This presentation will allow you to understand the use of stabilized chlorine in cooling towers.

Traditional chlorination of cooling towers

Chemistry and efficacy of stabilized chlorine

Application of stabilized chlorine

Ellen Meyer

Operation of cooling towers with high cycles of concentration is problematic for use of oxidizing biocides. Particularly with concerns about pathogenic organisms such as Legionella, the importance of microbial control in cooling towers is paramount both for public safety as well as heat transfer efficiency.  Stabilized chlorine has shown advantages in high demand environments where oxidizing biocides may be quickly depleted.  This presentation will discuss the chemistry of stabilized chlorine and its efficacy against microorganisms.  Practical application information will also be provided.

Ellen Meyer is Product Safety and Government Affairs Manager with Sigura, a leading global supplier of water treatment products. Prior to joining Sigura in 2001, Ellen worked at Betz Laboratories in Pennsylvania where she developed new products for industrial water and wastewater treatment.  Ellen earned a B.S. degree in chemistry from The College of William and Mary and a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from Northwestern University.  She is a former chair of the Recreational Water Quality Committee of PHTA.  She currently serves on the chlorine stabilizer ad hoc committee for CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code, the NSF task group for pool chemical evaluation, and the AWWA disinfectants standards committee.

Trace Blackmore, CWT

Blackmore Enterprises, Inc.

Jill Cavano

Scranton Associates, Inc.

Trace Blackmore is a Certified Water Technologist who owns and operates Blackmore Enterprises.  Blackmore Enterprises is located in Atlanta where it provides sound and proven water treatment programs designed to reduce operational cost and prolong equipment longevity. With a passion for teaching, Mr. Blackmore is the creator and host of Scaling UP! H2O, the world's most popular water treatment podcast.

Jill started at Scranton Associates in 1999.  Scranton Associates is a family owned custom chemical blender, Jill is proud to be the fourth generation in the business.  In 2008 Scranton Associates moved to its current facility in Strongsville, OH. Scranton Associates was awarded the AWT Supplier of the Year Award in 2015. Jill is an active member of the AWT Young Professionals Task Force and Business Resources Committee.

Optimization of operation parameters in electrochemical methods for the removal of organic pollutants in sunflower oil refinery wastewater

• Two electrochemical methods, elecrocoagulation + electrooxidation and electroefenton, were compared in the degradation of soluble chemical oxygen demand and dissolved organic carbon in sunflower oil refinery wastewater
• A statistical model using stepwise regression was designed to optimize the parameters current density and time of operation
• The combined electrocoagulation and electrooxidation was chosen as the preferred method for the treatment of sunflower oil refinery wastewater.

Swati Sharma

Combined electrocoagulation (EC) + electrooxidation (EO) process was compared with electrochemical peroxidation (ECP) treatment process to treat sunflower oil refinery wastewater. The effect of applied current density, pH/H2O2 dosage, and operation time in the removal of COD, sCOD, TOC, and DOC were studied using Box Behnken Design. In EC process, decrease in organic concentration was observed as the time and current density increased. The optimized conditions for EC process were achieved at pH 6.07 when a current density of 5.69 mA cm-2 was applied for 18 minutes. The EO removed about 90% of DOC at an optimized pH of 5.27 and current density of 11.56 mA cm-2 when operated for 400 min. The combined EC+ EO process was successful in removing between 90-95% of organic pollutant from the sunflower oil refinery wastewater. The energy consumption was calculated to compare between the process efficiency of EC+EO and ECP. The reaction rate followed a first order kinetics validated with a high R2 Of more than 0.96.

5 years of experience in industrial, municipal and agricultural wastewater treatment using biological and electrochemical methods. Currently working as Wastewater Technical Expert in Water Engineering Inc. Swati has completed her PhD in environmental engineering from North Dakota State University.

The paper will assess pilot testing waters, methodologies and results from additives promoted for high LSI applications while presenting new data using state of the art equipment.

-  Importance of Pilot Testing in Establishing Realistic Limits of Additive Performance.

-  Case Histories that Show the Criticality of Establishing Realistic Water Chemistry and System Conditions

-  Presentation of New Data which Demonstrate Realistic Failure Points using State of the Art Pilot Equipment

Mike Standish

Independent water treatment professionals have utilized supplier data to support their integration and use of additives in their formulations and to define limits of use in field applications.  While many suppliers utilize functional, bench top screening methods to compare additives, some suppliers also utilize custom built pilot test equipment.  In general, pilot testing is considered to provide more realistic data that more effectively replicates field applications and defines the performance limits of the tested additive.  In most cases, pilot testing does incorporate more complete and realistic water chemistry, heat transfer that more closely replicates field systems and operational parameters such as flow rate and velocity that make these evaluations much more credible and useful to the water treatment professional.  In other cases, pilot data can utilize unrealistic conditions that suggest additive efficacy limits well beyond what could be pratically observed in field use applications.

The intent of this paper is to provide the membership with an overview of the importance of pilot testing in establishing an additive's performance limits, provide a survey of published data compared to industry use norms, and present new data which demonstrate realistic limits for currently used addtives in waters operating at LSI values above 2.5 and calcite saturation limits approaching 250X.   

Michael Standish is founder of Radical Polymers, LLC, a business designed to specifically develop and provide technologies to the independent water treatment community. Mike has over 32 years experience in water treatment additive design, development and evaluation. Prior to forming Radical Polymers, Mike served as Senior Business Manager for International Specialty Products and Global Business Manager for National Starch's Alco Chemical business. Mike has served on the Board of Directors of AWT and holds a BS in Chemistry and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Catherine Allen

While Chlorine is one of the most widely used test parameters to determine water quality throughout the world, do we really understand the mechanism that Chlorine uses to achieve disinfection or removal of Biofilm? Or do we just accept and test? Understanding the background of the way in which Chlorine interacts with other components of the water system is fundamental to choosing the correct test for the application.

Since its identification in 1894, as a potential additive to water to eliminate germs, our understanding of Chlorine's behaviors and conditions needed to be effective have developed.

Early control of the Chlorine level was based on adding a fixed amount of Chlorine to a given volume of water, but as knowledge of disease control grew it soon became apparent that knowing the Chlorine residual levels at all times was more useful. The first test used to do this was a cumbersome iodiometric test using starch iodide. By 1908 this had been widely replaced by Ortho-Tolidine (OTO).

The popularity of the OTO method grew rapidly in the early part of the 20^th Century as it was a good control method for the time. It was reliable and cost effective. It could be used by non-technical personnel and was readily available.

It was not until the mid 1930's that scientists gained an understanding of the break through point and Chlorination, which created the need for a test method able to differentiate between Free, Total and Combined chlorine.

In 1957 the DPD Method was introduced and, for many, has become the standard test used for Chlorine.

Over the last 100 years there have been several methods tried, tested and used.

In this paper we will discuss all the current methods being used, their application, interferences, pros, and cons and will unravel some of the mystery surrounding the reagent names and techniques.

Catherine Allen is an Application Specialist and Product Manager at Tintometer Ltd, focused on products for use in the Industrial Water Treatment Market. Catherine is a graduate of Newcastle University having received a BSc hons degree in Applied Biology.

After graduation Catherine immediately started work as a Technical Specialist for a test kit manufacturer working in both laboratory and sales roles.  Now, with over 21 years' experience in water testing, Catherine is often consulted with for her knowledge about test kit and product design for Industrial Water testing applications.

The learners will understand the limitation of scale prediction simulations and indices 

They will observe the application of indices and their meaning in typical cooling water

What are indices and saturation ratios

Where and how can a simple index such as the Langelier Saturation Index or similar indices for silica and calcium phosphates be applied?

When and why are more sophisticated appropriate?

Do indices mean the same thing in different systems and varying water chemistry?

is ther a relationship between indices. dosages and treatment failure points?

Rob Ferguson

Predictive models and tests have evolved significantly since the marble test of the early twentieth century, the simple driving force indices such as the father of all indices, the Langelier Saturation Index in the 1930s, through the early speciation engines of the 1970s and onto the  high ionic strength models of the twenty first century. Other models such as the Calcium Carbonate Precipitation Potential and momentary excess, predict the quantity of scale precipitation that might be expected.

This paper discusses the differences between the indices and their interpretation.

Simulating precipitation from untreated water is also discussed.

Rob Ferguson began developing computer models for predicting and controlling scale and corrosion from industrial waters in 1974. Major accomplishments include 

* the development of the first user friendly, practical scale predictive programs

* developing the first dosage modelling systems to include driving force, time and temperature impacts

* designing and implementing the first real time controller for dosage optimization

* developing and marketing the first economical, PC based, user friendliy water treatment simulation software which has become the industry standard world wide

* providing tools for small water treatment service companies that equaled or surpassed those used by the billion dollar corporations

He cofounded French Creek Software  in 1989  and is proud that French Creek was honored as an AWT supplier of the year. Rob is a Ray Baum award winner and a frequent contributor to AWT annual conferences and the Analyst His motto is PChem for fun and profit. 

