Showing posts with label Water Sewer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Water Sewer. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

The ever escalating cost of municipal water


The ever escalating cost of municipal water

I recently, December 30, 2018, ran across a post on Facebook about the cost of water. Apparently, after I did some more reading, the individual was a new homeowner, and they wanted to do a compare and contrast with the water bills from other folks in the area.

The post got a great deal of attention – and actually, considering it was Facebook, many very thoughtful responses.

Many folks either posted a snapshot of their water bill or reported on the cost of a recent water bill, in a reply and then identified how many folks were in the family. I wrote, “Two adults and one imaginary friend: $119.23... We try to conserve water – but we are not frenzied about it.”

Sadly, the cost of water is only going to continue to go up. It’s off the hook. And there is little that local officials can do about it. I wrote an article about the spiraling costs not too long ago. Find it here: https://www.carrollcountytimes.com/columnists/features/cc-lt-dayhoff-090918-story.html 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1435406516739562/permalink/2295218654091673/ 

*****
++++++++++++++++++++
Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT
Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun
Westminster Fire Dept. and MTA Lodge #20 Chaplain and PIO
Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/
Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies: https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Board of Public Works Approves Funding for Taneytown Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade project – Carroll County

Board of Public Works Approves Funding for Taneytown Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade project – Carroll County

Board of Public Works Approves Funding for Clean Water and the Chesapeake Bay
Grants and loans will reduce pollution, improve wastewater infrastructure 

BALTIMORE, MD (Oct. 29, 2014) - The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $173 million in funding today for projects to upgrade wastewater treatment plants, improve sewer infrastructure and restore and stabilize streams. The Board is composed of Governor Martin O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“Projects such as these are an important part of our effort to improve Maryland waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay,” said Governor O’Malley. “These projects reduce pollution and protect the environment and public health while creating jobs for more Marylanders.” 

The following funding was approved:

Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade project – Baltimore County, Baltimore City 
Further funding totaling $146,259,867 – a $72,103,000 Water Quality State Revolving Loan and a $74,156,867 Bay Restoration Fund Grant, in addition to a previous $141,000,000 Bay Restoration Fund Grant, to Baltimore City will help fund the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade project. The project entails the planning, design and construction of Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) and Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) facilities at the 180 million gallon per day Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant. After the upgrades, the facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 67 percent, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients discharged to Back River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. The plant is currently achieving phosphorus discharge levels that are better than the Enhanced Nutrient Removalgoal. Excessive amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus lead to lowered levels of oxygen needed to support aquatic life in waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay. Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades of the state’s major wastewater treatment plants are a critical component of Maryland’s Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan.

Gwynns Falls (Southern) Sewershed Improvements, Low Level Sewershed (Eastern) Sewer Improvements and Outfall Sewershed Sewer Improvements projects – Baltimore City
Loans totaling $21,724,000 from the Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund to Baltimore City will help fund the Gwynns Falls (Southern) Sewershed Improvements, Low Level Sewershed (Eastern) Sewer Improvements and Outfall Sewershed Sewer Improvements projects. The project entails planning, design, and construction of improvements to correct deficiencies in the sewersheds, including replacement and rehabilitation of sewers, improvements or upgrades to existing pump stations to reduce infiltration and inflow, point repairs to lines and manholes, disconnection of illegal connections and new sewers for additional capacity. This is a continuation of Baltimore City's efforts to prevent sanitary sewer overflows as required by the Consent Decree initiated by the Maryland Department of the Environment and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the City’s own initiatives on infrastructure rehabilitation. 

Taneytown Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade project – Carroll County
A $4,986,494 Bay Restoration Fund Grant to the City of Taneytown will help fund the Taneytown Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade project. The project entails the planning, pilot testing, design and construction of Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades at the 1.1 million gallon per day Taneytown Wastewater Treatment Plant.  After the upgrades, the facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 63 percent and its phosphorus discharge by 85 percent, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients discharged to the Monocacy River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. Excessive amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus lead to lowered levels of oxygen needed to support aquatic life in waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay. Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades of the state’s major wastewater treatment plants are a critical component of Maryland’s Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan.

