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MRWA Unveils New Web Site

Inside this issue:

MRWA Water Operation & Maintenance Training Session

MRWA Wastewater Operation & Maintenance Training


System Management and Planning Training Session

RUS & EPA Products: Workshop in a Box

Rural Water Apps: Go Paperless!

MRWA Can Now Accept Credit Cards Online!

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December 2013December 2013

We’re on Facebook! Become a fan today!

Minnesota Rural Water Association released our new web site on November 1st. We’ve updatedour site to include new features and services to better serve you! We’ve kept your favorite featuressuch as the sample ordinances, job postings, for sale items, resources, and training session registra-tion forms and have updated to now include a pay online option, videos, a faster way to get quotes onservices/resources that MRWA offers, and an all new BLOG on our water, wastewater, and sourcewater pages. Check it out! www.mrwa.com

Happy Holidays fromMRWA Staff & Board

MRWA’s office will beclosed December 25th

and January 1st.

MRWA is Celebrating our 30th Annual Water &

Wastewater Technical Conference: March 4-6, 2014Mark your calendar & plan to attend! 16 water and/or wastewater certification

hours for full attendance. Conference will be held at the River’s Edge Convention

Center in St. Cloud, MN. Registration forms and tentative agenda

coming in next month’s issue!

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THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TIMES

December 4, 2013City of Waite Park

City Hall, Lower Level19 13th Ave. N & Division

Waite Park, MN

Course Objective: This trainingsession is designed to give theattendee a clear understanding ofwhat to expect from OSHAinspections, review the GopherState One Call program, learnabout the no lead rule, and how tomaintain a fire hydrant. Attendeeswill also learn about chemicalsafety and how to solve watertower freezing and preventativemethods.

Course Instructors: This training session will be taughtwith the assistance of Departmentof Labor and Industry Work PlaceSafety - OSHA, Gopher State OneCall, Hawkins Water TreatmentGroup, Mueller Water Products,Water Tower Clean & Coat, Inc.,and Minnesota Rural WaterAssociation.

Six Certification Hours for Full Day Attendance

There is NO charge for this session.

To Register For Any Training Session: Call the MRWAOffice at 800-367-6792 or online at www.mrwa.com.

Use the training calendar link.


7:45am Registration and Introductions

Low Lead Brass Products - New Rules for 2014Learn about updates, correct installation procedures, and how to understand warranty issues. These products are safeand have an outstanding reliability if installed correctly.

Fire Hydrant Installation and Maintenance See how to properly install and maintain your fire hydrantsto extend their longevity and save your system money.

Chemical SafetyLearn about new storage room requirements for new treatmentfacilities and now this could affect you when updating your water or wastewater facility.

Preventative Methods to Help Solve Water Tower FreezingDiscover if recirculation pumps in towers really work, how torefurbish your water reservoir, and review some cost savingoptions at this session. These topics will be covered in depth.

12:00pm Lunch - (On Your Own)

1:00pm Minnesota Gopher State One Call: 2014 UpdatesSee why you need to call in before you excavate, what information you need to provide to them, and what the newrequirements are at Gopher State One Call.

OSHA InspectionsDiscover what the most common citations are from an OSHAinspector. See what an OSHA inspector looks for when they walk in your door.

MRWA UpdatesThis session will be a central Minnesota Water OperationsSpecialist roundtable discussion.

4:00pm Questions & Answers

End of Day

Upcoming Water U Webinars

Satellite Meter Reading - November 21st, 2pm - FREE Webinar.

Angelo Polsinelli, Informational Data Technologies (IDT)

This session on automated meter reading (AMR) focuses on all AMR approaches, including all existing and a new satel-

lite-based technology. AMR provides reduced operational costs, improved data accuracy, improved cash flow budgeting

and improved customer service/public relations. The satellite-based technology provides additional unique advantages

working in conjunction with existing technology. The technology provides up-to-minute meter information which can help

in faster leak detection. Register at: http://www.mrwa.com/wateru.html

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MRWA Wastewater Operation & Maintenance Training Session

8:00am Wastewater System Operation Specialist ForumThis session will be a discussion on wastewater problems and issues that challenge systems each and every day.

