Quarterly report Q1 2010

Attachment	Size
FY10Q1 Report 522802.pdf	263.53 KB

Quarterly report Q3 2010

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FY10Q3 Report 522802.pdf	808.61 KB

Quarter 1 (Progress Reports For Year October 2006 - December 2006)

Progress Reports

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TAC2007Q1.pdf	56.57 KB
TAC2007Q2.pdf	50.76 KB

Quarter 2 (TACWQ Quarterly Report for January 1 - March 31, 2007)

Western Kentucky University Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality Water and Wastewater Laboratory Analysis DNA Cloning and Sequencing Operational Troubleshooting Specialized Training Mapping and Modeling Sampling and Monitoring Applications Development Proof-of-Concept and Technology Verification The CWRS is organized into three divisions - The Water Analysis, Training, Education and Research Services laboratory consortium, providing state-of-the-art water, wastewater and microbiological analytical services; the Environmental Informatics and Information Technology division, specializing in expert systems technology and environmental software applications development; and the Field Operations and Outreach division, providing in-field technology verification, mapping and monitoring services.">Center for Water Resource Studies “Supporting Small Water Systems in Meeting the Goal of Public Health Protection” http://water.wku.edu (270) 745-8895   Grant Number X83123601 Quarterly Report for the period January 1 – March 31, 2007 Submitted to: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water April 30, 2007 Western Kentucky University Grant Number X83123601 Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality Year 4   Introduction The Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality at Western Kentucky University (TACWQ WKU) serves to support capacity development of small drinking water systems through the Utility Management Institute, a circuit rider, source water investigations, and information technology. The goal of the Center is to help small systems meet the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and ensure public health. While focused on solving local problems that can serve as national models, the TACWQ is impacting small systems throughout the country. The Center accomplishes its goals by relying on its diversified staff, in-house laboratory capabilities (WATERS), and subcontractors such as Kentucky Rural Water Association (KRWA) and Spatial Data Integrations (SDI). Below are the activities that were conducted toward these goals for the second quarter of the grant year, January 1-March 31, 2007. Kentucky Rural Water Association The Kentucky Rural Water Association (KRWA) provides training, technical assistance, advocacy, and a variety of other services and benefits to water districts, sanitation districts, water associations, and municipalities under 10,000 in population. KRWA's basic training and technical assistance services are provided to all utilities that request help, regardless of membership status. Utility Management Institute This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by increasing the overall proficiency of community water system managers for providing safe water. The Utility Management Institute (UMI) was created, in a collaborative effort between WKU and KRWA, to provide utility managers, and other utility personnel, with the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and earn a university-based, professional designation in the field of management. These goals can be accomplished through the successful completion of six modern, practical management courses, specifically developed for public water utility personnel. The Utility Management Institute rewards its participants with the Utility Management Professional (UMP) designation after completion of all six courses. During the quarter, the course entitled “Utility Organization, Regulation & Law” was presented in Carrollton, Kentucky on March 28-29, 2007 at General Butler State Resort Park. There were thirty-six (36) students participating in this course. Course assessments for the course are available upon request. UMI brochures were mailed during the quarter to promote the program and advertise the UMI class schedule for 2007. Western Kentucky University Grant Number X83123601 Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality Year 4 2 The Utility Management Institute now claims a total of two hundred eighty-four (284) students. One hundred twenty-one (121) of our students have now completed all six of the courses in the UMI Series and have been awarded the Utility Management Professional designation. Small System Circuit Rider This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by providing on-site technical assistance to community water system operators. The Small System Circuit Rider continues to provide quality technical assistance and training to management and personnel from small public water systems throughout Kentucky. This segment of public water systems, serving under 3,300 in population (especially those serving under 500 in population), is difficult to help through traditional means. These very small systems are often not eligible for assistance through our other Circuit Rider programs (USDA funded) because they are privately owned or are not credit worthy. Hands-on assistance delivered on-site, with active follow-up assistance, is the best way to help these systems comply with the ever-increasing complexities of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). During the 2nd Quarter, the Circuit Rider position logged 635.75 hours. Of that time 63% of the total time was spent directly assisting systems or their personnel including 313.5 hours on-site working with systems, 11.0 hours developing plans and reports for systems, and 76.25 hours providing formal training and program outreach. The majority of time this quarter was spent assisting systems during a water shortage. Activities for technical assistance included GPS-GIS mapping, source water protection and water quality monitoring. Compliance assistance included water system evaluation, monitoring plans and CCR preparation. Management/financial assistance included water accountability. Significant Contacts City of Hindman – Located in Knott County, Kentucky serving 780 water and 240 sewer customers. Hindman is a rural mining and logging community in eastern Kentucky. The city provides drinking water to outside city customers and wholesales water to the Knott County Water and Sewer District. The city treats groundwater from two of three wells drilled into a sandstone aquifer. Their average daily production is 280,000 gpd. Beginning in November 2006 the well capacity began to diminish. Between November and December the wells needed to be rested periodically in order for the aquifer to recharge. During these times the city was able to purchase water from a neighboring county water district. The Circuit Rider was called to assess the third city well which had not operated in 13 years primarily due to high iron content. The Circuit Rider assisted the city in shock chlorinating the well in an attempt to reduce the iron content. The well was dosed at 500 ppm for 24 hours. The chlorination was successful and the city began using the well. By the end of February 2007 the wells were unable to keep up with the demand of 1,000 customers between the city and water district customers. The Circuit Rider was again called for Western Kentucky University Grant Number X83123601 Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality Year 4 3 assistance. The city was directed to contact the primacy agency and then declare a state of emergency. The KY National Guard was contacted and within a few days had mobilized to Hindman with four reverse osmosis purification units (ROPU) to provide water to the city. During this time the Circuit Rider was onsite assisting the city in securing bottled water delivery and coordinating emergency response with the primacy agency. It was almost two weeks before the National Guard could fill all of the storage tanks and sustain the water demand of the system without the limited production of the wells. Through this period the Circuit Rider provided leak detection and assisted in re-pressurizing the water lines. After the National Guard was able to provide all of the water without the wells the Circuit Rider began evaluating the wells by performing well pump and aquifer testing. The results showed that the aquifer was being over pumped. This was likely due to increased demand from new customers and sales to the water district. Although, diminished recharge may have occurred from mining operations. There are too many factors to consider to reliably determine the exact cause of the problem. The solution for the city is to reduce the pumping rate from the wells and drill two to three additional wells at greater distances in order to reduce the drawdown effect within the aquifer. The new wells were located by the Circuit Rider using lineament analysis and GPS mapping. So far two new wells have been drilled and the city is in the process of extending the raw water line to put the wells in production. Overall, the Circuit Rider has been involved in almost every aspect of the situation. Presently, the system savings just in hydrogeologic analysis exceeds $25,000. Spatial Data Integrations Spatial Data Integrations, Inc. (SDI) is a full service geospatial firm offering a wide variety of mapping services and geographic applications, including imagery processing, natural resource data collection, photo interpretation, geospatial file management and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). SDI provides customized GIS applications and services to rural utilities and small municipalities. SDI has close ties to the rural water community and strives to be an industry innovator. Asset Management This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by developing an asset management tool for water systems to more efficiently inventory and track their infrastructure and physical assets. Many small water utilities in the United States have had infrastructure in the ground for over 50 years, much of which is now coming towards the end of its life cycle. Increasingly, utilities are looking for monies or best practices that will enable them to rehabilitate their aging infrastructure and to continue to offer one of America’s most critical public health, economic and environmental assets. Asset management is one practice that small utilities can use to maintain their infrastructure and plan for upcoming rehabilitation or replacement in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. Western Kentucky University Grant Number X83123601 Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality Year 4 4 Spatial Data Integrations (SDI) intends to develop a pilot web-based asset management system for small systems based upon the existing EPA guidance document “Asset Management: A Handbook for Small Water Systems” (EPA-816-R-03-16). This tool will show the utility personnel and community leaders the ‘big picture’ of their aging infrastructure and allow them to effectively plan capital improvements and/or needed repairs. During the second quarter of the drinking water grant, SDI hired an intern to assist with the development of the web-based asset management program. The project has been divided into four phases: 1. Planning 2. Implementation 3. Documentation 4. Testing Phase I which included gathering information about the requirements and specifications has been completed. Phase II includes creating a user-friendly web-based interface, configuring the database and creating the linkage between the database and website. This phase has just begun and is expected to be finished around the first of June. Phase III includes documentation creation. The documentation will be created to help in maintenance and troubleshooting the system. Expected completion date is mid-June. Phase IV will be the beta testing stage. This stage will be used to thoroughly test the system for correctness, potential security issues and stability. A minimum of two water utilities will assist in the testing of the web-based asset management system. Any problems that are discovered during this phase will be corrected immediately. Technical Assistance This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by providing TACWQ personnel with GIS expertise and capabilities, which will further the TACWQ’s mission of providing small water systems with infrastructure mapping assistance. SDI has continued to provide approximately 300 square feet of office space and high-speed Internet access to TACWQ staff members and student workers. Assistance provided this quarter included: training on how to use the “Shape Correct” features that exist in GPS Pathfinder Office, and providing general consulting on various GIS tasks performed by TACWQ staff and student workers. Western Kentucky University Grant Number X83123601 Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality Year 4 5 WATERS Laboratory Water Analysis, Training, Education and Research Services (WATERS) is a water quality laboratory located on WKU’s campus. WATERS espouses the following integrated goals through cooperation: a) Water Analysis: Certified drinking water laboratory for chemical and biological analyses. b) Training: Providing training of field, laboratory and environmental technicians serving an immediate need for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. c) Education: Student certification program, hands-on work experience for undergraduate students in the environmental science field. d) Research: Developing more accurate and cost-effective methods of analysis for microbial source tracking. e) Service: Enabling local, state and regional private and public sector entities to meet environmental management goals through the provision of high quality environmental data collection, management and analysis. Small Systems Partnership for Compliance Monitoring This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by reducing the financial burden on small water systems of routine water quality analyses required under the SDWA. WATERS continues to partner with small water systems in Kentucky for the purpose of establishing effective and economical methods for meeting compliance monitoring requirements. During the quarter, microbiological analyses were conducted for 8 drinking water systems with populations less than 10,000. Five of these systems have populations less than 3,300. A total of 125 analyses were conducted for these eight systems during the quarter. Bacteriological Analysis Report Forms were sent to the KY Division of Water electronically in compliance with state reporting requirements. Microbial Source Tracking Analytical Method Development This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by establishing cost-effective methods of tracking source water contamination. The ability to track bacterial contaminants in water to their source is a major focus of source water protection. Many research projects have been performed on the subject. However, the only conclusion that most research has reached is that each region of the research area possesses different microorganisms in its waters. This proposal is to study source tracking techniques in the Lower and Upper Green River Watershed region of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The ultimate environmental outcome of the project is cleaner source water by identification and reduction or elimination of the sources of fecal contamination in source waters. An extension of Western Kentucky University Grant Number X83123601 Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality Year 4 6 this work could lead to a reduction in the amount of treatment needed to make surface waters potable, thereby reducing costs. Primers (oligonucleotides) were ordered from Sigma-Genosys in January. A Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron culture was obtained from USDA-ARS and DNA was extracted for use as a standard. Four fecal coliform samples with counts >200CFU/100mL were filtered and DNA was extracted for a test run. PCR analysis of samples and standards was performed. Equipment was ordered and received this quarter, including a transilluminator and a gel photodocumentation system. LT2 Rule: Cryptosporidium Assistance This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by assisting water systems with implementation of the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment (LT2) Rule. On January 15, a WATERS Laboratory representative traveled to Pikeville, KY and helped prepare LT2 monitoring plans for seventeen customers of Appalachian States Analytical, LLC. The Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW) staff has been promoting the use of the monitoring plan template developed by WATERS. Three presentations were given on the LT2 Rule this quarter in conjunction with KRWA training events. Presentations were in Owensboro, KY on January 24, at Carter Caves State Resort Park on February 22, and at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park on March 7. A total of 97 water treatment plant operators were in attendance, and continuing education credits were offered. In addition, a presentation was given at the Kentucky Water and Wastewater Operators Association (KWWOA) annual conference in Louisville, KY on March 28. Forty-eight (48) water treatment plant operators were in attendance. Two engineering students are in the process of developing a self-contained, automatic source water filtration unit that works by its own internal processor. A formal design review was held with the students' faculty advisors on February 23, 2007. A final design has been established, and the needed electronic and mechanical parts have been ordered. The first prototype is expected to be completed by June. Water and Wastewater Laboratory Analysis DNA Cloning and Sequencing Operational Troubleshooting Specialized Training Mapping and Modeling Sampling and Monitoring Applications Development Proof-of-Concept and Technology Verification The CWRS is organized into three divisions - The Water Analysis, Training, Education and Research Services laboratory consortium, providing state-of-the-art water, wastewater and microbiological analytical services; the Environmental Informatics and Information Technology division, specializing in expert systems technology and environmental software applications development; and the Field Operations and Outreach division, providing in-field technology verification, mapping and monitoring services.">Center for Water Resource Studies Environmental Informatics This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by increasing the amount of information technology available to water systems, and presenting it in a format that is easy to understand. Western Kentucky University Grant Number X83123601 Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality Year 4 7 Specific activities under this objective include: Decision Support System The Decision Support System (DSS) is a planning resource that serves to establish partnerships and assist stakeholder groups in minimizing the effects of agricultural, industrial, and municipal impacts on source water. The DSS will incorporate a rules based system to allow for a customizable schedule. The GEOexpert.NET Rules Based System currently includes rules that will evaluate data for MCL violations. The system documentation is in the process of being posted on the TACWQ website. Next quarter, it is anticipated that work toward completing the addition of the GeoExpert.NET to the DSS will be conducted. System Mapping Assistance Many rural water systems lack the technology and skill required to digitally map their infrastructure. Rural systems without GIS data collecting capabilities will be assisted, through mapping efforts of the Center. Field crews will be deployed to collect GIS information that will be incorporated into the DSS and Asset Management tools. This data will also be provided to the systems in a digital format. A minimum of two rural water systems will be provided mapping assistance during the grant year. The systems in need of assistance will be identified through Kentucky Rural Water Association. TACWQ personnel are currently in the process of scheduling Adairville Water Works located in Logan County, KY (population: 1,307) as the first small water system that will be provided with mapping assistance. Relational Database Tool Large volumes of laboratory data from different sources have made data exchange between different applications very difficult. In this project, we plan to expand on software previously developed to facilitate data exchange. An XML format tool to convert OCR documents has been developed and is now available through the TACWQ website. Web Page Hosting Many small water systems do not have the financial or technical resources to develop and host their own websites, yet currently websites are one of the best tools to quickly disseminate information to the public. Using the website as a media to transmit information to clients within the rural water district, systems can quickly provide information about water quality (CCR reports), boil water advisories, meeting times and locations, and additional crucial information. During the quarter, 278 small water systems throughout the state were contacted by direct mail to determine their need and interest for web page hosting and other services the TACWQ has to offer. Some rural water districts are hesitant to provide information needed to host their Western Kentucky University Grant Number X83123601 Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality Year 4 8 websites, and view any web site availability as a security risk to their system. Additional avenues for web hosting and technology assistance are being researched. Technology Training As the use of technology develops, the need for technology training increases. A presentation for water districts will be provided at a local or state conference to help demystify the technology tools available to them. Areas to be included will be web site development, applicable software tools and basics of their use, and basic PC support. Topics covered will include tools previously developed by the TACWQ and other states. CDs of the available tools will be distributed to attendees of the presentation. Also covered will be basic computer terms, backup information, open source software that is available, viruses, firewalls, and other computer security issues. During the quarter, a discussion was started with AWWA to host a technology training workshop at an upcoming conference. In addition to the conference presentation, a technology training manual is currently under development. It will include documentation on tools developed by the TACs, commercial software, and open source software that is available to water systems. Basic instructions on using technology for marketing, customer awareness, and system evaluation will also be included. This manual will be available in hard copy form or on a CD, and can be used by small water systems throughout the country. During the quarter, DVDs containing information for technology assistance were distributed to water systems at the KRWA Management Conference. Center Coordination This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by providing outreach to small water systems, and maximum efficiency between all project team components and concurrent activities. Specific activities under this objective include: Quarterly Reports The TACWQ will continue to provide quarterly technical and financial status reports to the EPA project officer. This is the second quarterly report for the current grant year, which covers the period January 1, 2007 to March 31, 2007. Education and Outreach During the quarter, the newly revised display was exhibited at the KRWA Management Conference in Bowling Green, KY on February 12-14, the Applied Research and Technology (ARTP) Expo in Bowling Green, KY on March 1, and the Kentucky Water and Wastewater Operators Association (KWWOA) 50th annual conference in Louisville, KY on March 26-28. Western Kentucky University Grant Number X83123601 Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality Year 4 9 Dr. Ernest was recently elected as a member of the Board of Directors of the Southeast Watershed Forum for a two-year term, and as a member of the Kentucky Division of Water’s newly formed Drinking Water Advisory Board. He is also a member of the State Environmental Quality Commission and the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD) Water Management Council. Dr. Ernest and Jana Fattic attended the annual TACNet planning meeting at EPA Headquarters in Washington, DC from January 29-31. This meeting was a very productive gathering of the eight Technical Assistance Centers (TACs) and EPA to plan for next year’s goals for the Centers. A new aspect of this year’s meeting was a symposium on the first day of meetings that was open to all EPA employees. This informal setting allowed the TACs to share information about their Centers’ activities and answer questions from EPA staff. On February 1-2, Dr. Ernest attended the 2007 National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment in Washington, DC. He also attended the Paying for Sustainable Water Infrastructure conference at EPA Region 4 in Atlanta, GA on March 21-23. Stakeholder Advisory Council A Stakeholder Advisory Council (SAC) meeting was held on March 1, 2007 in order to ensure that activities, proposed and ongoing, of the TACWQ accurately reflect the needs of its constituents. The SAC provides advice to the TACWQ Director on strategic issues related to the science and technology missions of the TACWQ including insights on research directions and policy, and perspectives from the broader community and political scene. The meeting was held at WKU’s Innovation and Commercialization Center (ICC). SAC members present were: Audwin Helton, Dale Reynolds, Judith Petersen, Tom Clevenger, Jeff Ballweber, and Ernest Collins. Presentations on current activities were given by each of the Center’s contributors (WATERS Laboratory, IT Division, Field Division, SDI and KRWA). An open discussion was then held by the Council members to give feedback to the Director on the direction of the TAC. Overall, the Council members agreed that the Center is moving in the right direction, providing valuable training to students while generating useful tools and training for small water systems. Western Kentucky University Grant Number X83123601 Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality Year 4 10 Budget Grant X83123601-4 $0.00 $20,000.00 $40,000.00 $60,000.00 $80,000.00 $100,000.00 $120,000.00 Salaries Fringe Gen & Adm Sub Awards Travel Equipment F & A Cost Total 1st Qtr Oct - Dec ' 06 2nd Qtr Jan - March ' 07 Expenditure 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr Category Oct - Dec ' 06 Jan - March ' 07 Salaries $28,609.81 $28,047.95 Fringe $8,689.04 $8,544.71 Gen & Adm $1,551.83 $11,656.14 Sub Awards $52,361.44 $41,395.39 Travel $3,916.99 $4,234.49 Equipment $0.00 $0.00 F & A Cost $17,156.65 -$2,750.87 Total $112,285.76 $91,127.81

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FY07 Q2 Report.pdf	50.76 KB

Quarter 3 (Quarterly Report TACWQ April 1 to June 30, 2007)

Introduction
The Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality at Western Kentucky University (TACWQ
WKU) serves to support capacity development of small drinking water systems through the
Utility Management Institute, a circuit rider, source water investigations, and information
technology. The goal of the Center is to help small systems meet the requirements of the Safe
Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and ensure public health. While focused on solving local
problems that can serve as national models, the TACWQ is impacting small systems throughout
the country.

The Center accomplishes its goals by relying on its diversified staff, in-house laboratory
capabilities (WATERS), and subcontractors such as Kentucky Rural Water Association
(KRWA) and Spatial Data Integrations (SDI). Below are the activities that were conducted
toward these goals for the third quarter of the grant year, April 1-June 30, 2007.

Kentucky Rural Water Association
The Kentucky Rural Water Association (KRWA) provides training, technical assistance,
advocacy, and a variety of other services and benefits to water districts, sanitation districts, water
associations, and municipalities under 10,000 in population. KRWA's basic training and
technical assistance services are provided to all utilities that request help, regardless of
membership status.

Utility Management Institute
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect
Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by increasing the overall
proficiency of community water system managers for providing safe water.
The Utility Management Institute (UMI) was created, in a collaborative effort between WKU
and KRWA, to provide utility managers, and other utility personnel, with the opportunity to gain
valuable knowledge and earn a university-based, professional designation in the field of
management. These goals can be accomplished through the successful completion of six modern,
practical management courses, specifically developed for public water utility personnel. The
Utility Management Institute rewards its participants with the Utility Management Professional
(UMP) designation after completion of all six courses.
During the quarter, the course entitled “Utility Finance and Administration” was presented in
Olive Hill, Kentucky on April 18-19, 2007 at Carter Caves State Resort Park. There were thirtythree
(33) students participating in this course. Course assessments are available upon request.
UMI brochures were mailed during the quarter to promote the program and advertise the UMI
class schedule for 2007.
The Utility Management Institute now claims a total of two hundred eighty-eight (288) students.
One hundred twenty-three (123) of our students have now completed all six of the courses in the
UMI Series and have been awarded the Utility Management Professional designation. Course
assessments continue to show a high level of satisfaction with the training.

Small System Circuit Rider
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect
Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by providing on-site technical
assistance to community water system operators.
The Small System Circuit Rider continues to provide quality technical assistance and training to
management and personnel from small public water systems throughout Kentucky. This
segment of public water systems, serving under 3,300 in population (especially those serving
under 500 in population), is difficult to help through traditional means. These very small
systems are often not eligible for assistance through our other Circuit Rider programs (USDA
funded) because they are privately owned or are not credit worthy. Hands-on assistance
delivered on-site, with active follow-up assistance, is the best way to help these systems comply
with the ever-increasing complexities of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
During the 3rd Quarter, the Circuit Rider position logged 598.75 hours. Of that time 66% of the
total time was spent directly assisting systems or their personnel including 244.75 hours on-site
working with systems, 29 hours developing plans and reports for systems, and 122.25 hours
providing formal training and program outreach.
The majority of time this quarter was spent helping systems comply with the Consumer
Confidence rule. Activities for technical assistance included leak detection, GPS-GIS mapping,
source water protection and water quality monitoring. Compliance assistance included CCR
preparation, water system evaluation and monitoring plans. Management/financial assistance
included water accountability and cost of service analysis.
Significant Contacts: This quarter provided several opportunities to assist water utilities. One
example is described below.
Centertown Water Department – Located in Ohio County, Kentucky serving 485 water
customers.
Centertown is a rural farming community in western Kentucky. The city purchases water from
the City of Hartford. Centertown also provides drinking water to 40 customers outside the city.
These customers have experienced problems with low pressure and water outages periodically
for several years. The system is marginal for serving these customers in that the water tank must
have a minimum of 64 feet of water before the elevation change can be overcome. Any leak, or
combination of leaks, totaling as little as 20–30 gpm will leave these customers without adequate
service.
The Circuit Rider was called to assist in finding a leak that had left the outside city customers
without water for eight days. In order to determine that the leak was outside the city the three
inch line serving those customers was valved off in order to allow the tank to fill overnight. One
of the first steps was to improve communication between the city and the customers by drafting a
notice explaining the situation and offering the use of the fire station for showers. The notice
was hand delivered along with additional bottled water donated by the Wal-Mart store in
Hartford. This was done to squelch the rumor mill and provide for a contingency plan in the
event that the leak could not be easily located.
System personnel, assisted by the WKU and KRWA Circuit Riders along with Eddie Williams
from the Ohio County Water District, began valving the water line in sections while monitoring
the flow with an ultrasonic flow meter to ensure that the tank level did not drop too fast. The
group began walking the line and checking for chlorine residuals in nearby creek crossings. By
late afternoon a leak of 80 gpm was discovered at a drainage ditch in a soybean field. The leak
had occurred where a repair coupling had failed. By early evening the leak was repaired, the line
was being flushed and service had been restored.

Spatial Data Integrations
Spatial Data Integrations, Inc. (SDI) is a full service geospatial firm offering a wide variety of
mapping services and geographic applications, including imagery processing, natural resource
data collection, photo interpretation, geospatial file management and Geographic Information
Systems (GIS). SDI provides customized GIS applications and services to rural utilities and
small municipalities. SDI has close ties to the rural water community and strives to be an
industry innovator.
Asset Management
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect
Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by developing an asset
management tool for water systems to more efficiently inventory and track their infrastructure
and physical assets.
Many small water utilities in the United States have had infrastructure in the ground for over 50
years, much of which is now coming towards the end of its life cycle. Increasingly, utilities are
looking for monies or best practices that will enable them to rehabilitate their aging infrastructure
and to continue to offer one of America’s most critical public health, economic and
environmental assets. Asset management is one practice that small utilities can use to maintain
their infrastructure and plan for upcoming rehabilitation or replacement in a more efficient and
cost-effective manner.
Spatial Data Integrations (SDI) is developing a pilot web-based asset management system for
small systems based upon the existing EPA guidance document “Asset Management: A
Handbook for Small Water Systems” (EPA-816-R-03-16). This tool will show the utility
personnel and community leaders the ‘big picture’ of their aging infrastructure and allow them to
effectively plan capital improvements and/or needed repairs.
The project has been divided into four phases:
1. Planning
2. Implementation
3. Documentation
4. Testing
Phases 1 through 3, which included Planning, Implementation & Documentation, have been
completed. These phases involved design and development of the database, design and
development of the website and associated functionality. Currently the application is fully
functional and only requires a few cosmetic changes before it can be distributed for Beta testing.
Once changes have been made, a web address will be assigned and SDI will select a minimum of
two water utilities to assist in the testing of the application. Any problems that are discovered
during this phase will be corrected immediately.

Technical Assistance
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect
Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by providing TACWQ personnel
with GIS expertise and capabilities, which will further the TACWQ’s mission of providing small
water systems with infrastructure mapping assistance.
SDI has continued to provide approximately 300 square feet of office space and high-speed
Internet access to TACWQ staff members and student workers. Assistance provided this quarter
included: technical support on Office Integration issues and support in setting up a wireless
camera to be used in conjunction with a sub-foot GPS unit.

WATERS Laboratory
Water Analysis, Training, Education and Research Services (WATERS) is a water quality
laboratory located on WKU’s campus. WATERS espouses the following integrated goals
through cooperation:
a) Water Analysis: Certified drinking water laboratory for chemical and biological
analyses.
b) Training: Providing training of field, laboratory and environmental technicians serving
an immediate need for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
c) Education: Student certification program, hands-on work experience for undergraduate
students in the environmental science field.
d) Research: Developing more accurate and cost-effective methods of analysis for
microbial source tracking.
e) Service: Enabling local, state and regional private and public sector entities to meet
environmental management goals through the provision of high quality environmental
data collection, management and analysis.

Small Systems Partnership for Compliance Monitoring
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect
Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by reducing the financial burden on
small water systems of routine water quality analyses required under the SDWA.
WATERS continues to partner with small water systems in Kentucky for the purpose of
establishing effective and economical methods for meeting compliance monitoring requirements.
During the quarter, microbiological analyses were conducted for 8 drinking water systems with
populations less than 10,000. Five of these systems have populations less than 3,300. A total of
132 analyses were conducted for these eight systems during the quarter. Bacteriological
Analysis Report Forms were sent to the KY Division of Water electronically in compliance with
state reporting requirements.

Microbial Source Tracking Analytical Method Development
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect
Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by establishing cost-effective
methods of tracking source water contamination.
The ability to track bacterial contaminants in water to their source is a major focus of source
water protection. Many research projects have been performed on the subject. However, the
only conclusion that most research has reached is that each region of the research area possesses
different microorganisms in its waters. This proposal is to study source tracking techniques in
the Lower and Upper Green River Watershed region of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The
ultimate environmental outcome of the project is cleaner source water by identification and
reduction or elimination of the sources of fecal contamination in source waters. An extension of
this work could lead to a reduction in the amount of treatment needed to make surface waters
potable, thereby reducing costs.
Due to advanced research done to prepare for a grant proposal in April, it was discovered that
primers and PCR protocols have been published to differentiate between Bacteriodes from a
number of different host organisms. As such, it was decided to evaluate the potential of these
primers and protocols to be applicable to waters in this region. Primers were ordered that would
estimate the total amount of Bacteriodes in the sample, as well as differentiate the Bacteriodes
on the basis of four different hosts (human, bovine, porcine, and equine).
One hundred-milliliter grab samples were collected in May and June from several sites. The
samples were centrifuged to concentrate all particulate matter, and the supernatant was aspirated.
The pellets were then resuspended in 1X TE. A portion of each sample was subjected to
treatment with Lyse-N-Go, and the total amounts of DNA in the samples were determined. Then
primers and reagents were added and PCR was performed, yielding satisfactory results. Work
was also done to generate plasmids so that an exact copy number can be determined.

LT2 Rule: Cryptosporidium Assistance
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect
Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by assisting water systems with
implementation of the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment (LT2) Rule.
Presentations on compliance with the LT2 Rule were given at the WKWWOA meeting in
Gilbertsville on June 19 and at the KRWA meeting in Bardstown on June 20. A total of 57
drinking water operators were in attendance at these meetings, where continuing education
credits were offered. A WATERS Lab representative was requested to speak to public water
systems in Morgantown on June 5 and Bardstown and Versailles on June 21 to explain the
requirements of the LT2 Rule, and how they would affect each system.
The first prototype of a self-contained, automatic source water filtration unit that works by its
own internal processor has been developed by WKU engineering students. This automated unit
allows source water to be filtered at the EPA-prescribed rate until ten liters of water have flowed
through the filter, at which time the unit automatically stops the flow if water. This will aid
water systems with the collection of their Crypto samples according to the LT2 Rule.

Center for Water Resource Studies
Environmental Informatics
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect
Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by increasing the amount of
information technology available to water systems, and presenting it in a format that is easy to
understand.
Specific activities under this objective include:
Decision Support System
The Decision Support System (DSS) is a planning resource that serves to establish partnerships
and assist stakeholder groups in minimizing the effects of agricultural, industrial, and municipal
impacts on source water. The DSS will incorporate a rules based system to allow for a
customizable schedule.
The DSS is currently being incorporated into the new TACWQ website located at
http://waterky.org/index.php?q=TACWQ .
System Mapping Assistance
Many rural water systems lack the technology and skill required to digitally map their
infrastructure. Rural systems without GIS data collecting capabilities will be assisted, through
mapping efforts of the Center. Field crews will be deployed to collect GIS information that will
be incorporated into the DSS and Asset Management tools. This data will also be provided to
the systems in a digital format. A minimum of two rural water systems will be provided
mapping assistance through this grant. The systems in need of assistance will be identified
through Kentucky Rural Water Association. It is anticipated that Adairville Water Works in
Logan County, KY will be mapped during the next quarter.
Relational Database Tool
Large volumes of laboratory data from different sources have made data exchange between
different applications very difficult. In this project, we plan to expand on software previously
developed to facilitate data exchange.
An XML format tool to convert OCR documents has been developed. It is anticipated that this
tool will be transferred to the new TACWQ website next quarter.

Web Page Hosting
Many small water systems do not have the financial or technical resources to develop and host
their own websites, yet currently websites are one of the best tools to quickly disseminate
information to the public. Using the website as a media to transmit information to clients within
the rural water district, systems can quickly provide information about water quality (CCR
reports), boil water advisories, meeting times and locations, and additional crucial information.
The TACWQ was approached by the KY Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network
(WARN) Steering committee regarding a need for assistance with the development of the
Kentucky WARN system. Following the impacts of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, it became
apparent that even with the extraordinary efforts of utilities, water associations and the State
Emergency Operations Center, the demand for resources and knowing where those resources
were available overwhelmed the ability to effectively coordinate the initial response. This site
will assist water districts with developing mutual aid agreements to be used in the case of threats
to the drinking water infrastructure for natural or man-made events. The site is being developed
in collaboration with the steering committee, which is made up of seven water systems, including
one small water system. The committee is also comprised of members from government
agencies and representatives from AWWA and KWWOA.

Technology Training
As the use of technology develops, the need for technology training increases. A presentation
for water districts will be provided at a local or state conference to help demystify the technology
tools available to them. Areas to be included will be web site development, applicable software
tools and basics of their use, and basic PC support. Topics covered will include tools previously
developed by the TACWQ and other states. CDs of the available tools will be distributed to
attendees of the presentation. Also covered will be basic computer terms, backup information,
open source software that is available, viruses, firewalls, and other computer security issues.
In addition to the conference presentation, a technology training manual is currently under
development. It will include documentation on tools developed by the TACs, commercial
software, and open source software that is available to water systems. Basic instructions on
using technology for marketing, customer awareness, and system evaluation will also be
included. This manual will be available in hard copy form or on a CD, and can be used by small
water systems throughout the country.
CWRS has revised its web site, and has moved the TACWQ website to
http://waterky.org/index.php?q=TACWQ . This site is being set up to allow for interaction
between visitors and professionals in order to share information. The site contains forums and
additional interactive tools. A site at http://waterky.org/moodle has also been developed that
allows virtual classes to be offered and held through the TACWQ. Currently the Technology
Training is being developed to be included on the site.

Center Coordination
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect
Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by providing outreach to small
water systems, and maximum efficiency between all project team components and concurrent
activities.
Specific activities under this objective include:
Quarterly Reports
The TACWQ will continue to provide quarterly technical and financial status reports to the EPA
project officer. This is the third quarterly report for the current grant year, which covers the
period April 1, 2007 to June 30, 2007.

Education and Outreach
During the quarter, the CWRS display was exhibited at the KRWA Operators Expo in
Bardstown, KY on May 23-24. Jana Fattic attended the American Water Works Annual
Conference and Exposition in Toronto, Canada from June 24-28, 2007, where she co-hosted a
TACNet booth with the other TACs.
Dr. Andrew Ernest is an active member of the Barren River Area Development District
(BRADD) Water Management Council. He attended a council meeting on April 19, 2007. Dr.
Ernest also attended a Drinking Water Advisory Group meeting in Frankfort on May 15, and
Jana Fattic attended the next monthly meeting on June 19.

Stakeholder Advisory Council
A Stakeholder Advisory Council (SAC) meeting was held during the previous quarter in order to
ensure that activities, proposed and ongoing, of the TACWQ accurately reflect the needs of its
constituents. The SAC provides advice to the TACWQ Director on strategic issues related to the
science and technology missions of the TACWQ including insights on research directions and
policy, and perspectives from the broader community and political scene.

 

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FY07 Q3 ReportDW	48.49 KB

Quarter 4 (Quarterly Report July 1 to September 30, 2007)

Introduction
The Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality at Western Kentucky University (TACWQ WKU) serves to support capacity development of small drinking water systems through the Utility Management Institute, a circuit rider, source water investigations, and information technology. The goal of the Center is to help small systems meet the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and ensure public health. While focused on solving local problems that can serve as national models, the TACWQ is impacting small systems throughout the country.
The Center accomplishes its goals by relying on its diversified staff, in-house laboratory capabilities (WATERS), and subcontractors such as Kentucky Rural Water Association (KRWA) and Spatial Data Integrations (SDI). Below are the activities that were conducted toward these goals for the fourth quarter of the grant year, July 1-September 30, 2007.

Kentucky Rural Water Association
The Kentucky Rural Water Association (KRWA) provides training, technical assistance, advocacy, and a variety of other services and benefits to water districts, sanitation districts, water associations, and municipalities under 10,000 in population. KRWA's basic training and technical assistance services are provided to all utilities that request help, regardless of membership status.

Utility Management Institute
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by increasing the overall proficiency of community water system managers for providing safe water.
The Utility Management Institute (UMI) was created, in a collaborative effort between WKU and KRWA, to provide utility managers, and other utility personnel, with the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and earn a university-based, professional designation in the field of management. These goals can be accomplished through the successful completion of six modern, practical management courses, specifically developed for public water utility personnel. The Utility Management Institute rewards its participants with the Utility Management Professional (UMP) designation after completion of all six courses. During the quarter, the course entitled “Human Resource Management for Utilities” was presented in Pineville, Kentucky on July 11-12, 2007 at Pine Mountain State Resort Park. There were twenty-five (25) students participating in this course. “Modern Technology & Utility Management” was presented in Bowling Green, Kentucky on August 8, 2007 at Carroll Knicely Conference Center. There were forty-eight (48) students participating in this course. “Public Relations in Utility Management” was presented in Burkesville, Kentucky on September 12, 2007 at Dale Hollow State Resort Park. There were thirty-six (36) students participating in this course.  New UMI brochures were mailed during the quarter to promote the program and advertise the UMI class schedule for 2008.
The Utility Management Institute now claims a total of three hundred one (301) students. One hundred forty-one (141) of our students have now completed all six of the courses in the UMI Series and have been awarded the Utility Management Professional designation. Course assessments continue to show a high level of satisfaction with the training. During the year, one hundred eighty-one (181) of the one hundred eighty-three (183) assessors rated the session at the two highest levels, very beneficial or beneficial.

Small System Circuit Rider
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by providing on-site technical assistance to community water system operators. The Small System Circuit Rider continues to provide quality technical assistance and training to management and personnel from small public water systems throughout Kentucky. This segment of public water systems, serving under 3,300 in population (especially those serving under 500 in population), is difficult to help through traditional means. These very small systems are often not eligible for assistance through our other Circuit Rider programs (USDA funded) because they are privately owned or are not credit worthy. Hands-on assistance delivered on-site, with active follow-up assistance, is the best way to help these systems comply with the ever-increasing complexities of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). During the fourth quarter, the Circuit Rider position logged 357.75 hours. Of that, time 46% of the total time was spent directly assisting systems or their personnel including 98.5 hours on-site working with systems, 17.75 hours developing plans and reports for systems, and 48.5 hours providing formal training and program outreach. The majority of time this quarter was spent assisting systems with source/supply issues. Activities for technical assistance included well disinfection, leak detection, GPS-GIS mapping
and water quality monitoring. Compliance assistance included public notification and CCR. Management/financial assistance included water accountability, non-recurring charges and purchase water adjustments. This quarter provided several opportunities to assist water utilities. One notable instance is outlined below.
Eastern Rockcastle Water Association – Located in Rockcastle County Kentucky serving 550 water customers.
The Eastern Rockcastle County Water Association, located in Climax, serves a rural community in eastern Kentucky. The utility purchases their water from three different suppliers. In recent years as wholesale rates have increased the Water Association has been able to absorb the slight increases due to the modest gallons purchased from certain suppliers. This year their largest supplier increased rates, which has placed the Association in the red by approximately $600- Western Kentucky University
$700 monthly. The Circuit Rider was requested to assist filing a Purchase Water Adjustment (PWA) with the Public Service Commission. This adjustment will allow the Association to recoup the recent increase. This would not have been a problem had the Association filed the PWA within 20 days of notification from the supplier. However, that notification was published in the newspaper of the adjacent county. The Association was notified upon receiving the water bill the following month. Now that the 20-day window had passed for an essentially automatic PWA the Association had to pass a resolution to increase rates, prepare the filing, give public notice to their customers and allow for a 30-day comment period before their increase could go into effect. The Circuit Rider prepared all of the documentation for the filing, which was approved in September. The rate adjustment is in effect beginning October 15, 2007. After January 2008 the Circuit Rider will assist with a cost of service study to determine if a general rate case should be filed. System Savings: $1,000 for the filing plus additional losses had not the filing been handled promptly.

