Local Water Utility Research Articles

Correlation of Water and Energy Parameters in a South of Minas Gerais Water Supply System

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the correlation between water and energy parameters in order to obtain water and energy consumption, according to studies by a local water utility. Theoretical Framework: The main theories presented here are the water and energy balances of a water supply network, whose authors can be found throughout the work. Such concepts are fundamental, as they allow correlating the parameters that are the objective of the study. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a literature review to obtain the necessary theoretical basis, as well as data collection carried out through campaigns by the research group throughout its trajectory, in previous works. The processing of the collected data was carried out using water and energy balances, with the consequent correlation of such parameters in relation to water losses in the sector under study. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that losses can reach up to R$249,949.06 in 5 years in the sector under study, reconciling water and energy losses due to the inefficiency of the system under study. Research Implications: This research, due to its approach, can guide measures to increase water and energy efficiency in sanitation companies, resulting in important financial and environmental gains for society by reducing water and energy waste and reducing operating costs, with resulting financial relief for society. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by correlating water and energy parameters in the study of water distribution losses, having revealed the monetary values ​​of the losses and their impacts on society.

Relevant aspects to be included in a national strategic plan for water services

Highlights Governments bear the responsibility for shaping sustainable and inclusive public policies for water services. A robust and comprehensive vision is crucial for water services, embodied in a holistic public policy. A holistic approach must encompass institutional, legal, technical, economic, financial, and social dimensions. Addressing both the current issues and the emerging challenges in the water sector is essential. It is necessary to align national strategic plans for water services with the strategic plans of local water utilities.

Study of the influence of raw water infrastructure performance on drinking water

Water utilities are assessed on financial, customer service, operational, and HR performance, according to Government Regulation 122/2015. Environmental, operational, and physical factors impact cooling system performance. Local governments and water utilities assess water supply efficiency using distribution networks. In West Nusa Tenggara, researchers explored Lombok and Sumbawa. Water is abundant in Lombok but insufficient in Sumbawa. Despite the continual requirement for drinking water, this study concentrates on these two criteria since regional climates fluctuate. The former has superior local government water supplies, which affect Lombok and Sumbawa citizens’ health. This research outlines a single drinking water system’s two most important performance criteria. Researchers employ fuzzy c-means clustering, statistical regressive analysis, and questionnaire combinations for indeterminate parameters. The survey concluded that a water distribution authority has a good performance value if its intake and distribution network works effectively and the negative balance decreases. PDAM control will be less effective and the body less healthy if one portion fails, especially if fluctuations of water discharge. This research may result from an integrated drinking water collection and distribution performance model. The study found that water treatment plant performance, especially water discharge, increases water usage.

DETERMINANTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE

The work-life balance has become an important issue in the fast-paced and demanding work environment today. This study aims to analyze the determinants and consequences of work-life balance by examining the influence of working hours and job burnout on employee well-being, with the work-life balance as a mediating variable. It involved 100 active employees from the Local Government-Owned Water Utility of Pontianak City, chosen through a purposive sampling method. The data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling – Partial Least Square (SEM - PLS). The results reveal that the job burnout has a significant effect on both the work-life balance and employee well-being. However, the working hours does not have a significant effect on both the work-life balance and employee well-being. Additionally, the work-life balance has a significant effect on the employee well-being. Furthermore, this study confirms that the work-life balance is able to mediate the effect of job burnout on the employee well-being, but it is not able to mediate the effect of working hours on the employee well-being. These results provide managers and HR practitioners with insights into how to improve the employee well-being through effective working hours plans, job burnout reduction, and work-life balance programs.JEL: I31, I39.

Supporting the implementation of drinking water management systems in New South Wales, Australia.

Since 2010, New South Wales (NSW) Health has assisted local water utilities to develop and implement risk-based drinking water management systems based on the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality. This support has benefited regional communities, and especially smaller utilities, by helping to identify and control risks. NSW Health's support projects have resulted in statistically significant improvements across many elements of drinking water management system implementation. Through this program of support, NSW Health has identified possible infrastructure and operational needs and assessed implementation of drinking water management systems. In parallel, NSW Health has worked to assess the risk from Cryptosporidium in drinking water supplies and to develop a formal audit program. Findings from the NSW Health support program informed the development of two NSW Government programs and the commitment of more than $1 billion to help local water utilities address public health and other critical needs. The introduction of risk-based drinking water management systems has driven incremental improvement in drinking water quality management across the state of NSW.

