http://www.nrwa.org The Latest News in the Rural Water Industry. 15 Mar 2010 At the urging of consultants and a representative of the Virginia Rural Water Association the Boydton Town Council unanimously agreed to seek United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development grants for a $1,496,000 sewer upgrade project. The project, prepared by Dewberry & Davis, would replace a 40-year-old sewer pump station with a gravity sewer system, replace a number of deteriorated sewer lines and relocate sewer lines to achieve a proper offset from several homes. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.vancnews.com/articles/2010/03/12/south_hill/news/news15.txt 10 Mar 2010 DUNCAN, Okla. – Allison Cowles and Carrie Hemeyer have been awarded a Joe and Jean Palmer Endowment Scholarship by the National Rural Water Association. The Palmer Scholarship is a four-year scholarship valued at $8,000, which is awarded to the children and step-children of the Rural Water staff across the nation. http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2010%2003%20March/palmer.htm http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2010%2003%20March/palmer.htm 8 Mar 2010 Tester cited differences in urban water treatment plants that serve millions of people, and rural water systems that sometimes serve only a few hundred people over thousands of square miles.  Tester argued that federal standards can make providing clean water in rural communities unaffordable. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://tester.senate.gov/Newsroom/pr_030310_ruralwater.cfm 5 Mar 2010 ST. GEORGE - In the Southwestern United States, water and its scarcity is a big deal. Just ask any of the more than 1,600 people at the Dixie Center this week attending the Rural Water Association of Utah's annual conference. "It's liquid gold," said LeRoy Palmer, president of Idaho-based AmeriWest Water Services. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20100305/NEWS01/3050304/Water-conference-underlines-scarcity 25 Feb 2010 Melody Kruckenberg is Executive Director of North Dakota Rural Water and says the need for quality water is high right now. She says many rural water projects are already in progress- each with the same goal in mind. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?ArticleId=524733 19 Feb 2010 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Steve Wear of Arkansas was elected to the Executive Board of the National Rural Water Association’s National Board of Directors during the board meeting held Feb. 8th in Washington, D.C. Wear was elected to fill the seat left open by the sudden passing of Michigan board member, Rolly Olney. http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2010%2002%20February/WearElected.htm http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2010%2002%20February/WearElected.htm 19 Feb 2010 Ashland water customers are being urged by city officials to limit the use of water after a main leak has still not been found. A representative from the Illinois Rural Water Association went to Ashland Monday to use a sounding device to try to listen for the location the leak, but had no luck. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/water-25437-leak-ashland.html 17 Feb 2010 WASHINGTON, D.C. – WASHINGTON, D.C. – Even with over three feet of snow on the ground, unplowed streets and closed offices, determined rural water delegates from across the country were able to make the 2010 Rural Water Rally a success. http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2010%2002%20February/RallyWrapUp.htm http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2010%2002%20February/RallyWrapUp.htm 11 Feb 2010 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Braving blizzard conditions, heaped snow drifts and frigid temperatures, hundreds of rural water supports waited in tense silence for winner of the National Rural Water Association’s Great American Water Taste Test. They erupted in cheers as the water from Sioux Rural Water System in South Dakota was named “Best Tasting in America.” http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2010%2002%20February/GAWTTWinners.htm http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2010%2002%20February/GAWTTWinners.htm 09 Feb 2010 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Rural Water Association presented Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas with a Friend of Rural Water Award today, during the National Rural Water Association’s 2010 Rural Water Rally in Washington, D.C. http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2010%2002%20February/LincolnAward.htm http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2010%2002%20February/LincolnAward.htm 08 Feb 2010 Friday’s temporary fix involves a pump from Arkansas Rural Water. It was installed at the bottom of the six-inch line that carries sewage up the hill. Hefley said sewage will be pumped out of the disabled lift station, then the pump will push it back up the hill. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://harrisondailytimes.com/articles/2010/02/06/news/doc4b6cd692f2690255259842.txt 05 Feb 2010 The administration’s recommendation of new rates, which had input from the Michigan Rural Water Association, had put the new minimum water rate at $23.42 a month and sewer rates at $23.32. The adopted rate is $22.45 for water and $22.03 for sewage. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/01/davison_residents_soon_to_pay.html 03 Feb 2010 Wellsboro Borough has been approached about leasing land to drillers for the Marcellus shale. Part of that land includes source water collection areas for the borough. “How do you balance protecting the water resource,” asked Joel Jordan from the Pennsylvania Rural Water Association. “The best thing you can do is take action now.” http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.tiogapublishing.com/articles/2010/01/27/news/doc4b60a7b89de7a130446935.txt 27 Jan 2010 Maine Rural Water, a nonprofit association that provides technical assistance to rural water districts, particularly in locating water leaks, has been to Stonington about five times to work on the problem. Stone has concluded that some individual or individuals are behind the water loss. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/135281.html 21 Jan 2010 AHOSKIE – What’s the price of one gallon of water provided by the Town of Ahoskie? Better yet, how much would you be willing to pay to guarantee that gallon of water is safe for consumption? The answer to both questions is exactly the same. Water is free; infrastructure is not. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.roanoke-chowannewsherald.com/news/2010/jan/16/clean-water-worth-not-measured-dollars/ 21 Jan 2010 Buffalo’s newly expanded wastewater plant is only one of three in Missouri to be nominated for the state’s Wastewater of the Year award by the Missouri Rural Water Association.This is ironic in view of the plethora of problems that the city has encountered since the expansion was completed. These nightmarish problems have not been the city’s fault, however, as the construction, engineering and electrical companies involved are trying to make sure everything works correctly. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.buffaloreflex.com/articles/2010/01/20/news/doc4b563f6888a66077552659.txt 19 Jan 2010 EPA Forms Climate Change Advisory Committee; Florida Becomes First State Regulated by EPA’s Phosphorus/Nitrogen Standards; EPA Stimulus Funding Obligation Deadline Looming; The NRWA Hosted 2010 Water Summit, a Success; 1926(b) Under Attack, Again; Lead 1926(b) Attorney Urges Rural Water Systems; Key Governors and Mayors Push for Federal Infrastructure Bank; EPA Administrator Jackson Outlines Administration’s Agenda on Thursday http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/22 19 Jan 2010 Taylor J. Whittington, 66, of Martinsburg, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at City Hospital surrounded by his family members after a courageous battle with cancer.         Born Feb. 23, 1943, in Berkeley County, he was the son of the late Mary Krouse Whittington and Bruce Taylor Whittington. http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2010%2001%20January/Whittington.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2010%2001%20January/Whittington.htm 15 Jan 2010 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has declared a hazardous substance emergency in Hayti Heights after the city was unable to provide consistent drinking and waste water services to its citizens. The declaration will allow the Missouri Rural Water Association to operate the plant at the department's request until a more permanent solution can be found. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.semissourian.com/story/1602507.html 12 Jan 2010 Glenn Pemberton, vice chairman of the Attalla Water Works Board, said the rate increase was implemented based on recommendations made by the Alabama Rural Water Association. “The Attalla water board recently requested the Alabama Rural Water Association to conduct a review of our present rate structure and make recommendations,” he said. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20100110/NEWS/100119996?Title=Attalla-raising-water-rates-in-February 7 Jan 2010 Selectmen have agreed to partner with the Massachusetts Rural Water Association in coming up with plans to avoid contamination of the town's ground water, which many residents tap for their drinking water. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.masslive.com/hampfrank/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-24/1262938535281720.xml 08 Jan 2010 Senate to Take Up More Water Funding in Coming Weeks; New Fact Sheet from EPA; NPR Features Water This Week; Help Wanted in the Water Business http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/21 7 Jan 2010 A worker with the Missouri Rural Water Association is working through the Department of Natural Resources to try to fix the problem at the plant. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.kfvs12.com/Global/story.asp?S=11772871 7 Jan 2010 Valley City's water took first place at blind taste tests held at the conventions of the North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association and the state chapter of the American Water Works Association. The groups include most of North Dakota's municipal water systems. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.jamestownsun.com/event/article/id/102001/group/News/ 06 Jan 2010 New Water Book makes a case that many 21st-century conflicts will be fought over water; EPA to Lower the Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia; Indiana Environmental Group Sues State Over Clean Water Programs http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/21 5 Jan 2010 In July 2009, Clow Valve Company (Clow) found inoperable fire hydrants in Iowa; upper stem assemblies were corroded. The recent finding is part of a larger nationwide replacement program which began in 2006. Today, it is possible that a number of fire hydrants in communities throughout the U.S. are similarly inoperable. http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2010%2001%20January/Clow%20Valve.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2010%2001%20January/Clow%20Valve.htm 4 Jan 2010 A couple weeks ago Steve Winkley, a source water protection specialist from the New York Rural Water Association, met with village, town and county officials to discuss sole source aquifers and how we might protect our water supply. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://marcelluseffect.blogspot.com/2010/01/can-towns-protect-their-aquifers-from.html 31 Dec 2009 WEST HURLEY — The Hurley Conservation Advisory Council and the New York Rural Water Association will discuss with the public the recently completed “Groundwater Study and Protection Plan for the Glenford and West Hurley Areas” at 7 p.m. Jan. 6 in the West Hurley Firehouse on Wall Street. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2009/12/30/news/doc4b3ae39ddd1b6685759910.txt 23 Dec 2009 While a large portion of the world desperately seeks clean drinking water, the United States and other countries spend billions on bottled water when clean drinking water is readily available. http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2012%20December/Bottled%20Water%20Facts.htm http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2012%20December/Bottled%20Water%20Facts.htm 23 Dec 2009 $2 Billion in EPA Water Funds; NRWA Water Summit http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/20 21 Dec 2009 PORTLAND, Ore. - The West Slope Water District, a member of the Oregon Association of Water Utilities, was one of only two water districts in Oregon to receive the Excellence in Financial Reporting Award from the Government financial Officers Association. http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2012%20December/West%20Slope.htm http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2012%20December/West%20Slope.htm 18 Dec 2009 EPA Stimulus Money Not Being Spent?; New York Times Slams SDWA; New York Times Report Featured on NPR Interviewed http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/19 18 Dec 2009 The city is adopting a formula developed by Harry Whalen with Montana Rural Water that determines the base costs for having a water system in place. The cost of water includes a fixed base rate and a variable volume rate. Whalen's plan splits the operation and maintenance costs of water between the volume rate and the base rate. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.laureloutlook.com/articles/2009/12/16/news/02water.txt 16 Dec 2009 EWG Releases Data Showing Widespread Contaminants in U.S. Water Supplies; AWWA’s Comments on EWG Data Release; The Green Debate http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/18 16 Dec 2009 In the coming months the Va. Rural Water Association (VRWA) will be working with the people and government of Floyd to create a Source Water Protection Plan. The purpose of the plan will be to assess Floyd’s water supplies and come up with creative ways to protect them from contamination and/or depletion. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.swvatoday.com/news/article/public_support_urged_for_plan_to_protect_floyds_drinking_water/6478/ 14 Dec 2009 FREEPORT, Maine — Water districts in Alfred and Solon have been found to have Maine’s best tasting water.The two were among more than 20 water utilities from around the state that signed up to compete in Wednesday’s contest held by the Maine Rural Water Association. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://nhbr.com/news/statenewengland/472903-227/alfred-and-solon-win-maines-water-taste.html 11 Dec 2009 SILVERTON, Ore. – It appeared the community of Rhododendron, Ore. would be on a boil water order for a long time – the Rhododendron Water Association had lost its filtration plant, and only five days away from Thanksgiving. Despite the destruction, a pair of Oregon Rural Water Association circuit riders assisted the system staff, and had clean water restored in less than a week. http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2012%20December/Rhododendron.htm http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2012%20December/Rhododendron.htm 9 Dec 2009 Rural water set to testify; Global Climate Change; Environmentalists Ask Federal Government to Crack Down on State Environmental Regulators; Iowa Rural Water District Financial Woes Continue; Global Climate Change Negotiations; The History of Private vs. Public Water; and more http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/17 9 Dec 2009 Washington, D.C.-Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today welcomed Gene Whatley, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Rural Water Association before the EPW Committee. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://media-newswire.com/release_1107526.html 7 Dec 2009 According to Colleen Williams of the Colorado Rural Water Association, a government-funded 501(c)3 that is leading the planning effort, the communities of Collbran, Rangely, and Paonia are all at various stages of developing their own source water protection plans. Williams is the “facilitator” of the effort to develop a localized plan which hopefully in the initial stages will attract grant money for things like fencing and signage to help protect local water sheds. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://coyotegulch.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/surface-creek-sourcewater-protection-meeting-recap/ 2 Dec 2009 The comprehensive study of Hillsboro's water resources and infrastructure authorized by the Board of Supervisors earlier this year is underway and Mayor Roger Vance hopes the effort will help the town tap into federal funding to address the lingering utility concerns. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.leesburg2day.com/articles/2009/12/01/news/9970zhillsboro120109.txt 1 Dec 2009 Nationwide Implications of Nutrient Reduction; Is Wisconsin the Next Florida; UDSA Continues to Spend the Stimulus, State EPA Agencies Put on Notice to Accelerate ARRA Spending by House EPA Committee Chairman; EPA Plans Fiscal Sustainability Rules For Water Utilities In FY11 Budget; Bottle vs. Tap, Private vs. Public, Chlorine/Fluoride vs. None; Scientist Releases Assessment of EPA Data – that contradicts EPA; Iowa Private Well Water Study Finds; and more http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/17 23 Nov 2009 The Nauvoo waste water treatment plant is nominated for the Illinois Rural Water Association waste water plant of the year. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.journalpilot.com/articles/2009/11/17/news/news2.txt 16 Nov 2009 Congressman Pomeroy Accepts Rural Water Award; EPA Drinking Water Advisory Council Meets This Week; DHS Supported SEMS-RAMCAP Free Software Released; EPA's Chief Cites Health Care Costs To Argue For Stricter Environmental Rules; EPA Developing Watershed Criteria To Break Longtime State Deadlock http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/16 16 Nov 2009 Mike Sousek had been chest deep in 40-degree water for an hour, but being cold didn't cross his mind. His heart was racing and his adrenaline rushing Thursday as he fought to keep friend and co-worker Bob Heimann from drowning in a farm pond near Wahoo, Neb. “I just knew I couldn't let go, and I had to do everything I could to keep Bob's head above water,” said Sousek, rural water manager for the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.omaha.com/article/20091114/NEWS01/711149859 12 Nov 2009 Rural Water Represented on National Water Security Panel; South Carolina Legislature Proposes Law to Transfer Water Districts to Their Neighbors; AWWA Taking A Fresh Look at the Idea of a Federal Water Bank; House Passes Broad New Security Regulatory Legislation for Water Supplies; Senator Lautenberg Plans Water Security Bill This Year; EPA Won’t Release Their New Arsenic Analysis; Rough Economy Means More Water Shut-offs; Burnsvilles, MN Spends $13 Million on New Water Treatment Plant; Despite Political Hurdles, Chairman Oberstar (MN) Presses Action on Scope of Clean Water Act Legislation; Like Many Latin American Cities, Poor Sections of Caracas, Venezuela Lack Access to Water; CDC Finds 15 Brands of Infant Formula Contaminated with Perchlorate; Gloucester, Mass - Confusion...; MO Warn – Pilot program to DHS http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/15 3 Nov 2009 Chemical Security Update; Appropriations Update; FY2010 EPA Appropriations Bill New SRF Appropriations and Authorizations; Two Parts per Billion… Columbia Missouri Interaction with EPA’ Dinsinfection Byproducts Rules; Baltimore Apartment Complex Legionnaire's Outbreak Blames on Water; Climate Change and Rural Water; USGS’s Latest Water Use Report http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/14 30 Oct 2009 The Cullman County Commission’s lean 2010 fiscal year budget — which includes approximately $300,000 in cuts to sheriff’s office expenses — also includes a $12,000 a year raise to the water department manager’s salary. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://cullmantimes.com/local/x392651040/Water-manager-gets-12-000-raise 27 Oct 2009 TOPEKA — Cowley County Rural Water District 1 is one of 10 Kansas public water supply systems receiving state Department of Health and Environment 2009 Capacity Development Achievement Awards this year for going above and beyond the federal safe drinking water standards. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.winfieldcourier.com/articles/2009/10/24/news/news/doc4ae2921bcbb66875358241.txt 26 Oct 2009 New York Times’ Editorial; Rural Water Has Been Appointed to the EPA’s National Drinking Water Advisory Council's Climate Ready Water Utilities Working Group; EPA Looking for Comments on WARN Fact Sheets; Engineer Ed’s Latest Regulatory Snapshot Newsletter; Law Firm Recruits Rural Water Systems to Sue http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/13 26 Oct 2009 After coming in fifth in the competition last year, the Wyoming Association of Rural Water Systems this year recognized the city of Torrington as having the best tasting drinking water in the state. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.torringtontelegram.com/v2_news_articles.php?head 21 Oct 2009 NPR’s Fresh Air Show Interviews New York Times reporter Charles Duhigg; Florida Rural Water Takes on EPA on Their Most Comprehensive Water Quality Initiative; GA Congressman Announces USDA Funding for Private Water Wells http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/12 21 Oct 2009 MARTINSBURG - Although not yet the official representative from West Virginia to the National Rural Water Association, Taylor Whittington got his feet wet recently at the countrywide organization's 33rd annual conference in Louisville, Ky. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/526687.html?nav=5006 21 Oct 2009 Steamboat Springs — Rural communities, metro districts and even local homeowners’ associations could benefit from a Wednesday workshop about federal funding for water and wastewater systems, organizers said. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/2009/oct/20/water_workshop_touts_federal_funding/ 7 Oct 2009 Photos from Tuesday at the H2O-XPO http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2010%20October/XPOWednesday.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2010%20October/XPOWednesday.htm 6 Oct 2009 LOUISVILLE, Ken. – The National Rural Water Association opened its 33rd Annual Conference and first ever H2O-XPO with largest crowd and most influential speaker list in the organization’s history. http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2010%20October/XPOopens.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2010%20October/XPOopens.htmm 6 Oct 2009 Photos from Tuesday at the H2O-XPO http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2010%20October/XPOTuesday.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2010%20October/XPOTuesday.htm 5 Oct 2009 Photos from Monday at the H2O-XPO http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2010%20October/XPOMonday.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2010%20October/XPOMonday.htm 5 Oct 2009 Lowering the Arsenic Standard and Access to EPA Science http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/11 28 Sep 2009 Experience Works, the nation's largest nonprofit training and employment organization for older workers, today introduced Oklahoma rancher Phillip Klutts as the recipient of its 2009 Cy Carpenter Award. Experience Works honored Klutts during a briefing on Capitol Hill as part of National Employ Older Workers Week. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/09/prweb2933994.htm 25 Sep 2009 USDA (Rural Utilities Service)Issues Nationwide Exception to the Buy American Requirements; EPA Finalizes List of New Drinking Water Contaminants it May Regulate; Senate Passes EPA Budget Bill http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/10 24 Sep 2009 For the first time in 12 years, West Ouachita Sewer District No. 5 will increase rates to cover its cost of operation and to conduct some major system repairs. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20090924/NEWS01/909240316 18 Sep 2009 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presented its Region 3 Source Water Protection Award to Meadville Area Water Authority during a Thursday-evening ceremony at the Vernon Township Municipal Building. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.meadvilletribune.com/local/local_story_260225654.html 18 Sep 2009 The New Site City Council unanimously voted to request a free water rate treatment study from the Rural Water Association to assess a possible increase in the current rate. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.thedadevillerecord.com/news/2009/sep/16/new-site-study-water-rate-hike/ 16 Sep 2009 BUENA VISTA, Va. – Nancy Carr sits in front of the radio microphone, explaining the importance of source water protection in Rockingham County. Mass communication is the latest tool that Carr, a source water protection specialist with the Virginia Rural Water Association, is using to increase involvement in her programs. http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2009%20September/VaSourceWater.