Rural Water - Quarter 3, 2008 - (Page 33)

With that in mind, I thought I’d highlight a few ways utilities can look at improving their efﬁciency in order to save time and money, both now and in the future. 1. Computers As all the regulatory agencies move more and more to a paperless means of communication, there’s really no excuse anymore for a utility not to have a computer with Internet access. On the DNR Web site alone, you can already review your 2008 sampling requirements, track plan reviews and check sample results. Systems are now even electronically ﬁ ling their monthly pumpage reports. Most state rural water associations have Web sites that are loaded with information for member utilities. The WRWA Web site has information and maps for every class we offer, as well as ER templates and conference registration info. Add to that the beneﬁts of ﬁ nding information and communicating with your fellow operators at the click of a mouse, and it can really save you time and money by joining the computer age. 2. Control systems As employee costs rise and demands on their time increase, it pays to keep up with technology when it comes to facility control systems. Automating control functions instead of doing them manu- ally, utilizing radio systems instead of paying phone line charges, even simplifying systems so that you can more efﬁciently troubleshoot problems and make repairs can all save time and money in the long run after a one-time up front expense. 3. Metering As the heart of a utility’s revenues, both on the water and wastewater side, a system can’t afford to have an inefﬁcient metering system. Assess the age and test results of your meters to see if it may be time to start a replacement program. Take a look at the meters of your higher water-use customers to make sure they are accurate and the correct meter for that application. Consider the time and money savings of going to a different meter reading system, such as radio or telephone. 4. Energy efficiency Trying to keep constructions costs down, many utilities will go with less efﬁcient components when facilities are ﬁ rst built and installed. But that can really add up, wasting money over time. Using more efﬁcient pumps, motors, heating/cooling systems and lighting can really save money over time, and can even pay for the cost of new components within a few years in some cases. 5. Use the right tool for the job In a misguided effort to make it look like they’re trying to save money, in many cases, operators and board/commission members purchase a cheaper vehicle, facility component or piece of equipment that isn’t what they really need. As a result, they end up wasting a lot of time and money in the long run trying to get by with something they really didn’t want, or that sits in the garage or on the shelf. There really is a right tool for every job, so always buy what you need, even if it costs more in the ﬁ rst place. And if you can’t afford to buy it, check into renting it or hiring someone else who has it. 6. System mapping/modeling As with most things, the costs of electronic mapping and modeling of the distribution system have come down. This can be an excellent tool for you to use in order to do planning for future projects. Instead of just guessing what replacing a 6” main with 8” main will do to flows in an area, run a computer model to see. Even try one with 10” on that stretch to see what the benefits would be. Or run one showing what looping of mains can do as opposed to spending the money on replacing a section of main. >>34 Utilities need to start looking at how our water is being used, and find ways to lower our unaccounted-for water percentages. It starts with conducting water audits to see where the water is actually going, and some utilities are already utilizing water-use ordinances and water conservation public education programs. Third Quarter 2008 • 33

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Rural Water - Quarter 3, 2008

Rural Water - Quarter 3, 2008 Contents From the President From Hypo to Gas - A Forward Leap If You Lose All Your Data Today... Would You Still Be in Business Tomorrow? Weaving the Wireless Web Rural Water and the Farm Bill Ensuring Your Water System's Security Guarding Against Becoming a Victim of Fraud 10 Ways to Improve Utility Efficiency New Technology Making a Difference By Being Involved Regulatory Update Source Water Protection Corner Throwing My Loop Cub Scouts Visit Alliance of Indiana Rural Water's Spring Conference Advertisers.com Index to Advertisers From the CEO

Rural Water - Quarter 3, 2008

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