hydrant Hit on Pepper Drive - August 19, 2011
Water Utility Master Planning - August 15, 2011
Well House Dedication - Well 5 - July 27, 2011
Heat Advisory - Water Conservation - July 18, 2011
Continued Training and Evaluation of Work Processes - July 15, 2011
Rockford's Certified Lab Bacteriological Testing - July 8, 2011
Well 4 Demolition - July 5, 2011
2010 Consumer Confidence Report mailed to Customers - July 1, 2011
Visit from Design & Projects Manager of the General Water Directorate of Qassim - June 24, 2011
Replacement of Valve at Tay and Corbin - June 21, 2011
Broken Service on Concord Avenue - June 13, 2011
Signs Posted at the Millennium Fountain - June 4, 2011