AQUARIUS Recognition
Program
201 9 Project Compendium

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A MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE DIRECTOR
I am excited to share the project nominations for the 2019 Drinking
Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) AQUARIUS Recognition
Program. AQUARIUS' inaugural year was a success: we received
nominations from 25 state DWSRF programs, representing all 10
EPA Regions.
The 2019 AQUARIUS nominations cover a wide variety of project
types, including lead service line replacement, state-of-the-art treatment
technology, drinking water storage, and regionalization. These projects
demonstrate leadership in emerging contaminants, innovative financing,
water system partnerships, and/or affordability.
Thank you to everyone who participated in planning, financing, constructing, nominating, and
reviewing this years projects. Most of all, thank you to the managers of the 51 state DWSRF programs
for your continued commitment to public health protection.
I hope that you enjoy reading this compendium of 2019 AQUARIUS-nominated projects and that the
projects inspire continued innovation in the DWSRF.
Sincerely,
Jennifer L. McLain, Director
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
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ABOUT THE AQUARIUS RECOGNITION PROGRAM
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) AQUARIUS Recognition Program nationally recognizes
DWSRF-funded projects for exceptional focus 011 sustainability and protection of public health. These projects
are examples of the high level of innovation possible with the DWSRF.
Participating states in this voluntary recognition program nominated one DWSRF project during the 2019
round. All DWSRF projects were eligible for nomination if they completed construction within the last two
years. The project also needed to meet three criteria:
•	Safe Drinking Water Act compliance,
•	Financial integrity and
•	Public health benefits.
Additionally, each project demonstrated leadership in at least one or more of the following areas: emerging
contaminants, aging infrastructure, innovative financing, affordability, water loss control, efficient water and/or
energy use, creative approach to project planning and implementation, or water system partnerships.
Once states submitted projects, one particularly noteworthy project from each EPA Region was designated by the
EPA as an "Exceptional Project" to receive further recognition. This year, we received 25 project nominations,
representing all 10 EPA Regions.
This compendium includes project descriptions of those 25 projects.
Exceptional Projects

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EXCEPTIONAL PROJECTS
Connecticut
Woodland Summit Community Water Association
New Jersey
Long Beach Township
Maryland
Allegany County
Kentucky
City of Danville
Wisconsin
City of Ashland
Louisiana
St. Bernard Parish Waterworks
Kansas
Public Wholesale Water Supply District No. 27
South Dakota
Rapid City
California
Valley Center Municipal Water District
Washington
Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District
RECOGNIZED PROJECTS

Delawa re
Town of Selbyville
Idaho
Eligible local communities
Illinois
Village of Cambridge
Indiana
City of East Chicago
Massachusetts
Town of Shrewsbury
Michigan
City of Burton

Minnesota
City of Randall
New Hampshire
Berlin Water Works
New Mexico
Ojo Caliente Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association
Oklahoma
Edmond Public
: Works Authority
Rhode Island
Providence Water Supply Board
South Carolina
Anderson Reg
ional Joint Water System
Tennessee
Town of Gainesboro
Virginia
Town of Port Royal
West Virginia
Town of Chapmanville
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EXCEPTIONAL PROJECTS

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REGION 1: CONNECTICUT
STATE: CONNECTICUT
RECIPIENT: WOODLAND SUMMIT COMMUNITY WATER ASSOCIATION
PROJECT: WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
The Woodland Summit Community Water Association (WSCWA) utilized $280,000 in DWSRF funding,
including $70,000 in principal forgiveness, for various water system improvements. This project included
replacement of the old water storage tank and iron/manganese filtration systems, removal of older pressure
storage tanks, and installation of a new radon treatment system and treatment residuals disposal system.
The WSCWA water system was built in 1965, prior to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), and was in
poor condition due to lack of maintenance and capital investment. Groundwater wells had high levels of
iron, manganese, and radon, and the filtration system had exceeded useful life and was poorly functioning.
