The Des Moines Water Works board of trustees voted unanimously Tuesday to negotiate an agreement with other metro water utilities to collectively govern drinking water production in the area.

The trustees voted 4-0 to develop a plan to establish Central Iowa Water Works, in which participating utilities will jointly own the facilities that draw water from rivers and wells and treat it for consumption. Trustee Joel Aschbrenner was absent from the meeting.

The vote doesn’t commit Water Works to joining the regional authority, but “it waves a flag in the air and says, ‘Pay attention people. We’re going to start talking about regionalization in earnest,’” said Graham Gillette, chairperson of the board.

Similar votes about developing an agreement are expected next month by the trustees of West Des Moines Water Works and the Urbandale Water Utility.

West Des Moines Water Works postponed its vote on the matter this month after some residents complained that the process had been rushed and didn’t allow sufficient public input. There were similar concerns in Des Moines.

“I just don’t think it feels right that no formal meetings or public input has been offered until now,” said Cherie Mortice, a Des Moines resident.

She asked that the vote be delayed until after the holiday season. The trustees said there will be ample opportunities for public input in the coming months.

Talks of creating a regional water authority have simmered for decades and have gained steam recently as Des Moines and West Des Moines look to expand their production capacities to meet future needs. Both utilities have independently considered expansions that would cost in excess of $100 million.

Gillette said a regional authority would ensure equitable water production and shared risks from drought, environmental pollution and investments.

“It’s not fair that any one community be burdened with potential risks down the road,” he said.

The water utilities estimate it will take at least six months to forge an agreement and Central Iowa Water Works might emerge in 2023.

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The Elk Valley Forestry Association serves Southern Middle Tennessee with a single, unwavering mission: Engage forest owners in south-central Tennessee and enable them to maintain healthy and woodland and water to protect the region’s wildlife and natural resources. 

“The goal is to protect the Duck and Elk River watersheds,” said Alex Richman, a forester with the program and the initiative’s coordinator, after introducing a group of new members to the program.

“We just want to help protect, and anything we can do — to have more buffer areas and keep cattle out of creeks — it helps the watershed.”

Under the Elk & Duck River Watershed Forest and Buffer Initiative, the association serves the major to the southern portion of Middle Tennessee representing 13 counties that share the watershed.

“We try to help private land owners mandate their land for water quality and timber management,” Richman said. “We offer forester visits in the 13 counties that we are working in and we are also doing cost-share projects with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for people who want to plant buffers. We can get them money to help pay for that.”

More:Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ found in drinking water throughout US

Pollutants increased by 60% in Tennessee’s waterways in the past 10 years

The association continues its work at a pivotal moment in the state’s ecological history as the state’s water quality begins to decrease dramatically.

As the region continues to see a wave of new growth and development as the Nashville Metropolitan Area expands further into the mid-state, the organization’s mission is all the more important as the association works to protect the Elk and Duck Rivers.

Both the Duck and Elk are considered two of the highest aquatic conservation priorities in Tennessee and the Southeast. The water systems are home to a high number of aquatic species, many of which are “species of concern” in Tennessee and the nation.

It is widely believed that Duck River has more species of fish per mile than any other river in North America. After all, it’s the sole water source for 250,000 people in Middle Tennessee.

“We all need clean water to drink and it is really important for all the aquatic invertebrates to have clean water or we lose that rich bio diversity in our creeks and rivers,” Richman said.

Following the 2020 biennial report reviewing the water quality of Tennessee’s, 55.4% of the waterways sampled were too polluted to support the basic functions of an ecosystem. A decade earlier, the same review process showed 32% of the waters tested were impaired by pollutants showing a decade of loosening restrictions on construction and animal feeding operations. 

E.coli, a bacteria is tied to human and animal waste is the most common pollutant found in the state’s waterways and the significant progression over the last decade indicates that the region will likely continue to be exposed to harmful pollutants.

The most recent found that 28 of Maury County’s waterways are impaired by pollution.

