November 2012 MRWA Wins National Award Times/tatimesmrwanov2012.pdfDepartment of Health 15 days prior to the training session. For an application form and study guide, For an application

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MRWA Wins National Award

Inside this issue:

MRWA Financing Your Community Projects Training

MRWA Water Operations & Maintenance Training Session

MRWA Cross Connection & Backflow Prevention Training

MRWA System Planning & Management Training Sessions

Instant Information About Water Conditions

Webinars Available from NRWA’s Water University Online

Plan to Attend: MRWA’s 29th Annual Technical Conference

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November 2012November 2012

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MRWA staff recently attended theNational Rural Water Association’s(NRWA) 2012 WaterPro Conferencefrom September 24th through the 26thin Nashville, Tennessee.

The WaterPro Conference hosted over2,000 water professionals and includedspeakers from USDA Rural UtilitiesService, Environmental ProtectionAgency, Farm Services Agency, andmany others. The WaterPro Conferenceoffered attendees a chance to learnabout RUS funding, technologies forthe future, the profession of governance, understanding regulatory mandates, a nationwide peer network, an exhibit hall full of expertise in the industry, and much more.

NRWA honored Minnesota Rural Water Association at the WaterPro Conference by selecting andawarding MRWA the Outstanding Achievement in Public Relations Award. Minnesota was chosenfor excellence in our Today magazine, TA Times newsletter, MRWA Web site, and MRWA’s trainingsession notification process. Shown above accepting the award (from left to right) include MRWANational Director and Red Rock Rural Water System Director Les Anderson; MRWA InformationSpecialist Lori Blair; MRWA Executive Director Ruth Hubbard; MRWA Chairman and Public WorksDirector for the city of Milaca Steve Burklund; and MRWA Training Specialist Kyle Kedrowski.

NRWA will host the WaterPro Conference in 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky on October 1-3. Moreinformation is available at: www.waterproconference.org.

MRWA’s office will beclosed November 12th,

22nd, & 23rd.

November Holidays

MRWA offers low-cost, one-on-one, on-site training for clerks

Call MRWA at 800-367-6792 or request a free quote at:

www.mrwa.com/wform11.htm.

Training topics include: Rate Study; Wellhead Protection

Plan; Setting up City Chart of Accounts, Election Training;

Organizational Skills; Records Retention / Year End Filing;

CTAS; Audit Preparation; What you can and cannot do as a

city clerk; Notary Commission Application and duties;

Minnesota New Hire Reporting; PERA Salary Deduction

Reports and Exemption filing; Liquor Licensing; Ordinance

and Policies; Parliamentary Procedures; Types of

Bonding and Finance; Emergency Planning; Planning

and Outlining a Project; Overview of Wastewater; MN

Department of Revenue Reporting; FICA / Medicare

Reporting; Quarterly and Yearly Reports; How to

Run W-2's; Payroll; Developing good journal

entries and support; Develop a budget;

Reconcile a bank statement; City expenditures

outline; Where to go to find information;

and more!

We look forward to meeting with you and

helping your staff get the training they need!

tatimesmrwanov2012_Layout 1 10/4/2012 2:27 PM Page 1

THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TIMESPage 2

MRWA Financing Your Community Projects Training Session

Meeting the demands of repairing and replacing water and wastewaterinfrastructure is taking its toll on many small utility systems. MinnesotaRural Water Association is bringing together several entities that offerfunding for small systems in this session.

Our objective is to promote awareness of funding sources, the rules, regulations, application processes, names, addresses, and “HOW TO’S”all under one roof. This is a don’t miss session if you are looking to funda project in 2013. Your attendance will greatly benefit your communityfor years to come.

Programs to be discussed include USDA Rural Development, DrinkingWater Revolving Loan Fund, Clean Water Legacy Act, Clean WaterRevolving Fund, Public Facilities Authority, Long Term & InterimFinancing, and the grants process.

Learn how these funding entities are working together to put affordableprojects together for communities. Acquiring funding for needed infrastructure improvements is time consuming and complex. Learn how to do your research and “homework”.

Groups targeted for participation in these sessions are: mayors, administrators, economic development personnel, utility superintendents,engineers, water and wastewater operators, and others involved or interested in the financial stability of municipal and rural water systems.