Stormwater Harvesting Potential for Local Reuse in an Urban Growth Area: A Case Study of Melton Growth Area in the West of Melbourne

Integrated urban water management approaches (IUWM) are implemented to address challenges from increases in water demand as a result of population growth and the impact of climate change. IUWM aims to utilize all water resources (stormwater, wastewater, and rainwater) based on fit-for-purpose concepts. Here, a local water utility in Melbourne’s Melton growth area explored the availability of stormwater as an alternative water resource for water service planning for a proposed residential development in an existing greenfield area of 13,890 hectares for 160,000 new houses by 2040. A methodology was developed for assessing the stormwater quantity and quality under land use change and different climatic conditions considering the availability of stormwater from the proposed urban development. The modelling results indicated that the amount of annual stormwater generated in the region increased by nearly four times to 32 GL/year under the 2040 full urban land use with high climate change. The provision of constructed wetlands in proposed development blocks was found to be efficient at removing TSS, TP, and TN, and able to retain over 90% of TSS, 77% of TP, and 52% of TN in all scenarios. Harvested stormwater, if treated to potable standards, can meet nearly 40% of water requirements for residential area needs.

MELANIN: THE PHILOSOPHICAL STONE OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON DISSOLVED OXYGEN LEVELS IN WATER AND FERTILITY OF AGRICULTURAL SOIL

Two fundamental problems now are: the growing contamination of water throughout the world, and the progressive loss of fertility of agricultural soil. The lack of revenue is a significant impediment to financing water. Water pollution is a key part of the climate change. Unless the water sector addresses efficiently the challenges inhibiting creditworthiness, new sources of revenue aren´t likely to flow to the water sector. There are two ways to pay for water infrastructure: tariffs and taxes. Worldwide, there is the cycle of “building” water infrastructure, and then “neglecting” it by not maintaining or repairing these assets because the resources aren’t available. Specifically, when local governments, water utilities, and other providers can significantly expands their collection systems efficiently, improves significantly water quality, reducing the non-revenue water, and decrease energy costs, then they can become viable, efficient, safe, and bankable service providers. Current methods to improve water quality date back to the French Revolution, and to date they are carried out on a larger scale, with more sophistication, greater energy expenditure, more CO2 emissions, greater production of toxic sludge, and yet, the quality of the water is not better, on the contrary it is declining as the contamination of the water continues to be incessantly, increasingly, cumulative and more and more complex. Despite the centuries that have passed, one factor has gone relatively disregarded: the levels of dissolved oxygen in the water and in soil. The better the quality of the water, the higher the levels of dissolved oxygen, and vice versa. Which also applies to agricultural soil, because the more oxygen is present, the more fertile the soil and vice versa. Addressing the low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, until now it seems that it is considered as something secondary, as if it were something accessory, something like a parameter that would even improve spontaneously as soon as the levels of contamination of the precious liquid improve. But this has not happened so far with any method and in any part of the world. In addition to a lack of interest in developing processes to raise dissolved oxygen levels in the water and soil, there is the problem that the few available to date are too expensive. But the discovery of the unsuspected capacity of the human body to extract oxygen from water, dissociating it like plants; it means a light at the end of the tunnel.

