H0 Quality 2 MAGAZINE A PUBLICATION OF THE TEXAS WATER QUALITY ASSOCIATION SPRING 2014 ISSUE A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY
Awaits you at the 41st Annual Texas Water Quality Association Convention & Exhibition
• 41st Annual TWQA Convention & Exhibition • Point-Of-Entry Systems by Viqua
• Grace Enters RideCare Challenge
361-573-6707
Victoria, Texas 77901 Texas Victoria,
1904 Sam Houston Sam 1904
AUSTIN, TX AUSTIN,
PERMIT NO. 1425 NO. PERMIT
PAID
U.S. POSTAGE U.S.
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PGI_GP_full_page.indd 1 4/30/13 9:53 AM H0 Quality 2 MAGAZINE
2013-2014 TWQA Officers President John Blount President-Elect Ryan Lessing Secretary Kurt Denson Treasurer Greg Gayler Immediate Past President Kelly Parks Directors Alan Branson Ron Dobbs TABLE OF CONTENTS Robert Kersey Don McGhee QUALITY FEATURE: Bill McGraw Grace Enters RideCare Challenge...... 8 Perry Ratcliff Brian Rose H2O DEPARTMENTS: W. Robert Shelton President’s Message...... 4 Tyler Stenseng News from the Board...... 5 Supplier Representative Billy Slone Mark Your Calendar...... 6 Executive Director Daina Grace New Math Courses...... 7 Legislative Update...... 10 The H2O Quality Magazine is a publication of the Texas Water Point-of-Entry Systems...... 12 Quality Association and is published 4 times per year. Membership News...... 18 TWQA Award Nominations...... 20 Editorial and Advertising Offices: Call for Nominations...... 22 Texas Water Quality Association New Water Filtration Product...... 24 1904 Sam Houston Dr. 2014 TWQA 41st Convention...... 25 Victoria, TX 77901 Email: [email protected] ADVERTISERS INDEX: Website: www.twqa.org Pure & Gentle...... Inside Front Cover Gunn Fleet...... 11 Publisher: 360 Press Solutions Stensing Distributing Inc...... 13 2009 Windy Terrace Viqua...... 15 Cedar Park, Texas 78613 US Resin...... 17 Email: [email protected] United Salt Corp...... 17 Website: www.360PressSolutions.com WaterWorld USA...... 19 Nelsen Corporation...... 23 TWQA Mission Statement United Filters International...... Back Cover Your Publication Chairman is Kristi Stanford, past The purpose of the Texas Water Quality Association is to assure the individual’s TWQA Treasurer and a third generation Culligan Dealer in San Antonio, Texas. Publications Committee right to enhance the quality of water by providing continuing education and consists of Irma Bishop and Jo Grace, past chairman and Kristi’s mentor. Publication is produced by 360 Press training to our members, government entities, and the general public. Solutions in Cedar Park, Texas, owned by Jason Tuggle.
TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue 3 President’s Message
By John Blount, TWQA President
Fellow TWQA Members: All great organizations are built on the dedication and hard work and tireless efforts of their members. The TWQA is no exception. Our organization is blessed with a tireless, dedicated core of experienced individuals with whom I count myself very fortunate to work alongside. Every one of the TWQA volunteers serving on the Board brings talents and a passion to build upon the past efforts of those who preceded us. Our vision is to build on the wonderful accomplishments of our predecessors. We continue to focus on providing our members with the best resources, networking capabilities, and professional development opportunities that are available in our great state. We have all watched as the TWQA has changed and grown over the years to meet the needs and demands of our profession and our industry. To be sure, change always requires effort. But effective change first requires careful thought to ensure that any effort is applied in the right areas. Accordingly, the Board spent a lot of time considering how best to meet the challenges and opportunities of not only today but tomorrow. To that end, many of you reached out to me and other members of the Board, providing valuable input and perspective on where to take the TWQA, and how to make it better. We are thankful for those of you who took the time and effort to share your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. After carefully chewing through what you gave us, the TWQA set its priorities for the upcoming year, and is now poised to take the next steps towards becoming an even more effective resource and representative for the water conditioning industry. (More on that later.) One of your suggestions was a total redesign of the TWQA website. I invite you to take a look at your new and improved TWQA website at www.twqa.org. The site includes not only an updated look and feel, but is more interactive. You can also register online for upcoming events such as the convention and exposition July 16th-19th in Fort Worth. This new website exists because of the long hours and talents of both Tyler Stenseng and Roger Grace who were respectively the Web Design Chairman and Web Designer. I hope you will take the time, especially after you have tried the new website, to thank both Tyler and Roger for their fine efforts. Thanks, guys! And thanks to all of you for being part of this great organization. I wish you continued success throughout the coming year. Do great work, have lots of fun and maintain good balance. Go fishing! Sincerely, John B. P. Q. Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What’s a sun-dial in the shade? – Benjamin Franklin 4 TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue Setting the entertainment for the convention was the final item on our list. This year we would like to take The TWQA Board of Directors held its second advantage of all that Sundance Square in downtown Fort quarterly meeting of the 2013 – 2014 fiscal year on Friday, Worth has to offer. Following the conclusion of the banquet January 10, 2014, at the Hampton Inn in Buda, Texas. we are looking to offer transportation to Sundance Square in President John Blount called the meeting to order at 10:05 the heart of downtown Fort Worth. Sundance Square offers a.m. Secretary Kurt Denson called roll. Board members in the best shopping, dining and entertainment. We hope to be attendance were: John Blount, Ryan Lessing, Kurt Denson, able to offer attendees a choice of entry tickets to either the Greg Gayler, Kelly Parks, Alan Branson, Ron Dobbs, jazz bar or one of the comedy clubs. We will be contacting Don McGhee, Bill McGraw, Brian Rose, Bob Shelton, bars to try to obtain drink discount tickets as well. This will Tyler Stenseng and Billy Slone. Also in attendance were allow each individual the opportunity to make their own Legislative Committee Chairman Bob Boerner, Publications plans for that evening while still being a part of the group. Chairman Kristi Stanford, Legislative Consultant Marc Transportation to and from the hotel will be offered. Our Rodriguez and Executive Director Daina Grace. A quorum goal is to offer this as a part of the banquet/convention was established. A motion to approve the agenda was package. made and seconded followed by Lessing continued with President Blount reminding everyone discussion of the Friday night in attendance that the meeting was function. Fort Worth is known for operating under the TWQA Anti-Trust its unique Stockyards so we toured guide; a copy of the document was in Billy Bob’s and were very excited each board packet for review. about the experiences it has to offer. There were several guests in We can have a catered meal in one of attendance: Scott and Debbie Shaffer their historic private dining rooms to of Texas Water Savers, Irma Bishop, start the evening. Then the attendees General Manager of Culligan of have many choices for entertainment Austin, Rocky Hoffman of Nelson such as: arcade games, pool, bands, Corporation and Eric Green, partner dancing, live bull riding, and more. and attorney for Pure and Gentle They also have the opportunity to Soap. President Blount thanked go outside the hall and visit some of them for their support and interest in the many shops and bars along Main TWQA. Street. We want to be able to offer Secretary Kurt Denson asked transportation for this event and so we for approval of the Minutes from the will be soliciting sponsorship to help October 2013 board meeting which offset the cost. This will be a ticketed were previously emailed. A motion event. and second were given to approve the Golf Chairman Mitch Stone Minutes as submitted. of Viqua (with the assistance Treasurer Gayler reported that of Kurt Denson) contacted golf TWQA is doing well financially. courses to determine the best fit We have worked hard to cut costs for our tournament. After careful to the Association while managing consideration he has chosen expenses. Currently we are well ahead Fossil Creek. They have provided in the receipt of dues at 78% for the year; normally we are at preliminary pricing of approximately $50 per player plus 50%. Grace indicated that many members are paying dues $10-$15 per player for lunch. annually rather than spreading them out quarterly. The other Finalization of the technical session topics and category which was discussed was the bad debt; this was presenters as well as the business sessions is close. Clark due to invoices which had been billed but payment not yet Benson will present the Basic Math course on Wednesday received. and the Advanced Math course on Friday. We will set the 2014 Convention Chairman Ryan Lessing reported that price for each of these courses based on the fee that Clark is his committee traveled to Fort Worth to finalize the details going to charge. of the convention. The Freeman Decorating representative Chairman Boerner began by reminding the Board of the met us to discuss the exhibit floor plan and to come up with importance of the Drinking and Bottled Water Committee. a workable layout. Immediately following we met with the Brian Rose was asked to take over the chairmanship of this hotel representative to review the schedule and the space committee; he accepted the position with Boerner remaining which is allotted for our convention. …continued on page 12 TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue 5 Mark Your Calendar