Class: MRWA Financing Your Community Projects Training Session

Date: November 8, 2012 (8:00am - 3:00pm)

Location: Glencoe City Center1107 11th Street EastGlencoe, MNDriving directions: www.glencoemn.org

Cost: $100.00 members or $125.00 non-members

Register: Mail registration form and check by November 1st to:

Minnesota Rural Water Association217 12th Avenue SE, Elbow Lake, MN 56531Phone: 800-367-6792 * Fax: 218-685-5272

Name: __________________________________________________________________________________

Title: __________________________ Representing: __________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________________ State: ___________ Zip: ________________________

Phone: _______________________________ Fax: _____________________________________________

E-mail: _________________________________________________________________________________

Refund policy: Full refund will not be given unless MRWA is notified 48 hours in advance. Partial credit allowance on medical orsnow removal emergency only will be considered on a case by case basis.

See what’s

new for 2013

Sponsored By MRWA Corporate Partners:

Ruby Partners: Adaptor, Inc.;

AE2S; Dakota Pump &

Control; DSG Metering

Technology; Engineering

America; HDR Engineering;

Team Lab Chemical Corp.;

Stantec; and WSB &

Associates, Inc.

Emerald Partners: Bollig, Inc.; Bolton &

Menk, Inc.; Flexible Pipe Tool Co.; Hawkins

Water Treatment Group; HD Supply

Waterworks; Hydro-Klean, Inc.; Infratech;

Kadrmas Lee & Jackson, Inc.; KLM

Engineering, Inc.; MacQueen Equipment,

Inc.; Minnesota Pipe & Equipment; Moore

Engineering, Inc.; Morgan Keegan & Co.,

Inc.; MSA Professional Services; Sensus

Metering Systems; Servocal Instruments,

Inc.; Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.; Utility

Service Co., Inc.; Visu-Sewer, Inc.; and

Widseth Smith Nolting.


THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TIMES Page 3

MRWA Water Operation & Maintenance Training Session

8:00am Registration and Introductions

Water Specialist Roundtable DiscussionA roundtable discussion will be held on the Disinfection By-Product Rule--Stage Two including an explanationof this Rule.

Backflow Prevention / Cross Connection ControlLearn how to develop a plan for backflow prevention and

. cross connection control. Understand how safe your drinkingwater really is.

Fire Hydrant and Valve MaintenanceFor hard turning valves and hydrants, there is an easy fixavailable. You don’t always have to dig!

Understanding and Proper Usage of Line TracingEquipment 101To get the most out of line tracing equipment, you have to understand the proper frequency setting, how to hook upthe machine correctly, proper grounding (even in the winter),and what you are looking for.

12:00pm Lunch - (Provided at the City Shop)

1:00pm* Understanding and Proper Usage of Line TracingEquipment 202Attendees will receive an equipment review and expectationslesson. See what can be located and the tricks of the trade.Bring your line tracing equipment to the class.

Valve Insertion Live in the FieldNew tapping options available to cut and insert a valve intoa live water main will be demonstrated on-site live in thefield.

Top of the Tower: Issues, Ideas, and ConcernsThis session will cover anything you ever wanted to knowabout your water tower or reservoir. Issues, ideas, and concerns regarding water towers and reservoirs will bediscussed.

4:00pm Questions & Answers

End of Day

November 20, 2012City of Clarks Grove

City Shop105 1st Street NEClarks Grove, MN

Course Objective: This sessionis designed to give the participanta clear understanding of the importance of backflow prevention and cross connectioncontrol, how to repair firehydrants, understanding line tracing equipment, water towerand reservoir issues, disinfectionby-products rule knowledge, andchemical feed options.

Course Instructors: This training session will be taughtwith the assistance of Alden Pooland Municipal Supply Company,American Flow Control, Infratech,KLM Engineering, Inc., MuellerWater Products, and MinnesotaRural Water Association.

Six Certification Hours for Full Day Attendance

There is NO charge for this session.

This training session is made possible through a

grant from US EPA.

*Water Operator Certification Exam will be given at 1:00pm. You must pre-register with the MinnesotaDepartment of Health 15 days prior to the training session. For an application form and study guide,call MRWA at 800-367-6792 or Mark Sloan, MDH, at 651-201-4652. You can also download an examapplication at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/wateroperator/infoexam/opexamapp.pdf.

To Register For Any Training Session: Call the MRWA Office at 800-367-6792or online at www.mrwa.com. Use the training calendar link.


Page 4 THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TIMES

MRWA Cross Connection Control & Backflow Prevention

In response to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act Ground Water Rule(GWR) and recent incidents in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department ofHealth (MDH) has adopted high-hazard cross connections that are not adequately protected as a Significant Deficiency (SD) for all CommunityPublic Water Systems (CPWSs).

This session will provide the attendeewith a better understanding of methodsand resources available to enable a costeffective Cross Connection ControlProgram for small and large publicwater supply systems.

Come prepared to learn the fundamen-tals of backflow prevention, devices forpreventing backflow, regulations andcode overview, surveying, action, andreview, cross connection hazards, andthe MDH requirements and recommen-dations.

