2011 Racine Water Utility Annual Report · 2015-05-15 · Laboratory Improvements ... 1922 Liquid Chlorine in cylinders used for disinfection. 1924 The first two coagulation and settling

2011

Racine Water Utility

Annual Report

Board of Waterworks Commissioners

Mayor John Dickert

Alderman James Spangenberg

Alderman Ronald D. Hart

Alderman Michael D. Shields

John Engel

Kathleen DeMatthew

Thomas Sollman

Tracy Richters

Keith E. Haas – General Manager

Michael L. Gitter – Chief of Operations

Chad Regalia – Chief Engineer

Michael J. Kosterman – Plant Superintendent

[1]

Table of Contents

Title Page

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................... 1-2

Letter of Transmittal .......................................................................................................... 3

USCM Best Tasting Water In America………………………………………………….. 4-5

Pictorial & Milestone History for the 125th Anniversary………………………………... 6-17

Administrative

Mission Statement & Staff .................................................................................... 18

Organization Chart ................................................................................................ 19

2011 Water Utility Personnel................................................................................ 20

Capital Improvement Projects ............................................................................................ 21

Laboratory Improvements ..................................................................................... 22

Energy Management ............................................................................................. 23

Water Main Replacement Program ....................................................................... 24-26

New & Enhanced Operational Efficiency Programs ......................................................... 27

Leak Detection ....................................................................................................... 28-30

Large Meter Testing Program ................................................................................ 30

Sanitary Pump Discharge Reduction ..................................................................... 31

Time of Day Electrical Use .................................................................................... 32

Staff Reductions ..................................................................................................... 32

Utility Service Reports & Continuing Operations Optimization ....................................... 33

2011 Wastewater Services Summary .................................................................... 34-38

2011 Electrical Services Summary ....................................................................... 38-40

2011 Natural Gas Services Summary ................................................................... 41-43

2011 Report on Filter Backwashing Optimization ............................................... 44-45

2011 Membrane Optimization Efforts .................................................................. 45-46

2011 Operations Cost Reduction Summary .......................................................... 47

Water Production, Wholesale Customers, and Water Rates .............................................. 48

Water Production and Pumping Operations.......................................................... 49-52

Wholesale Customer Water Demand and Revenue .............................................. 53

Residential Trend in Water Consumption ............................................................. 54

Racine Water Utility Water Costs 1992-2011 ...................................................... 55-56

Water Treatment Chemicals Information .......................................................................... 57

Water Treatment Chemical Costs ......................................................................... 58

Water Treatment Chemical Use ............................................................................ 59

Recent Historical Water Treatment Chemical Use ............................................... 60-61

Racine Water Utility Water Quality................................................................................... 62

Finished Water Quality Report ............................................................................. 63-69

Racine Waterworks Recent Historical Water Quality .......................................... 70-73

2011 Report on “First Draw” Water Quality ........................................................ 74-76

[2]

Professional, Technical, Safety Training and Reportable Accidents ................................. 77

Professional and Technical Training .................................................................... 78-79

Safety Training ..................................................................................................... 79-80

Reportable and Lost-Time Accidents ................................................................... 80-81

Racine Water Utility Departments ..................................................................................... 82

Operations Department ......................................................................................... 83-84

Maintenance Department ...................................................................................... 85-86

Meter Department ................................................................................................. 87-88

Construction Department ...................................................................................... 89

Engineering Department ....................................................................................... 90-93

Appendices ......................................................................................................................... 94

Racine Water Utility Treatment Flow Schematic ................................................. 95-96

Racine Water Utility Flow Schematic .................................................................. 97

Service Area and Pressure Zones .......................................................................... 98

2011 Consumer Confidence Report ...................................................................... 99

[3]

To: Keith E. Haas, General Manager

Racine Water & Wastewater Utilities

Submitted herewith is a detailed annual report of the Waterworks Treatment Plant and

Distribution System for the year 2011.

Respectfully Submitted,

Michael L. Gitter

Chief of Operations

Michael J. Kosterman

Water Plant Superintendent

Kenneth M. Scolaro

Administrative Manager

James Moss

Operations Supervisor

Chad Regalia

Chief Engineer

Richard King

Maintenance Supervisor

Amy Lesnjak

Meter Supervisor

Theodore Ramos

Construction Supervisor

Robert R. Gilbreath

Technology Supervisor

[4]

2011

BEST TASTING TAP

WATER IN AMERICA!

[5]

Mayor John Dickert Receiving Taste Test Competition Award

U.S. Conference of Mayors 2

nd Round Water Taste Test Competition Judges

[6]

PPiiccttoorriiaall &&

MMiilleessttoonnee HHiissttoorryy

FFoorr TThhee

112255tthh

AAnnnniivveerrssaarryy

OOff TThhee

RRaacciinnee WWaatteerrwwoorrkkss

[7]

1886 - 1919

Pump Station - Corner of Dodge and Michigan Racine Water Company Pump Station - 1886

Original Steam Pumps 1886 Pump Station Interior 1886

Fire Flow Test at Monument Square in 1887 Racine’s Main Street – 1890s

[8]

10th Street Stand Pipe – 1890 Fire Flow Test-Monument Square 1905

1926 - 1938

Perry Avenue Standpipe and BP Station-1930 Treatment Plant and Pump Station 1932

High Lift Pump Station- 1933 Low Lift Pump Station- 1933

[9]

Filter Plant Expansion 1935 East Side of Facilities - 1936

Filter Plant Deck – 1936 Racine Water Utility Entrance - 1937

1938 - 1940

Service Building 1938 Water Department Vehicle - 1938

[10]

Meter Test Bench 1938 Machine Shop 1938

Laboratory 1940 w/ Dr. McCarthy Laboratory 1940 w/ Dr. McCarthy

1957 – 1958 (Filter Beds 13-16 and Basins Construction)

Large Filter Bed Construction 1957 Large Filter Bed and Cistern Construction 1957

[11]

1996-1997 (Pretreatment Project)

Demolition of Basins 1 and 2 1996 Reconstruction of Basins 1 and 2 1997

Lamella Plate Settlers 1996 Pretreatment Building Interior 1997

North Side of Pretreatment Building 1997 South Side of Pretreatment Building 1997

[12]

1997-1999 (Baffling and Piping Project)

Construction of Piping to Reservoir 1997 Construction of Piping to Reservoir 1997

Construction of Piping Outside Baffled East Reservoir with Venting 1999

Of Pump Station 1998

2000-2002 (Low Lift Project)

Low Lift Piping Construction 2000 New Low Lift Pumps (2 & 3) 2001 Completed Low Lift Pumps 2002

Motors 2, 3, & 4 2002 VFDs for Motors 2 & 4 2002

[13]

2003-2004 (Generator Station Project)

Former Walker Site Construction 2002 Finished Generator Station 2003

Generator (1 of 3) 2003 Generator Switchgear 2003

2004 (Highway 20 Booster Pump Station)

Hwy 20 BPS Exterior Hwy 20 BPS Interior

[14]

RWU 2004-2006

Newman Road Booster Pumps Station 2006 Newman Road Ground Reservoir 2006

Former Walker Site - Membrane Plant Installation of 72” Pipe 2004

Construction 2004

Membrane Building Exterior 2005 Installation of Membrane Cassettes 2005

Membrane Permeate Pumps 2006 Membrane Plant Decking and Piping 2006

[15]

Racine Waterworks Historical Milestones

1886 Initiation of construction of water intakes, distribution mains, and the Reichert court

pumping station.

1887 Lake Michigan water pumped into the distribution system via a 24-inch cast iron intake

pipe 7,559 feet long.

1911 Hypochlorite of lime used for disinfection. Steam pump station was enlarged.

1919 The Racine Water Company was purchased by the City of Racine.

1922 Liquid Chlorine in cylinders used for disinfection.

1924 The first two coagulation and settling basins completed. The last death due to typhoid

fever in Racine recorded.

1927-1928 The 12 million gallon per day filtration plant completed.

1927-1929 Installed a new 36-inch cast iron intake pipe; 6,963 feet in length.

1930 Erected the 2.75 million gallon storage standpipe west of the city. Anhydrous ammonia

first used to neutralize industrial chemical taste and odor pollutants.

1933 The modern electrical pump station built at Hubbard Street and Michigan Boulevard.

1935 Powder-activated carbon first used for taste and odor control.

1936 The filtration plant enlarged to 20 million gallons per day capacity.

1939 The construction of a third settling basin and enlargement of the two original basins

completed. The Service Building construction completed. The river crossing tunnel at

Main Street was constructed.

1950 Sodium Silica-fluoride fed for first time for prevention of tooth decay.

1957-1958 The filtration plant enlarged to 40 million gallon per day capacity. Two new settling

basins added under the front lawn. Two 1.5 million gallon elevated storage tanks

erected on the north and south sides of the City. The 150,000 gallon elevated tank and 2

booster pumps installed at Perry Avenue. 5-1/2 miles of 30” and 24” transmission

mains installed.

1964 Lake Michigan at all-time recorded low level producing treatment problems.

1966 Dual media filtration began with introduction of anthracite “capped” filters.

1967 Potassium permanganate introduced for taste and odor control.

1970 Installed the 54-inch concrete pipe intake, 4,500 feet long terminating in 9 intake cones.

1975 Cationic organic polymer introduced to treatment regimen to enhance clarification.

[16]

1977 Filter backwash waters recycled through newly constructed retention basin eliminating

discharge to Lake Michigan.

1978 Basin treatment sediments pumped to sanitary sewers for wastewater plant treatment.

1979 New bank of electrical switchgear, 3 new transformers, one 25-mgd high lift, and one

25-mgd low lift pump installed in the main pump station on Hubbard Street.

1980 2.3 miles of new 36-inch and 48-inch diameter water transmission mains placed in

service. Utility installed a 1,600 kilowatt diesel turbine electrical generator in the

Hubbard Street pump station.

1981 3.1 miles of new 30-inch and 24-inch diameter water mains placed in service to balance

distribution hydraulics. Booster pump station addition completed on west side. Two

million gallon elevated storage tank erected on southwest side of city.

1982 Eight original filters rehabilitated in the 1926 treatment plant.

1985 Chlorination treatment practice modified to reduce trihalomethane formation. Ferric

chloride used as the primary coagulant with polymer to reduce sludge, improve

clarification, and reduce costs.

1986 Lake Michigan recorded at an all-time high level.

1989 Zebra mussels discovered in intake system. First discovery of mussels in Wisconsin.

1991 Completion of new boiler house and control room. Backwash water piping replaced and

computerization of pumping station, treatment plant, and remote facilities completed.

1993 Phosphates first fed to finished water to prevent corrosion in distribution system.

1994 Racine Water Utility issues boil water notices on two consecutive weekends due to

discharge of “high” turbidity water into distribution system.

1995 Potassium permanganate feed lines extended to intake cones and conversion of

emergency low lift pump station to new chemical feed station completed.

1996-1997 Basins 1 and 2 demolished and rebuilt for pretreatment project. New chemical feed

systems, mixing chambers, and plate settlers installed to improve water pre-treatment

and filtration.

1999 Perry Avenue Booster Pump Station capacity expanded with the replacement of booster

pumps 1, 2, and 3 along with re-configuration of suction and discharge piping.

1997-2000 Reservoir and Baffling project construction completed. The east reservoir retrofitted

with concrete baffle walls to increase chlorine contact time and new piping installed

from filter plant to east reservoir and back to pump station to provide “true” flow

through the finished water system.

2000-2002 Low Lift project provided a firm source water pumping capacity of 60 mgd. Electric

motors relocated above grade to provide protection from potential flooding. Two

pumps installed with variable frequency drives for more flexible pumping operations.

[17]

2003

The Utility completed construction of the Standby Generator Station. This facility

provides emergency power to operate the entire Hubbard Street campus at peak

operation conditions.

2004-2005 The new Membrane Plant provides ultra-filtration to remove all micro-organisms and

particulates in the finished water, producing water of the highest quality to meet current

and future regulations.

2005 Construction completed on the Highway 20 booster pump station. This station provides

water to the Highway 20 corridor out to Interstate 94.

2006 Construction completed on the Newman Road booster pump station and ground

reservoir. This facility provides redundancy to the high pressure zone and capacity as

the water distribution system expands.

2007 The Racine Water Utility purchases the former Sturtevant Water Utility including the

distribution system, Rayne Road booster pump station, Broadway elevated tank, and the

Renaissance elevated tank.

2008 Chemical, mechanical, and operational changes made to reduce basin solids disposal

costs, decrease back-washing costs, and improve membrane plant performance.

2009 Phosphate inhibitor formulation changed to further lessen corrosion rates in the

distribution system and reduce first-draw water lead and copper concentrations.

2011 The Racine Waterworks marks its 125th year anniversary. The US Conference of

Mayors names the City of Racine the winner of “America‟s Best Tasting Water”.

[18]


MISSION STATEMENT

Our Mission is to provide the public

with safe, pure drinking water. The

completion of this mission, while

maintaining our tradition of cost-

effective operations, requires the

bringing together of each employee‟s

individual work effort to form a team

effort. To maximize individual

effort and teamwork, we strive to

develop a work environment that

recognizes the value of individual

differences, and fosters teamwork

and productivity among the diverse

and talented people who make up

our organization.

EXECUTIVE STAFF:

Keith E. Haas, P.E.

General Manager

Michael L. Gitter, P.E.

Chief of Operations

Chad Regalia, P.E.

Chief Engineer

Kenneth Scolaro, C.P.A.

Administrative Manager

Michael J. Kosterman

Water Plant Superintendent

SUPERVISORY STAFF:

James A. Moss

Operations Supervisor

Richard King

Maintenance Supervisor

Amy Lesnjak

Meter Supervisor

Theodore Ramos

Construction Supervisor

John P. Carr

Assistant Construction Supervisor

Robert Gilbreath

Technology Supervisor

[19]

2011 Board of Waterworks Commissioners Mayor John Dickert, Alderman James Spangenberg, Alderman Ron Hart, Alderman Michael D.

Shields, Thomas Sollman, John Engel, Kathleen DeMatthew, Tracy Richters

GENERAL MANAGER Keith Haas

CHIEF OF OPERATIONS

Michael Gitter

CHIEF ENGINEER

Chad Regalia

WATER PLANT SUPERINTENDENT

Michael Kosterman

ADMINISTRATIVE

MANAGER

Ken Scolaro

CONSTRUCTION

SUPERVISOR

Ted Ramos

CIVIL ENG. II

Jeff Guttenberg

OPERATIONS

SUPERVISOR James Moss

MAINTENANCE

SUPERVISOR

Richard King

METER

SUPERVISOR

Amy Lesnjak ASST. ADMIN.

MANAGER

Susan Cryer

CLERICAL

STAFF

Tracye Dyess

Dona Mancuso

Kim Navis

Terri Edmonston

Diana Felix

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

Nancy Sanders

MAINTENANCE

STAFF

Joe Cacciottii

Ty Chacon

Pete Georgeson

Rodney Harris

Ken Morgensen

Tory Prudhomme

William Roszkowski

Troy Schmidt

John Ulcek

Kevin Wanggaard

METER

STAFF

Wendy Brault

Thomas Egresi

Marc Jensen

William Jensen

Robert Kaplan

David King

Tim Otto

Ken Sands

Mike Wurster

ASST. CONSTR.