Spatial Data Integrations
Spatial Data Integrations, Inc. (SDI) is a full service geospatial firm offering a wide variety of mapping services and geographic applications, including imagery processing, natural resource data collection, photo interpretation, geospatial file management and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). SDI provides customized GIS applications and services to rural utilities and small municipalities. SDI has close ties to the rural water community and strives to be an industry innovator.
Asset Management This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by developing an asset management tool for water systems to more efficiently inventory and track their infrastructure and physical assets.
Many small water utilities in the United States have had infrastructure in the ground for over 50 years, much of which is now coming towards the end of its life cycle. Increasingly, utilities are looking for monies or best practices that will enable them to rehabilitate their aging infrastructure and to continue to offer one of America’s most critical public health, economic and environmental assets. Asset management is one practice that small utilities can use to maintain their infrastructure and plan for upcoming rehabilitation or replacement in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.
Spatial Data Integrations (SDI) is developing a pilot web-based asset management system for small systems based upon the existing EPA guidance document “Asset Management: A Handbook for Small Water Systems” (EPA-816-R-03-16). This tool will show the utility personnel and community leaders the ‘big picture’ of their aging infrastructure and allow them to effectively plan capital improvements and/or needed repairs.
During the fourth quarter of the drinking water grant, SDI continued to develop the Web-based Asset Management System for small systems. The system is currently in the final stages of Phase 4. Phase 4 included finalizing the login procedures, repairing some known bugs, finalization of help documentation and minor cosmetic changes. In addition, request for beta testers were sent to approximately 15 water utilities and 2 rural water associations. To date, confirmation has been received from 1 utility and both rural water associations, with 1 completed questionnaire returned.
The pilot application can be accessed by navigating you web-browser to http://sdi.waterky.org/AMS/home.asp. A username and password are required in order to gain access and can be obtained by contacting Trey Lyon at tlyon@sdimaps.com or (502) 213-0981. The system is approximately 80% complete with finalization anticipated for December 2007. Beta testing will continue through this time with emphasis on obtaining an additional small water utility to sign on as a beta tester, and further customization based upon comments. Technical Assistance
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by providing TACWQ personnel with GIS expertise and capabilities, which will further the TACWQ’s mission of providing small water systems with infrastructure mapping assistance. SDI has continued to provide approximately 300 square feet of office space and high-speed Internet access to TACWQ staff members and student workers and technical assistance on geospatial related tasks.

WATERS Laboratory
Water Analysis, Training, Education and Research Services (WATERS) is a water quality laboratory located on WKU’s campus. WATERS espouses the following integrated goals through cooperation:
a) Water Analysis: Certified drinking water laboratory for chemical and biological
analyses.
b) Training: Providing training of field, laboratory and environmental technicians serving an immediate need for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
c) Education: Student certification program, hands-on work experience for undergraduate students in the environmental science field.
d) Research: Developing more accurate and cost-effective methods of analysis for
microbial source tracking.
e) Service: Enabling local, state and regional private and public sector entities to meet environmental management goals through the provision of high quality environmental data collection, management and analysis.

Small Systems Partnership for Compliance Monitoring
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by reducing the financial burden on small water systems of routine water quality analyses required under the SDWA. WATERS continues to partner with small water systems in Kentucky for the purpose of establishing effective and economical methods for meeting compliance monitoring requirements. During the quarter, microbiological analyses were conducted for 9 drinking water systems with
populations less than 10,000. Five of these systems have populations less than 3,300. A total of 139 analyses were conducted for these nine systems during the quarter. Bacteriological Analysis Report Forms were sent to the KY Division of Water electronically in compliance with state reporting requirements.
Microbial Source Tracking Analytical Method Development
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by establishing cost-effective methods of tracking source water contamination.
The ability to track bacterial contaminants in water to their source is a major focus of source water protection. Many research projects have been performed on the subject. However, the only conclusion that most research has reached is that each region of the research area possesses different microorganisms in its waters. This proposal is to study source tracking techniques in the Lower and Upper Green River Watershed region of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The ultimate environmental outcome of the project is cleaner source water by identification and reduction or elimination of the sources of fecal contamination in source waters. An extension of
this work could lead to a reduction in the amount of treatment needed to make surface waters potable, thereby reducing costs. During the quarter, plasmids were generated for the DNA fragments that will be amplified using human- and bovine-specific primers. The plasmids were isolated from the host cells and
experiments were undertaken to ensure they work properly. Calculations were performed to determine the exact copy numbers of the plasmids. The specific samples to be tested were selected based on several criteria including: E. coli data
generated for the sample, concentration of DNA in the sample, and repeat sampling of the same sampling location.
LT2 Rule: Cryptosporidium Assistance
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by assisting water systems with implementation of the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment (LT2) Rule.

A presentation on compliance with the LT2 Rule was given in London, KY on September 18. A total of 56 drinking water operators were in attendance at the meeting, where continuing education credits were offered.
In July the WATERS Lab changed its method for IMS dissociation from acid to heat. An Initial Performance and Recovery (IPR) set was analyzed to prove the new method is comparable to the old method. As a result of this change, an average of 82% recovery for Cryptosporidium and 54% recovery for Giardia was achieved during the August 2007 round of EPA Protozoan Proficiency Testing (PT). In September, two samples for Schedule 4 systems (<10,000 population) were analyzed. Although Schedule 4 systems are not required to begin monitoring until October 2008, these systems took a proactive approach to monitoring. This will give them
more time to evaluate treatment options if additional treatment is required.
Center for Water Resource Studies

Environmental Informatics
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by increasing the amount of information technology available to water systems, and presenting it in a format that is easy to understand.
Specific activities under this objective include:
Decision Support System
The Decision Support System (DSS) is a planning resource that serves to establish partnerships and assist stakeholder groups in minimizing the effects of agricultural, industrial, and municipal impacts on source water. The DSS will incorporate a rules based system to allow for a customizable schedule. The CWRS web site has been converted to a content management system (CMS) that will allow water systems to easily share information, and includes managed groups. ArcGIS Server has been installed and applications are being developed to view data. Since the TACWQ was added to the CMS, the main page has been visited 780 times (http://waterky.org/index.php?q=TACWQ). The download section for the tools available through CWRS has been visited 72 times.
System Mapping Assistance
Many rural water systems lack the technology and skill required to digitally map their
infrastructure. Rural systems without GIS data collecting capabilities will be assisted, through mapping efforts of the Center. Field crews will be deployed to collect GIS information that will be incorporated into the DSS and Asset Management tools. This data will also be provided to the systems in a digital format. A minimum of two rural water systems will be provided  mapping assistance through this grant. The systems in need of assistance will be identified through Kentucky Rural Water Association.
During the quarter, GPS was used to map all of the water features in Adairville, KY. A map is currently being created using GIS and the city will be provided with a large paper map upon completion, along with a published map file that includes all of the data that was collected.
Relational Database Tool
Large volumes of laboratory data from different sources have made data exchange between different applications very difficult. In this project, we plan to expand on software previously developed to facilitate data exchange. An XML format tool to convert OCR documents has been developed. This tool was added to the new TACWQ website this quarter.
Web Page Hosting
Many small water systems do not have the financial or technical resources to develop and host their own websites, yet currently websites are one of the best tools to quickly disseminate information to the public. Using the website as a media to transmit information to clients within the rural water district, systems can quickly provide information about water quality (CCR reports), boil water advisories, meeting times and locations, and additional crucial information.
The KYWARN system is now online and is ready for water systems to register. It can be found at the address kywarn.org. This system will allow water districts to request and provide mutual aid to each other.
Technology Training
As the use of technology develops, the need for technology training increases. A presentation for water districts will be provided at a local or state conference to help demystify the technology tools available to them. Areas to be included will be web site development, applicable software tools and basics of their use, and basic PC support. Topics covered will include tools previously developed by the TACWQ and other states. CDs of the available tools will be distributed to attendees of the presentation. Also covered will be basic computer terms, backup information,
open source software that is available, viruses, firewalls, and other computer security issues. In addition to the conference presentation, a technology training manual is currently under development. It will include documentation on tools developed by the TACs, commercial software, and open source software that is available to water systems. Basic instructions on using technology for marketing, customer awareness, and system evaluation will also be included. This manual will be available in hard copy form or on a CD, and can be used by small water systems throughout the country. A draft of the technology training manual was developed
this quarter, and is available at: http://waterky.org/index.php?q=node/718

Center Coordination
This project supports EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 of Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health and Sub-Objective 2.1.1: Water Safe to Drink by providing outreach to small water systems, and maximum efficiency between all project team components and concurrent activities.
Specific activities under this objective include:
Quarterly Reports
The TACWQ will continue to provide quarterly technical and financial status reports to the EPA project officer. This is the fourth quarterly report for the current grant year, which covers the period July 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007.
Education and Outreach
During the quarter, the CWRS display was exhibited at AWWA’s KY/TN Water Professionals Conference in Louisville, KY from July 15-18, 2007. Christal Wade attended KRWA’s annual conference in Louisville from July 27-29. Jana Fattic attended a Barren River Area Development District (BRADD) Water Management Council meeting in Bowling Green on July 19. Kentucky’s Division of Water (KDOW) has recently formed a statewide steering committee comprised of public water systems and technical assistance providers throughout the state for input on various regulatory issues. Several subcommittees have developed from the original
steering committee. Dr. Andrew Ernest was invited to sit on the steering committee. CWRS employees are involved in many of the subcommittees. Dr. Ernest attended a Steering Committee meeting in Frankfort, KY on July 9, 2007. Dr. Ernest also attended a KDOW Capacity Development Subcommittee meeting in Frankfort on July 24, and Jana Fattic attended the second monthly meeting in Frankfort on August 21. Christal Wade attended the KDOW Compliance Subcommittee meeting in Frankfort on July 30, and Gretchen Grover attended a second meeting in Frankfort on September 24. Jana Fattic attended KDOW Regulations Subcommittee meetings in Frankfort on August 3 and in Elizabethtown, KY on September 14.
Stakeholder Advisory Council
A Stakeholder Advisory Council (SAC) meeting was held during the previous quarter in order to ensure that activities, proposed and ongoing, of the TACWQ accurately reflect the needs of its constituents. The SAC provides advice to the TACWQ Director on strategic issues related to the science and technology missions of the TACWQ including insights on research directions and policy, and perspectives from the broader community and political scene.

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Quarter 2 (Progress Report Year 2 Jan- March 2000)

Introduction Western Kentucky University was awarded a grant by the Environmental Protection Agency (#X826659-01-0) to establish a small public water system Technical Assistance Center (the Center). This program seeks to focus our resources and expertise toward assisting small water deliverers in achieving and maintaining capacity development. The capacity development framework offers a forum within which this Center is working with state regulatory agencies and small water systems to assist them in acquiring and maintaining technical, financial and managerial capacity needed to provide safe drinking water and achieve the public health protection goals of the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act. Western Kentucky University has developed this Center with long range goals, and a “regional” focus. The work plan for this Center is organized into tasks that have multi-year projects all aimed at completion during a five-year program. These tasks are distinct in nature, but mutually supportive. Task 1 addresses training in managerial and financial capacity development; Task 2 provides technical capacity development in a “circuit rider” approach; Task 3 conducts field studies in 17 different watersheds in Kentucky, and analyzes methods of source water protection; Task 4 establishes a data base management system to receive, organize, integrate and distribute project information; and Task 5 establishes a forum to identify and help evaluate innovative and alternative technology applications that can assist small system operators in the delivery of safe drinking water to their customers. In addition, Task 5 seeks to become a Field Testing Organization (FTO) in the EPA's Environmental Testing Validation (ETV) Program, and is currently exploring a cooperative effort with Montana State University to establish a biological denitrification pilot project in Bowling Green, KY. Executive Summary Introduction. Western Kentucky University has established a Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality for small public water systems. Information presented in this report represents efforts during the second quarter of year two of this grant. Year one of this grant covered the 15-month period, 1 July 1998 - 30 September 1999. Grant execution and periods of performance are now aligned with the Environmental Protection Agency fiscal year. Synopsis. This second quarter, second contract year report depicts progress in each of the aforementioned task areas. The activities of the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality during this quarter have been a continuation of the data collection and baselines established in the previous quarters in developing and delivering management training courses; conducting on-site technical assistance; selecting, initial sampling, and evaluation of sites used for sources of drinking water; and identifying innovative methodologies that can provide help to small systems operators. Task 1. The introductory course in Utility Management has been developed and tested on three occasions during the last contract year and first quarter of this contract year. This 3-day course will be offered as a Kentucky Rural Water Association Management Course in April 2000, and again in June 2000. Sixty managers will be trained in year 2000. Widespread acceptance of this initial course offering was received by small utility water managers from across the state. Task 2. The Circuit Rider Program provided on-site, hands on technical assistance in 93 visits to small community and non-community systems this quarter. Assistance ranged from water audits and leak detection to wellhead protection and contaminant inventories. Task 3. Sampling schedules under wet conditions were stalled in the first quarter due to the severe drought that Kentucky has experienced for the final 6 months of 1999. Dry characterization samples for all karst sites were collected to establish the baselines, and wet characterization samples have been collected and analyzed in this quarter in year 2000. The source of atrazine contamination in the Marion, KY watershed is being discussed among WKU, USGS, KRWA, and KY Division of Water. Round two sampling and analysis may shed more light on the situation. The synoptic portion of our sampling program was begun in order to characterize the watersheds for BMP development. Water sampling has begun in the 10 non-karst sites where trihalomethanes (THM) are considered a problem. Data collected in the THM study will be used to develop mathematical models that are aimed at lowering the treatment costs in providing safe water. Task 4. Efforts by Task 4 this quarter were focused in five areas: (1) ongoing website development as a tool for providing information to water systems; (2) development of software and information tools for the direct use of water providers themselves; (3) beginning to expand our information services to those states in EPA Region 4 beyond Kentucky; (4) ongoing construction and maintenance of the project database; and (5) reconstruction and refurbishing of donated, retired computers for use by water systems in need. A major renovation of the project's website has been undertaken. Completion is near of a computer software program for the use of small water systems in filing their Monthly Operating Reports, MOR Advisor. We have begun expansion of our data gathering and information services to the other states in EPA Region 4. Development of the project database is continuing. Finally, significant progress has been made in the rehabilitation of donated older computers for free distribution to small water systems. Task 5. This quarter's work continued efforts with two major innovative technologies: an Actiflo ultrafiltration system that is currently undergoing field tests, and a GIS mapping program employing a modified version of ArcView that has been customized for small water systems by Spatial Data Integrations, Inc. Achieving certification as a Field Testing Organization is also being pursued. Administration Costs invoiced during the second quarter, second year represent salary and fringe benefits for the Director. Costs also represent the efforts of administrative personnel and activities necessary to organize efforts in and among all five tasks, develop a cost accounting system and track accounts. Administrative responsibilities further included interaction with officials in the Kentucky Division of Water, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority and the Kentucky Rural Water Association to assure that task activity was in accordance with the water quality objectives of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Director also met with and gave guidance to the Task Managers in order that our activities were in accordance with the grant technical proposal and milestone schedules.           In March 2000, the Director and Dr. Chris Groves (Task 3) met with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Division of Pesticides; the Kentucky Division of Water; the Kentucky Rural Water Association; and the U.S. Geological Survey to further evaluate the atrazine issue in Marion, Ky. Concentrations exceeded the MCL at several times during the summer and fall of 1999. Efforts are continuing to establish WKU and the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality as a Field Testing Organization (FTO) under the Environmental Technology Validation (ETV) Program. A biological denitrification project was among those technologies we pursued to pilot in this quarter without success. Kentucky has few nitrate problems in drinking water and nitrate spiking was not viewed acceptable to the ETV program. We will continue exploring pilot projects for technologies that can help the operation of small water companies. The Technical Assistance Center has acquired and modified approximately 24 386/486 personal computers (PCs) that were donated by departments within Western Kentucky University. The modification and cannibalization of these computers generated nine functional computers retrofitted with software packages that will provide small water systems with word processing and spreadsheet capabilities. We have also installed on these machines software developed by Dr. Ouida Meier and Mr. Seth Johnson of the Database Management Team that will give water systems the capability to easily generate monthly water loss reports, monthly operating reports, and annual consumer confidence reports. Internet connection capacity will also be provided. These PCs will be provided at no cost to systems based upon specific selection criteria. Technical assistance will also be provided in setting up and operating the computers. It is anticipated that these computers will be distributed to small water systems in May 2000. B. Expenditures: Total administrative expenditures from 10/01/00 to 03/31/00 are $31,613.14. Administrative expenditures borne by the grant in the second quarter of the second year totaled $2,321.09 from the year 1 budget, and $10,608.15 from the year 2 budget. WKU has contributed $53,974.25 in the second quarter, second year (10/01/99 - 03/31/00) of the Water Quality project for all tasks combined. The budget status of all tasks is depicted in Appendix A.           Task 1: Utility Management Institute (UMI) I. Work Status The goal of the UMI is to develop and deliver a series of courses to be included in a “Utility Management Professional” certification program available to system managers, operators, and office managers of water systems serving rural areas and small municipalities with populations under 10,000.           A. Work Progress. The bulk of activity related to the Utility Management Institute (UMI) during this quarter was spent in researching and developing the second year’s courses with the assistance of Western Kentucky University’s (WKU) Center for Math, Science, and Environmental Education. The introductory course has been developed and consists of three days of classroom activity concentrating on subjects such as the history of drinking water, drinking water regulation, financial management, personnel management, and customer relations. An outline of Utility Management 101 is attached. The three specific subject courses will be covering areas of Utility Finance, Organization, Regulation & Law, and Human Resource Management. The Utility Management Institute, as part of the WKU Technology Assistance Center, will be offered in conjunction with the Kentucky Rural Water Association’s Management Conference in Bowling Green, KY on April 11-13, 2000. A second offering of the introductory course will be presented on June 20-22 in Lexington, Kentucky. These two opportunities will allow 60 individuals to complete the introductory course during 2000. B. Difficulties Encountered. No unanticipated difficulties were encountered. C. Preliminary Data Results. Data and information generated by activities in Task 1 are incorporated into the Utilities Management course outlined. D. Anticipated Activities. The introductory course will be offered twice during the year and the next three courses will continue in their development stage with the participation of the WKU Center for Math, Science, and Environmental Education.           II. Discussion of Expenditures Expenditures for this task from 10/01/99 to 03/31/00 were $56,337.59. Expenditures during the second quarter of the second year totaled $47.37 from the year 1 budget, and $24,203.85 from the year 2 budget. III. Key Personnel Changes There were no personnel changes during the second quarter of the second year for Task 1. Task 2: Circuit Rider Program I. Work Status The "Circuit Rider" approach to providing a combination of on-site technical assistance and training is nationally recognized as the most effective method of assisting small public water systems to comply with state and federal environmental regulations. The Circuit Rider program works in partnership with Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) to target the public water systems serving populations under 3,300, with particular emphasis on systems serving less than 500 people, that are experiencing profound difficulties in complying with SDWA provisions.           A. Work Progress. During the quarter the Circuit Rider made 93 technical assistance visits to non-community and community water systems for a total of 608.75 program hours. Three of the on-site visits were spent conducting water audits, while four visits involved leak detection. The Circuit Rider assisted with five public meetings on wellhead protection efforts, and three contaminant source inventories were completed. The Circuit Rider also taught six hours of water-related mathematics to participants at a KRWA sponsored training session. In addition, 21 on-site visits were made concerning assistance with the Consumer Confidence Report. During the quarter, the Circuit Rider has identified six small systems that are in need of computers for some aspect of their operations, either in the administrative office or in the treatment plant. These systems have completed applications explaining their need and await the availability of the machines. B. Difficulties Encountered. No unanticipated difficulties were encountered. C. Preliminary Data Results. See Work Progress above. D. Anticipated Activities. During the next quarter, the WKU Small System Circuit Rider will continue to assist systems with Consumer Confidence reporting and other regulatory issues. An increasing amount of the Circuit Rider’s time is expected to be spent with systems that have made specific requests for assistance through the KRWA office. Many of these requests have resulted from on-site visits. The Circuit Rider will also continue to identify systems that have computer needs in anticipation of future availability.           II. Discussion of Expenditures Expenditures for this task from 10/01/99 to 03/31/00 are $32,044.05. Expenditures during the second quarter of the second year totaled $0 from the year 1 budget, and $21,049.56 from the year 2 budget. III. Key Personnel Changes There were no personnel changes for Task 2. Task 3: Source Water Protection Initiative I. Work Status           A. Work Progress. Work on the Source Water Protection Initiative’s (Task 3) two major projects, the Best Management Practices Study and the Trihalomethane Study, each achieved scheduled progress. Best Management Practices Study The Best Management Practices Study encompasses three programs to characterize each study site’s source-water catchments: 1) water sampling and water analysis, 2) Geographic Information System (GIS) land use analysis, and 3) the examination of macroinvertebrates indicative of water quality. Progress for the three programs are outlined below: Water Sampling: Regular monthly sampling for each of the seven sites began in January and continued through the quarter on a 28-day schedule. Samples were collected over a three-day period each week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). A two person sampling team was mobilized to assist with sample collection at each site. During the January sampling event, all of the study sites were in drought conditions, and it was decided to delay the collection of the wet characterization sample, which contained a comprehensive list of analytes. In January, freezing temperatures were encountered during the sampling, but collection was overall successful. During the cold, pumping equipment at the Logsdon and Hawkins wells (sampling locations for the Logsdon and Diamond Caverns study sites respectively) became frozen and samples could not be collected the day scheduled. Samples from these locations were collected two days later by a team who entered the cave and collected the samples by directly filling the sample containers from the underground stream. Because of the continually freezing surface temperatures (with no groundwater recharge) during the two day period, chemical and hydrological changes on the sampled groundwater were insignificant during this period. Thus, although the samples were taken two days after the scheduled day, the data are statistically appropriate to use in our trend analyses. With the drought’s end in early February due to significant rains, a “wet characterization” round was conducted during the February sampling period. Unlike the dry characterization sampling in September of 1999, the normal monthly parameters were also being analyzed for the wet characterization. Samples were collected two days following a large storm event. Water levels at all sites were higher than observed in the past field work and turbidity had increased. Sample collection primarily went without major incident. Again, equipment problems at the wells caused sampling collection problems, but a contingency plan allowed the samples to be collected and delivered to the analytical labs on time. Prior to the March sampling, each of the study catchments received rain. Normal monthly sampling was scheduled for March. Water levels at the sites were high again and similar to a month earlier. Turbidity was also high. Sample was conducted successfully. However, a problem developed at the Logsdon and Hawkins well sites when the air compressor failed to start. Sample collection was delayed for several hours until the equipment could be started. The water samples were collected on the scheduled day and delivered to the analytical labs on time. Geographic Information Systems Development and Land use Analysis: Geographic Information Systems spatial database development and land use analysis in the seven watersheds continued during this quarter. Through aerial infrared photography interpretation techniques, U.S. Geological Survey Anderson Level III land use and land cover analysis in four of the sites was completed. This quarter, Level III analysis in the drainage basins of Caneyville and Auburn were concluded. These land use parcels have been incorporated into our main GIS database. Caneyville’s drainage basin is approximately 5.79 square miles, with 345 Level III land use parcels. Auburn’s basin is approximately 10.21 square miles, with 521 Level III land use parcels. We also have classified areas on the margins of the boundary lines, as these basin areas are estimates. Anderson Level I creates broad categories of land use and land cover, into which Levels II and III are divided with increasing specificity. Level I categories classified in the Caneyville and Auburn basins (including boundary zones) are showing in Table 1. Table 1. Anderson Level I Land use for Auburn and Caneyville Study Sites Level I Caneyville Area Auburn Area Caneyville and Auburn Totals Urban and built up 0.14 mi2 1.02 mi2 1.16 mi2 Agricultural 3.18 mi2 9.18 mi2 12.36 mi2 Rangeland 0.01 mi2 0.06 mi2 0.07 mi2 Forestland 3.16 mi2 1.81 mi2 4.97 mi2 Water 0.14 mi2 0.09 mi2 0.23 mi2 Caneyville and Auburn Totals 6.63 mi2 12.16 mi2 18.79 mi2 Using Stream Macroinvertebrates as Indicators of Water Quality (Dr. Scott Grubbs) The objectives of this study were two-fold: 1) first, continue work on creating a protocol for (a) an assessment of stream habitat, (b) collection and laboratory processing of macroinvertebrate samples, and (c) an assessment of stream health using measurements of stream habitat and macroinvertebrate structure and function. A working draft of the protocol, focusing on sampling and analysis techniques for surface water habitats, is completed. This protocol will undergo a series of revisions as macroinvertebrate sampling is conducted from each locality. Local conditions (i.e., meso-habitat availability, season, physical nature of stream bed) dictate the need for specializing a protocol to fit the biological and physical nature of the local and/or regional stream structure. A "virtual" protocol as an HTML and/or PDF document (as described above) is nearing completion with the aid of Mr. Brian Rix (WKU undergraduate student). This document has been reviewed and alterations will be made following testing of all collecting and analysis methods during the third quarter 2000; 2) second, to begin a first round of habitat and macroinvertebrate analyses of no less than five karst sites and no less than two non-karst sites throughout western Kentucky. Macroinvertebrate sampling has been conducted from the following localities (Table 2): Table 2. Macroinvertebrate Sampling Summary SAMPLING LOCALITY DATE SAMPLED SPECIFIC LOCALITY HABITATS SAMPLED SAMPLES ANALYZED Auburn 26 Feb. 2000 Small stream immediately below "Blue Hole Spring" (= water intake) Riffle Depositional Incomplete Guthrie 26 Feb. 2000 Small stream immediately below artificial impoundment (= water intake) Riffle Depositional Wood Incomplete Cadiz 05 Mar. 2000 Small stream immediately below concrete cistern (= water intake) Riffle Depositional Wood Incomplete Marion 05 Mar. 2000 Outlet of upper lake (= Lake George) Riffle Incomplete Preliminary Data Results: Completed evaluations are not available in the second quarter concerning habitat analyses or macroinvertebrate assessment. As indicated previously, macroinvertebrate samples from four sites have been obtained and are in the process of being assessed. Anticipated Activities: Sampling dates for fiscal year two were selected during summer 1999 according to predicted periods of surface water flow. Two rounds of sampling have been scheduled to include both early/mid-February and early/mid-April. Due to the aforementioned drought in Kentucky, the sampling dates have been modified: round one: late February to late March; round two: May/June. Round one of sampling has been completed for Auburn, Guthrie, Cadiz, and Marion. Round one of sampling will soon be completed for Caneyville as well. Round two of sampling and habitat analyses needs to be completed for all sites by the middle of July. By the end of the third quarter of Fiscal Year 1999-2000, it is anticipated that macroinvertebrates from all sites will be identified. These data will be used to construct a preliminary site characterization describing both habitat structure and macroinvertebrate community structure. Prior to any anticipated remediation event or BMP implementation, the macroinvertebrate and habitat assessments will serve as baseline data. Trihalomethane Project (Dr. Jeffrey Jack, University of Louisville) The basin wide stream sampling program for the fall/winter of 1999/2000 has been completed. GIS coverages with metadata were generated for the stream sites. The metafiles are not complete as of March 31, 2000. The GIS files will be forwarded to the data manager (Task 4) as soon as the metadata is complete. We have also completed the laboratory analysis for the water chemistry parameters from these streams (Appendix B-1). The water chemistry data parameters collected were used to physiochemically characterize the streams we sampled. The production of THMs is most closely linked to DOC levels, but DOC can be indirectly affected by nutrient conditions in the streams (via limits on primary production, etc.) These data were used to establish baselines in the streams. We conducted a second multi-watershed survey assessing THM levels in the Ohio River and its major tributaries in Kentucky and Indiana, all of which serve as drinking water supplies. The Ogden Water Quality Laboratory is still analyzing the THM data from this survey. The Environmental Analysis Laboratory in Louisville is analyzing water quality parameters at the University of Louisville. We have continued monthly sampling protocol at one reservoir in the Salt River watershed, Taylorsville Lake. We sampled the lake at its inflow and outflow and also at two depths, epilimnetic and hypolimnetic, in the lake proper. We have reduced sampling to three points in the reservoir after stratification broke down in November. We expect to increase sampling to multiple points in the reservoir in April of this year, concomitant with stratification. Data from this survey are included in Appendix B-2. The chemistry parameters measured were the ones most closely associated with THM production. These data will be used in the construction and testing of the THM model. Other Activities Marion Atrazine Work Group: Members of the Task 3 Best Management Practices Study met with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Division of Pesticides, Division of Water (representatives from both Groundwater and Drinking Water Branches), the Kentucky Rural Water Association, and the USGS in Frankfort, Kentucky on March 30, 2000. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and coordinate strategies for remediating the persistent Atrazine contamination at the Marion, Kentucky field site. Data was exchanged between the various agencies, and possible causes of this contamination were discussed. An informal presentation by the USGS showed that annual yields of atrazine (measured as grams/acre over an entire watershed) were as much as two orders of magnitude higher in portions of the Ohio River Basin (including all of Kentucky, Northern Tennessee, Southern Illinois, Southern Indiana, and Southern Ohio) than they were anywhere else in the country. There was a general consensus among those who attended the meeting that the situation in Marion may be much more complex than was originally suspected. Some possible sources of atrazine contamination that were suggested were illegal disposal of chemicals and/or containers, adsorption and subsequent desorption from sediments in the field, and groundwater contamination. This discussion was largely academic, however, and until the actual source(s) of the atrazine contamination are pinpointed, any efforts to remediate the problem will most likely be inadequate. A more in-depth study of the Marion site and the contextual behavior of atrazine at the site will most likely be necessary.           B. Difficulties encountered The Best Management Practices Study had no significant difficulties in the second quarter.Monthly sampling crews have faced equipment malfunction as a result of freezing weather and high-water flow conditions, but in-place contingency plans have allowed for successful completion of all sampling rounds. The THM study continued to have problems in shipping samples to the Ogden Environmental Lab at WKU, primarily with bottles that are breaking during shipping. They are re-evaluating the approach to this and may decide to run the THM samples themselves in the future. This will give the THM study a lot more flexibility for planning experiments and will also circumvent some of the holding time problems faced. Dr. Jeff Jack, THM project leader, has also discussed the likelihood of budget cuts to this project for next year with Task 3 manager, Dr. Chris Groves. Because of these expected reductions, sampling efforts have been reduced in the streams to focus on the large river and reservoir work. Since large river and reservoir systems are likely to have a broader impact on public water supplies, the THM group has decided to focus our limited resources on these areas. These surveys will continue throughout the rest of this year and will be formally re-evaluated in July 2000. C. Preliminary Data Results Best Management Practices Study Higher than expected levels of pesticides in several of the study sites led the BMP study group to begin examining the pesticides metribuzin, trifluralin, atrazine, and simazine. Fact sheets are included for these pesticides in Appendix B-3. Raw pesticides data collected from the sites are presented in Appendix B-4. A water quality sampling round was conducted to characterize each of the sites during high-flow conditions. This is referred to as the “wet characterization” in the project work plan. The results are presented in Appendix B-5. Water quality sampling has been occurring on an 28-day cycle. The results are presented in Appendix B-6. Analysis of public water supply waters for inorganic and organic chemical parameters will provide characterization for the selected sites in Kentucky during both wet and dry periods. These chemical data will provide information on concentration variation due to seasonal climatic variations as well as anthropogenic input variances such as application of agricultural pesticides. Additionally, these data will aid in identifying problem areas that will certainly warrant more specialized study such as with metals or atrazine. II. Discussion of Expenditures Expenditures for Task 3 from 10/01/99 to 03/31/00 are $34,173.63. Expenditures during the second quarter of the second year totaled $3,185.08 from the year 1 budget and $16,708.94 from the year 2 budget. Task 3 expenditures are on schedule. The combined equipment and personnel costs for the first two quarters have expended or encumbered 58.1% of the $135,355.00 budget. $60,638.03 (44.8%) of this amount has been spent for the Trihalomethanes study emphasis under Dr. Jeffrey Jack at the University of Louisville. Trihalomethane Study Expenditures ($60,638.03 subcontract): Compared to our milestones, we are one month behind schedule because of the loss of the December 1999 data. We have expended or encumbered roughly 40% of our budget for the year, so we are on track financially. We expect a considerable increase in expenses over the next quarter because of the increased number of samples that will be collected during the “growing season.” We should be able to finish the first year of this project on budget. There are no discrepancies to report. III. Changes in Key Personnel THM Study Major Waltman has completed his work on the project and is now off the project. Rich Koch, Debbie Guelda and Tim Sellers are now in charge of the river survey. They are not receiving any salary support but they are getting travel and supply support from the project. Water quality parameters are presently being run in the Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL) at the University of Louisville under the direction of Mr. Richard Schulze. There are no other key personnel changes to report in Task 3. Task 4: Database Management and Information Tools I. Work Status It is the responsibility of Task 4, Database Management and Information Tools, to provide appropriate methods and structures for reporting data and metadata to meet the needs of: (1) facilitating efficient and convenient reporting of information by all other Tasks, (2) appropriate capture and storage of data and metadata by the DBMS, and (3) accessible retrieval of information and materials by end users along with ancillary information required for interpretation. The Information Tools function of our Task works to put technology, information, and the tools to create information capacity and capability directly into the hands of water providers, and to make that technology and information as accessible as possible.           A. Work progress. Efforts by Task 4 this quarter were focused in five areas: (1) ongoing website development as a tool for providing information to water systems; (2) development of software and information tools for the direct use of water providers themselves; (3) expanding our information services to those states in EPA Region 4 beyond Kentucky; (4) ongoing construction and maintenance of the project database; and (5) reconstruction and refurbishing of donated, retired computers for use by water systems in need. 1) Ongoing website development and communication. We are continuing our offline renovation of the website in order to simplify navigation and make every section of the site more accessible. This reorganization is essential in order to efficiently deliver the rapidly growing sources of new information, software, maps, tools, documents, and links that we are developing and collecting. 2) Development of software and information tools for direct use. During this past quarter we have essentially completed the development of a computer software program for the use of small water systems in filing Monthly Operating Reports, and we are now proceeding with the final stages of debugging and refinement. The program, MOR Advisor, was constructed by Mr. Seth Johnson in the language Java to allow for both lean programming and a good graphical user interface. Further, the Java runtime utility required by the program is available for free, just as our software itself will be. We will therefore be able to efficiently provide a completely free package that does not require either pre-existing software or a particular operating system. Much additional effort has been expended to make the program function well even on machines with limited computing power. Our first demonstration of the MOR Advisor software and of rehabilitated computers was held at a Kentucky Rural Water Association (KRWA) meeting on 1 February 2000. We have been working with KRWA staff members as a source of ongoing feedback during development, especially Mr. Dell Harris and Mr. Scott Wallace, since KRWA circuit riders will be performing much of the initial introduction of this software to the small rural water systems served by the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality (TACWQ). More detailed information about the program, including screen views of the user interface and the software program in operation, as well as examples of printouts of Monthly Operating Report pages from MOR Advisor, is included in Appendix C. 3) Expanding data gathering and information services to other states. It is part of our mission in the second year of EPA funding to expand our technical assistance services to the rest of the southeastern U.S. In our last quarterly report we included maps we generated showing, on a county by county basis, patterns of MCL violations by drinking water systems for states in this region from 1996 through 1998. We have invested significant effort this quarter in obtaining and verifying locational data for individual water systems so that compliance problems can be examined by watershed levels. The goal here is to identify large-scale patterns in water quality problems for the southeastern U.S. so that the solutions to these problems may be efficiently targeted. Three members of our group received additional ArcView GIS training at the University of Kentucky in Lexington on 19-20 January 2000. This training was offered by Dr. Dan Carey as a service of the Kentucky Geological Survey for the cost of books alone. The activities and status of current GIS tasks within Task 3 of the TACWQ is as follows: Finding (Lat. and Long.) locations of individual Public Water Systems (70% complete) Finding (Lat. and Long.) locations of individual Water Treatment Plants (10% complete) Reprojecting state coverages of Land Use, Geology, and Elevation Data Associating MCL data with Public Water Systems and Wastewater Treatment Plants (25% complete) Learning EPA BASINS (for characterization of watersheds) Working in conjunction with Upper Green River Watershed Watch Creating 3-D Model of hypothesized flow routes 4) Development of project database. Microsoft SQL Server is being used to house and query the databases we have begun to accumulate. Metadata is being constructed for the GIS maps we are producing. We have made additional progress toward a final definition of the project's database structure, but are awaiting the receipt of critical information from Task 3 in order to complete the structure of a database that will house the data they are collecting. Selected data from the EPA SDWIS database have been acquired and queried in conjunction with our efforts to clarify and resolve patterns of water quality problems experienced by small water systems. 5) Rehabilitation of retired computers for use by water systems. We have nearly completed our first effort to resurrect old computers donated from departments within WKU. Nine machines have been outfitted with a Linux operating system and StarOffice, a set of Windows-like word processing and spreadsheet programs. The operating system and software have the advantage of being free for distribution, so neither the TACWQ nor the water systems will have to pay for software licenses. Each machine has also been outfitted with a new, efficient modem, a template for creating Consumer Confidence Reports, and will be given a copy of MOR Advisor, the software we have in-house for Monthly Operating Reports. The machines and software will all be provided free of charge to small water systems. KRWA has agreed to conduct selection of eligible and needy water systems and initial training of water system personnel that may receive these computers on a long-term loan basis. Applications have already been received from nine qualifying small water systems that are in need of these computers. This effort was initiated in order to provide small water companies with the electronic tools they need to operate their companies, access regulatory information, and prepare MORs electronically. We are also working with the state Division of Water so that water systems will be able to submit their reports electronically as well in the future. B. Difficulties encountered. No unanticipated difficulties have been encountered. C. Preliminary data results. See Work Progress above. D. Anticipated activities. Web site renovation will be a major effort next quarter as we strive to maximize its accessibility and utility for all users. We look forward to publicizing the availability of the free MOR Advisor software for distribution during the next quarter. Work will continue in our data gathering and information harvesting, with GIS as a primary mode of analysis and display of information. Ongoing development and maintenance of the structure and content of the project database will also continue. In the next quarter we will distribute rehabilitated computers for long-term loan to the small rural water systems that have applied for them. We shall also continue to respond to requests by water systems and the public for data and information on an ongoing basis.           II. Discussion of Expenditures Task 4 efforts and expenditures are on track. Total expenditures from 10/01/99 to 03/31/00 for Task 4 are $98,722.45. During the second quarter of the second year, expenditures were $31,147.42 from the first year budget and $16,708.94 from the second year budget. III. Key Personnel Changes There have been no changes in key personnel within Task 4 during this quarter. Dr. Ouida Meier continues to direct the efforts of Task 4. We are very fortunate in having a team of three bright, talented undergraduate students who are currently assisting with the work in Task 4 creatively and capably: Mr. Seth M. Johnson, Computer Programmer, Mr. Shane Fryer, GIS specialist, and Mr. Dave McCauley, Linux specialist. The Center is very grateful for their dedicated and skillful efforts. Task 5: Innovative Technologies I. Work Status: The objectives of Task 5 are being fulfilled under three main initiatives: Encourage pilot projects that demonstrate the benefits and effectiveness of innovative and emerging technologies in the drinking water industry Establish Western Kentucky University Technical Assistance Center as a Field Testing Organization (FTO) for NSF & EPA Develop a Sanitary Survey Self Assessment Field Guide for ground water and surface water.           A. Work Progress 1. Pilot Studies. During this second quarter, no pilots were visited. 2. FTO Certification. An effort was made this quarter to locate a public water supply in Kentucky to demonstrate a biological denitrification process in conjunction with Montana State. A preproposal was submitted to Montana State for funding; but because Kentucky waters do not have nitrates above the MCL, any nitrate would require spiking. Due to these reasons, no water utility in Kentucky has shown an interest in purchasing the process from a vendor, and it was decided not to pilot in Kentucky. 3. Sanitary Survey Self Assessment Field Guide. The Sanitary Survey Self Assessment Field Guide and Form for Ground Water is complete. EPA and the Kentucky DOW are reviewing these documents. The Sanitary Survey Self Assessment Field Guide and Form for Surface Water is approximately 50% complete and will be completed as time permits. B. Difficulties Encountered The only difficulty encountered this quarter has been in locating a site to pilot the Biological Denitrification of drinking water in Kentucky. C. Preliminary Data Results The Spatial Data Integration pilot at the Lake Village Water Association is continuing to produce promising results. SDI is continuing to improve the Geographic Information Systems test product, and Mr. Mike Royalty of LVWA reports that the GIS is useful to him every day. D. Anticipated Activities TACWQ is planning to sponsor a seminar along with the Kentucky Division of Water, the Tennessee Division of Water Supply, KRWA, and the Kentucky/Tennessee Section of the American Water Works Association. This Conference is planned for May 24 - 26, 2000 and is designed to provide technical, financial and managerial capacity to those in attendance. A representative of the Small Systems Coordinator, OGWDW, EPA will speak at this seminar.           II. Discussion of Expenditures: Expenditures for Task 5 from 10/01/99 to 03/31/00 are $13,143.25. During the second quarter of the second year, expenses for Task 5 were $3,887.47. III. Key Personnel Changes: There were no personnel changes during this period. Appendix A These Appendixies and figures are availbable in hard copy format, if you need any of these please contact us. Appendix B-3 Pesticide Factsheets: Metribuzin, Trifluralin, Atrazine, and Simazine Metribuzin Metribuzin is a selective triazine herbicide, which inhibits photosynthesis of susceptible plant species. It is primarily used for control of annual grasses and numerous broadleaf weeds in field and vegetable crops. Metribuzin is available as liquid suspension, water dispersible granular, and dry flowable formulations. The U.S. EPA classifies Metribuzin as a slightly toxic compound, in toxicity class III. Metribuzin is slightly toxic to small animals (via oral ingestion). Studies indicate that metribuzin is moderately to slightly toxic to birds and fish. Laboratory studies have indicated there were no carcinogenic or mutagenic effects in rats receiving dietary doses of up to 15 mg/kg/day for 2 years. Metribuzin is considered to have a moderate persistence in the soil environment. The actual half-life of metribuzin varies according to soil type and climatic conditions. Soils half-lives of 30 to 120 days have been reported; a representative value may be approximately 60 days. Metribuzin is poorly bound to most soils and is soluble in water, giving it a potential for leaching in many soil types. Soil mobility is affected by many site-specific variables, including the amount of soil organic matter, particle size distribution, porosity, rainfall, and application rates. The major mechanism by which metribuzin is lost from soil is microbial degradation. Losses due to volatilization or photodegradation are not significant under field conditions. If present, metribuzin would most likely be found in the water column rather than the sediment, due to its low binding affinity and high water solubility. Metribuzin has been detected consistently in the Ohio and Iowa Rivers and groundwater. However, it is not thought to be persistent since the half-life of metribuzin in the open is thought to be approximately seven days. No data concerning metribuzin’s persistence in groundwater could be located. Trifluralin Trifluralin is a selective, preemergence dinitroaniline herbicide used to control many annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in a large variety of tree fruit, nut, vegetable, and grain crops. This type of herbicide is typically applied before weed seedlings sprout. Trifluralin works by inhibiting the growth of roots and shoots when newly germinated weed seedlings absorb it. Trifluralin should be incorporated into the soil by mechanical means within 24 hours of application. Pesticide products containing trifluralin may be moderately toxic to relatively non-toxic, depending on the type of formulation. Trifluralin is not acutely toxic to test animals by oral, dermal or inhalation routes of exposure. In August, 1979, trifluralin was brought under Special Review by the EPA because of the presence of an N-nitrosamine contaminant, which had been shown to cause tumors and to have mutagenic effects in animals. The principle manufacturer of trifluralin had already instituted manufacturing methods to reduce N-nitrosamine contaminant levels. The Special Review was concluded in 1982, with the requirement that N-nitrosamine contaminant levels in trifluralin not exceed 0.5 ppm, a level that the EPA believes will have no toxic effects. However, consumption of trifluralin at high levels well above the LHA level over a long period of time has been shown to cause liver and kidney damage, decreased fetal weight and size, and increased miscarriages in animal studies. The EPA has established a Lifetime Health Advisory (LHA) level of 5 micrograms per liter (ug/l) for trifluralin in drinking water (US Environmental Protection Agency. Jan.,1989). Health Advisory Summary: Trifluralin. US EPA, Washington, DC). This means that EPA believes that water containing trifluralin at or below this level is acceptable for drinking every day over the course of one's lifetime, and does not pose any health concerns. EPA considers trifluralin to be a possible human carcinogen. Consumption of trifluralin at high levels well above the EPA's Lifetime Health Advisory level for drinking water (5 ug/l) over a long period of time has also been shown to cause liver and kidney damage, in animal studies. Trifluralin is not hazardous to birds, but is toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. However, its strong adsorption to soil and the usual practice of incorporating trifluralin into the soil at the time of application may prevent exposure of aquatic organisms to this herbicide. Run-off from fields should be avoided as contamination of lakes and streams could result. At exposure levels well above permissible application rates (100 ppm), trifluralin has also been shown to be toxic to earthworms. Trifluralin is strongly adsorbed on soils (Koc = 7,000 g/ml) and nearly insoluble in water. Therefore, trifluralin is not considered to be a threat to leach into groundwater and contaminate aquifers. Because adsorption is highest in soils high in organic matter or clay content and adsorbed herbicide is inactive, higher application rates may be required for effective weed control on such soils. Trifluralin is subject to degradation by soil microorganisms. Trifluralin remaining on the soil surface after application may be decomposed by UV light or may volatilize. The half-life of trifluralin in the soil is 45 to 60 days or about 6-8 months (at a 2.5 kg/ha application). After a period of six months to one year, 80- 90% of its activity will be gone. Recommended application rates can give season-long weed control, but fall-seeded grain crops planted in soil treated with trifluralin during the preceding spring were not injured under warm, moist conditions. Atrazine Atrazine is a triazine herbicide used primarily for control of broadleaf and grassy weeds in soybeans and corn. Atrazine is one of the most commonly used herbicides in the United States. A USGS study of 122 river basins in the Midwest found atrazine above the MCL in 27 percent of raw water samples. Atrazine is available in both granular and liquid form. Effects of acute exposures to atrazine include congestion of the heart, lungs, and kidneys, hypotension, antidiuresis, muscle spasms, weight loss, and adrenal degeneration. The EPA considers a one to ten day exposure of 0.1 mg/L or a seven year exposure of 0.05 mg/L to be safe for a 10-kg child consuming one liter of water per day. Chronic exposure to atrazine above the MCL may cause weight loss, retinal and muscular degeneration, cardial damage, and mammary cancer. Atrazine has been identified as a potential carcinogen for those with a lifetime exposure above the MCL. Photodegradation and volatilization do not appear to be major factors in the fate of atrazine. Microbial activity appears to account for significant degradation of atrazine in soils. Atrazine has an average Koc of 122, indicating medium to high mobility in soils. However, atrazine has the capacity to adsorb to colloidal materials, such as clays, metal oxides, and organic detritus, which can be found in the water column. Typically, leaching and downward infiltration of atrazine is limited by adsorption to these colloids, however, in soils with small amounts of colloidal material this may not be the case. It is also important to note that adsorption is not permanent. Fluctuations in temperature, pH, and moisture can influence the direction of the adsorption-desorption reaction. Simazine Simazine is a triazine herbicide used for pre-emergent control of broad-leaved and grassy weeds in corn and other row crops as well as in non-crop areas such as farm ponds and hatcheries. It is often used in combination with other herbicides including atrazine, Roundup, and paraquat. Acute exposure to simazine may cause blood changes and weight loss. Chronic exposure at levels above the MCL may cause tremors, damage to the testes, liver, and thyroid, and gene mutations. There is evidence that chronic exposure to simazine may cause cancer. The EPA considers short-term exposures of up to seven years at a concentration of up to 0.07 mg/L safe for a 10-kg child consuming one liter of water per day. Adsorption and volatilization are not considered important in the fate of simazine under field conditions. Simazine can persist as long as three years under aquatic field conditions. Persistence in aquatic environments is variable, ranging from 50 to 700 days. The severity of weed and/or algal infestation appears to be the major factor in the persistence of this herbicide. Microbial activity and hydrolysis both contribute to degradation, however, certain catalysts such as glucose must be present for hydrolysis to occur. Simazine has a low potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms.

