Plumbing Basics - Seminar - Joliet - Oct 6

Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
PLUMBING BASICS
Tuesday, October 6, 2009 - Joliet, IL

REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude at 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.

LOCATION
Strand Engineering Office, 1170 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431
Ph: 815-744-4200

COST
$40.00 for AWWA members $60.00 for non AWWA members $70.00 for on-site registration

SPEAKER
Tom Tapella, Utilities, Inc. Tom is a Licensed Journeyman Plumber in Illinois and Licensed Plumbing Contractor in Indiana having worked as a plumber since 1993. Tom has performed work as a Plumber, Lead Plumber, Working Foreman and Plumbing Business Owner. In 2007 Tom left the plumbing field to become a Construction Inspector for Utilities Inc. and currently holds the position of Midwest Regional Manager.

AGENDA
Basic Plumbing Systems • Water Systems: Common materials used, Soldering pipe and valves, Sizing water piping and meters • Drain, Waste and Vent Systems: Common materials used, Sizing DWV piping, Gravity drains • Pumps: Sumps, Ejectors, Lift Stations • Illegal Cross Connections • Plumbing Diagnostics: Low Water Pressure, Slow Drains, High Water Consumption. Fixture Values

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION: To register - contact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2

NIMS 100 & 700 FREE TRAINING

Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
NIMS 100 & 700 FREE TRAINING
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 - Elgin, IL

To register call 866-521-3595 ext 2.

REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 4:00pm. Earn up to 6 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.

LOCATION
Heritage Ballroom at the Centre of Elgin
West Conference Room, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL 60120
Ph: 847-531-7000

COST
This class is offered FREE of charge
CAPACITY IS LIMITED - REGISTRATION CLOSES 1 WEEK PRIOR
NO ONSITE REGISTRATION

SPEAKER
Greg Benson, Battalion chief with the Elgin Fire Department

AGENDA
• Introductions and Course Expectations
• ICS Basics
• Incident Typing, Expanding Incidents, Communications, Briefings, Resource Typing and Transfer of Command
• ICS Q&A
• IS-100 Exam for FEMA certification
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) Introduction
• NIMS Preparedness, Communication. Information Management and Resource Management
• NIMS Command and Management, and Ongoing Management & Maintenance
• NIMS Q&A
• IS-700 Exam for FEMA certification

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
Visit www.isawwa.org or contact Lisa via phone, 866-521-3595 ext. 2 or email, lisa@isawwa.org

Structural Design of Tanks Using AWWA D100-05

Illinois Section AWWA Presents:
Structural Design of Tanks Using AWWA D100-05
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - Countryside, IL
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 - Bloomington, IL

To register call 866-521-3595 ext 2 - Lisa.

REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.

DATES & LOCATIONS
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Park Place Countryside
6240 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525

Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center
10 Brickyard Drive
Bloomington, IL 61701

COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 on-site registration
$55.00 Optional D100 Standard

AGENDA
This seminar is intended for engineers and other highly technical individuals interested in learning more about detailed design of water storage tanks in accordance with AWWA D100-05. The seminar will include example structural calculations and structural theory, and a discussion of the behavior of tank shells and roofs.
- Overview of Changes to D100-05
- Design Loads Requirements of AWWA D100-05: Wind, Snow, Seismic
- Membrane Stress: Flat bottom Tank example, Elevated Tank example
- Ringwall Foundation Design: Flat Bottom Tank Example
- Roof Design: Self supporting Dome Example, Umbrella Roof Example
- Seismic Design: Flat Bottom Tank Example, Elevated Pedestal Tank Example
- Anchor Bolt Chair: Design Example

SPEAKER
Stephen W. Meier, P.E., S.E., Tank Industry Consultants

SECURITY WATER SECTOR ROADMAP TRAINING - Free Training

ISAWWA Information Management & Technology Committee & Water Sector Coordinating Council Presents:
SECURITY WATER SECTOR ROADMAP TRAINING
Thursday, October 15, 2009 – Countryside, IL

To register - call 866-521-3595 extension 2 - Lisa

FEATURING Mark Zanotti, VP of Engineering and CTO of Lofty Perch, Inc. and Jonathan Gray, in the Control System Security Program at Idaho National Laboratory

EXHIBITOR TABLE TOPS AVAILABLE - limited to the first 20

REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 7:30am. The training will start at 8:00am and will conclude at 5:00pm. Earn up to 8.5 renewal training credit hours or professional development hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.