SUPERVISOR

John Carr

OPERATORS

STAFF

David Brueggeman

Tom Clemens

Peter Rodriquez

Bruce Rowlands

Brad Schimian

Ed Trudrung

Mike Weisbrod

ENGINEERING

STAFF

Jim Garbedian

Mark Helmin-Clazmer

Brent Nimz

James Draper

Dave Brack

Howie Fors

CONSTRUCTION

STAFF

Jerome Cannon

Mark Carr

Eric Dahlke

Steve Filip

Todd Kramer

Jeff Larsen

Mark LaRue

Joe Sullivan

Endel Williams

Dirk Zimmer

LABORATORY STAFF

Joan Pepin

Amelia Salinas

TECHNOLOGY SUPERVISOR

Robert Gilbreath

[20]

Water Department Personnel

Name Position Longevity (Years) WDNR Licenses

1. Brault, Wendy Clerk- Dispatcher 35 None

2. Brueggeman, David Pump/Filter Operator 21 Surface, Distribution

3. Cacciotti, Joseph Maintenance Worker 14 None

4. Cannon, Jerome Machine Operator 10 Distribution

5. Carr, John Asst. Construction Supervisor 30 Distribution

6. Carr, Mark Machine Operator 12 Surface, Distribution

7. Chacon, Tyrone Maintenance Worker 8 Surface, Distribution

8. Clemons, Thomas Pump/Filter Operator 14 Surface, Distribution

9. Dahlke, Eric Utility Worker 4 Distribution

10. Draper, James Engineering Aide 4 None

11. Dyer, Steven Maintenance Worker 25 None

12. Egresi, Thomas Meter Reader 10 Distribution

13. Filip, Steve Utility Worker 14 None

14. Garbedian, Jim Engineering Tech I 22 Distribution

15. Georgeson, Peter Maintenance Worker 23 None

16. Guttenberg, Jeff Engineer II 5 Surface, Distribution

17. Harris, Rodney Stock Room Clerk 24 Surface, Distribution

18. Helmin-Clazmer, Mark Engineering Tech II 20 Distribution

19. Jensen, Marc Senior Inspector 27 Surface, Distribution

20. Jensen, William Meter Inspector 32 None

21. Kaplan, Robert Meter Inspector 22 Surface, Distribution

22. King, David Meter Repairman 21 Surface, Distribution

23. King, Richard Maintenance Supervisor 26 Surface, Distribution

24. Kosterman, Michael Water Plant Superintendent 23 Surface, Distribution

25. Kramer, Todd Utility Worker 9 Distribution

26. Larsen, Jeffrey Utility Worker 5 Distribution

27. LaRue II, Mark Machine Operator 7 Distribution

28. Lesnjak, Amy Meter Supervisor 22 Surface, Distribution

29. Luxem, Richard Maintenance Worker 14 None

30. Morgenson, Ken Maintenance Worker 10 Surface, Distribution

31. Moss, James Operations Supervisor 24 Surface, Distribution

32. Nimz, Brent Engineering Tech II 15 Distribution

33. Otto, Timothy Meter Reader 15 Distribution

34. Pepin, Joan Water Resource Chemist 23 Surface, Distribution

35. Prudhomme, Troy Maintenance Worker 16 Distribution

36. Ramos, Theodore Construction Supervisor 31 Distribution

37. Regalia, Chad Chief Engineer 13 Surface, Distribution

38. Rodriquez, Pedro Pump/Filter Operator 27 Surface, Distribution

39. Roszkowski, William Electrician 7 Distribution

40. Rowlands, Bruce Pump/Filter Operator 22 Surface, Distribution

41. Salinas, Amelia Laboratory Technologist 9 Surface, Distribution

42. Sands, Ken Meter Repairman <1

43. Schimian, Bradley Pump/Filter Operator 8 Surface, Distribution

44. Schmidt, Troy Maintenance Worker 15 Surface, Distribution

45. Schweitzer, Charles Chief Engineer 37 Surface, Distribution

46. Sullivan, Joseph Utility Worker 3 Distribution

47. Trudrung, Edwin Pump/Filter Operator 22 Surface, Distribution

48. Ulcek, John Maintenance Worker 9 Distribution

49. Wanggaard, Kevin Maintenance Worker 22 Surface, Distribution

50. Weisbrod, Michael Pump/Filter Operator 11 Surface, Distribution

51. Williams, Endel Utility Worker 4 None

52. Wurster, Michael Inspector/Tapper 16 Surface, Distribution

53. Zimmer, Dirk Utility Worker 4 Distribution

54. Brack, Dave Construction Inspector Part Time

55. Fors, Howard Construction Inspector Part Time

Chuck Schweitzer retired on January 7, 2011

Steve Dyer retired on March 11, 2011

Richard Luxem retired on September 16, 2011

Ken Sands began employment on March 28, 2011

[21]

WWaatteerr UUttiilliittyy

CCaappiittaall

IImmpprroovveemmeenntt

PPrroojjeeccttss

[22]

Laboratory Remodeling

In 2011, the RWU Maintenance Department personnel completed the laboratory remodeling work. The work

encompassed replacement of the north wall casework and countertop, the center island casework and countertop, new

casework along the east lab wall and the bacteriological lab, rehabilitation of the casework and bench-top of the

chemical storage area, and a new epoxy floor coating throughout the laboratory. The present-day laboratory,

constructed in 1954, had used the original casework from 1930s.

Completed North Bench and Floor Center Island - West View

Center Island – East View East Wall Work Station & Glassware Cabinet

Sample Receiving and Storage Bench Bacteriological Lab

[23]

Energy Management (LED Lighting)

The Racine Water Utility completed the second year of the LED lighting replacement program. In 2011, the

following areas had the existing fluorescent lights and/or metal halide lights replaced with light emitting diode

fixtures:

Laboratory

Treatment Plant Offices

Filter Plant Pipe Galleries

Staff prioritized the replacement schedule to coincide where larger cost savings could be obtained and where

convenience for staffing made the most sense. Again, this project is part of a multi-year plan.

Treatment Plant Offices RWU Laboratory

Small Bed Filter Pipe Gallery Large Bed Filter Pipe Gallery

[24]

2011 Water Main Replacement Program

Introduction

Since 1986, the Racine Water Utility has conducted a yearly water main replacement program. Main

replacements are performed in coordination with local, county, and state pavement replacement and

streetscape projects. In 2011, the Engineering Department oversaw approximately 11,630 feet (2.2 miles) of

water main replacement at a total cost of approximately $2,085,000.

Refer to the Engineering Department section of this report for more information regarding water main

replacements and installations.

W-11-1 Water Main Replacement Phase I

Locations: Martin Luther King Drive - Hamilton to Geneva

Oakwood Drive – Emstan Hills to Biscayne

Length & Size: 2,730 feet of 8” Ductile Iron Main

9 New Copper Services (Lead Replacements)

Contractor: Reesman‟s Excavating & Grading

Estimated Cost: $420,000.00

Actual Cost: $363,858.25

W-11-2 Water Main Replacement Phase II

Locations: Orchard Street – Durand to Pierce

Perry Avenue – Byrd to 16th

Byrd Avenue – Perry to 300 feet east of Echo


1,005 feet of 12” Ductile Iron Main

Contractor: Earth X, LLC



[25]

W-11-3 Water Main Replacement Phase III

Locations: Forest Street – State to Liberty

Rosalind Avenue – Sheridan to dead end

Derby Avenue – Sheridan to dead end

Plainfield Avenue – Sheridan to dead end



Contractor: Reesman‟s Excavating & Grading



W-11-4 Douglas Avenue Water Main Replacement

Locations: Douglas Avenue – Goold to 3 Mile Road

Main and Lead Replacement from Goold to Melvin,

Lead Replacement only from Melvin to 3 Mile



Contractor: AW Oakes & Son

Estimated Cost: $1,090,000.00


[26]

[27]

NNeeww && EEnnhhaanncceedd

OOppeerraattiioonnaall EEffffiicciieennccyy

PPrrooggrraammss

[28]

Cracked, Leaking Water Main

Leak Detection

Historically, leak detection was performed sparingly each year, by an outside consultant. After discussions with staff, it

was decided that leak detection could be performed more cost effectively with in-house personnel and would also allow

for a greater portion of the system to be surveyed each year.

The Utility began its own in-house Leak

Detection Program in the spring of 2011, with

the purchase of a digital Leak Surveyor. This

device is an acoustic amplifier, which allows

the user to pick up the sound of even the

slightest leak in the area.

Detecting and locating leaks requires several

steps, the first of which is to check the general

area for any sounds that may indicate a leak.

This is done by connecting the Leak Surveyor

to fire hydrants, which are evenly spaced

every block and easy to connect to. If noise is

heard on a particular hydrant, there is a good

chance of a leak nearby.

The operator then listens to nearby water

services and valves, which are typically

spaced every 40-100 feet, gauging which

location has the loudest noise. The

construction crew may also drill holes and

push steel probes into the ground in order to

provide for additional listening locations if

nearby valves and services prove insufficient.

After several iterations, the source of the leak is found and repairs are made. This method is fairly accurate, though

somewhat time consuming. The Construction Department plans to purchase a Leak Correlator in 2012, which should

help the crew locate leaks more efficiently.

Leak detection was performed intermittently throughout the year, as time permitted. Roughly 15% of the system was

checked for leaks in 2011, resulting in the detection and repair of over 30 leaks. As leaks were exposed, employees

would try to determine the leakage rate via flow gauges, filling of buckets, or by visual estimate.

An estimated 130,000,000 gallons of lost water were saved in 2011 thanks to the new leak detection program. Based on

2011 chemical costs and electric rates, the RWU saved $17,025 from the implementation of the leak detection program.

In 2012, the Construction Department will take the program a step further by purchasing a leak correlator. The

correlator will work hand in hand with the digital Leak Surveyor, and will allow for more precise and efficient leak

detection operations.

[29]

Portion of System Checked for Leaks in 2011

Leaks Detected and Repaired in 2011

Estimated Leakage

Location GPM GPD GPY Leak Type 1 6552 Lincrest 2.0 2,880 1,051,200 Inside Service

2 2321 Penbrook 0.5 720 262,800 Joint Leak

3 1331 Timmie Dr. 0.5 720 262,800 Outside Service

4 8110 Old Spring 0.5 720 262,800 Outside Service

5 8048 Russel 0.5 720 262,800 Outside Service

6 1316 Timmie Dr. 0.5 720 262,800 Outside Service

7 1628 Pratt 15.0 21,600 7,884,000 Pipe Crack

8 3304 Debra Ln. 0.5 720 262,800 Pipe Crack

9 3206 Lakeview 0.5 720 262,800 Outside Service

10 1228 Hamilton 90.0 129,600 47,304,000 Pipe Crack

11 Arthur & Pierce 25.0 36,000 13,140,000 Pipe Crack

12 3729 95th Place 12.0 17,280 6,307,200 Outside Service

13 Brentwood Ct. 5.0 7,200 2,628,000 Joint Leak

14 Hamlin & Delaware 0.5 720 262,800 Valve Leak

15 1844 Taylor 0.5 Inside Service

16 3645 Providence Dr. 1.0 1,440 525,600 Corp Leak

17 2620 Penbrook 0.5 720 262,800 Corp Leak

18 1614 St Clair 2.0 2,880 1,051,200 Outside Service

19 6400 Heritage Ave. 15 21,600 7,884,000 Pipe Crack

[30]

20 West Lawn & 21st 3 4,320 1,576,800 Pipe Crack

21 2121 West Lawn 0.5 Inside Service

22 Glencoe & Lathrop 0.5 720 262,800 Joint Leak

23 9113 Florence 2.5 3,600 1,314,000 Corp Leak

24 5859 Regency Dr. 0.4 576 210,240 Corp Leak

25 9438 Jasmine 11 15,840 5,781,600 Outside Service

26 9430 Jasmine 7 10,080 3,679,200 Outside Service

27 1110 Hayes 5 7,200 2,628,000 Outside Service

28 3931 Judith Ln. 1.5 2,160 788,400 Inside Service

29 211 Hubbard 0.5 720 262,800 Joint Leak

30 409 English 10 14,400 5,256,000 Outside Service 31 800 17th St. 2 2,880 1,051,200 Outside Service

32 1432 Buchanan 7 10,080 3,679,200 Outside Service 33 8341 Kingsway 25 36,000 13,140,000 Outside Service

34 8006 Whitetail 0.5 720 262,800 Outside Service

35 1016 Winslow 0.25 360 131,400 Outside Service

36 3604 Waterbury 0.5 720 1,036,800 Hydrant Leak

Large Meter Testing Program

The year 2011, kept personnel busy monitoring, removing, and replacing meters in the multitude of vacant/abandoned

properties in the service area. Several differences between the inside (base) meter and the outside register (old-style

Read-O-Matic technology) were found and rectified. Meter change records indicate at least 26,460,500 gallons (35,375

ccf) of usage (approximately $82,500 in water revenue) was found to be unread and these meters were all converted to

the Orion reading system.

In 2011, the Meter Department increased its effort, time, and funding to test, repair, and replace large meters

(meters > 3”). Under-reporting large meters, because of the large water volumes, have a significant financial

impact on both the Water and Wastewater Utilities. With new Public Service Commission regulations

addressing ”unaccounted water”, there is now a greater emphasis to lower percentages of this water category

for compliance purposes. Meter personnel tested, changed, and/or serviced 80 large meters in 2011. Several

accounts at large apartment complexes that were deemed problematic had new meters put in. A year-ending

review of these accounts indicates that registered consumption tripled, on average. Also initiated in 2011, was

a program to photo-document large (3” and above) meters in the system as demonstrated in the pictures

below. This record keeping will prove that on the date of inspection, the by-pass line was secure (chained,

locked and tagged by Meter Dept. personnel) and the high and low meter side reads manually recorded since,

for billing purposes, the Orion system only provides a summed read (high and low) total.

[31]

Sanitary Pump Discharge Reduction

Part of the lab remodeling project included re-plumbing the lab sampling supply lines. Formerly, the lab sampling

faucets ran continuously with the discharge running to the sanitary sewer system. With the completion of the laboratory

north bench remodeling, the water sample discharge is routed to the retention basin with side-stream sampling to the

sample taps themselves. This configuration as seen in the pictures below insures fresh samples for testing and

eliminates significant amounts of water to the sanitary sewer, thus saving the RWU significant sanitary charges. As

seen from the Graph 1, water to the sanitary sewer system in 2011 was decreased by over 19 million gallons from 2009

and 18 million gallons from 2010. Monetary savings from this modification are included in the total wastewater

services cost reduction.

Lab Sampling Faucets Lab Sampling Under-Sink Plumbing

Graph 1

Pump Station Sanitary Flows

3.0744

1.368

3.2112

0.35604

2.1881.9872

2.1888

2.304

1.872

2.162.5632

1.8576

2.3328

0.357120.3672

0.49968

0.36132

0.45216

0.31536

0.29088

0.26496

0.404640.40608 0.36576 0.45792

2.2752

1.98722.016

2.11368

1.9584

2.11681.97352

2.2176

2.4768

2.63522.664

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Mil

lio

n G

all

on

s

2010 Pump Station Sanitary Discharge



Total Flow Through 12 Months:

2009 = 23.64 MG

2010 = 22.53 MG

2011 = 4.54 MG

[32]

Time of Day Electrical Use

The Racine Water Utility receives lower electrical rates for each kilowatt it uses during off-peak hours (10:00

PM - 10:00 AM weekdays) compared to on-peak hours (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM weekdays). The kilowatt charge

for peak hours is $0.06646 compared to $0.04732 for off-peak hours. The RWU performs more energy

demanding operations such as high lift pumping, filter backwashing, etc. at night. This mode of operation,

although not new for the Utility, was re-emphasized in 2011. The higher the ratio of off-peak versus on-peak,

the more savings the Utility will incur. As seen in the graph below, beginning in December of 2010 and

continuing in 2011, substantial improvements were made in off-peak energy use.