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Quarter 3 (Progress Report Year 2 April- June 2000)

Introduction Western Kentucky University was awarded a grant by the Environmental Protection Agency (#X826659-01-0) to establish a small public water system Technical Assistance Center (the Center). This program seeks to focus our resources and expertise toward assisting small water deliverers in achieving and maintaining capacity development. The capacity development framework offers a forum within which this Center is working with state regulatory agencies and small water systems to assist them in acquiring and maintaining technical, financial and managerial capacity needed to provide safe drinking water and achieve the public health protection goals of the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act. Western Kentucky University has developed this Center with long range goals, and a “regional” focus. The work plan for this Center is organized into tasks that have multi-year projects all aimed at completion during a five-year program. These tasks are distinct in nature, but mutually supportive. Task 1 addresses training in managerial and financial capacity development; Task 2 provides technical capacity development in a “circuit rider” approach; Task 3 conducts field studies in 17 different watersheds in Kentucky, and analyzes methods of source water protection; Task 4 establishes a database management system and develops information tools to receive, organize, integrate and distribute project information; and Task 5 establishes a forum to identify and help evaluate innovative and alternative technology applications that can assist small system operators in the delivery of safe drinking water to their customers; Task 5 also seeks to become a Field Testing Organization (FTO) in the EPA's Environmental Testing Validation (ETV) Program. Executive Summary Introduction. Western Kentucky University has established a Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality for small public water systems. Information presented in this report represents efforts during the third quarter of year two of this grant. Synopsis. This third quarter, second contract year report depicts progress in each of the aforementioned task areas. The activities of the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality during this quarter have been focused upon presenting "Utility Management 101" courses on two occasions to water utility managers throughout the state, and in the development of two additional courses in utility organization, regulation and law, and utility finance and administration. Efforts continue in the establishment of an Associates Degree at WKU in Water Utilities Management; conducting on-site technical assistance; initial sampling, and evaluation of sites used for sources of drinking water; and identifying innovative methodologies that can provide help to small systems operators. Task 1. The introductory course in Utility Management has been developed. The complete course symposium has been offered on two occasions during the third quarter of this contract year. This 3-day course was offered as a Kentucky Rural Water Association Management Course in April 2000, and again in June 2000. Sixty managers will be trained in year 2000. Widespread acceptance of this initial course offering was received by small utility water managers from across the state. Initial responses to a needs survey for the Associates Degree program, showing that 84 personnel from 78 water systems were interested in pursuing an Associates Degree in water utility management, were very encouraging. Task 2. The Circuit Rider Program provided on-site, hands-on technical assistance in 53 visits to small community and non-community systems this quarter. Assistance ranged from water audits and leak detection to wellhead protection and contaminant inventories. Additionally, 38 systems received direct assistance in completing their Consumer Confidence Reports. Task 3. Work on the Source Water Protection Initiative’s two major projects, the Best Management Practices (BMP) Study and the Trihalomethane (THM) Study, each achieved scheduled progress. The third quarter of year two was marked by a return to drought conditions throughout much of the state. Regular monthly sampling for each of the seven sites continued through the third quarter of 2000 on a 28-day schedule to June 15. As in previous quarters, the contaminants identified are primarily those associated with agricultural land use activities. Recognition of pesticides at several study sites (particularly Marion) has led the BMP group to continue analyzing for pesticides metribuzin, trifluralin, atrazine, and simazine.  In the associated macroinvertebrate study, rounds one (March 2000) and two (June 2000) of sampling have been completed for Auburn, Guthrie, Cadiz, Marion, and Caneyville, and organism sorting and analysis are underway. In the THM study, we have received THM data from our second multi-watershed survey in the Ohio River and its major tributaries in Kentucky and Indiana, all of which serve as drinking water supplies. We have also continued monthly sampling protocol at one reservoir in the Salt River watershed, Taylorsville Lake, and we have begun the first mesocosm experiment assessing the relationship of THM production to algal production. Task 4. Efforts by the Database Management and Information Tools section this quarter were focused in five areas: (1) ongoing website development as a tool for providing information to water systems; (2) development of software and information tools for the direct use of water providers themselves; (3) beginning to expand our information services to those states in EPA Region 4 beyond Kentucky; (4) ongoing construction and maintenance of the project database; and (5) reconstruction and refurbishing of donated, retired computers for use by water systems in need. A major renovation of the project's website has been undertaken. We have completed development of a computer software program for the use of small water systems in filing their Monthly Operating Reports, MOR Advisor; this software is now available for download from our website.  We have begun expansion of our data gathering and information services to the other states in EPA Region 4, and present here . Development of the project database is continuing. Finally, we have completed the rehabilitation of donated older computers for free distribution to small water systems, and have developed an Operator's Manual that will be delivered with the computers to water systems during the month of July 2000. Task 5. This quarter's work consisted of efforts with a GIS mapping program employing a modified version of ArcView that has been customized for small water systems by Spatial Data Integrations, Inc.  A Sanitary Survey Self-Assessment Guide for groundwater systems has been completed, and a Guide for surface water systems will be completed in the fourth quarter of this contract year. Finally, a Western Spring Conference for water quality was hosted at WKU, bringing together small water operators, Kentucky Rural Water Association, states of Kentucky and Tennessee water authorities, EPA finance centers and the EPA Small Systems office. New rules and regulations were presented and discussed. Costs invoiced during the second quarter, second year represent salary and fringe benefits for the Director. Costs also represent the efforts of administrative personnel and activities necessary to organize efforts in and among all five tasks, develop a cost accounting system and track accounts.  Administrative responsibilities further included interaction with officials in the Kentucky Division of Water, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority and the Kentucky Rural Water Association to assure that task activity was in accordance with the water quality objectives of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Director also met with and gave guidance to the Task Managers in order that our activities were in accordance with the grant technical proposal and milestone schedules. During this quarter, the Director has worked with Brents Dickinson to finalize the Sanitary Survey Self-Assessment for groundwater, and attended the Western Spring Conference (see Task 5). The Technical Assistance Center has acquired and modified approximately 24 386/486 personal computers (PCs) that were donated by departments within Western Kentucky University. The modification and cannibalization of these computers generated nine functional computers retrofitted with software packages that will provide small water systems with word processing and spreadsheet capabilities. We have also installed on these machines software developed by Dr. Ouida Meier and Mr. Seth Johnson of the Database Management Team that will give water systems the capability to easily generate monthly water loss reports, monthly operating reports, and annual consumer confidence reports. Internet connection capacity is also provided. These PCs are now being distributed at no cost to seven water systems based upon specific selection criteria. Technical assistance is also being provided in setting up and operating the computers. Total administrative expenditures from 04/01/00 to 06/30/00 are $18,574. The year-to-date administrative expenditures have been $47,407 out of a second year budget of $80,814. Additionally, WKU has contributed a cumulative total of $116,591.83 through the third quarter, second year (10/01/98 - 06/30/00) of the Water Quality project for all tasks combined. The budget status of all tasks is depicted in Appendix A-1. The distribution of the WKU cost sharing among tasks is shown at Appendix A-2. Task 1: Utility Management Institute (UMI) I. Work Status The goal of the UMI is to develop and deliver a series of courses to be included in a “Utility Management Professional” certification program available to system managers, operators, and office managers of water systems serving rural areas and small municipalities with populations under 10,000.           A. Work Progress. During the quarter, two presentations of the Utility Management Institute’s course “Utility Management 101” were conducted. A total of 37 utility managers participated in the presentations in Bowling Green on April 11-13, 2000 and in Lexington on June 20-22, 2000. Both sessions were well received by the participants and the course evaluations are included as an attachment to this report. Responses form both sessions reflect the positive manner of the participants, and their perception of the need for this instruction (Appendices B-1 and B-2). Work continues on the development of two new courses, “Utility Organization, Regulation & Law” and “Utility Finance & Administration.” These two-day courses will be conducted once in FY2001, as will the introductory course. Additional progress has been made in the planning for an Associate Degree program in Utility Management. An interest survey was mailed out to 367 water and wastewater utilities in June 2000. The response rate was approximately 23% and the interest level was significantly high among all types of utilities with an overall positive response of between 75 and 80%. Copies of the returned surveys are also attached to this report. Eighty-four (84) personnel, from seventy-eight (78) systems responding, identified themselves as interested in attending a Utility Management degree program (Appendix B-3). B. Difficulties Encountered. No unanticipated difficulties were encountered. C. Preliminary Data Results. The survey data and course materials will be shared with the database manager for appropriate inclusion on the TAC website. D. Anticipated Activities. The introductory course will be offered twice during the year and the next two courses continue in their development stage with the participation of the WKU Center for Math, Science, and Environmental Education. During the next quarter, final course materials designed for trainer orientation and support will be completed. Copies will be available for EPA perusal and for other interested individuals and organizations.           II. Discussion of Expenditures Expenditures for this task from 04/01/99 to 06/30/00 were $24,471. The year-to-date Task 1 expenditures have been $48,675 out of a second year budget of $110,610. III.  Key Personnel Changes There were no personnel changes during the second quarter of the second year for Task 1. Task 2: Circuit Rider Program I. Work Status The "Circuit Rider" approach to providing a combination of on-site technical assistance and training is nationally recognized as the most effective method of assisting small public water systems to comply with state and federal environmental regulations. The Circuit Rider program works in partnership with Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) to target the public water systems serving populations under 3,300, with particular emphasis on systems serving less than 500 people, that are experiencing profound difficulties in complying with SDWA provisions.           A. Work Progress. During the quarter the Circuit Rider made 53 technical assistance visits to 41 non-community and community water systems spending a total of 643.75 hours on-site.  Additionally, 38 systems received assistance in completing their Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). This assistance was conducted both on-site and electronically by sharing faxed or e-mailed information. As the CCR deadline neared, the Circuit Rider participated in an effort to remind almost 200 systems of the CCR deadline for delivery of a copy to the Division of Water. Also, during the reporting period, the Circuit Rider performed two water audits in systems, attended a 2-day workshop on computer troubleshooting and repair, assisted with four leak detections, attended the Rural Water Rally in Washington, D.C., and was a participant at the Utility Management Institute in Lexington, KY. B. Difficulties Encountered. No unanticipated difficulties were encountered. C. Preliminary Data Results. See Work Progress above. D. Anticipated Activities. During the next quarter, the WKU Small System Circuit Rider will be attending NRWA’s in-service training in San Antonio, TX. Most of the technical assistance time will be spent with systems that are receiving donated computers from Western Kentucky University. The computers have been matched to seven systems that filled out applications demonstrating their need. The Circuit Rider will lead the installation and training efforts to introduce these computers to system personnel with little or no experience with computers. The computers have been loaded by Task 4 personnel with word processing software, KRWA’s Consumer Confidence Report templates and instructions, and a specially designed piece of software for the completion of Monthly Operating Reports.           II. Discussion of Expenditures Expenditures for this task from 04/01/99 to 06/30/00 were $16,977. The year-to-date Task 1 expenditures have been $43,308 out of a second year budget of $64,739. III. Key Personnel Changes There were no personnel changes for Task 2. Task 3: Source Water Protection Initiative I. Work Status           A. Work Progress. Work on the Source Water Protection Initiative’s (Task 3) two major projects, the Best Management Practices Study and the Trihalomethane Study, each achieved scheduled progress. Best Management Practices Study The Best Management Practices Study encompasses three programs to characterize seven study site’s source-water catchments: 1) water sampling and water analysis, 2) Geographic Information System (GIS) land use analysis, and 3) the examination of macroinvertebrates indicative of water quality. Progress for the three programs are outlined below: Water Sampling: The third quarter of year two was marked by a return to drought conditions throughout much of the state. In April, conditions were classified as "moderate drought" using the Palmer Drought Index calculated by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Through June most of Kentucky had slipped into the "severe drought" category. The forecast for the fourth quarter is for below normal precipitation and continued drought conditions. As mentioned in previous reports, regular monthly sampling for each of the seven sites began in January and continued through the third quarter of 2000 on a 28-day schedule. Samples were collected over a three-day period. In April samples were collected on the 18th – 20th, in May they were collected the 16th – 18th, and in June they were collected the 13th – 15th. A two-person sampling team was mobilized to collect the water samples at each of the seven sites. Collection of water samples was without incident during the May and June synoptic sampling events. However, during the April sampling event the compressor for the pump at the well sites developed mechanical difficulty and required several hours of maintenance to correct the problem. A contingency plan was initiated and the samples were still delivered to the lab during the sampling period. Each of the sites appeared to be at or at near normal water levels in April. Sporadic rain events throughout May and June were substantive to provide adequate flow for synoptic sampling at all seven sites, though water levels had visibly lowered. Plans for continued monthly sampling were made for July, August, and September to close out the second year sampling. Synoptic sampling data acquired through year two will likely provide a sufficient basis for reducing sampling from monthly to quarterly during year three. The lack of significant and sustained rain events this quarter is likely responsible for the lack of detectable pesticides in May and June. As in previous quarters, the contaminants are primarily those associated with agricultural land use activities. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Development and Land Use Analysis: Geographic Information Systems spatial database development and land use continued during this quarter. Thus far, we have completed USGS Anderson Level III land use analysis for five of the seven study sites, including Mammoth Cave, Diamond Caverns, Auburn, Marion, and Caneyville sites. The total combined areas of the study sites is 84 square miles. Approximately 68 square miles of land use (80% of the total project) have been interpreted using remote sensing techniques and color infrared photo-interpretation. Land use classifications for the interpreted areas have been digitized and placed on the Task 3 GIS in ArcView format. In order to take advantage of existing base map datasets produced by the State of Kentucky Office of GIS, the Task 3 GIS has been converted to Kentucky State Plane, South Zone, NAD1983. Land use analysis for the Guthrie (Meriwether Spring) study site is ongoing. The basin, covering 11.95 square miles, is one of the largest of the seven study sites. Completion of land use analysis of the Guthrie and Cadiz sites, as well as creation of metadata for the existing datasets, will be completed in the fourth quarter. Dissemination efforts related to Task 3 during the past quarter was via an oral presentation by Rhonda Pfaff (undergraduate student working on the landuse study) at the Kentucky GIS Conference. This conference was sponsored by the Governor’s Office for Technology and was held on June 6, 2000 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The title of Ms. Pfaff’s presentation was “Landuse and Water Quality Threats to the Mammoth Cave Karst Aquifer”. Using Stream Macroinvertebrates as Indicators of Water Quality (Dr. Scott Grubbs): My responsibility, within the framework of Task 3 for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 1999-2000, was two-fold.  The first responsibility was to continue work on creating a protocol for (a) an assessment of stream habitat, (b) collection and laboratory processing of macroinvertebrate samples, and (c) an assessment of stream health using measurements of stream habitat and macroinvertebrate structure and function. A working draft of the protocol, focusing on sampling and analysis techniques for surface-water habitats, continues to be revised as macroinvertebrate sampling is conducted from each of the seven localities. Local conditions (i.e., meso-habitat availability (e.g., wood, riffle), season, physical nature of streambed) have dictated the need for a specialized protocol to fit the biological and physical nature of local and/or regional stream structure. A "virtual" protocol, as an HTML document (as described above), is nearing completion with the aid of Mr. Brian Rix (WKU undergraduate student). I have reviewed this document and alterations will be made following testing of all collecting and analysis methods during Summer 2000. The second major responsibility was to complete two rounds of macroinvertebrate sampling of no less than five karst and/or non-karst sites throughout western Kentucky. Sampling dates for fiscal year two were selected during summer 1999 according to predicted periods of surface water flow. Two rounds of sampling were scheduled to include both early/mid-February and early/mid-April. The sampling dates were modified: round one: late February to early April; round two: June. Rounds one and two of sampling have been completed for Auburn, Guthrie, Cadiz, Marion, and Caneyville (Table 1). Table 1. Macroinvertebrate Sampling Summary SAMPLING LOCALITY DATE SAMPLED SPECIFIC LOCALITY HABITATS SAMPLED SAMPLES SORTED SAMPLES ANALYZED Auburn 26 Feb. 2000 Small stream immediately below "Blue Hole Spring" (= water intake) Riffle Depositional Yes No Auburn 15 Feb. 2000 same as above Riffle Depositional No No Guthrie 26 Feb. 2000 Small stream immediately below artificial impoundment (= water intake) Riffle Depositional Wood Yes No Guthrie 15 June 2000 same as above Riffle Depositional Wood No No Cadiz 05 Mar. 2000 Small stream immediately Below concrete cistern (= water intake) Riffle Depositional Wood Yes No Cadiz 15 June 2000 unable to sample same as above       Marion 05 Mar. 2000 Outlet of upper lake (= Lake George) Riffle Yes No Marion 15 June 2000 unable to sample same as above but stream reduced to standing pools only       Caneyville 06 April 2000 Bennett Branch of Caney Creek, main inlet to Caneyville Reservoir, immediately upstream of Caneyville Reservoir Riffle Depositional Yes No Caneyville 14 June 2000 same as above; but stream reduced to standing pools only Depositional No No Anticipated Activities of Macroinvertebrate Study: By the end of the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 1999-2000, I anticipate that macroinvertebrates from all sites will be identified. Approximately 60% of all samples have been sorted, but I have not yet initiated identification. All identification will commence and I anticipate will be completed by the end of the second fiscal year. In addition, habitat analyses need to be completed for all sites. A preliminary site characterization, which describes both habitat structure and macroinvertebrate community structure, will be available. Prior to any anticipated remediation event or BMP, the macroinvertebrate plus habitat assessment will serve as baseline data. Trihalomethane Project (Dr. Jeffrey Jack, University of Louisville) The work performed during this period included the following items: We have received THM data from our second multi-watershed survey in the Ohio River and its major tributaries in Kentucky and Indiana, all of which serve as drinking water supplies.  See preliminary data in Figures 1-3. These preliminary values are shown to indicate the delineation of these watersheds that our efforts are focused upon. The Environmental Analysis Laboratory at the University of Louisville is analyzing water quality parameters. Once these are assembled, we can begin the correlational analysis. This will be reported in our next quarterly report. We have continued monthly sampling protocol at one reservoir in the Salt River watershed, Taylorsville Lake.  We sampled the lake at its inflow and outflow and also at two depths, epilimnetic and hypolimnetic, in the lake proper.  With the initiation of stratification, we have added another inlet (Beech Creek) to the sampling program to better assess the condition of the water entering Taylorsville reservoir. We have begun the first mesocosm experiment assessing the relationship of THM production to algal production.  This experiment is using the Ohio River Experimental Station mesocosms to conduct a controlled analysis of the impacts of algal production on THM formation potential.  This experiment will end on July 7. Preliminary data will be available for the next quarterly report. We have begun planning for a low pool river survey to be conducted in late July/early August.  This survey will sample the major tributaries as before during a period in the rivers (low pool) when THM formation potential may be at a peak. Other Task 3 Activities During this past quarter, communications were made for the project to begin a focus on Marion, Kentucky and its atrazine problem. We are anticipating not only to continue our cooperation with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Division of Pesticides, Kentucky Division of Water, the Kentucky Rural Water Association, and the USGS, but also to contact Novartis (atrazine manufacturers) for possible additional support to study the noncompliance situation at Marion. Also during the past quarter, we recognized the need for addressing problems with biological contaminants. With WKU matching funds, we purchased a fluorescent microscope for the Ogden Environmental Water Quality Lab at WKU that is capable of analyzing Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and similar microbial contaminants in supply waters. B. Difficulties encountered The Best Management Practices Study had no significant complications during the third quarter. Monthly sampling crews have encountered only inconsequential difficulties during sampling events. No major difficulties have been encountered this quarter in the THM study.  Samples have been shipped to WKU with no problems.  We have received our budget distribution for the next fiscal year, and have adjusted our projected activities for the TACWQ accordingly. C. Preliminary Data Results Best Management Practices Study Recognition of pesticides at several study sites (particularly Marion) has led the BMP group to continue analyzing for pesticides metribuzin, trifluralin, atrazine, and simazine. Raw pesticides data collected from the field sites are displayed in Appendix C-1. Water-quality sampling data occurring on a 28-day cycle are presented in Appendix C-2. These data show the synoptic variation associated with water quality but are not specifically tied to wet or dry characterization data. The next quarterly report will provide detailed analysis of all synoptic data and compare and contrast it with wet characterization and dry characterization data. Within the macroinvertebrate study, there are no water quality data to report in either habitat analyses or macroinvertebrate assessment. As indicated previously, macroinvertebrate samples from five sites over two sampling periods have been obtained and are in the process of being assessed. Data will be presented in the fourth quarter report. Trihalomethane Study Preliminary and patterns are presented and discussed in Figures 1-3, following. Figure 1. Data and graphs from the two river surveys we have conducted (survey # 3 is scheduled for next month). In both the low and high pools of the Ohio River and major tributaries we have been seeing a similar pattern of relative THM values, although total THMs have differed.   The Wabash River is a major source of THMs for the Ohio River watershed.  This is a largely agricultural watershed with high levels of chlorophyll a, nutrients etc. in its flow.  The largest tributaries, the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers, do not contribute much THM to the Ohio mainstem; perhaps because of the large reservoirs they both have near their confluence with the Ohio (Lakes Barkley and Kentucky).  Our preliminary data indicate that the Ohio River is acting as a sink for THMs. This may be due to dilution, in-river processing or both.  We are designing mesocosm experiments to try to separate these impacts and assess their importance. Figure 2.  This is part of the dataset we have generated from Taylorsville Reservoir assessing the relation of THM formation with organic constituent concentrations.  One previous study found a significant correlation between THM formation and concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC).  For the first 6 months of our study, we have found a correlation as well but its explanatory power is very low (R2=0.04).  We are now beginning to look at more powerful statistical techniques (etc. multiple regression) to relate multiple factors to THM formation.  It is likely that THM formation is a complex phenomenon in this lake. Figure 3.  This is another aspect of our Taylorsville Reservoir sampling program.  Taylorsville Reservoir seems to be a source of THM for three months for which we have data analyzed, particularly in late winter/early spring. This is in contrast to the Ohio River, which seems to be a sink for THM (see above). This may be the result of the release of nutrients and increase in dissolved organics during turnover in this lake.           II. Discussion of Expenditures Task 3 expenditures are on schedule. The combined materials, analytical, and personnel cost for the first three quarters has expended and encumbered 74.7% of the $135,355.00 budget. $60,638.03 (44.8%) of this amount has been spent for the Trihalomethanes study emphasis under Dr. Jeffrey Jack at the University of Louisville. Cost-matching from Western Kentucky University comprises an additional $43,064 in Task 3 project funds. $19,902 (46.2%) of these funds has been expended during the first three quarters of this project year. These funds have been earmarked by the university for laboratory analysis, materials, supplies, equipment, and travel. The larger percentage budget remaining in the cost-matching account reflects lessened analytical billing as a result of the major drought which continued into the project's first quarter. As parameters of concern have been identified from the BMP water sampling program, we have noticed particular problems with pesticide contamination. Over the project's second and third quarter, we have been using the funds to continue characterizing the water supplies' pesticide loads. We plan to continue the pesticide characterization during the fourth quarter. Combined Year 2 expenditures through the third quarter for all accounts used by Task 3 (including those funded by EPA and cost-sharing by WKU) are $120,989 of $178,419 (or 67.8%). There are no discrepancies to report. EPA expenditures for this task from 04/01/99 to 06/30/00 were $1,902 from the year 1 budget and $36,715 from the year 2 budget. The year-to-date Task 3 expenditures have been $55,895 out of a second year EPA budget of $135,355. An additional $396 remains available to Task 3 from its year 1 EPA budget. Trihalomethane Study Expenditures ($60,638.03 subcontract): Compared to our milestones we are one month behind schedule because of the loss of the December 1999 data. We have expended roughly 59% of our budget for the year and we have a number of outstanding bills for analysis we will need to pay next quarter. We should be able to finish the first year of this project on budget. There are no discrepancies to report III. Changes in Key Personnel THM Study  Dale McGaha has joined the project as a graduate student researcher. Mr. McGaha will be focusing his efforts on the role microbial communities play in THM formation in “raw” waters. There are no other key personnel changes to report in Task 3.  Task 4: Database Management and Information Tools It is the responsibility of Task 4, Database Management and Information Tools, to provide appropriate methods and structures for reporting data and metadata to meet the needs of: (1) facilitating efficient and convenient reporting of information by all other Tasks, (2) appropriate capture and storage of data and metadata by the Database Management System, and (3) accessible retrieval of information and materials by end users along with ancillary information required for interpretation. The Information Tools function of our Task works to put technology, information, and the tools to create information capacity and capability directly into the hands of water providers, and to make that technology and information as accessible as possible.           A. Work progress. Efforts by Task 4 this quarter continued to focus in five areas: (1) ongoing website development as a tool for providing information to water systems; (2) development of software and information tools for the direct use of water providers themselves; (3) expanding our information services to those states in EPA Region 4 beyond Kentucky; (4) ongoing construction and maintenance of the project database; and (5) reconstruction and refurbishing of donated, retired computers for use by water systems in need. 1) Ongoing website development and communication.  We have made a great deal of progress in the renovation of our website in order to simplify navigation and make every section of the site more accessible. The address of the new site, nearing completion, will be http://water.wku.edu. This reorganization is essential in order to efficiently deliver the rapidly growing sources of new information, software, maps, tools, documents, and links that we are developing and collecting. 2) Development of software and information tools for direct use.  In-house development of a piece of software, MOR Advisor, to facilitate the completion and filing of Monthly Operating Reports by small water systems, has been completed, tested, debugged, finalized, and was made available for free download from our website during the past quarter. It can be found at URL http://waterquality.bio.wku.edu/MOR/.  We plan to gather information from water systems that are trying out this software to get feedback on its efficacy. The program MOR Advisor was constructed by Mr. Seth Johnson, a WKU student, in the language Java to allow for both lean programming and a good graphical user interface. Further, the Java runtime utility required by the program is available for free, just as our software itself is. We will therefore be able to efficiently provide a completely free package that does not require either pre-existing software or a particular operating system. Much additional effort has been expended to make the program function well even on machines with limited computing power. The program has also been optimized to run under both Windows and Linux operating environments. 3) Data gathering and information services to Kentucky and other states. It is part of our mission in this second year of EPA funding to begin expanding our technical assistance services to the rest of the southeastern U.S.  A primary goal of the mapping effort presented here is to identify large-scale patterns in water quality problems for the southeastern U.S. so that the solutions to these problems may be efficiently targeted. We present here a detailed summary of the status of Kentucky's public water and sewer systems showing the counties and number of people lacking these essential services (Figures 1-2). These maps are based on information recently made available by the Kentucky Water Resource Development Commission. In this report we also present a new series of information maps of patterns of water quality problems across the southeastern US, including all of EPA Region 4, plus Virginia and West Virginia. These maps are included at the end of this section (Figures 3-13). A description of the patterns observed so far in these maps is presented under Preliminary Data Results. 4) Development of project database. Microsoft SQL Server is being used to house and query the databases we have begun to accumulate. Metadata is being constructed for the GIS maps we are producing. We have made additional progress toward a final definition of the project's database structure, but are still awaiting the receipt of critical information from Task 3 in order to complete the structure of a database that will house the data they are collecting. Selected data from the EPA SDWIS database have been acquired and queried in conjunction with our efforts to clarify and resolve patterns of water quality problems experienced by small water systems. 5) Rehabilitation of retired computers for use by water systems.  We originally proposed to look into the possibility of renovating computers for water systems this year. From a collection of 25 available machines, we have completed the preparation and refurbishing of nine old computers donated for long-term loan to water systems in need of computing power. This effort is finally coming to completion after a very long series of encountering technical problems and developing solutions to them. All students involved in this work are to be commended for their effort and persistence. All computers and associated equipment (monitors, mice, keyboards, modems) have been submitted to a final check and cleaning. We have also written a detailed Operator's Manual to accompany these machines (Appendix D-1). We will deliver the machines to KRWA for distribution by early July 2000. A Press Release has been scheduled for that date as well (Appendix D-2). Feedback request forms were included with the Operator's Manual to help evaluate needs and utilities for donated computers the TACWQ might distribute in future. B. Difficulties encountered. No insurmountable difficulties have been encountered. C. Preliminary data results. A visual description of Kentucky residents lacking basic public water service and sewer service is presented in Figures 4-5. The raw data behind this map, aggregated by the Kentucky Water Resources Development Commission, shows that a total of 15% of Kentucky residents (almost 0.6 million people) are without public water service of any type, while 44% of Kentucky residents (over 1.7 million people) are without public sewer service of any type. A plan to provide public water service to remaining residents without providing public sewer service as well has obvious potential for creating new water quality problems, especially in the underserved Appalachian region of Kentucky with its current known problems with straight pipes. Records of MCL violations during 1998 have been mapped on a county by county basis for each state in the southeastern U.S. (EPA Region 4, plus West Virginia as we expand our information services). The information included in the maps in Figures 6-19 allows one to evaluate patterns and assert priorities based on several parameters: density of water systems with problems, number of people affected, and percent of population affected. For the whole southeastern U.S., the number of people affected by MCL violations in each county is shown as 3-D extrusions, using two different points of view, in Figures 6 and 7. Areas that stand out in both maps as having problems affecting a large number of people include Miami, central Florida, eastern Tennessee, northern Alabama, the Appalachian region, and coastal areas along parts of the Atlantic Bight and the Gulf coast. In Figures 8-19, two conventions, dots and shading, are used to simultaneously represent number of water systems in a county with a given violation (dots) and percent of county population affected (shading).  Each dot represents one water system within a county with a given violation, while colors are used to distinguish different types of MCL violations. Shading is used to represent affected population percent in each county by quartiles. Using this scheme, a view of the entire southeastern U.S. is presented in Figure 8. This map suggests that, overwhelmingly, the greatest drinking water quality problems experienced in this region of the U.S. are in the form of fecal coliform violations. Taken with the previous figures, several areas stand out as having problems in a few water systems that serve large populations, including the Miami region of Florida, the northeastern tip of Tennessee, north-central Alabama, and northwestern Georgia.  Several regions stand out as having problems with many, many water systems; since those counties have such a large number of water systems, most of these are likely to be small water systems. These areas include the central, northeastern, and Miami areas of Florida; western Tennessee; selected coastal segments of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina; central South Carolina; and Appalachian regions of northeast Georgia, eastern Tennessee, western and central North Carolina, and southern West Virginia. Data for other eastern states will help complete this picture. Figures 9-11 show how water quality violations have decreased in Kentucky from 1996-1998, and also reveal regions of the state that have had consistent problems over time. These regions may have chronic source water problems, or may have ongoing problems with particular water systems. In Figures 12-19, MCL violations by state can be seen more clearly. In addition to specific regions of states with numerous fecal coliform problems, the number of fluoride violations in coastal South Carolina and the number of nitrate problems in far eastern West Virginia and parts of North Carolina are very surprising, and bear further investigation. Maps such as these can help immensely in focusing projects for greater effectiveness, such as determining areas most suitable for regionalization, or targeting areas where a Small Systems Circuit Rider program has the greatest potential for effecting improved SDWA compliance. We look forward to developing a fuller picture by creating maps for more states, and by examining these patterns over time. We are also in the process of converting these maps into clickable image maps that can be used over the internet to link to queries of the EPA SDWIS (Safe Drinking Water Information System) database for instant detailed information. It is hoped that this information will help define the problems and issues at hand more clearly than previously possible. D. Anticipated activities. Continuing website renovation will be a major effort next quarter as we strive to maximize its accessibility and utility for all users.  We look forward to further publicizing the availability of the free MOR Advisor software for distribution during the next quarter, and will begin to gather feedback on its use and also begin to develop versions for use in other states.  Work will continue in our data gathering and information harvesting, with GIS as a primary mode of analysis and  display of information. Ongoing development and maintenance of the structure and content of the project database will also continue. In the next quarter we will distribute rehabilitated computers for long-term loan to the small rural water systems that have applied for them. We shall also continue to respond to requests by water systems and the public for data and information on an ongoing basis.           II. Discussion of Expenditures Expenditures for this task from 04/01/99 to 06/30/00 were $20,311. The year-to-date Task 1 expenditures have been $53,394 out of a second year budget of $99,401. III. Key Personnel Changes There have been no changes in key personnel within Task 4 during this quarter. Dr. Ouida Meier continues to direct the efforts of Task 4. We are very fortunate in having a team of four bright, talented undergraduate students who are currently assisting with the work in Task 4 very creatively and capably:  Mr. Seth M. Johnson, Computer Programmer, who has developed the MOR Advisor software and User's Guide, contributed significantly to the preparation and final check of the loaner computers, and harvested data from the EPA SDWIS database; Mr. Shane Fryer, GIS Specialist, who plotted the maps that appear in this report and developed new modes of information layout; Ms. Kim Gaines, Research Assistant, who is tracking down information on source water quality to extend our analyses; and Mr. Jake Lyon, Linux Specialist, who was responsible for a final check of the loaner computers, authored the loaner computer Operator's Manual, and is now assisting with website renovation. The Center is very grateful for their dedicated and skillful efforts. Task 5: Innovative Technologies I. Work Status: The objectives of task 5 have developed into the following four main headings. Encourage pilot projects that demonstrate the benefits and effectiveness of innovative and emerging technologies in the drinking water industry. Establish Western Kentucky University Technology Assistance Center (Center) as a Field Testing Organization (FTO) for NSF and EPA. Develop a Sanitary Survey Self-Assessment Field Guide for Ground Water and Surface Water operators. Develop a Spring Conference at the Center each year to present new innovative technologies and new rules and regulations promulgated by EPA.           A. Work Progress Pilot Studies. During this third quarter, no pilots were visited. FTO Certification.  Due to funding constraints and lack of pilot studies, FTO certification has had no activity in this quarter. Sanitary Survey Self Assessment Field Guide.  The Sanitary Survey Self Assessment Field Guide and Form for Ground Water has been reviewed by EPA and the Kentucky Division of Water and is now being edited by the Center. The Sanitary Survey Self-Assessment Field Guide and Form for Surface Water is approximately 60% complete and will be completed during the fourth quarter of this year. Western Spring Conference. The first annual Western Spring Conference was held at the Center on May 24th thru May 26th, 2000. This conference was a joint effort by this Center, University of Louisville Financial Center, Kentucky Rural Water Association, Kentucky-Tennessee Section American Water Association, Kentucky Division of Water and the Tennessee Division of Water Quality. The first day was given to the state regulatory agencies of Kentucky and Tennessee to present the SDWA and the Amendments of 86 and 96. The second day was devoted to innovative technologies, the University of Louisville rate presentation, and other treatment techniques. On the third day, Mark Mazzola as a representative of US EPA presented upcoming rules and regulations that operators must understand and implement, and KRWA described their Management Institute being developed over the next three years. B. Difficulties Encountered There have been no difficulties encountered. C. Preliminary Data Results Pilot Studies – The final report of the Spatial Data Integration pilot at the Lake Village Water Association is attached as an addendum to this Task section (Attachment #1). Western Spring Conference – There were 40 registered water operators and managers in attendance. The evaluation sheets returned indicated that the conference was a great success. D. Anticipated Activities The Sanitary Survey Field Guide and Form for Ground Water and Surface Water  should be complete by the end of the fourth quarter. Western Kentucky Technical Assistance Center plans to hold the Spring Conference each year to keep small water system operators and managers up to date with new technology and drinking water regulations (these two ventures will be pursued utilizing WKU matching funds).           II. Discussion of Expenditures: Expenditures for this task from 04/01/99 to 06/30/00 were $1,284. The year-to-date Task 1 expenditures have been $5,742 out of a second year budget of $9,081. III. Key Personnel Changes: There were no personnel changes during this period. Task 5, Innovative Technologies: Attachment #1 INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION PROJECT LAKE VILLAGE WATER ASSOCIATION, BURGIN, KENTUCKY JULY, 1999 - JUNE, 2000 FINAL REPORT In June, 1999 the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality (TACWQ) at Western Kentucky University, the Kentucky Rural Water Association (KRWA), and Spatial Data Integrations, Inc. (SDI) announced the establishment of an Innovative Technology Demonstration Project to illustrate the advantages of using a GIS (Geographic Information System) for facilities management at small water utilities. Lake Village Water Association (LVWA) of Burgin, Kentucky was chosen as the site for the project which ran from July 1999 through June 2000. LVWA , which has 1750 customers and more than 83 miles of mains, is headed by Mike Royalty who was the principal tester for the project. In July, 1999 SDI provided LVWA with base maps for its service area. These maps included seamless digital topographic maps prepared from USGS DRGs (Digital Raster Graphics), digital aerial photography produced from USGS DOQQs (Digital Orthophotograhic Quarter Quadrangles) and an elevation grid produced from USGS DEMs (Digital Elevation Models). SDI also provided LVWA with WaterWorks/FM™ -- a GIS system developed by SDI, to enable small and medium-sized utilities to digitize and display mains, valves, hydrants, service lines, meters and other facilities information on a digital map. Once this system information is "drawn" and keyed into the program, the software enables the utility to analyze its system data to assist with facilities management, customer service, long-range planning and other operational issues.   In August, 1999 Mike Royalty began "drawing" his mains into the software using the aerial photography as his point of reference. As mains were added, the lines were automatically snapped together by the software to ensure connectivity. Then point features were added including fittings, valves, and hydrants among others. Service lines were added to connect meters to the mains. As each service line was drawn  on the map, the software automatically snapped the service to the main and added a saddle at the main and a meter at the other end of the line. As Mr. Royalty had free moments, he worked on entering more data into the system. By early 2000 he was ready to begin adding information into the system to describe the attributes of the features that he had drawn on the map. By the end of June, 2000 LVWA has completed digitizing all of its mains, meters, valves, hydrants, and other features and was well into the task of coding the information about these features.   Throughout the year, Mike Royalty has freely shared his time and information with other utility managers who have been interested in GIS. He has participated in a number of meetings in which he has discussed the demonstration project and how GIS is being utilized in his system. In June 2000 he was on the program at the KYGIS conference in Bowling Green to talk about his experience with the demonstration project. He is now a strong advocate for utility operators to use GIS in the management of their operations. Among the anecdotes which Mr. Royalty shared at the conference were these: A resident showed up at board meeting and wanted to know what it would cost to get water hooked up to his property. Using the GIS software, Mike was able to locate the resident's property on the map, use a measuring tool in the software to calculate the distance from the closest main to the man's property, and provide an estimate on the spot. Prior to having the GIS software, Mike would have had to go out to the property, use a wheel to calculate the distance, and then prepare a quote for the resident--a process that normally took at least a week. Using a Leak Tracker component that comes with WaterWorks/FM, Mike was able to determine that several leaks had occurred along the same 10-mile section of pipe and was able to recommend to his board that the whole section be replaced to avoid further service interruptions and water losses. LVWA is in the process of completing the entry of existing features into its GIS system. A key advantage that LVWA has found in using GIS is that its system map need never be out of date. As new water mains and service lines are put in the ground they can be added to the digital mapping system. As repairs take place on older mains in the system where size and material were unknown, this data can be recorded in the GIS. Having all of the system information in one place is a real convenience for LVWA.