Additionally, WSCWA's 5-year-old storage tank had never been inspected and was out of compliance with the
states 10-year inspection requirement.
As part of this project, WSCWA worked with Resources for Communiti es and People (RCAP) to utili ze Check-
Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS) software and implement a comprehensive and sustainable asset
management plan (AMP). Through the AMP, WSCWA was able to plan a series of water rates adjustments to
support DWSRF loan repayment and provide funding for future capital investments. Of note, WSCWA is run
by volunteer leadership, who worked together to adjust water rates and spend money to improve public health
protection for the community.
The WSCWA water system, which serves 21 6
residents, now provides customers with an
adequate supply of safe drinking water.
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REGION 2: NEW JERSEY
STATE: NEW JERSEY
RECIPIENT: LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP
PROJECT: PUMP STATION RECONSTRUCTION
The Brant Beach Water Treatment Plant (WTP), originally built without any flood protection, was severely
flooded during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The Brant Beach WTP took on approximately three feet of salt
water, compromising the pumps and entire electrical system and resulting in decreased water quality and
limited service capacity This project utilized approximately $1.25 million in DWSRF funds and $500,000 in U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds to demolish and reconstruct the existing well building and generator
room to comply with the 500-year flood elevation and install new equipment.
The Brant Beach WTP is now better protected against flooding and power loss. This DWSRF project was
completed in December 2018 and brought the pump station into compliance with the SDWA and Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood zone regulations.
Upgrading the Brant Beach WTP benefitted the 20,000
year-round residents and approximately 1 00,000
residents during summer months by providing increased
drinking water quality.
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REGION 3: MARYLAND
STATE: MARYLAND
RECIPIENT: ALLEGANY COUNTY
PROJECT: PRINCE ALBERT AND SUNNYSIDE WATER EXTENSION
Sixty-one (61) households in rural Allegany County had no access to the public water supply These households
received drinking water either through private wells or the local creek. However, existing conditions made
these two drinking water sources unreliable and a public health threat. Historic mining activity contributed
to increased iron and sulfur concentrations and led to a discolored drinking water supply. Private well testing
revealed the presence of nitrates and fecal coliform bacteria. Those without private wells were taking water from
the local creek, when it was not frozen or affected by high turbidity, and disinfecting the water with their own
chemical supplies.
The Maryland DWSRF program partnered with USDA and the Maryland Department of Housing and
Community Development to provide over $1.6 million in assistance to this community, with approximately
$1.4 million of assistance as grants or principal forgiveness. This project, completed in March 2018, consisted
of constructing 12,400 feet of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) water line and 25 hydrants to connect these unserved
households to the City of Frostburg's drinking water system.
All households that desired to be connected to
the public water system have been, and residents
of this previously unserved community are now
receiving an adequate supply of safe drinking
water.
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REGION 4: KENTUCKY
STATE: KENTUCKY
RECIPIENT: CITY OF DANVILLE
PROJECT: WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND RAW WATER IMPROVEMENTS
Even though the City of Danville WTP performance was steady, they undertook this capital improvements
project to proactively address concerns about meeting the Stage 2 Disinfection Byproducts (DBP) Rule. The
primary raw water source, Lake Herrington, is a deep lake with a modest surface area and prone to seasonal total
organic carbon spikes, manganese events, and lake turnover.
This DWSRF project consisted of several components, including the following:
•	re-purposing around 16,000 square feet of existing WTP facilities to incorporate new filtration,
chemical feed, operations laboratories, and administration and support facilities;
•	constructing a new chemical building to house nine chemicals;
•	implementing six new granular filters, eight new pumps, four granular active carbon (GAC)
contactors, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) improvements; and
•	upgrading the 80-year-old raw water intake facility.