APRIL 2014 TRAINING JULY 2014 TRAINING Training Pre registration Deadline: March 28, 2014 Training Pre registration Deadline: July 3, 2014 April 7, 2014 (Monday) 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m: July 17, 2014 (Thursday) 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m : Basic Water Conditioning (6 hrs CEU- #691) Basic Water Conditioning. (6 hrs CEU - #691) April 8, 2014 (Monday) 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m: July 19, 2014 (Saturday) 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m: Advanced Water Conditioning (7 hrs CEU- #691) Advanced Water Conditioning. (7 hrs CEU - #692) Courtyard By Marriott The Sheraton Hotel & Spa Fort Worth 1725 W. Fillmore Avenue, Harlingen, Texas 1701 Commerce Street Room rate $139.00 per night (King or Double) Fort Worth, Texas 76102 For Room Reservations call 1-956-412-7800 and reference TWQA Room rate $129.00 per night – Call 888-627-8556 Room guarantee deadline: March 17, 2014 and reference TWQA Hotel Room Cutoff June 23, 2014 APRIL 2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING OCTOBER 2014 TRAINING April 25, 2014 - Beginning at 10:00 A.M. Training Pre registration Deadline: September 26, 2014 Hampton Inn & Suites October 6, 2014 (Monday) 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m: 1201 Cabela’s Drive Basic Water Conditioning (6 hrs CEU- #691) Buda, TX 78610 October 7, 2014 (Tuesday) 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Advanced Water Conditioning (7 hrs CEU- #692) JULY 2014 MCM Elegante Hotel and Suites BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING 801 Ave Q July 16, 2014 - Beginning at 3:00 p.m. Lubbock, Texas 79401 The Sheraton Hotel & Spa Fort Worth Room rate $89.00 per night – Call (806) 763-1200 1701 Commerce Street and reference TWQA Fort Worth, Texas 76102 OCTOBER 2014 THE 41ST ANNUAL TWQA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING CONVENTION & EXHIBITION Date to be determined July 16 - 19, 2014 Hampton Inn & Suites The Sheraton Hotel & Spa Fort Worth 1204 Cabela’s Drive 1701 Commerce Street Buda, Texas 78610 Fort Worth, Texas 76102 Room rate $129.00 per night – Call 888-627-8556 reference TWQA Hotel Room Cutoff June 23, 2014
6 TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue INTRODUCING TWOINTRODUCING NEW COURSES TWO TO NEWHELP COURSESWITH THE TO MATH! HELP WITH THE MATH! INTRODUCING TWO NEW COURSES TO HELP WITH THE MATH! Is this your first time to take the Basic and Advanced Water Conditioning courses? Or Is this your first time to take the Basic and Advanced Water Conditioning courses? Or Is this your first time to take the Basic and Advanced Water Conditioning courses? Or are you having trouble passingare you thehaving Water trouble Treatment passing Specialistthe Water Exams Treatment because Specialist of the Exams because of the are you having trouble passing the Water Treatment Specialist Exams because of the math? We will be offeringmath? courses We willwhich be areoffering designed courses to helpwhich you are learn designed the math. to help You you learn the math. You math? We will be offering courses which are designed to help you learn the math. You can take one or both ofcan the take courses one ordepend bothing of onthe the courses level ofdepend licenseing youon theneed. level of license you need. can take one or both of the courses depending on the level of license you need.
THE SHERATON FORTTHE WORT SHERATONH HOTEL FORT AND SPAWORT H HOTEL AND SPA THE SHERATON FORT WORTH HOTEL AND SPA 1701 Commerce Street 1701 Commerce Street 1701 Commerce Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102Fort Worth, Texas 76102 Fort Worth, Texas 76102
BASIC MATH COURSE by Clark Benson ($35.00 per person) BASIC MATH COURSE by Clark Benson ($35.00 per person) BASIC MATH COURSE by Clark Benson ($35.00 per person) Wednesday, July 16, 2014Wednesday, July 16, 2014 Wednesday, July 16, 2014 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. This course was developedThis to courseteach the was math developed covered to onteach the the math covered on the This course was developed to teach the math covered on the Class 1 and Class 2 WaterClass Treatment 1 and Class Specialist 2 Water License Treatment Exams. Specialist License Exams. Class 1 and Class 2 Water Treatment Specialist License Exams.
k Benson ($35.00 per person) ADVANCED MATH COURSEADVANCED by Clar MATHk Benson COURSE ($35.00 by per Clar person) ADVANCED MATH COURSE by Clark Benson ($35.00 per person) Friday, July 18, 2014 Friday, July 18, 2014 Friday, July 18, 2014 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. This course was developedThis to courseteach the was math developed covered to onteach the the math covered on the This course was developed to teach the math covered on the Class 3 Water TreatmentClass Specialist 3 Water License Treatment Exam. Specialist License Exam. Class 3 Water Treatment Specialist License Exam. BASIC MATH COURSE ______BASIC MATH ADVANCED COURSE MATH______COURSE ADVANCED______MATH COURSE ______BASICNAME: MATH ______COURSE ______ADVANCED MATH COURSE SSN# or______WTS #______NAME: ______SSN# or WTS #______NAME: ______COMPANY: ______SSN# or WTS #______COMPANY: ______
COMPANY: ______Method of Payment Texas Water Quality Associa�on Method of Payment Check Enclosed payable toCheck Texas WaterEnclosed Quality payable Associa to �on Method of Payment Check Enclosed payable to Texas Water Quality Associa�on By Credit Card Visa ByMasterCard Credit Card Discover Visa MasterCard American Express Discover American Express By Credit Card Visa MasterCard Discover American Express Card No. ______Card______No. ______Exp. Date ______Security Exp. #Date ______Total $______Security # _____ Total $______Card No. ______Exp. Date ______Security # _____ Total $______Print Name on Card ______Print Name on Card ______Signature ______Signature ______Print Name on Card ______Signature ______Billing Address of credit card Billing ______Address of credit card ______Zip Code______Zip Code______Billing Address of credit card ______Zip Code______RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO: TWQA, 1904 Sam Houston Dr., Victoria, Texas 77901 RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO: TWQA, 1904 Sam Houston Dr., Victoria, Texas 77901 RETURN COOMr PFLaEx TtoE D(3 F6O1)R 5M7 5T-O79: 5 T9W. QFoAr, q1u9e0s4t Sioanms pHloeuasteo cna Dllr D.,a Vinicat oGrria,c Tee, xTaWsQ 7A79, @01 (361) 573-6707. Or Fax to (361) 575-7959. For questions please call Daina Grace, TWQA, @ (361) 573-6707. Or Fax to (361) 575-7959. For questions please call Daina G race, TWQA, @ (361) 573-6707.
TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue 7 Grace Enters RideCare Challenge TEXAS – March 25, 2014 extraordinary can be accomplished by an ordinary guy. Extraordinary on a bicycle is a randonneuring ride – Roger Grace, TWQA Website Designer and long-time hundreds, or thousands, of miles with few rest stops in a TWQA family member, has begun the journey of a lifetime relatively short amount of time. The Perimeter Challenge is in an effort to promote healthy lifestyles, increase awareness that several times over. about bicycle safety and raise funds for the American Grace explains how he plans to complete the ride Diabetes Association. What originally started as a personal and keep people engaged during the long process. “I had need to reduce stress and reverse unhealthy habits, became a to create a series of daily rides, each of which could be passion for biking and now a planned 6-month, 11,000-mile completed by an amateur, if determined, rider – because ride around the perimeter of the US. that’s what I am. So I learned. I learned about the effect of “I was fat. I was overweight. Climbing a single hills and wind and temperature on effort. I learned what flight of stairs left me breathless. I needed a way to mitigate roads are suitable for bicycles and what roads need to be the stress I was under. I needed to find a way to be healthy.” avoided. I learned when and what to eat and drink before, Grace found the bicycle and a new lease on life. The during and after a long ride.” bike allowed him to get into a zone – his force field – and Combining what he learned with publicly-available repair the damage of too much weight, lack of physical information, Grace planned approximately 140 daily rides challenge, and the mental stress of work. It wasn’t just a that completed the 11,000 mile US perimeter. Each day’s weight loss plan anymore, it was a lifestyle change. ride is divided into segments; each segment ends at a rest “When I was on the bike it was exercise, but I could stop where he can replenish food, water and supplies. In also let go. I was able to think. I found when I was done I between rest stops, Grace identified every turn and every hill could focus and do my work better. If you treat yourself a that will tap his energy reserves. little better, you can do more for the people around you.” “The average daily ride is about 80 miles and 3,000 Along the way realized he had to share his discovery. feet of climb. It will take 6-7 hours to get to the next To do that, Grace needed a project that would make people overnight stay, where my wife will be waiting with the take notice – the RideCARE Perimeter Challenge. Showing trailer and a warm welcome,” explained Grace. communities that, with planning and preparation, something The RideCARE Challenge started in Austin, TX on 8 TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue Want to help? Complete your own RideCARE Challenge: 1) Know Your Risks – Take the diabetes risk test at diabetes.org/risktest. It’s fast, it’s free and it’s private. You won’t even be asked for an email and you’ll know whether you are at risk for diabetes and what you can do about it. 2) Act – Go for a walk, go for a swim, go for a ride, Just Go! 30 minutes of exercise a day significantly reduces your risks of chronic disease. It also has benefits at work and at home. And eat better. You don’t have to give up all of your favorite foods, but get some fruits and vegetables; maybe even walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner. 3) Help us Spread our Message – Donations are always welcome, but our goal is to promote awareness across the country. Talk to your family; talk to your employees. One prevented diagnosis can save your business thousands of dollars every year in lost productivity. Ready to learn more? Regular updates will be available on www.ridecare.org, and RideCARE’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds. March 22 and – as of March 25 - was northeast of Houston Contact: Robin Grace after completing the first 218 miles. The ride will continue [email protected] • www.ridecare.org east, looping around Florida and up the east coast. The 512.694-7311 goal of the challenge is to drive awareness about the benefits of an active lifestyle and environmental responsibility by increasing the use of bicycles as safe, environmentally-friendly transportation. During the course of the challenge, RideCARE plans to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. “Recent studies tell us diabetes kills more Americans each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined and as many as 1 in 3 American adults are at risk of developing diabetes. Poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle are two of the biggest risk factors for type 2 diabetes. If RideCARE gets people to be a bit more active – and a bit more sensible with their diet – their risks of developing type 2 diabetes, or other preventable chronic diseases, can be reduced by as much as 80 percent.”
TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue 9 Legislative Update
Offices of Marc A. Rodriguez 2014 PRIMARY ELECTION REPORT SEVERAL REPUBLICANS George Lavender, Diane Patrick, Bennett Ratliff and Ralph HEADED FOR RUNOFFS Sheffield will not be returning to the Texas House in 2015. Democrat Representatives Lon Burnam and Naomi Most Republican statewide races are headed for runoff th Gonzalez were also defeated in their primary elections. elections set to take place on Tuesday, May 27 . Attorney Incumbent Lon Burnam lost by 125 votes. This race may General Greg Abbott won the Republican Gubernatorial be contested. In another close race, Republican State nomination. The battle for Lieutenant Governor will be Representative Stefani Carter came in second in a field decided in a run-off election between current Lieutenant of four and will face former Dallas City Councilman Linda Governor David Dewhurst and State Senator Dan Patrick, Koop in the runoff election. who led the way with over 41% of the vote. State Senator Republican State Senator John Carona was narrowly Ken Paxton topped the three candidates vying to be the defeated by Dallas businessman Don Huffines by 635 next Attorney General and faces State Representative votes. State Senator Bob Deuell captured 48% of the vote Dan Branch in the runoff election. State Senator Glenn in a three-way race for Senate District 2. Senator Deuell Hegar captured 49.99% of the vote to be the Republican faces Bob Hall in the runoff election. nominee for Comptroller. If this race results in a runoff, he will face State Representative Harvey Hilderbran (4 boxes are still unaccounted). George P. Bush will be the CONGRESSIONAL RACES Republican nominee for Land Commissioner. He will face Senator John Cornyn cruised to victory over the other former El Paso Mayor John Cook in November. The runoff seven candidates vying for his seat with more than 61% election for Agriculture Commissioner includes former of the vote. In November, he will face the winner of the State Representatives Sid Miller and Tommy Merritt. Democratic runoff that includes David Alameel and Kesha Former State Representative Wayne Christian led the field Rogers. United States House of Representatives Republican of candidates seeking the vacant Railroad Commission Ralph Hall, the oldest member of Congress, garnered position and will face Ryan Sitton in the runoff election. The 45% of the vote and will face John Ratcliffe in the runoff three Supreme Court Justices facing primary opposition election. The only open seat among the 36 Congressional defeated their opponents: Chief Justice Nathan Hecht, Jeff House seats was sought by twelve candidates. Brian Babin Brown and Phil Johnson handily won their elections. and Ben Streusand will face off in the runoff election The Democratic primary did not have as many for U.S. Representative District 36 which was vacated contested races. State Senator Wendy Davis overwhelming by Congressman Steve Stockman who was among the won her party’s nomination for Governor. State Senator unsuccessful challengers to Senator Cornyn. Leticia Van de Putte, Sam Houston, Mike Collier and John Cook ran in uncontested elections for Lieutenant Governor, LOOKING AHEAD . . . Attorney General, Comptroller and Land Commissioner, respectively. Jim Hogan and Richard “Kinky” Friedman The 84th Texas Legislature is set to convene Tuesday, will face each other in a runoff election to be the party January 13, 2015. There will be historic changes in nominee for Agriculture Commissioner. Steve Brown won leadership at most statewide elected positions as a result the election for Railroad Commissioner. of the primary and general elections. There is a special election set for May 10th to fill the unexpired term of State NINE INCUMBENT LEGISLATORS Senator Tommy Williams who resigned last year. State Representatives Brandon Creighton and Steve Toth and LOSE; TWO MORE IN A RUNOFF The Woodlands Township Director Gordy Bunch have filed Six Republicans and two Democratic House incumbents to run for this seat. This will be followed by the primary lost their bids for re-election on Tuesday. Republican runoff election to be held May th27 . Early voting takes Representatives Lance Gooden, Linda Harper-Brown, place May 19th through May 23rd.
10 TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue Through the primary election, the Texas House of INTERIM ACTIVITIES Representatives will have a minimum of twenty-one INTERIM COMMITTEE HEARINGS freshman members when it convenes next January. The Texas Senate will welcome a minimum of five new With Primary Elections behind us, both the House and senators. If Senator Hegar is successful in his bid for Senate Interim Committee Meetings will begin to increase. Comptroller, Governor Perry will call a special election to We will continue to send updates to TWQA regarding fill his unexpired term. hearings of interest and opportunities for public testimony. HB4 IMPLEMENTATION The Texas Water Development Board held its first HB4 (SWIFT/SWIRFT) stakeholder meeting in Austin. The have a progressive plan to receive feedback and publish proposed rules by June 2014. The TWDB staff has developed a list of questions that need to be addressed. These areas include: - Prioritization - Application and Process - Definitions - Set Asides - Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB)/ Reporting - Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Legislation used by SWIRFT
Additional meetings will be held throughout the year. At any time, additional thoughts and/or questions by accessing the SWIFT homepage under the Texas Water TWQA member Kristi Stanford and Husband, Blake, Development Board’s website (http://www.twdb.texas. attend a fundraiser for John Cornyn at gov/swift/form/index.asp) Lobbyist Marc Rodriguez’s home.
TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue 11 Point-Of-Entry Systems: Examining Water Treatment Options
By Phil Jones, Product Manager, VIQUA Point of Entry (POE) is the term commonly used Some of the significant issues (in addition to to define any water treatment system or combination of hardness), affecting these water supplies are: systems, designed to alleviate water quality issues at the • Turbidity – cloudy, visually unappealing water point where water enters a building, prior to distribution bad taste, staining, and to the water heater, kitchen and washrooms. This in • Iron and iron bacteria – possible gelatinous growth contrast to POU systems designed to be installed under the counter or even directly on to a drinking water • Sulphur – “rotten egg” odor associated with faucet, with limited treatment sulphur reducing bacteria capabilities. The most • Microbial contamination applicable system is usually – including fecal coliforms, determined by assessment E.coli and parasitic cysts of a comprehensive water test, understanding consumer expectations and offering a Turbidity range of appropriate options. Although the appearance Equipment used in of milky water at the tap is POE systems can range in largely an aesthetic concern, sophistication from a simple especially if the turbidity is hardware store purchased “inorganic” in nature (such sediment filter to a suite as clay or sand), it should be of products performing remembered that the presence of complimentary tasks, designed particulates may compromises any to provide aesthetically pleasing, disinfection system employed to palatable and safe drinking water. eradicate microbial contamination. In major population centers of Turbidity is also a surrogate the developed world, the most parameter for indicating the familiar piece of POE equipment potential presence of bacteria and is usually a water softener, which protozoan cysts. For this reason, works by employing the principle turbidity in municipally supplied of ion exchange (exchange of water, caused by flooding or calcium and magnesium dissolved mechanical breakdown, invariably ions with sodium or potassium results in Boil Water Advisories. ions). The removal of dissolved In addition, where organic matter calcium and magnesium, the all too familiar contributes to the turbidity, this can encourage “hardness” resulting in clogged shower heads, excessive bacterial growth by providing microbial nutrients. This detergent use and damaged water heaters, is not an can cause rapid loss of residual disinfectant and lead to economically viable proposition for municipalities and as the deterioration of water quality. General purpose filter such becomes the home-owners problem to deal with. For cartridges designed to deal with turbidity are typically those people living off the grid, however, whose water rated at five microns and provide acceptable filtration source is typically a drilled well or perhaps a lake, there quality without excessive pressure drop, based on turbidity are a number of other issues, not so familiar to the city levels. Filtration recommendations are one micron or dweller, requiring application of various POE options. better for water drawn from a surface source susceptible 12 TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue to contamination by parasites such as Giardia which gives water. UV disinfection is very widely employed in the rise to Giardiasis (beaver fever). non-municipal, residential sector, offering an easy to use, cost-effective solution with no after taste issues. In Iron and iron bacteria certain regions, three consecutive “zero coliform” tests are required when selling a home where the water is The presence of iron bacteria is often the most supplied from a private well. Of particular interest where unpleasant side effect of using water containing traces of water is supplied from a surface water source (e.g. lake), dissolved iron. The resulting bloom that grows in such eradication of parasites such as Cryptosporidium and places as toilet tanks can be identified by its orange colour Giardia is easily achieved by the combined application of and stringy or gelatinous appearance. Even without the filtration and UV technology. presence of the bacteria, dissolved iron levels of only 0.3 mg/L give rise to significant staining on bathroom fixtures as water evaporates and the iron becomes oxidized to Conclusion rust. Iron can be removed with POE equipment, either by employing a pre-oxidation and filtration step (typically air POE treatment applications certainly cover a wide entrainment and back-washable filter system) or by way range of aesthetic concerns, but more importantly are of ion exchange softening. Water conditioners are now often the only means of providing safe drinking water available that employ specifically designed media and do to those households that rely on a private water source. not suffer from the limitations of traditional resin based Multi-barrier strategies are generally considered to be systems which have the tendency to become fouled by the best approach to resolving water quality issues, while iron that is not completely removed during regeneration. UV disinfection equipment, installed as the final stage of The new breed of combined iron and hardness removal the treatment process, is an affordable, reliable and safe systems also internally generate chlorine from the salt technique for ensuring that water is free from pathogenic used in regeneration, effectively eliminating iron bacteria. microorganisms. Attempting to do this with a resin based softener may Phil Jones is the Product Manager at VIQUA – a compromise the resin in a very short time. Trojan Technologies Company. [email protected] Sulphur Most of us have experienced the unpleasant smell of water contaminated with hydrogen sulphide, especially Stenseng Distributing Inc. when using hot water! The presence of anaerobic bacteria is the causative factor when this gas is detected in water supplies. POE equipment designed for this problem typically uses the same principle as the “iron oxidation” Higher Quality & Longer Life. method mentioned above. By oxidizing the hydrogen Simply The Best in the Industry Period! sulphide gas to elemental sulphur using air (typically), the resulting solid can be trapped in the filter bed and backwashed to the drain. Microbial contamination While all of the preceding descriptions deal with MADE IN THE USA what are largely aesthetic issues (unpleasant yes, but not Try FilmTec’s new BW30-1812-35, normally a risk to health), contamination of water by Culligan approved FilmTec TW 30-1812-50, BW60-1812-75 and the pathogenic microorganisms is naturally of very serious Membranes BW30-2012- TW30-1812-100HR residential drinking 30 and TW30-2012-50 water elements. With a new Twin Leaf concern. Municipalities provide safe drinking water by replacement membranes design and New Membrane Chemistry, using flocculation and filtration followed by, increasingly, for the AC-30, H-30, AC-50, combined with the use of Low Flux a combination (or multi-barrier) approach using chlorine and H-50 R.O. Systems. All brackish water membrane material, FilmTec Membranes are makes for more active surface area, treatment and sometimes other treatment steps such as NSF/ANSI Certified. higher TDS rejection and longer membrane filtration, ozone or ultraviolet disinfection. membrane life. Good pre-filtration of water is vital for the subsequent disinfection stage(s) to be effective. For those who do not Order Toll Free 1-800-247-5956 have access to municipal water, treatment with chlorine Stenseng Distributing Inc. chemicals can be challenging in terms of handling, 800-526-9837 | Fax: 956-399-1785 | E-mail: [email protected] correct dosage calculation and palatability of the treated www.stensengdistributing.com TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue 13 April’s training session will be at the Courtyard by Marriott in Harlingen April 7th and 8th. This hotel was chosen because they could accommodate more attendees. …continued from page 5 We will work on advertising this session early to increase attendance since we have not been in the Valley for several on the committee. Rose is in the bottled water business and years. The remaining training for the year will be held in is very involved with the issues confronting the industry. He Fort Worth in July and Lubbock in October. discussed some the current issues affecting the bottled water Clark Benson recently completed a course titled Math industry. The sugar drinks & soft drink consumption is still for Water Treatment Specialists; the course is six hours and going down while bottled water consumption is going up. is being submitted to TCEQ for approval. Benson asked HOD delivery is still pretty flat. The increase of sparkling several TWQA Board members for a peer review of the water in the US is up double digits as well. materials for the course. Critiques were sent back to Benson Greg Gayler updated the board on the EPA rule change for his consideration. Benson has agreed to split the class for the convention by offering the basic math section of the course on Wednesday and the advanced math section on Friday. There will be a charge for these courses to offset the fee paid to Benson. Ethics Chairman John Blount reported that the issue which was discussed at the last Board meeting regarding the use of the TWQA logo and name by a nonmember is now in litigation. TWQA has stepped out of the issue at this time. Mr. Eric Green, John Blount’s partner and attorney, addressed the Board regarding intellectual property protection, trademark & copy righting. He encouraged the Association to run a trademark search on both the acronym TWQA as well as the full name Texas Water Quality Association. One or both may be available. We might consider a design logo as well. Green proceeded by discussing options with regard with regard to coolers. Previously the EPA had indicated that to the training materials used by TWQA. Once the manual any bottled water cooler which was not labeled as Energy buyout is complete with Engitech, Inc., we would need to Star or Energy Rated must be removed from service. After transfer ownership of the manual copyright to TWQA. numerous letters were sent by a number of bottled water Gayler asked where we were in connection to the companies EPA has changed the rule to state that you can manual buyout from Engitech. Grace reminded the Board remove a non-energy efficient cooler, clean it and put it back of the specifics of the agreement. TWQA was to purchase in service as long as you do not label it either Energy Star or 1500 of both the Basic Water Conditioning manual and Energy Rated. This is a major shift to the rule. the Advanced Water Conditioning manual by December Rose discussed the most comprehensive legislation 31, 2013. Including the January 2014 manuals we have with regard to the food industry that is being put in place. purchased 1435 of the basic manuals and 1222 of the The requirements for bottling plants and other business advanced. Per the agreement the cost of the manuals have been greatly increased with regard to paper work and went up $5.00 each until such time as we meet the agreed auditing. Gayler said