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Quarter 4 (Progress Report Year 2 July- September 2000)

Introduction Western Kentucky University was awarded a grant by the Environmental Protection Agency (#X826659-01-0) to establish a small public water system Technical Assistance Center (the Center). This program seeks to focus our resources and expertise toward assisting small water deliverers in achieving and maintaining capacity development. The capacity development framework offers a forum within which this Center is working with state regulatory agencies and small water systems to assist them in acquiring and maintaining technical, financial and managerial capacity needed to provide safe drinking water and achieve the public health protection goals of the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act. Western Kentucky University has developed this Center with long range goals, and a “regional” focus. The work plan for this Center is organized into tasks that have multi-year projects all aimed at completion during a five-year program. These tasks are distinct in nature, but mutually supportive. Task 1 addresses training in managerial and financial capacity development; Task 2 provides technical capacity development in a “circuit rider” approach; Task 3 conducts field studies in 17 different watersheds in Kentucky, and analyzes methods of source water protection; Task 4 establishes a database management system and develops information tools to receive, organize, integrate and distribute project information; and Task 5 establishes a forum to identify and help evaluate innovative and alternative technology applications that can assist small system operators in the delivery of safe drinking water to their customers; Task 5 also seeks to become a Field Testing Organization (FTO) in the EPA's Environmental Testing Validation (ETV) Program. Executive Summary Introduction. Western Kentucky University has established a Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality for small public water systems. Information presented in this report represents efforts during the fourth quarter of year two of this grant and summary information for the whole of year two. Synopsis. This fourth quarter, second contract year report depicts progress in each of the aforementioned task areas. The activities of the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality during this quarter have been focused upon presenting "Utility Management 101" courses on two occasions to water utility managers throughout the state, and in the development of two additional courses in utility organization, regulation and law, and utility finance and administration. Efforts continue in the establishment of an Associates Degree at WKU in Water Utilities Management; conducting on-site technical assistance; sampling and analysis of sites used for sources of drinking water; developing and distributing information and information tools; and identifying innovative methodologies that can provide help to small systems operators. Task 1. The introductory course in Utility Management has been developed. The complete course symposium has been offered on two occasions during this contract year. This 3-day course was offered as a Kentucky Rural Water Association Management Course in April 2000, and again in June 2000. Sixty managers will be trained in year 2000. Widespread acceptance of this initial course offering was received by small utility water managers from across the state. Initial responses to a needs survey for the Associates Degree program, showing that 84 personnel from 78 water systems were interested in pursuing an Associates Degree in water utility management, were very encouraging. Task 2. The Circuit Rider Program provided on-site, hands-on technical assistance in 228 visits to small community and non-community systems this year, spending a total of 457 hours on-site in addition to other program hours. Assistance ranged from water audits and leak detection to wellhead protection and contaminant inventories. Additionally, 81 systems received direct assistance in completing their Consumer Confidence Reports. Task 3. Work on the Source Water Protection Initiative's two major projects, the Source Water Demonstration Watershed Study Study and the Trihalomethane (THM) Study, each achieved scheduled progress. After our first year of sampling we have identified two main sources of significant source water quality impairment in the sourcewater demonstration watersheds: 1) pesticides, 2) microbial organisms. We continued to develop our Arc View GIS database and classify land use in the seven demonstration watersheds. The major accomplishments this quarter include: (1) completing Anderson Level III land use/land cover analysis for all sites, (2) field checking, (3) writing metadata for the GIS files, and (4) beginning to relate land use threats to water quality. The THM Project work performed during this period included 1) continued sampling of the nine THM survey sites (large river sites and Taylorsville Lake) discussed in the earlier quarter reports from the year, and 2) a series of experiments to determine the effects of algal growth on THM production. Task 4. Efforts by the Database Management and Information Tools section this year were focused in five areas: (1) website renovation and development as an ongoing means of providing current information directly to water systems; (2) development of software and information tools for the direct use of water providers; (3) expanding our information services beyond Kentucky to those states in EPA Region 4 and adjoining areas; (4) ongoing construction and maintenance of the project database; and (5) reconstruction and refurbishing of donated, retired computers for use by water systems in need. A major renovation of the project's website has been completed. We have also completed development and subsequently refined a computer software program for the use of small water systems in filing their Monthly Operating Reports, MOR Advisor; this software is available for download from our website. A programmed spreadsheet which assists in the calculation of Monthly Water Losses for small water systems has also been completed and is available for download. We have begun expansion of our data gathering and information services to the other states in EPA Region 4 and beyond, and present here information from those states. Development of the project database continues as an ongoing effort. Finally, we have completed the rehabilitation of donated older computers for free distribution to small water systems, and have developed an Operator's Manual that is being delivered with the computers to water systems. Task 5. This year's work included completion of efforts with a GIS mapping program employing a modified version of ArcView that has been customized for small water systems by Spatial Data Integrations, Inc. A Sanitary Survey Self-Assessment Guide for groundwater systems has been completed, and a Guide for surface water systems is nearing completion. Finally, a Western Spring Conference for water quality was hosted at WKU, bringing together small water operators, Kentucky Rural Water Association, states of Kentucky and Tennessee water authorities, EPA finance centers and the EPA Small Systems office. New rules and regulations were presented and discussed.   Administration Costs invoiced during the fourth quarter, second year represent salary and fringe benefits for the Director. Costs also represent the efforts of administrative personnel and activities necessary to organize efforts in and among all five tasks, develop a cost accounting system and track accounts. Administrative responsibilities further included interaction with officials in the Kentucky Division of Water, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority and the Kentucky Rural Water Association to assure that task activity was in accordance with the water quality objectives of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Director also met with and gave guidance to the Task Managers in order that our activities were in accordance with the grant technical proposal and milestone schedules.       A. Activities: During this year, the Director has worked with Brents Dickinson to finalize the Sanitary Survey Self-Assessment for groundwater, and attended the Western Spring Conference (see Task 5). The Technical Assistance Center has acquired and modified approximately 24 386/486 personal computers (PCs) that were donated by departments within Western Kentucky University. The modification and cannibalization of these computers generated nine functional computers retrofitted with software packages that will provide small water systems with word processing and spreadsheet capabilities. We have also installed on these machines software developed by Dr. Ouida Meier and Mr. Seth Johnson of the Database Management Team that will give water systems the capability to easily generate monthly water loss reports, monthly operating reports, and annual consumer confidence reports. Internet connection capacity is also provided. These PCs are now being distributed at no cost to eight water systems based upon specific selection criteria. Technical assistance is also being provided in setting up and operating the computers. B. Expenditures: Total administrative expenditures from 07/01/00 to 09/30/00 are $28,483. The year-to-date administrative expenditures have been $75,890 out of a second year budget of $80,814. Additionally, WKU has contributed a cumulative total of $126,865 through the fourth quarter, second year (10/01/98 - 09/30/00) of the Water Quality project for all tasks combined. The budget status of all tasks is depicted in Appendix A.       Task 1: Utility Management Institute (UMI) I. Work Status The goal of the UMI is to develop and deliver a series of courses to be included in a “Utility Management Professional” certification program available to system managers, operators, and office managers of water systems serving rural areas and small municipalities with populations under 10,000.       A. Work Progress. During the year, two presentations of the Utility Management Institute's course "Utility Management 101" were conducted. A total of 37 utility managers participated in the presentations in Bowling Green on April 11-13, 2000 and in Lexington on June 20-22, 2000. Both sessions were well received by the participants, and the course evaluations were included as an attachment to the year two, third quarter report. Work continues on the development of two new courses, "Utility Organization, Regulation & Law" and "Utility Finance & Administration." These two-day courses will be conducted once each in FY2001. The trainer material for "Utility Management 101" was successfully produced and shared with the appropriate program partners, including USEPA and the Technical Assistance Center. A copy of the 176-page trainer manual is attached to this report (Appendix B). The Utility Management Institute has planned four course presentations for 2001. Utility Management 101 will be presented twice during 2001 and the two new courses will each be presented once during the year. Additional progress has been made in the planning for an Associate Degree program in Utility Management. An interest survey was mailed out to 367 water and wastewater utilities in June 2000. The response rate was approximately 23% and the interest level was significantly high among all types of utilities with an overall positive response of between 75 and 80%. Copies of the returned surveys were submitted with the year two, third quarter report.   B. Difficulties Encountered. No unanticipated difficulties were encountered. C. Preliminary Data Results. The survey data and course materials will be shared with the database manager for appropriate inclusion on the TAC website. D. Anticipated Activities. The introductory course will be offered twice during the next year and the next two courses each presented once during the year. The WKU Center for Math, Science, and Environmental Education will continue to be a partner in developing course materials. During the next year, final course materials designed for trainer orientation and support will be completed for the two new courses. Copies will be available for EPA perusal and for other interested individuals and organizations.       II. Discussion of Expenditures Expenditures for this task from 07/01/00 to 09/30/00 were $36,510. The year-to-date Task 1 expenditures have been $85,184 out of a second year budget of $110,610. III. Key Personnel Changes There were no personnel changes during the second quarter of the second year for Task 1. Figure 1. Example of classroom instruction for water system managers provided by KRWA. Task 2: Circuit Rider Program I. Work Status The "Circuit Rider" approach to providing a combination of on-site technical assistance and training is nationally recognized as the most effective method of assisting small public water systems to comply with state and federal environmental regulations. The Circuit Rider program works in partnership with Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) to target the public water systems serving populations under 3,300, with particular emphasis on systems serving less than 500 people, that are experiencing profound difficulties in complying with SDWA provisions.       A. Work Progress. During the year the Circuit Rider made 228 technical assistance visits with non-community and community water systems spending a total of 457 hours on-site out of a total of 2408 program hours. Additionally, the Circuit Rider worked with 81 systems in completing their Consumer Confidence Reports for 2000. This assistance was conducted both on-site and electronically by sharing faxed or e-mailed information. As the CCR deadline neared, the Circuit Rider participated in an effort to remind almost 200 systems of the CCR deadline for delivery of a copy to the Division of Water. Also, during the reporting period, the Circuit Rider performed 7 water audits in systems, attended a 2-day workshop on computer troubleshooting and repair, assisted with 11 leak detections, attended the Rural Water Rally in Washington, D.C., and was a participant at the Utility Management Institute in Lexington, KY. The Circuit Rider also attended approved training at NRWA's in-service training in San Antonio and Kansas City. Much of the technical assistance time during the fourth quarter was spent with systems that received donated computers from Western Kentucky University. The computers have been matched to seven systems that filled out applications demonstrating their need. The Circuit Rider led the installation and training efforts to introduce these computers to system personnel with little or no experience with computers. The computers have been loaded with word processing software, KRWA's Consumer Confidence Report templates and instructions, and a piece of software for the completion of Monthly Operating Reports specially designed by Task 4. B. Difficulties Encountered. No unanticipated difficulties were encountered. C. Preliminary Data Results. See Work Progress above. D. Anticipated Activities. During the next quarter, the WKU Small System Circuit Rider will continue to work with systems that we have placed WKU-donated computers. Other activities will include regular technical assistance and training.       II. Discussion of Expenditures Expenditures for this task from 07/01/00 to 09/30/00 were $11,618. The year-to-date Task 2 expenditures have been $54,926 out of a second year budget of $64,739. III. Key Personnel Changes There were no personnel changes for Task 2. Attachment: Summary of Water System Contacts and On-Site Visits for the 1999-2000 year by Scott Wallace, Small Systems Circuit Rider. WKU Circuit Rider Oct 99-Sep 00 Date Contacts On-Site Hours Average On-Site Hours per Contact Total Hours For Month Oct 99 33 42.75 1.25 196.75 Nov 99 15 19.00 1.25 194.50 Dec 99 33 61.75 2.00 217.50 Jan 00 19 37.00 2.00 178.50 Feb 00 10 14.25 1.50 192.50 Mar 00 25 45.25 2.00 203.50 Apr 00 24 65.75 2.75 202.00 May 00 5 11.75 2.25 206.75 Jun 00 18 38.25 2.00 227.00 Jul 00 14 29.75 2.00 190.50 Aug 00 20 55.25 2.75 228.50 Sep 00 12 36.25 3.00 171.25       Total Contacts: 228 Total On-Site Hours: 457 Average On-Site Hours per Contact: 2.0 Total Program Hours for Year: 2408.27 Total Consumer Confidence Reports completed: 81       Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality, WKU Small System Circuit Rider Program   February Highlight WKU Circuit Rider Program My highlight this month is a water audit I did for the city of Fredonia. They called the office requesting that we come in and completely go over their entire distribution system. Their actual loss was only 17-20 gal/min. but it did give me the opportunity to look at their maps and point out areas that monitor meters would be very effective. As of now the only way they are able to check large portions of their distribution system is either customer complaints, or just come up on the leak. The operator was very receptive of the ideal and we were able to locate areas on his map to set the monitor meters. We also pinpointed some suspect 3 inch meters that have been in use for over twenty-five years and to the operators knowledge have never been tested or changed. They also have some municipal buildings that currently are not being metered. We talked about getting them at least metered even if the city chose not to bill them. Overall I think the audit went well. I left the operator a punch list of things to accomplish and areas to check out and I will check back at a later time and see how things are going. March Highlight WKU Circuit Rider Program My March highlight is a leak detection I did for West McCracken Water District. They called the office requesting that we come in and look for a leak they have been having for about three months. Their actual loss was about 2,000,000 gallons a month. They purchase from the city of Paducah and the leak was costing them over $100.00 dollars a day. Upon arriving on-site Bill had already narrowed the leak down to a small zone in his distribution system. After reviewing all the data collected by the district we then began looking for their leak out in the field. The area we were looking in had cast-iron and ductile mains with an estimated 50 gal/min leak in that section. We were unable to hear any sounds or evidence that a leak was occurring but the numbers kept pointing to that area. We then regrouped and Clem took the information we had collected to Bowling Green leting Barry review the data looking to see if there was anything that we had missed on-site. I contacted Dell and arranged to use his flow meter to verify the amount of water that was actually going into the zone in question. After talking to Clem we both agreed that the TVA meter should be the first area to check with the flow meter. The flow meter did show about 45-50 gal/min difference between the flow meter and the meter that was installed. Bill called and ordered a new three-inch meter and had it installed three days later. I called and checked in with Bill to see how the new meter was working. He told me that the flow went from 24 gal/min on the old meter to 70-75 gal/min with the new meter. The leak cost the Water District over $9,000.00 dollars they are looking into back billing TVA to recoup their losses. April Highlight WKU Circuit Rider Program My highlight this month is a water audit I did for the city of Jenkins. They called the office requesting that we come in and completely go over their entire distribution system. Their actual loss was very substantial. Earlier in the month I spent four days going over their entire system with Barry Back and Steve Basham. Using flow meters and valving the system down to defined areas we were able to locate the sections that most of their water loss was occurring. We did find numerous small leaks but with their manpower and the system setup we were unable to locate the amount of water that we determined was being lost. On a return visit we had more equipment and located three more valves to isolate section we had determined as a major loss area. We did find a leak major leak that was losing well over 50 GPM. June Highlight WKU Circuit Rider Program Steve Basham and myself spent four more days in Caney Creek trying to bring their treatment plant into compliance. On this visit we spent most of our time on chemical feeders and separating the pre and post chlorination. We installed a new regal tank mounted chlorinator for the pre and ran new lines to tie into the existing plumbing. Initially none of the chlorine was making it out of the flash mix and holding a residual, but after installing the new system we were able to carry a residual all the way to the top of the filters. We also cleaned and repaired the alum feeder to enhance flocculation in the settling basin. We determined that using lime was hurting the treatment process so we shut down the lime feeder. One major item we repaired at the plant was replacing the filter flow controller floats. The plant had been running wide open at over double the designed capacity through the filters. By slowing the filters down it not only gave the filters a chance to do their job but also gave the settling basin a chance to let some of the floc to form and settle out. When we arrived on-site the finished water turbidity was about 5 NTU’s. After three days of maintenance and chemical adjustments we were able bring it down to 0.9 NTU’s. Three days after we left the system Tom Stern from Division of Water (DOW) stopped by and the turbidity had came down to 0.34 NTU’s. To date KRWA has saved Caney Creek approximately $15,000 and has shown DOW that they are now in compliance with all regulatory requirements. I will be returning to Caney Creek at the end of July to oversee the removal and replacement of their filter media.   Figure 2. Examples of different kinds of direct assistance provided to water systems, including: a) construction advice, (b) onsite instruction, and (c) finding and repairing leaks. Task 3: Source Water Protection Initiative I. Work Status       A. Work Progress. Work on the Source Water Protection Initiative’s two major projects, the Source Water Demonstration Watershed Study and the Trihalomethane Study, each achieved scheduled progress. Source Water Demonstration Watershed Study The Source Water Demonstration Watershed Study encompasses three programs to characterize seven study site’s source-water catchments: 1) water sampling and water analysis, 2) Geographic Information System (GIS) land use analysis, and 3) the examination of macroinvertebrates indicative of water quality. Progress for the three programs are outlined below: Water Sampling: Moisture conditions throughout Kentucky moderated during the fourth quarter. As of September 25, the eastern half of the state in “near normal” conditions and the western and central areas in “mild drought” conditions classified using the Palmer Drought Index calculated by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As mentioned in previous reports, regular monthly sampling for each of the seven sites began in January and continued through the quarter on the same 28-day schedule as reported throughout the year, with samples of each month’s round collected over a three-day period. During the fourth quarter, samples were collected on July 11-13, August 8-10, and September 5-7. In each case, two-person sampling team was mobilized to collect the water samples at each of the seven sites, and these were collected without incident. The water quality data from the quarter’s sampling rounds are given in Appendices C1-C3. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Development and Land Use Analysis: In the fourth quarter, we continued to develop our Arc View GIS database and classify land use in the seven demonstration watersheds. The major accomplishments this quarter include: (1) completing Anderson Level III land use/land cover analysis for all sites, (2) field checking, (3) writing metadata for the GIS files, and (4) beginning to relate land use threats to water quality. The land use analysis employed the Anderson land use classification (Anderson, et al. 1976). This hierarchical system is divided into three levels, with a higher level representing a greater level of detail. A one digit number represents seven broad categories of Level I land use, including agriculture, urban development, rangeland, water, wetlands, barren land, and forestland. Level II is broken into 29 categories that are depicted by a two-digit number. Level III is most detailed, with a three or more digit number representing over 100 land-use types. Anderson Level III land use classification at 1:24,000-scale was conducted for the 220.7 square kilometers that make up the demonstration watersheds, including the land use polygons that extend beyond basin boundary lines A base map for land use parcels was constructed using ArcView GIS software. The base map consisted of 1:12,000 digital orthophoto quarter quadrangles (DOQQ’s) in the Universal Transmercator North American Datum 1927, Zone 16 coordinate system. Parcel shapes and land use codes interpreted from the color infrared images were then transposed to the base map. Using Stream Macroinvertebrates as Indicators of Water Quality (Dr. Scott Grubbs): The responsibility of this portion of Task III during Fiscal Year 2 (September 1999 - October 2000) was two-fold: 1) first, to prepare a working protocol for (a) an assessment of stream habitat of typical surface fluvial systems immediately upstream or downstream of rural drinking water reservoirs, (b) an assessment of stream habitat for surface fluvial systems immediately adjacent to large springs that serve as rural water supplies, (c) a 'rapid' collection and laboratory processing of stream macroinvertebrate samples, and (d) assessment of stream health by integrating habitat and macroinvertebrate community quality. A 'virtual protocol', to be available either as an on-line HTML or PDF document is currently in preparation; 2) second, to perform assessment (habitat plus biological) of three karst and two non-karst sites in western Kentucky. The results are discussed in Section C below. Prior to the first quarter the next fiscal year: three items will be completed: (a) a second round of sampling will occur at the Cadiz site; (b) an additional 100 organisms will be sorted from each sample to evaluate the importance of 100- vs. 200-organism based assessments; and (c) all organisms (n = 200) will be identified to genus to evaluate the importance of family- vs. genus-level identification. Trihalomethane Project (Dr. Jeffrey Jack, University of Louisville) The work performed during this period included 1) continued sampling of the nine THM survey sites (large river sites and Taylorsville Lake discussed in the earlier quarter reports from the year, and 2) a series of experiments to determine the effects of algal growth on THM production. Results of these projects are described in the data results section below. B. Difficulties encountered No significant difficulties in the project were encountered during the quarter. C. Data Results Source Water Demonstration Watershed Study Discussion of Year Two Water Sampling Results Results from the second year’s synoptic program have given us a good look at the ambient source water quality conditions within each demonstration watershed, and we are beginning to relate water quality impairments to land use practices in each basin. Although due to last fall and winter’s severe drought that caused us to postpone the beginning of our synoptic sampling program (see the first and second quarterly reports from this year for additional information) we have obtained just ten months of data, we have decided that the analytical resources saved by this delay are best put to use in more detailed sampling over the program’s next year to understand the nature and variations in the most serious contaminants that we have identified. A number of water quality parameters exceed the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL’s) within the untreated source water that we have examined (see Appendices C1-C3). A maximum contaminant level is the highest concentration of a contaminant that is allowed in treated drinking water by law. Legal MCL’s at the state and federal level are still under development, and have not yet been established for all compounds of concern. The relatively high levels of some contaminants that we have found in source water do not, of course, necessarily result in system violations, because of the treatment processes that the water is subject to before it is supplied to the system’s customers. However, the fundamental concept driving the Source Water Protection Initiative is that the technical and financial challenges faced by small water systems are proportional to the quality of their source water, whether it comes from ground or surface supplies and better quality source water be easier and cheaper to treat. Impaired Source Water Concerns in the WKU SWPI Demonstration Watersheds At this point we have identified two main sources of significant source water quality impairment: 1) pesticides, 2) microbial organisms. Each is discussed below. Pesticides Our sampling program has focused on 12 common pesticides used in Kentucky for a variety of applications. Although Kentucky and federal MCL’s have been established for only three of these chemicals, we have identified significant levels of nine in source water at the demonstration sites. The three pesticides for which MCL’s have been established (atrazine, alachlor, and simazine) have been found in to exceed MCL levels in the raw water of at least two water sources in our study. Levels of trifluralin, for which an MCL has not been established, exceed the Lifetime Health Advisory (LHA) Level of 0.005 mg/L in numerous samples. Three compounds (propazine, acetochlor, and linurin) were not detected in any source water sample during the program, and will no longer be investigated as part of this project. The following sections discuss the individual pesticides and their results so far during the study. n>The descriptions of the compounds draw upon information from EXTOXNET, a pesticide information source developed cooperatively by Cornell University, Oregon State University, the University of Idaho, the University of California at Davis, and Michigan State University. Interested readers should refer to the project’s web site at www.ace.orst.edu/info/extoxnet. Atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamine-6-isopropylamino-S-triazine) is a triazine-class herbicide that is widely used in Kentucky to control broadleaf and grassy weeds in corn. It is classified as a Restricted Use Pesticide due to its potential for groundwater contamination (Ware, 1986). It has class III (slight) toxicity, but since 1994 it has been subject to a special review by EPA that may ultimately result in additional use restrictions. The MCL for Atrazine in treated drinking water (both state and federal) is 0.003 mg/L. We have had samples that exceed this level in source water at four sites (Figure 3), for a total of seven such detections during the year. While there has been significant concern about levels at the Marion water plant, where levels analyzed by Novartis Corporation have reached 0.022 mg/L, our highest detection has been at about 0.006 mg/L. This highlights the temporal variability of concentrations that depend on application schedules, antecedent moisture conditions within the catchment, rainfall amounts and patterns, and chemical mobility of the compounds, and hydrogeologic flow paths. A major focus of our current work is to unravel the complex interactions of factors that determine these temporal variations within the demonstration watersheds. We are working with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Division of Pesticides, along with Novartis, to identify solutions to the lingering problems at Marion. Our highest levels have been at the Diamond Caverns site where we will be investigating land use over the next year and working with the Department of Agriculture to understand the conditions that are leading to these high levels. Trifluralin (a,a,a-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine) is a selective herbicide used to control many annual grasses and broadleaf weeds. While an MCL for drinking water has not been established either federally or in Kentucky, trifluralin was under special review between 1979 and 1982 due to concerns about the presence of N-nitrosamines. The review ended with a requirement that N-nitrosamine levels not exceed 0.5 mg/L. Although there is no legal MCL, the EPA has established a Lifetime Heath Advisory (LHA) of 0.005 mg/L for trifluralin in drinking water. Our data (Figure 4) show that numerous source water samples have exceeded this level by two to four times during our sampling program, with one sample at Guthrie exceeding the level by an order of magnitude. This was by far the most common pesticide that we detected, and we feel that this may be a compound of some concern in the state’s groundwater supplies. With atrazine, we will be focusing our efforts over the next year to understand the relationship between land use, hydrogeology, and levels of this contaminant in drinking water sources. Alachlor (2-chloro-2’,6’-diethyl-N-(methoxymethyl) actanilide) is a aniline herbicide used to control annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in corn and other crops. It us a Restricted Use Pesticide which can only be purchased and applied by certified applicators because it has been found to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Due to its moderate mobility in certain soils, it can migrate to groundwater. We found detectable levels of five of the seven watersheds (Figure 5), throughout the spring and summer months, with two samples exceeding the MCL of 0.002 mg/L (March at Auburn and April at Cadiz). Simazine (6-chloro-N2,N4-diethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) is a triazine herbicide that is used to control annual grasses and broad leaf weeds in turfgrass, vegetable, field and other crops. Before 1992, simazine was used as a non-selective pesticide to control algae and submerged weeds in farm ponds and swimming pools. Although simazine is a General Use, EPA toxicity class IV (practically nontoxic) compound, an MCL has been established at 0.004 mg/L has been established. Our data (Figure 6) show elevated levels at Marion and the Logsdon River research site, in one case exceeding the state and federal MCL’s by four times. We also detected simazine at four of the other demonstration sites, but in lower concentrations, below the MCL. Metribuzin (4-amino-6-tert-butyl-4,5-dihydro-3-methytio-1,2,4-triazin-5-one) is a triazine-class herbicide that inhibits the photosynthesis of susceptible plant species. It is used to control numerous annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in vegetable and other crops. It is a class III (slightly toxic) compound, classified as a General Use Pesticide. While metribuzin occurs in the highest concentrations of any pesticide that we have measured in source water, the toxicity is also somewhat lower than some of the other compounds we are studying, and no samples exceeded the Lifetime Health Advisory concentration of 0.5 mg/L. We found metribuzin (Figure 7) within six of the seven demonstration sites, showing that this compound is widespread in Kentucky groundwater, if not as hazardous as some of the other pesticides in common use in the state. Pendimethalin (N-(1-ethylpropyl)-2,6-dinitro-3,4-xylidine) is a selective herbicide used to control annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in corn and other crops. It is a class III (slightly toxic) compound, which is a classified as a General (not Restricted) Use Pesticide. We detected low concentrations (Figure 8) at four sites (Logsdon, Diamond Caverns, Caneyville, and Cadiz) but the levels do not appear to offer the same level of threat to health as the more toxic and concentrated compounds that we have identified in source water during the program. Other pesticides detected at low levels during July 2000 An interesting pattern was noticed for the July sampling round, with elevated levels of three pesticides that had generally not been detected at other times during the year. None of these compounds, which are of lower concern for the source water demonstration watersheds we are studying, have MCL’s, although one (metolochlor) has a LHA Level of 0.1 mg/L, which is more than ten times higher than any concentrations that we recorded. These compounds are 1) metolachlor (Figure 9), 2) propachlor (Figure 10), and 3) chloraneb (Figure 11). Microbial contaminants Fecal coliform bacteria, for which any detection indicates the presence of human or animal waste and thus exceeds drinking water standards, was the most pervasive contaminant throughout the source waters that we sampled during the program. Over 72% of all water samples collected for the program during 2000 were contaminated with fecal bacteria (Figures Figure 12 and Figure 13). Figure 13 show the same data, with an expanded vertical scale which, while it cuts off the extreme values, shows the extent to which may samples were polluted. The presence of these bacteria, of course, signals the potential presence of other pathogenic species, making this a special concern of drinking water supplies. This especially the case for the karst areas of the state, in which rapid groundwater velocities within the conduits mean that bacteria and move into and through the aquifer systems in a short period of time, with little attenuation. This also means that bacteria levels in karst water sources can be highly variable, as especially shown by the Auburn water supply (Figure 12) in which fecal coliform levels vary by nearly four orders of magnitude, reaching a high of over 6,000 colonies/100 mL in August. It is common for karst springs to have exceedingly high levels shortly after rainstorms, when bacteria-rich human and animal waste can flushed through the soil and rapidly through the aquifer system. We will be studying the storm-scale variance of these levels during year three of the study. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Development and Land Use Analysis We have now completed Anderson Level III landuse analysis for all seven demonstration watersheds (Figures 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, & 20). Land use was identified from 1:24,000 color infrared aerial photographs. The images consisted of nine-inch color positive film, which were viewed under magnification on a light table. Most polygons were drawn at 1:4,000, unless one particular land-use large area. This mainly occurred in the case of a continuous forest of the same type and thickness. Observing color patterns on the color infrared images using standard techniques and transposing the patterns into polygons in Environmental Systems Research Institute’s (ESRI) ArcView GIS program created parcel polygons. For example, on infrared photography analysis, reds and greens are types of vegetation and farmland; purple trees are pines or evergreens; and reddish brown trees are cedars. These color patterns and observable features on the infrared images (cultural features and livestock, for example) allowed classification of the levels (I, II, and III) of the Anderson scheme. Overall, there are 101 Level II and Level III land use categories within our study areas. Appendix C-4 depicts Anderson Level III area statistics at all the sites, including descriptions of each of the classified landuse types and the total area of each within each demonstration watershed. Using the GIS software allows us to perform statistical queries on the spatial data, and to display attribute data on any of the individual land use polygons. For example, Figure 21 shows a screen capture of such a polygon interrogation. Although we were unable to develop the software capabilities to have such queryable maps on the projects website, we will display the land use maps themselves on the internet while we develop this capability. We have also completed quality control/quality assurance measures of our land use classification at five of the sites: Marion, Logsdon, Diamond Caverns, Guthrie, and Caneyville. Any changes in land uses between the early 1990s (when the color infrared aerial and digital orthophoto quarter quadrangle photographs were taken) and summer 2000 were incorporated into the primary GIS database. After field checking, we have determined that our land use classification is within the standard USGS Anderson 85% accuracy guideline. Additionally, we have finished development metadata for the ArcView 3.2 land use shapefiles at all the sites. The metadata is compliant with Federal Geographic Data Committee standards of FGDC-CSDGM, from version FGDC-STD-001-1998. A printout of the metadata for all seven sites is contained in Appendix C-5. This quarter, we have begun to relate the water sampling data to potential land use threats. There are three main types of land uses that can negatively impact water quality. These are agricultural, urban, and transportation practices. Agriculture is a primary threat to water quality. Basins with extensive coverage of row crops are likely to have pesticides and herbicides present in the area's surface and groundwater. Marion, for example, a region with lots of agricultural activities, has had multiple Atrazine violations. Agricultural lands are also especially prone to soil erosion and nutrient degradation; if not managed properly, the crops will require more chemicals to sustain outputs. Additionally, nitrate contamination can increase due to the heightened need for fertilizers. Confined feeding operations, feedlots, and poor or heavily overgrazed pasture, which are found at all seven sites, are a source of fecal bacteria. Several specific urban threats that we have encountered include industrial plants, gas stations, and junkyards. These are dangers because of the potential for chemical spills, gas leaks, and oil trickles from old automobiles or equipment. These particular land uses can all be found in the Diamond Caverns study area. There also could be urban water quality hazards beyond surface land use, including dumping, storage tank leakage, and sewer or septic tank run-off in residential areas. Additionally, landfills can pose serious dangers to water quality from groundwater seepage; Cadiz has a landfill within its drainage basin boundary. Along with urban threats, there are transportation land use practices that have the potential to become hazards to water quality. Many of the study areas have major roads (such as Interstate 65 in Logsdon and Diamond Caverns and Interstate 24 in the Cadiz area) that cut through the water supplies' drainage basins. These major arteries increase soil erosion, while the impervious paved surfaces allow vehicle residue to wash off onto the surrounding earth. Similarly, railroads also pose a potential threat from chemical spills. Spills are even more problematic in karst areas, since it is harder to contain contaminants that do not flow on the surface. The high velocity of groundwater at karst sites also enables the pollution to move rapidly throughout the aquifer to degrade water quality and animal life in only a few hours. Next quarter, the remaining sites will be quality controlled and any changes will be noted in the GIS database. Additionally, we will continue to use GIS in developing protection strategies to aid in the development of best management practices. Results of this work were disseminated during year two at a number forums concerned with GIS use and water quality. The following presentations were made: Pfaff, R., A. Glennon, and C. Groves, 2000, Land use and Water Quality Threats to the Mammoth Cave Karst Aquifer. Presentation at the National Cave and Karst Management Symposium, Chattanooga, Tennessee (October, 1999). Pfaff, R., A. Glennon, and C. Groves, 2000, Land use and Water Quality Threats to the Mammoth Cave Karst Aquifer. Presentation at the Kentucky GIS Conference (sponsored by the Governor’s Office for Technology), Bowling Green, Kentucky (June, 2000). In addition, the abstract The US Environmental Protection Agency/Western Kentucky University Source Water Protection Initiative has been accepted for presentation at the upcoming annual Kentucky Academy of Science meeting in Lexington Kentucky in November. References Anderson, Anderson, J.R., E.E. Hardy, J.T. Roach, and R.E. Witmer, 1976, A Land Use and Land Cover Classification System for Use With Remote Sensor Data. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 671, 28. p. Ware, G. W., 1986, Fundamentals of Pesticides: A Self-Instruction Guide, 2nd Edition. Fresno, CA: Thomson Publications. Habitat and Stream Macroinvertebrates as Water Quality Indicators of Rural Drinking Water Sources Macroinvertebrate sampling has been completed for each of five sites (three karst, two non-karst). A total of eight sampling units, comprising 17 individual samples, have been obtained. Laboratory sorting (to 100 organisms), and identification (to family) has been completed for all samples. Habitat assessments are in progress, and overall stream quality (habitat plus biological) assessments are also in progress. Presented below is a working draft of an internal report ("Habitat and stream macroinvertebrates as water quality indicators of rural drinking water systems"). Report: Habitat and stream macroinvertebrates as water quality indicators of rural drinking water systems. Assessing the health, or integrity, of aquatic systems using biological indicators (i.e., biomonitoring) has occurred commonly during this century (Cairns and Pratt, 1993). Only recently, however, have federal (EPA, Klemm et. al., 1990; USDA, Platts et al., 1983) and state (e.g., Kentucky Division of Water, Mills et al., 1993) regulatory agencies developed standardized criteria for the field collection and laboratory analysis of specific aquatic biota. Algal, fish, and macroinvertebrate communities are the three major taxonomic groups that have been commonly assessed (Plafkin et al., 1989). Aquatic macroinvertebrate communities can be collected employing a variety of qualitative and quantitative sampling methods. Although a strict quantitative approach can provide a considerably more structured base for statistical analysis, quantitative sampling techniques consequently are labor- and time-intensive, and expensive (Lenat, 1988; Shackleford, 1988). Information about the preferred applicability of a more rapid bioassessment technique was accumulating during the 1980's (e.g., Hilsenhoff, 1982). The new cost- and time-effective approach gained popularity and became embedded at the state and federal level, mainly through EPA providing technical guidance (Plafkin et al., 1989). Because of the continued popular use of rapid assessment programs, EPA has updated and expanded sampling and analysis protocols (Barbour et al., 1999). Analyzing macroinvertebrate communities without emphasizing the importance of stream habitat may prove incomplete. The stream channel, adjacent stream banks, and riparian flora combine to form a habitat template upon which species diversity can be theoretically maximized in the absence of habitat alteration or point/non-point input(s) of a given pollutant (Vannote et al., 1980). Habitat must be examined, in concert with the macroinvertebrate community, to discern among a wide array of potentially negative stresses to the stream ecosystem. During biomonitoring studies, macroinvertebrate communities can be assessed either according to structure, function, or both (Barbour et al., 1992). Biological integrity, as defined by EPA (1990), is the condition of the aquatic community occurring in natural habitats of unimpaired surface waters as measured by community structure and function. A biological assessment, also defined by EPA (1990), is performed to evaluate the biological condition of surface water using biological surveys and other direct measurements of resident biota. Common structural measures include taxa richness, community similarity, and pollution tolerance. Functional measures refer to a taxon's ecological position in a guild (Terborgh and Anderson, 1986), or functional feeding group (Cummins, 1973). The macroinvertebrate functional feeding group approach is based on the link between evolutionary adaptations for food acquisition and basic nutritional categories. Food-acquiring adaptations can be morphological, behavioral, or physiological (Cummins, 1988). The macroinvertebrate functional feeding group is useful to biomonitoring studies (Cummins, 1991). Functional groups were integrated into the River Continuum Concept (RCC, Vannote et al., 1980), creating a hierarchical framework of catchment basins, river valleys, geomorphology, hydrology, and macroinvertebrates. The RCC predicts relative abundance of functional groups according to relative abundance of food categories and availability of physical habitat along a longitudinal continuum of a stream system. Alterations to the stream channel, stream bank, and/or riparian flora alters the relative abundance of food items and/or habitat available to macroinvertebrates. Hence, the functional approach is sensitive to anthropogenic changes (Cummins, 1992). For example, clearing of the riparian zone of a small forested stream without leaving a reasonably-sized buffer strip may alter the functional makeup by (a) reduction in shredder abundance because of loss of leaf litter (Wallace et al., 2000). Stream size has remained consistent but the altered habitat, as riparian flora, has changed the functional makeup of the macroinvertebrate community. Land use practices, especially in rural areas, may compromise source water quality and present challenges to small water system operators to continually provide safe drinking water to its' consumers. This problem is further compounded because of the well-developed karst landscape of western Kentucky. Karst, as landscapes formed on soluble rock (e.g., limestone), is generally susceptible to groundwater pollution. The overall goal of my involvement with the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality (TACWQ), Western Kentucky University, as a participant in the Applied Research and Technology Program, is to monitor water quality through macroinvertebrate and habitat assessment. The responsibility of TACWQ is to aid rural public drinking water treatment facilities (= small water systems) to meet requirements mandated by the Safe Drinking Water Act. Five TACWQ tasks have delineated, and my duties within Task III (Source Water Protection Initiative; SWPI) are: (1) prepare a protocol for (a) field procedures for assessment of stream habitat and (b) collection and laboratory processing of macroinvertebrate samples, and (2) an assessment stream health using integrated measurements of macroinvertebrate structure and function and habitat quality. Methods General During the first two fiscal years (October 1998 - September 2000) of involvement, Task III SWPI personnel have conducted synoptic and flood-pulse sampling of five karst and two non-karst sites through western Kentucky. Initial sampling was defined as "characterization", and designed to provide a complete list of federal primary and secondary drinking water standard components. Due to variability that parallels climatic factors which may influence water volume/discharge, characterization sampling was conducted during both relatively dry and relatively wet conditions. Macroinvertebrate sampling and habitat analysis have been confined to five of the seven sites, including three karst and both non-karst sites. Each of the five sites are surface water reaches, while the remaining two are wells that derive water from deep cave streams. Macroinvertebrate sampling sites (1) Auburn (karst) - The city of Auburn (Logan Co.) is located in the Pennyroyal Sinkhole Plain. Their water supply is derived from a large spring ("Blue Hole Spring") located 'in town', which emerges as a large pool and immediately forms a small stream. Water intake is directly from this pool. The spring drains a well-developed karst landscape that is characterized by numerous sinkholes and a near-absence of surface fluvial drainage. All water quality sampling has occurred in the pool, while macroinvertebrate sampling was conducted from the adjacent stream. (2) Guthrie (karst) - The city of Guthrie (Todd Co.) is located in the Mississippian Plateau of the Pennyrile Region. Their water supply is derived from an integrated combination of three springs that emerge as a small pond ("Merriweather Spring"), located approximately 1 km west of Guthrie and immediately forms a small stream. Water intake is directly from this spring. The immediate landscape is characterized by moderate relief and is underlain by a well-developed karst aquifer. All water quality sampling has occurred in the pond, while macroinvertebrate sampling was conducted from the adjacent stream. (3) Cadiz (karst) - The city of Cadiz (Trigg Co.) is also located in the Mississippian Plateau of the Pennyrile Region. Their water supply is derived from a spring that emerges as a small pool ("City Spring") located 'in town', and immediately forms a small stream. Water intake is directly from this spring. Similar to the Guthrie site, the immediate landscape is characterized by moderate relief and is underlain by a well-developed karst aquifer. All water quality sampling has occurred in the pool, while macroinvertebrate sampling was conducted from the adjacent stream. (4) Caneyville (non-karst) - The city of Caneyville (Grayson Co.) is located in the Illinois Basin of the Western Kentucky Coalfield Region. Their water supply is derived from Caneyville Reservoir, located 4 km northeast of Caneyville. Water intake is directly from the reservoir. Numerous surface streams drain into the reservoir, but the largest is Bennett Fork of Caney Creek. All water quality sampling has occurred in the reservoir near the intake. Macroinvertebrate sampling was conducted from Bennett Fork from a riffle-run-pool reach situated immediately upstream of where surface flow dissipates due to the influence of reservoir standing water. (5) Marion (non-karst) - The water supply for the city of Marion (Crittenden Co.) is derived from Lake George, located 4 km south of Marion. Water intake is directly from the reservoir. While numerous surface streams drain into the reservoir, most appear near-permanently dry. All water quality sampling has occurred in the reservoir near the intake. Macroinvertebrate sampling was conducted from the only outlet, an intermittent stream located immediately downstream from Lake George. Habitat Structure: Field Measurement and Assessment (in progress) The quality of stream habitat, including in-stream, stream bank, and general riparian features, was analyzed at two hierarchical levels. Initially, stream habitat was characterized with a sampling site survey. Second, habitat quality was assessed by following a modified set of metrics presented in Barbour et al. (1999) (in progress). Macroinvertebrate Sampling: Field Methods (in progress) Aquatic macroinvertebrates were sample from surface streams by employing a rapid, qualitative, multi-habitat approach. Five habitats were selected initially to enhance the total number of taxa that could be obtained, and is considered preferred to single habitat sampling (i.e., riffle only) that may underrepresent taxa richness (Lenat, 1988). The methods were designed to sample from spatially-distinct substrates (rock, sand/silt, wood/boulder, leaf pack, aquatic vascular plants). Each was sampled only if present, but neither leaf packs nor aquatic plants was sampled due to lack of availability. Sampling was conducted in spring/summer 2000 and only during low water periods as follows: 1. Traveling Kick-Net (TKN) - This technique was intended to sample macroinvertebrates that use rock substrates as habitat. A Water-Markä bottom kick net (500-mm mesh) was held firm to the stream bottom and moved 2-m upstream for 45 seconds while gently disturbing rock substrates by foot or hand. Contents of the net were wash through a 500-mm mesh sieve and preserved whole in 95% ethanol. 2. Depositional Silt and Sand (DSS) - This technique was performed to obtain macroinvertebrates from depositional areas of a stream that are dominated by small inorganic substrates such as sand, silt and occasionally, clay. These substrates are likely to be present at any site and generally support a fauna distinct from other substrates. A 250-mm mesh sieve was placed into soft substrates along the stream margin, raised slowly to the surface and washed into a 25-l bucket. This procedure was repeated two more times. The composite sample was washed back through the same sieve and all contents were preserved whole in 95% ethanol. 3. Visual Search: Wood and Boulders (VS) - This technique is intended to collect macroinvertebrates from substrate too large to effectively obtain using standard sampling equipment. Following TKN and DSS sampling, the sampling site was visually scanned for the presence of large cobbles or boulders, or coarse woody debris, either as free pieces or as part of snags. Subsequently, if present, free pieces of wood were the only large substrates present at any of the five sites. A given piece was carefully removed from the stream bottom and one end was placed in a 25-l bucket half-filled with water. All observable macroinvertebrates were hand-picked and placed in the bucket. Contents of the bucket were rinsed through a 500-mm mesh and preserved in 95% ethanol. Macroinvertebrate Analysis: Laboratory Sorting (in progress) In the laboratory, both TKN and VS samples were re-rinsed through a 500-mm mesh sieve while DSS samples were washed through a 250-mm mesh sieve. Following rinsing, contents were transferred to a white rectangular pan gridded into 30 equal-sized squares. Sorting proceeded under an Olympus SZH-10 Stereomicroscope at 7X in randomly-selected grids until all organisms were picked from a given grid to a total of 100 and 200 organisms. Following sorting, all organisms were stored in 75% ethanol. Macroinvertebrate Analysis: Identification (in progress) Macroinvertebrates were identified to two hierarchical levels. All organisms were identified initially to the family level with the exception of Oligochaeta, Copepoda, Nematoda, Hydracarina, and small Amphipoda and Pelecypoda. Second, with the exceptions as noted above, all organisms were identified to the genus level (if possible) using mainly Pennak (1989), Thorp and Covich (1991), and Merritt and Cummins (1996) (in progress). All macroinvertebrates were subsequently classified into functional feeding groups according to Merritt and Cummins (1996) and Barbour et al. (1999). Macroinvertebrate Analysis: Community Structure and Function (in progress) Samples taken from each habitat were treated equally. The assessment of a given sampling site was based on an integrated evaluation of both habitat and macroinvertebrates. Each sample of 100 and 200 organisms per site were used to calculate metrics. A multi-metric approach, based on 9 individual metrics, is outlined below. All metrics were calculated for each site, individually for level of identification (family, genus), number of organisms sorted (100, 200), habitat sampled (TKN, DSS, VS), and number of sampling dates (1, 2). Structure 1. Taxa Richness - Total number of taxa. 2. EPT Richness - Total number of taxa in pollution-intolerant aquatic insect orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera. 3. EPT/Chironomidae Abundance Ratio - This metric measures community balance. A low ratio may indicate a disproportionate number of pollution-tolerant Chironomidae, suggesting environmental stress. 4. Cricotopus + Chironomus/Chironomidae Ratio - Both chironomid genera are generally tolerant to organic matter and toxic metal loading. 5. Percent Contribution of Dominant Taxa (PCD-5) - This metric measure faunal evenness by summing the relative percentage of the five dominant taxa. 6. Modified Biotic Index (BI) - This metric uses tolerance scores according to each taxon's tolerance to organic pollution. This scoring system was first established and subsequently modified in the United States by Hilsenhoff (1977; 1982; 1987; 1988a; 1988b). This system has been modified regionally by Lenat (1993), outlined by EPA (Plafkin et al., 1989; Barbour et al., 1999), and used to varying degrees by state regulatory agencies (e.g., KDOW, Mills et al., 1993). Both family and genus-level tolerance scoring, as well as the broader taxonomic groupings, followed Hilsenhoff (1982; 1988b), Plafkin et al. (1989), Lenat (1993) and Barbour et al. (1999). Function 7. Filtering-Collectors/Gathering Collectors (FC/GC) - This ratio evaluates if there is an unusually high proportion of fine organic particles in suspension. A given stream is considered to be under a high degree of fine degree organic particle loading if FC/GC > 0.50. 8. Scrapers/Shredders+Total Collectors (SCR/SHR+FC+GC) - This ratio evaluates if the food source at a given site is derived mainly from in-stream primary production (autotrophic) or allochthonous organic matter (heterotrophic). A given site is considered autotrophic if SCR/SHR+FC+GC > 0.75. 9. Scrapers+Filtering-Collectors/Shredders+Gathering-Collectors (SCR+FC/SHR+GC) - This ratio evaluates substrate stability by focusing on two functional groups that require large, solid, non-shifting substrates (e.g., cobbles, coarse woody debris) as habitat. A stream has ample stable substrate if SCR+FC/SHR+GC > 0.50. Results Macroinvertebrate sampling has been completed for each of the five sites. A total of eight sampling units, comprising 17 individual samples, have been obtained. Laboratory sorting (to 100 organisms), and identification (to family) has been completed for all samples (Tables 1-8). Table 1. Lotic macroinvertebrate taxa list: Auburn site, 26 February 2000.     TKN sample DSS sample   Taxa no.      Taxa no. Insect Insect     Elmidae 1      Ceratopogonidae 1   Chironomidae 18      Chironomidae 1   Non-insect Non-insect   Oligochaeta 14      Oligochaeta 91   Cambaridae 6      Gammaridae 2   Asellidae 3      Amphipoda (small) 1   Gammaridae 5      Pleuroceridae 6   Amphipoda (small) 4     Pleuroceridae 49     Total 100      Total 102   Table 2. Lotic macroinvertebrate taxa list: Auburn site, 15 June 2000.     TKN sample DSS sample   Taxa no.      Taxa no. Insect Insect     Chironomidae 30      Chironomidae 29   Simuliidae 6        Non-insect Non-insect   Oligochaeta 23      Oligochaeta 43   Gammaridae 5      Amphipoda (small) 13   Amphipoda (small) 1      Pleuroceridae 16   Hydracarina 7      Gastropoda (small) 1   Pleuroceridae 16      Sphaeriidae 1   Gastropoda (small) 18     Total 106      Total 103   Table 3. Lotic macroinvertebrate taxa list: Cadiz site, 5 March 2000.     TKN sample DSS sample VS sample   Taxa no.      Taxa no.      Taxa no.      Insect Insect Insect     Ephydridae 5      Ceratopogonidae 5           Chironomidae 20        Non-insect Non-insect Non-insect   Planariidae 5      Oligochaeta 75      Planariidae 36        Oligochaeta 3      Oligochaeta 1        Cambaridae 2      Asellidae 84        Asellidae 93        Total 108      Total 100      Total 127   Table 4. Lotic macroinvertebrate taxa list: Guthrie site, 26 February 2000.     TKN sample DSS sample VS sample   Taxa no.      Taxa no.      Taxa no.      Insect Insect Insect     Elmidae 8      Elmidae 45      Coenagrionidae 1        Chironomidae 1      Ceratopogonidae 1        Chironomidae 2        Non-insect Non-insect Non-insect   Planariidae 2      Planariidae 1      Planariidae 1        Oligochaeta 7      Oligochaeta 21      Asellidae 32        Asellidae 50      Asellidae 9      Gammaridae 14        Gammaridae 60      Gammaridae 20      Amphipoda (small) 1        Amphipoda (small) 9      Physidae 1      Pleuroceridae 56           Sphaeriidae 1      Physidae 8        Total 137      Total 101      Total 113   Table 5. Lotic macroinvertebrate taxa list: Guthrie site, 15 June 2000.     TKN sample DSS sample VS sample   Taxa no.      Taxa no.      Taxa no.      Non-insect Non-insect Non-insect   Planariidae 2      Oligochaeta 14      Planariidae 2        Oligochaeta 8      Asellidae 26      Asellidae 71        Asellidae 75      Gammaridae 17      Crangonyctidae 2        Crangonyctidae 1      Amphipoda (small) 43      Amphipoda (small) 11        Gammaridae 7      Pleuroceridae 3      Pleuroceridae 25        Amphipoda (small) 20      Sphaeriidae 5      Physidae 7        Physidae 3     Total 116      Total 108      Total 118   Table 6. Lotic macroinvertebrate taxa list: Caneyville site, 6 April 2000.     TKN sample DSS sample   Taxa no.      Taxa no. Insect Insect     Ameletidae 5      Siphloneuridae 8   Baetidae 1      Perlodidae 9   Heptageniidae 1      Elmidae 1   Siphloneuridae 2      Ceratopogonidae 7   Perlodidae 81      Chironomidae 23   Philopotamidae 1      Simuliidae 1   Rhyacophilidae 2        Chironomidae 1        Empididae 1        Simuliidae 3        Non-insect Non-insect   Oligochaeta 2      Nematoda 7      Oligochaeta 33      Hydracarina 2   Total 100      Total 91a a only 91 organisms located after 4-hr. sort. Table 7. Lotic macroinvertebrate taxa list: Caneyville site, 16 June 2000.     DSS sample     Taxa no.   Insect       Sialidae 1     Ceratopogonidae 1     Chironomidae 80     Non-insect   Cyclopoid Copepoda 7     Oligochaeta 12     Cambaridae 2     Asellidae 4     Crangonyctidae 2     Total 109     Table 8. Lotic macroinvertebrate taxa list: Marion site, 5 June 2000.     TKN sample     Taxa no.   Insect       Isotomidae 1     Perlodidae 1     Dryopidae 1     Ceratopogonidae 3     Chironomidae 2     Tabanidae 3     Tipulidae 1     Non-insect   Cyclopoid Copepoda 1     Oligochaeta 29     Asellidae 39     Crangonyctidae 19     Pelecypoda (small) 2     Total 102     References Barbour, M.T., J.L. Plafkin, B.P. Bradley, C.G. Graves, and R.W. Wisseman. 1992. Evaluation of EPA's Rapid Bioassessment Benthic Metrics: metric redundancy and variability among reference stream sites. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 11: 437-449. Barbour, M.T., J. Gerritsen, B.D. Snyder, and J.B. Stribling. 1999. Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Use in Streams and Wadable Rivers: Periphyton, Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Fish, Second Edition. EPA 841-B-99-002. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, D.C. Cairns, J.Jr., and J.R. Pratt. 1993. A history of biological monitoring using benthic macroinvertebrates. Pages 10-27 In D.M. Rosenberg and V.H. Resh (eds), Freshwater Biomonitoring and Benthic Macroinvertebrates. Chapman and Hall, New York, New York. Cummins, K.W. 1973. Trophic relations of aquatic insects. Annual Review of Entomology 18: 183-206. Cummins, K.W. 1988. The study of stream ecosystems: a functional view. Pages 247-262 In L.R. Pomeroy and J.J. Alberts (eds), Concepts of Ecosystem Ecology: A Comparative View. Ecological Studies 67. Springer-Verlag Incorporated, New York, New York. Cummins, K.W. 1991. Establishing biological criteria: functional views of biotic community organization. Pages 3-8 In Biological Criteria: Research and Regulation, Proceedings of a Symposium. EPA-440/5-91-005. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, D.C. Cummins, K.W. 1992. Invertebrates. Pages 234-250 In P. Calow and G.E. Petts (eds), The Rivers Handbook: Hydrological and Ecological Perspectives. Blackwell Scientific Publishers, London, United Kingdom. Hilsenhoff, W.L. 1977. Use of arthropods to evaluate water quality in streams. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Technical Bulletin No. 100. Hilsenhoff, W.L. 1982. Using a biotic index to evaluate water quality in streams. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Technical Bulletin No. 132. Hilsenhoff, W.L. 1987. An improved biotic index of organic stream pollution. Great Lakes Entomologist 20: 31-39. Hilsenhoff, W.L. 1988a. Seasonal correction factors for the biotic index. Great Lakes Entomologist 21: 9-13. Hilsenhoff, W.L. 1988b. Rapid field assessment of organic pollution with a family-level biotic index. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 7: 65-68. Klemm, D.J., P.A. Lewis, F. Fulk, and J.M. Lazorchak. 1990. Macroinvertebrate Field and Laboratory Methods for Evaluating the Biological Integrity of Surface Waters. EPA/600/4-90/030. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. Lenat, D.R. 1988. Water quality assessment of streams using a qualitative collection method for benthic macroinvertebrates. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 7: 222-233. Lenat, D.R. 1993. A biotic index for the southeastern United States: derivation and list of tolerance values, with criteria for assigning water-quality ratings. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 12: 279-290. Merritt, R.W. and K.W. Cummins (eds). 1996. An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America. 3rd ed. Kendall-Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, Iowa. 862pp. Mills, M.R., G. Beck, J. Brumley, S.M. Call, J. Grubbs, R. Houp, L. Metzmeier, and K. Smathers. 1993. Methods of Assessing Biological Integrity of Surface Waters. Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Water, Water Quality Branch, Ecological Support Section, Frankfort, Kentucky. 139pp. Pennak, R.W. 1989. Fresh-Water Invertebrates of the United States. 3rd ed. John Wiley & Sons, New York, New York. 628pp. Plafkin, J.L., M.T. Barbour, K.D. Porter, S.K. Gross, and R.M. Hughes. 1989. Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Use in Streams and Rivers: Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Fish. EPA/444/4-89-001. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, D.C. Platts, W.S., W.F. Megahan, and G.W. Minshall. 1983. Methods for Evaluating Stream, Riparian, and Biotic Conditions. General Technical Report INT-138. United States Department of Agriculture, United States Forest Service, Ogden, Utah. Shackleford, R. 1988. Rapid Bioassessments of Lotic Macroinvertebrate Communities: Biocriteria Development. Arkansas Department of Pollution Control and Ecology. Little Rock, Arkansas. Terborgh, J. and S. Anderson. 1986. Guilds and their utility in ecology. Pages 65-90 In J. Kikkawa and D.R. Anderson (eds), Community Ecology: Pattern and Process. Blackwell Scientific Publishers, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Thorp, J.H. and A.P. Covich (eds.). 1991. Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates. Academic Press, San Diego, California. 911pp. U.S. E.P.A. 1990. Biological Criteria: National Program Guidance for Surface Waters. Office of Water. Regulations and Standards. EPA-440/5-90-004. Washington, D.C. Vannote, R.L., G.W. Minshall, K.W. Cummins, J.R. Sedell, and C.E. Cushing. 1980. The river continuum concept. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 37: 130-137. Wallace, J.B., S.L. Eggert, J.L. Meyer, and J.R. Webster. 2000. Effects of resource limitation on a detritus-based ecosystem. Ecological Monographs (in press). Trihalomethane (THM) Study Algal Growth and THM production The effects of algal growth on THM production were investigated in three experiments during the summer of 2000. Raw Ohio River water was incubated in 2000L mesocosms with different light and nutrient levels for 6 days. Algal biomass (as chlorophyll a), algal growth rates (as exponential daily growth) and turbidity were measured at three times through the experiments (days 0, 3, and 6). Tank covers provided surface shading at two levels (88% and 95%) approximating average water column levels in shallow, upstream river stretches and deeper, downstream stretches, respectively. Nutrient levels were manipulated by keeping ambient concentrations or adding dissolved inorganic nutrients (N, P, and Si) to double the ambient concentrations. Rates of bacterioplankton production were estimated by measuring the incorporation of tritiated thymidine into bacterial DNA. If bacterioplankton are in balanced growth, the rates of incorporation into the different macromolecular fractions (RNA, DNA, protein) will give equivalent estimates of growth rate. In addition, in the second experiment the density of zooplankton grazers was manipulated in some mesocosms as a pilot study to assess the effect of suspension feeders on algal biomass and thus indirectly on THM formation. It was hypothesized that higher light and nutrient availability and would positively affect algal growth rates and biomass accumulation over the six-day experiments. We proposed that increases in algal biomass would be directly related to THM formation potential (THMFP). We also hypothesized that grazing would reduce algal biomass and consequently THM production. Only data from the first two experiments have been analyzed. The initial light availability differed between the two experiments, as the suspended sediment load of the raw river water was significantly higher in the latter experiment. The average initial turbidity of Experiment 1 was approximately16 ntu compared with 50 ntu in Experiment 2 (Figure 22). Although each tank had three power heads to provide water mixing, tank turbidities declined throughout the six days in both experiments. The average final turbidity was 7 ntu in Experiment 1 and 23 ntu in Experiment 2. Although the turbidities were very different between experiments, the rates of turbidity loss were similar (-0.14 ntu d-1 and –0.13 ntu d-1, Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, respectively.) These turbidity differences translated into differences light availability in the tanks. The average light attenuation rate in Experiment 1 was 1.0 m-1 compared to 2.0 m-1 in Experiment 2. This difference represents a halving of the water-column light availability in Experiment 2 that is in addition to experimental light treatments. Consequently, the quantity of light available to the phytoplankton (with respect to light treatment) was significantly greater in Experiment 1. Light availability positively affected algal biomass accumulation. Biomass accumulation over the six days in Experiment 1 was greater than Experiment 2 (cf. Figure 23a and 23b) and is consistent with the between-experiment light availability (discussed above). Initial (Day 0) chlorophyll levels were similar between light treatments in both experiments, and positive algal biomass accrual was seen in both high and low light treatments over the six-days in both experiments. However, differences in light treatment effects were seen in both Day 3 and Day 6 samples (Figures 23a and 23b). Daily biomass accumulation was greatest in Experiment 1 in the high light treatment (Figure 23a). In contrast, algal biomass in the low light treatment showed little change between Day 3 and Day 6. Overall biomass accumulation was lower in Experiment 2; however, differences between light treatments are still evident (Figure 23b). The effect of nutrient additions on algal biomass and growth rates was equivocal. Because of the differences in light availability between Experiment 1 and 2, nutrient effects were analyzed in terms of algal growth rates. Experiment 1 nutrient additions were associated with higher algal growth rates in high light treatments; however, growth rates did not differ in low light treatments (Figure 24). In contrast, growth rates in Experiment 2 low light treatments in showed a positive correlation with nutrient addition, while high light growth rates were negatively correlated with nutrient additions (Figure 24). Overall, there was no clear nutrient effect on algal growth rates. Replicates were performed for individual light treatment effects upon bacterial growth rates (Figures 25a and 25b) Within tank replicates showed great variability that could not be explained. Examination of these results showed no statistical correlation between light treatments and bacterial growth that were consistent. THMFPs were run and compared to ecosystem parameters in the experiments. In the first two experiments, there was not been a strong relationship between TTHM and chlorophyll a (e.g. Figure 26 from Experiment 2). This was somewhat unexpected because some earlier work in reservoirs has linked algal community biomass and to some extent composition with TTHM production. We are presently analyzing this data set to assess if there are consistent trends between THM production under these varying treatment conditions and other community-level measures such as DOC, ash free dry mass or algal community composition. There were differences between the mesocosm treatments and the Ohio River, with the Ohio acting as a sink for THM and the mesocosm communities acting as sources for THM over the course of the 10 day trials (e.g. Figure 27 from Experiment 2). The grazing treatment had no significant effect on THM production (Figure 28). As this was a pilot study for next year, we did not have a full factorial experimental design but it does indicate that pelagic suspension feeders such as the zooplankton may not be important contributors to THM formation. Next year, we intend to use a more balanced experimental design and include other suspension feeders from the Ohio River, such as zebra mussels, whose filtering activities may impact THMFP. Possible interpretations of the first two experiments a)   TTHM production is affected more by algal community structure than by total biomass as estimated by chlorophyll a. We have the samples we need to address this possibility, but we have no data on this yet. Alternatively, other community level parameters such as DOC/POC may be important. These are currently being assessed. b)   TTHM production is driven more by allochthonous (terrestrial carbon) than autochthonous carbon (algae in the river). We will be using the mesocosm system next spring and summer to address this issue. If this is the case, than THM dynamics in the river are controlled by processes different than what we initially hypothesized. c)   Algal communities that are actively growing in the river are more effective in producing THM than senescing communities. This would be consistent with some published data from reservoirs. We will be addressing this possibly with small-scale incubation experiments. Large River Survey We completed another round of the large river survey this past August. We sampled eight sites in the Ohio River and its major tributaries and we sampled for THMFP and the associated parameters as described in previous reports. Once again, the Wabash River has the highest THMFPs, more than double the lowest site (the midriver Ohio River site; see Figure 29). We are planning a December sampling to try to assess THMFP during high pool/cool temperature period in the Ohio River and its tributaries. Because of the consistent differences we are seeing between the Ohio and its main tributaries in THMFP, we are now planning to conduct a more intensive series of surveys next year in the basin. This may include month sampling with special attention paid to the Wabash River as a major source of THMFP to the Lower Ohio River. Taylorsville Lake Study We are nearing completion of the first year of sampling at Taylorsville Lake. We have run a series of splits to assess the performance of our contract lab and we are awaiting further analysis of the results of these QA/QC runs. We should have at least preliminary data for the input/output model by the end of this year, depending on the outcome of our QA/QC program.       II. Discussion of Expenditures Expenditures for this task from 07/01/99 to 09/30/00 were $14,364. The year-to-date Task 3 expenditures have been $70,259 out of a second year budget of $135,355. Task 3 fourth quarter expenditures and encumbrances combined were $21,243, comprising 15.7% of the year’s budget. For the year, Task 3's combined materials, analytical, and personnel costs has expended or encumbered 90.4% ($122,353) of the $135,355 year 2 budget. The remaining funds reflect the delayed sampling schedule due to the drought of last fall and winter. These funds will allow us to perform more detailed sampling for compounds of concern during the upcoming year than next year’s reduced task budget would have otherwise allowed. Additionally, $60,638 (44.8%) of the total budget has been spent and encumbered for the Trihalomethanes study emphasis under Dr. Jeffrey Jack at the University of Louisville. Trihalomethane Study Expenditures ($60,638.03 subcontract):       a)   Compared to our milestones we are on schedule for the river survey and mesocosm studies. Were are still one month behind for the Taylorsville study because of the loss of the December data. We have expended the entire budget for the first year. b)   No discrepancies to report       III. Changes in Key Personnel There were no changes in key personnel during the fourth quarter. Task 4: Database Management and Information Tools I. Work Status It is the responsibility of Task 4, Database Management and Information Tools, to provide appropriate methods and structures for reporting data and metadata to meet the needs of: (1) facilitating efficient and convenient reporting of information by all other Tasks, (2) appropriate capture and storage of data and metadata by the Database Management System, and (3) accessible retrieval of information and materials by end users along with ancillary information required for interpretation. The Information Tools function of our Task works to put technology, information, and the tools to create information capacity and capability directly into the hands of water providers, and to make that technology and information as accessible as possible.       A. Work progress. Efforts by Task 4 this quarter continued to focus in five areas: (1) ongoing website development as a tool for providing information to water systems; (2) development of software and information tools for the direct use of water providers themselves; (3) expanding our information services to those states in EPA Region 4 beyond Kentucky; (4) ongoing construction and maintenance of the project database; and (5) reconstruction and refurbishing of donated, retired computers for use by water systems in need. 1)   Ongoing website development and communication. We have completely renovated our website in order to simplify navigation and make every section of the site more accessible. We have also obtained a simpler internet address at http://water.wku.edu. This reorganization was essential in order to efficiently deliver the rapidly growing sources of new information, software, maps, tools, documents, and links that we are developing and collecting. Figures 30, 31, 32, & 33 show a few of the pages from our revamped website. 2)   Development of software and information tools for direct use. During the fourth quarter, we completed development of a Water Loss spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel format (Figure 34). This spreadsheet should facilitate recognition and evaluation of problem leaks, and provide an assessment of the percentage loss and gallons of loss per day and per minute experienced by a water system. This software is available for download from our website, and is also available at our internet site as a form that can be filled out and calculated online, then printed out by the water system. In-house development of a piece of software, MOR Advisor, to facilitate the completion and filing of Monthly Operating Reports by small water systems, was completed, tested, debugged, finalized, and made available for free download from our website this year. During this fourth quarter, a new installation program was written (Figure 35) which installs MOR Advisor, the Java runtime utility it requires, and some additional information tools we developed in cooperation with KRWA that are available at our website. A copy of a distributable Compact Disc accompanies this report which includes the installation program, MOR Advisor, the Water Loss spreadsheet, and additional tools including drinking water quality maps and Consumer Confidence Report templates. The program MOR Advisor was constructed by Mr. Seth Johnson, a WKU student, in the Java programming language for lean programming and a good graphical user interface. The Java runtime utility required by the program is available for free, as is our software. We are therefore able to efficiently provide a completely free package that does not require either pre-existing software or a particular operating system. Much additional effort has been expended to make the program function well even on machines with limited computing power. The program has been optimized to run under both Windows and Linux operating environments. 3)   Data gathering and information services to Kentucky and other states. It is part of our mission in this second year of EPA funding to begin expanding our technical assistance services to the rest of the southeastern U.S. A primary goal of the mapping effort presented here is to identify large-scale patterns in water quality problems for the southeastern U.S. so that the solutions to these problems may be efficiently targeted. 4)   Development of project database. Microsoft SQL Server is being used to house and query the databases we have begun to accumulate. Metadata is being constructed for the GIS maps we are producing. We have made additional progress toward a final definition of the project's database structure. We very recently received part of the critical information needed from Task 3 and look forward to completing the database structure that will house their information. Selected data from the EPA SDWIS database have been acquired and queried in conjunction with our efforts to clarify and resolve patterns of water quality problems experienced by small water systems. 5)   Rehabilitation of retired computers for use by water systems. While we originally proposed to investigate the possibility of renovating computers for water systems this year, we did in fact execute such a renovation this year. From a collection of 25 available machines, we have completed the preparation and refurbishing of nine old computers donated for long-term loan to water systems in need of computing power. This effort came to completion after a very long series of technical problems and solutions. Students who participated in this work are to be commended for their effort and persistence. All computers and associated equipment (monitors, mice, keyboards, modems) were submitted to a final check and cleaning. A detailed Operator's Manual was written and produced as an accompaniment to these machines (included last quarter as Appendix D-1). The machines were delivered to KRWA for distribution early this quarter. A Press Release was made at that time as well. Feedback request forms were included with the Operator's Manual to help evaluate needs and utilities for donated computers the TACWQ might distribute in future. B. Difficulties encountered. No insurmountable difficulties have been encountered. C. Preliminary data results. In previous quarters we have presented a large number of maps and results from plotting and evaluating drinking water Maximum Contaminant Level violations. These included information for the southeastern U.S. (EPA Region 4) for 1996, 1997, and 1998. We have also downloaded and plotted EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) for Region 4 and some adjoining states (Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland). However, we have not been able to gain assurances from the SDWIS authorities that the available data is complete through the end of the year 1999. We therefore, present only one summary map of 1999 data for the southeastern U.S. as a whole (Figure 36). Taken at face value, the lowered number of dots would suggest that many states in the southeastern U.S. have shown sharp decreases in the number of MCL violations for the year 1999, where in fact it appears that the data is incomplete. These data have been plotted for each individual state within the region shown, but it is felt that we must have confirmation of the quality of the data before these maps are released, or replotted and released. D. Anticipated activities. We will further publicize the availability of the free MOR Advisor and ancillary software and information tools for distribution by CD or website download during the next quarter, and will begin to gather feedback on its use and work on developing versions for use in other states. Work will continue in our data gathering and information harvesting, with GIS as a primary mode of analysis and display of information. Ongoing development and maintenance of the structure and content of the project database will also continue. We shall also continue to respond to requests by water systems and the public for data and information on an ongoing basis. Slide presentations developed for local instruction and for presentation at national scientific conferences (Attachment) will also be made available on the website.       II. Discussion of Expenditures Expenditures for this task from 07/01/99 to 09/30/00 were $20,910. The year-to-date Task 4 expenditures have been $75,304 out of a second year budget of $99,401. We have delayed some equipment purchases this year in order to be certain we have adequate materials and supplies for next year, and to make sure that our equipment purchases exactly meet our needs. III. Key Personnel Changes< There have been no changes in key personnel within Task 4 during this quarter. Dr. Ouida Meier continues to direct the efforts of Task 4. We are very fortunate in having had a team of bright, talented undergraduate students who assisted with the work in Task 4 very creatively and capably this year: Mr. Seth M. Johnson, Computer Programmer, who has developed the MOR Advisor software and User's Guide, contributed significantly to the preparation and final check of the loaner computers, and harvested data from the EPA SDWIS database; Mr. Jake Lyon, Linux Specialist, who was responsible for a final check of the loaner computers, authored the loaner computer Operator's Manual, and was primarily responsible for executing the website renovation; Mr. Shane Fryer, GIS Specialist, who plotted the maps that appear in this report and developed new modes of information layout; and Ms. Kim Gaines, Research Assistant, who located information on source water quality to extend our analyses. The Center is very grateful for their dedicated and skillful efforts. Task 5: Innovative Technologies I. Work Status: The objective of Task 5 initially was to encourage pilot projects that demonstrate the benefits and effectiveness of innovative and emerging technologies in the drinking water industry. It has since developed into other areas. These are:       Western Kentucky University Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality (TACWQ) has set an objective to become a Field Testing Organization (FTO) for NSF & EPA. To develop a Sanitary Survey Self Assessment Field Guide and Form for Ground Water and Surface Water supplies. Conduct a water rate study, at the request of the city of Russellville, Kentucky, to determine the cost of servicing three water districts. A. Work Progress Pilot Studies. No pilots were visited during this quarter. Spatial Data Integrations, working with KRWA and TACWQ has completed the demonstration pilot with the Lake Village Water District. This was a successful demonstration. FTO Certification. Little progress was made toward this goal because of a lack of funding. One community is interested in piloting UV technology if funding becomes available. Sanitary Survey Self Assessment Field Guide. The Sanitary Survey Self-Assessment Field Guide and corresponding Form is essentially complete and on TACWQ’s Web Page for review and comment from interested parties. The document will be complete during the first quarter of the third year. The Sanitary Survey Self Assessment Field Guide for Surface Water is approximately 60% complete and will be completed as time permits. It is scheduled for completion by the end of the third year. Russellville Kentucky Water Rate Study: The City of Russellville requested assistance in conducting a study to determine the cost of serving three water districts. This study is complete. B. Difficulties Encountered No difficulties were encountered. C. Preliminary Data Results The Spatial Data Integrations pilot at Lake Village Water District is complete, with satisfactory results. D. Anticipated Activities TACWQ will continue to review and report on innovative technology. TACWQ plans to pursue it efforts to become a FTO. We hope to discuss these plans with NSF during the third year. The Sanitary Survey Self Assessment Field Guide and Form for Surface Water Supplies will be completed during the first quarter of the third year. TACWQ with its partner, Kentucky Rural Water Association, will continue to sponsor a two or three day seminar with the Kentucky–Tennessee Section of the American Water Association. The Kentucky Division of Water, the Tennessee Division of Water Quality and USEPA will be asked to present an update of the regulations and rules governing drinking water quality, while others will present information on technical, managerial, and financial capacity. Feedback from those in attendance at the first meeting indicated that this was a very successful meeting, not only because of the content but also because of the location.       II. Discussion of Expenditures: Expenditures for this task from 07/01/99 to 09/30/00 were $1,003. The year-to-date Task 5 expenditures have been $6,745 out of a second year budget of $9,081. III. Key Personnel Changes: There were no personnel changes during this period.   Task 5, Innovative Technologies: Attachment INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION PROJECT LAKE VILLAGE WATER ASSOCIATION, BURGIN, KENTUCKY JULY, 1999 - JUNE, 2000 FINAL REPORT In June, 1999 the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality (TACWQ) at Western Kentucky University, the Kentucky Rural Water Association (KRWA), and Spatial Data Integrations, Inc. (SDI) announced the establishment of an Innovative Technology Demonstration Project to illustrate the advantages of using a GIS (Geographic Information System) for facilities management at small water utilities. Lake Village Water Association (LVWA) of Burgin, Kentucky was chosen as the site for the project which ran from July 1999 through June 2000. LVWA , which has 1750 customers and more than 83 miles of mains, is headed by Mike Royalty who was the principal tester for the project. In July, 1999 SDI provided LVWA with base maps for its service area. These maps included seamless digital topographic maps prepared from USGS DRGs (Digital Raster Graphics), digital aerial photography produced from USGS DOQQs (Digital Orthophotograhic Quarter Quadrangles) and an elevation grid produced from USGS DEMs (Digital Elevation Models). SDI also provided LVWA with WaterWorks/FM™ -- a GIS system developed by SDI, to enable small and medium-sized utilities to digitize and display mains, valves, hydrants, service lines, meters and other facilities information on a digital map. Once this system information is "drawn" and keyed into the program, the software enables the utility to analyze its system data to assist with facilities management, customer service, long-range planning and other operational issues. Screen shot from WaterWorks/FM™ showing mains, hydrants, valves, service lines, meters, and other features digitized on top of digital aerial photography as the base map. In August, 1999 Mike Royalty began "drawing" his mains into the software using the aerial photography as his point of reference. As mains were added, the lines were automatically snapped together by the software to ensure connectivity. Then point features were added including fittings, valves, and hydrants among others. Service lines were added to connect meters to the mains. As each service line was drawn on the map, the software automatically snapped the service to the main and added a saddle at the main and a meter at the other end of the line. As Mr. Royalty had free moments, he worked on entering more data into the system. By early 2000 he was ready to begin adding information into the system to describe the attributes of the features that he had drawn on the map. By the end of June, 2000 LVWA has completed digitizing all of its mains, meters, valves, hydrants, and other features and was well into the task of coding the information about these features. Screen shot from WaterWorks/FM™ showing form used to code the attributes for Mains. Drop down lists contain elections to pick with the mouse simplifying data entry. Forms are provided for each feature type. Throughout the year, Mike Royalty has freely shared his time and information with other utility managers who have been interested in GIS. He has participated in a number of meetings in which he has discussed the demonstration project and how GIS is being utilized in his system. In June 2000 he was on the program at the KYGIS conference in Bowling Green to talk about his experience with the demonstration project. He is now a strong advocate for utility operators to use GIS in the management of their operations. Among the anecdotes which Mr. Royalty shared at the conference were these: A resident showed up at board meeting and wanted to know what it would cost to get water hooked up to his property. Using the GIS software, Mike was able to locate the resident's property on the map, use a measuring tool in the software to calculate the distance from the closest main to the man's property, and provide an estimate on the spot. Prior to having the GIS software, Mike would have had to go out to the property, use a wheel to calculate the distance, and then prepare a quote for the resident--a process that normally took at least a week. Using a Leak Tracker component that comes with WaterWorks/FM, Mike was able to determine that several leaks had occurred along the same 10-mile section of pipe and was able to recommend to his board that the whole section be replaced to avoid further service interruptions and water losses. LVWA is in the process of completing the entry of existing features into its GIS system. A key advantage that LVWA has found in using GIS is that its system map need never be out of date. As new water mains and service lines are put in the ground they can be added to the digital mapping system. As repairs take place on older mains in the system where size and material were unknown, this data can be recorded in the GIS. Having all of the system information in one place is a real convenience for LVWA.

