In the realm of asset management and data storage software, the term “workflow” is frequently used. For operators in the field, it applies to work order creation and prioritization, how they set up their worksite, or how they finalize and submit inspection data. But for software, a workflow encompasses a wide array of procedures, macros and background functionality performed by various software components working together to remove personnel from menial tasks.
Monitoring municipal and industrial wastewaters is an important part of tracking and managing pollutants. This is particularly relevant for contaminants like PFAS, which can remain unchanged through the wastewater treatment processes. In fact, wastewater treatment plant effluent is a major contributor of PFAS in surface water. Understanding the role that treatment plants play in managing this hazard can help us better understand the affects of PFAS on human health and the environment.
Water fuels life. It’s an essential resource the world needs, so recycling it only makes sense. Recycled water and wastewater has environmental and economical benefits, and a variety of uses. While agricultural irrigation is a popular, non-potable application, potable uses are becoming more mainstream. Craft brewing has exploded onto the American beer scene, and with it brings the opportunity for small and independent breweries to play with nontraditional beer-making processes. But, the unchanging resource needed in all beer brewing? Water.
Making the decision to change or upgrade inspection data software is a big step. Integrating that new software with other current systems is an even bigger project. So when the decision is made and the software rollout begins, thorough training sometimes falls by the wayside. But ensuring your team gets up to speed on your new tech quickly is vital to its success, so well-thought-out training can make a significant difference.
Wastewater collection system managers know that poor maintenance and neglect can cause serious problems underground. But many don’t realize that excessive or overly aggressive cleaning can be nearly as bad. Excessive or aggressive cleaning can quickly wear down pipes and increase the rate at which the pipeline degrades, shortening its lifespan. Unnecessary cleanings also waste resources like water, fuel and crew time. To avoid this issue, system managers must have clear, accurate inspection data.
Freezing temperatures can shut down much of a city, even in the most prepared areas. But even in the worst weather, the need for sewer maintenance remains high. While a storm rages above ground, effluent continues flowing and pipes continue degrading. So how do crews keep moving during storms? Prioritize.
Set yourself up for a successful 2019 with these top five resources! WinCan has compiled valuable readings for water and wastewater professionals to review during downtime this season.
Before the development of defect coding catalogs, a big issue facing sewer maintenance supervisors was consistent data. How could they take qualitative observations and turn it into measurable, actionable information? Many cities created their own defect catalogs, while others chose to tweak catalogs from other countries to fit. After the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) released their Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program (PACP) to the U.S., cities were able to drop their custom defect catalogs for an out-of-the-box catalog. Using the codes and ratings from PACP allows camera operators to log observations cleanly and consistently from pipe to pipe, inspection to inspection over time. Supervisors and engineers can compare defects from different parts of their system, inspected by different operators on different days, using their computers to analyze and prioritize repairs.
Water and wastewater systems are a vital aspect of our daily lives, and any upset to these systems can have a ripple effect that impacts entire communities. That’s why it’s essential for water utility companies in earthquake zones to understand the threat these disasters pose to their systems and adequately prepare for emergency situations. To minimize damage and decrease recovery time, municipalities need to take an active role in earthquake preparation.