West Boniwood Turn Drive Streambank Stabilization project– Prince George’s County 
A $159,800 Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund Green Grant to Prince George’s County will help fund the West Boniwood Turn Drive Streambank Stabilization project. This project entails the stabilization of approximately 200 linear feet of severely eroded stream channel along Butler Branch Stream. The work includes construction of wood and rock weirs, installation of rip rap, planting of native trees and shrubs and implementation of other natural features.

The Pyles Drive Stream Stabilization project– Prince George’s County
A $145,900 Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund Green Grant to Prince George’s County will help fund the Pyles Drive Stream Stabilization project. The project entails stabilization of approximately 600 linear feet of severely eroded stream channel. The work includes construction of wood and rock weirs, installation of rip rap, planting of native trees and shrubs and implementation of other natural features.

Kenny Road Stream Restoration project– Prince George’s County
A $92,000 Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund Green Grant to Prince George’s County will help fund the Kenny Road Stream Restoration project. The project entails stabilization of approximately 124 linear feet of severely eroded stream channel with green infrastructure practices designated to restore or establish riparian buffers, bioengineered stream bank protection, steep pools in the stream and other natural features.

Regency Village Stream Restoration project– Prince George’s County 
A $70,000  Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund Green Grant to Prince George’s County will help fund the Regency Village Stream Restoration project. The project entails stabilization of approximately 140 linear feet of severely eroded stream channel. The work includes construction of step pools in the stream, installation of rip-rap, planting of native trees and shrubs and implementation of other natural features.  These improvements will restore and establish riparian buffers and control surface and subsurface hydrology to reduce erosion and sediments and nutrients in the stream.

# # #
+++++++++++++++
Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoffTwitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff
Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net

Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/
+++++++++++++++

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Westminster Hydrants scheduled to be flushed in the Greens May 12th through the 21, 2014

Westminster Hydrants scheduled to be flushed in the Greens
 May 12th through the 21, 2014

WESTMINSTER SCHEDULED HYDRANT FLUSHING
Hydrants scheduled to be flushed in areas of the City

Westminster, MD – The City of Westminster Public Works Department hereby announces scheduled fire hydrant flushing for the following areas:

The Greens of Westminster

Hydrant flushing will take place from 8:00 pm to midnight on Monday, May 12th through Wednesday, May 14th and then will continue on Monday, May 19th through Wednesday, May 21st. Public water system customers may experience discolored water during this time, this is normal. As a precaution, it is advisable to draw water for consumption prior to 8:00 pm each night.

For more information, please contact the City of Westminster Utility Maintenance Department at 410-848-9565. 

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2014/05/westminster-hydrants-scheduled-to-be.html

#   #   #
The City of Westminster Public Works Department is located at 56 West Main Street. The department is responsible for overseeing the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants, and the Utility Maintenance and Street Departments. For more information, call 410-848-9000 or visit www.westminstermd.gov.

+++++++++++++++
Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoffTwitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff
Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net

Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/
+++++++++++++++

Friday, April 13, 2012

Maryland Department of the Environment announced today that a drought "watch" is in effect for the Eastern region of Maryland

Drought Watch In Effect For Eastern Maryland






Maryland Department of the Environment announced today that a drought "watch" is in effect for the Eastern region of Maryland






.

BALTIMORE, MD (April 13, 2012) – The Maryland Department of the Environment announced today that a drought "watch" is in effect for the Eastern region of Maryland, where precipitation levels have been below normal in recent months.

During a drought watch, MDE increases oversight of water supply conditions and encourages citizens to become more aware of their water use and to conserve water. Local water systems can require water-use restrictions at any time due to local conditions, but MDE is not at this time aware of any local jurisdictions implementing voluntary or mandatory restrictions. The status for all other regions of Maryland is "normal."

MDE monitors precipitation, stream flow, groundwater levels and reservoir storage to determine the drought status for each of six regions of the state. If two or more of the four indicators for a region reach "watch," "warning," or "emergency" levels, then the region is placed in the corresponding status.

Recommended actions have been established for each drought status. Actions recommended for watch stage include:

Public awareness and education

MDE and water systems provide the public with water conservation tips

Water systems aggressively pursue leak detection

Reduced water usage for main flushing, street flushing and park irrigation

Homeowners, government facilities, businesses and industry should reduce water use for irrigation

During the watch stage, MDE will evaluate drought indicators bi-weekly.

The Eastern region includes Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset and Worcester counties. Monitoring shows that groundwater levels and streamflow in the region are below normal. Rainfall in the Eastern region in the first three months of 2012 is on average about 4.3 inches below normal, or about 60 percent of normal.
 