Attendees will gain an understanding of the technology and benefits of Physical Water Treatment (PWT) particle precipitator systems for suspended/dissolved solids management, control, and removal.

• PWT - Particle precipitator will remove 98-99% of all suspended particles down to one micron    
• Management of dissolved solids to enhance performance of chemical water treatment               
• 1,000-ton cooling tower collects on average 3,000 pounds of  particulate                                 

• PWT - Particle precipitator will remove 98-99% of all suspended particles down to one micron     Presenter: Paul McLaine
• Management of dissolved solids to enhance performance of chemical water treatment                Presenter: Bruce Ketrick
• 1,000-ton cooling tower collects on average 3,000 pounds of  particulate                                   Presenter: Paul McLaine

Water-cooled systems utilizing open-loop condenser water are in use in more than ten billion square feet of commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities throughout the United States.   Chemical water treatments, along with continuous monitoring and control, maintain conditions in the recirculated condenser water loop to minimize unwanted conditions of mineral scaling, fouling, corrosion, and biological growth.

In 1998, the U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program issued a Federal Energy Alert describing the use of water treatment technologies using electric, electronic, or magnetic applications (also known as Physical Water Treatment, or PWT).    

A PWT-based, particle-precipitator system exists to control and remove suspended/dissolved solids. This system is superior to traditional side-steam filtration systems and provides enhanced heat efficiency transfer throughout the entire cooling process.  PWT technologies work alongside existing chemical treatment, and, in fact, reliably enhance the effectiveness of these systems.  An effective side stream particle precipitator delivers the advantages associated with PWT applications. This presentation will review a decade of usage data at multiple facilities and highlight measurable, documented benefits in energy use, water use, and maintenance reductions. We will also illustrate the success of PWT through a case study involving a large university medical center, as just one of many well-established case studies.

Paul Q. McLaine - President/Founder, ElectroCell Systems, Inc. (co-presenter)

Mr. McLaine has been the owner and operator of PQ Energy Controls, Inc. since 1976. PQ Energy Controls designs, installs, and services building automation systems in large office buildings, educational campuses, and industrial facilities. In 1997 Paul founded ELECTROchem Water Systems, the predecessor to ElectroCell Systems, to offer water quality-improvement systems to pharmaceutical facilities. He has dedicated most of his time to perfecting the ElectroCell system, and addressing and further improving chiller efficiencies in open- and closed-loop HVAC systems. Paul holds two patents on his product, with two additional patents currently pending. Over the past two years he has developed a distributor network and marketed the ElectroCell System nationally. ElectroCell's goal is to establish a presence in every major U.S. city in hopes of reducing the environmental carbon footprint throughout the United States.

Bruce Ketrick Sr. CWT#155 - CEO, Guardian CSC (co-presenter)

With more than 40 years of experience in the water treatment industry. Mr. Ketrick has worked in water treatment in the areas of: pretreatment systems, boiler water treatment, cooling water treatment, waste water programs, product development, field technical support, and systems training. As a member of The Association of Water Technologies, Mr. Ketrick has served on the Education, Technical, Legislative, and Certification committees, presented technical papers, and written articles for trade magazines. He has been an instructor on water treatment training issues for The Association of Energy Engineers, Association of Water Technologies, Water Quality Association, Pennsylvania Office of Energy, New Jersey Boiler Seal Certification Schools, and The Aesys Boiler Service School. Mr. Ketrick is the 2006 Ray Baum Memorial Award winner "Water Technologist of the Year".

Learner will see a variety of microbes present in wastewater treatment plants.  Some approaches to optimizing wastewater treatment at pretreatment plants will be presented.

Photomicrographs of organisms from wastewater treatment plants will be shown (a photographic trip to the microbial zoo).  

Soluble organic carbon/nutrients to microbial biomass, Predator/prey relationships, concept of trophic feeding levels, 

Natural selection at wastewater plants

Public wastewater and pretreatment plants--structural comparisons

Carbon:nitrogen:phosphorous ratios

Hydraulic retention time and sludge retention time

Food:microbe ratio, Sludge age, Mean cell retention time

Amanda Meitz

Boilers and cooling systems support production at food and beverage plants, chemical plants and other manufacturers.  These processes produce wastewater that may go to on-site pretreatment facilities that process the waste prior to discharge to, frequently, the local sewer and subsequently the receiving water.  Opportunities may exist for water treatment personnel to apply their knowledge of water chemistry, enhanced with some biological principles, and apply the information to the facts that their clients face at their pretreatment plants.

An abundant microbial population is crucial to the performance of biological wastewater treatment plants.  Photographs of microbes in action will be provided to display diversity.  Biological concepts of natural selection and trophic feeding levels are the basis for some methods to optiimize performance of wastewater pretreatment facilities.

Amanda Meitz is the owner of Biosolutions, LLC, a water and water deposit testing laboratory.  She worked with coooling water microbiocides at Mogul, Dexter, Diversey Water Technoogies, and Nalco Diversified Technologies.  She holds a Bachelors degree in biology from Adrian College and a Master of Science degree in microbiology from Michigan State University.  Biosolutions provides consultative and analytical support including analysis of metals in water, general chemistry and microbes in water.

To demonstrate how understanding a customer's key objectives and goals can lead to a sustainable solution.

• Understanding how to calculate emissions reductions,
• Understanding basic heat transfer principles,
• Understanding how to identify customers needs/objectives

Mike Hunter, AP Tech Group, Inc.

Marty Templeton, Visentia - will be available during presentation to answer questions and paper author

Industrial facilities are continuously looking for ways to improve employee safety and to reduce environmental impact from their operations.  Facilities that have multiple cooling systems distributed around a large site are often faced with managing many 20 and 200 litre containers which can have undesirable safety and environmental implications.

It is well known that solid form technologies reduce freight, CO₂ emissions, operator handling and exposure and disposal volume to landfill over traditional liquid chemicals. The main challenge is to deliver a full water treatment program cost effectively in order to take advantage of these benefits across multiple chemicals and at the same time maintain or improve the program performance.

A project was implemented to convert all liquid cooling water chemistry to solid products at a large food production facility in New Zealand.  Two of the seven cooling systems have been fully converted in 2019 and the remaining five will be converted in 2020.

The total program administered in this study includes a multifunctional corrosion and scale inhibitor, oxidising biocide, pH control and biodispersant all in solid form.

Safety risk has been improved by reducing the weight of each package by a factor of four.  In addition to this the frequency of handling events has also been reduced.

Environmental impact has been improved by reducing transport related CO₂ emissions by a factor of [TBC] across the total program.  In addition to this, disposal of liquid packaging to landfill was almost eliminated.

Program performance improved substantially by improving refrigeration coefficient of performance by [TBC] while maintaining corrosion performance and microbiological control.

This paper describes how a total water treatment program can be administered using solid chemistries to maximize the safety and environmental gains associated with this form.

Mike Hunter, AP Tech Group, Inc. - AP Tech's Mike Hunter provides exceptional service to water treatment partners and customers around the globe. As a chemist with over 35 years of sales, service and management experience in commercial water treatment, Mike helps customers create safe and sustainable water treatment programs.

Mike has been with AP Tech since 2013. He began his career at Houseman Hegro as a sales and service trainee in 1977, after obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Salford University. During his 22-year career at Housemen, he progressed through a series of sales and technical responsibilities to senior management roles.

In 1999, Mike joined Halox Technologies as VP Sales and Marketing where he was a key contributor to the introduction of a revolutionary chlorine dioxide generator. Along with three partners, Mike launched Waterchem (UK) in 2004. As Sales Director of the Water Division at Waterchem, Mike was also responsible for the technical support function and product development aspects of the chemical range within the company. In 2010, Waterchem was sold to Green Compliance plc.

This program will provide important information on how to start doing business with federal, state and local agencies, and give timely and useful updates on issues and pitfalls for existing and experienced government contractors.

This program intends to orient the listener regarding:

1.     Special benefits for certain businesses who may qualify for set-asides and preferences.

2.     How to start doing business with federal, state and local agencies.

3.     Provide timely and useful updates on potential pitfalls with for existing and experienced government contractors.

Skip Hindman, a shareholder in the Washington D.C. office, is the head of the Baker Donelson's Government Contracts Group.  He has experience representing federal and state contractors in bid preparation, bid protests, compliance, and enforcement actions.  He has advised clients competing for and performing contracts with the United States Department of Defense; the Department of Energy, NASA, the Tennessee Valley Authority; the Small Business Administration; the Department of Education; the Social Security Administration; the Food & Drug Administration; the Army Corps of Engineers; FEMA; the Department of Veterans Affairs; and the General Services Administration (Federal Supply Schedule).  Mr. Hindman is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at Vanderbilt Law School where he teaches the course in Government Contracts.