that this is voluntary this year and number. To offset this cost the cost of the training courses will become law in 2015. Rose stated that water is very was increased by $5.00 each effective January 1, 2014. high on the Homeland Security list and that is why these The final question to Mr. Green was whether TWQA changes are in place. Dobbs suggested that we have a should add language to the TWQA membership application speaker at the convention on the topic of the rules change. that would indicate the applicant agrees that the logo Gayler suggested having Chris Dunn of NSF speak at the and membership should only be used while they are convention. Rose said he would talk to Chris Dunn as well. TWQA members. Green agreed this language should be Boerner asked that we put some of the articles which relate incorporated into the application. We would want to get the to water on our website. logo and name trademarked to make this binding. Grace reported that the January training could not be Legal & Governmental Affairs Chairman Bob Boerner held at Texas State University this year because the space began by announcing that Don McGhee had agreed to help was not adequate for our needs; however, they will continue co-chair this committee; there are so many issues happening to work with us to search for and provide us with free space around the state this will help tremendously. At this point next year. The January training session was held at the Boerner turned his report over to Legislative Consultant Embassy Suites in San Marcos. Marc Rodriguez. The Education and Training report stated that the final Rodriguez began by reminding the board the members numbers the January training session in San Marcos were of TWQA are always welcome to attend the events and 62 for the Basic Water Conditioning, 51 for the Advanced functions which occur at his office. Daina recently attended Water Conditioning and 9 for the Water Quality Analysis an event at Rodriguez’s office for Trent Ashby. Ashby is Course. TCEQ did offer exams following the Advanced a member of the House Natural Resources Committee Water course on Tuesday. There were approximately 35 and knows the Houston and East Texas areas well. Marc individuals who indicated they needed exams. sends the invites to Daina and everyone is always welcome 14 TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue even if we are not prepared to offer a check that day. asked whether we should be going into this meeting with Rodriguez encourages us to use the opportunity to meet the a defensive approach or create an alternative avenue with candidate/legislator and give them our position statement. TCEQ because some of this meeting will come under If determined to be an appropriate fit for the benefit of their purview. Rodriguez agreed with this approach. Meet our statewide association then a contribution can be made with the Plumbing Board first (because of the regulatory implication) as to yes you can or no you can’t, then secure a meeting with TCEQ. Rodriguez said this meeting with the Plumbing Board was just to clarify that HB2062 does not affect the WTS activity allowed in 1904. Rodriguez will set the meeting and get in touch with Daina. She will then secure the three individuals to attend and move forward from there. McGhee asked that we establish some talking points for the meeting for those who are involved. Major metropolitan issues were next. Rodriguez continued by discussing the Houston challenge. He said that Mayor Pro Tem Gonzales has agreed to have a meeting with a relevant permit person; maybe the public works person or maybe the planning director. We need to go to Houston and let them know that we are working with the …continued on page 14 through our PAC. As board members we can represent TWQA and our industry at these type functions. Rodriguez continued by reporting on HB2062. HB2062 was a bill filed which developed into a plumbers issue as it relates to the plumbing worker, the plumbing union, the master plumber; it did not relate to the plumbing owners and it did not relate to the business owners of TWQA. We were watching Think UV. this bill the entire time. Rodriguez, in his opinion as a professional lobbyist for TWQA, recommended that we not get involved with this process UV Chlorine because HB2062 did not affect TWQA Inactivates 99.99% of microorganisms in water, and its subsequent Chapter 1904 in including Giardia and Cryptosporidium the Occupations Code. This was a judgment call made by Rodriguez Immediate disinfection action based on the fact that nothing in that Bill addressed 1904 or Water Environmentally friendly Treatment Specialist. The Bill had some controversial issues between the No handling of harmful chemicals plumbers and rainwater harvesters but it was not our fight. No potentially hazardous disinfection by-products Rodriguez met with TWQA member and rainwater professional Doesn’t change the taste/smell of the water Scott Shaffer regarding the issue. The meeting was constructive and we are Effective, chemical-free disinfection for private wells now on a constructive path with regard to the issue. Even though HB2062 Easy maintenance does not affect the Water Treatment Specialist there will be confusion this year and that confusion will come in the permitting process. Rodriguez feels that it would be beneficial if TWQA were proactive by getting Think UV. Think VIQUA. a legal opinion from the attorney www.viqua.com for the Texas Board of Plumbing Examiners regarding Water Treatment Specialists installing rainwater harvesting equipment. Don McGhee TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue 15
VIQUA-Water_Technology_13.indd 1 2013-09-12 10:51 AM of the committee. We are all volunteers and as such we can all help to address key issues to enhance this committee. Dobbs requested talking points for the Legislative Affairs …continued from page 15 Committee (a one pager point by point hitting the issues Board of Plumbing Examiners to make sure that our code that TWQA is addressing on behalf of members). This covers us on everything that we are doing. Grace asked would help when talking to prospective members. We need whether we would need the information from WQA for to promote the value of TWQA to consumers. Increasing this meeting. Rodriguez stressed that we should present a visibility by using the TWQA logo increases helps to one page document, short and concise. Rodriguez asked increase the value of the membership. Alan Branson for the Board to delegate no more than three individuals to suggested that we do public service announcements as attend this meeting. Boerner reminded everyone that we had stations are required to do a certain number of PSA’s per set a meeting last year in Houston and Stanley Briar was year. We will look into this option. successful in having the meeting cancelled. We hope to have Dobbs asked Grace to direct all new member sign ups a meeting set up in Houston within 30 days. We need this to to him when they come in so that he can contact them and happen now! Don McGhee confirmed that we need to meet welcome them into the Association. Membership retention is vital to the success of TWQA as is the marketing of the Association. Prospective member outreach is another issue which we need to address. We need to develop a direct target list of prospects. Each board member knows dealers in their area who are not currently members of TWQA. If this information could be forwarded to Grace and Dobbs they will work on establishing a prospect list. Dobbs also asked that the Supplier board members to look at their customers who are not members and forward their information to Daina as well. As a way to recruit members Dobbs discussed having regional “Meet and Greet” functions where we invite some of the legislators in the area. We might try to have one function a year and move it around the state before the convention. Dobbs continued by addressing the need to have committee reports in the H2O Quality magazine. This is important to keep the membership involved in what is with the Plumbing Board first to get confirmation before we happening in TWQA. Committee reports for the Spring attempt the Houston meeting. We need to get confirmation Issue of the H2O Quality Magazine need to be submitted to that HB2062 does not affect in any way the WTS code. Daina by March 1, 2014. Bob Shelton reiterated that in the DFW area the Scott Shafer discussed the need to incorporate the problems are coming from the Water Department. They rainwater harvesting membership with TWQA. Rainwater are afraid that their water is being contaminated and that is harvesting doesn’t have a license at this time and obtaining why they want an RPZ and have to have a licensed plumber one could take 6 – 10 years. Shafer suggested that we have to pull this permit. This is substantially increasing the cost the rainwater group join TWQA and have them apply for to the customer while also negatively affecting their water our WTS license. McGhee reinforced the need for TWQA pressure. Bill McGraw agreed that this is a major issue to clarity from that states that the WTS license meets the in Houston as well. Rodriguez concluded by saying we criteria then we would market to the rainwater people the need to lean on our code; when someone says this code same way we market to other dealers. Shafer also suggested isn’t sufficient we can then go to the state agency attorney, that this a way for the rainwater people to be members of TCEQ or Board of Plumbing Examiners for clarification. both groups. Parks agreed that this would definitely be a Ultimately we may need to go back and tweak our code to great source for membership. make sure there is no confusion. Grace suggested that we President’s Outing Chairman Kurt Denson is working need to go to TCEQ to make new relationships now that on the 2014 President’s Outing. The event will be held in Terry Thompson has retired. the Fall and details will be discussed at the next Board of Long Range Planning Committee Chairman Kurt Directors meeting. Denson reported that we will be touring La Torretta Lake Publications Chairman Kristi Stanford reported that Resort in the near future to view the renovations that have the Winter Issue of the H2O Quality magazine is currently been made. We will continue to look for other possible being printed and should be mailed soon. Stanford reiterated venues for the 2015 Convention and report at the next the importance of good committee definitions; this will help meeting. members decide where their talents are best suited. These Membership Chairman Ron Dobbs distributed aone descriptions will be put on the website and also in one of the page handout discussing the goals and objectives for the quarterly issues each year. Membership and Marketing Committee. This committee Companies who have exhibited at past TWQA shows consists of Robert Kersey, Mitch Stone, Billy Slone and Ron were contacted regarding advertising in the magazine. We Dobbs though every Board member is considered a member are pleased to announce that we secured two new annual 16 TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue advertisements and three one-time advertisers. There were other companies we contacted who have expressed an interest