More:Supreme Court gives environmentalists narrow win in water pollution case

It determined that 48 of Williamson County’s waterways have been impacted by pollution, as well as 15 in Marshall County, 17 in Lawrence County and 10 in Giles County. The study found one case in Dickson County.

More:Dickson water named ‘best tasting’ of surrounding counties

A path of prevention and protection

The ongoing project continues the Tennessee Forestry Association’s 50-year legacy of working with state and national government agencies to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the forests of Tennessee through a diversity of public relations, government and educational programs.

A representative of the state association, Richman said the statewide organization is supporting the regional effort though a grant offered by the National Fish & Wildlife foundation.

Richman said much of the organization’s work surrounds the state’s farming industry and the negative impacts farming and cattle raising have on the quality of the region’s water sources.

More:Tens of millions of Americans exposed to unsafe drinking water each year

Agriculture is widely considered the leading source of contamination in rivers and lakes across the county. Contamination occurred when farmers apply pesticides and fertilizers to their fields to help grow and produce crops, but the those  chemicals are then washed into waterways in rain showers as storm runoff. 

“There is a lot sediment in the water and you have a lot of cattle that are close to creeks and you have a lot of run off from the cattle when it rains and there is no stabilized soil,” Richman said. “That is why we encourage local property owners to plant trees along creek banks to stabilize the soil. That is our main focus.”

An over abidance of sediment will degrade the quality of a water system, making it cloudy, blocking sunlight and preventing animals from seeing food and making it difficult for species to la eggs and hiding from predators.

It can also smother fish eggs and clog fish gills.  

Richman encourages the public to learn more and for local property owners to seek assistance at www.tnforestry.com.

Reach Mike Christen at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @MikeChristenCDH and on Instagram at @michaelmarco. Please consider supporting his work and that of other Daily Herald journalists by subscribing to the publication.

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Residents line up for their chance to get clean water in Cebu. CDN Digital photo | Brian J. Ochoa

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has instructed the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) to monitor the distribution and selling of drinking water here. 

As of this writing, people are still seen lining up at water refilling stations for hours just to have access to drinking water. 

Reports have reached the city government that some are selling water at unreasonably high prices, causing more struggle for the public still suffering from the effects of super typhoon Odette. 

“We will issue another directive. We will have a price watch because we cannot have overpricing. That is abusing crisis,” said the mayor. 

BPLO head Lawyer Jared Limquiaco said that the price ceiling for drinking water has yet to be determined. 

They are waiting for the directive of the mayor to actually apprehend overpricing stations or resellers. 

So far, BPLO notes reports on the ground that a gallon of water has now reached P100 or more. 

Resellers have reportedly sold a gallon of water up to P1,000 each as well. 

Limquiaco said definitely a price reaching P1,000 or P2,000 is too much for a gallon and this must be reported to the city government or directly to the Department of Trade and Industries (DTI). 

One of the problems faced by water refilling stations is fuel supply for their generator sets. 

With this, Rama said gasoline stations are urged to prioritize the supply of diesel for generator sets of water refilling stations. 

Furthermore, he also urged gasoline stations to prioritize the supply of diesel for banks as well so that they can open and  serve those who need money. 

The mayor said that supply of diesel must be available for essential services. 

/bmjo

READ MORE: Capitol vows to help banks source fuel to address queues

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PR Newswire

PINE RIDGE, S.D., Dec. 21, 2021

PINE RIDGE, S.D., Dec. 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — As Americans struggle with supply chain issues, rising food costs, and a resurging Coronavirus, the nonprofit Bright Path Strong is a beacon of light in time for the holidays. Together with a coalition of partners, the non-profit founded in legendary athlete Jim Thorpe’s name is donating a life-changing, water-generating device to a Native American community that desperately needs it.