The challenges of this project included expanding and upgrading the WTP on the existing site while maintaining
constant water production to several surrounding counties, re-purposing the existing historic structures, and
incorporating cutting-edge treatment technologies. The Kentucky DWSRF program provided approximately
$12.5 million for this project, with another $15 million from USDA. This project was completed in June 2017
and provided 60,000 residents throughout four counties with improved drinking water quality.
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REGION 5: WISCONSIN
STATE: WISCONSIN
RECIPIENT: CITY OF ASHLAND
PROJECT: PRIVATE LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT (YEAR 1)
The City of Ashland undertook a two-year private lead service line (LSL) replacement program. This program
undertakes private LSL replacements at residences, schools, and daycare facilities. The City, with approximately
8,000 residents, was designated as a disadvantaged community under the Wisconsin DWSRF program. This pro-
gram prioritizes LSL replacement for the following situations:
•	households with children under six years old;
•	households below the federal poverty level; and
•	high-risk minority groups.
The City covered 100 percent of the LSL replacement cost of the lowest of two quotes from plumbers on a
pre-qualified list. During Year 1 of this program, the City was given $300,000, all as principal forgiveness, to
replace 109 residential LSL. Year 1 was completed in 2018, and the City is currently utilizing an additional
$300,000 to carry out Year 2 of this program.
This private LSL replacement program is an example of innovative financing. Providing 100 percent principal
forgiveness was necessary to comply with state laws, since no public debt can be incurred for costs of work done
on private property. Previously, the City had been completing partial LSL replacement, which can result in an
increased public health hazard. This private LSL replacement program is providing the City's residents with a safe
supply of drinking water and increasing public health protection.
"a
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REGION 6: LOUISIANA
STATE: LOUISIANA
RECIPIENT: ST. BERNARD PARISH WATERWORKS
PROJECT: WATERLINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT (LOAN 1)
This DWSRF project at St. Bernard Parish (SBP) included the replacement of aged and deteriorated cast iron
waterline segments, the addition of fire hydrants, valves, service lines, meters, fittings, and the replacement
of asphalt pavement. The total length of waterline replaced or added to the system under Loan 1 was 61,050
feet. This project was in response to three Administrative Orders between 2013 to 2014 regarding inadequate
chlorine residuals and confirmation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that SBP s
water system tested positive for the brain-eating amoeba, "Naegleria fowleri". In 2013, this brain-eating
amoeba caused the death of a four-year-old boy playing on a 'Slip-N-Slide'. Another goal of this project was to
reduce and/or eliminate water main leakage and failures; this project met the EPA's 100 percent Green Project
Reserve (GPR) designation. Before this project, the system was losing a large amount of water pumped (43
percent) due to leaks in the cast iron mains. SBP Waterworks, serving over 43,000 residents, now pumps less
water and saves in energy costs. Loan 1 of this project, completed in February 2019, included $11 million
from the Louisiana DWSRF program and approximately $135,000 from the Community Water Enrichment
Fund (CWEF). Work under Loan 2 is currently ongoing, and SBP Waterworks recently applied for Loan 3 to
finish water system improvements.
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REGION 7: KANSAS
STATE: KANSAS
RECIPIENT: PUBLIC WHOLESALE WATER SUPPLY DISTRICT NO. 27
PROJECT: NEW REGIONAL PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM IN BROWN COUNTY
The City of Powhattan, the City of Robinson, Brown County Rural Water District No. 2, and Doniphan County
Rural Water District No. 6 had consistently exceeded the nitrate maximum contaminant level (MCL) for
several years and worked together to form a Public Wholesale Water Supply District (PWWSD) and find a new
source of water. To do this, the systems initially utilized almost $3.8 million in DWSRF funding, including
$1.2 in principal forgiveness, to create this new public water supply (PWS) system. Of note, USDA provided
long-term financing for the remaining $2.6 million. This project included the construction of PWS wells,
disinfection treatment facility, elevated storage tank, and connecting transmission pipelines. The treatment
facility was constructed to allow expansion of the treatment process if nitrate removal becomes necessary. It
was determined that a regionalized treatment process was more sustainable and affordable than individual
treatment facilities for each original system. This new PWWSD provides water that is below the nitrate MCL for
the City of Powh attan, the City of Robinson, Brown County Rural Water District No. 2, and Doniphan County
Rural Water District No. 6. The PWWSD is actively planning to connect other area PWS systems that are trying
to resolve nitrate MCL violations.