Precipitation has been relatively low for the past three months in the Central and Southern regions of the state, and some groundwater levels and streamflows are below normal. Conditions in all regions could worsen if sufficient rainfall is not received in the next month.

Reservoirs continue to have sufficient reserves and are expected to remain normal.

Conserving water is important at any time, but it becomes especially important during extended periods of reduced rainfall. MDE provides tips on water conservation for households, business and industry and water utilities.

Tips for households include:
  • Install low-consumption toilets and low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
  • Repair leaks
  • Don’t let the faucet flow while brushing your teeth or shaving
  • Operate washing machines and dishwashers only when fully loaded
  • Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways, steps and sidewalks
  • Limit watering to gardens and newly planted lawns and landscaped areas
  • Water your garden during the coolest part of the day, and not on windy days

 ###
+++++++++++++++
Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoffTwitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff
Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net

Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/
+++++++++++++++

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Maryland Department of the Environment: Clean Water Innovations Trade Show - July 13th



Register Today for the 1st Annual
Maryland Clean Water Innovations Trade Show!
 




SGG logo no background
When: July 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.   
Where
: MDE Headquarters, Montgomery Park, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore MD 21230 

Join us for the Clean Water Innovations Trade Show, where professionals and stakeholders from around the State will display innovative stormwater management and water quality management techniques, exchange information, and promote the protection of Maryland's resources. The event is free of charge and lunch will be provided.

Government agencies, consultants, developers, environmental advocates, and the building industry can learn more about the latest best management practices in stormwater management, wetland creation and restoration, and other green technologies.

The trade show promises to be informative for both those with ideas and products to offer and those faced with the challenge of improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 

Please register for this free event by June 28th. To register, complete the registration form and email it to kbrandt@mcet.org or fax to 301-934-7695. For more information, please call 301-934-7500. 

P.S. Vendors -- there's still time to register to exhibit your stormwater and water quality management products and services! Read more details here.





MDE Logo small
 1800 Washington Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21230
1-800-633-6101  |  
www.mde.state.md.us

*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Friday, September 24, 2010

Westminster MD experiences water main break http://t.co/yyYIQyt by Kevin Dayhoff


Westminster MD experiences water main break http://t.co/yyYIQyt by Kevin Dayhoff

City officials say water safe to drink.  System was quickly repaired by mid-afternoon.


By Kevin Dayhoff

A 12-inch water main cracked in the city of Westminster water system around 10:15 a.m. Sunday morning, according to Westminster Mayor Kevin Utz.

The break took place in the 300 block of North Cranberry Road near the city’s water treatment plant and occurred just as townsfolk and city workers were returning from church; but perhaps just as bad, it happened just as workers from the city’s utilities maintenance department were preparing for an afternoon of Ravens’ football… 

“Glad to see the (city) workers got here quickly knowing there were going to miss the Ravens’ game,” said Utz as he picked-up his phone and ordered pizzas and drinks for those working on the water line…


[20100919 sdosm SCE pubver Wster exps water main break.doc]

Explore Carroll: Westminster experiences water main break http://t.co/yyYIQyt By Kevin Dayhoff

*****
*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Friday, December 18, 2009

New York Times: That Tap Water Is Legal but May Be Unhealthy


That Tap Water Is Legal but May Be Unhealthy By CHARLES DUHIGG

The 35-year-old federal law regulating tap water is so out of date that the water Americans drink can pose serious health risks -- and still be legal.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/17/us/17water.html?th&emc=th

20091217 NYT That Tap Water Is Legal but May Be Unhealthy


*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Sunday, October 4, 2009

“A Third Thing About Water”

“A Third Thing About Water”

Sept. 30, 2009 Kevin Dayhoff

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/k7qq1

“Water is H2O, hydrogen two parts, oxygen one, but there is also a third thing, that makes water and nobody knows what that is.” D.H. LAWRENCE (1885-1930), Pansies, 1929

20090930 UBWWTP (51)e

Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/10/third-thing-about-water.html http://tinyurl.com/yapcdc7

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/search/label/Dayhoff%20photos http://tinyurl.com/y9qocau

http://twitpic.com/k7qq1 “A Third Thing About Water” by Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/yapcdc7 http://tinyurl.com/y9qocau
*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Friday, May 15, 2009