Adam Green, a shareholder in the Houston office, leads Baker Donelson's Water Technology & Water Treatment Group.  In addition to handling disputes relating to water handling systems and water borne pathogens throughout the United States and in various international venues, he also routinely advises chemical water treaters in all phases of business transactions including all manner of contractual agreements.  He is a regular presenter and author of technical publications at industry groups including the Association of Water Technologies and the Cooling Technology Institute.

Government contracts can be lucrative and open an entirely new market to contractors who have previously only focused on private sector and commercial contracts.  Government contracts can be especially attractive for small businesses who may be eligible for set-asides and preferences, giving them a significant advantage over large businesses for government awards.  This program will provide important information on how to start doing business with federal, state and local agencies, and give timely and useful updates on issues and pitfalls for existing and experienced government contractors.

Skip Hindman, a shareholder in the Washington D.C. office, is the head of the Baker Donelson's Government Contracts Group.  He has experience representing federal and state contractors in bid preparation, bid protests, compliance, and enforcement actions.  He has advised clients competing for and performing contracts with the United States Department of Defense; the Department of Energy, NASA, the Tennessee Valley Authority; the Small Business Administration; the Department of Education; the Social Security Administration; the Food & Drug Administration; the Army Corps of Engineers; FEMA; the Department of Veterans Affairs; and the General Services Administration (Federal Supply Schedule).  Mr. Hindman is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at Vanderbilt Law School where he teaches the course in Government Contracts.

Adam Green, a shareholder in the Houston office, leads Baker Donelson's Water Technology & Water Treatment Group.  In addition to handling disputes relating to water handling systems and water borne pathogens throughout the United States and in various international venues, he also routinely advises chemical water treaters in all phases of business transactions including all manner of contractual agreements.  He is a regular presenter and author of technical publications at industry groups including the Association of Water Technologies and the Cooling Technology Institute.

This presentation will demonstrate how on-site qPCR has both a strong positive and negative predictive value and is an advantageous tool to minimize Legionella risk. 

1. It will demonstrate using a recently published study that Legionnaires' disease is common and underdiagnosed and how the disease prevalence may be attributed to the current methods used to detect Legionella in water systems.

2.  For the first two case study, it will highlight the inaccuracies when using culture to determine Legionella quantification. It will demonstrate that performing on-site qPCR can minimize risk and prove the effectiveness of decontamination procedures.

3. For the third case study, completed at a healthcare facility, it was show that on-site qPCR when compared to traditional qPCR had superior positive predictive value relative to laboratory culture. 

Shaimaa Ahmed, PhD. 

HVAC cooling towers are a significant source of Legionella bacteria, the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease (LD). In a recent study, the frequency of Legionnaires' disease (LD) was assessed among pneumonia cases treated at a large community hospital over a summer season. Of the 33 patients tested, 9 (28%) were positive for Legionella. Three sets of the 9 Legionella cases exhibited spatiotemporal clustering indicative of LD outbreaks. It has been suggested that the prevalence of the disease may be linked to the methods used to quantify Legionella in water systems. The current standard for testing is laboratory culture which is prone to inaccuracies due to sample processing, and the requirement for shipping. On-site qPCR is not susceptible to these effects and offers a rapid sample-to-result turnaround time. We describe three case studies tested by both on-site qPCR and laboratory culture that highlight the advantages of on-site qPCR in determining the presence of Legionella in water systems. In all three cases, laboratory culture produced inconsistent or inaccurate results. Two case studies illustrate the value of a rapid on-site qPCR detection system for the monitoring and quantification of Legionella in HVAC cooling towers, as well as confirmation of decontamination procedures. Both of these case studies highlight the negative predictive value for qPCR. In the third case study, completed at a healthcare facility, it was shown that on-site qPCR when compared to traditional qPCR had superior positive predictive value relative to laboratory culture. Overall, these case studies indicate that on-site qPCR is a powerful tool to minimize risk to individuals as it has a strong positive and negative predictive value.

Shaimaa Ahmed is the R&D Leader for Spartan's environmental testing division. She holds a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Toronto, Canada.

At last year's conference, I presented a paper titled, "Multi-Generational Water Treatment Companies – Leaving A Lasting Impact." The purpose of the paper was fourfold: 1) Increasing the awareness to do strategic planning, 2) providing helpful resources, 3) encouraging companies with stories of companies who have or are successfully working through the process of transition, and 4) providing next steps that an owner can take.

My goal for this year's proposed session is to provide more detail and specific next steps that the owner can take. We will inspire action when we can provide clear steps to take.

I am not an estate planning expert – I am not a lawyer or insurance expert. I am simply working the process myself and I believe keeping it simple (which is all I can do precisely because I am not a technical expert) will move people to take the action they should take.

Desired Outcomes would include:

• Attendees will know the basic options for an owner thinking about an exit strategy
• Attendees will have a clearer understanding of the pro's and con's of each option (tax and financial, cultural, impact on family and employee relationships)
• Attendees will understand simple next steps to take
• Attendees will be encouraged by listening to stories of others who have been through the process
• Some attendees will leave with a commitment to take next steps

Tom Hutchison

ABSTRACT – MULTI-GENERATIONAL WATER TREATMENT COMPANIES – LEAVING A LASTING IMPACT, PHASE 2

At last year's conference, I presented a paper titled, "Multi-Generational Water Treatment Companies – Leaving A Lasting Impact." The purpose of the paper was fourfold: 1) Increasing the awareness to do strategic planning, 2) providing helpful resources, 3) encouraging companies with stories of companies who have or are successfully working through the process of transition, and 4) providing next steps that an owner can take.

My goal for this year's proposed session is to provide more detail and specific next steps that the owner can take. We will inspire action when we can provide clear steps to take.

I am not an estate planning expert – I am not a lawyer or insurance expert. I am simply working the process myself and I believe keeping it simple (which is all I can do precisely because I am not a technical expert) will move people to take the action they should take.

Desired Outcomes would include:

• Attendees will know the basic options for an owner thinking about an exit strategy
• Attendees will have a clearer understanding of the pro's and con's of each option (tax and financial, cultural, impact on family and employee relationships)
• Attendees will understand simple next steps to take
• Attendees will be encouraged by listening to stories of others who have been through the process
• Some attendees will leave with a commitment to take next steps

Structure

• Approximately thirty minutes re-capping why the subject matters (reviewing the content of last year's presentation) and a high view of the available options
• Approximately one hour of stories from owners who have successfully transitioned their business – to the next generation, to a strategic buyer or to a form of an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Ideally three to four stories covering these options.
• Fifteen to twenty minutes recapping and outlining possible next steps

From the website: "Following are the core criteria that will be used to review all proposals:

1. Topic has practical applications; As I said last year, the need to do this planning is often put off or ignored, but there might not be a more practical topic for business owners.
2. Clear, focused and well-organized proposal; See above. My paper would present a simple overview of the options available to owners and the ramifications. Secondly, I will recruit the owners who would be willing to share their story for the audience's benefit.
3. Presentation strategies and presentation's overall quality; and Powerpoint recapping the paper; I would facilitate a question and answer session with each owner sharing their story.

Presenter's qualifications; I'm second generation; 40 years with HOH, 30 as President (Son Reid, Chief Operating Officer and Son-in-law Andy, VP of Sales, both with HOH ~six years); BSME, MBA, M.Div; Past President of Associated Labs, etc. 

The aim of this lecture is to provide attendees information about the existing standards, guidelines and regulations. The presentation will also focus on the efforts being made by the regulating agencies having jurisdiction and industry and professional associations working to develop standards to establish minimum requirements for supplemental disinfectants application.

• Regulations, standards and guidelines for Legionella remediation and supplemental disinfection;
• Challenges that building owners, managers and water treatment professional have to face during the permitting process;
• Direction of AHJ's permitting and operating supplemental disinfection in premise plumbing. (where can we expect to be two years from now?)

Alberto Comazzi, PhD

Awareness of Legionella and Legionaries' disease by the public and the media has increased more in the last two years than in the previous two decades. One of the reasons this is happening is that, as reported by the Center for Diseases Control (CDC), the number of reported Legionaries' diseases cases have increased by a 4x factor in the last ten years.

Despite the fact Legionellosis is a well know diseases and it's very clear how the infection can be contracted, there is not a universal technique that ensures a 100% efficacy on the disease prevention.