LOCATION
Park Place Countryside
Operator Engineers Local 150 Hall
6200 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525

COST
This class is offered FREE of charge – CAPACITY IS LIMITED
EXHIBITOR TABLES AVAILABLE!
$100.00 for Exhibitor Table Top – LIMITED TO FIRST 20
$25.00 for Additional Exhibitor Personnel

AGENDA
The urgent need to mitigate risks and threats to Industrial Control Systems (ICS) has led the water sector to collaborate with government leaders on an integrated security strategy. A critical component of this effort is equipping utility personnel with the requisite ability to identify, defend against, and reduce the risk from cyber attack.

The Water Sector Coordinating Council (WSCC) is hosting a series of workshops designed specifically to improve the knowledge and skills of U.S.-based water sector utility employees who are responsible for control system security. The Department of Homeland Security’s Control Systems Security Program will present the workshop training and discuss security products that are available for use by water sector asset owners and operators. These one-day events will include:
• A briefing on WSCC’s Roadmap to Secure Control Systems in the Water Sector
• An overview of cyber risks and threats to utility-based ICS
• Concrete and easy to understand mitigation strategies for securing ICS
• Demonstration and instruction on the Department of Homeland Security’s mitigation and self assessment tools

The Water Sector Coordinating Council is comprised of water and wastewater utilities and other associations representing the water sector. WSCC serves as a policy, strategy, and coordination mechanism for advising U.S. EPA and the Department of Homeland Security. WERF is a founding member association.

ISAWWA letter to IDPH - Pandemic Response

Illinois Section AWWA
545 S. Randall Road
St. Charles, Il 60174

September 3, 2009
Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Director
Illinois Department of Public Health
535 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, Illinois 62761

Dear Dr. Arnold,

As you know, this nation is taking important steps to prepare for the possibility of a pandemic flu outbreak. History teaches us that pandemics can be characterized by rapid worldwide spread, overloaded health care systems, inadequate medical supplies, and economic and social disruption.

Pandemics are also unpredictable. Historically, the Federal government, as well as Illinois, have made a number of assumptions that need to be taken into account to facilitate the planning efforts of key entities and their infrastructures.

Drinking water and wastewater utilities are such a critical sector. Their role in American communities and their continued operation during a pandemic must be assured. The water sector in Illinois is concerned that critical water utility operational personnel have not been adequately considered in recent guidelines for pandemic response. It is important to note that clean water is the foundation of public health. As such, continuous operation of water and wastewater facilities is fundamental to restoring health to a community during any phase of a pandemic or disaster. Without adequate quantity and quality of water, a community cannot recover. Aside from the multiple hospitals and healthcare providers in the various communities throughout the state, all critical infrastructure and first-line responders rely on clean water as the foundation of public health. In this sense, the water sector provides a lifeline to support and sustain both emergency and everyday functions. It is sometimes easy to forget the importance of the service that the water sector provides, because during normal day-to-day operations, these services go on seamlessly. This may not be the case during a full-scale pandemic, without your assistance in providing us with the necessary vaccines to enable our most critical workforce to perform their essential functions.

While we understand that certain guidelines may be handed down from the federal level for distribution of the initial wave of H1N1 vaccines, we look to our public health

officials in the State of Illinois to make the best decision, as it relates to matters of our state. We strongly feel that critical operational personnel within the water utility sector should be recognized as first responders in dealing with public health issues that affect the entire state or region, as they are under federal law. Specifically:

• Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 – National Preparedness, defines “first responder” as those individuals who, in the early stages of an incident, are responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property, evidence, and environment, including emergency response providers as defined in section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101), as well as emergency management, public health, clinical care, public works, and other skilled support personnel (such as equipment operators) that provide immediate support services during prevention, response, and recovery operations.

• 6 U.S.C. 101 – The term “emergency response providers” includes Federal, State, and local governmental and nongovernmental emergency public safety, fire, law enforcement, emergency response, emergency medical (including hospital emergency facilities), and related personnel, agencies, and authorities.

We believe that this should logically classify water sector first responders (related to critical infrastructure – emergency services sector personnel) as in the first tier of vaccination target groups.