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2009%20September/VaSourceWater.htm 16 Sep 2009 A broken chlorination pump caused city water to fail inspection in mid-August. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.neoshodailynews.com/news/x1754594519/Goodman-city-water-fails-inspection 15 Sep 2009 A recent hike in water and sewer rates in Concord has raised concern among some residents who say it is the wrong time to boost costs as the economy struggles. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.mlive.com/news/citpat/index.ssf?/base/news-29/1253023524325500.xml 14 Sep 2009 More Atrazine in Drinking Water; NYTimes Says Clean Water Laws Are Neglected; Kansas 1926(b) Case Continues http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/9 11 Sep 2009 The National Rural Water Association has announced two speakers for the opening session of the first H2O-XPO, to be held Oct. 6-8 in Lousiville, Ken. http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2009%20September/speakers.htm http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2009%20September/speakers.htm 10 Sep 2009 Clean Water Act Confusion; Comprehensive Review of Potential New Federal Funding Options http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/8 09 Sep 2009 Sandy Township's Kiwanis Trail/West Sandy Township water extension project continues to progress, officials announced at last night's municipal authority and board of supervisors' meetings. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.theprogressnews.com/default.asp?read=19163 08 Sep 2009 In just 200 days, USDA has made great progress in implementing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support the Obama administration's goal of rebuilding and revitalizing the nation's rural infrastructure to create and save jobs. http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2009%20September/USDA%20Update.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2009%20September/USDA%20Update.htm 08 Sep 2009 EPA Administrator Says “water for most municipalities is the largest user of energy” this week;State Association Grassroots Congressional Activity; Rural Water Sustainability Model; Bottled Water Prices and Sales are Falling; TMDLs – Missouri Delists 10 Waters bodies; 200 Day Mark for Federal Stimulus and USDA Praised for Moving Projects; Are Congress and EPA Rethinking Public Notice Policies http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/7 04 Sep 2009 LAYTON, Utah – The diesel engine hummed as Congressman Jim Matheson worked the controls on the backhoe. The scene was one of many highlights at the 2009 Rural Water Association of Utah’s Northern Conference this past August. http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2009%20September/Utah%20conference.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2009%20September/Utah%20conference.htm 03 Sep 2009 Protecting the quality of drinking water sources in the Surface Creek and nearby drainages is the stated goal of a project undertaken last Wednesday, Aug. 26. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.deltacountyindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content 01 Sep 2009 Kentucky Rural Water Association (KRWA) awarded Warren County Water District with the prestigious Wooden Bucket Award during KRWAs annual conference held in Lexington, KY earlier last week. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.wbko.com/news/headlines/56425957.html 31 Aug 2009 LEXINGTON, Ken. – The Kentucky Rural Water Association recognized Congressman Ben Chandler with the “Friend of Rural Water” award at Kentucky Rural Water Association’s 30th Annual Conference and Exhibition held in Lexington, Ken. http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2008%20August/Chandler%20Award.htm http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2008%20August/Chandler%20Award.htm 31 Aug 2009 Congressmen Home for Recess Attend Rural Water Conferences in Utah and Kentucky; 1926(b) Challenge to USDA Water Program in Oklahoma; EPA NPDES Nutrient Implement in Florida Result in Backlash in Small Communities; Controversial Gas Exploration Technique Could Be Contaminating Water Wells in Wyoming; Geo-sequestration of CO2 Above USDWs; NRDC Calls for Ban of Atrazine http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/6 28 Aug 2009 Under the rate structure recommended in a rate study conducted by the Florida Rural Water Association, a small business could see their water and sewer bill more than double, and that’s something Council President Ann Brooks does not favor. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.northescambia.com/?p=10432 26 Aug 2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. –  U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representative Marion Berry (AR-01) today announced that the Arkansas Rural Water Association in Lonoke, Arkansas, will receive $50,000 in Rural Development funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2008%20August/Arkansas%20USDA.