Bright Path Strong

Watergen’s GEN-M machine is being donated to the Oglala Sioux Tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. It will create high-quality drinking water by pulling humidity from the air and filtering it. Depending on climate geographic location, Watergen’s GEN-M machine can generate up to 233 gallons per day. The donation is part of Bright Path Strong’s mission to embody the legendary Sac and Fox and Potawatomi athlete’s selfless and giving spirit. “Bright Path” was the English translation of Jim Thorpe’s Sac and Fox name, Wa-Tho-Huk.

“Growing up, I heard my father tell stories about his friend Jim Thorpe’s generosity and compassion toward fellow Native communities,” said Bright Path Strong co-founder Nedra Darling, who is a citizen of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. “Jim Thorpe was kind, humble and giving of himself. Bringing water to Pine Ridge is something Jim would have absolutely been a part of, especially this time of year.”

Lack of access to clean water is a serious issue on many tribal reservations. A 2018 study by the U.S. Water Alliance and nonprofit DigDeep found Native American households were nearly 20 times more likely to lack indoor plumbing than white households. Sustainable, clean drinking water is essential to basic public health.

Story continues

Earlier this year, Bright Path Strong challenged Americans to join the movement to bring water to areas of Indian Country that lacked critical access. Watergen and Native American-owned distribution company 4D Products & Services, LLC pledged to match donated funds. Those donations and a generous gift from the Huntsman Foundation helped turn that challenge into a reality for people at Pine Ridge. They’ve been plagued for generations by poor water quality and barriers to water access. Trucking water into the reservation and the federal government’s broken promises of upgraded infrastructure has become a way of life at Pine Ridge.

“With this gift, Bright Path Strong has brought a next-generation product to our tribe when it comes to water needs. We hope to bring this product to all nine districts,” said Kevin Killer, President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. “Together with Bright Path Strong, we can help the people of our tribe, one gallon at a time. Woplia (thank you).”

To learn more about our mission to bring water to disadvantaged Native communities, visit brightpathstrong.org.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nonprofit-founded-in-honor-of-jim-thorpe-along-with-strategic-partners-brings-new-water-generating-technology-to-communities-at-pine-ridge-reservation-301449539.html

SOURCE Bright Path Strong

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The Maui News

The Department of Water Supply lifted a boil water advisory for some areas of Kula on Monday after determining that tap water was safe for consumption.

The advisory, which was issued last week after E. coli was detected in some waterlines, was lifted for Upper Kimo Drive, Crater Road, Alae Place, Kamila Street, Holomakani Street, Pulehuiki Road, Holomakani Road, Copp Road and Kamehameiki Road.

Other roads that continue to have a known presence of E. coli/total coliform are Naalae Road, Waipoli Road, Polipoli Road and Middle Road. Waterlines in these areas will continue to be flushed until there is no presence of E. coli, the department said in a news release Monday.

Residents and businesses of Kula Highway at Keokea, Thompson Road and Ulupalakua also should continue to boil water before consumption. Although no E. coli has been detected in these areas, trace amounts of the bacteria may travel further down the pipeline as the waterlines are flushed, the department warned.

Water should be boiled for one minute and be allowed to cool before use. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, food preparation and showering until further notice.

Upper Kula residents and businesses who did not lose water service during the Dec. 5-6 storm are not affected. However, if they lost water service and reside on or near areas where E. coli/total coliform are present, then they should continue to boil water as a precaution, the department said.

Potable water tankers are located at Fong Store, Ching Store, Ulupalakua Ranch Office, Kula Community Center, Rice Park, Silversword Condo (above Kula Lodge), Copp Road at Kula Highway and Bully’s Burgers.

The department will provide daily updates at www.mauicounty.gov/126/Department-of-Water-Supply as the results of water sample testing are available. It takes about 24 hours to get test results.

For more information, contact Adam Mundy at (808) 270-8046. The department’s 24-hour service line is also available at (808) 270-7633 for water service problems.

For general guidelines on lessening the risk of infection by microbes, call the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

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Originally Appeared Here

December 21, 2021

By KAREN VELIE

A federal judge ruled last week that San Simeon Community Services District’s refusal to provide a water hookup deprived a property owner the right to the free use of his property. The ruling opens the door for those with vacant lots in San Simeon to sue the district for damages.