It is our understanding that while federal guidelines may exist, it is ultimately the responsibility of Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to decide on any final prioritization and allocation of vaccines. We understand and acknowledge the limitations on the supply of vaccine, given the reported difficulty in its manufacture. However, we would like to further discuss this with IDPH officials and continually stress that the water sector is every bit as critical to the continued operation of our communities as police, fire, and other emergency personnel.

We look forward to an opportunity to meet or talk with you about this at your earliest convenience.


Sincerely,
Illinois Section of American Water Works Association



Gerald W. Bever, Chair
Water Utility Council

cc: Terry McGhee, ISAWWA Chair
Laurie Dougherty, ISAWWA Executive Director

What is Your Chlorine Status?

A utility member sent me an email as follows, "When I placed an order for chlorine this week, my supplier informed me that chlorine supplies are tight & that prices are rising.

The reason given is that the caustic market has crashed due to the slow economy & lack of demand by manufacturers. Because of this, caustic manufactures have reduced production. Since chlorine is a by-product of caustic manufacture - chlorine production is also reduced. I was told that they will be able to keep delivering chlorine but that deliveries will be erratic depending on rail car availability.

This was a total surprise. I've seen nothing on any of the water industry internet news services.

You may want to pass this on to members. It looks like we'll need to bump up our chlorine budget for 2010."

Laurie Dougherty
Illinois Section AWWA Executive Director

Illinois Regulatory Update - Drinking Water Regulations

ANNUAL DRINKING WATER REGULATORY UPDATE
Thursday, September 17, 2009

REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training will start at 9:00am and will conclude by 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included. To register call 866-521-3595 - extension 2 - Sandi.

DATE
Thursday, September 17, 2009

LOCATION
Park Place Countryside
Operator Engineers Local 150 Hall
6200 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525

COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 on-site registration

AGENDA
This seminar will cover current and upcoming regulations. In addition to reviewing the rules themselves, we will also explore operational strategies that can be employed to meet these regulations. A discussion forum will wrap up the day allowing you time to ask your specific questions. Illinois EPA representatives may be available to answer questions.

Registration - begins at 8:30am
9:00 am – Section 31 Enforcement - M. Reed
9:30 am – Regulatory Update from a Technical Perspective - J. Kuhn
10:30 am - Groundwater Rule - A. Rhodes
11:00 am – Navigating IEPA’s Website & Drinking Water Watch - M. Reed
12 noon – Lunch
1:00 pm – Lead & Copper Rule - A. Rhodes
1:30 pm – Compliance Statistics & Monitoring Issues - M. Reed
2:15 pm – Wrap Up

SPEAKERS
Jerry Kuhn, Permit Section Manager, IEPA, Bureau of Water, Division of Public Water Supplies
Mary Reed, Compliance Officer, IEPA, Bureau of Water, Drinking Water Compliance Unit
Andrea Rhodes, Compliance Officer, IEPA, Bureau of Water, Drinking Water Compliance Unit

Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet for Water Sector and ISAWWA Seminar

Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet for the Water Sector EPA has published a “Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet for the Water Sector.” Pandemic flu could affect the capability of water system operators to operate and maintain their systems adequately due to increased absenteeism at their systems and at other interdependent sectors that provide essential materials and supplies. The flu fact sheet provides information to assist the water sector in integrating pandemic planning into existing business continuity and emergency response plans and reducing the risk to public health that would be caused by disruption in operation of water systems. In addition to background information on pandemic flu, its potential impacts, and possible interventions, the fact sheet provides references to tools and guidance materials offered by EPA and other organizations. The fact sheet is available at: http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/watersecurity/pandemicflu.cfm


Join the Illinois Section AWWA at the following seminar - you can still register online.
PANDEMIC AWARENESS & PLANNING FOR WATER UTILITIES
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 - Countryside, IL
http://tinyurl.com/ldhcyt

What if your employees refuse to report to work because of fear of catching panflu? How will you and your utility or company react ? This seminar is appropriate for both utilities and private industry. Be sure and attend so that you can prepare for this fall season and the H1N1 virus .

REGISTRATION & HOURS
Registration begins at 8:30am. The training is 9:00am – 3:00pm. Earn up to 5 PDHs or RTC hours. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included.