Off-Peak vs On-Peak Ratio for Treatment Plant/Pump Station Electric Service

2.162.01

2.312.242.26

2.09

1.69

1.84

2.19

1.93

1.64

1.90

1.49

1.79

1.51 1.53 1.48

1.84

1.85

1.59

1.67

1.85

2.17

1.59

1.00

1.20

1.40

1.60

1.80

2.00

2.20

2.40

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Month

2011 (12 month avg = 2.02) 2010 12 month avg = 1.70)

Staffing Reductions

In 2011, 3 RWU employees retired; the chief engineer and 2 maintenance workers. Through promotions the

chief engineer position was filled by the Civil Engineer II, the Civil Engineer I then filled the vacant Civil

Engineer II and the open Civil Engineer I position was not filled. Only one of the open positions in the

Maintenance department was filled. This staffing arrangement equals a RWU staff reduction of 2 for 2011 and

beyond. These staff cuts equal an approximate annual savings of $150,000 in the Utility‟s operational and

maintenance budget for personnel services based on 2011 wage and benefit rates.

[33]

UUttiilliittyy SSeerrvviiccee RReeppoorrttss ((SSaanniittaarryy,, EElleeccttrriicc,, NNaattuurraall GGaass))

&& CCoonnttiinnuuiinngg

OOppeerraattiioonnss

OOppttiimmiizzaattiioonn

[34]

2011 Wastewater Services Summary

Treatment Basins Solids Removal

Introduction

The Racine Water Utility continued to use contractual services in 2011 for its annual solids de-watering

program. Again, the Utility experienced an increase in amount of solids sent for land-filling and a

decrease in amount of solids sent to the wastewater treatment plant. As the Utility becomes more

experienced with this operation, operating and equipment improvements have increased the efficiency of

this program.

Graph 1 shows the estimated residual treatment solids generated by pre-treatment of lake water and stored

in the sedimentation basins. Yearly tonnage varies according to lake water quality, weather conditions,

and amount of chemical used. In this data set, from 2002 through 2007, all solids flowed to the

wastewater treatment plant for treatment and removal. Starting in 2008, the RWU hired Synagro, Inc. to

on-site dewater the settled solids from the sedimentation basins. The contractual price for this service

totaled $240,807 for 2011. If the Utility had not conducted on-site dewatering and instead sent this waste

down to the Wastewater Utility, the cost would have been about $460,044, thus saving the RWU

approximately $219,237 in wastewater charges just for annual basin cleaning. In 2011, the loading of

solids on the wastewater plant decreased to only 4.1 tons. This solids loading reduction to the sanitary

sewer system significantly improves operations and eases solids treatment and handling for the

Wastewater Utility.

Graph 1

Total Annual Residual Basin Solids Generated

1357.91136.9535.7408.8

1362

1148

576

832

1067

760

659

731

1201

863

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Weig

ht

(To

ns)

Dewatered Solids to Landfill Total Yearly Basin Solids

[35]

2011 Achieved Wastewater Service Savings

The sanitary sewer fee for 2011 was $44,779 compared to $104,517 for 2010, or a decrease of $59,738.

As seen in Graph 2, the total wastewater service fee dropped $42,389 from 2011. The 2011 O&M budget

figure for residuals management was set at $400,000. The RWU came in $114,400 under budget for

2011.

Graph 2

Annual Wastewater Service Cost

$1,090,734

$839,710

$519,148

$748,157

$577,989

$620,249

$934,205

$257,314

$882,879

$578,647

$639,730

$327,975

$285,586

$0

$200,000

$400,000

$600,000

$800,000

$1,000,000

$1,200,000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Historical Perspective:

Looking at the annual wastewater service cost from a long- term perspective (Graph 3), the current (2009-

2011) dollar outlays are roughly equal to what the Utility paid in 1994. In 1994, the RWU experienced 2

“boil water notices”. The aftermath of the incidents and resulting plant audits by regulators and

consultants resulted in discontinuation of backwash recycling, and instead diverting backwash water to

the sanitary sewer system. As seen in Graph 3, this resulted in immediate and steep increases in

wastewater charges. Over the years as sanitary treatment fees increased, so did the service cost to the

RWU. Off course, just raw dollars does not tell the whole story. Graph 4 illustrates the cost of

wastewater services as a percentage of the total annual operational and maintenance expenses. With the

re-implemented practice of backwash recycling and the on-site de-watering of treatment sediments since

2008, the Utility reduced the percentage of wastewater service cost back to levels experienced from the

late 1970s through the 1980s, and into the early 1990s before the treatment upsets of 1994. As

background to understand treatment residual (wastewater services) practices see below:

1926 - 1977: All backwash water and accumulated treatment solids flushed back directly to Lake Michigan.

1977 - 1994: All backwash water recycled to head of plant. Treatment solids pumped to wastewater.

1994 - 2008: All backwash water and treatment solids pumped to wastewater.

2008 - Present: All backwash water recycled to head of plant. Treatment solids de-watered on site and hauled

to landfill.

[36]

Graph 3

Graph 4

[37]

Effect on Wastewater:

Graph 5 illustrates the financial affect to the Racine Wastewater Utility because of the cost

reduction efforts at the RWU. Revenues from Water Utility operations for the Wastewater

Utility peaked at over 1 million dollars in 2007. In four years, those revenues dropped to just

under $45,000 in 2011.

Graph 5

As seen in Table 1 on the next page, the RWU achieved substantial reduction in wastewater service costs

due to the operational changes described earlier. When one uses the more conservative 3-year average,

the Utility still decreased wastewater service costs by about $683,000 in 2011. As described earlier, 3

operational changes implemented since 2008 account for the majority of monetary savings.

1. 2008: The RWU ceased pumping backwash water to wastewater and began recycling the

backwash water.

2. 2008: The RWU ceased sending treatment basin solids to wastewater, dewatered the solids

and disposed of these solids in a landfill.

3. 2010: In December, the RWU re-plumbed its laboratory sample lines to the retention basin

and eliminated this constant flow (19 million gallons per year) to wastewater.

These achieved savings will continue into the future and may be enhanced as the Utility staff improve

dewatering practices and possibly lower other sanitary discharge volumes.

[38]

.

Table 1

2007

Wastewater

Service

Charge

3-Year

Average (05-07)

Wastewater

Service Charge

2010

Wastewater

Service

Charge

2011

Wastewater

Service

Charge

2010

Wastewater

Service

Savings

2011

Wastewater

Service

Savings

2011

Wastewater

Equivalent

Charge for

Residuals

(solids, BOD,

PO4, etc)

$1,090,734

$969,273

$327,975

$286,468

Using

2007

Value

$762,759

$804,266

$460,044

Using

3-Year

Average

Value

$641,298

$682,805

On-site Solids

De-water

Savings

$219,237

2011 Electrical Service Summary

Introduction

Electricity remains an essential element for water treatment and conveyance. Potable water production,

on any scale, is impossible without it. Electrical use represents one of the largest costs in a water utility

budget. Over the last several years, the Water Department incorporated a number of measures to reduce

operational electrical demand and procured special contracts with WE Energies to conserve on electrical

usage and control costs. In 2011, the Utility continued programs to save additional monies by improving

operational efficiency.

With the expansion of treatment practices and buildings at the Hubbard Street campus (2003-2005), the

construction of two additional booster pump stations (2004 & 2006), and the acquisition of the Sturtevant

Water Utility in 2007, electrical use and costs rose in these years. In 2011, the Utility experienced an

overall increase in electrical costs and consumption compared to 2010. Table 1 shows the monthly

electrical bills for the Utility for the Hubbard Street facilities and Table 2 the costs for all the remote sites

for 2011.

Table 1

Year 2011

Total Electrical Charges For Hubbard St. Site

Total kW Used for Hubbard St. Site

Dec 17 - Jan 18 $46,155.27 750,362

Jan 19 - Feb 16 $47,461.57 677,562

Feb 17 - Mar 16 $45,126.96 654,575

Mar 17 - Apr 18 $48,618.59 736,227

Apr 19 - May 17 $43,633.81 626,142

May 18 - Jun 16 $52,439.04 741,034

Jun 17 - Jul 19 $70,162.66 1,031,546

Jul 20 - Aug 16 $64,193.10 907,068

Aug 17 - Sep 19 $70,153.97 1,045,143

Sep 20 - Oct 18 $50,447.53 704,250

Oct 19 - Nov 16 $44,117.60 615,159

Nov 7 - Dec 16 $45,090.47 631,330

Yearly Total $627,600.60 9,120,398

Monthly Average $52,300.05 760,033

[39]

Table 2

2011 Bill Sturtevant Renaissance Broadway Perry Ave. Regency

Mall Coolidge

Ave. Newman

Rd. Summit

Ave. Hwy 20 Sturtevant Total

Due Date BPS Tank Tank BPS Tank Tank BPS Tank BPS Old Garage

2-Feb $2,217.34 $111.57 $538.60 $7,059.96 $210.38 $496.81 $3,058.82 $33.71 $406.32 25.51 $14,159.02

4-Mar $1,876.31 $137.29 $510.25 $7,164.59 $234.18 $468.46 $3,211.86 $69.17 $352.31 $23.58 $14,048.00

2-Apr $2,083.05 $104.62 $457.33 $7,068.63 $214.45 $458.31 $2,883.25 $27.35 $499.48 $20.84 $13,817.31

3-May $0.00 $99.65 $398.59 $7,808.66 $171.07 $391.19 $2,360.15 $24.61 $529.93 $20.84 $11,804.69

2-Jun $4,361.57 $76.17 $275.68 $7,881.50 $110.62 $282.62 $2,307.75 $25.13 $543.05 $18.42 $15,882.51

2-Jul $2,345.11 $77.66 $51.97 $8,037.87 $51.62 $172.07 $2,371.40 $26.87 $468.32 $23.84 $13,626.73

3-Aug $2,594.14 $75.89 $46.92 $10,308.87 $25.34 $73.16 $3,893.66 $22.78 $346.13 $17.86 $17,404.75

1-Sep $1,935.62 $231.84 $45.20 $10,132.51 $28.52 $75.96 $4,854.46 $24.81 $282.91 $17.91 $17,629.74

1-Oct $2,006.50 $120.46 $54.43 $10,215.94 $25.08 $73.96 $5,885.16 $21.81 $360.45 $15.09 $18,778.88

1-Nov $2,312.57 $68.38 $43.10 $7,677.90 $25.71 $76.43 $4,435.11 $22.86 $324.09 $15.03 $15,001.18

30-Nov $1,973.72 $62.83 $200.10 $7,039.71 $37.83 $126.53 $3,724.04 $22.07 $391.69 $17.80 $13,596.32

31-Dec $2,044.58 $72.20 $538.68 $6,958.81 $137.59 $281.25 $3,286.66 $26.41 $401.93 $18.00 $13,766.11

Yearly Total $25,750.51 $1,238.56 $3,160.85 $97,354.95 $1,272.39 $2,976.75 $42,272.32 $347.58 $4,906.61 $234.72 $179,515.24

Monthly Average $2,145.88 $103.21 $263.40 $8,112.91 $106.03 $248.06 $3,522.69 $28.97 $408.88 $19.56 $14,959.60

In 2011, the RWU used over 9.120 million kilowatts to treat and supply water to the distribution system.

Electrical costs for the treatment plant and the distribution system totaled $807,116 while the Utility

budgeted $890,000 for electricity in 2011. Compared to 2010, the RWU saw a usage increase of 96,867

kW. These kW increases can be attributed to higher production due to more water demand in 2011. The

RWU paid $99,897 more for electricity in 2011 compared to 2010. Although higher kW usage caused

part of this dollar increase, WE Energies ended its Point Beach credit, causing an increase of

approximately $85,000 to the RWU.

In order to compare the efficiency of operations with regard to electrical use, the amount (kW) of

electricity used in a time period is divided by the total amount of water produced and pumped out of the

treatment plant. The kW/MG value can then be compared from month to month and year to year. Graph

1 represents the annual average for kW/MG of 1343.9 in 2011. Graph 1 illustrates that 2011 and 2010

used about the same amount of electricity per million gallons of water produced.

Graph 1

RWU Historical kW/MG Usage Yearly Average

1124.1

1227.4

1144.8

1197.1

1215.2

1117.1 1119.4

1140.61125.8

1203.4

1393.8

1373.7

1342.3 1343.9

1340.3

1130.91130.3

1194.4

1144.11137.5

1303.2

1184.1

1000

1100

1200

1300

1400

1500

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

kW/M

G

[40]

Without a doubt, the single most significant cost savings to the RWU for its electrical usage is the

contract for interruptible power with WE Energies. This contract reduced the cost of kilowatts to the

Utility both for on-peak and off-peak usage along with the halving of the monthly demand charge. Since

initiation of this contract in May of 2005 through December of 2011, the Utility saved over $879,500.

Graph 2 shows the yearly energy savings for the almost seven years of the contract running through the

end of 2011. Graph 2

$122,414

$150,715 $147,454

$134,319$126,430 $119,230

$78,989

$0

$2 0 ,0 0 0

$4 0 ,0 0 0

$6 0 ,0 0 0

$8 0 ,0 0 0

$10 0 ,0 0 0

$12 0 ,0 0 0

$14 0 ,0 0 0

$16 0 ,0 0 0

Jun 05 -

May 06

Jun 06 -

May 07

Jun 07 -

May 08

Jun 08 -

May 09

Jun 09 -

May 10

Jun 10 -

Dec 10

Jun 11 -

Dec 11

WE Interruptible Contract Cp2M Annual Savings

[41]

2011 Natural Gas Summary

Introduction

Natural gas costs represent another significant portion of the RWU operation and maintenance budget. At

the Utility, natural gas is used for running the boilers for building heat, heating water for domestic use,

and for drying air used in three dehumidification systems in the treatment plant and membrane filtration

building. As the Utility grew in number of buildings, the use of natural gas increased.

In 2011, the RWU budget contained a line item amount of $210,000 for natural gas. Actual 2011 costs

totaled $148,560.45 for all the facilities at the Hubbard Street complex and all the remote sites (booster

pump stations, elevated tank buildings, garage). Table 1 summarizes the monthly bills for all the remote

sites, Treatment Plant, Service Building, Membrane Plant, and Generator Building using natural gas for

heating.

Table 1

2011

Billing

Membrane

Plant

Generator

Station

Service

Building

Sturtevant

BPS

Perry

Ave.

BPS

Sturtevant

Old

Garage

Summit

Tank

Newman

Rd.