This regionalization project, completed in December
2017, provides the 1,450 residents of the four
original systems with a reliable source of safe drinking
water and has the capacity to expand to additional
communities in need.
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REGION 8: SOUTH DAKOTA
STATE: SOUTH DAKOTA
RECIPIENT: RAPID CITY
PROJECT: EAST RAPID CITY WATER EXPANSION
This DWSRF project is the largest drinking water regionalization project Rapid City has completed and included
a major expansion of the municipal water distribution system to serve those located east of the current city
boundaries. These residents were previously served by individual wells or small private or public water systems
that suffered from various deficiencies: unreliable wells, inadequate water quantity, poor water quality, Notices of
Violation, and non-compliance with drinking water quality standards. To correct these issues, the City decided
to connect these users to the drinking water system while undertaking a project to extend the City's water
transmission mains to the regional airport. Of note, the City worked with their legal office to develop water
service agreements that would be signed by the owner of each home and purchase agreements to acquire the
smaller systems in this eastern community, as a way to address expanding the drinking water system outside the
current city boundaries.
This project cost over $7.5 million, with funding coming from several sources: approximately $5 million in
DWSRF funds ($3.4 million in principal forgiveness), $911,000 from the State Consolidated Grant Program,
and $1.5 million from the City. Project construction included over five miles of public water mains and a master
pressure reducing valve (PRY) facility.
New public water mains and a PRV facility provided
ari estimated 433 residents in the project area with a
consistent, safe drinking water supply.
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REGION 9: CALIFORNIA
STATE: CALIFORNIA
RECIPIENT: VALLEY CENTER MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT
PROJECT: COOL VALLEY RESERVOIR COVER/LINER REPLACEMENT
The Cool Valley Reservoir (the Reservoir) was constructed in 1975, and the Hypalon floating cover was installed
in 1992. Due to wear and tear, the Reservoir's concrete liner was showing signs of movement and cracking at the
expansion joints, as well as leakage through the underdrain system. The concrete liner also served as a medium
for bacterial growth, increasing chlorine demand, along with chemical and operational costs. Furthermore,
the Reservoirs floating cover had reached the end of its service life, and tears in the cover could no longer be
repaired. Due to health and safety concerns, the Reservoir sat idle. The Valley Center Municipal Water District
(the District) understood the urgency of constructing a replacement liner and floating cover, as the Reservoir
constituted more than 40 percent of the total finished water storage capacity.
This project included designing and installing a geomembrane liner with a geotextile underlayment and
replacing the Hypalon floating cover with a new chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) floating cover. The new
liner will prevent leakage from the Reservoir and reduce bacteria by creating a barrier between the finished
drinking water and the concrete liner. This will reduce chemical and energy use to maintain chlorine residuals.
The new liner and cover were designed to have a service life of more than 20 years.
This project utilized $4.2 million in DWSRF
funding and provided improved drinking
water benefits to the 25,000 residents of
the District.
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REGION 10: WASHINGTON
STATE: WASHINGTON
RECIPIENT: LIBERTY LAKE SEWER AND WATER DISTRICT
PROJECT: LIBERTY LAKE SEWER AND WATER DISTRICT — EASTSIDE LIBERTY LAKE
CONSOLIDATION
In 2014, Eastside Liberty Lake (Eastside) received a $905,000 DWSRF loan for water system improvements,
including replacement of 50-year-old well pumps, booster pumps, and a reservoir. In 2016, this project was
converted to a consolidation project between Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District (LLSWD) and Eastside
and was then eligible for 50 percent principal forgiveness. The revised DWSRF project included transferring
ownership of Eastside to LLSWD, abandoning the existing wells serving Eastside that needed major upgrades,
utilizing an existing intertie as the main water source to Eastside, and conducting needed improvements to
Eastsides distribution system to address leaks. The DWSRF loan was transferred from Eastside to LLSWD, with
LLSWD becoming responsible for ownership, operation, and maintenance of the entire Eastside water system.