The first step buildings owners and managers shall take is to establish a water management team and develop a water management plan. Various industry associations and organizations (NSF, ASHRAE, ASDWA, AIHA) are developing standards and guidelines to assist facilities in developing water safety plans and implementing remediation technologies.

There are several technologies that are available, including non-residual techniques (UV and ozone) and methods that are able to establish a chemical residual in the building water system, also know as "supplemental disinfectant" (chlorine, monochloramine, chlorine dioxide, ionization). Among all the methods here reported only chlorine, monochloramine and chlorine dioxide are listed as disinfectants under the EPA-Safe Drinking Water Act.

Despite there are several disinfection options and technologies that a facility owner/manager can implement in the building, there is no uniformity on the requirements that a disinfectant/technology has to fulfill in order to be permitted by the agency that has jurisdiction.

The only federal regulation that applies to the whole country is the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR 141). The regulation applies to community water systems and non-transient non-community systems. The definition of non-transient non-community systems (NTNCWS) is "A public water system that regularly supplies water to at least 25 of the same people at least six months per year". It is easy to understand that buildings such as hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, condominiums and dormitories all fall under this category.

This definition puts the building owners/managers in a difficult position because the addition of a disinfectant (treatment) to drinking water subjects the facility to the same requirements of a public water supply. The States are responsible for the enforcement of this rule, but the regulating agency having primacy may vary on a State by State basis (DOH, EPA, and DEP). The requirements can vary in each State, for example Florida requires a permit only for cold water applications whereas New Jersey doesn't require a permit at all. This inconsistency confuses the owners and managers and often makes them feel that they are the only ones that are going to have to deal with this serious public health matter.

The purpose of this presentation is to educate the audience on the state of the art about the existing regulations, standards, guidelines and permitting requirements and the efforts that should be made by the regulatory agencies in order to get a consensus and minimum requirements when a supplemental disinfection system is in installed.

Dr. Alberto Comazzi earned a PhD in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Milan. His research during his academic experience was focused on the study of the stability and the interaction among different chlorine based water disinfectants. Alberto is a member of the ASHRAE SSPC 188 committee.

Dr. Comazzi currently works as Technical Director in Sanipur US, based in Philadelphia PA. Sanipur US distributes and provides technical support for the production and application of supplemental disinfectants for Legionella remediation in building utility water systems.

The health insurance market continues to be extremely challenging to business owners across the country.  This program aims to break down some of the complexities, provide an up to date state of the industry and market, and offer practical solutions for navigating the health insurance system.

Not Your Father's Employee Benefit Market:  How do you Navigate the Maze of Employee Benefits in 2020 and Beyond

• ACA 101--where do I fit in as an employer?
• To Bundle or Unbundle:  that is the question.
• Million Dollar Drugs:  what do they do and how do we pay for them? 
• Rebates, Rebates, Rebates
• "Network"-ing can be a key cost containment measure
• Need a vacation?  Medical Tourism and directing care
• Wellness Programs:  Fact or Fiction
• Compliance:  Critical in the over 50 FTE space, but small employers have rules, too
• Broker Selection:  how do I pick the right person to help me maximize value in the employee benefit space

Josh Estelle

765.529.6400

For most employers that choose or are required to offer health benefits and related products to employees, that expense is the second largest line item on the income statement each year.  In addition, if not actively managed, it likely is growing at a faster rate annually than any other item on the income statement, as well. Please join us as Josh Estelle from McGowan Benefit Group gives an update on the state of the employee benefits industry, what is driving the costs in 2020, what measures can be taken to help control the rising costs and what is the outlook for the future in the employee benefits space.  The attached agenda is a high level overview of topics to be covered along with a Q&A session following the presentation.

Josh Estelle, CIC, CSRM, CWCA is an owner and partner in McGowan Insurance Group and McGowan Benefit Group, both headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Josh has spent the last 20 years as an owner of an insurance and employee benefits firm and has been actively managing benefit plans for hundreds of employers during that time period.  Josh has obtained multiple professional designations in the industry and serves on a number of State and National committees relating to insurance and employee benefits. Josh and his staff work with employers as small as two employees up to employers that have thousands of employees and dependents on employee benefit plans, so he is knowledgeable on both small fully insured plans all the way up to large, self-funded arrangements.  In that role, the benefits division at McGowan Insurance actively manages every aspect of the employee benefits plans for their clients to insure they are examining every possible cost-saving measure available in every aspect of the plan.  Josh and his wife Jan, along with their daughter Natalie, live in Central Indiana and are active in a number of local community organizations and enjoy watching Natalie participate in sports and other activities in their free time. 

Shivi Selvaratnam, Ph.D.

Legionella is an Opportunistic Waterborne Pathogen that exists as a free-living organism and an intracellular parasite in which several amoeba species serve as the host organism.  Often the life cycle of Legionella is portrayed as dependent upon the existence of an amoeboid host which is present in a complex biofilm community. Whether this host-parasite relationship is a necessary or an opportunistic relationship is not well understood. In this paper, we examine potable and non-potable (cooling tower water) water systems for the presence of Legionella spp. and amoeba. We use conventional culture techniques to determine the presence of and quantify Legionella spp. and a LIVE/DEAD® stain to determine the presence of and quantify live and dead amoeba. The LIVE/DEAD stain uses the dyes Syto 9® and propidium iodide to render viable amoeba green and dead amoeba red respectively using epifluorescence microscopy. This technique has been used on other eukaryotic cells but not on amoeba. Data was analyzed to determine if (1) a correlation exists between the presence of amoeba and Legionella spp. and (2) the presence of amoeba is correlated with the type of disinfectant used. Data from an in vitro evaluation of conventional oxidizing biocides will also be presented.

Shivi Selvaratnam joined Weas Engineering in 2016 as the Senior Microbiologist and currently serves as the Director of the Chemistry and Microbiology Labs. Shivi graduated with a Ph.D. in microbiology from Drexel University, PA and subsequently completed her post-doctorate at the University of Notre Dame, IN.  She worked in academia for seven years as an Assistant Professor of Biology where she taught courses in microbiology and conducted research on the effects of pollutants on microbial communities in freshwater ecosystems.  Prior to joining Weas Engineering, Shivi worked as a Technical Environmental Specialist at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.  Dr. Selvaratnam is the author of numerous publications, invited presentations, and research grants.

1. Create and understanding of the basic cybersecurity risks

2. Show practical ways to protect companies from these risks  

3. Provide examples from case studies so the information can be understood in applied settings 

All topic points will be presented by Michael Reinert

Cybersecurity is a term we are all familiar with, however the typical information about cybersecurity is very confusing and therefore most people and companies don't take practical steps to better understand and protect themselves from cyber attack.  While there are many ways to discuss cybersecurity one easier way is to understand that it is now a risk to companies like many other risks including physical theft or damage or man-made or natural disasters. Businesses mitigate risks everyday to protect themselves and their hard won successes. Cybersecurity should be viewed as a similar risk and companies should take similar steps to protect themselves. This presentation will focus on a basic understanding of cybersecurity risks and practical ways to protect companies from these risks.  I will define cybersecurity and associated risks, discuss practical methods to mitigate these risks, and give examples from case studies so the information can be understood in applied settings.  

Michael Reinert is the owner of Reinert Consulting Group. Mike focuses his efforts in both cybersecurity and in helping businesses get the most from their technology dollars. He is a militray veteran and served an aircraft carrier called the USS Abraham Lincoln as a nuclear reactor operator. It was during this time in his career that he first became familiar with the importance of water treatment. Mike has also help start multiple successful companies in areas like pharmaceuticals, pharmaceuticlas records management, public safety managed information technology services and cybersecurity. Mike prides himself in making complex technologies easy for business professionals to understand and feel more confident in decisions related to technology. He spends his free time traveling with his family, exercising outdoors, and working in his gardens.

If you want to find new hires or future employees treat them like you treat new sales and build an ongoing new hire pipleline.   

Define a new hire/talent pipeline

Discuss ways to to attract new hires to want to come and work for your company.

Look at how engaging local schools will plant the seed for future hires.  

Brian Katarski, Director of Industrial Sales at AquaPhoenix Scientific, has more than 14 years of experience in the industry.  As one of the original employees at APS Brian has had a variety of roles and experiences.  While always involved in sales, most of his early career focused on operations and introducing a lean/continuous improvement culture to the organization.  Brian currently volunteers as the chair of AWT's STEM Task Force, a group working on water treatment related science experiments to help promote AWT as a career path to high school students.