BPS

Hw. 20

BPS

Treatment

Plant Total

3-Feb $5,323.82 $1,920.22 $3,433.64 $195.74 $995.14 $224.72 $83.11 $326.87 $287.92 $16,577.00 $29,368.18

4-Mar $4,703.19 $1,683.63 $3,955.24 $178.38 $968.22 $223.29 $188.56 $439.65 $278.07 $13,890.00 $26,508.23

2-Apr $3,591.96 $1,943.42 $3,878.01 $152.97 $816.69 $179.15 $52.96 $462.41 $172.55 $12,782.00 $24,032.12

3-May $2,875.97 $816.85 $2,972.13 $108.04 $739.15 $120.77 $43.80 $383.40 $125.46 $9,040.00 $17,225.57

2-Jun $2,325.47 $1,048.08 $2,661.62 $70.78 $603.62 $66.65 $34.46 $310.95 $71.10 $5,721.00 $12,913.73

2-Jul $1,140.93 $19.92 $1,162.86 $19.97 $224.16 $13.22 $24.36 $145.71 $19.94 $821.00 $3,592.07

3-Aug $766.19 $8.70 $196.28 $34.31 $38.90 $12.13 $13.93 $42.27 $9.96 $876.00 $1,998.67

1-Sep $581.08 $8.99 $37.89 $14.63 $38.63 $10.97 $13.62 $9.28 $8.41 $795.00 $1,518.50

1-Oct $483.22 $8.70 $33.54 $8.70 $36.10 $10.67 $12.38 $8.41 $8.70 $650.00 $1,260.42

1-Nov $452.76 $8.41 $36.57 $13.96 $35.63 $12.39 $12.39 $9.94 $10.28 $3,285.00 $3,877.33

30-Nov $639.62 $24.05 $105.60 $56.91 $66.51 $13.38 $17.10 $25.77 $42.03 $9,137.00 $10,127.97

31-Dec $1,946.64 $110.36 $1,870.17 $74.04 $438.81 $84.55 $39.23 $66.34 $114.52 $11,393.00 $16,137.66

Yearly Total $24,830.85 $7,601.33 $20,343.55 $928.43 $5,001.56 $971.89 $535.90 $2,231.00 $1,148.94 $84,967.00 $148,560.45

Monthly Average $2,069.24 $633.44 $1,695.30 $77.37 $416.80 $80.99 $44.66 $185.92 $95.75 $7,080.58 $12,380.04

Table 2

2011

Treatment Plant

Gas Costs

Treatment Plant

Therms Used

Jan $16,577.00 21,054

Feb $13,890.00 18,349

Mar $12,782.00 17,911

Apr $9,040.00 14,107

May $5,721.00 9,489

Jun $821.00 784

Jul $876.00 848

Aug $795.00 693

Sep $650.00 512

Oct $3,285.00 5,128

Nov $9,137.00 13,334

Dec $11,393.00 16,594

Total $84,967.00 118,803

Avg. $7,080.58 9,900

Table 2 and Graph 1 show the amount of therms used each

month in 2011 and the monthly costs for the main building

(filter plant and pump station). Significant reductions in gas

usage annually begin in May and continue into October. As

standard operating procedure, the Maintenance personnel turn

off the boilers in the Treatment Plant and Service Building to

conserve energy use since heating is usually not required

during the late spring, summer, and early fall. The Utility

still uses natural gas in the warm months to operate

dehumidification systems to produce dry air which keeps

corrosion of pipes and equipment down to a minimum during

the higher humidity months. The pattern of gas costs seen in

Graph 1 obviously repeats itself at all the other facilities

using natural gas heat according to seasons.

[42]

Graph 1

Graph 2 shows the annual combined natural gas usage since 1998 for the treatment plant and pump

station. Natural gas usage declined significantly after 2003. In 2004, the Utility installed new

dehumidification equipment and initiated the standard operating procedure of decommissioning the

boilers in the warm weather months. This accounts for most of the therm reduction seen in the last seven

years.

Graph 2

Graph 3 shows, even with generally declining natural gas usage, the annual cost for heating and drying

the two buildings continued to rise due to increased natural gas prices. In 2011, the RWU used about the

same amount of natural gas compared to 2010 but paid significantly less due to lower per therm costs.

[43]

Graph 3

In order to account for the affects on climate conditions on natural gas consumption when comparing one

year to the next, the RWU now uses data supplied by WE Energies detailing the total number of heating

degree days for each billing period since 1998. By dividing the yearly therms used by the total heating

degree days (HDD), the Utility developed a comparative unit of measurement: therms/HDD. Graph 4

shows the annual therms per HDD from 1998-2011, and also plots the changes in efficiency the Utility

achieved from one year to the next. Graph 4 illustrates 2004 and 2005 have the largest increases in

efficiencies due to the boilers being turned off during the warm weather months. In 2009, the Utility

improved the efficiency of boiler operations another 7.3% due to the installation of the new gas burner

with VFD controls and less use of the larger 300 horsepower boiler. In 2010, the efficiency unexpectedly

decreased. 2011 saw the Utility‟s efficiency return to a positive value and therms/HDD value again lower

to 17.1.

Graph 4

Historical Therms per Heating Degree Day and Yearly % Efficiency Increases

17.1

18.3

35.634.5

33.0

28.8 28.727.2

22.7

17.1

18.8

18.717.7

16.4

6.6-11.53.1 4.3 12.7 0.6 5.2 16.5 24.8 -10.2 0.3 5.4 7.3

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

35.0

40.0

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Th

erm

s/H

DD

-15

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

% E

ffic

ien

cy

Therms per Heating Degree Day Yearly % Efficiency Improvement

[44]

2011 Filter Backwashing Optimization

Introduction

The RWU employs poly-aluminum chloride for water clarification treatment. Since the onset of this

chemical treatment in February 2008, the RWU optimized operations in different facets to reduce costs.

The chemical change allowed the Utility to increase conventional filter efficiency and obtain a major

operation benefits and cost significant reductions. This section details the results of filter operations.

A. Length of Run (LOR)

Graph 1 shows the annual average LOR for the past 7 years. In 2011, the RWU maintained a

relatively high length of run compared to pre-2009 values.

Graph 1

Yearly Average Filter Length of Run

142.3

222.0

212.6216.0

94.091.994.9

50.0

70.0

90.0

110.0

130.0

150.0

170.0

190.0

210.0

230.0

250.0

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Hour

s

B. Filter Backwash Number

In 2011, the number of filter backwashes totaled 625, relatively the same as the 2 previous years and

over a 50% reduction in backwash number from 2007 and before. The backwash trend-line

basically follows the historical decline in water production with the past four years‟ larger decrease

due to the coagulant change. Graph 2

Annual Total Backwash Number

2011

625

14131533

1767

1599

1576

1365

1037

604

631

900

1399

13231329

1474

1342

1500

1351

1847

1591

2143

1980

500

700

900

1100

1300

1500

1700

1900

2100

2300

1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Ba

ck

wa

sh

#

[45]

C. Backwash Volume

As the number of backwash decreases, so does the overall volume of water used for backwashing.

The volume of backwash water in 2011 was 74.130 million gallons. This represents a decrease of

70.91 million gallons (from 2007) or nearly 4.0 days of finished water production. Based on the

current electrical and chemical costs, the RWU reduced operational costs by $8,945 in 2011 due to

backwash decreases resulting from modified chemical treatment. All other fixed costs (personnel,

building, etc.) are not reduced.

Graph 6

Yearly Filter Backwash Volume

145.747 145.04

92.771

73.336 72.311 74.130

151.646

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Mill

ion

Gal

lons

2011 Membrane Optimization Efforts

Introduction

The desire to improve membrane filter operations provided the impetus to change coagulant chemicals

(ferric sulfate to poly-aluminum chloride) in 2008. The purpose was to reduce or eliminate iron carryover

from the conventional treatment plant to the membrane plant, thus to reduce fouling on the membrane

fibers. Reducing fouling rates would theoretically reduce trans-membrane pressure, lower permeate

pump speeds (= lower electricity use), and decrease the need to chemically clean the membrane fibers.

As explained in other areas of this annual report, the chemical change proved beneficial in treatment

practices and cost reduction. It has been no different regarding membrane plant operations. After the

change in coagulant was made, permeabilities increased, showing the reduction in fouling. Graph 1

presents permeability results as an average. The results become obvious of the positive affect of poly-

aluminum chloride on the reductions of fouling rates.

Graph 1

Average Membrane Plant Recovered Permeability

June 2006 Through December 31, 2011

6.88

6.61

6.22 6.22

6.37

6.63

6.54

6.73

6.87

7.20

7.267.30

7.55

7.42

7.897.86

7.99

6.86

7.57

7.28

7.10

7.20

7.73

7.827.79

6.99

6.786.81

5.98

7.12

7.71

7.777.79

7.22 7.22

7.277.33

6.90

7.857.88

7.94

5.90

6.40

6.90

7.40

7.90

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42

Number of CIPs (each number represents 7 cleans)

Perm

. ps

i/gfd

Coagulant

Feed

Change

Period

[46]

With improvements in permeability (= lower trans-membrane pressure and lower fouling rates), the

frequency for performing chemical clean-in-place (CIP) procedures also declined. As seen in Graph 3,

the 2011 CIPs declined to a total of 31 from 42 in 2010 and more from previous years. Looking at the

actual CIP clean interval over the course of membrane operations, the chemical cleaning interval

increased to 90 days (using the PACl coagulant) from 39 days (using the ferric sulfate coagulant). The

RWU spent over $5,300 less on membrane chemicals in 2011 from 2009 based on reduced chemical

cleaning frequency.

Graph 3

Annual Number Of Clean-In Place Events

78

59 58

48

31

42

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

2006 extrp 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

As mentioned previously, the coagulant change resulted in lower fouling rates and lower operating trans-

membrane pressure. With a lowered operating pressure, the permeate pumps run at lower speeds, thus

using less electricity. This electrical reduction and any other electrical savings in the operation of the

membrane plant are captured in the lower kilowatts/million gallon calculations as delineated in the

electrical service summary report.

[47]

2011 Operational Cost Reduction Summary

Process Description

2008

Amount

Peak Year*

Amount

2011

Amount

Reduction

From 2008

Reduction

From Peak

Year

Wastewater Service Charge & Reduction $839,710 $1,090,734 $286,468 $553,242 $804,266

kW/MG Electrical Use & Reduction

Average Kilowatts/Million Gallons 1,342 1,393 1,344 -2 49

Kilowatts X off-peak 66.7% X $0.04732 X 6,777,217 MG -$428 $10,481

Kilowatts X on-peak 33.3% X $0.06642 X 6,777,217 MG -$300 $7345

Backwashing Volume & Reduction

Million Gallons of BW Water 92.771 147.478 74.130 18.641 73.348

Calculated Savings in Produced Water based

Electrical Costs (1344kW x MG x $0.04732) $1,186 $4,665

Chemical Costs ($395,503 * MG / 6,777,217) $1,088 $4,280

WE Cp2M Contract Savings (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2011)

$123,943 $123,943

Leak Detection Program

2011 Estimated Volume = 130 MG Calculated Savings in Produced Water based

Electrical Costs (1344kW x 130MG x 66.7% x $0.04732)

Electrical Costs (1344kW x 130MG x 33.3% x $0.06742)

Chemical Costs ($395,503 * 130MG / 6,777,217)

$5,515

$3,923

$7,587

$5,515

$3,923

$7,587

Natural Gas Consumption & Reduction

$122,828 $122,828 $84967 $37,861 $37,861

135,266 228,579 118,803 16,463 109,776

Membrane Plant Cleaning Optimization – Reduced CIP Chemical Use $5,311

2011 Total Amount of O&M Dollars Saved from Operational, Equipment, and Contractual

Changes $742,617 $1,015,187

*Peak Year

Wastewater Service Fee 2007

kW/MG 2006

Backwash Volume Average 2005-2007

Natural Gas Dollars 2008

Natural Gas Therms 2000

[48]

WWaatteerr PPrroodduuccttiioonn,,

WWhhoolleessaallee CCuussttoommeerrss,,

RReessiiddeennttiiaall UUssee,,

&& WWaatteerr RRaatteess

[49]

Water Production and Pumping Operations

Table 1 below gives the 2011 monthly flow data for both the raw water and finished water pumping

operations. Maximum production for the month, highest daily average, and highest day occurred in July.

Highest minimum day occurred in July. Minimum production for the month occurred in February, with

minimum day, lowest daily average, and lowest maximum day occurred in December.

Table 1

As seen in Graph 1, a reversal in the general downward trend occurred in 2011 for the annual finished water

production. Graph 2 takes the flows presented in Graph 1 and shows the percentage change (+ or -) and the

degree of the change from the previous year. Four years show a positive change and eight years show a

negative change. Water production in 2011 increased 2.18% from 2010. During this time span (1999-2011)

water production decreased 22.8%.

Graph 1

2011 Raw Water Data 2011 Finished Water Data

Monthly

Total MG

Daily Avg. MGD

Daily

Max. MGD

Daily

Min. MGD

Monthly

Total MG

Daily Avg. MGD

Daily

Max. MGD

Daily Min. MGD

January 487.421 15.723 17.052 12.990 476.261 15.363 16.554 12.986

February 448.800 16.029 19.856 13.308 439.070 15.681 18.905 13.187

March 489.991 15.806 17.096 13.981 479.969 15.483 16.564 13.777

April 466.188 15.540 17.223 13.107 457.498 15.250 16.664 12.985

May 537.386 17.335 22.689 13.512 522.277 16.848 22.348 12.748

June 641.358 21.379 28.205 16.561 620.708 20.690 27.151 16.229

July 859.157 27.715 34.792 21.100 817.659 26.376 32.149 20.309

August 846.374 27.302 31.364 20.457 809.917 26.126 29.808 19.452

September 711.067 23.702 31.444 18.046 687.267 22.909 29.378 18.477

October 570.085 18.390 23.096 13.253 552.277 17.815 22.647 12.845

November 473.818 15.794 20.126 13.070 461.512 15.834 19.313 12.616

December 466.256 15.041 17.492 12.403 452.802 14.607 15.968 12.470

Maximum Day July 21, 2011 July 21, 2011

Minimum Day December 31, 2011 December 31, 2011

[50]

Graph 2

Table 2 breaks down the ten-year period of 2002-2011 on a monthly basis and provides an average for each

month. In 2011, six months set the low production mark for the last 50 years!

Table 2

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Monthly

Average

Jan 613,739 604,771 587,744 543,736 539,676 555,089 566,313 551,411 504,671 476,261 562,666

Feb 543,345 563,781 580,362 494,267 490,727 523,076 539,549 515,741 460,857 439,070 520,079

Mar 602,542 609,069 614,994 549,045 553,447 586,822 576,270 576,307 509,688 479,969 571,796

Apr 601,248 594,241 614,963 565,690 561,819 572,671 567,054 565,943 475,633 457,498 562,047

May 649,680 653,729 649,124 611,215 638,523 677,394 667,706 623,689 571,405 522,277 631,105

Jun 756,102 751,028 723,912 829,478 749,164 764,160 717,012 677,429 608,241 620,708 723,807

Jul 975,304 849,512 839,963 942,291 837,782 864,942 821,529 795,689 702,885 817,659 854,237

Aug 871,666 960,515 843,526 915,970 867,167 809,261 901,428 733,704 743,622 809,917 849,356

Sep 797,070 783,055 783,501 806,129 713,434 743,967 723,147 707,003 582,266 687,267 732,537

Oct 694,370 671,598 664,659 668,855 642,178 690,112 651,225 586,497 550,367 552,277 647,458

Nov 597,045 573,255 572,366 568,995 588,165 597,691 551,030 523,105 456,714 461,512 564,219

Dec 561,833 574,302 558,414 543,961 548,999 563,405 512,911 519,221 466,332 452,802 539,975

Annual

Total 8,263,944 8,188,856 8,033,528 8,039,632 7,731,081 7,948,590 7,795,174 7,375,739

6,632,681

6,777,217 7,857,490

Yellow indicates highest month in 10-year period. Green indicates lowest month in 10-year period.

Graphs 3 and 4 take totalized raw and finished water flows from 1997 through 2011 and present the data as

daily average flow. Water production generally decreased over the last fourteen years. Again, the Utility

distribution system grew and service connections increased, but water production declined, mostly due to lost

industrial customers. Average daily raw water and finished water production in 2011 increased from the

previous year, rising near 0.4 to 0.5 million gallons per day respectively from 2010. Most of the average day

production increase is attributable to the warmer and drier months of July, August, and September of 2011.