DAYHOFF: Cutting a ribbon on history at the Westminster Water Treatment Plant




DAYHOFF: Cutting a ribbon on history at the Westminster Water Treatment Plant

Bottom photo: April 24, 2008 Westminster, state, county and industry officials cut the ribbon at grand opening ceremonies for the new Westminster Cranberry Water Treatment Plant. From right to left: Ben Movahed from Watek Engineering, Westminster Common Council president Roy Chiavacci, Dr. Robert M. Summers, deputy secretary from the State Department of the Environment, Westminster mayor Tom Ferguson, Carroll County commissioners’ president Julia Gouge, Westminster Common Council members Dr. Robert Wack and Kevin Utz. Photo by Kevin Dayhoff (20090424 NewWTPribbon (18)b and 20090424 NewWTPribbon (24)b)

(c) Kevin Dayhoff, Posted on http://www.explorecarroll.com/ 4/29/09 photos by Kevin Dayhoff picture dates: April 24, 2009 http://tinyurl.com/pcae4f

DAYHOFF: Cutting a ribbon on history at the Westminster Water Treatment Plant Published April 29, 2009 by Westminster Eagle ... prosper. Note: next week's column will review a more in-depth history of the story of the early Westminster water systems. Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster, where he served as mayor from 2001 to 2005. When he is not enjoying a great glass of Westminster ... ...

Dayhoff: How water drove the growth Westminster ... and still does Published May 4, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle ... 200 years after our community banded together to maintain a steady and reliable water supply.

*****

Last week’s ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Westminster water treatment plant put the city on the cutting edge of water.

Carroll and Westminster officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting April 24 at the Westminster Cranberry Water Treatment Plant, on Lucabaugh Mill Road just north of Westminster.

Mayor Tom Ferguson and Dr. Robert M. Summers, deputy secretary from the State Department of the Environment, shared remarks and recognized folks in attendance for working hard to make the state-of-the-art facility a reality.

Westminster council president Roy Chiavacci, councilmembers Kevin Utz and Dr. Robert Wack and Board of County Commissioners President Julia Gouge watched with well-deserved pride.

Among the folks recognized were Westminster city administrator Marge Wolf, engineer Mike Matov, representatives from Watek Engineering Corporation (who designed the facility), Conewago Enterprises and Siemens Water Technologies.

According to Kelly Martin, the city's information and communications specialist, the design of the plant, by Watek Engineering Corporation, took into account future growth capacity, while minimizing operation and maintenance costs.

“The Plant is designed to currently supply 2.75 million gallons per day (MGD) of potable water into the City's distribution system,” said data provided by Martin.

Simply increasing the number of membrane modules — part of the technology noted as “best available” by regulatory agencies — could increase the plant's capacity to 5 million gallons per day.

Although construction of the new treatment facility started May 2007, the story of water in Carroll and Westminster has its beginnings in the 1700s.

Indeed, the very spot upon which the new water facility is now located has a history that dates back to 1795.

According to information researched at the Historical Society of Carroll County by historian Richard Hyson, one of the earliest references to Winter's Mill — which now also lends its name to the high school — can be found as early as 1795 when it a grain mill and sawmill operated by Ledwick Wampler.

Airhart Winters took possession around 1860 and the mill can be located on the Lake, Griffing & Stevenson 1877 “Illustrated Atlas of Carroll County, Maryland.”

The property is described as being that of “Airhart Winters, Farmer and Manufacturer of Flour, Feed &c. Custom Sawing and Grinding done promptly. One and a half miles east of Westminster.”

Unfortunately, a fire around 1960 destroyed the adjacent mill master's home and all the records of the early days of the mill and the water company perished.

The mill master's house was located on the exact spot where the new treatment plant is now situated.

In 1920, the old Cranberry Water Pumping Station was constructed by Westminster Consolidated Utilities Company at the Old Winter's Mill, taking advantage of a millrace there to bring water into the plant from a millpond upstream.

Water in Westminster was supplied by a private company from 1883 to 1964. The city purchased the Maryland Water Company, a successor to the Westminster Consolidated Utilities Company, in 1964 for $961,792 and sold approximately $1.45 million worth of 2.5 percent bonds to pay for the system and improvements and expansions.

Compare that to the $12.3 million cost of the new water treatment plant; most of which was borrowed from the Maryland Water Quality Bond Fund through the Maryland Department of the Environment at 1 percent for 29 years.

