Featured Video: Lead and Copper Sampling For the past three weeks, we've talked about the dangers to drinking water quality posed by water storage facilities, and discussed what you can do to combat them. But there's another source of drinking water contamination that's gotten a lot more press in the past few years, and that's the distribution system. Lead and copper pipes are known for their ability to leach metal into the water they contain. When the pipes are particularly exposed or the water chemistry is particularly favorable, they can leach a lot. If your customers have an increased interest in getting their water tested---or you'd like a refresher on how lead and copper sampling works yourself---this video from AWWA can be a great place to start. The two-and-a-half minute video briefly outlines the basic provisions of the Lead and Copper Rule, and goes on to discuss the proper technique for collecting lead and copper samples. The Quick Reference Guides mentioned in the video can be found on the USEPA website here. The page with additional resources on the rule is here. To see what consumer information resources other utilities and states have developed for the Lead and Copper Rule, search our document database using the category Lead and Copper and the type Factsheets/Case Studies. February 17, 2017 By Cassia Smith Public Education, Regulations featured videos, lcr, lead & copper rule, lead and copper rule, lead consumer information, lead samples, videos 0 0 Comment Read More »
Featured Video: Water Quality in Storage Facilities In the previous two weeks' featured videos, our partners at RCAP have discussed how to conduct periodic water tank inspections, as well as what kinds of inspections tanks can or should receive. Though those videos made clear that preventing contamination is the primary focus of these inspections, they didn't go into detail regarding the kinds of water quality degradation that can happen in drinking water storage facilities. This one does. Though inspections are discussed, the focus is on the biological, chemical, and physical factors in storage tanks that can affect drinking water quality. Water operators play an essential role in protecting the public health of their communities by ensuring that drinking water is clean and safe to drink. Understanding the possible contamination or degradation factors in your storage facility can help you ensure that your treated water is still clean and drinkable when it reaches your customers' taps. For more on water storage tank issues, search our document database using the phrase "water storage tank" (without the quote marks) in the keyword search filter. February 10, 2017 By Cassia Smith Small System O&M drinking water quality, drinking water storage tanks, featured videos, storage tank drinking water quality, videos 0 0 Comment Read More »
Featured Video: Types of Storage Tank Inspections Last week's video from our RCAP partners discussed the steps of a thorough periodic water tank inspection. This week, the topic returns, with a discussion of the types of tank inspection, including routine, periodic, and comprehensive inspections. The 4-minute video outlines the frequency and basic considerations of each kind of inspection, with photos and video of inspections carried out at various locations with various types of water tanks. Treated water storage facilities can be a weak link in the water quality chain. Don't let them slip into disrepair and ruin your hard work by causing contamination. For more on water storage tank issues, search our document database using the phrase "water storage tank" (without the quote marks) in the keyword search filter. Or check back next week, when we feature another RCAP video on this topic! February 3, 2017 By Cassia Smith Small System O&M featured videos, videos, tank inspections, water storage tank inpections 0 0 Comment Read More »
Featured Video: Conducting a Periodic Inspection Periodic water storage tank inspections are a great way to ensure the quality and quick availability of the water you're providing to your customers. After all, it would be a shame to go to all the trouble and expense of treating your water, only to have it get contaminated or go stagnant in storage. Not to mention the heartbreaking waste if your tank springs a leak! Periodic inspections help you keep on top of any issues that might arise with your water storage before they get serious. Tank inspection forms may feel like long lists of nitpicky details, but the principles behind tank inspections are simple. This five-minute video from our partners at RCAP explains the basic considerations that go into a periodic tank inspection, and shows professionals conducting inspections on several different types of storage tank. It can serve as a great starting point for planning your own inspection. For more on water storage tank issues, search our document database using the phrase "water storage tank" (without the quote marks) in the keyword search filter. Or check back next week, when we feature another RCAP video on this topic! January 27, 2017 By Cassia Smith Small System O&M featured videos, periodic tank inspections, periodic water tank inspections, water storage tanks, tank inspections, videos 0 0 Comment Read More »