In today's tight labor market many of us in the water treatment industry continue to struggle to attract the right talent to meet our growing business needs.  The fact is many companies -regardless of size – simply rely on traditional methods for recruiting, interviewing, and selecting individuals in the hopes of landing an acceptable candidate to hire.  Basically, casting rods into the water and hoping to pull up the big fish.  Sometimes we get lucky; many times, we come up empty.  

To break this cycle of casting rods into the water and not getting the results we desire, we need to ask ourselves a few questions.  How can we become smarter and more efficient with attracting, recruiting, and building a  talent pipeline to fill our hiring gaps?  How do we break from traditional recruiting methods to explore "outside the box" methods?   How do you get individuals interested in the skills necessary to work in an ever-increasingly technology-driven industry? 

By attending this session, you will learn real life tested "best practices" to strategically engage and attract future employees by developing a community-based talent pipeline.  Find out what techniques succeeded and those that may require a little more time and attention.  Implement strategies that provide the opportunity for regular, ongoing interaction are required to create and maintain these important relationships.  These inlcude commnuity engagment, partnerships with local schools, and involvment in local organizations. 

Help your company stand out in a tight job market and start building your pipeline of talent immediately.  You'll learn that it doesn't have to begin with a vast amount of resources or labor;  rather from a few well-meaning partnerships, you'll be able to attract a talented, engaged, and properly motivated workforce to meet your growing business needs.

The main objective of this presentation is to teach the audience that disinfectant residuals in potable water from building water systems with copper-silver ionization secondary disinfection systems may require different sample preservation approaches in order to neutralize copper and silver disinfectant residuals during transit to a laboratory for Legionella testing, and that an EDTA/sodium thiosulfate cocktail will serve this purpose. 

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- Building water samples collected for culture detection of Legionella generally have an added reducing agent, such as sodium thiosulfate, to neutralize chlorine or other halogen disinfectant residuals, in order to prevent bactericidal action from continuing during transit to the laboratory.

-Disinfectant residuals in potable water from building water systems with copper-silver ionization secondary disinfection systems may require different sample preservation approaches in order to neutralize copper and silver disinfectant residuals during transit to a laboratory for Legionella testing.

- Research by Resgalla et al. (Chemosphere 89, 102-107, 2012) has shown that EDTA and sodium thiosulfate will neutralize the toxicity of copper and silver in water, respectively.  We will present our results, adding EDTA + sodium thiosulfate formulas to potable water samples containing copper and silver ions, thus preventing the continuing bactericidal action of Cu and Ag ions during transit and providing a more accurate Legionella culture result.

Richard D. Miller. Ph.D., Environmental Safety Technologies, Inc.

Brandon Smith, University of Louisville, School of Medicine

Water samples collected for culture detection of Legionella generally have an added reducing agent, such as sodium thiosulfate, to neutralize chlorine or other halogen disinfectant residuals, in order to prevent bactericidal action from continuing during transit to the laboratory.  However, disinfectant residuals in potable water from copper-silver ionization secondary disinfection systems may require different sample preservation approaches in order to neutralize copper and silver disinfectant residuals.  Metal chelating agents, such as ethylene-diamine-tetraacetate (EDTA), have been recommended for this purpose.  A study by Resgalla et al. (Chemosphere 89, 102-107, 2012) has shown that EDTA effectively removed metal toxicity of copper in water.  Silver toxicity was not removed by EDTA, but was removed by sodium thiosulfate (at concentrations used for de-chlorination).  However, EDTA chelation of metals does have some anti-bacterial activity at high concentrations.  Thus, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the ability of EDTA/thiosulfate formulas (at different EDTA concentrations, EDTA salts, and pH not harmful for Legionella), to neutralize the metal toxicity of water from building water systems that are using a Cu/Ag secondary disinfection system. We will present our findings on the addition of such a cocktail to water samples collected for Legionella culture-based validation of control by these Cu/Ag ionization systems, thus preventing the continuing bactericidal action of Cu and Ag ions during transit and providing a more accurate culture result.

Dr. Richard D. Miller has a Ph.D. in microbiology from Penn State University in 1975, followed by two years of post-doctoral microbiology research at Oregon Health Sciences University.  His training has been in infectious diseases microbiology, as well as applied and environmental microbiology.  As a faculty member at the University of Louisville, School of Medicine, and as a co-owner of Environmental Safety Technologies, Inc,  Dr. Miller has worked with Legionella continuously for the past 42 years, including both Legionella published reseach, as well as Legionella testing of building water samples.  He has presented widely on Legionella and other microbiology topics at scientific conferences and professional organization meetings.

This program will provide step by step methods to navigate the termination of employees including strategies to mitigate the risks of being implicated in a lawsuit and increasing the chances for a successful defense. 

Employers frequently balance competing interests and their attendant risks on a daily basis.  The need to terminate underperforming employees is a necessary component of any successful business.  In today's litigious culture, the risks of a post-separation lawsuit are all too real.   This program will provide step by step methods to mitigate the risk of being implicated in a lawsuit and increasing the chances for a successful defense.  This listener will learn:

1.  Permissible Grounds for Terminations

2.  Areas of Risk for Lawsuits Resulting from Terminations

3.  Dos and Don'ts of Successful Employee Separations 

We will provide real world examples of successful and failed terminations.

Karen Smith, a shareholder in the Houston office, has over 20 years of experience in employment law practice and general business litigation. Her employment law practice includes EEOC charge and claim investigations, defending against charges of state and federal discrimination violations, benefit-related matters, wage and hour disputes, and non-compete, non-solicitation and separation agreements.  She has successfully consulted clients through employee separations and tried cases for both the company and the terminated employee.

Adam Green, a shareholder in the Houston office, leads the Firm's Water Technology & Water Treatment Group.  In addition to handling disputes relating to water handling systems and water borne pathogens, he also routinely advises chemical water treaters in all phases of business transactions.  He has prepared, negotiated and litigated disputes between employer and employee including those involving chemical water treaters.

The need to terminate underperforming employees is an unfortunate reality for many water treatment companies.  In today's litigious culture, the risks of a post-separation lawsuit are all too real.   This program will provide step by step methods to mitigate the risk of being implicated in a lawsuit and increasing the chances for a successful defense. This listener will learn:

1.  Permissible Grounds for Terminations

2.  Areas of Risk for Lawsuits Resulting from Terminations

3.  Dos and Don'ts of Successful Employee Separations 

We will provide real world examples of successful and failed terminations.

Karen Smith, a shareholder in the Houston office, has over 20 years of experience in employment law practice and general business litigation. Her employment law practice includes EEOC charge and claim investigations, defending against charges of state and federal discrimination violations, benefit-related matters, wage and hour disputes, and non-compete, non-solicitation and separation agreements.  She has successfully consulted clients through employee separations and tried cases for both the company and the terminated employee.

Adam Green, a shareholder in the Houston office, leads the Firm's Water Technology & Water Treatment Group.  In addition to handling disputes relating to water handling systems and water borne pathogens, he also routinely advises chemical water treaters in all phases of business transactions.  He has prepared, negotiated and litigated disputes between employer and employee including those involving chemical water treaters.

Janet E. Stout, PhD

Outbreaks among hospitalized patients are caused by waterborne pathogens other than Legionella and occur on a regular basis.  These include surgical wound infections, respiratory infections due to brochoscope contamination, dental line contamination, sink drains and ice machines.  These outbreaks prompted the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to add other waterborne pathogens to the 2018 memorandum requiring healthcare facilities to have water management programs to control the growth and spread of Legionella. CMS specifically included Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Burkholderia, Stenotrophomonas and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).

Water treatment professionals are now expected to advise healthcare facilities about the risk and management of both Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. The level of knowledge and skill necessary to meet this expectation crosses the disciplines of epidemiology, infection control and infectious diseases, plumbing design and construction. Resources are needed to provide the necessary knowledge to meet these challenges.

Furthermore, all waterborne pathogens are not created equal with respect to detection methods, risk and mitigation. Learn why hospital laboratories may not detect these pathogens and why Legionella prevention approaches are not effective against all waterborne pathogens such as Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Burkholderia, Stenotrophomonas and non-tuberculous mycobacteria.

Dr. Janet E. Stout is president and director of Special Pathogens Laboratory, and research associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. An infectious disease microbiologist, Dr. Stout is recognized worldwide for seminal discoveries and pioneering research in Legionella and waterborne pathogens.  Dr. Stout's more than 30 years of research is published in peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals. She has also authored textbook chapters on Legionella and Legionnaires' disease, including the Legionella chapter in the APIC Text. Additionally, she serves on the ASHRAE Legionella standard committee for Legionella Guideline 12 and the SPC 188 committee for ANSI / ASHRAE Standard 188-2015 Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems, ASHRAE Standard 514 and is a board member for the Cooling Technology Institute.