LOCATION
Park Place Countryside
6240 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525

COST
$40.00 for AWWA members
$60.00 for non AWWA members
$70.00 for on-site registration

SPEAKERS
John Smith, City of Decatur
Richard Reb, CRT, Roche Laboratories

AGENDA
This program is designed to provide an in-depth look at pandemic influenza and provide information and training on what each individual, community, and public or private organization can do to prepare. Participants will go through the Pandemic Influenza Ambassador Program developed in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Faith-Based Emergency Preparedness Initiative.

Presentation topic s will include: A brief history of pandemics including H5N1 “bird flu” and H1N1 “Swine Flu”; The definition of a pandemic and the differences between pandemic and seasonal flu; The past and potential future impact of a pandemic on business and the economy; The potential impact of a pandemic on the health system and community; The role of the individual, the government, healthcare, and private sectors; Planning and preparation steps for individuals at home and in the workplace; Pandemic Countermeasures: the role of hygiene and medical interventions; Planning resources; Why a flu pandemic should concern everyone; How flu germs spread - and how you can avoid getting or spreading them; Planning and preparation steps you can take

You probably have a disaster plan for your water utility, but a pandemic is a different kind of disaster. Now is the time to do additional planning so you are ready if this kind of disaster should strike.

Here are some scenario s to consider: How will your utility operate if you are not there due to sickness or quarantine? What about other key members of your staff? What will you do if members of your family are extremely sick? What about staff member’s families? What will you do if some staff members refuse to report to work even though they are not sick? Are you able to operate some of your utility remotely? What if it becomes difficult to receive chemical deliveries on time due to truck driver shortages? What if a crucial piece of equipment needs immediate maintenance? Have you developed a list of electrical, mechanical, and other vendors that will respond to an emergency? What if that vendor has a large number of employees out due to sickness?

These are examples of pandemic planning that you must do before this kind of disaster becomes a reality.

Link to full copy of Public Act 96-603

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/96/PDF/096-0603.pdf

Source Water Workshop

Source Water Workshop
Thursday, August 27, 2009 – Crystal Lake, IL
http://tinyurl.com/mkvjan

AGENDA
Illinois EPA began its Source Water Assessment Program in 1997 in response to amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act. These amendments require States to assess all sources of public drinking water. Assessments consist of the delineation of a Source Water Protection Area for each source of drinking water, an inventory of potential sources of contamination within the area, a determination of the source’s susceptibility to contamination and a plan to make the assessments available to the public. Illinois was one of the first States to have an approved Source Water Assessment Program.

As part of the Source Water Protection Program, Illinois EPA has developed a webbased interactive GIS mapserver. This site is based on ESRI’s ArcIMS software and will allow the user to access all the databases and coverages used in the Source Water Assessments, as well as additional information such as pumpage data, land use data, and aerial photos. The website is secure and requires the user to complete and submit a Confidentiality Agreement to gain access.

Since its inception the SWAP mapserver has expanded to include data layers for Groundwater Ordinances, water quality information from the Illinois State Water Survey and more. This information is used by Illinois EPA personnel to conduct site evaluations and assessments for several different programs including the Leaking Underground Storage Tank program, Contaminant Evaluation Group, Site Remediation Referral Group and the Permit Sections of both the Bureau of Land and Bureau of Water. Training will consist of “hands-on” instruction of how to perform well surveys, search for potential sources of contamination and an overview of data available on the site.

SPEAKERS
Wade Boring, Illinois EPA
Wade has been an employee of Illinois EPA since 1985 and Manager of the Geographic Analysis Unit in the Groundwater Section of the Division of Public Water Supplies since 2000. Prior to Illinois EPA he spent 3 years working in the oilfields of Texas and offshore Louisiana. He is a graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in Geology and is a Licensed Professional Geologist in the State of Illinois. Wade has been working with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) since 1989 and has watched it evolve from a simple single user technology to the advanced multi user and web based technologies of today. The Geographic Analysis Unit is responsible for maintaining the GIS data on the Agency’s internet mapserver as well as providing maps and data in support of numerous other programs. In addition, the Geographic Analysis Unit conducts groundwater monitoring for the Section’s Ambient Sampling Network.