in advertising in the magazine. We will work to get those companies on board prior to the next issue. The production schedule has been revised. We will work on preparing a new form which reflects the production schedule, ad sizes and ad prices / price breaks for four quarters versus a onetime ad placement. This will help in approaching potential advertisers. Website Chairman Tyler Stenseng discussed his meeting with Roger Grace regarding the TWQA website. Robin and Roger Grace have been the creators and support system of the TWQA website for many years. They recently created a test TWQA website which would eliminate the Access data base and place all of the information on a web based program. This was tested during the 2013 Convention and proved to be very beneficial. Grace explained that the US web based program makes it available to multiple users at one time. The new program also tracks individuals if they change companies. The web platform will also allow members to monitor their company information and make changes as needed. Another improvement is that the dealer locater tool on the home page will interface with Google maps. There will also be a TWQA blog which would allow for current information to reach all members as needed. Stenseng reported that there are approximately 100 hours of work remaining for the project to be fully completed. After discussion a motion was made by John Blount with a second by Kurt Denson for the work on the website to be completed by January 31, 2014. The Board also requested that we find an alternate person to support the website in the absence of Roger Grace. Stenseng will begin the task of securing the backup support systems. Kurt Denson suggested having a display at the Trade Show with a 60” TV showing what the new TWQA website looks like and how to maneuver through it. Stenseng reinforced this idea because everyone should see what the new TWQA website has to offer and how to access each part of the site. The Board was very receptive to this idea. WQA Regent Don McGhee reported that the WQA Midyear Leadership Conference was held the first week of September at Lake Tahoe. The meeting was well attended and Texas was very well represented. The format was changed to make the meeting more productive for everyone. McGhee continued by reporting that the WQA Aquatech will be held March 18 – 21, 2014, in Orlando. WQA is pleased to roll out the new modular education program which offers a variety of training tools for businesses. McGhee reminded everyone that the WQA lab is an extremely successful certification laboratory. They are currently working with NSF & UL standards. President Blount announced that the next meeting of the TWQA Board of Directors will be held on Friday, April 25, 2014, at the Hampton Inn in Buda, Texas. There being no further business a motion to adjourn was made by Kurt Denson with a second Ron Dobbs. The motion passed and the meeting was adjourned. GET INVOLVED: ATTEND A TWQA BOARD MEETING
TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue 17 News from the News From The Website Committee By Tyler Stenseng, Website Committee Chairman Membership I am pleased to report that as of early February, TWQA has a new and improved website! The site can be reached via the same web address as the old site, www.twqa. Committee org. Much time and effort has been put into the creation By Ron Dobbs, Membership Chairman of our new site by Roger and Robin Grace, and I feel that it is a very functional and useful site for members. We The following TWQA Members have stepped are planning to have an informational session at the July forward to serve on the Membership Committee. I 2014 TWQA Convention in Fort Worth to go over the new personally invite all other TWQA Members to join our features of the webpage in detail, but I will briefly touch membership team. If you have an interest in serving on some of the new benefits that the new website has for please call me, my number is (830) 608-5128. TWQA members. On the homepage of the website, under the Heading Robert Kersey “TWQA Can Help You”, there are some very useful Mitch Stone buttons that can be clicked to perform some helpful Bill Sloan functions for members. The “Find a Dealer” button uses Debbie and Scott Shaffer Google Maps to help potential customers and TWQA Jeanne Dobson members find local water treatment dealers. Additionally, The TWQA Mission Statement is to assure the there is a calendar of TWQA Events, and members are able to click on buttons to Register for Training sessions individual dealer’s rights to enhance the quality of water or Register for TWQA Events. There is also a button to through education and training of our membership, search for TWQA Supplier Members, and informational education of state and local government entities, and the buttons regarding TWQA’s Code of Ethics, TCEQ education of the general public. The TWQA Membership Regulations, and information on how to join TWQA or Committee serves as a communication arm to not publish and advertise in the H2O Quality Magazine. Also, only current members, but also to reach out and relate another useful addition to the TWQA.org homepage is a membership benefits to those water dealers across Texas TWQA blog, which will be used to report items of interest who are not members. as well as to recognize our Supplier Members. To Register for Events or Training as a TWQA Current objectives of the member to get TWQA member rates, a user must be logged in. The “Log In” button is present in the top right corner Membership Committee are: of any page of the TWQA.org website. To log into the 1. Retention - Each committee member will have a site, a user will use the email address which is listed for selective list of members for your organization’s primary contact for the TWQA login follow up and communication ID. All passwords have been set to “twqa” (without the quotations) by default at this time. Once logged in, you are 2. Recruitment - New able to change the password yourself or you can contact prospective members will Daina Grace and she can change your password from her be identified and contacted administrator login. Once a user is logged in, there are some 3. Promote and Market new exciting features whereby organization members can the value of the TWQA update their organization contact information, email address, to dealers, consumers, webpage address, and listed employees. Making sure that legislators, and all with an an organization’s listed employees are updated is critical to interest in Texas Water! being able to register employees for training and events on the website. Member registration and payment for training To all current and events through the new site is a fairly simple process, members: Please forward and one that we encourage everyone to use. For those to me the name and contact that would prefer to not register online, we do still have information of any new registration forms that can be sent to TWQA via fax or mail. member prospect. They We encourage everyone to explore and use the new will be followed up! This TWQA.org website, and when you are doing so, if you is Important! have any questions please reach out to Daina Grace. We are happy to assist in navigating the site, and hope that it will be of great benefit to all. I look forward to discussing in more It’s my honor to serve you!! detail and answering questions about the new TWQA.org Ron Dobbs website this July in Fort Worth! 18 TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue IS OUR Treatment
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TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue 19 TWQA AWARD NOMINATIONS TWQA is an association made up of individuals who volunteer their time and talents for the industry. It is important that these individuals are recognized for their efforts. The following is a list of awards available to accomplish that! These awards do not have to be given annually; they are only given when someone deserving is nominated. Please take a few minutes to review the awards and if you feel there is someone who has been exceptional during the past year please nominate them. The deadline for nominations is JUNE 15, 2014. Perry Ratcliff Awards Chairman
Water Quality Man-of-the-Year Meritorious Service Award Qualifications: An untiring and dedicated water conditioning Qualifications: An active member of TWQA of high moral professional of high moral character and with an unselfish character who has rendered many years of dedicated and desire to assist newcomers in the profession. Must be an faithful continuous assistance and guidance to the TWQA active member of TWQA and be instrumental in planning and its members. (Submit nominees by personal letter.) and presenting programs for TWQA, regional schools, and Name of Nominee: ______annual meeting. Company of Nominee:______Name of Nominee: ______Company of Nominee:______
Water Quality Woman-of-the-Year Outstanding Young-Man-of-the-Year Qualifications: An untiring and dedicated water condition- Qualifications: A young man 21 to 35 years old of high ing professional of high moral character and with an unself- moral character, actively involved in TWQA and possessing ish desire to assist newcomers in the profession. Must be at least a Level III certificate of proficiency in water treat- an active member of TWQA and be instrumental in plan- ment and/or water conditioning as issued by the TWQA. ning and presenting programs for TWQA, regional schools, The recipient should be presently employed and have made and annual meeting. a significant contribution in public awareness concerning the Name of Nominee: ______industry. Company of Nominee:______Name of Nominee: ______Company of Nominee:______
20 TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue THE SONNY CAMMACK AWARD Honorary Life Membership This award is given in appreciation of dedicated service Qualifications: Member of TWQA who has shown out- to the water quality industry and for providing leadership standing achievement and valuable service to TWQA. which represents the spirit in which our Association was (Submit nominee by personal letter.) founded.
Name of Nominee: ______Name of Nominee: ______Company of Nominee:______Company of Nominee:______
Community Service Award THE GIB BOERNER AWARD Qualifications: An active member of TWQA who has This award is given in appreciation of continued use of the performed an act of community service above and beyond ideals for which this Association was created: Honesty, the call of duty, but not to the point of endangering his or High Ethical Standards, Humility and Integrity in both the her life. (Submit nominees by personal letter with detailed business and personal spheres of life. description of service rendered.) Name of Nominee: ______Name of Nominee: ______Company of Nominee:______Company of Nominee:______TWQA IS “YOUR” ASSOCIATION SO TAKE A MOMENT AND…
HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD.
Award of Merit Qualificatiions: An untiring and dedicated individual of high moral character who has rendered many years of dedicated and faithful continuous assistance and guidance to water conditioning professionals on both a state and national level. (Submit nominee by personal letter.)