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Quarter 1 (Progress Report Year 2 Oct- Dec 1999)

Introduction Western Kentucky University was awarded a grant by the Environmental Protection Agency (#X826659-01-0) to establish a small public water system Technical Assistance Center (the Center). One of the major aspects of this program is to address the issue of capacity development. The capacity development framework offers a forum within which this Center is working with state regulatory agencies and small water systems to assist them in acquiring and maintaining technical, financial and managerial capacity needed to provide safe drinking water and achieve the public health protection goals of the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act. Western Kentucky University has developed this Center with long range goals, and a “regional” focus. The work plan for this Center is organized into tasks that have multi-year projects all aimed at completion during a five-year program. These tasks are distinct in nature, but mutually supportive Task 1 addresses training in managerial and financial capacity development; Task 2 provides technical capacity development in a “circuit rider” approach; Task 3 conducts field studies and analyzes methods of source water protection; Task 4 establishes a data base management system to receive, organize, integrate and distribute project information; and Task 5 establishes a forum to identify and help evaluate innovative and alternative technology applications that can assist small system operators in the delivery of safe drinking water to their customers. In addition, Task 5 seeks to become a Field Testing Organization (FTO) in the EPA's Environmental Testing Validation (ETV) Program, and is currently in a cooperative effort with Montana State University to establish a biological denitrification pilot project in Bowling Green, KY. Executive Summary Introduction. Western Kentucky University has established a Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality for small public water systems. Information presented in this report represents efforts during the first quarter of year two of this grant. Grant execution and periods of performance are now aligned with the Environmental Protection Agency fiscal year. Synopsis. This first quarter, second contract year report depicts progress in each of the aforementioned task areas. The activities of the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality during the first quarter have been a continuation of the data collection and baselines established in the previous quarters in developing management training courses, on-site technical assistance, selection, initial sampling, and evaluation of sites used for sources of drinking water, and identification of innovative methodologies that can provide help to small systems operators. Task 1. The introductory course in Utility Management has been developed and tested on three occasions during the year, two of which were held during the final quarter of last year. This 3-day course will be offered as a Kentucky Rural Water Association Management Course in April 2000, and again in June 2000. Sixty managers will be trained in year 2000. Widespread acceptance of this initial course offering was received by small utility water managers from across the state. Task 2. The Circuit Rider Program provided on-site, hands on technical assistance in 93 visits to small community and non-community systems this quarter. Assistance ranged from water audits and leak detection to wellhead protection and contaminant inventories. Task 3. Sampling schedules under wet conditions were stalled this past quarter due to the severe drought that Kentucky has experienced for the final 6 months of 1999. Dry characterization samples for all karst sites were collected to establish the baselines, and wet characterization samples will be collected early in 2000. An atrazine problem surfaced in Marion, KY, and this watershed was added to our karst sites. The synoptic portion of our sampling program was begun in order to characterize the watersheds for BMP development. Water sampling has begun in the 10 non-karst sites where trihalomethanes (THM) are considered a problem. Data collected in the THM study will be used to develop mathematical models that are aimed at lowering the treatment costs in providing safe water. Task 4. Efforts by Task 4 this quarter were focused in five areas: (1) ongoing website development as a tool for providing information to water systems; (2) development of software and information tools for the direct use of water providers themselves; (3) beginning to expand our information services to those states in EPA Region 4 beyond Kentucky; (4) ongoing construction and maintenance of the project database; and (5) reconstruction and refurbishing of donated, retired computers for use by water systems in need. A major renovation of the project's website has been undertaken. Completion is near of a computer software program for the use of small water systems in filing their Monthly Operating Reports, MOR Advisor. We have begun expansion of our data gathering and information services to the other states in EPA Region 4. Development of the project database is continuing. Finally, significant progress has been made in the rehabilitation of donated older computers for free distribution to small water systems. Task 5. This quarter's work continued efforts with two major innovative technologies: an Actiflo ultrafiltration system that is currently undergoing field tests, and a GIS mapping program employing a modified version of ArcView that has been customized for small water systems by Spatial Data Integrations, Inc. Achieving certification as a Field Testing Organization is also being pursued. Administration Costs invoiced during the first quarter, second year represent salary and fringe benefits for the Director. Costs also represent the efforts of additional administrative personnel and activities necessary to organize efforts in and among all five tasks, develop a cost accounting system and track accounts. Administrative responsibilities further included interaction with officials in the Kentucky Division of Water, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority and the Kentucky Rural Water Association to assure that task activity was in concert with the water quality objectives of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Director also met with and gave guidance to the Task Managers in order that our activities were in accordance with the grant technical proposal and milestone schedules.       A. Activities: In December 1999, the Director and Dr. Chris Groves (Task 3) met with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, officials of the Marion (Kentucky) Division of Public Works, and several other stakeholders to evaluate a situation whereby atrazine, a chemical used as a pesticide in corn production, was found in several watersheds in Marion, Ky. Concentrations exceeded the MCL at several times during the summer and fall of 1999. Efforts continued to establish WKU and the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality as a Field Testing Organization (FTO) under the Environmental Technology Validation (ETV) Program. Biological denitrification is among those technologies we are pursuing to pilot. We intend to collaborate with Dr. Robin Collins, the Director of the University of New Hampshire Technical Assistance Center for Small Water Systems, in establishing an FTO at WKU. Collaboration is also expected with Montana State University in pursuing pilot studies in denitrification projects. The Technical Assistance Center has acquired and begun modification of approximately 24 386/486 personal computers (PCs) that were donated by departments within Western Kentucky University. These computers are being modified and developed into functional computers and retrofitted with software packages that will provide small water systems with word processing and spreadsheet capabilities. We are also installing on these machines software developed by Dr. Ouida Meier and the Database Management Team that will give water systems the capability to easily generate monthly water loss reports, monthly operating reports, and annual consumer confidence reports. Internet connection capacity will also be provided. These PCs will be provided at no cost to systems based upon specific selection criteria. Technical assistance will also be provided in setting up and operating the computers. B. Expenditures: Total administrative expenditures to date from the year 1 budget are $52,546.91. Administrative expenditures borne by the grant in the first quarter of the second year totaled $459.66 from the year 1 budget, and $18,164.58 from the year 2 budget. WKU has contributed $37,784 in the first year of the Water Quality project under the administration task. From Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 1999, WKU contributed $2,132 to the administration budget. The budget status of all tasks is depicted in Appendix A       Task 1: Utility Management Institute (UMI) I. Work Status The goal of the UMI is to develop and deliver a series of courses to be included in a “Utility Management Professional” certification program available to system managers, operators, and office managers of water systems serving rural areas and small municipalities with populations under 10,000.       A. Work Progress: The bulk of activity related to the Utility Management Institute (UMI) during this quarter was spent in researching and developing the second year’s courses with the assistance of Western Kentucky University’s (WKU) Center for Math, Science, and Environmental Education. The introductory course has been developed and consists of three days of classroom activity concentrating on subjects such as the history of drinking water, drinking water regulation, financial management, personnel management, and customer relations. The three specific subject courses will be covering areas of Utility Finance, Organization, Regulation & Law, and Human Resource Management. The Utility Management Institute, as part of the WKU Technology Assistance Center, will be offered in conjunction with the Kentucky Rural Water Association’s Management Conference in Bowling Green, KY on April 11-13, 2000. A second offering of the introductory course will be presented on June 20-22 in Lexington, Kentucky. These two opportunities will allow 60 individuals to complete the introductory course during 2000. B. Difficulties Encountered. No unanticipated difficulties were encountered. C. Preliminary Data Results. No empirical data has been produced as a result of Task 1 activities. D. Anticipated Activities. The introductory course will be offered twice during the year and the next three courses will continue in their development stage with the participation of the WKU Center for Math, Science, and Environmental Education.       II. Discussion of Expenditures Expenditures for this task to date total $102,544.74 from the year 1 budget. Expenditures during the first quarter of the second year totaled $32,086.37 from the year 1 budget, and $0 from the year 2 budget. III. Key Personnel Changes There were no personnel changes during the First Quarter of the second year for Task 1. Task 2: Circuit Rider Program I. Work Status The "Circuit Rider" approach to providing a combination of on-site technical assistance and training is nationally recognized as the most effective method of assisting small public water systems to comply with state and federal environmental regulations. The Circuit Rider program works in partnership with Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) to target the public water systems serving populations under 3,300, with particular emphasis on systems serving less than 500 people, that are experiencing profound difficulties in complying with SDWA provisions.       A. Work Progress. During the quarter the Circuit Rider made 93 technical assistance visits to non-community and community water systems for a total of 608.75 program hours. Three of the on-site visits were spent conducting water audits, while four visits involved leak detection. The Circuit Rider assisted with five public meetings on wellhead protection efforts, and three contaminant source inventories were completed. The Circuit Rider also taught six hours of water-related mathematics to participants at a KRWA sponsored training session. In addition, 21 on-site visits were made concerning assistance with the Consumer Confidence Report. During the quarter, the Circuit Rider has identified six small systems that are in need of computers for some aspect of their operations, either in the administrative office or in the treatment plant. These systems have completed applications explaining their need and await the availability of the machines. B. Difficulties Encountered. No unanticipated difficulties were encountered. C. Preliminary Data Results. See Work Progress above. D. Anticipated Activities. During the next quarter, the WKU Small System Circuit Rider will continue to assist systems with Consumer Confidence reporting and other regulatory issues. An increasing amount of the Circuit Rider’s time is expected to be spent with systems that have made specific requests for assistance through the KRWA office. Many of these requests have resulted from on-site visits. The Circuit Rider will also continue to identify systems that have computer needs in anticipation of future availability.       II. Discussion of Expenditures Expenditures for this task to date total $62,202.68 from the year 1 budget. Expenditures during the first quarter of the second year totaled $10,994.49 from the year 1 budget, and $5,280.79 from the year 2 budget. III. Key Personnel Changes There were no personnel changes for Task 2. Task 3: Source Water Protection Initiative I. Work Status       A. Work Progress. Water Sampling at Source Water Demonstration Watersheds. The monthly water quality-sampling program at our seven karst demonstration watersheds will begin in January 2000. The drought that has plagued Kentucky for the past seven months continues through most of the state. We were able to get our "dry characterization" samples during late 1999, but conditions have not been appropriate for our "wet characterization" samples. We have decided to begin the synoptic portion of our sampling program, in which we will sample source water each of the seven demonstration sites every 28 days, and which will provide the baseline data for studies of the relationship between land use and water quality. This sampling regime will produce statistically appropriate data with which we can make quantitative comparisons between source water quality before and after the land use modifications which are at the heart of our source water protection program in years three and four of the grant. We have thus modified the work plan to collect the "wet sample" during a wet period during the first month in which the conditions are classified as "near normal" as indicated by the Palmer Drought Index calculated by NOAA. Any water quality parameters of concern that are revealed in this comprehensive "wet sample" will be added to the synoptic program. At the request of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, we have chosen, with EPA concurrence, the water supply for Marion, Kentucky as one of our demonstration sites. Concentrations of the herbicide Atrazine have been found to exceed the maximum contaminant level (MCL) by as much as a factor of ten in the drinking water at Marion. In December Ed Houston and Chris Groves attended a meeting at Marion of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Division of Water, the National Resource Conservation Service, the Novartis Corporation, local officials, watershed farmers, and other local stakeholders. This chemical is used widely in corn production in Kentucky because it is effective and relatively inexpensive, however in drinking water it is hazardous in the parts per billion range, with a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of three ppb. This MCL is currently under special review by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Novartis Corporation is the primary manufacturer of Atrazine, and is quite interested in working with local and state governments to solve problems associated with its use and to develop appropriate land use and application practices that will allow its continued sale and use. We are working with the various stakeholder groups interested in Marion to provide technical assistance (to include hydrologic study and interpretation, along with sampling, analysis, and interpretation of drinking water source water quality) in the remediation of this problem. We also attended a meeting in Lewisburg, Kentucky, which has similar Atrazine problems and are working with the town and various agencies to provide assistance at that site, as we are able. As a result of these meetings, we will also meet further with the Novartis Corporation, to discuss common goals in developing BMP practices related to agricultural chemicals. The Marion site will replace the Louisville, Kentucky, airport site, which we had originally intended to serve as one of our two non-karst sites. The urgency of the problems at Marion, along with protracted difficulties in access and stakeholder cooperation at Louisville has prompted this decision. At the request of Grant director Ed Houston, the change in sites was approved by the EPA program officer in December 1999. Description of site: The city of Marion, Kentucky (Figure 1) is located in the heart of the western Kentucky fluorspar mining district. The city obtains its water from two surface impoundments located approximately one kilometer south of the city. This portion of Crittenden County, Kentucky is characterized by relatively complex structural geology associated with the fluorspar, sphalerite (zinc), galena (lead) and barite (barium) and other Mississippi-Valley Type (MVT) ores. The two lakes serving the city currently have collected agricultural runoff that is high in Atrazine concentrations (some greater than 30 parts per billion). In addition to surface water impacts, this site is geologically complicated enough to warrant detailed assaying of surface water impacted by both surface water and groundwater recharge. Because of faulting in the vicinity of the lakes, there are several different geologic formations all of Mississippian age over which water flows or flows through before reaching the lakes. The lakes supplying the city are situated at roughly 570 feet elevation in undifferentiated Chesterian Cypress Sandstone, Paint Creek Shale and Bethel Sandstone. The lakes are situated between the northeast southwest trending Claylick Creek Fault to the north and the roughly east-west trending Chapel Hill Fault to the south. At least two major tributaries supplying the largest lake run across the aforementioned formations, the Golconda Formation and a portion of the Hardinsburg Sandstone such as in the vicinity of Wilson Hill. To the south of the Chapel Hill Fault, additional tributaries supplying the largest city lake traverse stratigraphic units including the Glen Dean Limestone, and the undifferentiated Menard Limestone, Waltersburg Sandstone, Vienna Limestone, and Tar Springs Sandstone. A few other stratigraphic units are traversed in the area by tributaries supplying the lakes but these are negligible. We also continue Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial database development and landuse analysis in the seven demonstration watersheds. We have completed development of the GIS laboratory for this work, including all software and hardware. The program’s GIS manager is overseeing undergraduate and graduate students working on the watershed landuse analyses who have been trained (and continue to develop more sophisticated GIS skills) under the program. Study of Organic Carbon and Trihalomethane (THM) Production. Water sampling for trihalomethanes (THMs), organic carbon, and other physicochemical data at another 10 primary and 35 secondary sites within the Salt River and other Kentucky watersheds is underway. These data will be used in year 3 to develop mathematical models designed to ultimately lower costs of providing drinking water under increasingly stringent regulations for THM levels. We initiated the basin wide stream sampling program this fall. We were able to collect two baseline low pool samples from most of our THM study sites. Of the sites sampled, several had significant levels of Trihalomethane formation potential (THM-FP, reported as total THM from the Ogden Environmental Lab at WKU). In particular, some of the tributaries near Louisville such as Floyd’s Fork and Harrod’s Creek had fairly high THM-FP. A subset of theses stream is presented in Figure 2. We conducted a multi-watershed survey assessing THM levels in the Ohio River and its major tributaries in Kentucky and Indiana, all of which serve as drinking water supplies. We found generally lower THM-FPs in these larger order rivers. The Ohio River, particularly downstream, seemed to serve as a sink for THMs. The results from the first of these surveys is presented in Figure 3. We have started a monthly sampling protocol at one reservoir in the Salt River watershed, Taylorsville Lake. We sampled the lake at its inflow and outflow and also at two depths, epilimnetic and hypolimnetic, in the lake proper. We only have data available for the October 1999 sampling so no trends are evident yet. The graph of these data is shown as Figure 4. We also performed a preliminary bloom study using the mesocosms at UofL’s Ohio River Experimental Station. This experiment was designed to give us a rough idea of the effects of algal bloom formation on THM-FP and to help us design more quantitative experiments in the future to develop the THM model. The results were variable, with THM levels climbing rapidly on sample date 2 as expected with an algal bloom, but then dropping off slightly at the end of the experiment. This indicates will have to begin our sampling earlier and continue it longer than we had anticipated for the bloom analysis portion of the project (this experiment ran 12 days). A graph showing THM level in this experiment may be found in Figure 5. Other Activities. We developed and contributed to a cost-share program with WKU’s Ogden Water Laboratory to equip and train the lab for Atrazine (and other pesticide) analysis using the immunoassay method. This method provides relatively inexpensive screening analysis and is will allow us to develop cooperative programs to assist the Kentucky Divisions of Pesticides and Water with drinking water quality programs that coincide with Task 3's goals. We are continuing field, laboratory and mathematical modeling research into the potential for Atrazine transport in karst groundwater by sediments. One of the objectives in the workplan is to study processes associated with movement of contaminants in karst systems. The grant is continuing to provide undergraduate and graduate students training in water sampling and other fieldwork and water resource issues, GIS, and data analysis, and web page design. B. Difficulties encountered. Kentucky’s 1999-2000 drought caused a delay of several months to the beginning of our synoptic monitoring program at the seven source water demonstration watersheds, and a change in the workplan that pushes back the wet characterization sampling round until we have hydrologically appropriate conditions. However, we have now adjusted our workplan according, and everything is now moving very smoothly. In the final sites that were selected and at which we have begun sampling, stakeholder cooperation has been excellent. C. Preliminary data results. At this report date the January 2000 demonstration site water samples are still undergoing laboratory analysis, and an analysis of these data and those for February and March 2000 will be provided in the next quarterly report. We expect that the next quarter’s focus will be to continue the synoptic monitoring program, and hopefully the wet characterization samples at the seven source water demonstration sites of hydrologic condition permit. We also expect to continue research into the special problems of water storage, contaminant transport mechanisms and emergency procedures for spills associated with karst terrains/aquifers.       II. Discussion of Expenditures We are approximately on schedule. In combined equipment and personnel costs, we have expended (or encumbered) about 10% of our year two budget. This percentage, which at first glance appears somewhat low, is due both to the delay in the sampling program due to the drought, as well extension of the first year’s budget to December 31, 1999, also because of the drought. There are no discrepancies to report. Expenditures to date total $120,493.74 from the year 1 budget. Expenditures from the first quarter of the second year were $33,491.94 from the year 1 budget, and $2,470.75 from the year 2 budget. III. Changes in Key Personnel There are no personnel changes to report. Task 4: Database Management and Information Tools It is the responsibility of Task 4, Database Management and Information Tools, to provide appropriate methods and structures for reporting data and metadata to meet the needs of: (1) facilitating efficient and convenient reporting of information by all other Tasks, (2) appropriate capture and storage of data and metadata by the DBMS, and (3) accessible retrieval of information and materials by end users along with ancillary information required for interpretation. The Information Tools function of our Task works to put technology, information, and the tools to create information capacity and capability directly into the hands of water providers, and to make that technology and information as accessible as possible.       A. Work progress. Efforts by Task 4 this quarter were focused in five areas: (1) ongoing website development as a tool for providing information to water systems; (2) development of software and information tools for the direct use of water providers themselves; (3) beginning to expand our information services to those states in EPA Region 4 beyond Kentucky; (4) ongoing construction and maintenance of the project database; and (5) reconstruction and refurbishing of donated, retired computers for use by water systems in need. 1) Ongoing website development and communication. We have undertaken a major renovation of our website. It has functioned well since its inception over a year ago. The site has grown so large during this time, however, that it has become necessary to revamp the entire site. We are working to make wide-ranging navigation even simpler by providing more complete guides to the information and tools available within and beyond our site. This reorganization is also necessary in order to efficiently deliver the rapidly growing sources of new information, software, maps, tools, documents, an links that we are developing and collecting. 2) Development of software and information tools for direct use. We have made very good progress toward the development of a computer software program for the use of small water systems in filing Monthly Operating Reports. The program, MOR Advisor (Figure 6) is being constructed in Java to allow for both lean programming and a good graphical user interface. Further, the Java runtime utility required by the program is available for free, just as our software itself will be. We will therefore be able to efficiently provide a completely free package that does not require either pre-existing software or a particular operating system, and will be able to function well even on machines with limited computing power. Two public water systems in Kentucky, at Pirtle Springs and at Dawson Springs, have agreed to beta-test the program we are developing once it is complete. We expect the first version of MOR Advisor to be completed during the next quarter. After final testing, revision, and distribution within Kentucky, we propose expanding our services to develop computerized Monthly Operating Reports for small water systems in other states. We are also going forward with plans to develop similar software programs for a Monthly Water Loss Report, summary data support for Consumer Confidence Reports, and some simple financial planning and budgeting software. Again, these programs are being tailored specifically to the needs of small water systems. 3) Expanding data gathering and information services to other states. It is part of our mission in the second year of EPA funding to expand our technical assistance services to the rest of the southeastern U.S. We have made real progress in this effort in the first quarter with the retrieval, archive, and preliminary geographic analysis of EPA's Safe Drinking Water and Information System database for the eight states in EPA Region 4. Maps are included in this report showing, on a county by county basis, patterns of MCL violations by drinking water systems for these states annually from 1996 through 1998. Patterns for the four most prevalent violations are depicted: coliform bacteria, nitrate, total trihalomethanes, and turbidity/surface water treatment rule. The goal here is to identify large-scale patterns in water quality problems for the southeastern U.S. so that the solutions to these problems may be much more efficiently targeted. 4) Development of project database. As planned, Microsoft SQL Server is being used to house and query the databases we have begun to accumulate. Metadata is being constructed for the GIS maps we are producing. We are also continuing to work on the prototype databases in Microsoft Access for the separate tasks within the project. The prototyping process allows testing of databases on computers already in use by the other Tasks, and will give the other Tasks access to convenient data entry and local querying of their own data. Much of this structural work will be finalized in the coming quarter. 5) Rehabilitation of retired computers for use by water systems. We have also made very good progress in our work to resurrect old computers donated from departments within WKU. This was an effort initiated by Dr. Ed Houston and Dr. Ouida Meier. At present, hardware has been pieced together for 24 usable machines. Linux was selected as the operating system of choice because of the limited power and capacity of these older machines. Nine of the 24 machines have already been outfitted with a Linux operating system and Windows-like word processing and spreadsheet programs. This operating system and software has the additional advantage of being free for distribution, so neither the TACWQ nor the water systems will have to pay for software licenses. Each machine will also be outfitted with a new, efficient modem, plus a copy of MOR Advisor, the software we are developing in-house for MORs and water loss reports. The machines and software will all be provided free of charge to small water systems. KRWA has agreed to conduct selection of eligible and needy water systems and initial training of water system personnel that may receive these computers on a long-term loan basis. Applications have already been received from six qualifying small water systems that are in need of these computers. This effort was initiated in order to provide small water companies with the electronic tools they need to operate their companies, access regulatory information, and prepare MORs electronically. B. Difficulties encountered. No insurmountable difficulties have been encountered during this quarter. C. Preliminary data results. Included in this report are original maps of annual water system compliance data (MCL violations), by county, from the southeastern U.S. (EPA Region 4) for 1996-1998. These data were taken from the EPA SDWIS (Safe Drinking Water Information System) database. The maps shown here represent a preliminary assessment or interpretation, because we will need to examine carefully whether the states analyzed have identical reporting requirements for the contaminants in question. Coliform MCL violations (including both fecal coliform and total coliform) are shown both for the stake of Kentucky (Figure 7) and for the southeastern U.S. (Figures 8-10). Patterns suggest that coliform violations appear to be concentrated in coastal areas, plus central Florida and Appalachian regions. The density of coliform violations also appears to be increasing over time. Total Trihalomethane violations (TTHM's) (Figures 11-13) are low in number in the southeastern U.S., may be decreasing slightly over time, and seem to be restricted to a belt running east-west across the central portion of the eastern U.S. Potential geological factors or soil or stream characteristics underlying this pattern may be of interest here. Turbidity / Surface Water Treatment Rule violations (Figures 14-16) appear to be concentrated in the northern reaches of the southeastern U.S., but it may be that Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida show none of these violations because of different reporting requirements; this must be checked. Finally, Nitrate violations (Figures 17-19) are not common, but they do appear repeatedly over time in particular regions of the Carolinas and in central Florida. Specific agricultural or livestock practices in those areas would be worth investigating as a potential cause of source water problems. We believe this information and subsequent analyses of these observations have tremendous potential to help target both problems and solutions. Active conversion of data into succinct, comprehensible information is potentially one of our Task's most valuable contributions. The ability to examine patterns over time is a very powerful tool. D. Anticipated activities. Web site renovation will be a major effort next quarter as we strive to maximize its accessibility and utility for all users. We look forward to publicizing the availability of the free MOR Advisorsoftware for distribution following completion of beta-testing. Work will continue in our data gathering and information harvesting, with GIS as a primary mode of analysis and display. Ongoing development and maintenance of the structure and content of the project database will also continue. In the next quarter we will complete our rehabilitation of old computers for long-term loan to small rural water systems, and will begin distributing them to applicants. We will also continue to respond to requests for data and information as the need arises. Three members of Task 4 will receive additional ArcView training at the University of Kentucky on 19-20 January 2000. We will also hold our first demonstration of the MOR Advisor software and of the rehabilitated computers on 1 February 2000 at a KRWA staff meeting.       II. Discussion of Expenditures Task 4 efforts and expenditures are on track. Total expenditures to date for Task 4 are $97,273.92 from the year 1 budget. WKU cost sharing contributed $24,306.14 for year 1 for this task. During the first quarter of the second year, expenditures were $11,808.86 from the year 1 budget, and $16,286.60 from the year 2 budget. WKU has contributed $4,277.09 in cost sharing for this period. III. Key Personnel Changes< There have been no changes in key personnel within Task 4 during this quarter. Dr. Ouida Meier continues to direct the efforts of Task 4. We have been very fortunate in having a team of three bright, talented undergraduate students who have creatively and capably assisted with the work in Task 4 recently: Mr. Seth M. Johnson, Computer Programmer, Mr. Shane Fryer, Chief Cartographer, and Mr. Maxx Lobo, Linux specialist and web design. The Center is very grateful for their dedicated and capable efforts. Task 5: Innovative Technologies I. Work Status: The objective(s) of task 5 include the following three main headings: In the beginning the object of task 5 was to encourage pilot projects that demonstrate the benefits and effectiveness of innovative and emerging technologies in the drinking water industry.> Since then, two other objectives have developed. One is to establish Western Kentucky University Technical Assistance Center (TACWQ) as a Field Testing Organization (FTO) for NSF & EPA. The last objective is to develop a Sanitary Survey Assessment Field Guide for ground water and surface water operator.       A. Work Progress 1. Pilot Studies. During the past year the Center has visited, viewed, and reported on several pilot studies including: The Actiflo pilot on the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River in Martin County, Kentucky. The Actiflo pilot located at the Princeton, Kentucky water plant on Lake Barkley. A dual pilot utilizing the Ultrafiltration and Microfiltration systems at the Duck River Utility Commission that serves Manchester and Tullahoma, Tennessee. Spatial Data Integrations, working with KRWA and WKUTAC, is conducting a pilot with the Lake Village Water District. This is a GIS mapping project utilizing a program developed by Spatial Data Integrations, Inc. 2. FTO Certification.   Representatives of WKU met with NSF in Ann Arbor to discuss becoming a certified FTO. A dual pilot utilizing Actiflo followed by a membrane filter had been planned at the Kentucky American (Lexington, Kentucky) plant on the Kentucky River, but was postponed because of the drought last summer. 3. Sanitary Survey Self Assessment Field Guide.   The Sanitary Survey Self Assessment Field Guide for Ground Water operators is approximately 95% complete. The Sanitary Survey Self Assessment Field Guide for surface water operators is approximately 50% complete and will be finished as time permits. B. Difficulties Encountered As reported, the only difficulty encountered has been finding funding to finance the pilot studies. It is hoped that WKUTAC will become a NSF Field Testing Organization and qualify for NSF funding. C. Preliminary Data Results The Actiflo and Membrane Filtration pilot studies were discussed in previous reports. There are no new developments to report this quarter. The Actiflo – Membrane Filtration pilot planned at the Kentucky American water plant in Lexington on the Kentucky River was postponed because of the drought in Kentucky this past year. Status of the SDI/TACWQ/LVWA Innovative Technology Demonstration Project: The innovative GIS mapping project with Spatial Data Integrations, Inc. and Lake Village Water Association is going well. Mike Royalty, the manager of Lake Village Water Association, is quite happy with the software program, WaterWorks/FMä by Spatial Data Integrations, Inc., as it stands to date. He has finished inputting all the line-and-point features and is ready to start the coding. During the coding phase, the user assigns attribute information to each feature of the potable water delivery system that has been mapped. This information is written to the database which is attached to the map features, and is used for archival storage of the information as well as GIS query and analysis. Mr. Royalty has been extremely helpful to the developers of the WaterWorks/FMä software in making suggestions about changes and additions that he feels would enhance its functionality and usefulness. Other interested parties, including members and staff of KRWA, have also made suggestions. These changes, and other improvements, are currently being written into the software and are due to be released in a new version around the end of February. Mr. Royalty is finding that the new, digital maps of the LVWA pipe network are helping him to make decisions about the operation of his system. D. Anticipated Activities TACWQ plans to submit a preproposal to the Montana Water Center for funding to conduct a pilot for the verification of the NSF protocol on the Biological Denitrification of drinking water. TACWQ will work with Dr. Robin Collins, PE of the University of New Hampshire, a Technical Assistance Center and an approved FTO. TACWQ has discussed with a manufacturer’s representative to conduct a pilot of an Actiflo process followed by a Membrane Filtration system on the Barren River in Bowling Green. TACWQ is planning to sponsor a seminar on the SDWA and the Amendments of 1986 & 1996 with the Kentucky Tennessee Section of American Water Works Association (KY/TN AWWA), Kentucky Rural Water Association (KRWA), and the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts (TAUD).       II.Discussion of Expenditures: Expenditures for Task 5 total $25,938.19 to date from the year 1 budget. During the first quarter of the second year, expenses for Task 5 were $9,255.78 from the year 1 budget, and $570.38 from the year 2 budget. III. Key Personnel Changes: There were no personnel changes during this period.  