Anthony Dulka, Illinois EPA
Anthony Dulka is the Manager of the Planning and Assessment Unit, Groundwater Section within the Division of Public Water Supplies, Illinois EPA, where he has worked since 1987. Mr. Dulka received his B.S. in Geology/Geography from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois, before pursuing an M.S. Degree in Environmental Studies at Sangamon State University in Springfield. Although his duties have evolved over the years, Anthony coordinates and provides administrative support of scientific studies or projects pertaining to groundwater/source water protection. In addition, he is responsible for gathering and analysis of technical data to effectively manage groundwater monitoring, inspections, assessment efforts and special technical studies.

High-Tech Operator Certificate Course 1 - Register Now!

High-Tech Operator Certificate Course 1:
Treatment/Distribution Process Monitoring & Control - 2 DAY COURSE
Tuesday, August 25 & 26, 2009 - Hudson, IL
http://tinyurl.com/ksocnz


HIGH-TECH OPERATOR CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
This certificate program is aimed at developing operators with a fundamental level of understanding of the high technologies used in the water utility field. The program consists of three (3) two-day courses of training. The content of the 3 training course packages are split 2/3 technical training and 1/3 managerial training.

ORGANIZATION
The program is divided among three (3) two-day specialized courses. Each course addresses one general subject area. Course 1 covers process monitoring and control of water treatment and distribution systems. Course 2 covers high-tech applications and tools used throughout treatment and distribution systems. Course 3 covers methods for managing water utility information. Participants must complete all 3 courses within the program to earn a certificate of a High Tech Operator. Courses 2 and 3 will be available at a later date TBD.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
AWWA will award a Certificate of Completion for the completion of all three two-day courses that encompass the High-Tech Operator Certificate Program. The certificate will reflect AWWA’s name and address, the participant’s name, the program, the number of hours, and the date of completion COURSE 1 – Treatment /Distribution – Process Monitoring & Control This course addresses the devices used to monitor and control processes and equipment in water treatment and distribution systems. The course begins with an overview of device symbols and how they are used to represent systems…then relates those symbols to real world devices. The course then looks at how a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system connects to sensors, analyzers, and control devices. The course looks at the components of SCADA system, the facilities/environment the system requires, and the benefits it provides. Participants will receive a glossary of terms; drawing symbols and naming standards; sample diagrams; descriptions of sensors, analyzers, control devices, and SCADA system components; features of SCADA systems; and references for finding additional information.

LESSONS
1.1 Measurement and control symbols, nomenclature, and drawing conventions
1.2 Sensing devices (e.g., flow, pressure, level, temperature)
1.3 On-line analyzers (e.g., pH, chlorine)
1.4 Control devices (e.g., actuators, switches, relays)
1.5 Logic circuits, symbols, and conventions
1.6 SCADA systems – function/operation (master units, PLCs, RTUs, historians)
1.7 Control modes
1.8 Tracking process performance (e.g., reporting, trending)
1.9 Alarm management
1.10 Standards (e.g., ISA.)
1.11 Control rooms, environments, enclosures

AGENDA
Day 1
• Measurement and control symbols, nomenclature, and drawing conventions
• Sensing devices
• Online analyzers
• Control devices
• Logic circuits, symbols, and conventions

Day 2
• SCADA Systems - function/operation
• Control modes
• Tracking process performance
• Alarm management
• Standards
• Control rooms, environments, enclosures

COURSE PREREQUISITES
None. The three courses in this series are designed to stand alone. This allows operators to take courses in any order. All three courses must be completed to obtain the High-Tech Operator certificate.

SPEAKERS
Don Bratschie, Westin Engineering
Don Bratschie manages the Chicago Area for Westin Engineering. He provides IT consulting services to water utilities to assist them in utilizing technology to improve efficiency, to lower costs and to provide information quickly and easily. Don speaks frequently at AWWA conferences on topics such as IT Planning and Asset Management Programs.

Tony Wachocki, Westin Engineering
Tony Wachocki develops training and online documentation out of Westin’s Detroit office. He developed the High Tech Operator series for AWWA and delivered the pilots for all 3 courses in Anchorage and the first AWWA public offering of Course 1 in Denver.

Drinking Water System Security Act - Input Needed

Leadership in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce has introduced legislation that would create a chemical security program for drinking water utilities. The bill is H.R. 3258, the Drinking Water System Security Act. The AWWA Water Utility Council has studied this bill and sent a letter to the committee describing recommended changes.