Amid concerns over water quality and quantity, the district enacted a water moratorium 35 years ago. In 2016, the district installed a water purification facility but did not remove or modify the moratorium.

For 17 years, Robert Hather worked to build an affordable housing development on a 1.1-acre parcel he owns in San Simeon, but was denied a water hookup. Initially, Hather purchased the property as part of his retirement plan, but instead of making money, has lost money on upkeep and taxes.

Then in Nov. 2020, Hather filed for a hardship exemption, which is allowed under the district’s moratorium ordinance. Rather than vote on the hardship exemption request, the district board voted to table the request.

Hather’s attorney Jeff Stulberg informed the district of plans to file a lawsuit based on the district’s failure to abide by due process laws and failure to compensate for a taking, if the district continued to deny Hather access to water.

After reviewing Stulberg’s argument, district legal council Jeff Minnery determined the district had the right to deny Hather a water hookup, which prompted the lawsuit.

“Based on the representations of the district’s counsel, it appears that the district does not believe it is under any legal obligation to take action on the hardship application within any reasonable amount of time,” according to the lawsuit. “The district’s refusal to act on plaintiff’s hardship application is unreasonable and without any justification.”

When an ordinance removes all beneficial uses and productivity of a property, government has “a duty to compensate the owner for the period during which the regulation is in force,” according to the lawsuit.

In response to an attempt by the district to have the case dismissed, United States District Judge Virginia Phillips ruled that Stulberg’s complaint “alleges sufficient facts that the district acted in an ‘arbitrary, capricious, irrational and abusive’ manner,” and that a taking had occurred.

Phillips denied Stulberg’s request to have the federal court rule on Hather’s request for a water hookup, instead granting Stulberg the right to file a motion for summary judgement in state court.

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Originally Appeared Here

The online drinking water supply well monitoring becomes a regulatory requirement per the Central Valley Water Board effective January 1.  As part of our role to provide information, here’s a link to an online course to assist you.

The course includes a sidebar of pertinent information from the Central Valley Water Board. Updates to the sidebar will be available online no later than January 5. The newest document is a list of accredited labs available for download. Here is the link if you need the lab list before January 5.

Continuing education credits are available for private applicators (growers), pest control advisers and applicators. The drinking water supply well monitoring course is approved for the Department of Pesticide Regulation (1-hour Other) and the Certified Crop Adviser (0.5 NM, IPM and CM) continuing education credits. 

For questions and additional information, please contact Roberta Firoved, Industry Affairs Manager at [email protected] or (916) 206-5039.

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Originally Appeared Here

Many of the current water systems in parts of the West Virginia coalfields were installed in the early 1900s by coal companies.

When coal operators, people and jobs left the area, remnants like some beautiful buildings, coal tipples and water systems were left behind. The crumbling infrastructure that followed was not reliable, which meant living without consistent, clean tap water for many coalfield communities.

Residents in Keystone in McDowell County had been on a boil water advisory since 2010 while the neighboring town of Northfork has shared that challenge since 2013.

But soon, phase two of a water project in southern West Virginia will change all of that. After 11 years without consistent access to tap water, most Northfork residents are connected to a new water system.

Phase one of the Elkhorn Water Project began in 2015 and has connected 494 homes or businesses to a new system. This phase included a new water plant and a new 400,000 gallon water storage tank on Elkhorn Mountain. The large storage capacity of the tank allowed McDowell Public Service District to install a line that connected the communities of Anawalt, Jenkinjones, Pageton and Skygusty.

New lines and meters still need to be installed in those additional communities. The project also installed new lines, meters and fire hydrants for Maybeury, Elkhorn, and Switchback. This includes about 270 additional customers.

Phase two will connect about 450 residents including those in Keystone and Northfork, to the new system. The McDowell County Public Service District said in an email that contractors are currently connecting water service to resident’s homes.

While the boil water advisory is still in effect as of Tuesday, McDowell PSD says it can be lifted when all the homes are connected and the old system is taken offline.