Name of Nominee: ______Return your Award nominations to the TWQA Company of Nominee:______office by email at [email protected] or fax to 361-575-7959. ______TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue 21 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS The TWQA Nominating Committee is seeking your input for M Pres-Elect M Secretary M Treasurer Board of Directors nominations; the nominations are for officers for the 2014 – 2015 TWQA Fiscal year as well as three Board of Nominee’s Name______Directors positions. If you feel there is a TWQA member who is Company Name______qualified and deserves to be nominated, please take a moment to Address______complete this form. Members may nominate themselves. City______State ______Zip______Board of Directors Phone_____/______Fax _____/______Email: ______The membership of the Texas Water Quality Association will be electing new officers for the positions of President-Elect, Secretary and Treasurer at the Annual Meeting July 18, 2014, at The Nominees for Director Sheraton Hotel and Spa in Fort Worth, Texas. Also, TWQA will You Could Win a (three Board Positions open) hold election for three Director Seats on the TWQA Board. TERM OF OFFICE. Elected Directors shall be elected for a term of three (3) years. Authority and Responsibility New Ford F150 Pickup... Nominee’s Name______of Board Of Directors Company Name______As a customer of Nelsen Corporation, you have the “To supervise, control and direct the affairs of the Association, Address______its committees and publications; shall determine its policies or opportunity to win in honor of our 60th Anniversary! Vehicle shown may changes therein; shall actively pursue its objectives; and supervise City______State ______Zip______*For offi cial sweepstakes rules check out our website at www.nelsencorp.com! differ from actual prize. the disbursement of its funds. The Board may adopt such rules Phone_____/______Fax _____/______and regulations for the conduct of its business as shall be deemed Email: ______advisable, and may, in the execution of the power granted, th delegate certain of its authority and responsibility to the Executive Nominee’s Name______Nelsen Corporation 60 Anniversary Sweepstakes Committee.” (TWQA Bylaws, Article V, Section 1) Company Name______Address______Nomination for Officers City______State ______Zip______QUALIFICATION FOR OFFICE. A representative of any Phone_____/______Fax _____/______24,000 active member in good standing shall be eligible for nomination Sq.Ft. of Texas and election to any elective office of this Association, provided Email: ______Hospitality! such individual shall have served at least one (1) year as a member Nelsen NRO of the Board of Directors at any time prior to an elective term of Nominee’s Name______Open in Texas! office. Company Name______Commercial Systems TERM OF OFFICE. Each officer shall take office immediately Address______NRO Commercial Series is designed upon installation and shall serve for a term of one (1) year or until City______State ______Zip______for commercial or industrial applications requiring fl ow rates of a successor is duly elected and qualified. Each officer shall serve Phone_____/______Fax _____/______concurrently as a member of the Board of Directors and as a 0.17-6.9 gallons per minute (GPM). Email: ______member of the Executive Committee. NRO-440 Series Shown w/upgrades I wish to nominate the following for: Please send completed form by email to Daina at: M Pres-Elect M Secretary M Treasurer [email protected] or fax it to the TWQA office at (361) 575-7959. Nelsen Corporation is, and has been, a family-owned business serving the Nominee’s Name______professional water treatment dealer for 60 years. With over 6000 products in stock in Company Name______Printed Name of Nominator______Address______four locations strategically located across the U.S., thousands of Printed Company Name of Nominator ______City______State ______Zip______Phone_____/______Fax _____/______Company address______satisfied Dealers worldwide count on Nelsen for their residential Email: ______and commercial water treatment needs. Combine that with Phone # ______Fax #______
Email of nominator:______legendary customer service, custom built systems and same M Pres-Elect M Secretary M Treasurer Signature of Nominator______day shipping, Nelsen can become the essential element of your Nominee’s Name______Date______Company Name______success. Call Nelsen and speak with someone who understands what you need and when you need it. Address______Call for a Return your nominations to the TWQA Water. It's Our Life! City______State ______Zip______office by email at [email protected] Full-Line Catalog Phone_____/______Fax _____/______or fax to 361-575-7959. Email: ______www.nelsencorp.com 22 TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue OH: 800.362.9686 • AZ: 866.445.4299 • TX: 855.674.0357 • FL: 866.712.6796 You Could Win a New Ford F150 Pickup... As a customer of Nelsen Corporation, you have the opportunity to win in honor of our 60th Anniversary! Vehicle shown may *For offi cial sweepstakes rules check out our website at www.nelsencorp.com! differ from actual prize. Nelsen Corporation 60th Anniversary Sweepstakes
24,000 Sq.Ft. of Texas Hospitality! Open in Texas! Nelsen NRO Commercial Systems NRO Commercial Series is designed for commercial or industrial applications requiring fl ow rates of 0.17-6.9 gallons per minute (GPM). NRO-440 Series Shown w/upgrades
Nelsen Corporation is, and has been, a family-owned business serving the professional water treatment dealer for 60 years. With over 6000 products in stock in four locations strategically located across the U.S., thousands of satisfied Dealers worldwide count on Nelsen for their residential and commercial water treatment needs. Combine that with legendary customer service, custom built systems and same day shipping, Nelsen can become the essential element of your success. Call Nelsen and speak with someone who understands what you need and when you need it. Call for a Water. It's Our Life! Full-Line Catalog www.nelsencorp.com OH: 800.362.9686 • AZ: 866.445.4299 • TX: 855.674.0357TWQA • | Spring FL: 866.712.6796 2014 Issue 23 New Water Filtration Products United Filters International has introduced its newest line of water filtration products for a wide range of applications that work equally well in fresh, brackish or salt waters. The proprietary technology for water purification and filtration involves the removal of many submicron pathogens and inorganic contaminants. This is accomplished through electro-adhesion and ion exchange as an enhancement to traditional mechanical filtration. This technology makes it possible for a traditional nonwoven media to produce filtration efficiencies comparable to nano-filtration membranes but without high pressure drop and low flow rates characteristic to nano-filtration.
The media is comprised of alumina coated micro-glass fibers (see Fig. 1) which are locked into a depth filter media using wet laid, nonwoven manufacturing technology. The working media is laminated between layers of spun-bond to provide both strength and to support the filter manufacturing process. The media was engineered to have an average pore size of 2 microns and a mean flow pore of 0.7 microns. This allows the naturally occurring charge field created by the alumina fibers (see Fig. 2) to affect the total volume of the individual pores, as well as virtually the entire void volume of the filter media itself. Contaminants are removed by exposing them to the torturous path of the traditional media which is supplemented by the naturally occurring charged field of the alumina fibers. By accomplishing submicron “filtration” with a charged field rather than with mechanical pores, this media (Fig. 1) Alumina-coated microglass fibers from a natural has a small fraction of the pressure drop and many times mineral. the flow rate as compared to ultra-filtration membranes of similar efficiency.
The application of this technology makes it possible to engineer a filter that efficiently retains both inorganic and organic materials, cell debris, endotoxins, virus, proteins, many colloids, bacteria and other submicron particulates. These filters have the capability of reducing ferrous (colloidal, clear water) iron to less than 1ppm. Filters can effectively remove trace amounts of emulsified hydrocarbons making them well suited for pre-filtration of multi- staged filter applications where RO membranes are used.
This filtration media is utilized as pleated filter (Fig. 2) When exposed to water between pH 5 – 9.5, a charge po- cartridges with an initial pressure drop less than 0.1 tential is generated by the natural crystal structure of the alumina fibers. The resulting charge field radiates to a maximum distance bar. Due to their high loading capacity, the filters of 1 micron from the fibers as represented by the red shaded area. can be washed several times to extend the life of their efficiency. They can be used in areas with no electricity, require no use of chemicals, and do not generate wastewater. Filters are available in many sizes to accommodate a wide variety of applications: 2.5- to 4.5-inch widths (OD) and 10-, 20-, 30- and 40-inch lengths. These filters are available as stand-alone or can be combined with point-of-entry and point-of-use systems. Photos courtesy of R. Ristau, IMS, Univ. of Conn. United Filters International is a global manufacturer for a wide variety of water treatment systems and products. For more information, please send inquiries to: [email protected] or call 806.373.8386.
24 TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY
Awaits you at the 41st Annual TEXAS WATER QUALITY ASSOCIATION CONVENTION & EXHIBITION
July 16 - 19, 2014
THE SHERATON FORT WORTH HOTEL AND SPA 1701 Commerce Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102
WEDNESDAY: Basic Math Review Course, Board of Directors’ Meeting, President’s Welcome Reception THURSDAY: Golf Tournament, Basic Water Conditioning , Business Session, Dealers Roundtable Meeting, Awards Banquet followed by Sundance Square FRIDAY: Advanced Math Review Course, Annual Meeting/General Session, Technical & Business Sessions, EXHIBITION 11:00 A.M - 4:00 P.M. Friday Night Activity– an evening at Billy Bob’s in the historic stockyard district SATURDAY: Technical & Business Sessions, Advanced Water Conditioning, WQA Exams, WTS exams (pending) www.twqa.org
TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue 25 A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY is available at the 41st Annual TEXAS WATER QUALITY ASSOCIATION CONVENTION July 16 - 19, 2014 The Sheraton Hotel & Spa, Fort Worth, Texas
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2014
3:00 p.m . - 5:30 p.m. - BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING (open to everyone) 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. - PRESIDENT’S WELCOME RECEPTION (open to everyone) 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - BASIC MATH COURSE by Clark Benson *NEW COURSE!
THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. – Registration for the Basic Water Conditioning Course 8:30 a.m. – GOLF TOURNAMENT - The Golf Club Fossil Creek 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – BASIC WATER CONDITIONING (CEU: TX 6.0 HRS & WQA .6) 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Convention Registration 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Exhibitor Move In 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Business Session - TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION—pending 4:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - DEALERS’ ROUNDTABLE MEETING 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – COCKTAIL RECEPTION 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – AWARDS BANQUET 8:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. - AN EVENING IN SUNDANCE SQUARE
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014 6:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Convention Registration 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – ANNUAL MEETING & GENERAL SESSION 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a. m. – Exhibitor move in 9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m. - SPOUSE AND CHILDREN’S BREAKFAST 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Technical Session - “Why You Need UV” 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Business Session - “Affordable Care Act & Your Business” 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – EXHIBITION & LUNCH 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. - Business Session— “The New WQA Modular Education Program” 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. - Technical Session - “Valve teardown & rebuild” 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - ADVANCED MATH COURSE by Clark Benson *NEW COURSE! 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. - Exhibitor Tear Down 6:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Load bus in hotel lobby 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. - Billy Bob’s (dinner and entertainment) SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2014 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. – Registration for the Advanced Water Conditioning Course 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Convention Registration 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – ADVANCED WATER CONDITIONING COURSE (CEU: TX 7.0 HRS & WQA .7) 8:00 a.m.— 9:00 a.m - Technical Session - “What to do with Problem Water” 9:00 a.m.— 10:00 a.m - Technical Session - “Legislative regulatory update” 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a. m. – Technical Session—”General Softening, Iron & Resin Fouling” 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p. m. – Technical Session—”NSF update” 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – WQA Exams
4:00 p.m. - Possible TCEQ Exams - WTS 1, 2 & 3 SESSION TOPICS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. TCEQ and WQA education credit approval is pending.