9:00am Geothermal Heating / Cooling - Live GreenAre you installing or upgrading your heating and coolingsystem at your utility? Are you looking ahead at futureconstruction? At this session learn about the geothermal process and how it could work for you to save energy.

10:00am Tank MixingMixing your water or wastewater system is a critical partof your operation for proper operation and chemical feed.Learn what you may be missing about proper tank mixingat this session.

11:00am Gopher State One Call SystemAre you involved with marking your underground utilities?Why are you getting some of those call slips? Do you havequestions about the Gopher State One Call system? Get youranswers and the latest information at this session.

12:00pm Lunch - (Provided)

1:00pm Reducing Your Inflow and Infiltration (I&I)Cities have replaced or rehabbed manholes and mainline to reduce cost associated with I&I. With mixed results becausethe lateral lines are also introducing much of the clear waterinto your wastewater system. Discover what can be done torehab and seal up those lateral lines to reduce I&I.

2:00pm Communicating Remotely With Your Wastewater UtilityIs CriticalSee what utilities are using for call out and alarms, what works, and what will not work. Get the latest information on what isnew and how you can get information remotely.

3:00 pm MRWA UpdatesThis session will show you what is new from MRWA andNRWA. See information on what programs are available foryou and your system. Give MRWA feedback about our association and what you would like us to add or improve tohelp your utility.

4:00pm End of Day

December 10, 2013Minnesota Rural WaterAssociation Building*

217 12th Avenue SEElbow Lake, MN

Course Instructors:Bergerson-Caswell, Inc., Electric

Pump, Gopher State One Call,LMK Technologies, SolarBee,

and Minnesota Rural WaterAssociation.



*Driving Directions:www.mrwa.com/about.html

To Register For AnyTraining Session: Call

the MRWA Office at800-367-6792 or onlineat www.mrwa.com. Use

the training calendar link.

MRWA’s Today magazine is digital!

Check out the fall issue of the Today magazine online in

digital format. Read your favorite articles online and visit

our advertisers.

Access the digital copy at: www.mrwa.com/today.html



*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.


7:45am Registration and Introductions

Hydrant and Valve Maintenance Hydrants and valves are a very important part of the distribution system. They need to be in good working orderat all times. Learn how to maintain them to perfection at this session.

Low Lead Brass Products - New Rules for 2014Learn about updates, correct installation procedures, and how to understand warranty issues. These products are safeand have an outstanding reliability if installed correctly.

Ready, Set, RetireSee where your money is being invested and if there are goingto be any changes in the retirement funds in the future. Learnwhat you should be doing and have a plan ready beforeyour lucky day arrives.

Water Reservoir Cleaning and Coating OptionsCost effective, time proven cleaning technique options andwater tower paint touch-ups will be covered in this session.

12:00pm Lunch - (On Your Own)

1:00pm* Minnesota Gopher State One Call: 2014 UpdatesSee why you need to call in before you excavate, what information you need to provide to them, and what the newrequirements are at Gopher State One Call. Please call beforeyou dig, the life you save may be your own.

OSHA InspectionsDiscover what the most common citations are from an OSHAinspector. See what an OSHA inspector looks for when they walk in your door.

MRWA UpdatesThis session will be a Minnesota Water OperationsSpecialist roundtable discussion. Share ideas, give MRWAtraining input, and learn about construction project optionsand updates.

4:00pm Questions & Answers

End of Day

December 11, 2013City of Biwabik

Park Pavilion100 5th Avenue North

Biwabik, MN

Course Objective: This trainingsession is designed to give theattendee a clear understanding ofwhat to expect from OSHAinspections, understanding theGopher State One Call rule for2014, learn about the no lead rule,and how to maintain and repair afire hydrant and valves. Attendeeswill also learn about water towercleaning and coating options, and retirement options and updates.All board members, council members, and water operationsspecialists are encouraged toattend.

Course Instructors: This training session will be taughtwith the assistance of Departmentof Labor and Industry Work PlaceSafety - OSHA, Gopher State OneCall, Mueller Water Products,Public Employees RetirementAssociation, Water Tower Clean& Coat, Inc., and Minnesota RuralWater Association.