Who should attend? Water purveyors and suppliers, water specialists, businesses that supply their own water, utility superintendents, administra-tors, and any other interested personnel!

This session will be taught by: John Hudak - CCC President andGary McLaren - CCC Surveyor/Program Advisor, HydroDesigns Inc.;Minnesota Department of Health; and Al Kreutz, Owatonna Public Utilities.

Ensure

Safe

Drinking

Water

Class: MRWA Cross Connection Control & Backflow Prevention Training Session

Dates & November 27, 2012 - Chase on the Lake Resort, 502 Cleveland Blvd, Walker, MNLocations: November 28, 2012 - Best Western Kelly Inn, 100 4th Ave. S., St. Cloud, MN

November 29, 2012 - Public Works Building, 1200 Belview Trail, Faribault, MN

Time: 8:00am - 3:00pm

Cost: $100.00 members or $125.00 non-members(Lunch is provided by MRWA)

Register: Mail registration form and check by November 22, 2012 to:

Minnesota Rural Water Association217 12th Avenue SE, Elbow Lake, MN 56531Phone: 800-367-6792 * Fax: 218-685-5272

Name: __________________________________________________________________________________

Title: __________________________ Representing: __________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________________ State: ___________ Zip: ________________________

Phone: _______________________________ Fax: _____________________________________________

E-mail: _______________________________ Location Attending: ________________________________

Refund policy: Full refund will not be given unless MRWA is notified 48 hours in advance. Partial credit allowance on medical orsnow removal emergency only will be considered on a case by case basis.

3 Locations to

Choose From

Sponsored By MRWA Corporate Partners:

Ruby Partners: Adaptor, Inc.;

AE2S; Dakota Pump &

Control; DSG Metering

Technology; Engineering

America; HDR Engineering;

Team Lab Chemical Corp.;

Stantec; and WSB &

Associates, Inc.

Emerald Partners: Bollig, Inc.; Bolton &

Menk, Inc.; Flexible Pipe Tool Co.; Hawkins

Water Treatment Group; HD Supply

Waterworks; Hydro-Klean, Inc.; Infratech;

Kadrmas Lee & Jackson, Inc.; KLM

Engineering, Inc.; MacQueen Equipment,

Inc.; Minnesota Pipe & Equipment; Moore

Engineering, Inc.; Morgan Keegan & Co.,

Inc.; MSA Professional Services; Sensus

Metering Systems; Servocal Instruments,

Inc.; Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.; Utility

Service Co., Inc.; Visu-Sewer, Inc.; and

Widseth Smith Nolting.



MRWA System Planning & Management Training Session

Is there a Wastewater and/or

Water System in Your Future?

You are invited to take part in informational training sessionsdesigned to help your community prepare and manage upcoming or recentlycompleted wastewater and/or water projects.

Who Should Attend? Mayors, Water & Wastewater Specialists, Clerks,Lake Association Members, Township Board Members, Council Members,Homeowners, and Other Interested Personnel.

To Register: call the MRWA office at 800-367-6792 or online at:www.mrwa.com (Use the training calendar link.) Additional dates and locations for upcoming System Planning & Management Training Sessionscan also be found online. There is no charge for this session!

Presented by: Minnesota Rural Water Association and USDA RuralDevelopment.

3 Locations in

November!

November 14 2012 - Community & Activities Ctr, 624 NE Hwy 71, Willmar, MN

November 20, 2012 - Fire Hall, 301 South Johnson Ave., Fosston, MN

November 28, 2012 - City Hall, 305 NW 1st Ave., Cohasset, MN

Program Agenda12:30pm - 4:30pm

Introductions & Overview

Wastewater & Water System Improvements*Regulations and rules: agencies and roles*Public systems under the Safe Drinking Water Act

& Clean Water Act *Primacy agency function*Why do we want proper treatment?*How do we start the treatment process?*Learning the technology jargon and options

How to Hire an Engineer/Design Consultant*What is the RFQ/RFP process?

Preliminary Engineering Report (PER’s)*More knowledge gained upfront may save you

dollars in the long run*What the Board needs to know about a PER

Role of Council as Owner of the System*Making your own decisions *Information, reports, & files you need*Ordinances & setting policies *Ownership of service lines *Organizational structure

The Technical Side*Hiring and supporting the operator *O&M considerations*Security, vulnerability assessment, & ERP’s*Technical assistance--services provided to you

at no charge

Questions and Open Discussion

There is no charge for this session


Page 6 THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TIMES

Instant Information About Water ConditionsInstant Information about WaterConditions: Ask The River ToText You A Water AlertNow you can receive instant, customized updatesabout water conditions by subscribing to WaterAlert,a new service from the U.S. Geological Survey.Whether you are watching for floods, interested inrecreational activities or concerned about the qualityof water in your well, WaterAlert allows you toreceive daily or hourly updates about current conditions in rivers, lakes and groundwater when they match conditions of concern to you.