[51]

Graph 3

Graph 4

[52]

The previous graphs indicate that not all water pumped from Lake Michigan goes into the distribution

system. Part of the treated water is needed to run equipment and used for filter backwashing. Graph 5

exhibits the average daily volumes of water needed just for conventional filter backwashing. In 2011, the

average daily backwash water increased slightly to 203,000 gallons/day. The coagulant change from

ferric sulfate to poly-aluminum chloride resulted in increased length of filter runs and lowered the number

of backwashes accounting for the reduced volumes compared to 2008 and before.

Graph 5

Table 3 presents the historical maximum and minimum day finished water flows to the distribution

system since 1985. Recorded daily high flows for each year are highly dependent on weather conditions.

In 1988, the RWU set its all-time daily maximum flow. That year, the area experienced extreme drought

conditions. In 2010, the lowest minimum day production occurred for over the last quarter century. Table 3

Maximum Day & Flow Minimum Day & Flow

Year Date M.G.D. Year Date M.G.D.

1985 24-Jul 33.726 1985 1-Jan 13.606

1986 23-Jul 30.884 1986 26-Dec 13.411

1987 17-Jul 39.792 1987 26-Dec 13.719

1988 21-Jun 45.381 1988 1-Jan 14.642

1989 7-Jul 37.169 1989 1-Jan 15.086

1990 16-Aug 39.456 1990 25-Dec 15.604

1991 16-Jul 43.359 1991 29-Dec 15.506

1992 11-Jun 39.072 1992 1-Jan 14.436

1993 27-Aug 38.926 1993 26-Nov 15.931

1994 16-Jun 41.938 1994 25-Dec 14.097

1995 13-Jul 40.353 1995 25-Dec 16.565

1996 5-Sep 33.389 1996 29-Nov 13.964

1997 16-Jul 36.619 1997 25-Dec 13.455

1998 14-Jul 36.476 1998 26-Dec 16.051

1999 14-Jul 39.121 1999 26-Dec 15.293

2000 31-Aug 34.324 2000 1-Jan 14.545

2001 13-Jul 36.379 2001 25-Dec 15.104

2002 16-Jul 35.261 2002 28-Dec 15.607

2003 18-Aug 37.796 2003 26-Nov 14.375

2004 2-Aug 32.854 2004 25-Dec 13.438

2005 16-Jul 36.476 2005 1-Jan 12.847

2006 17-Jul 33.305 2006 23-Dec 12.897

2007 1-Aug 33.640 2007 25-Dec 14.576

2008 1-Aug 34.445 2008 19-Dec 12.831

2009 28-Jul 30.918 2009 28-Nov 12.533

2010 30-Aug 27.999 2010 20-Mar 12.405

2011 21-Jul 32.149 2011 31-Dec 12.470

[53]

Wholesale Customer Water Demand and Revenue Graph 1 shows the historical trends of totalized water usage by the wholesale customers. Like water

production figures, wholesale use follows the same declining trends over the last decade.

Graph 1

As seen in Graph 2, the actual revenues to the RWU from the wholesale customers generally increased

historically. This increasing trend is mostly likely influenced most by rate increases. Both graphs show a

steep decline in 2007 as a result of the Village of Sturtevant changing from a wholesale to a retail

customer. With the rate increase in 2011, and an increase in sales of purchased water, wholesale revenues

rose in 2011 from 2010.

Graph 2

[54]

Residential Trend in Water Consumption

The RWU compiles many statistics for the Wisconsin Public Service Commission on an annual basis.

The Great Lakes Compact stresses and urges water efficiency and conservation in the State of Wisconsin

to preserve the valuable resource of water that we have at our door step in Racine. The State has

appointed a Water Conservation position to oversee and monitor water conservation efforts in Wisconsin.

Recently, environmental groups have intervened in water rate cases in Waukesha, Wisconsin to strongly

encourage conservation efforts among residential customer classes. Incentives for water conservation

have been to enact inclining block water rates to discourage more than the average use by residential

customer classes.

The City of Racine is a good example of trends in residential consumption considering that the

community is fully developed and it is rare for new home starts. The information presented in the Graph

1 indicates that water consumption in the residential class in Racine, Wisconsin has dropped from 2002 to

2010 by 20.1%. This drop can be explained by many factors; an aging population where the number of

individuals per household may have dropped, rate increases in recent years have caused residents to

conserve in order to keep water bills at a tolerable level, installation of water saving toilets and shower

heads, reduction in lawn watering with increasing water rates and wetter periods of climate, economic

downturn that may be increasing the number of vacant properties or empty dwellings. The bottom line is

that the Utility has seen a decline in residential consumption. In 2011, the RWU experienced a small

increase in residential water usage reversing a 5-year trend of declines.

Graph 1

It would be onerous on residential ratepayers to further reduce their consumption by imposing inclining

block rates to further provide a disincentive to use water on a local level. Lake Michigan serves as

tremendous source water that has not deviated in level by more than a few feet in over 100 years of

record. The resource is currently plentiful and Racine is not in the same situation as a community that

might be using groundwater as a source of its water.

[55]

Racine Water Utility Rates

1992 – 2011

Over the course of the past 19 years, the consumer‟s cost of water rose from $0.61 to $2.12/100ccf. This

parallels inflation over the same time period and reflects the true cost of water and improvements

undertaken at the Utility to improve supply, treatment, and water quality. Graph 1 shows the actual cost

of water to a residential user based on 100 cubic feet (748 gallons) of water purchased.

Graph 1

Graph 2 shows the actual Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) approved rate increases since

1992. The PSC granted the RWU an overall 15% rate increase in 2011. Concurrent with the higher

operational and capital expenditures, the RWU, like almost all area water utilities, experienced declining

water sales. This reduction in sales and revenues puts further pressure to raise rates.

Graph 2

[56]

Graph 3 represents the historical amount in gallons received by the customer per penny billed. Graph 3

[57]

WWaatteerr

TTrreeaattmmeenntt

CChheemmiiccaallss

IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn

[58]

Water Treatment Chemical Costs

Chemical costs are a significant portion of the annual operation and maintenance budget. Annual costs

for chemical treatment are influenced by the amount of water production, quality of source water, and

market variables. Figure 1 shows the 2011 chemical costs.

Figure 1

The Utility uses six different chemicals for the direct production of water. For membrane cleaning and

neutralization, four chemicals are used. Graph 1 depicts the steeper incline in chemical costs from 2006

through 2009. Some of this is due to the inclusion of the membrane cleaning chemicals, but most is

attributed to the higher costs of chemicals. For the second year in a row, annual chemical expenditures

declined. In 2011, the Utility spent $381,717 on treatment chemicals ($51,983 less than 2010). The cost

reduction is due to stabilization of market forces and a 30% reduction in fluoride use to meet new EPA

and HHS guidelines.

Graph 1

[59]

2011 Water Treatment Chemical Use

[60]

Recent Historical Water Treatment Chemical Use

The RWU employs six chemicals to produce potable water to meet all Federal and State guidelines for

water quality. Without chemical addition, micro-organisms may survive in, particles would pass through

to, and taste and odors would exist in the finished product the Utility‟s customers would consume. The

following figures summarize chemical usage since 2002.

Chlorine Chlorine is a strong oxidizer used

to disinfect the source water to

produce water free of viruses,

bacteria, and protozoa. Chlorine

dosages remained relatively steady

with the total pounds fed

decreasing over time due to

lowered water production. Total

chlorine use increased in 2011 due

to higher water production.

Chlorine treatment remains the

single most important chemical

process in use at RWU.

Coagulant A coagulant clarifies the water by

producing a small precipitate

which settles to the bottom of a

tank. Since 2000, the RWU

employed either ferric sulfate or

poly-aluminum chloride. Total

pounds fed have essentially

remained the same over this time

span.

Potassium Permanganate Potassium permanganate, another

strong oxidizer, serves numerous

purposes at the RWU. The Utility

first used this chemical in 1967 for

taste and odor control. In 1995,

chemical addition was moved to

the intake cones for zebra (&

quagga) mussel control.

Permanganate gives the Utility an

early warning of water quality

changes in the Lake. Dosages have

remained relatively constant the

past three years.

[61]

Cationic Polymer Cationic polymer (or coagulant aid

polymer) enhances the clarification

of the source water. This chemical

contains positive charges along the

length of the molecule which

attract the negatively charged

colloidal material found in Lake

Michigan water. This chemical‟s

use has decreased historically due

to better mixing, lowered water

production, and optimization of

pretreatment operations.

Hydrofluorosilicic Acid (Fluoride)

The RWU feeds fluoride to be

incorporated into the tooth enamel

and bone structure of children and

adolescents. The feed rate was

dropped in 2011 to maintain a

fluoride dosage of 0.7 parts per

million (optimum concentration to

prevent dental caries). Total

annual pounds fed vary with the

amount of water produced.

Lower water production equates to

less chemical consumed.

Blended Phosphates

Since 1993, the RWU has fed a

phosphate to the finished water in

decrease corrosion of metal pipes

in the distribution system and the

customers plumbing. The main

purpose is to lower lead and copper

concentration in the customers‟

“first draw” water. In 2004, the

Utility exceeded the lead maximum

contaminant level. Increases in

amount of phosphate fed since

2004 are due to the Utility‟s efforts

to regain and maintain compliance

with the Lead & Copper Rule.

[62]

RRaacciinnee

WWaatteerr UUttiilliittyy

FFiinniisshheedd

WWaatteerr QQuuaalliittyy

[63]


2011 Finished Water Quality Report

Introduction

People using Lake Michigan as their source water are fortunate to have such a plentiful and high quality

supply. A properly operated and maintained treatment plant produces drinking water which is completely

safe and pleasing to the drink. State and federal regulations require the RWU and all water utilities, to

monitor the treatment plant finished and distribution waters. This monitoring ensures the highest possible

quality and protects the public's health. Many different parameters are tested at various frequencies. The

attached water quality analysis lists all the chemical, microbiological, radiological, and physical tests

performed, their results, and the maximum contaminant levels (MCL) allowed for each. Frequency of

testing depends on each particular parameter and their chance of occurrence and historical levels found.

Typically, MCLs have not been established for some parameters due to incomplete research, unknown

occurrence data, or no known adverse effects. The Water Quality Analysis is divided into seven sections.

The first five deal with the required monitoring parameters and the last two for general information. The

Utility produces finished water meeting all state and federal regulations.

Inorganic Chemicals

The inorganic chemical section is subdivided into the primary, secondary, and unregulated chemicals.

MCLs for the primary regulated chemicals are based on the possible adverse health effects. MCLs for the

secondary regulated chemicals are based on the possible aesthetic influences on water quality. “Less

than” signs before numerical results indicate the contaminant is absent or the concentration is below the

analytical detection limit.

Turbidity

Turbidity is a measure of water clarity and a very important monitoring parameter. Strict internal

standards are set. Turbidity measures the effectiveness of total treatment plant performance. Low

turbidity indicates optimized chemical treatment and filtration. High turbidity is aesthetically

unappealing and allows pathogens to possibly escape the disinfection process.

Organic Chemicals

Regulations established maximum contaminant levels for organic chemical based on their carcinogenic

effects in laboratory animal studies, with the results extrapolated to human exposure. This section is

subdivided into volatile organic chemicals (VOC), synthetic organic chemicals (SOC), and disinfection

by-products (DBP). VOCs and SOCs found in the water result from pollution in the watershed. DBPs

result from naturally occurring organics reacting with chlorine used for disinfection. “Less than” signs

before numerical results indicate the contaminant is absent or the concentration is below the analytical

detection limit.

Radioactivity

In general, Lake Michigan contains very low levels or no radioactive isotopes. There is either no risk or

extremely little risk from radioactivity using surface water.

Microbiological Parameters

The most important process at any water treatment facility is disinfection. To ensure the water is

pathogen free, bacteriological tests are run daily on plant process and distribution waters. Treatment

techniques require specified minimum levels of treatment to remove or inactivate protozoa, bacteria, and

viruses from the water.

The last two sections are for general information and are self-explanatory. At the end of the report is a

list of definitions footnoted in the text of the report.

In summary, the RWU‟s finished water is of excellent quality, meeting all state and federal limitations

and regulations.

[64]


2011 Finished Water Analyses (typical) Updated January 1, 2012

I. Inorganic Chemicals A. Primary Regulated Chemicals

Parameter Results Maximum Contaminant Level

Antimony 0.19 ug/l1 6 ug/l

Arsenic 0.92 ug/l 10 ug/l

Asbestos2 <0.20 MFL 7 million fibers per liter

Barium 20 ug/l 2000 ug/l

Beryllium <0.13 ug/l 4 ug/l

Cadmium <0.10 ug/l 5 ug/l

Chromium <0.6 ug/l 100 ug/l

Copper <20 ug/l 1300 ug/l

Cyanide 0.031 ug/l 200 ug/l

Fluoride 0.70 mg/l3 4 mg/l

Lead <3 ug/l 15 ug/l

Mercury <0.07 ug/l 2 ug/l

Nickel 1.1 ug/l 100 ug/l

Nitrite <0.05 mg/l 10 mg/l

Nitrate-Nitrite 0.34 mg/l 10 mg/l

Selenium <2.0 ug/l 50 ug/l

Silver <0.5 ug/l 50 ug/l

Thallium <0.10 ug/l 2 ug/l

Copper and Lead Sampled at Consumer’s Taps

Copper, 90% 0.29 mg/l 1.3 mg/l

Lead, 90% 7.5 ug/l 15 ug/l

B. Secondary Regulated Chemicals Parameter Results Maximum Contaminant Level

Aluminum <0.019 mg/l 0.05 - 0.2 mg/l

Chloride 16 mg/l 250 mg/l

Chlorine, total 1.07 mg/l 4 mg/l

Color <5 C.U.4 15 C.U.

Hydrogen sulfide <0.01 mg/l not detectable

Iron 0.02 mg/l 0.3 mg/l

Manganese 0.0075 mg/l 0.05 mg/l

MBAS, foaming agent <0.1 mg/l 0.5 mg/l

[65]


pH 7.69 <6.5, > 8.5

Sulfate 24 mg/l 250 mg/l

Total Residue 190 mg/l 500 mg/l

Zinc 86 ug/l 5000 ug/l

C. Unregulated Chemicals Parameter Results Maximum Contaminant Level

Alkalinity 106 mg/l No Level Established

Boron <0.2 mg/l No Level Established

Calcium 36 mg/l No Level Established

Hardness 140 mg/l No Level Established

Magnesium 12 mg/l No Level Established

Phosphate, ortho 0.68 mg/l No Level Established

Potassium 1.42 mg/l No Level Established

Silica 0.5 mg/l No Level Established

Sodium 8.3 mg/l No Level Established

Total Organic Carbon 1.3 mg/l No Level Established

II. Turbidity

Average Daily Turbidity 0.024 NTU

Average Daily Peak Turbidity 0.041 NTU

The regulation governing turbidity is a two tiered rule:

1. Turbidity must never exceed 0.5 NTU leaving the treatment plant.

2. 95% of monthly samples must be below 0.3 NTU.

If either of these limitations is exceeded, public notice is required and in the case of (1), a boil

water notice is required.