To Register For Any Training Session: Call the MRWAOffice at 800-367-6792 or online at www.mrwa.com.

Use the training calendar link.



MRWA System Planning & Management Training Session

Small System Management Training SessionWater and/or Wastewater Systems

You are invited to take part in informational training sessions designed to help your community prepare and manageupcoming or recently completed 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 datesand locations for upcoming Small System Management TrainingSessions can also be found online. There is no charge for this session!

Presented by: Minnesota Rural Water Association and USDA Rural Development.

December 17, 2013 from 12:00pm--4:00pm

Redwood Valley Lodge, 1382 East Bridge Street, Redwood Falls, MN

December 18, 2013 from 12:00pm--4:00pm

Fire Hall, 300 3rd Avenue NE, Cambridge, MN

2 sessions to

choose from!

There is no charge

for these sessions.

Program AgendaIntroductions & 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

Hiring an Engineer and Preliminary EngineeringReport (PER’s)

*What is the RFQ/RFP process?*More knowledge gained upfront may save you

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

The Management Side*Role of Council as owner of the system*Making your own decisions *Information, reports, & files you need*Ordinances & setting policies *Ownership of service lines

The Financial Side*Setting rates for your system*Financial considerations for the system

The Technical Side*Hiring and supporting the operation specialists *Operation & maintenance considerations*Security Vulnerability Assessment & Emergency

Response Plans*Technical assistance--services provided to you

at no charge

Questions and Open Discussion


Sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure is a critical foundation of economicdevelopment, but in uncertain economic times it is even more critical. Rural economic activitydepends on sustainable infrastructure, making it the first rung on the ladder of opportunity for rural and economically challenged communities. Without basic infrastructure such as rural water systems that providesafe, dependable, and efficient wastewater and drinking water services, there would be no support for theeconomic activities that are necessary for continued success and growth as a nation. The work carried out byrural Americans stands as the backbone to the strength of our nation.

USDA Rural Development and the EPA have joined forces to provide resources to our nation’s small and ruralcommunities’ water and wastewater systems to increase levels of sustainability. Both USDA and EPA haveworked closely with rural and small systems, with input from rural operators and managers, to develop flexible, user friendly tools to help rural and small system managers andoperators ensure their communities are strong, safe and sustainable. USDAand EPA are rolling out the two new tools that are designed specifically forrural and small water and wastewater system operators and managers.

The first tool is “Rural and Small Systems Guidebook to SustainableUtility Management”. This Guidebook takes small systems through aseries of steps to assess their current operations based on ten key management areas developed using best practices. The Guidebookallows rural and small systems assess their strengths and priorities forimprovement, which will lead to an action plan to address those priorities and challenges. The Guidebook also contains an extensiveinventory of other utility management tools to help rural and small systems. This Guidebook can be downloaded at:http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

The second tool is called “Workshop in a Box”. The Workshop contains a series of materials and instructions to help both small systems and technical assistance providers market and conduct workshops on their own based on the Guidebook. These materials can be used either in a group setting with several systems, or on-sitewith a team of individuals from a single system. This Workshop canalso be downloaded at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

With more sustainable water and wastewater systems in rural communities, the rungs on the ladder of opportunity will become closer together and afford those communities greater environmentalprotection and economic opportunities.

John C. PadalinoAdministratorU.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service


RUS & EPA Product: Workshop in a Box


Fill out water utility reports anddocuments in an easy, hand-heldformat, and then submit them bye-mail with Rural Water Apps. All

documents are stored in asecure, paperless environment

where the user can access themat any time. Off-site storage

provides security from loss incase of disasters.

RURALWATERAPPSTORE

National

Rural Water

Association www.gocanvas.com/nrwawww.nrwa.org/gocanvas

Try it for 30 days, FREE!

Scan here for thisexciting offer!


Rural Water Apps: Go Paperless


Minnesota Rural Water Association

217 12th Avenue SE

Elbow Lake, MN 56531

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEPAIDPOS

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MRWA Now Accepts Credit Card Payments Online

Payments processed

securely through PSN

Networks

tatimesmrwadec2013_Layout 1 11/7/2013 9:26 AM

december 2013 mrwa unveils new web site · mrwa unveils new web site inside this issue: ... to...

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