Optimising the energy-water-CO2 nexus of a water distribution network

The digital age attracts significant challenges in the delivery of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) based technologies. The energy-water-CO 2 nexus benefits of 4IR technologies are a significantly greater challenge, especially across the Water Distribution Network (WDN). A business process based energy-water-CO 2 nexus model was developed with the capacity to simulate a comprehensive WDN, and predict the impact of 4IR technologies on the energy-water-CO 2 nexus. The model was applied to the monitoring and control business process of a local water utilities water distribution network. The model simulates the baseline (as-is) energy-water-CO 2 nexus, and evaluates the impact of the adoption of variable speed drive (VSD) and the internet of things (IoT) based on three operational regimes: normal operating pressure, low pressure and high pressure. The model evaluates VSD and IoT adoption singly and in-combination. The VSD has the largest positive impact on the energy-water-CO 2 nexus, reducing the energy demand and CO 2 emissions by16% each, and the water losses by 22%. A reduction in water losses, results in an increase in revenue for the water utility enabling the upgrading of aging infrastructure, investment in digital technologies and the expansion of infrastructure to increase access to clean drinking water. Whilst the impact of IoT on the WDN water-energy-CO 2 nexus is low, it is critical towards developing a “smart” and “self-adjusting” water distribution network.

Governing the urban water challenges of surakarta

Urban water is one of the most important natural resources to support urban growth. However, conflicting interests from different sectoral needs interfere with its management as the demand for water increases as a result of rapid urbanization. This paper compares the theory and practice of urban water governance, particularly the extent to which the concept of urban water governance can be implemented in Surakarta, Indonesia. The paper also provides lessons for practitioners. This study applies a qualitative single case study method using in-depth interviews with eight key players from eight institutions related to urban water governance. The respondents represent the local Planning Agency, Public Works Agency, Local Water Utility, Environmental Agency, Disaster Mitigation Agency, Housing Agency, the Regional Water Cooperation Body, and the Provincial Water Resources Management Agency. Surakarta is a rapidly growing medium-sized city that faces the challenge of urban clean water provision. The results indicate that although to a certain extent a gap between theory and practice exists, all the interviewed stakeholders have realized and have started initiating collaborations in urban water management. The most important point forward is to establish an effective regular platform for more solid collaboration to attain integrated urban water governance for Surakarta.

Specialized Local Government and Water Conservation Policy in the United States

Special districts are an increasingly important part of the local government equation in the United States, representing over forty percent of local governments. The spread of these governments is controversial, however, as some argue that they will have a negative impact on service delivery, due to a perceived lack of political accountability. Others argue that their focus on single policy issues allow them to more efficiently respond to the citizens they serve. Despite the controversy, only a few studies have quantitatively investigated the differences in service delivery between special district and general purpose governments. Building on Mullin's earlier work, in this research note we investigate the relationship between specialized local government and water utility rates. We find little direct difference between special districts and general-purpose governments, with some minimal support for a conditional relationship between special districts and scarcity.

Extensive Wastewater-Based Epidemiology as a Resourceful Tool for SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance in a Low-to-Middle-Income Country through a Successful Collaborative Quest: WBE, Mobility, and Clinical Tests

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged healthcare systems worldwide. Efforts in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs) cannot keep stride with infection rates, especially during peaks. A strong international collaboration between Arizona State University (ASU), Tec de Monterrey (TEC), and Servicios de Agua y Drenaje de Monterrey (Local Water Utilities) is acting to integrate wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) of SARS-CoV-2 in the region as a complementary approach to aid the healthcare system. Wastewater was collected from four sewer catchments in the Monterrey Metropolitan area in Mexico (pop. 4,643,232) from mid-April 2020 to February 2021 (44 weeks, n = 644). Raw wastewater was filtered and filter-concentrated, the RNA was extracted using columns, and the Charité/Berlin protocol was used for the RT-qPCR. The viral loads obtained between the first (June 2020) and second waves (February 2021) of the pandemic were similar; in contrast, the clinical cases were fewer during the first wave, indicating poor coverage. During the second wave of the pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 quantification in wastewater increased 14 days earlier than the COVID-19 clinical cases reported. This is the first long-term WBE study in Mexico and demonstrates its value in pandemic management.