III. Organic Chemicals

A. Volatile Organic Chemicals Parameter Results Maximum Contaminant Level

Vinyl Chloride <0.20 ug/l 2 ug/l

Benzene <0.16 ug/l 5 ug/l

Carbon Tetrachloride <0.29 ug/l 5 ug/l

1,2-dichloroethane <0.16 ug/l 5 ug/l

Trichloroethylene <0.28 ug/l 5 ug/l

1,4-dichlorobenzene <0.37 ug/l 75 ug/l

1,1-dichloroethylene <0.13 ug/l 7 ug/l

1,1,1-trichloroethane <0.23 ug/l 200 ug/l

[66]


cis-1,2-dichloroethylene <0.30 ug/l 70 ug/l

trans-1,2 dichloroethylene <0.30 ug/l 100 ug/l

dichloromethane <0.29 ug/l 5 ug/l

1,2-dichloropropane <0.32 ug/l 5 ug/l

Ethylbenzene <0.31 ug/l 700 ug/l

Chlorobenzene <0.32 ug/l 100 ug/l

1,2-dichlorobenzene <0.11 ug/l 600 ug/l

Styrene <0.14 ug/l 100 ug/l

1,2,4-trichlorobenzene <0.43 ug/l 70 ug/l

1,1,2-trichloroethane <0.16 ug/l 5 ug/l

Tetrachloroethylene <0.11 ug/l 5 ug/l

Toluene <0.26 ug/l 1000 ug/l

xylenes <0.65 ug/l 10000 ug/l

Bromobenzene <0.25 ug/l No Level Established

Bromomethane <0.30 ug/l No Level Established

Chloroethane <1.6 ug/l No Level Established

Chloromethane <0.29 ug/l No Level Established

O-Chlorotoluene <0.19 ug/l No Level Established

P-Chlorotoluene <0.24 ug/l No Level Established

Dibromomethane <0.37 ug/l No Level Established

1,3-Dichlorobenzene <0.34 ug/l No Level Established

1,1-Dichloroethane <0.23 ug/l No Level Established

1,3-Dichloropropane <0.29 ug/l No Level Established

2,2-Dichloropropane <0.31 ug/l No Level Established

1,1-Dichloropropene <0.28 ug/l No Level Established

1,3-Dichloropropene <0.47 ug/l No Level Established

Isopropyltoluene P <0.5 ug/l No Level Established

1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane <0.34 ug/l No Level Established

1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane <0.32 ug/l No Level Established

1,2,3-Trichloropropane <0.36 ug/l No Level Established

B. Synthetic Organic Chemicals Parameter Results Maximum Contaminant Level

Alachlor <0.03 ug/l 2 ug/l

Aldicarb <0.35 ug/l 3 ug/l

Aldicarb sulfoxide <0.32 ug/l 4 ug/l

Aldicarb sulfone <0.34 ug/l 2 ug/l

Atrazine <0.06 ug/l 3 ug/l

Benzo(a)pyrene <0.02 ug/l 0.2 ug/l

Carbofuran <0.38 ug/l 40 ug/l

Chlordane <0.03 ug/l 2 ug/l

Dalapon <0.7 ug/l 200 ug/l

Di(2-ethylhexl)adipate <0.6 ug/l 400 ug/l

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate <0.6 ug/l 6 ug/l

Dibromochloropropane <0.1 ug/l 0.2 ug/l

[67]


Dinoseb <0.14 ug/l 7 ug/l

Dioxin <5 x 10-9

ug/l 3 x 10-8

ug/l

Diquat <0.32 ug/l 20 ug/l

2,4-D <0.06 ug/l 70 ug/l

Endothall <0.5 ug/l 100 ug/l

Endrin <0.01 ug/l 2 ug/l

Ethylene dibromide <0.01 ug/l 0.05 ug/l

Glyphosate <4.7 ug/l 700 ug/l

Heptachlor <0.02 ug/l 0.4 ug/l

Heptachlor epoxide <0.02 ug/l 0.2 ug/l

Hexachlorobenzene <0.04 ug/l 1 ug/l

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene <0.03 ug/l 50 ug/l

Lindane <0.02 ug/l 0.2 ug/l

Methoxychlor <0.03 ug/l 40 ug/l

Oxamyl <0.32 ug/l 200 ug/l

Picloram <0.07 ug/l 500 ug/l

Polychlorinatedbiphenyls <0.1 ug/l 0.5 ug/l

Pentachlorophenol <0.02 ug/l 1 ug/l

Simazine <0.07 ug/l 4 ug/l

Toxaphene <0.33 ug/l 3 ug/l

2,4,5-TP(Silvex) <0.16 ug/l 50 ug/l

Aldrin <0.05 ug/l No Level Established

Butachlor <0.03 ug/l No Level Established

Carbaryl <0.34 ug/l No Level Established

Chlordane alpha <0.1 ug/l No Level Established

Chlordane gamma <0.1 ug/l No Level Established

Dicamba <0.23 ug/l No Level Established

Dieldrin <0.07 ug/l No Level Established

Methomyl <0.36 ug/l No Level Established

Metolachlor <0.03 ug/l No Level Established

Metribuzin <0.07 ug/l No Level Established

Propachlor <0.04 ug/l No Level Established

C. Disinfection By-products Parameter (THM) Results Maximum Contaminant Level*

Chloroform 12.5 ug/l ----

Bromodichloromethane 9.9 ug/l ----

Chlorodibromomethane 4.9 ug/l ----

Bromoform 0.47 ug/l ----

Total 24.8 ug/l 80 ug/l

Parameter (HAA)

Dibromoacetic Acid 1.1 ug/l ----

Dichloroacetic Acid 5.8 ug/l ----

[68]


Monobromoacetic Acid 0.8 ug/l ----

Monochloroacetic Acid 2.0 ug/l ----

Trichloroacetic Acid 2.8 ug/l ----

Total 12.5 ug/l 60 ug/l

*No individual MCLs are established. All four concentrations summed for THM must be

below 80 ug/l and for all five HAA concentration must be below 60 ug/l.

IV. Radioactivity Parameters


Gross Alpha 1.0 +/- 0.5 pCi/L 15 pCi/L

Gross Beta 2.2 +/- 0.9 pCi/L 50 pCi/L

Radium-226 0.13 +/- 0.05 pCi/L 5 pCi/L

Radium-228 0.6 +/- 0.5 pCi/L 5 pCi/L

Radon 14 +/- 8 pCi/L No Level Established

Uranium, Total 0.9 +/- 0.2 pCi/L No Level Established

Tritium 20 +/- 150 pCi/L 20000 pCi/L

Strontium-90 1.0 +/- 0.3 pCi/L 8.0 pCi/L

V. Microbiological Parameters


Coliform bacteria, total 0 per 100 milliliters 0 per 100 milliliters

Coliform bacteria, fecal 0 per 100 milliliters 0 per 100 milliliters

Heterotrophic bacteria 0 - 10 per milliliter 500 per milliliter

Viruses* Treatment Technique Absent

Giardia* Treatment Technique Absent

Cryptosporidium* No Level Established

*Occurrence, treatability, and infectious dosage studies for Cryptosporidium are ongoing.

Pending these results maximum contaminant level and treatment techniques will be

established. Currently, testing procedures for viruses, giardia, and cryptosporidium are

unreliable and lengthy. In lieu of better analyses, regulations require water plants to meet

certain treatability standards to insure the drinking water is free of these pathogens. The

Racine Water Utility meets these requirements.

VI. Temperature

Annual Average 47.8 F

Annual Maximum 71.5 F

Annual Minimum 33.0 F

Water temperature is dependent on air temperature, amount of sunlight, and wind direction.

[69]

VII. Treatment Chemicals 7

The following table lists the chemicals used, their annual average dosages, and the

purpose of their use in the production of potable drinking water. Chemical application

quantities can vary according to source water quality, amount of water produced, and the

treatment goals of the Utility.

Chemical Name:

Dosage Rate in ppm8:

Primary Use in Treatment:

Potassium Permanganate

0.15

Taste & Odor Control,

Zebra Mussel Control

Chlorine

2.08

Disinfection

Poly Aluminum Chloride

7.9

Particle Removal

(Clarification)

Coagulant Aid Polymer

0.28

Clarification Aid

Fluoride

0.59 Prevention of Dental Caries

Polyphosphate

0.93

Prevention of Piping

Corrosion

Definitions 1ug/l stands for micrograms per liter or parts per billion.

2Asbestos monitoring is not yet required. No standardized test has yet been developed

3 mg/l stands for milligrams per liter or parts per million.

4 C.U. stands for Color Units.

5 NTU stands for nephlometric turbidity units which is a measure of water clarity.

6 pCi/L stands for picco Curies per liter, a measure of radioactivity.

7 Chemical usage information is based on 2011 data.

8 ppm stands for parts per million.

[70]

Racine Waterworks Recent Historical Water Quality

Introduction

All public water systems must meet minimum Federal and State quality requirements for producing

potable water. The Utility tests for numerous parameters to gauge the water quality, the effectiveness of

treatment, and to ensure public health. The frequency of testing of these parameters depends on past

occurrence and the importance to public health.

Turbidity

Turbidity is the measurement of the water clarity. It is important from two standpoints. First, from an

aesthetic standpoint, crystal clear water is more desirable and palatable to the consumer. Second, and

more importantly, particles left in the water may provide hiding places for pathogens to escape

disinfection. So, the goal of any water producer is to provide water with the lowest turbidity possible.

Governmental maximum contaminant levels require the finished water discharged from the treatment

plant to be less than 0.30 NTU 95% of the time and never to exceed 0.50 NTU. Graph 1 shows the

historical peak finished water turbidity from 1997 through 2011. The slight finished water turbidity

increases in 2008 – 2009 are due to the use of different turbidimeters measuring the plant discharge. The

dramatic lowering of finished water turbidity after 2005 is due to the addition of membrane filtration to

the treatment process.

Graph 1

Disinfection

Disinfection of water remains the most important treatment process of any water supplier and is probably

the most important practice undertaken by society to protect public health. In underdeveloped regions of

the world, waterborne disease remains the number one killer of humans, even today. Graph 2 displays the

historical free chlorine residual in the finished water leaving the treatment plant. For many years, the

RWU set free chlorine residual goal at 1.0 parts per million. As seen in Graph 2, for most years, the

Utility successfully maintained the 1.0 ppm goal. In 1997-1998, and again in 2004, the average finished

water chlorine residual was significantly higher. In these years, RWU staff operated with higher chlorine

residual to meet disinfection regulations. In 1997 and 1998, the Utility constructed baffle walls in the east

reservoir in order to bring the Utility in compliance with the Surface Water Treatment Rule to provide the

proper contact time for disinfection. With the east reservoir out of service and new piping between the

filter plant and high lift pump station under construction, the plant needed a higher disinfection level to

maintain the proper CT value due to the decreased contact time. In 2004, the Utility again ran with a

higher residual goal for a couple of months because of the removal of the east reservoir from service for

[71]

construction of pipeline to tie in the membrane filtration plant into the water treatment scheme. From

2005-2011, the RWU again returned to the 1.0 ppm goal, with the average residual in 2011 at 1.07 ppm.

Graph 2

Water Stability

Alkalinity and pH measurement of the drinking water tell much about the effects of water treatment on

the source water and the aggressiveness of the water on plumbing and fixtures. Generally, higher pH and

alkalinity make the water less corrosive to metal piping. As seen in Graph 3, from 1997 through 2007,

the pH of the finished water sat around 7.4 standard units. In 2008, the average finished pH increased to

7.65, 7.72 in 2009, and 7.69 in 2010-11. Finished alkalinity since 1997 decreased through 2005 and

stabilized through 2007. After 2007, the alkalinity concentration (parts per million) increased to 107

(2008), and 106 (2009-2011). Both the pH and alkalinity increase were caused by the switch to poly-

aluminum chloride as the Utility‟s coagulant. This chemical, when dosed to the source water, lowers the

pH less and depletes the alkalinity less than the iron salt coagulants the RWU previously used. This

significant improvement in water quality makes the water less corrosive and provides a better foundation

for building a protective film on pipe interiors.

Graph 3

[72]

Graph 4

Corrosion Control

The Lead and Copper Rule promulgated in 1986 required water purveyors serving over 50,000 people to

conduct corrosion control treatment. In 1993, the RWU began feeding ortho-poly phosphate blend to the

finished water as it left the treatment plant for corrosion control. Ortho-phosphate, over time, creates a

thin protective barrier on the inside of water pipes. This barrier ideally prevents direct contact between

the water and the metal pipe. Thus, the metal atoms cannot dissolve into the customer‟s water. Graph 5

shows the ortho-phosphate concentration in the finished water since 1997. From 1997 through 2005, the

Utility maintained an ortho-phosphate concentration of 0.25 ppm. In 2004, the Utility exceeded the

maximum contaminant level for lead.

In 2006, the Utility changed chemical suppliers and the blend of phosphate. For 2006-2007, the ortho-

phosphate residual target became 0.40 ppm. Beginning in late January 2009, the RWU increased ortho-

phosphate concentrations in the drinking water to a target of 0.70 parts per million (ppm) as it strives to

lower corrosion rates and reduce lead and copper concentrations in the consumer‟s water.

Graph 5

[73]

Fluoridation

Fluoridation, practiced by the RWU since 1950, helps protect the population from dental caries (cavities).

When the fluoride level in drinking water is maintained at a concentration of 1.0 to 1.1 ppm, cavities are

reduced approximately 67% as shown by numerous epidemiological studies. Fluoridation, although not

required under Wisconsin State Statutes, is recommended by the American Water Works Association, the

American Dental Association, American Medical Association, and other public health agencies as a

practical and economical way to improve public health. In early 2011, the Center of Disease Control and

Department of Health and Social Services recommended a lower optimum dose for drinking water

fluoride to be 0.70 ppm. Although not mandated, the RWU voluntarily complied with this new guideline.

Graph 6 shows the Utility‟s historical success at maintaining the fluoride residual at optimum levels.

Graph 6

[74]

2011 Report on “First Draw” Water Quality

Lead Data

Graphs 1-3 summarize the lead concentrations in the first draw samples from the approved lead and

copper sample sites. In 2004, the RWU exceeded the 90th percentile 15 ppb lead level. The Utility

received a sampling waiver from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) for 2005.

The next two years, the Utility continued to exceed the 90% lead standard to various degrees. In 2008,

the RWU changed its coagulant chemical from ferric sulfate to poly aluminum chloride. This change

resulted in a higher finished water pH, higher alkalinity, and lower iron concentrations. These subtle

changes in the finished water quality made the water less aggressive and may have provided the necessary

impetus for the protective corrosion inhibitor film to become stronger and more uniform, thus reducing

corrosion enough to bring the Utility back into compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule. In late

January 2009, the RWU changed the formulation of its corrosion inhibitor to a 70/30 percent ortho to

polyphosphate blend. Sampling in 2011 produced a 90% lead level of 7.5 parts per billion. For the past 3

years, the Utility has maintained very low 90% lead levels.

Graph 1

Graph 2 shows the average lead concentration of all the samples. The average value in 2011 increased due

to 2 out of 52 samples having high lead levels.

Graph 2

[75]

Graph 3 shows the median lead concentration, meaning half of the samples have lead values higher and

half of the samples have lower values. This data analysis shows a significant improvement in 2008 and a

continuing decline through 2011. Again, results from 2011 were based on 52 samples.

Graph 3

Copper Data

Graphs 4-6 summarize the copper results. Since the Utility has never exceeded the copper maximum

contaminant level, there has been less tracking of historical data. These graphs all show an improvement

in copper concentrations since 2006 and stabilization of copper corrosion through 2010. In 2011 the

RWU incurred further decreases in 90%, average, and median values.

Graph 4

[76]

Graph 5

Graph 6

Summary

The RWU returned to compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule in 2008 with two consecutive sampling

periods below the 90% lead level of 15 ppb. Low lead 90% values continued through 2011. Under the

WDNR Draft Consent Order issued in early 2008, the RWU would have begun mandatory lead service

line replacement in 2009 at an annual rate of 7% costing the Utility approximately six million dollars per

year. Concurrent with the lower lead levels, the copper concentrations decreased, confirming the

interpretation the RWU improved its finished water quality and reduced corrosion rates.