Bios: All panelists have participated in multiple national public speaking events 

Lawrence Hindle, AVP, Global Engineering Operations at Marriott Vacations Worldwide

Larry is a dynamic engineering leader with 35 years experience in facilities management, project management and  engineering operations including hotels, nuclear facilities, hospitals, commercial and mixed use facilities. Hospitality engineering management including hotel openings, acquisitions, engineering task force, security, risk management and large scale capital projects.

Robert Cunningham

Robert Cunningham, P.E. is a water treatment consultant providing advice and advanced problem-solving skills. Bob brings 55 years of domestic and international field service and troubleshooting experience with several large national water treatment companies.  Bob is currently a Principal Consultant. His background lies in cooling water chemistry, both commercial and industrial, in open and closed systems, as well as in boiler water chemistry. Additionally, he has experience with wastewater, industrial and municipal, as well as municipal drinking water and process water chemistry.

Colin Frayne

Colin Frayne is a Brit, now a US citizen based in Georgia, and recognized as one of the world's leading industry consultants in water treatment, environmental science, and industrial process chemistry. He has worked in industry for over half a century and is by original training, an industrial chemist, corrosion engineer, and environmental scientist. During this time, Colin has lived on every continent (except Antarctica) and has worked in over 70 countries in a variety of diverse industries, such as utility power plants, coke ovens, metals mining and refining, oil & gas, chemical and nuclear fuel plants.

Bill Pearson

Bill is a Biology/Medical Biochemistry graduate of East Carolina University and a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE International). He is active in many water treatment technical trade and related professional associations. He currently serves as Liaison for the Association of Water Technologies (AWT) to the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Cooling Technology Institute (CTI). He has chaired the AWT Legionella Task Force and served as the AWT organizational representative on the NSF Standard 444 (Legionella) joint committee. In addition, Bill has served on AWT task forces to the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Bill holds the Vice Chair of the ASHRAE (Legionellosis) SSPC 188 committee and Chair of the CTI (159) Legionellosis committee. 

Robert O'Donnell

Robert M. O'Donnell is the Founding Partner of Aquanomix LLC, and has more than 20 years of experience in the water management industry. Rob holds a US patent on the optimization of system energy and water efficiency. He has experience with diverse client sectors including biotechnology, aircraft manufacturing, banking and data centers industries among others. His work includes water reclamation technologies, active stormwater management, and groundwater remediation and reuse. Rob has held several national positions such as the ASPE Main Design Standards Committee Member, AWT National Liaisons to US Green Building Council, ICC/CSA North American Standard for Rainwater Collection Systems Committee Member and U.S. Technical Advisory Group Member to ISO/TC 282-Water Reuse.

Adam Green, Esq.- 

Green concentrates his practice in matters involving water handling systems, water treatment chemistry, products liability, commercial litigation, construction and toxic torts on a national scale. He has served as lead counsel in more than 25 states from Hawaii to Florida to Massachusetts. Adam defended the first reported Legionella wrongful death case against a chemical water treater from the trial court through the United State fifth circuit court of appeals. 

Lauren Black, PHD (Moderator)

Lauren's background is as an educator and researcher in the Chemistry, Math, Engineering and Data Science fields. She is currently the Client Success Manager at Aquanomix. Lauren holds a BS in Mathematics, Master Civil Engineering, and PhD. Civil Engineering.

In this state of the industry, the moderator will lead an esteemed panel discussion. Panelists will share their personal experiences throughout their careers using limited data sets to solve water related issues and the challenges that has historically presented, as well as illustrate how that is changing with better data collection methodolgies. Better data produces better outcomes.

Moderator will prompt a short discussion following each experience.  

This will lead into a discussion of present-day analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), and how it fits into the landscape of our industry.

Smart building management has arrived! Smart building technology encompasses security, elevator, HVAC, and lighting control. 

The question is 'When will owners demand smarter data driven solutions from their water treatment partners to support risk management objectives?' The tide is turning with expectations of water management professionals in managing inherent water related risks in buildings.

Major concerns in facilities operations includes the protection of capital assets, occupant safety and operational efficiency of mechanical equipment. These risks will be identified and discussed in a round table setting to explain the changing role of the water management provider. Doing more with less is the rallying cry in the data age. Data science is now offering a more timely, accurate and precise way to support the management of these omnipresent risks.  Panelists will highlight ways that data analytics is driving solutions to water related risk.

The roundtable will close with the moderator reviewing frequently asked questions and subsequent audience Q&A.

Innovations Improving Efficiencies in Production and the Field

Automated Water Treatment Chemical Production

In 2016 HydroChem Australia constructed a new production facility introducing several innovations:

• Automated self-driving forklift
• Robot arm IBC pumping system
• Automated packaging line including robot arm labelling and palletising system

The technologies were introduced with a number of aims:

• Improve efficiencies
• Reduce errors
• Improve workplace health and safety – manual handling & chemical handling

As an example, it is now possible to blend water treatment chemicals without any human interaction with the equipment. In addition, when packing into 15 litre drums, all filling, capping and labelling is handled on automated production line (with robot arm).  Please see images in attachment.

In the three years since the system was introduced, HydroChem Australia has recognised significant improvements. This presentation will explain the process and provide an analysis of the benefits realised in comparison to traditional manufacturing processes.

Digital Transparency and Data Visualisation – Clarity Portal

HydroChem Australia introduced a client portal in 2016 to provide clients visibility and visualisation of their data.

HydroChem Australia is responsible for over 5,000 locations. A number of national clients have portfolios of 50+ complex locations with 10+ assets on each location. Those assets represent significant risk to the clients in terms of potential asset damage and potential for Legionnaires' outbreaks.

From a client perspective, it is not unusual for 2 or 3 asset managers in a central location to be tasked the responsibility for maintaining all assets across a complex national portfolio.

The Clarity Portal delivers a number of benefits (see images in attachment):

• Location and asset health
• Trend chart visualisation of results on each asset (such as pH, conductivity, inhibitor, ORP etc)
• Access to all reports generated by technicians
• One-click button to download all data in case of audit

This presentation will describe the features of the portal, the development process (not too IT technical) and the unexpected advantages to HydroChem Australia's account managers.

Agriculture and Thermoelectric Power Generation draws almost 90% of fresh water. The trend in electricity generation is moving towards renewal resources such as wind, solar and geothermal, which requires very little water. These new resources reduce the green-house gasses and water usage. However, harvesting Geothermal energy as a renewal resource requires a great deal of water treatment. The paper discusses in depth the challenges facing the geothermal industry for managing the geothermal brines, maximizing the energy recovery, and asset protection. Different segments of a geothermal plant have unique challenges and require innovating solutions. Most of the geothermal plants also have unique designs based on the enthalpy and the brine chemistry of the resource. American Water Technologists have excellent solutions for water treatment and are very familiar with handling the basic problems of scale, corrosion, deposit and biofouling. Geothermal systems have the same challenges and require similar solutions, however, under different environment, which are discussed in this paper.

Agriculture and Thermoelectric Power Generation draws almost 90% of fresh water. The trend in electricity generation is moving towards renewal resources such as wind, solar and geothermal, which requires very little water. These new resources reduce the green-house gasses and water usage. However, harvesting Geothermal energy as a renewal resource requires a great deal of water treatment. The paper discusses in depth the challenges facing the geothermal industry for managing the geothermal brines, maximizing the energy recovery, and asset protection. Different segments of a geothermal plant have unique challenges and require innovating solutions. Most of the geothermal plants also have unique designs based on the enthalpy and the brine chemistry of the resource. American Water Technologists have excellent solutions for water treatment and are very familiar with handling the basic problems of scale, corrosion, deposit and biofouling. Geothermal systems have the same challenges and require similar solutions, however, under different environment, which are discussed in this paper.

Agriculture and Thermoelectric Power Generation draws almost 90% of fresh water. The trend in electricity generation is moving towards renewal resources such as wind, solar and geothermal, which requires very little water. These new resources reduce the green-house gasses and water usage. However, harvesting Geothermal energy as a renewal resource requires a great deal of water treatment. The paper discusses in depth the challenges facing the geothermal industry for managing the geothermal brines, maximizing the energy recovery, and asset protection. Different segments of a geothermal plant have unique challenges and require innovating solutions. Most of the geothermal plants also have unique designs based on the enthalpy and the brine chemistry of the resource. American Water Technologists have excellent solutions for water treatment and are very familiar with handling the basic problems of scale, corrosion, deposit and biofouling. Geothermal systems have the same challenges and require similar solutions, however, under different environment, which are discussed in this paper.

The objective of this Cooling Committee Technical Paper is to outline a water treatment management plan designed to improve program performance and limit liability concerns at cooling water accounts by establishing a Shared Responsibility Management Agreement between the Water Treatment Service Company (WTSC) and the Facility Management Staff (FMS).