Water Supply and Management System of Urban City: Santiago City Case

Goal 6 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out by the United Nations 2030 Agenda and SDGs is a national call for Clean Water and Sanitation. For society's demographic, social, and economic development, reliable and outstanding water quality and long-term water supply services are deemed essential. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Santiago City's Local Water Utility (LWU) system in terms of water supply and wastewater management. The performance evaluation was based on the following domains – (a) sustainability of water supply; (b) consumers satisfaction; and (c) waste management practices; including compliance of the local government unit and service units by water security and management. The International Water Association's assessment framework and indicators were employed (IWA). The method used to collect information and/or data for this study, key informant interviews, and field surveys were conducted, with a total of 395 respondents drawn from 12 active barangays using stratified random sampling. The results showed that in terms of water sustainability for the next 30-year considering the future population and based on the present demand as of 2019, water demand will skyrocket with an equivalent percent increase of 8.97%, 17.95%, and 28.20% for 2030, 2040, and 2050 respectively. The result analysis does not include the agricultural demands or groundwater withdrawal for agricultural purposes and individual domestic wells within the City of Santiago. Overall acceptability on water quality was acceptable with a rating of 52% wherein 66%, 67%, 65% and 56% acceptability ratings were attributed to quality, taste, odor, color, and pressure, respectively. The Santiago water district has two water treatment facilities located within the city. For the water waste disposal, it is observed that there is direct disposal of waste to water bodies specifically to farms and drainage. The city of Santiago along with SANWAD has implemented ordinances and enabling laws on water/wastewater management for sustainable water resources utilization. Furthermore, on the issue of sustainability, it is highly recommended to develop alternative water resources that could increase water distribution efficiency, eliminate or lessen illegal tapping/ connection, increase coverage area, and maintain water quality valuation as a sustainable approach to sufficiently and dependably supply water demand for future generations.

The influence of temporal variability and reservoir management on demand-response in the water sector

Urban water systems can be highly energy intensive. Yet, they are also excellent candidates for demand-response since they possess readily controllable operations and large amounts of storage. However, real-worlds trials have delivered mixed results, which implies the need to understand the underlying mechanisms of flexibility in water operations. This paper studies the potential to shift energy demand in an urban water system located in the River Thames basin, a region encompassing the city of London, England. Results show that the system could theoretically shift up to 20.1% of its annual energy demand for pumping (2.1 GWh), saving the local water utility around £5.6 million in electricity costs. However, the water system’s flexibility is shown to be highly variable due to the variability in water demands and electricity prices, in-turn affecting the financial returns from demand-response. Sensitivity analysis reveals that factors such as the seasonal reservoir control strategies and total storage capacity are key determinants of system flexibility. A relationship between water storage capacity and flexibility is also derived, which could be used to estimate water sector flexibility in other regions.

A three-dimensional manganese model for the management of a monomictic drinking water reservoir

A comprehensive spatial and temporal understanding of the manganese cycle in drinking water reservoirs has beneficial implications for the management of water treatment related issues. In this study, a three-dimensional manganese cycle model was developed and coupled with a hydrodynamic model, for the simulation of the distribution of manganese in a monomictic water reservoir. The model was successfully validated and used to model and predict the spatial-temporal manganese variation in the reservoir. Results showed that the variations of the thermal structure of the reservoir affect the seasonal change of manganese levels and in turn the peak concentrations of manganese in the epilimnion. It was also evident that the high level of dissolved oxygen in the epilimnion promotes the oxidation of soluble manganese, and the oxidised particulate Mn settles rapidly. The advection processes mainly caused by wind-driven currents play a vital role in rising or decreasing the level of soluble manganese near the dam wall. The developed numerical tool allows the user to gain a better understanding of spatial manganese distribution in different locations and depths of the reservoir under different wind/rain conditions, among others; such knowledge empowers the local water utility and enables more targeted, optimized water treatment strategies.

Fire and Water: Assessing Drinking Water Contamination After a Major Wildfire.