When the water system was purchased 45 years ago, Westminster consisted of 477 acres and had a population of 6,123 compared to approximately 4,000 acres and 17,000 folks today.

Today, the water system supplies more than 33,000 people with water when you include the households it serves outside the city limits.

Over the past decade, community leaders have been grappling with how to continue to supply fresh drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities for a growing population and meet increased (and unfunded) federal and state water quality mandates.

The history of the new water treatment plant really began in the 1990s when Ken Yowan was the mayor of Westminster.

Jeff Glass, the Westminster director of public works, recently helped refresh my memory about the early discussions about the need to build a new facility.

“Well, it all started a long long time ago” with a quality control process called a CPE, comprehensive performance evaluation, recalled Glass. The purpose of the CPE is “to find weaknesses and areas for potential improvement.”

The city's first CPE was completed by by Lenny Gold in conjunction with MCET, the Maryland Center for Environmental Training.

“Jake Bair was running (MCET) at the time,” said Glass.

Bair has since retired but Gold is still in the consulting business, based in Easton. Glass said “both are really good guys. ... Lenny is the one who taught me how to operate a treatment plant.”

In approximately 1998, the CPE identified that the city would one day need to upgrade its water treatment process to provide additional barriers to guard against Cryptosporidium, Giardia, bacteria, turbidity and suspended solids in the water system.

Discussions and long range planning continued for years. When I took office as the mayor in May 2001, my predecessor, Mayor Yowan, and I had a series of transition discussions and the need for improvements to the then-80-year-old treatment plant was one of the many items reviewed.

In January 2002, $565,000 was included in the capital budget for design and construction of the filter re-bedding and preliminary plant design.

As challenges were identified, “it was then that we went out to bid for an evaluation of the current plant. The concept was to decide what was the best option(s) available to us, to take us into the future,” recalled Glass.

Enter Ben Movahed from Watek Engineering.

Movahed, along with Sophia Liskovitch, also with Watek, and a team of city officials including Glass, then-water treatment plant superintendent Paula Martin and her successor Bret Grossnickle, Tom Owens, all the water treatment plant operators, Tom Beyard, then the city's planning and public works director, and (Westminster engineer Mike) Matov , checked through the old plant with the concept of upgrading.

An additional $300.000 was allocated in February 2003 and another $300,000 in March 2004 as complications and challenges were identified in the complicated process of replacing an old water treatment system that dated back to the 1920s.

It was ultimately determined that upgrading the old plant was not a cost effective way to move forward and the idea to build a new plant firmly took root.

However, to further complicate the matter, it was also determined that the existing sand filtration media in the old plant needed to the re-bedded — changed-out — before a new plant could be constructed and brought on-line.

Another complication was researching what membrane filtering system to use. Since this technology is cutting edge, few existing examples could be studied.

This required research trips to several of the few existing facilities in the world. One was in England. Another in California and yet a third was in Toronto.

It was the facility above Toronto that proved especially trying as Glass recalls that the trip coincided with weather which saw the temperatures plummet to 40 degrees below zero.

Yet even more complicating was determining whether to use the “Zenon” filter or the “MEMCOR” filter.

When the investigation and research began, both were manufactured by stand-alone companies.

Then MEMCOR was purchased by U.S. Filter, which was subsequently purchased by Siemens.

Zenon was purchased by GE.

By 2007 drawings and planning process were complete and the city was able to begin construction of the new facility in May 2007.

The ribbon cutting ceremony last Friday witnessed the completion of the first full scale membrane filtering water treatment plant in Maryland.

The story of the plant is like much of the history of Westminster — a story of teamwork, careful planning, thinking outside of the box and adapting to change.

Perhaps the only thing more important than water in Carroll County history is how the community has always come together to meet hardships and challenges and adapt to the changes.

By working together we can easily meet the current water challenges and prosper.

Note: next week's column will review a more in-depth history of the story of the early Westminster water systems.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster, where he served as mayor from 2001 to 2005.