[77]

RRaacciinnee WWaatteerr UUttiilliittyy

TTrraaiinniinngg

&&

SSaaffeettyy PPrrooggrraammss

[78]

Professional, Technical, and Safety Training

In today‟s highly technological, regulated, and legally influenced environment, continuing education and

training remains an extremely important component for conducting business. All employees of the

Racine Water Utility participate in numerous mandatory safety training programs and diversity seminars.

Supervisors are strongly encouraged to participate in City-sponsored supervisory training to improve their

management skills and extend their knowledge of labor laws. Forty-three RWU employees possess either

or both of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Surface Water and Distribution Operators

licenses. Possessing a WDNR certified operator‟s license requires 18 hours of continuing education

credits every 3 years.

Supervisory and Administrative Sessions:

The Cities, Villages, and Municipal Insurance Corporation (CVMIC), one of the City of Racine‟s

insurance carriers, provides numerous types of safety and administrative training seminars at no cost to

their clients. The RWU utilized many of these training opportunities in 2011. Table 1 summarizes the

administrative training from CVMIC received by Utility personnel this past year:

Table 1

Training Description Training

Date

No. of Employees

Attending

Session

Training

Hours

Total RWU

Training Hours

Safety Inspections February 17, 2011 1 4 4

Developing a Highly

Effective Workforce May 11 - 12, 2011 3 16 48

Ethics May 19, 2011 2 7 14

Unacceptable Employee

Behavior August 17 - 18, 2011 3 16 48

Health & Safety September 11, 2011 1 7 7

Pre-Supervisory October 4 - 5, 2011 1 16 16



Pre-Supervisory November 1- 2, 2011 5 16 80

Safety November 10, 2011 4 7 28

Understanding

Employee

Differences

November 29 - 30,

2011 1 16 16

Technical & Professional Sessions:

Professional and technical training comprises another large portion of continuing education time.

Maintaining staff certification with the WDNR, keeping abreast of evolving technology, and knowledge

of new State and Federal regulations, remain an essential part of Utility Staff‟s training regimen. The

RWU uses professional organization such as the American Water Works Association, Wisconsin Water

Association, the West Shore Water Producers Association, etc., and vocational schools‟ resources in

meeting the continuing education requirements. Most sessions presented by these organizations are fee

based and the Utility budgets money each year for attendance to these seminars. Utility suppliers

(chemical and equipment) provide another source of education. Alexander Chemical gives annual

training to Utility operators and maintenance staff dealing with the technical and safety aspects for correct

chlorine gas application. Equipment suppliers periodically provide training on pumps, electrical

switchgear, etc. Fortunately, these valuable resources most often come at no cost to the RWU. Table 2

summarizes the professional and technical training taken in 2011:

[79]

Table 2


Date

No. of Employees

Attending

Session

Training Hours

Total RWU

Training Hours

Meter Reading Tech –

Badger Meter January 20, 2011 3 8 24

WRWA Cross Connection January 27, 2011 1 8 8

WWA Distribution Conf. March 8, 2011 1 6 6

WWA Surface Water

Seminar March 23, 2011 3 5 15

Mueller Brass Metals April 14, 2011 5 2 10

McDonald Valves & Fitting April 15, 2011 4 2 8

Chemical Safety &

Handling-Alexander April 8, 2011 4 3.5 14

Back Flow Repair Cert. April 11 - 15, 2011 2 40 80

FVTC Surface Water Cert. April 19 -2 1, 2011 1 18 18

WWA Water Main Design May 18, 2011 1 6 6

WSWPA May 19, 2011 3 3 9

AWWA-ACE June 12 - 16, 2011 3 21 63

WWA - State September 22, 2011 1 6 6

WWA -State September 21 - 23, 2011 5 18 45

WSWPA September 30, 2011 13 3 39

CLEAR October 11, 2011 4 3 12

WRWA Regulations &

Chemical Feed November 29, 2011 1 6 6

Safety Programs and Training:

One goal of any employer is to provide safe work conditions for its employees. Safe work conditions

include proper design and maintenance of facilities, use of approved equipment, and proper use of

personal protective equipment. Safety training forms the foundation to protect the Utility workers,

describing practices workers can and must take for self-protection. The safety policies and associated

training are required under State (Wisconsin Department of Commerce) and Federal (Occupational Safety

and Health Administration) regulations. Following is the list of required safety training programs

employees for the Utility and the City must take at prescribed intervals.

Training Program Title: Program Description/Purpose:

Asbestos Awareness …………… Education regarding health affects of asbestos exposure and reduction

Blood Borne Pathogen………....Reducing exposure to blood borne and bodily fluid carried diseases

Chemical Hygiene Plan……….. Assessment of health risks to personnel working in a laboratory setting

Confined Space Entry…………. The definition of and proper procedures and safety guidelines for entry into

confined spaces

CPR/AED…..………………….Technique for performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and use of an

automated external difibrillator

Drug & Alcohol……………….. Education regarding drug and alcohol abuse and affects on the workplace

Excavation/Trenching………….Safe work practices to be used when excavating

Fall Protection………………….Use of proper equipment and PPE to protect workers when elevated above

work surface

Fire Extinguisher………………Provides proper technique for fire extinguisher use and information on fires

Family Medical Leave Act……. Educate employees and employers for proper use of and documentation for

workers to use family medical leave

Harassment/Sexual Harassment...Provide information to eliminate or limit unacceptable employee behavior

[80]

Hazard Communication……….. Present information to employees on chemicals found in the workplace and how

to used material safety data sheets

Lockout/Tag-out………………. Education and procedures to de-energize equipment before performing

maintenance or work on the equipment or involved process

Powered Industrial Truck………Provide education and certification to employees who use fork lift trucks

Personnel Protection…………...Assessment of work duties to determine hazards for utilizing proper personal

Equipment (PPE) protective equipment along with training for proper use of PPE

Respiratory Protection………… Medical evaluation of employees to determine ability to use respirators,

education on respirator use, and fit testing to ensure proper seals of equipment to

employee head and face

Safe Lifting……………………. Give employee training on lifting techniques to avoid back and joint injury

Workplace Violence…………..Provide training to workers and supervisors on methods to handle workplace

violence and threats

Work Zone…………………….. Training for workers regarding safe practices such as proper barricading and

signage when working in the public right-of-way

Table 3 provides the data for the safety training RWU employees took in 2011.

Table 3


Date

No. of Employees

Attending

Session

Training Hours

Total RWU

Training

Hours

Respiratory Protection February 19, 2011 20 1 20

Confined Space April 1, 2011 10 4 40

Audio Metric Testing June 30, 2011 38 0.5 19

Blood Borne Pathogen Oct. 12, Oct. 25, Nov. 2, 2011 45 1.5 67.5

Hearing Conservation November 2, 2010 45 1.5 67.5

Powered Industrial Truck November 8 & 15, 2011 27 2 54

CPR & AED January 20 & 21, 2011 9 4 36

Summing all the training hours which occurred in 2011, the total amount of training hours for the Racine

Water Utility personnel was 1,046 hours.

Another facet of workplace safety is a safety committee. A very active safety committee exists at the

Racine Water Utility. The RWU Safety Committee meets on a monthly basis (3rd

Tuesday). The

Committee is made up of management and union personnel from Engineering, Laboratory, Meter,

Construction, Operations, and Maintenance Departments. The Administration is represented by the

Racine Water and Wastewater Utilities Chief of Operations. The Safety Committee performs many

functions. It reviews and amends all the above mentioned safety program policies. Annually, it conducts

safety inspections of the Hubbard Street facilities, the 7 elevated storage tanks‟ buildings and grounds,

and the 4 booster pump stations. The Safety Committee encourages, accepts, and reviews safety

suggestions from all employees. The Committee recommends remedial actions to address the safety

suggestion or refers to management with recommendations if monetary outlays are required. The

Committee reviews all reportable accidents, assesses the cause, and may provide procedures and actions

to prevent similar future accidents.

Reportable and Lost Time Accidents

As required by the RWU insurance carrier, due to worker compensation laws, the Utility maintains

records on all reportable accidents in the workplace. The RWU policy requires that employees report to

their supervisors any accident causing bodily injury, no matter the severity. These records are kept in the

confidential medical files and reported to CVMIC. Lower injury rates and decreased loss time due to

[81]

injuries suffered in the workplace lowers the insurance premium paid by the Utility. The list below

summarizes all the reported workplace accidents which occurred in 2011.

Construction Department February 4, 2011 Worker did not report to any health care facility for treatment (shoulder strain)

October 5, 2011 Worker did not report to any health care facility for treatment (shoulder pain)

December 12, 2011 Worker did not report to any health care facility for treatment (elbow/arm numbness)

Meter Department

January 4, 2011 Worker did not report to any health care facility for treatment (knee)

January 18, 2011 Worker did not report to any health care facility for treatment (knee/hip/shoulder)

Maintenance Department

March 12, 2011 Worker treated at Aurora, medical disability retirement not related to injury

September 15, 2011 Worker did not report to any health care facility for treatment (neck)

Laboratory

July 26, 2011 Worker did not report to any healthcare facility for treatment (head)

For 2011, the RWU recorded 0 hours of lost work time due to employee on-the-job injuries as defined

and reported on the OSHA 300 Log Form.

[82]

RRaacciinnee WWaatteerr UUttiilliittyy

DDeeppaarrttmmeennttss

[83]

Operations Department

The Operations Department consists of 11 individuals whose duties can be divided into three distinct

sections of job responsibilities:

Operations: Consists of Operations Supervisor and 7 Treatment Plant/Pump Station Operators

Technology: Consists of Technology Supervisor

Laboratory: Consists of a Water Resource Chemist and Laboratory Technologist

Operations

This section is responsible for all chemical water treatment, water filtration, raw and finished water

pumping, booster station pumping operations, and elevated water storage control. Treatment plant

operators perform routine laboratory tests daily to monitor water quality and provide information to make

chemical dosage decisions. Other significant duties include performing membrane fiber repair, 1,957 in

2011 and generator testing, 12 test runs for 31.75 hours in 2011. Operators are responsible for receiving

and proper off-loading all chemical deliveries. Operators also perform custodial duties and small

maintenance procedures. An operator is on duty for work 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Technology

This section oversees, modifies, and upgrades the software to run the Supervisor Control and Data

Acquisition system (SCADA), which Operations uses to monitor and alter plant performance, including

all programmable logic controllers. Other job functions include overseeing the radio communications

system, the security surveillance system, historical data servers, email systems, and attending to personal

computer issues. The Wastewater Utility also shares in available labor hours with this position.

Laboratory

The RWU Laboratory and its two fulltime employees perform daily routine monitoring of lake, process,

finished, and distribution waters. Additionally, water plant operators perform scheduled daily tests. The

Utility Laboratory serves four primary purposes: 1) analyzing the water to ensure the water is free of

harmful pathogens, 2) monitoring water quality to ensure compliance with all federal and state water

quality regulations, 3) testing of certain parameters to supply an aesthetically pleasing product, and 4)

monitoring all treatment processes to produce peak operating efficiency.

Laboratory Testing

Graph 1 categorizes the microbiological (bacteria, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, virus) sampling completed

in 2010. Staff took a total of 4,642 bacteriological samples and the laboratory personnel performed over

10,200 bacteriological analyses. Graph 1

[84]

Graph 2 delineates the number of chemical and physical tests performed by laboratory staff, operators,

and meter inspectors. These individuals conducted over 36,300 separate chemical and physical tests in

2010.

Graph 2

- Chlorine testing includes treatment plant, routine distribution, construction, and special samples

- Majority of turbidity results from plant sampling

- Organic testing includes the following parameters: total organic carbon, halo-acetic acids, tri-

methanes, UV254, UCMR2, and tannic acids

- Inorganic testing includes the following parameters: pH, alkalinity, potassium permanganate residual,

iron, ortho-phosphate, aluminum, fluoride, sodium, nitrate/nitrite, lead, and copper

[85]

Maintenance Department

The RWU staffs 12 fulltime positions. This department includes the Maintenance Supervisor, Electrician,

Lead Person, Stockroom Clerk, and 8 Maintenance Workers. This department performs, or is responsible

for, all work activities involving repair, upkeep, and preventative maintenance of buildings and

equipment. Additionally, the supervisor of this department coordinates and manages most work

performed at the RWU facilities by contractors, vendors, and service people. This department also

maintains all facilities‟ grounds such as grass mowing, shrub trimming, and snow removal. Facilities

include the main campus at Hubbard Street (Pump Station, Filter Plant, Service Building, Generator

Station, and Membrane Filter Building), 4 booster pump stations (Perry Ave., Newman Rd., Hwy. 20, and

Rayne Rd.), 6 elevated storage tanks (Summit Ave., Coolidge Ave., Regency Mall, Perry Ave., Newman

Rd., Renaissance, and Broadway), pipe storage yard at the Regency Mall tank grounds, and a storage

garage on Michigan Avenue in Sturtevant.

2011 Completed O & M Projects

Project # Project Name Project Description

1 Permeate Pump Seals Replaced defective mechanical seals on train 1 and 7 permeate pumps in membrane plant

2 Substation Switchgear &

Transformer

Performed preventative maintenance pump station and transformer yard switchgear, conducted

infrared scans of electrical cubicles, cleaned 4160v transformer structures, sampled and analyzed

transformer oil

3 VFD Capacitor Replacement Replaced all capacitors for low lift pump #2 VFD unit.

4 Pump Station South Entry D‟Alie Masonry tuck-pointed exterior brick facing around and over south entryway

5 Newman Road BPS Pump

#3 Repaired and modified booster pump 3 water seals

6 Membrane Plant UPS Replaced batteries in membrane plant uninterruptable power supply

7 High Lift Pump #10 Removed, machined, and re-installed high lift pump #10 impellor

8 Membrane HVAC Replaced DX Controller for the membrane plant HVAC

9 Roof Maintenance Performed routine roof repair for Generator Building, Filter Plant, and Hwy 20 BPS

10 New Backflow Preventers Replaced backflow devices for 500 and 1,000 pound pre-basin chlorine eductors

11 Backflow - Generator Installed backflow preventer on Generator Building by-pass line

12 Basin 2 Sludge Valve

Air Lines Relocated airline feeds to basin 2 sludge collector valve actuators (4)

13 Condensate Return Installed new condensate return line in filter plant pipe gallery

14 Water Line Repair Repaired water line to sludge pump house

15 Pipe Painting Painted water transmission pipes to Summit Ave. and Coolidge Ave. elevated tanks in building

pits

2011 Capital Improvement Projects

Project # Project Name Project Description

1 Pressure Transmitters Replaced 6 older transmitters with Honeywell models in filter plant pipe gallery

2 Lawn Mower Purchased zero-turn lawn mower

3 Lighting Upgrade Continued replacement of sodium vapor and fluorescent lighting with light emitting diode fixtures

4 Lab Improvements Installed new lab cabinets, countertops, painted floor, painted woodwork, and revamped sample

check-in area

[86]

2011 Service Contracts

Contract

#

Contractual Service

Name Contractual Service Description

1 Generator Maintenance FABCO annually performs Level 1 and 2 inspections, change antifreeze and batteries

2 Solids Dewatering Synagro, Inc. performs semi-annual on-site treatment solids de-watering, land filling dewatered

solids. Synagro conducted only one session of solids de-watering and handling

3 Elevator Maintenance Otis Elevator conducts inspections, preventative maintenance, and repairs as required by code

4 Elevated Storage Tanks

Utility Services, Inc. conducts annual inspections on contracted Summit Ave., Coolidge Ave.,

Perry Ave., and Regency Mall storage tanks. Perform needed repairs and scheduled painting of

interior and exterior surfaces

5 Intake Inspection Chase Diving Services conducted inspection and repairs on 3 intakes and shore shaft

6 Fire Extinguisher 134 Fire extinguishers serviced annually

7 Crane Inspections Annual inspection of 10 cranes, 6 gantries, and 2 electric hoists

2011 Routine Annual Maintenance Tasks (not all inclusive)

Task Name Task Frequency Task Description

Lubrication

(Oil Changes)

19 Pump Motors

13 Pumps

16 Flocculator Drives

10 Air compressors

Routine oil changes completed based on hours of operation or time

Lubrication

(Greasing) 14 Pump Motors – Weekly Provided grease to prevent wear on rotating equipment

Pump Packing

1 low lift pump

3 high lift pumps

2 small wash water pumps

8 flocculator shafts (Basins 4 & 5)

3 booster pumps (Perry)

Shafts are packed to prevent material loss and keep water leaking to a

minimum around rotating shafts on equipment

Fire Extinguisher

Inspection 134 Semi-annually

Inspect all fire extinguishers in buildings and vehicles, replace media

at expiration time

SCBA Flow Testing 7 – Yearly Test annually to ensure working order

Exit and Emergency

Light Inspection

68 Exit Lights

51 Emergency Lights Test annually to ensure proper working order

Transmitter Calibration 67 Transmitters Yearly Calibrate transmitters to maintain proper flow and pressure reading

Eye Wash Station 10 – Semi-annually Change eye wash fluid and check operation of stations

Power Gate

Maintenance 4 – Semi-annually

Perform inspection, lubrication, and check stops of 3 motorized gate

openers

Boiler Service 3 – Daily (yearly) Perform chemical checks and other boiler maintenance

Pit Pumping 18 – Semi-annually Pump out valve and electric pits in spring and autumn

Filter Change outs 140 – Hours of Operation Change filters on various pieces of equipment based on time interval

and/or hours of operation recommendations

Exhaust Fan Inspection 44 – Semi-annually Inspect and repair if, necessary

Inductor Rebuilds 9 PIAB Inductors Rebuilt all inductors in membrane plant

Other Maintenance Tasks

Buildings and Grounds Maintenance

Safety Policies and Procedures Development & Review

Performance and Maintenance of Safety Equipment

Continue to Upgrade Boiler System

Routine and Seasonal Custodial Duties (Floor waxing, snow removal, etc.)