Rates increased by 4% for phase one after a USDA loan and grant program. There will be no rate increase with phase two after receiving federal grants from Economic Development Administration (EDA), USDA Rural Development and local funding $50,000 each from McDowell County Commission and McDowell County Economic Development Authority (EDA).

McDowell PSD has submitted funding applications for phase three.

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Originally Appeared Here

Published: 12/20/2021 5:25:04 PM

Modified: 12/20/2021 5:24:50 PM

MONTAGUE — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Greenleaf Foods, SPC — also known as Lightlife Foods — to address violations of the Clean Water Act pretreatment regulations by its soy-based food production facility.

An investigation conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency found that Lightlife Foods at 153 Industrial Blvd. discharged low-pH wastewater into the town’s sewer collection system, corroding pipes, killing beneficial microbes and causing odor.

The settlement, which includes a $252,000 penalty benefiting the Environmental Protection Agency, orders Lightlife Foods to install a wastewater pretreatment system to help the company stay in line with regulations.

When contacted Monday, Larry Couch, regional health safety, security and environment manager for Greenleaf Foods, said he needed to reach out to company press officials for a comment. A response was not received by deadline.

Lightlife Foods’ regulatory violation — the improper sewage disposal of acidic cleaners and lactic acid used to soak soybeans — is the company’s latest infraction in Montague. According to the town’s website, Lightlife Foods submitted “multiple monthly reports” greater than 30 days after the due dates from September 2019 to April 2020 and failed to “report violations of oil and grease local limits” in January and February 2020.

“Clearly, EPA saw that there were issues that needed to be resolved that were not resolved,” Town Administrator Steve Ellis, acknowledging “at least 20 years” of Lightlife Foods’ existence in the town, said of this most recent violation. “Obviously, when the EPA is involved, it’s because there is a legitimate environmental concern.”

Water Pollution Control Facility Superintendent Chelsey Little said Lightlife Foods’ violations were identified by the Environmental Protection Agency after the Water Pollution Control Facility reported processing issues. She hesitated to isolate Lightlife Foods as the sole cause for the issues, but said the EPA’s investigation found the company’s wastewater pH levels to be at least a significant factor. Rather than have a pH close to 7 — which is the level of pure water — the pH was radically toward the acidic end of the scale, closer to the pH of lemon juice or gastric acid.

“This isn’t like a 6 pH,” Little explained. “It was like a 1 or a 2.”

Little expressed disappointment in how the penalty money will be allocated. She said she’d contacted the Environmental Protection Agency to inquire about receiving a portion of the money to benefit the affected Water Pollution Control Facility on Greenfield Road, but was told there was no longer a program available to do so. The penalty money, she said, will contribute directly to the Environmental Protection Agency’s revenue.

While the town won’t be receiving funding from the settlement as damage payment, Little noted that $169,700 in state grant funding Montague received for a pump station pump replacement, an estimated $229,700 project, contributes to reparation efforts.

Montague’s Department of Public Works is in conversation with the Wright-Pierce engineering firm about spring infrastructure projects, with a condition that assessment and possible repairs to the town’s sewer system having the potential to be included.

Despite repeated issues arising between the town and Lightlife Foods, Ellis said Montague maintains a “very cordial and productive relationship” with the company.

“EPA’s settlement with Lightlife Foods has ensured that wastewater discharges leaving their facility are no longer damaging the town of Montague’s wastewater infrastructure,” Environmental Protection Agency New England Acting Regional Administrator Deb Szaro said in a press release. “The Clean Water Act allows EPA to protect our critical infrastructure and waterways, and cases like these highlight that mission.”

Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or [email protected].

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Residents of Ramona’s Acres community are working with local officials and a nonprofit on an application for a $1.32 million grant that would give them better access to clean water.

The funds would pay for new water main pipelines for the community, which has contaminated well water and inadequate pipes.