• Demonstrate to both the WTSC and the FMS the performance, economic and liability benefits obtained by operating under a Shared Responsibility Management Agreement.
• Provide both the WTSC and the FMS with the written tools and documents needed to successfully develop and operate under a Shared Responsibility Management Agreement.
• Reengage the FMS in the oversight of their own cooling water management program.

Ken Soeder will be presenting on behalf of the Cooling Committee.

In all open recirculating cooling water systems, even the most technically-advanced water treatment products will not make up for poor product application or inconsistent system control. Without proper oversight, cooling water systems can quickly become susceptible to a wide range of operating problems, including increased corrosion rates, scaling and deposition problems, and increased microbiological activity. Over time, these problems can contribute to shortened equipment service life, increased electric and water consumption rates, poor product quality, and even possible health concerns, such as Legionnaires' disease. In worst case scenarios, these problems can even lead to costly and time-consuming litigation. These types of problems can be most apparent in small to mid-sized accounts, where the Water Treatment Service Company (WTSC) may only conduct service visits on a bi-weekly, monthly or even quarterly basis, and program oversight by the Facility Management Staff (FMS) is now typically modest or even non-existent.

However, proper system control and excellent results still can be achieved if the WTSC and FMS work together to fully identify, understand, and document their individual responsibilities for program supervision, testing, and reporting. Effective control of water treatment systems in any facility requires both the product and technical expertise of the WTSC and the day-to-day oversight of the FMS. The WTSC has the background and knowledge to select an appropriate water treatment program, supply the necessary products, set up the required system monitoring and testing equipment, and to periodically visit the site to review program compliance.  The FMS is present at the building on a daily basis, and is actually in the best position to ensure that the water treatment program is operating as designed. As such, the knowledge, expertise, and time commitment of both entities working together is ultimately required if the program is to be successful.

The AWT Shared Responsibility Water Treatment Agreement, developed by the Cooling Committee, is essentially a signed document developed between the WTSC and the FMS which outlines the tests and tasks that are to be performed on a routine basis by each responsible party. It recognizes that the WTSC cannot be at the facility each and every day, so certain tasks must be performed by the FMS to ensure the consistent and successful operation of the cooling water treatment program. The objective of this document is to present written guidelines that outline the specific tests and tasks that should be conducted by each party to insure the successful operation of the water treatment program. It must be stressed here that we are presenting "Guidelines" that are to be used by the individual WTSC and FMS to develop a program that is specific and useful to their water treatment program and building staffing requirements. Not all of the test procedures or oversight tasks outlined on each Guideline needs to be incorporated into the final agreement. You may even wish to include some new test procedures or tasks of your own that are not even listed on the current Guidelines. However, many of the routine tests outlines in the agreement, such as conductivity, pH, temperature and ORP measurements, can now be conducted using modern digital system controllers with data logging and cloud reporting capabilities. As the size of the cooling water system increases, and more routine service visits are provided by the WTSC, the overall burden of program testing and oversight on the FMS is reduced.

With a properly prepared and executed "Shared Responsibility Management Agreement" between the WTSC and FMS, both parties should have a document that clearly outlines specific testing and task responsibilities, improves program performance, and minimizes the possibility of legal action. Once completed, the Shared Responsibility Management Agreement can then be used as a stand-alone document, or more commonly as an addendum page in a new proposal or contract.

Ken Soeder will be presenting on behalf of the Cooling Committee. Mr. Soeder is the Senior Technical Advisor of Jamestown Technologies, an integrated manufacturer and supplier of chemicals, process control equipment and customer support services used in commercial and industrial water treatment applications located in West Haven, CT. During Mr. Soeder's thirty seven year involvement in the water treatment industry, he has published more than 12 technical papers on corrosion, deposit, and microbiological control in various handling water systems, and has also been granted two United States patents for new product developments. Mr. Soeder has experience in treating many different types of water handling equipment, including large cooling towers and boilers associated commercial, industrial, and power generation operations, waste water treatment systems, groundwater remediation applications, and potable water services.

Mr. Soeder graduated from the State University of New York (SUNY) Oneonta with Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry, and has also received a Master of Science Degree in Water Resource Management from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse. Mr. Soeder has also earned the prestigious Certified Water Technologist (CWT) credential presented by the Association of Water Technologies (AWT). Mr. Soeder is also a twenty year active participant in the AWT's important Cooling Water Technical Committee, and a member of the American Chemical Society. Just recently Mr. Soeder served as a contributing author for the AWT's Legionella 2019 Position Paper.

Ronit Erlitzki. PhD

High recovery processes and waste-stream or concentrate management are key issues when considering any water treatment solution, whether is filtration, adsorption, or reverse osmosis (RO) for desalinization.

Increasing recovery rate and reducing the volume of RO concentrate creates significant savings (CAPEX & OPEX) while demonstrating environmental responsibility and water stewardship.

This presentation will focus on the Flow-Reversal RO technology that employs conventional RO equipment with 2 unique principles: Flow-Reversal and Block Rotation. Flow-Reversal, whether it is a new RO system or a retrofitted one, is a continuous process that does not use any proprietary equipment, does not require any special operator training, and can operate as conventional RO (if needed).

The process, which is suitable for different types of reverse osmosis applications, reduces scaling and biofouling, and results in very high recovery rates.

We will explain how the technology works, generates savings, and facilitates concentrate management by presenting examples of different applications (reuse, concentrate recovery, brackish water, and multiple contaminant situations), focusing on a case study of Flow-Reversal RO retrofit in a beverage plant in the US.

Ronit Erlitzki is Director of Business Development and Innovation with AdEdge Water Technologies, LLC. Ronit's career is based on strong scientific foundation and implementation of strategic and critical thinking. With more than 20 years of experience in biochemistry research and business development Ronit's main interest is water and wastewater technology, and her goal is to accelerate the implementation of innovative clean technologies, focusing on improvement of sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. Ronit is a savvy water professional and has been successfully involved in the commercialization of several technologies in the field of water quality analysis, biological water treatment and high recovery RO. 

Ronit holds a BSc. in Biology from Tel Aviv University, and MSc and DSc degrees in Medical Sciences from Technion-Machon Technologi Le'Israel.

Andrew K. Boal, Ph.D.

While a variety of both oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides are used to disinfect waters in cooling towers, aqueous bromine is one of the most common biocides used for this application. Since hypobromous acid is present in greater relative amounts in the high pH environment typically found in cooling towers, aqueous bromine is often considered to be a superior disinfection option relative to other oxidizing biocides, despite the increased costs associated with the use of bromine. Aqueous bromine can be introduced into a cooling tower either through the addition of sodium bromide in conjunction with sodium hypochlorite or chlorine gas or by using delivered stabilized sodium hypobromite solutions. While these options can deliver the desired aqueous bromine to the cooling tower being disinfected, they are accompanied by operational challenges such as complex injection controls, high operational costs, and the requirement of handling hazardous chemicals. Electrochlorination systems have long been used to address similar issues when treating water with aqueous chlorine by making sodium hypochlorite-based oxidant solutions on location and on demand using only salt, water, and electricity. Recently research and development has enabled the use of this same process to produce aqueous bromine solutions through the electrolysis of brines comprised of sodium chloride and sodium bromide with the addition of sulfamic acid as a bromine stabilizing agent. This paper will present the chemical and engineering aspects of this process and discuss how aqueous bromine solutions produced through electrohalogenation can be used as part of an overall cooling tower water treatment program.

Dr. Boal obtained is Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2002. After graduating, Dr. Boal worked for Sandia National Laboratories and a NASA funded research center at the University of Hawaii before joining the private sector by taking a job at MIOX. While at MIOX, he took on increasing responsibilities in the development of novel water treatment chemistries based on electrolysis systems and eventually became the Chief Scientist for MIOX. Over the last several years as MIOX has evolved into a business unit of De Nora Water Technologies, Dr. Boal has taken on a more commercial-focused role and currently manages business development opportunities for electrochlorination systems in the Oil and Gas market space while continuing to support new technology development programs at DNWT.

Jeff Bates

With Legionnaires' disease outbreaks continuing to make headlines, the "other" opportunistic building water pathogens can be overlooked, by water management professionals and their busy customers. Yet Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major source of expensive healthcare acquired infections, is one of the top causes of outbreaks from pools and spas and is even identified as a concern in cooling towers in some countries.  Water treaters increasingly need to understand where Pseudomonas aeruginosa is most likely to be found, where it should be of significant concern (and where not!) and how to help minimize its risk of causing disease, whether that disease is likely to be fatal or simply unpleasant.