The WUC is now asking AWWA membership and Sections to meet with members of Congress, e-mail them, or write them to ask for their support on the most significant issue in the bill for drinking water utilities, the ability for local officials to determine how they treat and distribute local drinking water. Members of Congress are on their annual August recess right now, so it should be possible to meet them in town meetings or in their district offices.

On the Section website at www.isawwa-portal.com, select "committees" and "water utility council" you will find a copy of the AWWA letter to the committee, and a draft letter that you can personalize and localize to communicate this vital message: that the choice of materials, particularly disinfectants, and processes should remain local.

Note that there is related chemical security legislation in the House. H.R. 2868 would create a chemical security plan at chemical plants and at wastewater treatment plants. H.R. 2883 would create a chemical security plan just at wastewater plants. We are addressing just H.R. 3258 in this “call to arms.”

Water quality and the levels of pharmaceuticals in water

Testimony for Illinois Senate Public Health Committee
Subject - Water quality and the levels of pharmaceuticals in water

September 9, 2008
16-503 Thompson Center
Chicago

Good morning. My name is Bill Soucie. I am a chemist and water quality laboratory supervisor at the Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency in Lake Bluff. I am also an elected Trustee for the Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association which I represent today. Founded in 1909, the Illinois Section of the AWWA has over 2,250 members representing 1770 public water supplies.1 Our objective is the advancement and dissemination of knowledge concerning water works, and the promotion of public health, safety, and welfare. That is why I am here today.

The presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in water has been the subject of research over the past 38 years.2,3,4 During this time span, waste water has been identified as a major contributor of these compounds to the environment.5 Waste water contains pharmaceuticals and personal care products because people excrete them after consumption, wash them off after use, or dispose of them in the sink or down the toilet.6 It makes sense that avoiding pharmaceuticals disposal in this manner would reduce their presence in waste water.

Traditionally, human and animal health care facilities and pharmacies disposed of pharmaceuticals down the drain.7, 8 Their advice to patients was to do the same, establishing this all too common practice.9 We must now break this habit. To do so, we encourage continuation of programs like the Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal program in Pontiac;10 local waste collection events;11,12,13 the EPA funded ARCHS: RxMeds program allowing drug drop-off at grocery stores;14 and finally pharmaceutical manufacturer programs like disposal pouches for medical patches.15

But pharmaceuticals get into water in other ways too.16 Medicated pets and animals excrete pharmaceuticals directly into the environment.17,18 In 1997 alone, between 7 and 15 thousand tons of antibiotics were used for farm animals compared to about 5 thousand tons for humans.19,20 By one estimate, over 12 thousand pounds of pharmaceuticals are used each year in livestock for nontherapeutic purposes alone.21 Recent testing in this State by the Illinois EPA also suggests “agricultural sources may be important contributors to the load of pharmaceuticals in the source water…” 22

The old adage “out of sight out of mind” is no longer accurate. We can now detect less than one drop of some medicines in more than 13 million gallons of water.23 And with the continued march of science, we will eventually detect more compounds at even lesser amounts. Fortunately, detection of a compound does not imply a health risk. The highest detected level thus far is 5,000,000 times lower than a therapeutic dose.24 Based on water tests conducted this spring; IL EPA has determined that the levels in water are not currently a health concern.22

But more science needs to be done, especially health effects research. The US EPA is moving forward to address the information gaps.25 They are funding research, pilot collection programs, and have assembled 300 pages of existing scientific references related to this topic. 26 They have also commissioned the National Academy of Sciences to assemble a panel of experts to advise them on the topic later this year.27

We support the EPA’s comprehensive science based approach to setting water quality standards. The Safe Drinking Water Act and related Contaminant Candidate List and Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule identify, prioritize, and study contaminants in a scientifically rigorous manner. 28, 29, 30 This process assures the public that the standards are both needed and protective of public health. Regulatory limits and monitoring requirements must be based on health protection and not on trace occurrence.31

Water treatment folks take drinking water seriously. We are on the front line of protecting public health. Our community residents rely on us for a lifetime of safe drinking water. We understand clearly our role in the environment and desire healthy watersheds and source waters that are free of compounds that pose a health concern. However, watersheds, rivers, lakes and aquifers know no boundaries. We are all going to have to take part in this effort. We ask that everyone everywhere properly use and dispose of all chemicals, especially pharmaceuticals and personal care products.