A change in ownership from Eastside to LLSWD will provide long-term technical, managerial, and financial
capacity for the 327 customers within Eastside and significantly reduced Eastsides Water Rates.
Water rates for Eastside customers dropped
from $50.76, which included the surcharge for
the DWSRF loan, to $1 8.52 upon consolidation.
Consolidation was completed in August 201 8.
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RECOGNIZED PROJECTS

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RECOGNIZED PROJECTS
STATE: DELAWARE
RECIPIENT: TOWN OF SELBYVILLE
PROJECT: METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER
REMOVAL
Methyl tert butyl ether (MTBE) is an organic
compound that may cause unpleasant taste and odor
in drinking water. The Town of Selbyville drilled
a new well, but sample testing of the well showed
MTBE levels above the state MCL of 10 parts per
billion (ppb). The Town utilized various funding
sources to drill a new well, add a transmission line to
the treatment plant, and build a new treatment plant
with aeration capabilities. Through this project, the
Town was proactive and improved a water treatment
configuration that had been in place since the 1930s.
Since completion of the project, MTBE levels are
now non-detect. This project served 2,450 residents
and was completed using over $3 million in DWSRF
funding, which was provided as 100 percent principal
forgiveness. The Town received an additional
$500,000 of funding from USDA.
STATE: IDAHO
RECIPIENT: ELIGIBLE LOCAL COMMUNITIES
PROJECT: IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY DWSRF LEAD
ABATEMENT PROGRAM
The Idaho DWSRF dedicates $500,000 of its annual
principal forgiveness towards a Lead Abatement
Program to remediate lead exposure risk. Hie State
requires bond passage for any municipal long-
term debt, which delays many capital improvement
projects and may prevent timely response to public
health risks. This requirement was a major factor in
the State's decision to only use principal forgiveness
for lead exposure remediation; this method allows
the DWSRF program to get assistance to the
communities as quickly as possible. So far, the Idaho
DWSRF program has funded five projects, positively
impacting approximately 7,400 in communities
throughout the state and reducing their exposure to
lead in drinking water.
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RECOGNIZED PROJECTS
STATE: ILLINOIS
RECIPIENT: VILLAGE OF CAMBRIDGE
PROJECT: RADIUM REMOVAL/HYDROUS
MANGANESE OXIDE FILTRATION SYSTEM
The Village of Cambridge installed a hydrous
manganese oxide (HMO) filtration treatment system
to aid in radium removal. This $1.7 million DWSRF
project ($1.3 million in principal forgiveness)
included several improvements: three pressure filters,
a gas chlorine system, a blended phosphate feed
system, piping controls, a backup generator, and
necessary appurtenances. The project was necessary
for the Village to reduce combined radium and
gross alpha radiation below the Federal MCL. The
Village has had several non-compliance issues with
combined radium since 1984 and gross alpha since
1990. An Administrative Order was issued by the
EPA in 2016 for exceeding combined radium levels.
Prior to DWSRF funding, the Village was blending
water to meet the MCL. This project was completed
in lune 2019 and provides a safe drinking water
supply to the community.