Why and where exactly is P. aeruginosa a concern? According to the CDC's 2019 Antibiotic Resistance Threats Report, in 2017, "multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa caused an estimated 32,600 infections among hospitalized patients and 2,700 estimated deaths" leading to extensive healthcare expense.  P. aeruginosa is particularly dangerous in neo-natal units and tragic outbreaks with multiple infant deaths occurred in 2017 and again in 2019. Water plays a major role in P. aeruginosa infections in hospitals where there are numerous "reservoirs" for the bacteria: potable water, faucets/taps, sink and shower drains, respiratory equipment, humidifiers, endoscopes, water baths, hydrotherapy pools, etc. (Bedard, 2016) Risk should be assessed, and appropriate control measures considered for each of these sites. "Swimmer's ear" and "Hot tub rash" could be seen as mere inconveniences, but each can also lead to outbreaks, pool/spa closures and a lasting stain on the reputation of hotels and leisure facilities.  Potential sources of these diseases also need to be contemplated in a water management plan. Finally, from an occupational safety perspective, P. aeruginosa can cause illness during cooling tower maintenance and cleaning (Wiatr, 2002), as well as metabolize nitrogen-based corrosion inhibitors, leading to corrosion issues. (Spies et al, prepublication manuscript.)

 What do current guidance and standards documents say about P. aeruginosa? This presentation will review the Water Management Plan expectations for CMS covered hospital and long-term care facilities relative to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The presenter will also bring attendees up to speed on the most recent work on Pseudomonas aeruginosa risk reduction being worked on by industry organizations. To provide examples of how others respond to this risk and what might be coming in the future to North America the presenter will cover regulations in other parts of the world, including the UK, France, and Germany.

What does research say about tools that can be used to detect and measure P. aeruginosa? The  industry standard for detecting P. aeruginosa is by a culture method performed in a laboratory.  Traditionally, culture tests have been performed on hot and cold tap water as well as on treated pools and spa water.  Culture testing of biofilm samples collected by swab techniques is also common. Recently, culture methods for detecting and quantifying Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been pushed even further. This presentation will include results from a study by German researchers who have tested highly contaminated cooling tower water n the hopes of identifying more streamlined ways to meet that country's new cooling tower pseudomonas monitoring requirements.

Jeff Bates is the Product Manager for IDEXX Water's Building Water Testing Solutions, which include fast, easy, and accurate tests for Legionella pneumophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Since joining IDEXX Jeff has focused on the public health challenges associated with premise plumbing systems, especially in light of recent changes in building usage. Jeff has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Middlebury College and an MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

Jonathan Kargas

The opportunistic, waterborne pathogen Legionella caused 9,933 cases of Legionnaires' disease in 2018 in the United States (CDC.gov). The incidence of Legionnaires' disease can be reduced by maintaining clean building water systems through water management programs (WMPs). WMPs often include validation testing to confirm the control of bacteria, but the traditional culture method for enumerating Legionella requires 10–14 days to obtain results. A rapid DNA extraction developed by Phigenics and a real-time PCR negative screen for the genus Legionella provided results the day after sampling. This study evaluated the Next Day Legionella PCR (Phigenics, LLC) compared with the traditional culture method (ISO 11731) on 11,125 building water samples for approximately 1 year. Two DNA extraction methods (Methods 1 and 2) were compared. The negative predictive value (NPV) of the Next Day Legionella PCR in comparison to traditional culture for Method 1 was 99.95%, 99.92%, 99.85%, and 99.17% at >10, >2, >1, and >0.1 CFU/ml limits of detection, respectively. The improved DNA extraction (Method 2) increased the NPV to 100% and 99.88% at >1 and >0.1 CFU/ml, respectively. These results demonstrate the reliability of the genus-level Legionella PCR negative screen to predict culture-negative water samples. 

Jonathan is a Product Manager for Phigenics Analytical Laboratory Services (PASL). In this role, he is responsible for the complete Phigenics testing product portfolio, including defining the product vision and developing training and resources for both for the Phigenics' Sales Team and our clients. Jonathan has been with Phigenics for five years. He started in the laboratory, and then transitioned to technical sales where he worked as an Account Manager. In this role, he developed and implemented Water Management Programs (WMP) for clients across the U.S. and Canada.

Jonathan has over a decade of laboratory experience. Prior to Phigenics, he worked in both an analytical laboratory and an environmental chemistry laboratory. In these labs, he gained experience in molecular and serological techniques and ICP-OES and ICP-MS instruments. Jonathan has a BS in Biology from Holy Names University in Oakland, CA.

The goal of this presentation is to illustrate why it is important for water treaters to generate quality reports and maintain access to historical data.

1. Generating quality reports
• Benefits
• Improves technical credibility from the customer's perspective
• Establishes a formal record about the status of the customer's treatment program
• Improves customer perception of the water treater's findings and recommendations
• Defining a quality report
• Statement about the purpose of the report
• Relevant and thorough wet testing
• Professionally-written findings and recommendations
• Attach pictures and historical data when the circumstances require it
• Types
• Service, inspections, surveys, laboratory analyses, customer reviews, etc.
  
  
2. Accessing historical data
• Benefits
• Offers additional insight for troubleshooting or technical tasks
• Creates a tangible metric to measure performance
• Reinforces the need for continuous, quality reporting
  
  
3. Utilizing equipment data
• Benefits
• Improves data resolution and statistical accuracy of historical data
• Provides data history from the equipment's perspective
• Types

• Many instruments can be used to collect data such as probes, sensors, switches, meters, etc.
• Virtually all controllers collect and store some amount of historical data

Adam Dumler – all topics

During this presentation attendees will learn about the importance of quality reporting and access to historical data from both the strategic and technical perspective.  Many water treaters provide services to their customers that are ultimately documented through reports that are shared with the end customer, however not all reports are created equally.

Some water treaters are of the mindset that reports are simply a routine task which causes them to underappreciate the benefits that come with sharing a thorough, professional-quality report with the end customer.  This presentation reviews the different components that are found in high quality reports regardless of industry or company size.  Attendees will also be shown examples of different types of services that can be documented as well as how they are perceived from the customer's perspective.

In addition to reporting quality, water treaters in today's environment encounter competitive and regulatory challenges that they must overcome in order to achieve success.  Many of these challenges related to the consulting aspect of water treatment can be addressed through not only quality reporting but also thorough access to historical data.  By establishing a reporting standard within their own organization, water treaters will improve the quality and usefulness of the historical data created.  This data can be utilized when facing regulatory or competitive challenges.

The value of data is not limited to reporting; many of the feed and control equipment solutions in the market today have the capability to provide historical data from an additional perspective.  The presentation discusses the different types of data that can be collected and how the water treater can utilize this information to better improve the quality of the services they provide.

Through a combination of quality reporting and access to historical data, the water treater can be prepared to fully utilize the consulting aspect of water treatment to achieve success in their respective industries.

Adam Dumler is one of the founding members of H2trOnics, Inc. which has become a part of the AquaPhoenix family through a recent acquisition.  He has nearly two decades of experience working with water treatment companies of all sizes both domestically and internationally to provide the guidance and tools needed to enhance the consulting aspect of water treatment.  Throughout the years he has worked with employees at every level within a water treater's organization – from business owners to sales reps and even the end customer – in order to gain an understanding of what each role's expectations are with regards to reporting.  This presentation provides a summary of his knowledge about the importance of both quality reporting and access to historical data.

Attendees will learn how digital dashboards allow the water treater to help their customers make smarter decisions faster, and use precious resources more efficiently.

• Let your data tell a story by capturing trends and putting real-time measurements in context.
• Quantify the financial and environmental value a treatment program brings to the customer.
• Reach all layers of the customer's hierarchy with your service strategy, from operator to chief to corporate personnel.

Sean Parmelee

As plant engineers are forced to do more with less--to do more to protect their assets, prevent downtime, conserve water, save energy, and practice good water safety--technologically innovative water treaters have an opportunity to help them. Internet-connected smart controllers can collect sensor data in multiple buildings at each of multiple facilities; a digital dashboard can then gather all of this data together, perform customer-specific calculations, and present the information that is most relevant to operators, engineers, or corporate personnel. This focused, real-time visibility into geographically widely separated facilities helps both the customer and the water treater to make smarter decisions faster, and to use precious resources more efficiently. Three case studies are presented, each highlighting a benefit of the digital dashboard approach.

Sean Parmelee joined the water treatment community as a research chemist in 2010, and earned a Master's degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2016. He has been involved in many aspects of water treatment, from formulation development to plant auditing, and has authored original research articles in peer-reviewed academic and industry journals. As a Technical Sales Specialist at HOH Water Technology, he helps sales and service engineers to implement and improve treatment programs and bring the most value to customers.