Thank you Senator Garrett and colleagues on the Public Health Committee for this opportunity to appear before you today. We offer you our organization as a source of information and we offer the expertise of our members. We look forward to working with you as partners in protecting our environment and its natural resources to assure public health protection.

Respectfully Submitted September 9, 2008.

William J. Soucie, M.S.
Illinois Section AWWA Trustee Region 2
Water Quality Laboratory Supervisor
Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency
200 Rockland Road
PO Box 278
Lake Bluff, IL, 60044

Postscript

When it comes to the levels of pharmaceuticals in drinking water, perspective is an important factor. My utility and others have detected DEET, a compound used to repel mosquitoes, in Lake Michigan. Consider what happens to a single small dab, a gram to be exact, of the popular “Sun & Bug” lotion that contains DEET.32 Let’s assume that half of the dab washes into the Lake as the bather jumps in to cool off. That half a dab creates a detectable DEET level in 26 million gallons of water.33 That sounds bad. Will accidental consumption of this water while swimming pose a health risk to the bather? For perspective, consider that when applied to the skin, 100,000 times more DEET will enter the person’s bloodstream than if they accidently swallowed a liter of this water.34,35 Yet DEET is considered safe and has been used for decades.


References

1. Dougherty, Laurie. Personal Communication. 8/25/2008

2. Tabak, H. and R. Bunch. 1970. “Steroid hormones as water pollutants. I. Metabolism of natural and synthetic ovulation-inhibiting hormones by microorganisms of activated sludge and primary settled sewage.” Developments in Industrial Microbiology. 11: 367-376.

3. Endocrine Disruptors & Pharmaceutically Active Chemicals in Drinking Water Workshop. April 19 – 21, 2000. AWWARF. Chicago, Illinois.

4. Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs). US EPA. Accessed 9/4/08. http://www.epa.gov/ppcp/

5. Kolpin, D.W., et al. 2002. “Pharmaceuticals, Hormones, and Other Organic Contaminants in U.S. Streams, 1999-2000: A National Reconnaissance.” Environ. Sci. Technol. 36: 1202-1211.

6. Snyder, S. et al. Comprehensive Utility Guide for Endocrine Disruptors and Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water. AWWARF. Denver, CO. 2008.

7. Smith, C.A. 2002. “Managing Pharmaceutical Waste.” Journal of the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin, 11: 17-22

8. Pines, E. & C. Smith. “Managing Pharmaceutical Waste: A 10-Step Blueprint for Health Care Facilities in the United States”. Hospitals for a Healthy Environment. April 2006. US EPA, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Innovative Initiative. Accessed 8/23/2008. http://www.h2e-online.org/docs/h2epharmablueprint41506.pdf.

9. Disposal of Unwanted or Unused Pharmaceuticals Fact Sheet. Illinois EPA. Accessed 9/6/08. http://www.epa.state.il.us/land/hazardous-waste/household-haz-waste/pharmaceuticals-disposal.html

10. Ritter, P. Prescription Drug Disposal Program. Pontiac Township H.S. Accessed 8/22/08. http://www.p2d2program.org/

11. Household Chemical Waste (HCW) Collections. Solid Waste Agency of Lake County. Accessed 8/25/08. http://www.co.lake.il.us/swalco/events/hcw.asp

12. Boehme, S. & E.H. Malloy. “Disposal of Unwanted Medicines: A Resource for Action in Your Community.” Habitats and Ecosystems. July 2007. Illinois – Indiana Sea Grant. Accessed 8/22/08. http://www.iisgcp.org/unwantedmeds/updatedToolkitMaterials/2.0CaseStudies.pdf.

13. Medicine Drop Off. Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County. Accessed 9/4/08. http://swancc.org/recycling/medicinedropoff.html

14. 2008 Medicine Cabinet Cleanup ARCHS: RxMEDS Community Partnership. Area Resources for Community and Human Services. Accessed 8/28/08. http://www.stlarchs.org/rxmeds.htm

15. Batt, S. “Pharmaceuticals in Our Water: A New Threat to Public Health?” Women and Health Protection. October 2004. Accessed 8/21/08. http://www.whp-apsf.ca/en/documents/pharmWater.html.