When he is not enjoying a great glass of Westminster water, he may be reached at kevindayhoff AT gmail.com.

http://explorecarroll.com/opinion/2863/dayhoff-cutting-ribbon-history-westminster-water-treatment-plant/

http://tinyurl.com/pcae4f

20090429 Cutting the ribbon on the new treatment plant weked

Kevin Dayhoff: http://www.westgov.net/ Westminster Maryland Online http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/ http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Residents say new rates give them a sinking feeling by K Jones


Westminster residents say new water, sewer rates give them a sinking feeling

Council, mayor urged to reconsider timing of implementing both rate structures

By Katie V. Jones Posted http://explorecarroll.com/ 3/24/09

Too much, too soon.

Westminster residents told the city’s mayor and Common Council at a public hearing Monday that they will be flooded with high bills if the proposed new water and sewer rates are in place all at once.

Water and sewer users — both in and out of city limits — said that the rates should be phased in gradually over time, even if that meant there would be a deficit down the road causing higher rates as the council warned.

[…]

Many people in attendance also argued that the average use of 18,000 gallons of water per household, per quarter was beyond reality, and that the rate structure should be based on a higher average such as 22,500 gallons.

Landlords requested that apartment dwellers be given the benefit of residential rates, too, though the main pipes to their buildings are deemed commercial, placing it in a higher rate category.

Others argued for equal rates between city and non-city residents on the water and sewer system.

[…]

Public comment will be accepted on the proposed rates until March 31.

If approved by the council, the structure would be phased in over two years starting July 1 and then again on July 1, 2010.

[…]

In addition to the hearing, written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31. Call the city office at 410-848-9000 for details on how to submit comments via mail and e-mail. Upon the council's approval, the rate structure will be phased in starting July 1.

[…]


Read Ms. Jones’ entire article here: Westminster residents say new water, sewer rates give them a sinking feeling

20090324 Residents say new rates give them a sinking feeling by K Jones
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Residents ask council to alter proposed utility billing increases By Bryan Schutt


Residents ask council to alter proposed utility billing increases By Bryan Schutt, Carroll County Times Staff Writer Tuesday, March 24, 2009

A dozen Westminster residents spent more than an hour barraging the city’s mayor, Common Council and staff with reasons why they weren’t happy with the proposed utility rate structure changes Monday night.

Citing bills that’ll nearly double, unfair discrimination in charges among users and terrible economic times, the residents asked for phased-in increases, unified charges and an increased threshold for gallon usage at the public hearing for the proposed water and sewer rate increases.

About 30 others listened to the testimony, occasionally clapping or nodding.

Nearly all of the speakers agreed that a rate increase was reasonable enough but said changes needed to be made to the proposed ordinance.

Mayor Thomas Ferguson said changes would bill users the cost of providing water and sewer service, provide reserve funds for operating and capital expenses, encourage conservation and leave behind a simplified model that future city officials can use to analyze utility expenses.

A brief presentation from a consulting firm that analyzed the city’s current structure emphasized the city’s need to afford about $37 million in projected water and sewer fund expenses as part of the reason for an increase.

The projected expenses include paying back loans on water projects like the $4.5 million Medford Quarry Pipeline project, the $11 million water treatment plant upgrade and the proposed $14 million waste water treatment plant upgrade.

Should the Common Council pass the ordinance in its proposed form, new rates would be phased in on July 1 and again on July 1, 2010.


Read Mr. Schutt’s entire article here: Residents ask council to alter proposed utility billing increases By Bryan Schutt, Carroll County Times Staff Writer Tuesday, March 24, 2009

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2009/03/24/news/local_news/newsstory9.txt

20090324 Residents ask council to alter proposed utility billing increases
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

City of Westminster Water Rate Increase press release


City of Westminster Water Rate Increase press release

Press Release
Contact: Kelley Martin
Phone: (410) 848-4363 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Water Rate Increase for City

City of Westminster
56 West Main Street
Westminster, MD 21158
Phone (410) 848-9000
Fax (410) 848-7476

The City of Westminster has released the results of the Water and Sewer Rate Structure Study completed by the Municipal and Financial Services Group. The study recommends an increase in both water and sewer rates to be phased in over a two-year period with increases beginning July 1, 2009.

The last rate study performed by the City was completed in the 1970s and contained no less than 19 different categories of use, each with separate rates for water and sewer. However, even this complex rate structure was unable to produce enough revenue to cover the cost of operating the water and sewer system.

Mayor Thomas Ferguson indicated that the new rate structure had to meet the following criteria:

simplify the current rate structure,
design a rate structure to encourage water conservation,
comply with current industry standards in the development of a utility basis method for the calculation of rates;
and recognize that the system includes both users inside and outside the City.