26 TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue The 41st Annual Texas Water Quality Association Convention & Exhibition REGISTRATION FORM The Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel & Spa 1701 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102 July 16 - 19, 2014 FOR ROOM RESERVATIONS CALL: 1-888-627-8556 Room Rate (single/double occupancy): $129.00 ‐ reference TWQA A WORLD HOTEL RATE/AVAILABILITY GUARANTEE DEADLINE: JUNE 23, 2014 OF OPPORTUNITY Please print all information on this form. One form per person or family. Make additional copies if needed.. NAME: ______Nickname for Badge: ______Spouse’s Name: ______Nickname for Badge: ______Children’s Names/Ages: ______COMPANY NAME: ______TWQA MEMBER? ______Address: ______City: ______State______Zip______Phone #: ______Fax # ______Email address: ______Is this your first TWQA Meeting? ______Are you a TWQA Past President? ______
TWQA MEMBER EARLY DISCOUNT REGISTRATION RATE APPLIES WHEN REGISTRATION IS RECEIVED PRIOR TO JUNE 23, 2014
Discount Rate Regular Rate Full Registration $ 145.00 $ 195.00
Spouse Registration $ 125.00 $ 175.00 Child Ticket * $ 30.00 $ 40.00 Extra Banquet Ticket $ 60.00 $ 70.00 Exhibit Only *includes lunch $ 30.00 $ 30.00 Billy Bob’s, Golf and Training Registration are on separate forms and are not included in any other pricing. NON- MEMBER EARLY DISCOUNT REGISTRATION RATE APPLIES WHEN REGISTRATION IS RECEIVED PRIOR TO JUNE 23, 2014
Discount Rate Regular Rate Full Registration $ 245.00 $ 295.00
Spouse Registration $ 200.00 $ 250.00 Child Ticket * $ 35.00 $ 45.00 Extra Banquet Ticket $ 75.00 $ 90.00 Exhibit Only *includes lunch $ 40.00 $ 40.00 Billy Bob’s, Golf and Training Registration are on separate forms and are not included in any other pricing. Full Registration/Spouse Registration includes all Business/Technical sessions, Awards Banquet, Friday morning Spouse and Children’s Welcome Breakfast, & Friday Exhibit.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Check enclosed _____ Visa _____ MasterCard _____ Discover _____ American Express ______Credit Card #______Exp Date: ______Sec Code # ______TOTAL $ ______Card Billing Address: ______Print Cardholder’s Name: ______Signature: ______Please mail to TWQA, 1904 Sam Houston Drive, Victoria, Texas 77901. For questions call (361) 573-6707 or fax to (361) 575-7959 TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue 27 2014 TWQA GOLF TOURNAMENT THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014 THE GOLF CLUB FOSSIL CREEK 3401 Clubgate Drive, Fort Worth , tx 76137 8:30 a.m. Scramble Registration and Warm-Up at 7:30 a.m. Entry Fee: $95.00 per person: includes green fees, cart, range balls, lunch, golf shirt DRESS CODE: Proper golf attire at all times. Collared Shirts required Each player must have his own bag and clubs.
Register Individually or put your team together now!
1. Name: ______Handicap or Avg. Score ______Co. Name ______SHIRT SIZE: ______2. Name: ______Handicap or Avg. Score ______Co. Name ______SHIRT SIZE: ______3. Name: ______Handicap or Avg. Score ______Co. Name ______SHIRT SIZE: ______4. Name: ______Handicap or Avg. Score ______Co. Name ______SHIRT SIZE: ______
CLUB RENTALS: Clubs are available for both men and women . The rental fee is $69.99 and will be charged with your golf registration. Men’s _____ Women’s _____ Right handed _____ Left handed _____
Payment method (Checks payable to TWQA)
___Check ___ Visa ___ MasterCard ___ American Express ___ Discover
Card Number ______Exp. Date ______Security Code ______Name on Card ______Billing Address on Card ______Zip ______Signature ______Total Amount $ ______
Mail registration and entry fee to TWQA, 1904 Sam Houston Dr, Victoria, TX 77901 Or Fax to 361-575-7959
28 TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue
JOIN TWQA FOR AN EVENING AT A TRUE TEXAS TRADITION!
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014
Drinks & Dinner begin at 7:15 p.m. Live Music begins at 8:00 p.m Bull Riding at 9:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. Concert begins at 10:30 p.m. ADULTS: $75.00 PER PERSON CHILDREN 12 & UNDER ARE FREE! Price includes BILLY BOB’S TICKET & RODEO TICKET BBQ BUFFET & COCKTAILS TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM BILLY BOB’S Bus will leave the hotel at 6:45 p.m. - we will make multiple return trips
Name: ______Company: ______# of Adults: ______# of Children: ______Age of child ______Total Amount Owed $______Payment Options: Check, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Credit Card # ______Expiration ______Mailing address for credit card: ______
*This is not included with any registration package
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JUNE 30, 2014 HOPE TO SEE YA’LL THERE!
TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue 29 2014 CONVENTION TRAINING SCHEDULE THE SHERATON FORT WORTH HOTEL AND SPA 1701 Commerce Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102 THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014 - 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - BASIC WATER CONDITIONING (TX 6 hrs CEU/ WQA .6 hrs CEU – Course #691) SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2014 - 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m - ADVANCED WATER CONDITIONING (TX 7 hrs CEU/ WQA .7 hrs CEU – Course #692) ******TCEQ EXAMS ARE PENDING AT THIS TIME****** COURSE FEES - NOT INCLUDED WITH ANY OTHER CONVENTION REGISTRATION TWQA Member: Pre-registration: $90.00 per person/per class. On Site registration: $140.00 per person/per class. Non Member: Pre-registration: $190.00 per person/per class. On Site registration: $240.00 per person/per class. *TCEQ Exams are $111.00 per exam. Payment for the exam is made directly to TCEQ (check or money order) TRAINING REGISTRATION FORM Please type or print form
Name of Company______TWQA Member Yes No* * If you wish to join TWQA visit our website at www.twqa.org for online application
Address ______City ______State ______Zip ______Phone ______FAX ______E-Mail ______PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT EACH ATTENDEE’S NAME AS WELL AS THEIR WTS LICENSE NUMBER. IF THEY DO NOT HAVE A LICENSE PLEASE LIST THEIR ENTIRE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.
NAME/WTS# OR SSN# BASIC ADVANCED TCEQ EXA,M
WATER CONDITIONING WATER CONDITIONING Level 1, 2 or 3
NAME: ______SSN# or WTS #______
NAME: ______SSN# or WTS #______
NAME: ______SSN# or WTS #______
Training Location: ______Training Date: ______
Method of Payment (for class only): Check Enclosed payable to Texas Water Quality Association By Credit Card Visa MasterCard Discover American Express Card No. ______Exp. Date ______Security # _____ Total $______Print Name on Card ______Signature ______Billing Address of credit card ______Zip Code______RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO: TWQA, 1904 Sam Houston Dr., Victoria, Texas 77901 Or Fax to (361) 575-7959. For questions please call Daina Grace, TWQA, @ (361) 573-6707.
For questions regarding Training Courses please contact the TWQA Office at [email protected] or 361-573-6707.
30 TWQA | Spring 2014 Issue TWQA Association Profile
The purpose of the Texas Water Quality Association is to assure the individual’s right to enhance the quality of water by providing continuing education and training to our members, governmental entities and the general public.
The Texas Water Quality Association, or TWQA, is a Texas-based trade association of water quality improvement professions and their suppliers.
TWQA strongly believes in the value of education in the water conditioning and purification field to prepare the water treatment specialist to effectively help the consumer choose the best solution for their particular water problem, maintain it over time so that it performs as specified, and assure the companies and their employees achieve the highest level of professionalism in this increasingly demanding field.
We help develop and sponsor training around the state, and facilitate the testing and licensing program administered under the auspices of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Certification under the Water Treatment Specialist (WTS) program assures that individuals are well trained in water treatment application, installation, service and ongoing maintenance practices, and that their work will help to protect public health.
TWQA provides a networking forum for members, suppliers, governmental entities and the public to collectively advance the state of water conditioning in Texas, as well as neighboring states.
TEXAS WATER QUALITY ASSOCIATION One Voice for Texas Water Quality! 1904 Sam Houston Drive Victoria, Texas Phone: (361) 573-6707 Fax (361) 575-7959 Email: [email protected] Website: www.twqa.org UNITED FILTERS INTERNATIONAL
FILTERS & VESSELS
MEMBER OF WATER QUALITY ASSOCIATION
U.S.Manufacturer for 40 years 901 S. Grant, Amarillo, TX Phone: 806-373-8386 Fax: 806-371-7783 www.unitedfilters.com [email protected]