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STATE: INDIANA
RECIPIENT: CITY OF EAST CHICAGO
PROJECT: LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT
IN USS LEAD SUPERFUND SITE (PHASE I)
The City of East Chicago proactively implemented
a full LSL replacement program to assist residents
at the greatest risk for lead exposure from LSL
leaching. The site was active from 1903 until
1985, under the ownership of Delmar Copper
Refinery, U.S. Smelting Refining and Mining, and
U.S. Smelter and Lead Refiners, Inc. Excavation
of contaminated soils in zones immediately
surrounding the facility began in 2017. The City
decided to pair excavation and replacement of
18 to 24 inches of contaminated soils with LSL
replacement to reduce project costs and impact to
homeowners. The City targeted eligible residents
using sampling results from 2014 and 2016 Lead
and Copper Rule findings, as well as additional
water sampling results. Phase I of this project
is complete and used $1.1 million in DWSRF
funding for the replacement of 331 LSL, positively
impacting the 1,350 residents surrounding the area
of construction.

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RECOGNIZED PROJECTS
STATE: MASSACHUSETTS
RECIPIENT: TOWN OF SHREWSBURY
PROJECT: HOME FARM WATER TREATMENT
FACILITY UPGRADE
This project involved construction of a new
manganese treatment facility at the Town of
Shrewsbury's existing water treatment facility.
Manganese concentrations in the Town's drinking
water were increasing, and this project was a
proactive measure to reduce manganese levels before
they became too high to control through blending. To
do this, the Town incorporated manganese filters into
the treatment process. Three filter technologies were
utilized: the first two were common media options
for manganese treatment. The third was Mangazur
filter media, a new technology, that is uncommon in
the Northeastern region of the country. The Town's
water treatment facility is now considered a "pioneer"
in Mangazur filter media. This project, which was
co-funded with $12 million in DWSRF funding and a
state grant, was completed in June 2019 and increased
drinking water quality for the Town.
STATE: MICHIGAN
RECIPIENT: CITY OF BURTON
PROJECT: DRINKING WATER SYSTEM
IMPROVEMENTS (PHASES 1 TO 5)
Over the five phases of this project, completed in
January 2019, more than 19 miles of 90-year-old cast
iron supply lines were replaced, bringing the City of
Burton into compliance with delivery standards and
extending system life. The water system struggled
because of frequent line breaks and the elevated
storage tank's inability to operate at full capacity to
maintain system pressure. The system experienced
over 200 line breaks in a 10-year period. After a 2012
incident of 10 line breaks in one week, the City hired
consulting engineers to conduct a study on several
factors: water loss, aging infrastructure, and more
efficient system operation. The study resulted in a
five-year plan to improve the City's drinking water
system using almost $22 million ($2.8 million in
principal forgiveness) in DWSRF funding. Because
of this project, the City's water storage tank is now
operating at standard level capacity, increasing system
pressure and reliability substantially, and water
losses in the system have been significantly reduced.
To prevent similar water system challenges in the
future, the City is actively implementing its asset
management program.

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RECOGNIZED PROJECTS
STATE: NEW HAMPSHIRE
RECIPIENT: BERLIN WATER WORKS
PROJECT: WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT
This $2 million DWSRF project, completed in spring
2018, included the replacement of high-failure cast
iron water mains from 1890 to 1935 and installation
of hydrants to improve water main flushing. Water
service lines were lowered and insulated to prevent
freezing during the winter months. Approximately
31,000 feet of water main was replaced throughout
47 City of Berlin streets; looping was also completed,
where possible, to eliminate dead ends in the
distribution system. These system improvements
resolved many public health and safety issues,
including the following: significant water loss,
chronic water main breaks, discolored water, and
reduction in fire flow This project better allows
the City of Berlin to serve its customers, including
schools, hospitals, health care facilities, and prisons.
STATE: MINNESOTA
RECIPIENT: CITY OF RANDALL
PROJECT: RANDALL WATER SYSTEM
IMPROVEMENTS FOR NITRATE AND ARSENIC
Since the early 2000's, the nitrate concentration
in one of the City of Randalls wells continued to
increase. In 2015, this well exceeded the nitrate
MCL and was taken offline, leaving only one
remaining well. A location for a low nitrate well
was found, but the analysis of the water from the
test well showed higher concentrations of arsenic,
iron, and manganese. This project consisted of the
construction of a new 125 gallon per minute (gpm)
water treatment plant designed to remove arsenic,
iron, and manganese, along with the construction of
a new drinking water well. The City determined that
arsenic, iron, and manganese treatment was more
cost-effective than nitrate treatment and provided
better drinking water quality to its 650 customers.