Miscellaneous Equipment Maintenance (e.g. installation of chemical anti-siphon valves, replacement

of flocculator drive chain, thawing of level transmitter water line, etc.)

[87]

Meter Department

The Meter Department employs 11 people; the Meter Supervisor, Clerk/Dispatcher, Meter Readers (2),

Inspectors (4), and Meter Repair-workers (3). The Meter Department hired one employee in March 2011

as a meter repair-worker to fill an open position due to retirement. This Department‟s responsibilities

include reading all meters in the retail system, reading meters measuring water sold to the wholesale

users, changing meters as per Wisconsin PSC rules, testing meters for accuracy, taking water quality

samples in the distribution system, tapping water mains for new service connections, handling incoming

phone calls, conducting locates of RWU underground facilities and responding to customer complaints.

In 2011, with the assistance of a private contractor, the Meter Department implemented the Utility cross-

connection control inspection. This program expanded the duties of this department significantly due to

the time needed for inspections, public education, and verification of corrective measures.

At the end of 2011, the distribution system consisted of 34,193 services with 34,502 meters ranging in

size from 5/8” to 12” in diameter measuring volumes used by the Utility customers. The responsibility of

reading the vast majority of these meters falls to the Meter Readers, who, on a quarterly basis, walk or

drive the various routes, either manually or electronically recording the customers‟ water usage.

Industrial meters are read and invoiced monthly in the same manner.

The Meter Inspectors take water distribution samples, perform water service taps, conduct inspections,

connect new customers, and provide customer service by answering questions and troubleshooting

problems that the customer may have with their water usage or water quality issue.

The bulk of meter changes fall onto the Meter Repair-workers. Meters need to be changed periodically

per requirements of the PSC. Large meter tests must also be conducted, some annually, and most meters

returned to the shop after removal are also tested in-house. The Meter Repair-workers also track

inventory of meter supplies in the stockroom and accommodate bulk water trucks that come to the plant

to be filled.

The Clerk/Dispatcher answers/routes phone calls, schedules appointments, and greets visitors who come

to the plant. This position is also responsible for the extensive record-keeping of meter department data.

In recent years, the RWU implemented use of automated meter reading (AMR) technology to supplement

the manual reads taken by the Meter Department. The RWU employs two versions of AMR, telephone

reading (Access PlusTM

) and radio reading (OrionTM

). These systems dramatically decrease time needed

to read residential areas and industrial/commercial customers. Using the Access Plus system, water

meters located in high water use facilities “call” in the meter readings to the Annex offices over phone

lines every month to bill the industrial customers. The monthly bill improves the Utility‟s cash flow and

provides real time information to the Utility‟s industrial customers on their water use. Over 36% of meter

reads are done through an automated process. At the end of 2011, the RWU decreased its number of

Access Plus meters from 83 (2010) to 48, or a decrease of 35 meters. These meters were replaced with

the Orion system making reading easier and more standardized. By the end of 2011, the RWU employed

approximately 14,363 Orion meters in its distribution system. As a matter of policy and municipal codes,

the RWU now installs Orion type meters on all new customers services and replaces existing meters when

meter change-outs are scheduled. The use of this latest technology makes meter reading more efficient

and more accurate.

[88]

Work Summary

Work Performed 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Meter Changes 705 1,753 1,115 2,074 1,312 1,756

Orion Retrofits 1,131 357 1,008 840 546 128

Turn On/Sets/New Customers 316 364 235 220 160 207

Large Meter Tests 7 30 46 51 62 80

Meter Tests 886 884 902 2,507 1,509 1,836

Water Service Taps 28 37 27 17 10 3

Cross Connection Inspections No Formal

Program

No Formal

Program

No Formal

Program

No Formal

Program

No Formal

Program 530

Underground Facility Locates Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available 3,257

Looking at the above work summary, 2011 showed changes in the amount of work performed in certain

categories from the previous years:

Residential meter change-out and testing increased, due to the hiring of a meter repair worker for a

position which had gone unfilled for six months in 2010. Also, capital funding for meter and Orion

reading technology doubled in 2011 to $300,000.

The Meter Department concentrated on large meter testing and replacement in 2011 with the number

increasing by 18 from 2010. Since the large meters in the system account for a large portion of

consumption and revenue, it is extremely important to maintain reading accuracy and ensure proper

revenue to the Utility.

New customer meter sets increased in 2011, but water service taps again showed another large

decrease. This is likely due to the fact that many home sales were of previously unoccupied or

foreclosed properties with very little new home construction occurring.

In 2011, the staff again dedicated more labor-hours performing meter take-outs, due to the high

volume of vacant or foreclosed properties. Additional staff time was spent locating water services for

the WE Energies‟ Renew Racine Project. Also, the new cross connection control inspection program

began in early summer.

Bulk water sales from tanker fills at the Service Building and distribution hydrant fill stations, totaled

$22,140 in 2011 almost doubling in revenues from 2010.

The Utility billed approximately $19,228 to customers for purchased meters or for damaged/broken

equipment (i.e. iced damaged meters).

Seasonal meters sets (partial year customers) generated $101,112 for the RWU.

For 2011, Meter employees continued to separate metals from the old removed meters for recycling.

Recycling of meter scrap metal generated $14,162 for the Utility to supplement capital funds for

meter purchasing.

The Meter Department remains an integral part in the operation and viability of the Racine Water &

Wastewater Utilities. It is often said that a meter department serves as the “cash register” to water

department operations. Here in Racine, that is very true; and, in fact, meter equipment and reads taken by

the meter department staff are also used for the basis of billing charges for the RWU and several sewer

districts in the outlying areas.

[89]

Valve Repair

Construction Department

The Construction Department consists of twelve full-time employees; the Construction Supervisor, the

Assistant Construction Supervisor, three Machine Operators, and seven Utility Workers. The

Construction Department works closely with the Engineering Department, and is overseen by the Chief

Engineer.

The main duties of the Construction Department are to:

Perform regular system maintenance

Repair main breaks, and replace or repair broken valves, hydrants, and water services

Respond to service calls and Digger‟s Hotline Locate requests

Perform leak detection in the distribution system

Distribution System Maintenance & Repair

The distribution system averages over 100 water main breaks per year. Repairing these breaks consumes

a large portion of the Department‟s time during the winter and summer months, when most main breaks

occur. As breaks lessen over the spring and fall months, the Department then focuses on distribution

system maintenance.

To maintain the system and keep it in good working order, the Department annually exercises valves,

operates hydrants, and checks water services. Maintenance of the distribution system is logged via the

GIS system, which makes for quick and easy reporting. The Department works with city, county, and

state paving contractors to ensure all valves and hydrants are in good working order prior to the

placement of new pavement.

Maintenance and repair work performed in 2011 included, but was not limited to, the following:

77 main breaks dug and repaired

1,415 valves exercised

83 Broken valves repaired or replaced

15 new valves installed

4,028 hydrants exercised

390 hydrants flushed

51 broken hydrants repaired or replaced

2 new hydrants installed

217 water services repaired

21 lead services replaced

930 hydrants painted

Service Calls

The Construction Department responds to calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from residents, plumbers,

contractors, and other state and municipal entities.

For example, in 2011, the Construction Department responded to 38 water service leaks, and performed a

good portion of the 15,895 Digger‟s Hotline Locate requests received by the Utility. The Department also

responded to a variety of other requests, including infrastructure adjustments for road building contractors

and water main connections for developers.

[90]

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

The Engineering Department consists of six full time employees; the Chief Engineer, Civil Engineer II,

two Engineering II Technicians, an Engineering Technician/Inspector, and an Engineering Aide. The

Department also includes two part time construction inspectors who work seasonally. The Department

downsized in early 2011 by removing a Civil Engineer position through attrition.

Though the Engineering Department fills a lot of roles for the Racine Water Utility, its main duties are to:

Design and manage water main replacement projects

Replace lead services

Respond to Digger‟s Hotline Locate requests

Plan and Coordinate work done by other public and private entities

Provide technical assistance to other RWU departments

Update and develop the Utility‟s GIS system

Water Main Replacement Projects

To keep up with failing water mains that have reached the end of their useful life, the Engineering

Department designs and manages some 2-3 million dollars in Capital Improvement Projects each year.

Main replacements are typically split between several contracts and spaced throughout the year. Spring

contracts focus on main replacements where road improvements are scheduled to be performed later that

year, and summer/fall contracts focus on replacing the most problematic mains in the system.

Whether or not a main needs replacement depends on several factors, including:

Pipe age, diameter, and material

Break frequency and recent recurrence level

Condition of the street, and timeline of potential street improvements

Break severity and associated repair costs

Impact to distribution system and customers

The Utility typically experiences over 100 water main breaks per year. Data on each break, such as the

pipe material type and cause of break, is recorded by the Engineering Department and then used to help

prioritize main replacements each year. Figure 1, below, shows historical yearly main break totals.

Figure 1Yearly Water Main Breaks & Affect of Main Replacements

40

82

6458 57 58

68

82

10399

9397

89 91

120116

124

106104

128126124

139133

116

142

112

94

72

88

156

95

118

91

124

108

130

108

154

132

90

6977

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

1965 1975 1985 1995 2005 2015

YEAR

# B

RE

AK

S

1986 - Water Main

Replacements Begin

Pre-1986 Trend

Post-1986 Trend

[91]

As shown in Figure 1, the Utility experienced 77 water main breaks in 2011, a relatively low number

compared to the previous decade, and the third lowest number of breaks in the past 35 years.

The Utility began its yearly water main replacement capital improvement project in 1986, as indicated in

Figure 1. A water main break trendline is shown for those years prior to 1986, and a second trendline is

shown for years 1986 to present. Comparing these trendlines, the water main replacement program

appears to have reversed the trend of increasing water main breaks.

2011 water main breaks, summarized by month and break type, are show in Figure 2, below.

Figure 2: 2011 Water Main Breaks

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

26

28

30

Joint/Bolt 4 1

Longitudinal 2 1 5 1 1

Blowout 3 1 4 1 2 1 1

Circumferential 19 11 3 1 3 3 3 2 4

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

The table below lists the contracts designed and managed by the Engineering Department in 2011, with

the majority of these contracts pertaining to water main replacement. A RWU replaced a total of 11,779

feet of water main at a cost of $2,281,000.

Lead Service Replacement

As part of its Capital Improvement Program, the Engineering Department replaces dozens of lead services

each year. Lead replacements are typically performed on water main replacement projects, where the

lead service is replaced in conjunction with the installation of the new water pipe. In some instances, the

old lead service is replaced but the old water pipe is left in place. This typically occurs when the old pipe

is still in good condition, but the old lead service is replaced in anticipation of a street reconstruction

[92]

New Pick N Save

project. The Engineering Department replaced 151 lead services in 2011 through its CIP projects. It is

estimated 10,560 active lead services remain in the Utility‟s distribution system.

Digger‟s Hotline Locates

Like other utilities, the Water Utility must respond to Digger‟s Hotline Locate requests. Locating duties

are split between the Engineering, Meter, and Construction Departments. 15,895 locates were performed

by the Utility in 2011, with the Engineering Department performing approximately 2,300 of the total.

Plan and Coordinate Work by Others

In addition to its own projects, the Engineering Department works closely to see that projects funded by

other public and private groups are properly and successfully completed. These types of projects include:

Development of new subdivisions

Development of commercial sites

Road and highway improvements

Utility construction

Site remediation

When new mains are to be constructed by others, outside engineering groups first submit design plans to

the department for review and approval. Then, during

construction, we help resolve any problems that arise, and also

ensure that any newly installed mains are properly pressure

tested and safe water sampled.

Upon completion of the project, we verify that all newly installed

infrastructure is in good working condition and up to

specification before accepting that infrastructure into our

distribution system.

One recent example of this type of coordination was the

construction of the new Pick „N Save in Mount Pleasant. The

Engineering Department worked closely with the developer‟s

engineers and contractors to successfully work around the problems encountered during

construction, and see that the project was completed on-time and per specification.

Figure 4 lists the water main installations that were performed by developers in 2011.

Technical Assistance

The Engineering Department works closely with other departments to provide technical assistance when

needed, including:

Locating of hard to trace water mains

Referencing and utilizing information found in our historical archives

[93]

GIS Web App

Tracking and logging of work done by field operations

Investigating and troubleshooting discrepancies in the distribution system

Creating reports, maps, graphics, and other displays

Geographic Information System (GIS)

The Utility‟s GIS system is dynamic, ever-improving, and requires daily maintenance to keep its

information correct and up to date. The GIS allows the user to view, graphically, all the components of

the Utility‟s distribution system, including water mains, valves, water services, and hydrants. The GIS

hosts information such as the age of a piece of pipe, or whether a water service to a customer‟s home is

lead or copper.

The GIS system is accessible via the internet, which allows any utility employee armed with a laptop

instant access to all the information they‟ll need

to perform a digger‟s hotline locate or investigate

a problem.

A recently added feature is the ability to record

the daily operation and maintenance performed

by field personnel, and then query that data. For

example, should a customer call to notify the

Utility of a problem, the GIS user can run a query

to see if any work was done in the area. The GIS

will show what type of work was performed, the

date and time, and even the exact valves or

hydrants that may have been operated.

[94]

AAppppeennddiicceess

Documents

2011 Racine Water Utility Annual Report · 2015-05-15 · Laboratory Improvements ... 1922 Liquid Chlorine in cylinders used for disinfection. 1924 The first two coagulation and settling