After a competitive bid process, the Municipal and Financial Services Group was selected to develop the rate structure model. This firm has extensive experience throughout the United States.

“The basic rate structure divides users into categories based on meter size, inside the City or outside the City, and establishes a fixed fee based on the size of the meter used. If the customer uses 18,000 gallons or less per quarter, which is the average national quarterly usage, a nominal fee is charged for each 1,000 gallons used. A premium fee is charged if the use is over 18,000 gallons.

This new system gives customers the opportunity to control their costs through the use of their water resources,” commented Dr. Robert Wack, Council Finance Committee member.

“The City of Westminster operates the water and sewer funds as enterprise funds—which must be supported by the fees and charges collected from water customers—not general tax revenues.

We follow the same Public Service Commission guidelines which apply to other utilities like the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission,” stated Marge Wolf, City Administrator.

Having a major impact on both the water and sewer systems are the mandated upgrades required to meet the more stringent health and safety standards imposed by the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Among these capital projects are the $11M new Cranberry Water Treatment Plant and the $4.5M Medford Quarry Pipeline allowing the Quarry to be used as an emergency water source under severe drought conditions.

While low interest loans are available from MDE for these capital projects, the debt service must be provided by the users of the system.

To help our customers determine how these new rates will impact on their individual water bills, the City will establish a Water and Sewer Bill calculator on our web site—www.westgov.com—effective March 1, 2009.

You will need your latest water bill and will use the information on that bill to fill in the yellow boxes on the calculator, click on return and the new rates will automatically be calculated for you. If you do not have access to a computer, you may visit the Westminster Branch of the library and they will assist you in calculating the rate.

“The Common Council and I know that this is not a welcome rate increase given the current economic situation but we are required to operate the water and sewer systems in a manner which ensures the health and safety of our system users. We are phasing in the increase over an extended period of time to cushion the impact,” Mayor Ferguson said.

“We will hold a public hearing on this rate increase on March 23rd at the John Street Headquarters of the Fire Department. Written comments will be received until 5:00 p.m. March 31, 2009. The rate structure model in its entirety is available for review at City Hall and at the City Administrative Offices at 56 West Main Street.”

-End-

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Westminster Mayor and Council agenda for Monday February 23, 2009

Westminster Mayor and Council agenda for Monday February 23, 2009

February 24, 2009: Last night’s Westminster mayor and common council meeting agenda

Home >> City Government

City Council

City Council Members Minutes of City Council Meetings

AGENDA

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of February 23, 2009

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 9, 2009

3. CONSENT CALENDAR:

January Departmental Operating Reports

4. BIDS:

Purchase of Solid Waste Containers – Thomas Beyard

Playground Equipment for King Park – Ron Schroers

5. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR

6. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

7. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Adoption of Ordinance No. 796 – Repeal and Re-enactment of Chapter 20 – “Fiscal Matters” – Marge Wolf

Adoption of Ordinance No. 797 – Amendment of Chapter No. 143-2 – Extension of Deadline for Tax Levy – Marge Wolf

Resolution No. R09-1 – Adoption of Amended and Restated 457(b) Governmental Plan – Roland Unger

Introduction of Ordinance No. 800 – Amendment of Water and Sewer Chapters Regarding Rates

Introduction of Ordinance No. 801 – Amendment to Utility Fee Ordinance Regarding Water and Sewer Rates

8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

a. None as of February 19, 2009

9. NEW BUSINESS:

a. Introduction of Revised Capital Improvement Program for F.Y. 2009 – 2014 – Thomas Beyard

10. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

11. CITIZEN COMMENTS

12. ADJOURN

20090223 Westminster Mayor and Council agenda
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

City of Westminster lifts voluntary water use restrictions

City lifts voluntary water use restrictions

http://explorecarroll.com

February 6, 2009

The City of Westminster last week announced that it has moved from "yellow" to "green" in its Drought Management Plan, lifting voluntary restriction status.

The green level indicates conservation status -- essentially signifying normal conditions.

City officials said they still recommend that users maintain a goal of 10 percent conservation.