“Real-time water data are essential to those makingdaily decisions about water-related activities, whetherfor resource management, business operations, floodresponse or recreation,” said Matt Larsen, USGSAssociate Director for Water. “WaterAlert continues USGS efforts to make data immediately available and relevant to everyuser.”

WaterAlert allows users to receive updates about river flows, groundwaterlevels, water temperatures, rainfall and water quality at any of more than9,500 sites where USGS provides the latest river information to people inharm’s way. This could be the first alert to a developing flood and can evenhelp out during drought periods.”

WaterAlert also allows kayakers, rafters and boaters to better understandwhen conditions are optimal and safe for recreational activities.

“The WaterAlert service is a fantastic resource for boaters of all abilitiesand disciplines,” said Wade Blackwood, executive director of the AmericanCanoe Association. “During rain events, water levels on some rivers can risequickly. This service will be useful as a warning system and will keep paddlers aware of water conditions in order to paddle safely.”

WaterAlert users start at http://water.usgs.gov/wateralert and select a specific site. Users then select the preferred deliverymethod (email or text), whether they want hourly or daily notifications, which data parameter they are interested in, and thethreshold for those parameters. Users can set the system to alert hem when conditions are above a value, below a value, andbetween or outside of range.

For example, emergency managers may be interested in setting up alerts when thresholds are exceeded, such as in the case of aflood. Water-supply managers could set an alert for times when groundwater well levels are low enough to require shutdown ofsupply pumps. Recreational rafters may find it useful to set a threshold that lets them know when the water levels are highenough to pass over rocks but not so high as to be unsafe. There is no limit to the number of subscriptions per user at a singlesite or multiple sites.

The USGS operates an extensive, real-time water information network, involving 9,081 continuous and partial record stream-gages, as well as 369 lake, 1,278 well and 3,632 precipitation gages throughout the United States. USGS Water ScienceCenters in each state can provide more detailed information on water conditions and USGS response to local events.

Reprinted with permission from USGS, Iowa Water Science Center.



Webinars from NRWA’s Water University Online

Upcoming Water U WebinarsSatellite Meter Reading - November 8th, 2pm - FREE Webinar.

This session on automated meter reading (AMR) focuses on all AMR approaches,

including existing and a new satellite-based technology. AMR provides reduced operational costs, improved data accura-

cy, improved cash flow budgeting and improved customer service/public relations. The satellite-based technology pro-

vides additional unique advantages working in conjunction with existing technology. The technology provides up-to-

minute meter information which can help in faster leak detection. Instructor: Angelo Polsinelli is one of the founders &owners of Informational Data Technologies (IDT). He served in the US Navy aboard a fast attack submarine during theCold War. He also serves as General Manager of Dakota Pump & Control, a Manufacturer's Representative firm that hasbeen serving ND, SD, and MN Rural water and wastewater communities since 1965. IDT is a proud member of NRWA.

The Importance of Forests to Water Resources - November 14th, 2pm - FREE Webinar.

This webinar will provide a number of essential economic, social, and environmental functions in addition to supplying

us with the cleanest water of any land use. They absorb rainfall, refill groundwater aquifers, slow and filter stormwater

runoff, reduce floods, and maintain watershed stability and resilience. Explore the relationship between forest cover and

water resources, identify threats to these critical landscapes, and discuss approaches designed to promote healthy and

sustainable forests. Instructor: Hughes Simpson who earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Forest ResourceManagement from Clemson University and has been active in several professional organizations.

Register for Webinars at:

www.wateruniversity.org

or www.mrwa.com


Minnesota Rural Water Association

217 12th Avenue SE

Elbow Lake, MN 56531

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEPAIDPOS

29th Annual

MRWA Water & WastewaterTechnical Conference

Mark Your Calendar and Plan to Join Us!

March 5-7, 2013River’s Edge Convention Center - St. Cloud, MN

Don’t miss this training opportunity

*16 water or wastewater certification hours (or a combination of both for full attendance)

*Exhibit Hall featuring new products and services

*Many training opportunities and sessions

*Industry and keynote speakers

*Regulatory and legislative updates

*The Industry Event!

Celebrate 35 years in business with MRWA atthe 29th Annual Technical Conference!


Documents

November 2012 MRWA Wins National Award Times/tatimesmrwanov2012.pdfDepartment of Health 15 days prior to the training session. For an application form and study guide, For an application