Toby Roy, a specialist with the nonprofit Rural Community Assistance Corporation, provided an update on the application process at the Dec. 14 Ramona Municipal Water District meeting.

Roy said more than 80 percent of the well samples in the neighborhood have nitrate or uranium concentrations over the drinking water standards. Of the 10 wells that were tested, the water from eight exceeded the nitrate standard and the water from nine exceeded the uranium standard.

“If it’s above the drinking water standard it’s considered not safe to drink,” Roy said outside of the meeting.

Some residents of the community near the Ramona Airport have connected to the water district’s water supply with small “spaghetti lines,” which are commonly built with 2-inch PVC pipe but frequently break, she said.

The Rural Community Assistance Corporation, which provides technical assistance to rural communities for water and wastewater utilities, is helping Acres residents tap into funding from the California Department of Water Resources. Funds are available through the state Water Resources Control Board’s SAFER program, which stands for Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience.

“That program provides funding for stakeholder outreach, feasibility studies, developing plans and specifications, environmental documentation and helping with future grant applications,” Roy said, explaining that the Acres qualifies as a disadvantaged community. “It takes a project through the planning and design process and sets it up for the next step, which is construction.”

Water District President Jim Hickle said new water infrastructure is needed to supply safe, potable water to property owners who are using private wells in the Acres.

Water lines were not installed in several areas of Ramona, including parts of the Acres, mainly due to the high cost of extending a water main and providing the connection, Hickle said.

“Subsequently, many members within our service district rely strictly on well water for their potable water supply,” he said.

Roy said excessive nitrates pose a short-term health risk, particularly for infants less than 6 months old and pregnant women. Uranium above the drinking water standards pose long-term health risks associated with increased risk of cancer and kidney problems, she said.

In April, her organization distributed detailed information about the risks in a fact sheet to Acres residents with private wells, spaghetti lines and those with septic tanks.

Michael Bailey, an Acres resident, said at the meeting that he has been trying since February 2019 to get help in improving access to clean water in the community.

Bailey said his family has used well water for the 32 years they have lived in the Acres, but in the past five years he and his neighbors noticed the water quality was rapidly getting worse.

“I think the problem extends further than our area,” he told the water district directors. “Getting everyone in the same room and talking about this is a huge step forward.”

Acres resident Robert Sparks said he used well water until the quality of the water deteriorated. He is now connected to a water source with spaghetti lines but has experienced multiple leaks.

Roy said a small group of Acres residents, water district staff and the RCAC have come together in the last year and a half to discuss a way to connect Acres residents to the district’s water supply. Grant funding was the solution because current water district ratepayers cannot be charged to bring on new customers, she said.

The project was selected to be a part of an application package by the San Diego Integrated Regional Water Management Program. The application will be submitted to the Department of Water Resources in mid-January and approval could be as soon as March.

The next step will be a feasibility study and possibly pursuing additional state funding. Construction could begin in early 2024. Roy said the RCAC can lead the engineering work, but the water district needs to take the lead on the construction project.

In other action at the meeting, water district directors unanimously agreed to take the next steps needed to transfer its oversight of fire and emergency medical services to the San Diego County Fire Protection District.

The final move to transfer authority requires approval by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), which oversees the creation and expansion of cities and special districts in California counties. LAFCOs exercise regulatory and planning powers to coordinate publicly provided services, such as emergency services, and match them with community needs.

Craig Schmollinger, the water district’s acting general manager, will submit an application to LAFCO requesting the transfer of authority, which could involve further analysis and a future hearing. If approved, the transfer could go into effect as early as July 1, 2022.

In October, LAFCO recommended that the Ramona water district consider a voluntary transfer of its emergency services to the county as a way to improve services by increasing staffing from two to three personnel on fire engines at Ramona Fire Stations 81 and 81 without raising costs for ratepayers.

The action could also pave the way for adding a third ambulance in Ramona with two additional firefighter/paramedic staff.

The proposal to transfer authority was based on a recommendation by a three-person water district ad hoc subcommittee.

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Originally Appeared Here