For more information on the Drought Management Plan, call Jeff Glass, director of Public Works, at 410-848-4381.

http://explorecarroll.com/news/2258/news-briefs/

20090206 SDOSM City lifts voluntary water use restrictions
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Sunday, February 8, 2009

New Windsor Council Agrees On Need of Water Tower

This Day in History: New Windsor Council Agrees On Need of Water Tower

The Carroll Record, February 8, 1973.

The New Windsor Town Council had a "Citizen's Hearing" Tuesday night on the proposals to build a $120,000 storage tank for the town's water system. Considering the specifics of an engineering firm's offer, in the informal but democratic manner of a New England town meeting, Council members Granville Bixler and Richard Wareheim invited comments from town citizens on every aspect involving building a new 200,000 gallon water storage tank.

The basis for the discussion was a proposal submitted by Buchart-Horn engineers that New Windsor enter into a contract with the firm for construction of the much needed water tank.

Although questions regarding the site of the tank and the vital matter of funding-whether through a bond issue or with assistance of state or federal funds were not resolved; there was total agreement that in view of low water pressures and increasing costs due to inflation, the tank should be built now.

The Carroll Record, February 8, 1973.


19730208 New Windsor Council Agrees On Need of Water Tower Carroll Record
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Westminster MD Water Bill Payment Options

Westminster MD Water Bill Payment Options

City of Westminster Press Release:

November 4, 2008

“Today the City of Westminster initiated the new water and sewer billing system. This accomplishment tops nine months of data conversion and programs from the antiquated RPG System to our automated financial management information system (EDEN). With this automation and the installation of many new water meters this year, our water system will be computerized from the reading of the meter to the payment of the bill,” announced Mayor Thomas K. Ferguson.

Mayor Ferguson further commented that while the majority of the bills will be converted without incident, there may be some bills that will require individual attention: “We ask your indulgence during this conversion—we have a whole team of staffers assigned to work with our customers to explain any differences or to resolve any problems.” If you have questions about your bill, we ask that you call 410-848-3255, fax your questions to 410-848-5345 or email to water@westgov.com. It may take a day or so to research the problem and get back to you with a response.

The new water and sewer bill provides valuable information to the customer
Most notable is the chart of your water usage over several quarters. This will alert you to changes in your water consumption, possible water leaks or allow you to track the results of your conservation measures.

There is also a new message box where you will find important information about the water system, conservation measures, changes in billing, drought conditions, etc.

The number of gallons used during the quarter is more clearly identified and is located in the meter information area along with your average daily use.

The date your meter was read last quarter and the current read date are also contained on the bill.

Even though the format of the bill has been changed, the following payment options remain the same. Please note our expanded hours of service.

In Person—Payment can be made by mail, credit card or in person at the City Administrative Offices, 56 West Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157. Our hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information, call 410-848-3255.

Bills paid after the “Amount Due After” date is subject to penalty. A return check charge of $50 will be assessed on each bill paid with a check that is returned unpaid by the financial institution on which it is drawn. If you have had a returned check in the past, you will need to pay by cash, money order or credit card.

By Mail—The lower part of the statement is to be returned with your check (or credit card payment.) Please do not staple, tape or use paper clips. Remember to sign your check and write your account number on it. This will expedite the accurate processing of your payment. Please allow time for mail delivery. Do Not Send Cash In The Mail.

Drop Box —You also have the option of placing your payment in the drop box located at the City Administrative Offices at 56 West Main Street.

Inquiries concerning the Bay Restoration Fee should be directed to the Maryland Department of the Environment by calling 410-537-3567 or by Internet at
www.mde.state.md.us.

To request a change to the mailing address on your account, you must do so in writing, and send it to the above address or fax your request to 410-848-5345.

We invite you to visit the City’s web site at
www.westgov.com for general information on our water and sewer system and on water conservation measures.

In addition to the automated payment system, the City has invested $11M in a state-of-the-art water treatment plant is scheduled to go on line in early spring 2009 and a $4.5M seven mile pipeline to Medford Quarry to provide water in emergency drought conditions will be completed in November 2008. These improvements will enable the City of Westminster to meet the new Maryland Department of the Environment quality standards for drinking water. Always searching for new water sources, the City is currently building a well treatment facility and testing two more possible well locations to add to our current 10 production wells.

On the sewer side, the City is currently in the engineering and design phase of an upgrade to our waste water treatment plant. Again, more stringent requirements by MDE make this upgrade necessary.


20081104 Westminster MD Water Bill Payment Options