We investigated patterns of volatile organic compound (VOC) contamination in drinking water systems affected by the California 2018 Camp Fire. We performed spatial analysis of over 5000 water samples collected over a 17 month period by a local water utility, sampled tap water for VOCs in approximately 10% (N = 136) of standing homes, and conducted additional nontargeted chemical analysis of 10 samples. Benzene contamination was present in 29% of service connections to destroyed structures and 2% of service connections to standing homes. A spatial pattern was apparent. Tap water in standing homes 11 months after the fire contained low concentrations of benzene in 1% of samples, but methylene chloride was present in 19% of samples, including several above regulatory limits. Elevated methylene chloride was associated with greater distance from the water meter to the tap, longer stagnation time, and the presence of a destroyed structure on the service connection; it was inversely associated with certain trihalomethanes. Nontargeted analysis identified multiple combustion byproducts in the water at 2/10 homes. Our findings support the hypothesis that pyrolysis and smoke intrusion from depressurization contributed to the benzene contamination. Further research is needed to test the hypothesis that methylene chloride may be generated from the dehalogenation of disinfection byproducts stagnating in galvanized iron pipes.

Local Water Utility Reform: Case Studies from Iwate Prefecture in Northern Japan

ABSTRACT In common with local government systems in other developed countries, Japanese local government confronts numerous acute problems, including the ongoing sustainability of its local waterworks. Municipally-owned Japanese water utilities face a host of difficulties, including falling demand for water, decreased revenue, expensive infrastructure renewal and a shortage of skilled staff, which are compounded by the relatively small size of water utilities. This article seeks to contribute to the literature on Japanese water sector reform by examining the remedial efforts undertaken by two local water utilities to alleviate their circumstances in Iwate prefecture in northern Japan. Various public policy implications are drawn from these case studies.

Manganese Intake in Babies: Drinking Water plus Formula Can Cause High Exposures.

Manganese Intake in Babies: Drinking Water plus Formula Can Cause High Exposures.

The SAD-IPH mathematical model applicability in concession processes analysis: the Taquaruçu Stream’s Catchment case

In order to issue a water permit, which allows abstraction of water in a given place, the issuer needs to make sure, based on the hydrology of the region, that the amount of water available in the water body is sufficient to meet not only the demand associated with the required entitlement, but also all the existing demands from other users in the basin. This paper aims at evaluating the usefulness of the SAD-IPH mathematical model to simulate water demand scenarios in the Ribeirão Taquaruçu basin, located in the city of Palmas, state of Tocantins. Simulations provided by the SAD-IPH model indicate that the balance between water availability and demand is already critical in some parts of the basin, especially during the dry season, and the situation worsens over time. These results clearly suggest the local water utility needs to search for new water sources to meet the growing demand, mainly during the dry season. Results show the mathematical tool used in the analysis provides new and valuable information to decision makers (water resources institutions and river basin committees), potentially reducing the risk of making bad decisions. Additionally, as a water security measure, it is crucial to enforce the preservation of sensitive areas in the watershed because there is already an intense occupation in preserved areas next to water sources, a process that is likely to result in water yield reduction, which combined with an increase in the water demand over time, will compromise water security.

The geography of trust: understanding differences in perceptions of risk, water resources, and regional development

ABSTRACT This article draws on cultural theory of risk to explore public perceptions of trust in groups that provide information about water in the Reno-Sparks region of northern Nevada, USA. We survey 474 respondents, and using mixed-methods analysis, critically examine perceptions of trust in 12 sources to provide accurate information about water resources. Factor analysis reveals that respondents shared similar values of trust in several sources, which we categorize as: elected local officials, ancillary safeguards, local water and sanitation utilities, and supplemental sources. We then explored subregional variation in trust and local context, gleaned from open-ended responses. In conclusion, we find in the Reno-Sparks region as a whole there is general mistrust in elected local officials, however these perceptions are complicated by local context with some subregions more trusting than others.

Do political links influence water prices? Determinants of water prices in Germany

We explain water prices in Germany by analyzing demand and cost drivers, governance structures and political links to local politicians. First, we find evidence for economies of scope between supply and wastewater treatment. Soil rigidity significantly influences water prices, and prices tend to be higher in municipalities with declining populations. Second, we analyze governance structures and political links between local mayors and water utilities. We find weak indication that these factors influence prices. The existence of multiple political interests in the governance bodies overseeing water utilities tends to coincide with higher prices. As most of our governance and many of our political factors lack statistical significance, we conclude that it is mainly cost and demand factors that determine prices, and political links play a minor role.