Recent sample results for arsenic and nitrate leaving
the treatment plant are below detection limits, and
the City has returned to compliance. This project
used $776,000 in DWSRF funds and a $600,000 state
grant and was completed in june 2018.

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RECOGNIZED PROJECTS
STATE: NEW MEXICO
RECIPIENT: OJO CALIENTE MUTUAL
DOMESTIC WATER CONSUMERS
ASSOCIATION
PROJECT: OJO CALIENTE URANIUM
TREATMENT
This DWSRF project included the installation
of an ion exchange uranium treatment system,
construction of transmission lines from two wells,
and rehabilitation of the wells to reduce the amount
of uranium in the systems drinking water. The
Ojo Caliente Mutual Domestic Water Consumers
Association (the Association), serving 415 residents,
was under an Administrative Order for exceeding
the uranium MCL (30 ppb), with concentrations
between 34 to 44 ppb. Upon project completion in
November 2017, the Association began submitting
quarterly test results, and the uranium levels are
still below the MCL. Hie filter media is expensive to
change and remove, and the Association is balancing
not overworking the media but continuing to
maintain compliance. The Association entered into
an agreement with a licensed waste disposal facility
to remove the water treatment plant waste containing
uranium. In addition to $744,000 (75 percent
as principal forgiveness) in DWSRF funds, the
Association also received two State-based planning
grants ($100,000) and two capital outlay awards from
the State legislature ($180,000).
STATE: OKLAHOMA
RECIPIENT: EDMOND PUBLIC WORKS
AUTHORITY
PROJECT: WATERLINE FROM EDMOND
PUBLIC WORKS AUTHORITY TO THE TOWN
OF ARCADIA
This project, completed in September 2018, involved
the installation of 17,600 linear feet of waterline
so Edmond Public Works Authority (PWA) could
provide drinking water to the Town of Arcadia. In
2006, the Town constructed a water system, including
two wells, to serve its residents. However, analyses
indicated that the water from the wells exceeded
arsenic, selenium, and uranium MCLs. The wells
could not be used by the Town for drinking water.
Edmond PWA is a nearby larger water system that
could provide the Town with water that meets
Federal drinking water standards. Edmond PWA
and the Town have both completed their portions of
the connections, and the Town has begun receiving
water from Edmond PWA. The Oklahoma DWSRF
provided this project $2.5 million, all as principal
forgiveness, as a regionalization incentive, and
Edmond PWA provided an additional $500,000.

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RECOGNIZED PROJECTS
STATE: RHODE ISLAND
RECIPIENT: PROVIDENCE WATER SUPPLY
BOARD
PROJECT: LEAD SERVICE LINE AND WATER
MAIN REPLACEMENTS
STATE: SOUTH CAROLINA
RECIPIENT: ANDERSON REGIONAL JOINT
WATER SYSTEM
PROJECT: WATER TREATMENT PLANT
ADVANCED OXIDATION PROCESS UPGRADE
Over the past 13 years, the City of Providence has
received $100 million in DWSRF funding, including
a $16.3 million loan in 2017 for LSL replacement. Of
the City's 74,000 connections, an estimated 12,300
have LSL. The City proactively replaced public-side
LSL and offered zero (0) percent interest loans to
homeowners for private LSL replacement during the
same time the utility was replacing distribution lines
in the area. This proactive approach reduced costs by
actively marketing LSL replacements and utilizing the
"dig once" approach, which tried to coordinate public
and private LSL replacements at the same time. This
project was completed in March 2019.