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Quarter 3 (3rd Qtr. January - March 1999)

Introduction Western Kentucky University has been awarded a grant by the Environmental Protection Agency (#X826659-01-0) to establish a small public water system Technical Assistance Center (the Center). One of the major aspects of this program will be to address the issue of capacity development. The capacity development framework offers a forum within which this Center is working with state regulatory agencies and small water systems to assist them in acquiring and maintaining technical, financial and managerial capacity needed to provide safe drinking water and achieve the public health protection goals of the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act. Western Kentucky University has developed this Center with long range goals, and a "regional" focus. The work plan for this Center is organized into tasks to be accomplished during the first year of a five-year program. These tasks are distinct in nature, but mutually supportive. Task 1 addresses training in managerial and financial capacity development; Task 2 provides technical capacity development in a "circuit rider" approach; Task 3 conducts field studies and analyses methods of source water protection; Task 4 establishes a data base management system to receive, organize, integrate and distribute project information; and Task 5 establishes a forum to identify and help evaluate innovative and alternative technologies applications that can assist small system operators in the delivery of safe drinking water to their customers. This third quarter report is organized around the progress made in the aforementioned task areas. The activities during this quarter have been a continuation of the data collection and baselines established in the first and second quarters in developing training courses, technical assistance, evaluation of sites used for sources of drinking water, and identification of innovative methodologies that can provide help to small systems operators. A list of ten sites has been selected for sampling in the source water protection program along with parameters to be studied. This list was determined after meetings with governmental and stakeholder organizations, and in conference with Kentucky Division of Water officials. Progress continues in establishing a database management system in order to collect necessary regulatory information, catalog progress made on the studies in this program and packaging this information in a suitable fashion to share with small systems operators as well as stakeholders and regulatory offices. An internet reading room has been added to our web site, a utility has been incorporated to allow communications by small systems without email, and data tools (spreadsheets, monthly operating reports) are being added to our system. Each of the areas (administration, 5 tasks) are discussed below in terms of progress, data (information), future activities, and expenditures.   Administration Costs invoiced during the third quarter represent salary and fringe benefits for the Director. Costs of additional administrative personnel and necessary activities to organize efforts in and among all five tasks, develop a cost accounting system and chart of accounts, and interact with officials in the Kentucky Division of Water, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority and the Kentucky Rural Water Association to assure that task activity was in concert with the water quality objectives of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Director also met with and gave guidance to the Task Managers in order that our activities were in accordance with the grant technical proposal and milestone schedules.           A. Anticipated Activities: On the 26th of January 1999, the Director, Mr. Gary Larimore (KRWA) and Mr. Brents Dickenson (WKU consultant) met with Mr. Daniel O'Lone (Environmental Engineer for US EPA Region 4) to discuss ways in which the Technical Assistance Center at WKU could share information and progress with other states in this region. It was decided that a forum be organized in which WKU/KRWA would brief water administrators and contractors/grantees involved with water quality and distribution on our program and activities, and explore ways in which needs could be determined and assistance could be provided. These meetings will be held in Atlanta, Georgia on the 28th of April and in Dallas, Texas on 11-13 May at the US EPA Regions IV and VI Capacity Development Conference. The Director briefed state-wide rural water company officials on the WKU Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality activities on 15 April 1999. Among other topics discussed was the mechanism for contacting this Center. B. Expenditures: Administrative expenditures borne by the grant in the third quarter totaled $11,888.74. Total expenditures to date are $34,726.61. WKU has also contributed $11.898.95 in cost sharing toward the tasks listed below. The budget status of all tasks is depicted in Appendix A.           Task 1: Utility Management Institute (UMI) This task title has been changed from Small Water and Wastewater System Institute for Management to the Utility Management Institute for several reasons: (1) the goal is to train and eventually "certify" utility managers, (2) to coincide with WKU's long term goal of developing and offering an Associate Degree in Utility Management, and (3) for simplicity. All other aspects of this task remain the same.     The goal of the UMI is to develop and deliver a series of courses to be included in the Certified Water System Manager program available to system managers, operators, and office managers of water systems serving rural areas and small municipalities with populations under 10,000.         A. Work Progress. The bulk of activity related to the Utility Management Institute (UMI) during this quarter was spent in researching and developing the first year’s introductory course with the assistance of Western Kentucky University’s (WKU) Center for Math, Science, and Environmental Education. The introductory course will consist of three days of classroom activity concentrating on subjects such as the history of drinking water, drinking water regulation, financial management, personnel management, and customer relations. The Utility Management Institute, as part of the WKU Technology Assistance Center, will be introduced at Kentucky Rural Water Association’s Management Conference in Bowling Green, KY on April 15, 1999. A sample of the coursework will be presented at the conference and utility managers from across the state will be invited to participate in additional course testing which will be conducted during the summer of 1999. B. Difficulties Encountered. No unanticipated difficulties were encountered. C. Preliminary Data Results. The framework and course content have been established for the introductory course (see Work Progress above). D. Anticipated Activities. The introductory course will continue in its development stage with the participation of the WKU Center for Math, Science, and Environmental Education. II. Discussion of Expenditures:         Expenditures for the third quarter totaled $10,475.16. Expenditures to date are $19,860.99.     There were no personnel changes. Task 2: Circuit Rider Program     The "Circuit Rider" approach to providing a combination of on-site technical assistance and training is nationally recognized as the most effective method of assisting small public water systems to comply with state and federal environmental regulations. The Circuit Rider program offers a focused approach that serves to complement and enhance current training and technical assistance efforts offered by state rural water associations, state primacy agencies, and other organizations. This multi-faceted program will provide new opportunities for reaching out to non-community/non-transient public water systems--the systems that need the most help in reaching compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act because of their lack of size, inadequate organizational structure, and lack of sophistication. It is the intention of the Circuit Rider program to work in partnership with Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) to target the public water systems serving populations under 3,300, with particular emphasis on systems serving less than 500 people, that are experiencing profound difficulties in complying with SDWA provisions.         A. Work Progress. During the third quarter the Circuit Rider made 112 technical assistance visits to non-community and community water systems. Additionally, over 150 introductory letters were sent to small systems that are eligible for the services of the WKU Small System Circuit Rider. A total of 63 systems were either contacted in person or on the telephone regarding the requirements related to groundwater under the influence determinations contained under the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR). Also during the quarter, 31 on-site visits were made concerning assistance with the Consumer Confidence Report. A training course was presented to eleven operators/maintenance personnel who work for the Perry and Letcher County school systems on March 16-17, 1999 in Hazard, KY. This training was approved by the state for certification continuing education credits and dealt with subjects such as groundwater protection, disinfection practices, monitoring and testing, sampling techniques, and monitoring and reporting requirements. Significant contacts were made during the quarter with small systems that have had recent turnover in their operational personnel. The Circuit Rider has been working closely with the Lynnville Water System and the City of LaCenter to ensure that the new personnel are aware of their regulatory responsibilities and to offer advice and assistance on the general operation and management of water systems. B. Difficulties Encountered. No unanticipated difficulties were encountered. C. Preliminary Data Results. See Work Progress above. D. Anticipated Activities. During the next quarter, the WKU Small System Circuit Rider will continue to assist systems with Consumer Confidence reporting and other regulatory issues. An increasing amount of the Circuit Rider’s time is expected to be spent with systems that have made specific requests for assistance through the KRWA office. Many of these requests have resulted from on-site visits and correspondence sent to eligible systems since the program’s start in September 1998. II. Discussion of Expenditures         Expenditures for the third quarter totaled $14,845.89. Expenditures to date are $23,322.55.     There were no personnel changes. Task 3: Source Water Protection Initiative     The original, major goal of Task 3 in the first year is to identify / to develop / to begin monitoring programs in 10 suitable watershed areas within Kentucky. We have now decided to expand the list to 17 sites, as discussed below. This monitoring will provide baseline water quality data with a long term goal of developing effective methods for the protection of source water quality in the various geologic/hydrologic conditions within the state. Based on a number of meetings and discussion that we have had with stakeholders within Kentucky over the first several months of the program, including representatives of state government (particularly the Kentucky Division of Water, DOW), federal government, and citizen’s groups, we have identified the most serious concerns. Based on this information, we have developed a tentative list of sites that will be finalized over the next quarter (Table 1). We are now negotiating agreements with the appropriate stakeholders. The issues that we have chosen to focus upon include: 1) bacteria, 2) dissolved organic carbon (DOC) / trihalomethanes (THM), 3) turbidity, and 4) mechanisms associated with contaminant transport within karst aquifers. We are investigating amelioration of these problems in source water by a combination of BMP implementation and development of site specific models that may suggest sampling strategies for water suppliers based on temporal variations on the contaminant loadings at the sites. In order to get sufficient data for temporal modeling of dissolved organic carbon loadings (the source of THM’s), we have expanded the total number of monitoring sites to 17 (Table 1), with 5 karst sites and 12 non-karst sites. One of the karst sites is yet to be selected from a potential list of an additional eight that are under consideration, and final selection of several of the sites is contingent upon ongoing development of cooperative agreements.         Table 1. Tentative list of sites to be included in the source water protection program sampling program. Location Type of site Problems to be investigated Herndon Surface, Lake DOC/THM Spa Surface, Lake DOC/THM Taylorsville Surface, Lake DOC/THM Herrington Surface, Lake DOC/THM Green River Reservoir Surface, Lake DOC/THM Logsdon River Groundwater, karst Bacteria, turbidity, karst transport mechanisms Diamond Caverns Campground Groundwater, karst Bacteria, turbidity, karst transport mechanisms Auburn City Spring Groundwater, karst Bacteria, turbidity, karst transport mechanisms Trenton Groundwater, karst Bacteria, turbidity, karst transport mechanisms Salt River (RM 0-120) Surface, river DOC/THM, bacteria Green River (RM 0-50) Surface, river DOC/THM, bacteria Surface, river DOC/THM, bacteria Ohio springs Groundwater, non-karst DOC/THM Licking springs Groundwater, non-karst DOC/THM Montgomery springs Groundwater, non-karst DOC/THM Breckenridge springs Groundwater, non-karst DOC/THM Several other aspects of the task are underway. - In further discussions with Division of Water, we have identified problems reported in the Ohio River basin by the Cincinnati Waterworks and the University of Cincinnati with noxious algal blooms on the Ohio River and perhaps some tributaries. These blooms have become more pronounced over the past 2 years and will pose a significant cost to small water supplies if this trend continues. We suggested that this may be an area for future study, and the DOW made some suggestions for areas where we could concentrate our efforts. We have developed, and will be submitting, an algal assessment and monitoring proposal for implementation in Year 3. Primarily with existing equipment within the Department of Geography and Geology, but with the purchase of certain software and hardware items under the grant, we have continued development of, and training within, the Geographic Information System (GIS) facility which will be the primary spatial data keeping tools for the drainage areas associated with the sampling program of Task III. GIS coverage will be developed with ESRI ArcView software, augmented by ESRI ArcInfo, where particular analyses require its use. Students are also being trained on the use of this equipment and software (facility development, 90% complete, training 50% complete). We have continued library research into the current understanding of establishment of water storage, contaminant transport mechanisms, and emergency procedures for spills associated with karst terrains/aquifers, which will influence a significant component of our BMP evaluation program (50% complete). We have identified and have begun ordering equipment for the sampling program. This so far have included sets of field and laboratory sampling and analysis equipment for the sampling teams, a computer for the GIS and water quality data analysis, and photographic equipment for docmentation of fieldwork and sites, as well as for GIS work. Additional equipment choices will have to wait until specific selection of the sampling sites (85% complete). B. Difficulties Encountered. There are none to report. The preparation for the Task III sampling program has gone smoothly and we have received excellent cooperation from the individuals and agencies with which we have had contact. C. Preliminary Data Results. We have no specific water quality data to report so far, although we report here the tentative list of the sites that will be monitored in the source water protection program. D. Anticipated Activities. We expect that the next quarter’s focus will be to finalize selection and agreements with potential stakeholders, to finalize the selection of sampling parameters and protocols, and to install appropriate equipment. We also expect to continue research into the special problems of water storage, contaminant transport mechanisms, and emergency procedures for spills associated with karst terrains/aquifers. Specifically, we plan to have the final selections, cooperative agreements, and equipment to be in place by the third quarter, and sampling to begin early in the fourth quarter. II. Discussion of Expenditures         We are approximately on schedule. In combined equipment and personnel costs, we have expended (or encumbered) $11,738.43 during the third quarter. Total expenditures are $34,967.41 or cumulatively about 35% of our budget to date. Many of the expenditures associated with this task will come in the last quarter of the project’s first year, because 1) not all of the personnel and consultants have had to be involved so much in the development of the water stakeholder information network, which has been an important focus so far, and 2) a large part of the Task 3 budget is for water quality laboratory work, and as we have not begun sampling yet, this money has not been used. All technical and managerial personnel on the task, as well as the students, will be active for the remainder of the year. There are no discrepancies to report. III. Key Personnel Changes There are no personnel changes to report. Task 4: Database Management     The primary objective of Task 4, Development of a Database Management System (DBMS), is to provide appropriate methods and structures for reporting data and metadata to meet the needs of: (1) facilitating efficient and convenient reporting of information by all other Tasks, (2) appropriate capture and storage of all data and metadata by the DBMS, and (3) accessible retrieval of information and materials by end users along with ancillary information required for interpretation. The DBMS serves as the primary nexus where integration, exchange, synthesis, and end-user retrieval of information from the other Tasks take place. The function of the DBMS has been structured to specifically provide for interaction with the other Tasks in order to facilitate all aspects of data reporting, data storage, and information retrieval, while fostering the functional operation of the DBMS as an integrated whole.         A. Work progress This Task's progress continues to keep pace with or stay ahead of our goals within the project. Much of our effort was focused on additional website development as an important tool for communication, conveying information, and publicizing the services of the Technical Assistance Center. DBMS coordination with the activities of the other Tasks in the project also continued during this third quarter. Expansion of communication and internet tools. We have added an internet reading room to our website (http://water.wku.edu/info/readingroom/index.html). This reading room could be extremely useful for making public documents available to water providers and other stakeholders. Converting documents to image and html format is labor-intensive, however, and we will have to prioritize further development of this facet of the website in the context of other essential efforts of this Task. One new innovative communication tool has been implemented in our website: a utility that allows even users without email addresses to send email to the Technical Assistance Center (viewable from http://water.wku.edu/help.html). This original utility is the result of innovative programming by Mr. Maxx Lobo, an undergraduate student who is working with us. With the implementation of this capability, even persons using public-access computers, such as those in libraries and schools, will be able to send requests for assistance or information to the TAC with dependable regularity. Expansion of data tools for water systems. We are beginning to attempt modification of a spreadsheet, originally developed by Mr. Dell Harris and co-workers, now of the KRWA, for use by small operating systems to record and submit their Monthly Operating Reports to the Kentucky Division of Water. We envision making this spreadsheet a stand-alone software program that can operate without other pre-installed spreadsheet programs. Assuming we are able to accomplish this, we propose expanding our services in the future years of EPA funding to do the same with the Monthly Operating Report requirements for small water systems in other states. B. Difficulties encountered. No significant or unexpected difficulties have been encountered during this quarter. C. Preliminary data results. During this past quarter, we were able to document through computer logs some of the traffic flowing through our internet site. A summary of some of this information is presented in table 2. Table 2. Website Visitor Statistics Report: Partial Log of Internet Traffic at the Website for the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality, WKU. Time Period [Days] 1-3-99 to 1-29-99 [23 days] 2-1-99 to 2-27-99 [25 days] 3-1-99 to 3-15-99 [14 days] Unique Visitors 42 73 15 Total Webpage Hits 4170 9012 2574 Most Popular Day 1-26 (1376 hits) 2-23 (2277 hits) 3-9 (384 hits) Avg Webpage Views/Day 181 360 183 Geographic analysis of problems and trends in water quality and water quality violations is potentially a very powerful problem-solving tool. Because it encourages multiple perspectives of a problem, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis can be very useful in identifying and evaluating non-obvious factors. In future years of funding, the DBMS should be able to take advantage of the detailed GIS data layers that will become available through state and federal source water planning and protection programs and requirements. With the ability to access and manipulate the rich lode of data and GIS layers becoming available, the information can be used to detect land use trends, identify problems, and most importantly, target solutions to those problems. This is a case where evaluation of data trends and careful attention to patterning can reap substantial rewards in the effort to create efficient, prioritized solutions. As an initial evaluation of the power of large-scale geographic analysis as applied to water quality problems, Dr. Ouida Meier gathered several publicly available web-published data sources and plotted state-reported Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) violations of water systems for the year 1996 (the most recent year published by the state Division of Water on its website) on a county-by-county basis. Following are four examples of important patterns in drinking water quality violations thereby detected in Kentucky. One of the maps built to examine some of these questions can be viewed on our web site at http://water.wku.edu/maps/county/index.html (included here as Figure 1). Figure 1. Drinking Water Quality Violations in Kentucky, by County, 1996. (posted at http://water.wku.edu/maps/county/index.html) 1) Heavy metals contamination in drinking water showed a strong geographic trend, all located in the mountainous region of far eastern Kentucky. These water providers relied on groundwater, while non-violating systems in the same region relied on surface water. It appears that the groundwater wells in this coal-mining region, either by natural or anthropogenic means or some combination, are especially prone to solubilizing elements such as arsenic, thallium, cadmium, antimony, barium, and beryllium. The systems with heavy metals contamination violations included a large proportion of day care centers, elementary schools, high schools, and nursing homes - especially vulnerable populations. 2) Trihalomethane violations were notable for their lack of geographic pattern. Upon closer examination, almost all trihalomethane violations occurred in water systems whose water source was "purchased surface water." This suggests that disinfectant by-products are a greater problem for water distribution systems that purchase surface water and, presumably, boost the chlorine content before distribution. It may be that the total number of MCL violations of this disinfectant by-product would be greatly reduced if this particular class of water systems took care to implement pre-chlorination ultrafiltration or similar treatment when appropriate. 3) Turbidity and fecal coliform violations appeared to occur most often in the outer reaches and upper elevations of watersheds. While this makes sense, one might have predicted instead that the higher-order river sections downstream would have had more of these problems. It may be that low water flow, or seasonally variable water flow, in these upper river systems and concomitantly poor dilution of sewage output are responsible to a significant degree for these turbidity and coliform problems. Water systems in these areas will be especially prone to these problems during drought periods, and may need to take special care in preparing action plans for such emergencies. 4) Demographic characteristics of the nine Kentucky counties with two or more water systems in MCL violation in 1996 were examined using information from the U.S. Census Bureau. These counties with more widespread drinking water quality problems fell into three distinct clusters according to four factors that appeared to show correlation: percent high school graduates, percent of land in farms, total resident population, and percent of births to mothers under 20 years of age. The mean of these values is shown in table 3. Table 3. Demographic characteristics of nine counties with more than one water system in MCL violation, 1996 - by cluster group. County cluster Cluster 1 Cluster 2 Cluster 3 (number of counties in group) (3 counties) (4 counties) (2 counties) Demographic characteristic:       Percent high school graduates 47.6 56.4 74.3 Percent of land in farms 2% 79.5% 58% Total resident population 1995 31,493 18,167 67,881 Percent births, mothers under 20 26.5 16.7 12.6 Certainly correlation is not causation, but understanding the demographics and social structure of regional populations helps in focusing the kind of assistance one can successfully offer. For example, enlisting the support of local officials, such as mayors and judge-executives, in improving local water systems may be much more important in some regions than others. Probably the most important point illustrated by this clustering is that widespread violations are occurring within multiple specific demographic character sets, land use types, and population sizes - not just one. The implications of all of these geographic patterns have consequences that reach beyond Kentucky. Analyses of broad-scale data and geographic patterns can help in targeting regions that need specific kinds of help, and tailoring the kind of help offered to the needs of the community. The ability to further associate these kinds of patterns with surface water maps and groundwater movement information would be very powerful indeed, especially as the Technical Assistance Center expands to serve other states in the southeastern U.S. We hope to increase our use of GIS and produce more of these kinds of analyses: active conversion of "data" into succinct, comprehensible "information" is one of the services that the DBMS is capable of performing and may prove to be one of its most valuable contributions. D. Anticipated activities. Efforts will continue in the development of the structure of the database itself, and working with the other Tasks to construct fields and tables that will capture all pertinent project data. We also plan to increase our publicizing of the availability of the Center's services to small rural water systems and appropriate local officials. Web site development is and will continue to be an ongoing effort as we strive to maximize its accessibility and utility for all users. Recent sources of guidance and interpretation for state and federal regulations have been found, and we hope to add these either as internet links or as whole documents to include in our new internet "Reading Room." We will continue to work on construction of data tools for small water systems. Public events at which the Information and Database services of the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality will be specifically showcased through presentations include the Kentucky Rural Water Association's Management Conference, 14-15 April 1999, and the Annual Conference of the Kentucky Waterways Alliance, 14-15 May 1999. II. Discussion of Expenditures         Task 4 efforts and expenditures are on track. During the third quarter, Task 4 expended $18,706.74. Total expenditures to data are $60,600.63.     There have been no changes in key personnel within Task 4 during this quarter. Task 5: Innovative Technologies     The objective of Task 5 is to encourage pilot projects that demonstrate the benefits and effectiveness of innovative and emerging technologies in the drinking water industry. Water related commercial concerns and small water systems are contacted and asked to participate in pilot projects. The primary objective for the pilot projects is to identify technologies that lead to improvements in the capacity development of small public water systems, and their ability to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Work progress. Discussions are still in progress with Kruger, Inc. to locate the Actiflo system at Hartford and Greensburg, Kentucky and other locations in EPA Region 4. Kruger, KRWA, and WKU are seeking sources of revenue to help fray the cost of these pilots. NSF is one source being pursued. In order to aquaint managers and operators with the Actiflo process, representatives of Kruger have been invited to the KRWA meetings in western Kentucky and Lexington, Kentucky to present their Actiflo process. The Ultrafiltration pilot study for Oak Grove, Kentucky mentioned in the last quarterly report is on hold while Oak Grove and Hopkinsville, Kentucky negotiate a water purchase agreement. The Duck River Utility Commission that serves Manchaster and Tullahoma, Tennessee is conducting a dual pilot utilizing the Ultrafiltration and Microfiltration systems. A representative of WKU visited the Duck River pilot study. After several weeks of adjustments both systems are operating as intended. The source of water for this plant is an impounded reservoir. The Ultrafiltration system, located at the plant, takes raw water at the rapid mix. The only pretreatment is chlorine dioxide. The Microfiltration pilot is located at the intake because it does not do well with the addition of chlorine dioxide. The Ultrafiltration system (pore size - .01 micron) measured particle size is zero (0). Nothing passes through unless it is desolved in the water. The microfiltration system (pore size – 1.0 micron) measured particle size was 1.0 micron. Membrane filtration will someday replace the rapid sand filter as the treatment of choice since it removes Cryptosporidium and insures compliance with the many requirements of the SDWA. Difficulties encountered. The only difficulty has been to find ways to finance the pilot studies. WKU and KRWA are working with Kruger to obtain funding from NSF. Preliminary data results. Data on the Membrane filtration studies at Duck River is being collected by a student at Tennessee Tech and will soon be available. A copy should be available before the next quarter and will be included in that report. Anticipated activities. Attend the AWWA annual meeting in Chicago and meet with and talk with companies that have developed innovative technologies, and encourage their participation in pilot studies in EPA’s Region 4. Gather information at this meeting and present information of innovative technology on the Internet.     During the third quarter, expenditures were $1,578.84. Expenditures to date are $3,887.13.     There have been no changes in key personnel connected with Task 5.     III. Key Personnel Changes   II. Discussion of Expenditures   I. Work Status   III. Key Personnel Changes   I. Work Status   I. Work Status   III. Key Personnel Changes   I. Work Status   III. Key Personnel Changes:   I. Work Status:

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Quarter 4 (Progress Report Year 1)