16. Origins and Fate of PPCPs in the Environment Poster. USEPA. March 2006. Accessed 9/7/08. http://www.epa.gov/ppcp/pdf/drawing.pdf

17. Boxall, A.B.A. et al. 2003. “Are Veterinary Medicines Causing Environmental Risks?” Environ. Sci. Technol. 8: 286A – 294A

18. “Pharmaceuticals and Pathogens”. EPA Regional Priority AFO Science Question Synthesis Document. Workshop Review Draft: Supporting Documentation for the EPA Regional Science Workshop on Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs) – Science and Technical Support Needs. December 6-9, 2004. Accessed 9/4/2008. http://www.epa.gov/OSP/regions/afo.htm

19. Cicmanec, J. L. “Veterinary Pharmaceuticals: Potential Environmental Impact and Treatment Strategies.” Presentation for Emerging Pollutants Workshop. US EPA Region 5. Accessed 8/28/08. www.epa.gov/osp/regions/emerpoll/cicmanec2.ppt

20. Cicmanec, J.L. “Veterinary Pharmaceuticals: Potential Environmental Impact and Treatment Strategies.” Presentation for Animal Feeding Operations Workshop. US EPA. Accessed 9/4/08. http://www.epa.gov/OSP/regions/afo.htm

21. Mellon, M. et al. 2001. Hogging It – Estimates of Antimicrobial Abuse in Livestock. Union of Concerned Scientists. UCS Publications. Cambridge, MA.

22. Report on Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Illinois Drinking Water. Bureau of Water, Illinois EPA. June 2008.

23. One drop of water weighs about 50 mg or 50 million nanograms. One part per trillion equals 1 ng/L which equals 50 million nanograms per 50 million liters. 50,000,000 liters / 3.785 l/gal = 13,210,000 gallons.

24. Statement of Dr. Shane Snyder, Southern Nevada Water Authority before the Senate Subcommittee on Transportation Safety, Infrastructure Security, and Water Quality on Pharmaceuticals in the Nation’s Water: Assessing Potential Risks and Actions to Address the Issue. April 15, 2008.

25. Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Water, USEPA. Accessed 8/28/08. http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/ppcp/


26. “Literature Citations Relevant to Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs).” U.S. EPA, ORD. July 2008.Accessed 8/28/08. http://www.epa.gov/ppcp/citations20080701.pdf

27. “EPA Continues Work to Understand Potential Impacts of Pharmaceuticals in Water.” Press Release 8/6/08. USEPA. Washington DC.

28. Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List and Regulatory Determinations – Basic Information. US EPA. Accessed 9/4/08. http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl/basicinformation.html

29. National Drinking Water Advisory Council Report on the CCL Classification Process to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. May 19, 2004. NDWAC. Accessed 9/4/2008. http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl/basicinformation.html

30. Classifying Drinking Water Contaminants for Regulatory Consideration. Committee on Drinking Water Contaminants. National Research Council. National Academy Press. Washington D.C., 2001.

31. Snyder, S.A. et al. Removal of EDCs and Pharmaceuticals in Drinking and Reuse Treatment Processes. AWWARF, Denver ,CO 2007.

32. Repel Sun and & Bug Stuff ® Lotion. 20% DEET. Spectrum Brands. Accessed 8/28/08. http://www.repel.com/ProductCategories/Insectrepellents/SunBug/

33. Typical use is much more than one gram. However, here we assume only half of the applied one gram completely dissolves and disperses in water. And we assume a detection limit of one part-per-trillion. 0.5 grams of lotion contains 20% DEET or 0.1 grams of DEET. One gram of DEET in one trillion grams of water is equal to one part-per-trillion. One tenth of a gram of DEET in one tenth of a trillion or 100 billion grams of water is also equal to one-part-per-trillion. Since 1 gram of water = 1 mL of water and 3785 mL = one gallon: 100,000,000,000 mL / 3785 mL per gallon = 26,000,000 gallons of water.

34. More than 5% of applied DEET is absorbed through the skin. DEET Chemical Technical Summary for Public Health and Public Safety Professionals. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. December 2004. Accessed 8/22/08. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/consultations/deet/pharmacokinetics.html.

35. 5% of the 0.1 gram of 20% DEET left on the skin is absorbed into the body. That is 0.005 grams absorbed into the body. If one drank a liter of Lake water with 1 part-per-trillion of DEET, their exposure would be 5 million times LESS than the exposure from DEET applied to the skin.