Anderson Regional Joint Water Systems (ARJWS)
source water, Lake Hartwell, started experiencing
algal blooms in 2013, and the water utility began
receiving hundreds of complaints of musty-smelling
and bad-tasting water. ARJWS installed a state-
of-the-art advanced oxidation system, which also
adds treatment capacity for addressing emerging
contaminants in the future. The new treatment
system was put online in July 2018, and at the start
of the algal bloom season, the system was measuri ng
non-detect in the outlet. According to ARJWS
Director Scott Willett, since the installation of the
system, the water utility has not received water
quality complaints for taste, odor, or color. ARJWS
utilized approximately $13 million in DWSRF
funding and improved the drinking water quality for
several thousand residents.

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RECOGNIZED PROJECTS
STATE: TENNESSEE
RECIPIENT: TOWN OF GAINESBORO
PROJECT: WATER LOSS CORRECTION
The Town of Gainesboro had average water loss
of 54 percent, and through this project, reduced
water loss to 28 percent, which is below the Town's
initial goal of 35 percent. This project was financed
with approximately $650,000 in DWSRF funding
($162,000 in principal forgiveness) and $525,000
from Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG). This project included replacing problem
water and service lines, implementing district
metered areas, and installing a radio read meter
system. In 2015, the Town was cited by the State
for an insufficient fund balance. An aggressive rate
increase ordinance was implemented over the next
several years, allowing the Town to create a $75,000
surplus, resulting in a financial turn-around for the
Town. This project, completed in October 2018,
has significant estimated savings—over 4.3 million
gallons water (monthly) and $26,000 (annually). It
will also reduce pumping and chemical costs, staff
drive time, and carbon emissions, and it will increase
meter reading efficiency.
STATE: VIRGINIA
RECIPIENT: TOWN OF PORT ROYAL
PROJECT: WATER TANK/METERS/
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM REPLACEMENT
This project originally began with discussions
regarding whether the Town of Port Royal should
sell their water system to a private company or keep
it and undertake the necessary capital improvement
projects. The Town decided keeping the system
was in the community's best interest. The Town
reached out to several organizations, leading to
collaboration among several Federal/state/technical
assistance entities. This $1.4 million project received
funding several sources—$990,000 from the
Virginia DWSRF program ($594,000 in principal
forgiveness), $429,000 from USDA, and $30,000
from Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project
(SERCAP). Additionally, the Town received free
technical assistance from SERCAP, the Community
Engineering Corps, and the Virginia Office of
Drinking Water.
Project components included demolition of
the elevated water storage tank, installation of
a 26,000-gallon above-ground storage tank,
construction of housing for booster pumps, and
installation of over 5,000 linear feet of waterline and
100 water meters. These capital improvements helped
the Town comply with current state regulations and
eliminated deficiencies identified in previous sanitary
surveys and records. There were many benefits of this
DWSRF project: substantially decreased water loss,
increased system efficiency, and affordability for the
Town's 126 residents.

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RECOGNIZED PROJECTS
STATE: WEST VIRGINIA
RECIPIENT: TOWN OF CHAPMANVILLE
PROJECT: PHASE II WATER SYSTEM UPGRADE
The Town of Chapmanville underwent replacement
of approximately 3.2 miles of old distribution line in
three areas the system operator identified as the worst
in the system, representing about 35 percent of the
Towns water mains. The primary goal of this project
was to correct high water loss levels; nearly half of
the purchased water was lost through water system
inefficiencies. By decreasing water loss, the Town can
invest the savings into future system upgrades and
increase infrastructure resiliency and drinking water
quality for approximately 300 residents. Th is project,
completed in February 2019, used approximately $1
million from the WV DWSRF and $1.5 million from
the Small Cities Block Grant program.
24

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United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
Infrastructure Branch
www.epa.gov/dwsrf
Office of Water, November 201 9
EPA Publication: 816-R-l 9-01 0
All images were provided at the courtesy of the
participants.

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