Introduction Western Kentucky University was awarded a grant by the Environmental Protection Agency (#X826659-01-0) to establish a small public water system Technical Assistance Center (the Center). One of the major aspects of this program is to address the issue of capacity development. The capacity development framework offers a forum within which this Center is working with state regulatory agencies and small water systems to assist them in acquiring and maintaining technical, financial and managerial capacity needed to provide safe drinking water and achieve the public health protection goals of the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act. Western Kentucky University has developed this Center with long range goals, and a “regional” focus. The work plan for this Center is organized into tasks to be accomplished during the first year of a five-year program. These tasks are distinct in nature, but mutually supportive. Task 1 addresses training in managerial and financial capacity development; Task 2 provides technical capacity development in a “circuit rider” approach; Task 3 conducts field studies and analyzes methods of source water protection; Task 4 establishes a data base management system to receive, organize, integrate and distribute project information; and Task 5 establishes a forum to identify and help evaluate innovative and alternative technology applications that can assist small system operators in the delivery of safe drinking water to their customers.   Executive Summary Introduction. Western Kentucky University has established a Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality for small public water systems. Information presented in this report represents an extended fourth quarter for the first year of this grant. This was done in order to align execution of the grant funds with the Environmental Protection Agency fiscal year. EPA, in essence, has benefited in receiving fifteen months of work for a budget originally constructed for a 12-month effort. Synopsis. This extended fourth quarter and first annual report is organized around the progress made in the aforementioned task areas. The activities of the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality during the fourth quarter have been a continuation of the data collection and baselines established in the previous quarters in developing management training courses, on-site technical assistance, selection, initial sampling, and evaluation of sites used for sources of drinking water, and identification of innovative methodologies that can provide help to small systems operators. Task 1. An introductory course in Utility Management was developed and tested on three occasions during the year, two of which were held during the final quarter of this year. Widespread acceptance of this initial course (Appendix B) offering was received by small utility water managers from across the state. Task 2. The Circuit Rider Program provided on-site, hands on technical assistance with 346 visits to 143 small community and non-community systems this past year. Assistance ranged from determinations under the Surface Water Treatment Rule, ground water under the influence of surface water, Consumer Confidence Reporting, certification training, groundwater protection, disinfection, sampling techniques, and reporting requirements. Details of activities for this program are shown in Appendix C. Task 3. Selection of source water protection sites was finalized after input from governmental and stakeholder organizations, and in conference with Kentucky Division of Water officials. A list of ten sites was selected for sampling in the source water protection program along with parameters to be studied. Initial sampling of these sites began in this final quarter; these data will serve as part of the baseline for conditions prior to implementation of selected Best Management Practices. A study was also initiated to evaluate seasonal variation in the concentration of organic compounds that give rise to total trihalomethane problems in water treatment plants. Task 4. During this year, good progress was made in establishing a database management system in order to collect necessary regulatory information, catalog progress made on the studies in this program and package this information in a suitable fashion to share with small systems operators as well as stakeholders and regulatory offices. An internet site was developed, and documents and image maps were incorporated into the site to display summary information on violations for small systems operators. An internet reading room was incorporated to our web site, a utility was developed to allow communications by small systems without email, and presentations about the web site were made to small systems operators. Information tools to assist with specific problems, such as potential Y2K problems, consumer confidence reporting, and sanitary survey self-assessment, have been added to our web site and will continue to be developed on an ongoing basis. Task 5. This year's effort assisted with the introduction of two major innovative technologies: an Actiflo ultrafiltration system that is currently undergoing field tests, and a GIS mapping program employing a modified version of ArcView that has been customized for small water systems by Spatial Data Integrations, Inc.   Administration Costs invoiced during the extended fourth quarter represent salary and fringe benefits for the Director. Costs also represent the efforts of additional administrative personnel and activities necessary to organize efforts in and among all five tasks, develop a cost accounting system and track accounts. Administrative responsibilities executed further included interaction with officials in the Kentucky Division of Water, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority and the Kentucky Rural Water Association to assure that task activity was in concert with the water quality objectives of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Director also met with and gave guidance to the Task Managers in order that our activities were in accordance with the grant technical proposal and milestone schedules.         A. Activities: In August 1999, the Director and Mr. Brents Dickinson (WKU consultant) met with Mr. Bruce Bartley, NSF International, to discuss ways in which the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality at WKU could become a Field Testing Organization (FTO) under the Environmental Technology Validation (ETV) Program. Efforts were made to establish a demonstration project with an Actiflo water treatment system and an ultramembrane system in Lexington, KY. Unfortunately we were unable to logistically organize the effort under the NSF demonstration protocol scheduled for October 1999. The manufacturers were unable to dedicate the required time to satisfy the test protocol. WKU is interested in becoming an FTO under the NSF ETV program, and will continue to organize pilot studies in the coming grant year. Actiflo and membrane filtration will be priorities in our efforts to collaborate with Dr. Robin Collins, the Director of the University of New Hampshire Technical Assistance Center for Small Water Systems, in establishing an FTO at WKU. Collaboration is also expected with Montana State University in pursuing pilot studies in denitrification projects. The administration of the Technical Assistance Center has identified approximately 30 386/486 personal computers (PCs) that were donated by departments within Western Kentucky Universlty. Thewse computers are presently being reassembled into functional computers and retrofitted with software packages that will provide small water systems with word processing and spreadsheet capabilities. We will also install on these machines software being developed by Task 4 that will give water systems the capability to easily generate monthly water loss reports, monthly operating reports, and annual consumer confidence reports. Internet connection capacity will also be provided. These PCs will be provided at no cost to systems based upon specific selection criteria. Technical assistance will also be provided in setting up and operating the computers. B. Expenditures: Administrative expenditures borne by the grant in the extended fourth quarter totaled $17,360. Total expenditures to date are $52,087. WKU has also contributed $37,784 in cost sharing toward the tasks listed below. The budget status of all tasks is depicted in Appendix A.         Task 1: Utility Management Institute (UMI) This task title has been changed from Small Water and Wastewater System Institute for Management to the Utility Management Institute for several reasons: (1) the goal is to train and eventually "certify" utility managers, (2) to coincide with WKU's long term goal of developing and offering an Associate Degree in Utility Management, and (3) for simplicity. All other aspects of this task remain the same. I. Work Status. The goal of the UMI is to develop and deliver a series of courses to be included in a “Utility Management Professional” certification program available to system managers, operators, and office managers of water systems serving rural areas and small municipalities with populations under 10,000.         A. Work Progress. The bulk of activity related to the Utility Management Institute (UMI) during this quarter was spent in developing the first year’s introductory course with the assistance of Western Kentucky University’s (WKU) Center for Math, Science, and Environmental Education. The introductory course will consist of three days of classroom activity concentrating on subjects such as the history of drinking water, drinking water regulation, financial management, personnel management, and customer relations. The Utility Management Institute, as part of the WKU Technology Assistance Center, was introduced at Kentucky Rural Water Association’s Management Conference in Bowling Green, KY on April 15, 1999. The UMI was also heavily promoted at sessions at the Kentucky Rural Water Association’s Annual Technical Conference on August 31, 1999. A sampling of the coursework was presented at the management conference and a group of the premier utility managers from across the state were invited to participate in additional course testing which was conducted on September 22-23, 1999 in Bardstown, Kentucky. This course testing session was met with unanimous acceptance from the managers in attendance and many positive suggestions on content and course delivery were voiced during the session. B. Difficulties Encountered. No unanticipated difficulties were encountered C. Preliminary Data Results.  The framework and course content have been established for the introductory course (see Work Progress above). Documentation is presented in Appendix B. D. Anticipated Activities. The introductory course will be formally presented in conjunction with Kentucky Rural Water Association’s Management Conference in Bowling Green on April 11-13, 2000 and at a separate session in Lexington, Kentucky on June 20-22, 2000. KRWA will continue to develop additional courses with the participation of the WKU Center for Math, Science, and Environmental Education during 1999/2000.         II. Discussion of Expenditures. Expenditures during the extended fourth quarter of this grant totaled $50,597. Expenditures for this task to date total $70,458. III. Key Personnel Changes There were no personnel changes during the extended fourth quarter for Task 1. Task 2: Circuit Rider Program I. Work Status The "Circuit Rider" approach to providing a combination of on-site technical assistance and training is nationally recognized as the most effective method of assisting small public water systems to comply with state and federal environmental regulations. The Circuit Rider program offers a focused approach that serves to complement and enhance current training and technical assistance efforts offered by state rural water associations, state primacy agencies, and other organizations. This multi-faceted program will provide new opportunities for reaching out to non-community/non-transient public water systems--the systems that need the most help in reaching compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act because of their lack of size, inadequate organizational structure, and lack of sophistication. It is the intention of the Circuit Rider program to work in partnership with Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) to target the public water systems serving populations under 3,300, with particular emphasis on systems serving less than 500 people, that are experiencing profound difficulties in complying with SDWA provisions.         A. Work Progress. During the year the Circuit Rider made 346 technical assistance visits to non-community and community water systems throughout Kentucky. Additionally, over 150 introductory letters were sent to small systems that are eligible for the services of the WKU Small System Circuit Rider. A total of 102 systems were either contacted in person or on the telephone regarding the requirements related to groundwater under the influence determinations contained under the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR). To date, all but three community systems have completed this determination. Also during the year, 92 on-site visits were made concerning assistance with the Consumer Confidence Report. The Circuit Rider has completed 47 CCRs and assisted on many others through consultation. A training course was presented to eleven operators/maintenance personnel who work for the Perry and Letcher County school systems on March 16-17, 1999 in Hazard, KY. This training was approved by the state for certification continuing education credits and dealt with subjects such as groundwater protection, disinfection practices, monitoring and testing, sampling techniques, and monitoring and reporting requirements. On-site training was also conducted for personnel working for the TVA-managed Land Between the Lakes recreational area. TVA operates eleven different water systems within this recreational area and their personnel were in particular need of proper well treatment techniques and chemical safety training. Significant contacts were made during the year with small systems that have had recent turnover in their operational personnel. The Circuit Rider has been working closely with the Lynnville Water System and the City of LaCenter to ensure that the new personnel are aware of their regulatory responsibilities and to offer advice and assistance on the general operation and management of water systems. The Lynnville water system is a privately owned system serving less than 50 homeowners in western Kentucky. In February, their operator resigned and Susan Youngblood, the new person in charge, contacted me with questions regarding state compliance. Susan had some basic knowledge of water treatment but limited knowledge regarding the day-to-day operations of a water system. The Circuit Rider met with Lynnville’s operator on March 8, 1999 and fielded many questions. Her biggest fear seemed to be the threat of violations and fines that might be levied by the state primacy agency.  The Circuit Rider walked the operator through the proper way to fill out monthly operating reports, taking bacteriological tests, and performing daily chlorine residual tests. The technical assistance visit also included discussion on state and federal regulations governing public water systems and the drinking water operator certification process. The Circuit Rider also arranged to pay for a water sample out of program funds as a special expenditure. The water system was four years overdue in completing a determination of their groundwater source because they had been unable to pay their certified laboratory for earlier testing. The Circuit Rider arranged to have the sample taken to the Ogden Laboratory at Western Kentucky University for analysis. This sample was negative for surface water influence and allowed the Lynnville system to complete their determination without receiving a violation from the Kentucky Division of Water The Circuit Rider has also been able to provide substantial assistance to the new operator in LaCenter, Kentucky. LaCenter is a municipality located in extreme western Kentucky that serves approximately 465 connections. The Circuit Rider has worked with the operator to develop and conduct a distribution flushing program that has dramatically decreased the frequency of customer complaints associated with black spots in the drinking water. The previous system operators had not conducted routine flushing for a period of at least five years. Now, after assisting in the planning and implementation processes, the system operator is able to perform the flushing on a regular basis in the spring and fall of the year. B. Difficulties Encountered.  No unanticipated difficulties were encountered. C. Preliminary Data Results.  See Work Progress above. Additional documentation of some of the Circuit Rider's extensive activities is presented in Appendix C. D. Anticipated Activities.  During the next year, the WKU Small System Circuit Rider will continue to assist systems with Consumer Confidence reporting and other regulatory issues.  An increasing amount of the Circuit Rider’s time is expected to be spent with systems that have made specific requests for assistance through the KRWA office. The Circuit Rider will also be identifying systems in need of basic computers that have been made available through the Technical Assistance Center.  Many of the specific requests have resulted from on-site visits and correspondence sent to eligible systems since the program’s start in September 1998.         III. Key Personnel Changes There were no personnel changes. Task 3: Source Water Protection Initiative I.  Work Status The fundamental concept driving the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality (TACWQ) Source Water Protection Initiative (SWPI) is that the technical and financial challenges faced by small water systems are proportional to the quality of their source water, whether it comes from ground or surface supplies. Our goal has been to investigate methods whereby 1) the quality of source waters can be improved, and 2) operators can develop treatment practices that take into consideration natural and temporal variations in source-water quality.  In many areas, land use practices threaten the quality of the water source and produce challenges to the small water-system operator to produce safe drinking water.  This problem is compounded because of the unique nature of the landscape in much of Kentucky. Such karst landscapes are those developed on soluble rocks such as limestone, and are characterized by such features as caves, sinkholes, and underground rivers. In the large karst areas of Kentucky and in the southeastern United States, the relationship between land use and groundwater quality is especially direct because the groundwater is extremely vulnerable to surface-generated contamination.  Another problem in the state, in addition to karst, is the fact that both the eastern and western portions of Kentucky have groundwater and surface water quality problems from acid mine drainage due to coal mining. Additionally, a large portion of the state has waters that have been negatively impacted by agricultural runoff and infiltration.         A. Work Progress: The primary goal for year one has been to develop procedures to evaluate impacts on source-water quality at a total of seventeen primary stream, well, and spring sites within Kentucky. The sites have been selected after extensive discussion with stakeholders at all levels of state and local government as well as private groups in Kentucky.  Consideration of the various hydrogeologic environments within the state was also an integral part of our discussion.  An additional thirty secondary sites within the Salt River Basin have been added for one aspect of the study, as described below. All sites have been selected, cooperative agreements have been finalized with local officials, and baseline collection of data has begun at all seventeen sites.  Collection of the data will allow us, in subsequent years, to develop a better understanding of the relationships between human and natural influences on catchment dynamics and source-water quality.  We will also use this information to develop strategies for the protection of surface water and groundwater that can be used in Kentucky, as well as other states, to assist in their ability to provide safe drinking water to their constituents. Based on a number of meetings and discussion that we have had with stakeholders, including representatives of state government (particularly the Kentucky Division of Water), federal government, and citizen’s groups within Kentucky over the first several months of the program, we have identified the most serious concerns to water quality. The issues that we have chosen to focus upon include: 1) bacteria, 2) dissolved organic carbon (DOC)/trihalomethanes (THM), 3) turbidity, and 4) mechanisms associated with contaminant transport within karst aquifers.  We are investigating amelioration of these problems in source water by a combination of Best Management Practice (BMP) implementation and development of site-specific models that may suggest sampling strategies for water suppliers based on temporal variations of contaminant loadings at the sites. We have developed several primary program lines. These include: 1)evaluation of the efficacy of various BMPs, which describe a style of land management which has a goal of minimizing deleterious effects to water resources, while recognizing the need for economic sustainability, 2)developing an understanding of the temporal dynamics, to support the development of sampling strategies, of a number of water-quality concerns. These include organic carbon, which is related to the production of trihalomethanes (THMs) during water treatment. These have been identified by the Kentucky Division of Water as a significant problem, and are of concern to water suppliers attempting to comply with the new Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR). 3)understanding mechanisms associated with the transport of agricultural contaminants (particularly pesticides) by groundwater in the state’s karst regions. The SWPI group has expanded the original list of ten demonstration sites to seventeen throughout Kentucky that will represent a variety of hydrogeologic and water-quality conditions, in both the karst and non-karst areas of the state. This currently includes twelve primary non-karst sites (as well as 30 secondary sites), including rivers, streams, and springs, along with five karst groundwater sites. B. Difficulties encountered. The primary difficulties we have faced are due to the historic drought that has plagued Kentucky during the summer and fall of 1999, including the driest July and August in the state’s history (Figure 11). Individual modifications of the sampling plans are described in their respective sections. We have also had a delay in organizing the cooperative study arrangements with stakeholders at the Louisville BMP site. The extended drought made it difficult to sample some streams but also offered the opportunity to sample these streams at historically low levels.  Unfortunately, budget constraints have prevented us from taking full advantage of this because we cannot run any more THM samples than were budgeted in the first year of this grant.  We have been somewhat successful in finding some additional moneys from other sources at UofL to run these samples, so we may be able to fully characterize these streams for THMs as well as nutrients. C. Preliminary Data Results. Please see Appendix D for raw project data collected to date by Task 3.  This data has been generated only very recently because of the extended drought conditions here in Kentucky. It is incorporated in a raw form in order for EPA to be able to visualize the environmental conditions of the watersheds that are being studied. This data will be organized and submitted to statistical analyses and summaries, which will be included in the next quarterly report. Other results from the first year’s specific Source Water Protection Initiative programs are presented in the following sections. 1. Karst/Best Management Practices Study Following protocols of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment (NWQA) Program and the Mammoth Cave Water Quality Program, during year one we began synoptic and flood-pulse sampling programs at five karst and two non-karst sites (Figures 1 and 2). The first two sampling rounds are “characterization” samples that include analysis of the complete list of Federal primary and secondary drinking water standard samples.  Because of the potentially high variability of water quality, depending on antecedent moisture conditions, one of these characterization samples is taken under relatively dry conditions whereas the other sample is obtained under wet conditions.  The dry conditions have, in fact, been spectacular in Kentucky this summer and fall. The entire state from summer through early October has been under either severe or extreme drought conditions. Water-quality data for the dry characterization samples are given in Appendices D-1 through D-8.   As of this date, all of the sites are in moderate, severe, or extreme drought conditions. Wet condition data will be collected during the typical late fall/winter rains that are expected to restore groundwater and surface water levels to more normal seasonal levels for this environment. Upon collection of the wet-characterization samples we will initiate a synoptic study during which a fixed monthly sample set provides comparative statistics for the selected sites and parameters under variable flow conditions.  Six of the seven stations will be sampled on a fixed day of each month, regardless of weather and flow conditions, and a site designed to study runoff from impervious surfaces will be sampled with a combination of synoptic and storm-pulse methods. Stations represent a continuum of land-use intensity within their recharge basins.  The need for repetitive sampling at the sites arises from the considerable temporal variability of karst and surface-water discharge and quality.  Water-quality data collected from these stations will be interpreted and summarized in frequency distributions of concentrations and flow weights of constituents. Correlations relating water-quality conditions to causative factors will be developed and used to draw inferences about water quality on a regional scale and to address land management implications stemming from the observations. 1a. Description of the Study Sites The Auburn Site (karst) The city of Auburn, Kentucky is located in Logan County in south-central Kentucky (Figure 3). The water supply for Auburn is a large spring called Auburn Spring, which serves 2,046 people.  This spring drains an area of approximately 9.74 square miles. At the waterworks, the spring forms a large pool. The intake pipe for the waterworks goes directly into the spring.  Water samples for the study are collected from the pool. The city of Auburn is located in the Pennyroyal Sinkhole Plain.  Features typical of karst terrains, including numerous sinkholes, sinking streams, and caves, as well as the absence of surface-drainage features characterize this region.  Geologic units exposed in the drainage basin include the St. Louis Limestone, the St. Genevieve Limestone, and the Girkin Formation. Conduits forming the major flowpaths for the aquifer feeding Auburn Spring are found within all three of these stratigraphic units. The Diamond Caverns Campground/Hawkins River Site (karst) Diamond Caverns is a private campground located north-northwest of Park City, Kentucky (Figure 4).  The site is in Barren County, but also serves a portion of Edmonson County.  The campground features a restaurant and guided tours of a privately owned cave. The water supply for the campground and restaurant consists of two wells that intersect Hawkins River, an underground river that forms part of the Mammoth Cave System.  This water supply has a history of violations, and has been cited nine times for exceeding MCLs for fecal coliform since January of 1993. The samples for this site will be collected from a third well, about 500 feet deep, that directly intersects Hawkins River nearby, and which drains an area of about 30 square miles.  There is an extensive database with regard to previous water quality of this well and its associated catchment area, which has been defined by over 30 groundwater dye tracing experiments.  The site is located at the boundary of the Pennyroyal Plateau and the Mammoth Cave Plateau.  The Dripping Springs Escarpment marks this boundary.  The portion of the Pennyroyal adjacent to the Mammoth Cave Plateau is a well-developed sinkhole plain on Mississipian St. Louis and St. Genevieve limestones.  Surface drainage is practically nonexistent on the sinkhole plain.  The average elevation of the sinkhole plain is 600 feet above mean sea level. The Mammoth Cave Plateau is composed of the St. Louis, St. Genevieve, and Girkin limestones, which are overlain by the Big Clifty sandstone.  The Big Clifty forms a resistant caprock over the limestone, an important element in the speleogenesis of Mammoth Cave. Above the Big Clifty are the Haney and Glen Dean Limestones. The Haney forms locally perched karst aquifers. The Mammoth Cave Plateau is deeply incised by the Green River, which provides the major drainage for the area. The limestone units of the Mammoth Cave Plateau form the Mammoth Cave Aquifer. The Logsdon River Site (karst) The Logsdon River (Figure 5) is intersected by a well, about 500 feet deep, in a hydrogeologic setting similar to that of the Diamond Caverns Campground/Hawkins River Site, but drains an area of only about 10 square miles.  The Logsdon River site however, has somewhat different land use versus the Diamond Caverns Campground/Hawkins River Site. The smaller drainage area, along with the even smaller catchments at Auburn and Guthrie, will allow us to study scale effects associated with the efficacy of BMP implementation.  Like the Diamond Caverns Campground/Hawkins River Site, the Logsdon well site is well equipped with a compressor-driven pump, and there is continuous monitoring of stage, discharge, temperature, and specific conductivity. Bacterial concentration values in raw water from this well have been shown to exceed drinking water standards by as much as 30,000 times; these are from a combination of human and animal waste within the catchment draining to it. The Caneyville Site (fractured clastic rocks, non-karst) Caneyville is located along the southeastern edge of the Illinois Basin of the Western Kentucky Coalfield Region (Figure 6).  We have chosen this site as hydrologically representative of the non-karst conditions typical of the clastic rocks of both the eastern and western coalfield regions of the state.  Substantial relief and extensive surface-water drainage characterize the region. Caneyville, Kentucky is located in western Grayson County. Grayson County contains approximately 21,200 people and is primarily rural with some industrial development.  Caneyville has a population of 600 people, however, the Caneyville Water & Sewer Department supplies water to approximately 2,200 people.  The Caneyville area contains primarily agribusiness and coal strip mining but some light industrial businesses are present in the community. Caneyville’s water supply comes primarily from the Caneyville Reservoir, which is located approximately one and one-half miles from town.  The town is located at approximately 500 feet above mean sea level and the reservoir is at 485 feet.  Lower Pennsylvanian and upper Mississipian clastic sedimentary rocks and their regolith dominate the hydrogeology of the area.  The Caneyville area is underlain by laminar flow aquifers in the porous media of both the Pennsylvanian Caseyville sandstone and the Mississipian Buffalo Wallow Formations.  Extensive shale deposits in the Lower Buffalo Wallow Formation control the location of the water table. The Caneyville Reservoir has resulted from the damming of Bennett Fork Creek and was built over these Lower Buffalo Wallow shale deposits. The Caneyville Water Department has a good history of compliance with Federal & State drinking water standards. Recent violations consist of monitoring infractions concerning nitrate.  One MCL violation was recorded in 1993.>  Additionally, the Caneyville Water Department has detected metals but in concentrations well below the established MCLs. The Guthrie Site (karst) Guthrie is located in the southern portion of the Mississipian Plateau of the Pennyroyal Region (Figure 7). The region is characterized by moderate relief and karst landscape development. Guthrie, Kentucky is located in southern Todd County, approximately one-half mile from the Tennessee border. Todd County contains about 10,500 people and is primarily rural with little industrial development. Guthrie has a population of 1,500 people, however, the Guthrie Water Works supplies water to approximately 2,700 people.  The Guthrie area contains primarily agribusiness, but industrial activity is also present in the community. Guthrie’s water supply comes from Merriweather Spring, which is located approximately two miles west of the town. The town is located at approximately 550 feet above mean sea level. A clay veneer and the lower portion of the Mississipian St. Genevieve Limestone Formation dominate the hydrogeology of the area. The Guthrie area is underlain by a free-flow karst aquifer, which enters through an extensive shallow sinkhole network and flows through solutionally enlarged joints and bedding planes. Two large and one smaller spring comprise Merriweather Spring.  The combined discharge is consistently measured above three cubic feet per second. The recharge area for the springs extends towards the northeast and intersects the heavily traveled U.S. Hwy. 41 as well as State Road 79 and the Louisville & Nashville Railway. The Guthrie Water Works has a good history of compliance with Federal & State drinking water standards. Recent violations consist of monitoring infractions concerning fecal coliform and nitrate. Guthrie Water Works has reported chlorinated solvents and lead in concentrations but well below established MCLs. The Cadiz Site (karst) Cadiz is located in the southern portion of the Mississipian Plateau of the Pennyroyal Region (Figure 8). The region is characterized by moderate relief and karst landscape development. Cadiz, Kentucky is located in central Trigg County, approximately five miles east of Lake Barkley. Trigg County contains about 10,300 people and is primarily rural with some commercial and little industrial development. Cadiz has a population of 3,800 people, however, the Cadiz Water Department supplies water to approximately 4,900 people. The Cadiz area contains primarily agribusiness, but commercial and tourism businesses are present in the community. The Cadiz water supply is obtained from City Spring, which is located approximately one block south of Main Street. The town is located at approximately 460 feet above mean sea level.  Primarily clay soils and the lower portion of the Mississipian St. Louis/Salem Limestone Formations dominate the hydrogeology of the area. The Cadiz area is underlain by a free-flow karst aquifer in both the St. Louis and the underlying Salem Limestones, which enters through an extensive compound-sinkhole network. City Spring is a large bedrock spring in the Salem Limestone with low-flow discharge measured at slightly less than one cubic feet per second. The recharge area for the springs extends towards the northeast beneath the town. The Cadiz Water Department has an excellent history of compliance with Federal & State drinking water standards.  Recent violations consist of monitoring infractions concerning nitrate. The Cadiz Water Department has reported detectable concentrations of chlorinated solvents, but well below the established MCLs for those compounds. The Louisville Site (non-karst) In cooperation with the University of Louisville, and the Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) we have chosen a site at the Louisville Airport that focuses on BMP designed to reduce levels of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), metals, and ammonia in runoff from impervious surfaces (Figure 9).  While this is an urban setting, runoff from impervious surfaces is a water quality threat in settings throughout the Commonwealth, including rural areas which have roads, driveways, and parking lots. The site drains about one square mile, and is developed on Devonian New Albany Shale and Lower Mississipian Borden Formation overlain by Quaternary alluvium.  We have preliminary data from late summer (Appendix D-1), but due to delays in the cooperative agreements of this study area, the dry characterization samples will be taken in late October, 1999.  The data will be forwarded in the first quarter report of year two. 1b. Other activities related to karst/BMP program Baseline land-use analysis is a key component for characterizing the threats to water quality within each of the study basins. We have completed Anderson Level III land use with the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) package ArcView GIS for catchments draining to the Diamond Caverns Campground/Hawkins River and Logsdon River sites (Figure 10, Appendix D-9).  We will be completing land-use analysis for the other sites during the next year. Using stream macroinvertebrates as indicators of water quality (Dr. Scott Grubbs). The responsibilities of this part of Task 3 for the last four months of Fiscal Year 1, was two-fold: 1) First, to provide a working protocol for (a) an assessment of stream habitat, (b) collection and laboratory processing of macroinvertebrate samples, and (c) an assessment of stream health using measurements of stream habitat and macroinvertebrate structure and function (Appendix D-10). This protocol focuses on surface-water habitats. While karst systems have extensive networks of underground streams and rivers, the use of biological indicators, either as single species or communities, for organisms that at least spend a portion of their life in groundwater is grossly inferior to surface-water research. In addition, a virtual protocol (as described above), which will eventually be available as an on-line HTML document, is currently in preparation with the aid of Brian Rix (WKU undergraduate) and a developed draft will be completed by the end of 1999.  2) Second, to begin a first round of habitat and macroinvertebrate analyses of five karst sites and no less two non-karst sites throughout Kentucky. Unfortunately, due to the extreme, extended, and historical nature of the drought which embraced Kentucky during summer and early Autumn 1999, we have not been able to begin habitat analyses or sampling for macroinvertebrates (Figure 11).   Unfortunately, the drought has delayed the onset of flow. Regardless, three rounds of sampling are planned. The first round of sampling will be completed by December 1999.  Two additional rounds of sampling are tentatively scheduled for early/mid-February and early/mid-April 2000.  We will begin a training exercise to involve Brian Rix in both field work and the laboratory work with stream macroinvertebrates.  Upon the evaluation of Mr. Rix as a competent technician, he will be responsible for all basic laboratory work. 2. Organic Carbon/Trihalomethanes Study (Dr. Jeff Jack - cooperative project with the University of Louisville) 2a. Background of the problem. Trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water are due to chlorination and its interaction with naturally occurring organic matter. Although chlorine as a disinfectant is good for getting rid of bacteria, viruses & parasites, it unfortunately has introduced some possible risks that are associated with the chemical byproducts of disinfection.  Trihalomethanes are most commonly the byproducts that result from chlorinating water that necessarily contains natural organics. Several varieties of THMs are present but as a whole, concentration values are reported as a total of all varieties, hence, they have the designation of TTHM. Some of the worst areas in the United states are in regions possessing many organics derived from decayed plant matter such is in swampy regions of Florida and Georgia. Many people may question whether or not TTHMs are a widespread problem or are as high risk as some waterborne diseases. The EPA recognizes the potential risk and the need to decrease TTHM concentration in large supply areas (cities & towns) as much as possible.  Because of recent changes in the National Drinking Water Quality Standards, TTHM is now considered an important water-quality issue for many smaller towns (this is the current driver for our activity dealing with small communities being in regulatory compliance). 2b. Question and Answer Discussion - THM Risks, Concentrations, Disinfectant processes The following is a brief discussion presented in a question and answer format that highlights the main concerns of human-health risks, specific chemicals of concern, and general processes associated with disinfection of water supplies. Such information will be added to our evolving web page so that the general public can have access to basic information that will only increase in importance as the MCLs for THMs continue to decrease as mandated by the EPA. Information was gathered from several internet sources: the Central Coast Water Authority Education Center, 1999 (www.ccwa.com/chloramines.htm - 1999); the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, 1999 (www.agen.ufl.edu/~wq/thm/#organic - 1999); and the EPA web page on National Primary Drinking Water Regulations:  Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts (www.epa.gov/OGWDW/mdbp/dbpfr.html). Q. What are the risks associated with TTHM? A. The links are to cancer (bladder and colorectal) and also to heart, lung, kidney, liver and central nervous system damage; also some reproductive links (miscarriage in one study in California - miscarriage rate of almost 16% in women drinking 5 or more glasses of cold water containing more than 75 ppb TTHM vs. only 9.5% for women with low TTHM exposure). Q. What are the currently accepted concentrations for TTHM, considering cancer risks alone? A. TTHM in public water supplies should be less than 0.1 ppm (100 ppb) Q. What TTHM compounds are associated with a cancer risk? A. Dibromochloromethane (CHClBr2) is first (0.6 g/l to cause a one in one million cancer risk increase), followed by Bromoform (CHBr3), Chloroform (CHCl3), and Dichlorobromomethane (CHCl2Br). Q. What are the current regulations limit for the leading four TTHM compounds? A. TTHM should be 100 mg/l or less. (See Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproduct Rule (Federal Register 1994, 59, 38668-829) Q. What is an accepted solution of dealing with reduction of TTHM in drinking water? A. Basically, the solution is to change the disinfection chemicals from chlorine to chloramine (chlorine + ammonia (actually ammonium: NH3)). Q. What is the advantage of using chloramine? Why would it help reduce TTHM values? A. Chloramines do not combine with natural organics to form TTHM compounds. Q. Since chloramines don't combine with organics to form TTHMs, is water quality of chloramine treated systems ideal for all usages, and is this a single solution? A. Unfortunately, this is not the case. There must be more chloramine used because it is somewhat less effective as a disinfectant versus chlorine and there may also be water color changes. Such changes would prove the water inferior for aquariums or kidney dialysis.  Note that color is from tannins and humic acids in the water that chlorine no longer reacts with (i.e., there is no consumption of organics). Q. Specifically, are all chloramines created equal? A. No, there are three forms - monochloramine (NH2Cl), dichloramine (NHCl2) and nitrogen trichloride (NCl3). The proportions of chloramines are a function of the physical and chemical properties of a given water. Q. What options are available for water users drawing water from a non-chloramine system? A. Filters, Aeration or Boiling, Distillation, Bottled Water, Activated Carbon, or Commercial home treatment or filters. Q. What can be done to reduce the production of TTHM in addition to using chloramines? A. (1) Removal of organics prior to disinfection, (2) Reduction of chlorine dosage, and (3) Use of alternate disinfectants (ozone and UV light). 2c. Background - Natural organic compounds in water (humic substances and fulvic acid) Humic substances are the organic portion of soil remaining after microbial decomposition (imparts a yellowish-brown to brownish-black color to water, detectable to 0.1 ppm in water). The classification of humic substances is based on solubility -i.e., if humic substances or humus are extracted with a strong base and then the resulting extracted solution that is acidified may yield products such as 1) nonextractable plant residue referred to as humin or 2) humic acid (precipitates in acidified solutions below pH of 2.0) or 3) fulvic acid (organics that remain as dissolved in the acidified solution).  Note that humic substances have wide ranging molecular weight; they are also great chelating agents that bind with and hold onto metal ions in water and they also effectively exchange cations with water. Fulvic Acid - this is the water-soluble natural organic substance of relatively low molecular weight which is derived from humus. It is fulvic acid that contributes to the formation of THMs in chlorinated water supplies. 2d. Summary from the Federal Register, National Primary Drinking Water Regulations Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule. This document was to finalize maximum residual disinfectant level goals (MRDLGs) for chlorine, chloramines and chlorine dioxide; maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs) for four trihalomethanes (chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform), two haloacetic acids (dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid), bromate, and chlorite, and National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs) for three disinfectants (chlorine, chloramines, and chlorine dioxide), two groups of organic disinfection byproducts (total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) - a sum of the four listed above, and haloacetic acids (HAAs) - a sum of the two listed above plus monochloroacetic acid and mono- and dibromoacetic acids and two inorganic disinfection byproducts (chlorite and bromate). The NPDWRs consist of maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) or maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) or treatment technologies for these disinfectants and their byproducts. The DPDWRs also include monitoring, reporting, and public notification requirements for these compounds. This document includes the best available technologies (BATs) upon which MRDLs and MCLs are based.  The set of regulations promulgated today is also known as Stage 1 Disinfection Byproducts Rule (DBPR). The implementation of the Stage 1 DBPR will reduce the levels of disinfectants and disinfection byproducts in drinking-water supplies.  It is suggested that the reduced levels of disinfectants and disinfection byproducts will provide an additional 20 million households health protection not enjoyed heretofore. Additionally, the rule provides for the first time, public-health protection from exposure to haloacetic acids, chlorite (a major chlorine dioxide byproduct) and bromate (a major ozone byproduct).  Stage 1 applies to public-water supplies (PWSs) that are community WSs (CWSs) and nontransient noncommunity water systems (NTNCWs) that treat their water with a chemical disinfectant from either primary or residual treatment. 2e. Initial results from the Task 3 Organic Carbon/THM Study. We initiated our stream study series in late July/August.  To date we have sampled 40 streams in Kentucky. We have baseline data for all of these streams (Appendix D-11). We have preliminary THM data on 10 of the larger of these streams (primary THM study sites); values range from 200 to more the 700 ug L-1.  This survey will continue through September with another round of THM sampling scheduled for late October 1999.  We have also begun sampling in Taylorsville reservoir as part of the THM project.  Most of these data are still under analysis. Please see Appendix D-11 for the THM study data. 3. Study of agricultural contaminant transport mechanisms associated with karst groundwater We have developed a study protocol to better understand mechanisms associated with the transport of agricultural contaminants, particularly pesticides, by groundwater within the state’s karst areas (Appendix D-12).  This has been identified as a key concern by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and we are currently involved in discussions with that Agency to expand the scope of this work in a cooperative effort. D. Anticipated Activities. We expect that the next quarter’s sampling events, which are described in each of the above sections in detail, will be to collect the wet characterization samples and begin the synoptic portion of the BMP sampling plan, as well as to continue to collect and synthesize data as part of the Organic Carbon/THM Study. We also expect to continue research into the special problems of contaminant transport mechanisms and emergency procedures for spills associated with karst terrains/aquifers.         II. Discussion of expenditures We are on schedule considering Kentucky’s extreme drought conditions. In the extended fourth quarter, Task 3 expended $52,034, with a total of $87,002 expended out of a budget of $153,940 for the first project year. In combined equipment and personnel costs, we have expended or encumbered 90% of this first year budget. Because of the drought we still have to conduct the wet characterization sampling round, and have retained some funds from year one based on budget extension to complete this sampling from the year one budget, pursuant to our original plan.  Within the THM study, there were no expenditures for this quarter because we had expended the consulting budget by the end of last quarter. We have begun the THM analysis earlier than expected so we are short on funds for that.  We are looking for additional sources of funding to run additional THM analyses. Finally, the Louisville and Jefferson County [Kentucky] Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) performed a series of laboratory water chemistry analyses for three BMP sites at no charge to the project. The financial contribution of MSD is gratefully acknowledged. III.  Changes in Key Personnel We have added Paul Bukaveckas, Tim Sellers, Joe Shostell and Major Waltman to the THM group, which will be performing the research called for under the new Memorandum of Agreement between Western Kentucky University and University of Louisville. Task 4: Database Management I. Work Status The primary objective of Task 4, Development of a Database Management System (DBMS), is to provide appropriate methods and structures for reporting data and metadata to meet the needs of: (1) facilitating efficient and convenient reporting of information by all other Tasks, (2) appropriate capture and storage of all data and metadata by the DBMS, and (3) accessible retrieval of information and materials by end users along with ancillary information required for interpretation. The DBMS serves as the primary nexus where integration, exchange, synthesis, and end-user retrieval of information from the other Tasks take place. The function of the DBMS has been structured to specifically provide for interaction with the other Tasks in order to facilitate all aspects of data reporting, data storage, and information retrieval, while fostering the functional operation of the DBMS as an integrated whole.         A. Work progress. This Task's progress during the past extended quarter continued to keep pace with our goals within the project. Efforts internal to this Task were focused in four areas: additional website development as an important tool for communication, conveying information, and publicizing the services of the Technical Assistance Center; development of software and information tools for the direct use of water providers themselves; construction of the project database itself; and fulfilling requests for data and information. Coordination with the activities of the other Tasks in the project continued during this quarter as well. 1) Ongoing website development and communication. We received over 2,100 independent visits to our web site in the first year (Appendix E). With regard to continuing website development, we have added to the internet reading room a set of newsletters produced by a small Kentucky water system, the McCracken Water District, for its customers (available for viewing at http://water.wku.edu/info/readingroom/index.html). This reading room is valuable for making public documents available to water providers and other stakeholders. We are especially proud of the tools for water systems we have made available through our website, including information and procedures to assess and address potential Y2K problems that may be experienced by small water systems, help with creating Consumer Confidence Reports, and link to many information resources for water systems. This site also has made available a Sanitary Survey Self-Assessment field guide for surface water systems designed by Mr. Brents Dickinson, P.E. This field guide includes a detailed narrative and a survey form, and may be either viewed online or downloaded directly. Public events at which the Information and Database services of the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality were specifically showcased included presentations at the Kentucky Rural Water Association's Management Conference, 14-15 April 1999, and the Annual Conference of the Kentucky Waterways Alliance, 14-15 May 1999 (Appendix E). The KRWA Management Conference was very useful for the feedback we were able to obtain directly from water systems about their needs and priorities for services that the Center could potentially provide. The Kentucky Waterways Alliance was useful for the opportunity to educate the public about the process of Consumer Confidence Reporting, and to focus on the importance of CCRs as a rapid feedback loop in the drinking water compliance process. 2) Development of software and information tools for direct use. We have begun software development of a computerized Monthly Operating Report (MOR) for the use of small water systems.  The program is being constructed in Java to allow for a good graphical user interface. Further, the Java runtime utility required by the program is available for free, just as our software itself will be. We will therefore be able to efficiently provide a completely free package that does not require either pre-existing software or a particular operating system. We were fortunate to have access to a Quattro-Pro spreadsheet, originally developed by Mr. Dell Harris and co-workers, now of the KRWA, as a tested model for an MOR spreadsheet for use by small operating systems to record and submit their Monthly Operating Reports. Visits were made by Dr. Ouida Meier and Mr. Dell Harris to water systems in Pirtle Springs and in Dawson Springs to talk with operators and managers about how they currently use the existing version of this spreadsheet, and discussed potential additional functions to the program they would find particularly useful.  These systems have agreed to beta-test the program we are developing once it is complete. Observing the range of needs among different types of water systems and specific suggestions made by the water system managers and operators were tremendously valuable in directing the shape of the program to come. Assuming we are able to accomplish this, we propose expanding our services in the future years of EPA funding to do the same with the Monthly Operating Report requirements for small water systems in other states. We are also going forward with plans to develop similar software programs for a Monthly Water Loss Report, a Consumer Confidence Report, and some simple financial planning and budgeting software. Again, these programs are being tailored specifically to the needs of small water systems. 3) Fulfilling requests for data and information. We have responded to requests for data and informational assistance from a number of different sources. Several of the requests involving ongoing exchanges are documented in Appendix E. For example, we made the existing KRWA MOR spreadsheet program (pre-modification) available for download via ftp to a Florida water system that requested it. We responded to requests for data and information to researchers attempting to construct studies of (1) population health effects of trihalomethane exposure, and (2) status and trends in availability of safe drinking water, appropriate sewage disposal, and wastewater treatment in Appalachian counties of the eastern U.S.  We were also able to facilitate a "network" discussion of potential affordable treatments for barium and cadmium contamination problems experienced by a small water system. Since this particular problem has been experienced by several systems in a localized region of eastern Kentucky and appears to be related to the geology of the area, we have plans to present this and similar exchanges as case studies in order to maximize the utility of the information accumulated. 4) Development of project database. Information about categories of data being collected is critical to being able to develop a database structure to house that data. This information was not available from the other tasks until late in this fourth quarter. As the information has become available, however, we have proceeded to develop prototype databases in Microsoft Access for the separate tasks within the project. The prototyping process will allow testing of databases on other Tasks' computers, so they will have access to convenient data entry and local querying of their own Tasks' data. In addition, these separate databases are being incorporated into a larger and more sophisticated database management system, Microsoft SQL Server. SQL Server allows construction of a very powerful data warehousing structure for the information, data, and summaries being generated by the project, and provide for optimal access to and retrieval of information, much of it through the internet at our website. B. Difficulties encountered. No significant or unexpected difficulties have been encountered during this quarter. However, we have been able to proceed with development of the database structure itself only at the rate that information has been made available from other Tasks. C. Preliminary data results. In the previous (third quarter) report, we described a geographic analysis of problems and trends in water quality and water quality violations as a potentially very powerful problem-solving tool. As an initial evaluation of the power of large-scale geographic analysis as applied to water quality problems, Dr. Meier gathered information from several publicly available web-published data sources and plotted state-reported Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) violations of water systems in Kentucky for the year 1996 (the last year that the KY DOW published MCL violations by water system) on a county-by-county basis. Potentially important patterns were detected in MCL violations for water systems in Kentucky (Figure 13). Heavy metals contamination was prevalent in four counties in eastern Kentucky; these appeared only in systems using groundwater sources, and therefore seems associated with the unique geology of the area. Trihalomethane violations were notable for their lack of geographic pattern, but the majority of systems with trihalomethane violations used purchased water as their primary water source; presumably the elevated TTHM levels were related to the need for boosting chlorine levels in the second system. Turbidity and fecal coliform violations appeared to occur most often in the upper reaches of watersheds, suggesting increased risk of these violations in these areas during times of drought, or otherwise low or variable surface water flow. Finally, there were several clusters of demographic characteristics of Kentucky counties with widespread water quality problems, not just one cluster. The implications of all of these geographic patterns have consequences that reach beyond Kentucky. Analyses of broad-scale data and geographic patterns can help in targeting regions that need specific kinds of help, and tailoring the kind of help offered to the needs of the community. The ability to further associate these kinds of patterns with surface water maps and groundwater movement information could be very powerful indeed. Since the Technical Assistance Center has a mandate to expand its services to other states in the southeastern U.S., we have begun gathering data and producing GIS maps for these other state. Included in this report are maps of annual water system compliance data (MCL violations) from Tennessee (1996, 1997, 1998) (Figures 14,15, & 16), South Carolina (1997, 1998) (Figures 17-18), and Alabama (1996, 1997) (Figures 19-20). We were able to develop a web spider to gather the information directly from the EPA SDWIS web pages, thereby sidestepping some SQL display limitations in that database. We are in the process of examining in more detail the shifts in patterns of compliance in these states over time. As a beginning, the maps of Tennessee show a distinct and steady increase in the number of coliform bacteria MCL violations in western Tennessee from 1996 through 1998. We are now examining other factors to try to understand why this pattern exists. Conversely, in the state of Alabama, the number of counties and water systems with TTHM violations decreased between 1997 and 1998. We believe this information and subsequent analyses of these observations have tremendous potential to help target both problems and solutions. Active conversion of data into succinct, comprehensible information is one of the services that the DBMS is capable of performing and may prove to be one of its most valuable contributions. D. Anticipated activities.  Efforts will continue in the development of the structure of the database itself, and working with the other Tasks to construct fields and tables that will capture all pertinent project data. Now that we have the required information about data fields from the most data-intensive project Tasks, we expect progress in this area to be very rapid. We also plan to more broadly publicize the availability of the Center's services to small rural water systems and appropriate local officials in the next quarter. Web site development is and will continue to be an ongoing effort as we strive to maximize its accessibility and utility for all users. We will continue to respond to requests for data and information as the need arises. We are also beginning the process of rehabilitating old computers donated from departments within WKU in an effort initiated by Dr. Ed Houston. We have a plan to turn these into functional machines, provide them with an operating system, word processing and spreadsheet programs, a modem, plus the software we are developing in-house for MORs and water loss reports, and provide free of charge to small water systems. KRWA has agreed to handle fair and appropriate selection of water systems and initial training of water system personnel that will receive these computers on a long-term loan basis. We are planning to make the machines available at no charge to the water systems.         II. Discussion of Expenditures Task 4 efforts and expenditures are on track. During the extended fourth quarter, Task 4 expended $24,864. Total expenditures to data are $85,465. III. Key Personnel Changes There have been no changes in key personnel within Task 4 during this quarter. We have been very fortunate in employing the services of several bright, talented undergraduate students who have ably assisted with the work in Task 4:  Mr. Maxx Lobo (most of this year), Ms. Rachel Phillips (May-July); and Mr. Seth M. Johnson, Mr. Shane Fryer, and Mr. Aaron Harris (since late August). The Center is very grateful for their dedicated efforts. IV. Vision of the Technical Assistance Center's role and services. The diagram below shows a simple cyclical representation of the familiar hydrologic cycle. Appended to this is the cycle of water use by humans: from source water, to water treatment, to human use and consumption, to wastewater treatment, and discharge back into the bodies of water that serve as source water for downstream communities. Several ideas become clear through this representation. Taken as a whole, the image illustrates the intimacy of our interaction with the environment: our direct dependence upon environmental goods and services that are usually excluded from economic accounting of the cost of producing safe water, and a very clear illustration of the close proximity and almost arbitrary distinction between wastewater discharge and source water that begins the next human water use cycle. Finally, it becomes clear that the different tasks of the Technical Assistance Center have their function at several different points of influence along the paths of these cycles. Direct services and technical assistance to water system operation and management, encouragement of source water protection, support of interaction between companies with innovative technologies and water systems, and increasing the strength and number of informational flows and feedback cycles among system components (i.e., within and among water systems, between water systems and the organizations that support them, and between water systems and the public they serve) all have a role in a multipronged approach to technical assistance for small water systems. Figure 12. Illustration of the relationship between the natural hydrologic cycle and the anthropocentric or human-centered cycle of water use and discharge. Dr. Ouida Meier. Task 5: Innovative Technologies I.  Work Status The objective(s) of task five has developed into three main avenues. The first is to encourage pilot projects that demonstrate the benefits and effectiveness of innovative and emerging technologies in the drinking water industry. The second objective is to establish the Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality at Western Kentucky University (TACWQ) as a Field Testing Organization (FTO) for NSF & EPA. The third objective is to develop a Sanitary Survey Self-Assessment Field Guide for ground water and surface water operators.         A. Work Progress. Pilot Studies. During this past year the Center has visited, viewed, and reported on several pilot studies: Actiflo pilot on the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River in Martin County, Kentucky. The Actiflo pilot located at the Princeton, Kentucky water plant on Lake Barkley A dual pilot utilizing the Ultrafiltration and Microfiltration systems at the Duck River Utility Commission that serves Manchester and Tullahoma, Tennessee. Spatial Data Integrations, working with KRWA and TACWQ, is conducting a pilot with the Lake Village Water Association. This is a GIS mapping project utilizing a program developed by Spatial Data Integrations. FTO Certification. Representatives of WKU's TACWQ have met with NSF International to discuss becoming a Field Testing Organization (FTO). We had hoped to conduct a dual pilot with an Actiflo unit followed by a membrane filter located at the Kentucky American Plant (Lexington) on the Kentucky River this year, but were not able to get the two manufacturers together in time. This dual pilot has since been postponed because of the drought in Kentucky. The TACWQ plans to pursue certification as a Field Testing Organization this next year. Sanitary Survey Self Assessment Field Guide. The Sanitary Survey Self-Assessment Field Guide for ground water operators is approximately 40% complete and should be on the web by November. The Sanitary Survey Self Assessment Field Guide for surface water operators will be completed as time permits. These efforts are conducted by Mr. Brents Dickinson, P.E., at no cost to EPA. WKU has funded this effort with matching dollars. B. Difficulties Encountered. As reported, the only difficulty has been finding ways to finance the pilot studies. It is hoped that becoming an NSF Field Testing Organization, the TACWQ can find funding from NSF. C.  Preliminary Data Results. Actiflo is an enhanced coagulation – sedimentation process utilizing micro sand as a body to which floculent material attaches itself and settles in minutes instead of hours. It appears that it is more effective in removing organics with less floc carryover. The pilot projects visited reported an effluent turbidity of less than 1.0 NTU. The membrane filter pilots indicate that Ultrafiltration systems are capable of removing Cryptosporidium and other microorganisms and produce water of good quality. As these membranes become more cost effective they will replace the rapid sand filter as the treatment of choice. They also reduce the turbidity well below the MCL required by the SDWA. The Spatial Data Integrations, Inc. (SDI) pilot project at Lake Village Water Association is proceeding very well, with results reported at the annual meting of the KRWA. This promises to be a very good tool for facility management. SDI has developed a software program called WaterWorks/FMä, a customized interface to the ArcView Geographic Information Systems program that is specifically tailored to the needs of small water systems. The program is designed to capture and display facilities information as well as to analyze system data to assist with facilities management, customer service, long-range planning and other operational issues. The Lake Village Water Association has already been able to use the software program to good advantage - for example, during meetings with their Water Board to answer questions, and to quickly access information on their system's structure. Practical and constructive feedback from LVWA has also greatly assisted SDI's efforts at final modification of the program so that it will be ready for broader distribution. A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding among the cooperating organizations and a press release describing this project, both authored by Spatial Data Inte