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2008%20August/Arkansas%20USDA.htm 25 Aug 2009 Rural Water Leading Effort for TMDL Reform in Congress; Huffington Post Claims Widespread Atrazine Contamination in Water; AWWA draft comments on the Ground Water Rule (GWR) and Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/5 24 Aug 2009 Farmington, N.M. – Jim Dunlap stands on the shore of Lake Nighthorse, looking at the acres of sparkling fresh water filling its banks. Dunlap has worked nearly fifty years to complete the lake, hoping to provide a steady water supply for arid New Mexico communities. http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2008%20August/Dunlapproject.htm http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2008%20August/Dunlapproject.htm 24 Aug 2009 The Florida Rural Water Association Proposal recommends that the town also charge a “capacity” fee for new hookups, in addition to the $125 water connection fee and $1,000 sewage impact fee currently charged. The study does not offer a specific recommendation on the amount of the new fee. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.northescambia.com/?p=10373 21 Aug 2009 Claverack, N.Y .– Flash floods inundated the Village of Gowanda, N.Y. after heavy storms on August 9th and 10th dumped eight inches of rain on the area. High water and debris knocked out the village’s primary water supply, but experts from the New York Rural Water Association were on hand to help restore service to the flood-shocked residents. http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2008%20August/NY%20Floods%20Gowanda.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%2008%20August/NY%20Floods%20Gowanda.htm 21 Aug 2009 Since the first event in June, we've been excited to see the Rural Tour generating really thoughtful conversation and debate on the issues facing rural America. At town hall forums across the nation, Secretary Vilsack and his counterparts across the government have met with large, sometimes overflow, crowds. They've been able to answer questions and engage in productive debate on the best ways to help rural America. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.usda.gov/blog/ruraltour/3 19 Aug 2009 Claverack, N.Y .– Heavy storms in Chautauqua County New York sent creeks spilling out of their banks and into small communities early last week. Flooding damaged the village water system, forcing the Chautauqua County Health Department to issue a boil order. http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%20August/NY%20Floods%20Silver%20Creek.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%20August/NY%20Floods%20Silver%20Creek.htm 19 Aug 2009 Local Mayor Explains Limitation on Federal Stimulus; Ratepayers Bill of Rights in Mississippi; pressing for reform on chemical security legislation in House http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/4 19 Aug 2009 Monday was our fourteenth Rural Tour community forum in the town of Hamlet, NC. We had an easy drive from Charlotte although the dozens of roadside farm stands advertising fresh peaches and watermelons tempted us to pull over. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.usda.gov/blog/ruraltour/2 17 Aug 2009 Claverack, N.Y .– Heavy rains filled the creeks around Forestville, N.Y. last week, flooding communities and knocking out water service. Technical experts from the New York Rural Water Association spent several days in the area, working to restore drinking water to the small community. http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%20August/NY%20floods%20Forestville.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%20August/NY%20floods%20Forestville.htm 17 Aug 2009 Electronic registration is open for H2O-XPO, October 6-8, 2009, Louisville, Ken. http://nrwa.org https://www.compusystems.com/servlet/ar?evt_uid=827 17 Aug 2009 We were back on the road yesterday for the next round of Rural Tour stops. With us were Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and Education Secretary Arne Duncan on a plane and road trip to Bethel and Hooper Bay, Alaska. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.usda.gov/blog/ruraltour/ 14 Aug 2009 Scores of Wisconsin communities that don't disinfect their water supplies would have to install systems to screen out bacteria and viruses under rules proposed by the state Department of Natural Resources. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/53187222.html 14 Aug 2009 The City of Jerome is looking at a proposed water rate hike to deal with an aging water system that is in need of upgrades. It's something that affects the entire community, whether you live or work there.It's an issue that many local communities are facing, finding the funding to make upgrades to the city's water system; and Jerome is no different, as the city is looking at the possibility of increasing water rates. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.kmvt.com/news/local/53176047.html 13 Aug 2009 FORESTVILLE - Like much of the surrounding area, the village of Forestville experienced serious problems in the midst and aftermath of flooding earlier this week. According to Mayor Richard Yeager several days after rainstorms and flooding devastated the region, Forestville suffered tremendously. However, as of Wednesday, Yeager said the village was well on its way to recovery. http://nrwa.org http://sigourneynewsreview.com/default.asp?sourceid 12 Aug 2009 "We believe these efforts are paying off for our customers -- our water was recently named the best-tasting in Delaware by the Delaware Rural Water Association -- and for our investors as we continue to grow revenue and net income." http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104 11 Aug 2009 DES MOINES, Iowa - August 6, 2009 - Managers from eight rural water districts in Iowa met with representatives from USDA Rural Development today to discuss ways to access more than $2.2 billion in nationwide federal loans and grants that can help improve water quality in rural areas and communities. http://nrwa.org http://sigourneynewsreview.com/default.asp?sourceid 10 Aug 2009 EPA Stimulus Program Continues to Fund USDA Water Projects; Arsenic Redux? Pres. Obama May Reverse Bush Decision on Perchlorate; Xenia Rural Water in Iowa; Endanger Species Act Reform Update; House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Working on Water Planning Bill; Buy American Clause Stalls Water Projects; Teamsters Protest Water Projects in Wisc. http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/3 10 Aug 2009 Larry McElroy is serving a three-year term on the board of the National Rural Water Association starting in October. McElroy is general manager of the Consolidated Utility District of Rutherford County. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090809/BUSINESS06/908090339/People+in+Business 10 Aug 2009 RUSTON – Dr. Dixie Griffin, a professor of civil engineering at Louisiana Tech, has received the Prosper Toups Training Award from the Louisiana Rural Water Association. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20090807/UPDATES01/90807006 7 Aug 2009 BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Rural Water Association received a 2009 Environmental Leadership Program Award, presented by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality during a ceremony on July 30. http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%20August/LRWA%20DEQ%20Award.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%20August/LRWA%20DEQ%20Award.htm 6 Aug 2009 A rate study commissioned by the Town of Century is recommending water and sewer rate increases for most customers and new fees for future customers. http://nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.northescambia.com/?p=9887 4 Aug 2009 NEW ORLEANS, La. – Executive Directors are scrambling to set-up staging areas and organizesupplies – a hurricane is moving toward the coast. Plans have to be reviewed, equipment secured and staff prepared: Luckily this hurricane is only a drill. The exercise, named Hurricane Alpha, was part of the detailed emergency response training during the National Rural Water Association’s Executive Director In-Service, held late July in New Orleans. http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%20August/ED%20training.htm http://nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%20August/ED%20training.htm 3 Aug 2009 CO2 Storage Update; White House’s CEQ Eyes Ecological Benefit Criteria To Prioritize Water Project Funds; OMB Perchlorate Notice; and more http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/2 31 July 2009 In 1987, Jack Stickney purchased a small, wooded farm in Estill County and began a long list of tree farming practices that include everything from planting trees to producing shiitake mushrooms to selling carbon credits on a newly emerging market. http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%20July/KenSteward.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/2009%20July/KenSteward.htm 30 Jul 2009 Stalked ciliates, rotifers, amoebae and invertebrates. All four are microorganisms that can’t even be seen with the naked eye, but they provide an invaluable service to residents of the Uintah Basin. http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.vernal.com/pages/full_story/push?article-From+waste-+to+awards% 30 Jul 2009 Report Show Endangered Species Flaws; SRF Reauthorization; The Bureau of Reclamation cannot support a rural water bill http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/1 27 Jul 2009 BOISE, Idaho – The Valley View Water and Sewer District needed money to correct problems with arsenic in their wells, but the districts couldn’t sort through its financial records. A year of work from Diana Sauer, a circuit rider with the Idaho Rural Water Association, has their records in order and a grant application ready. http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/ValleyViewmoney.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/ValleyViewmoney.htm 22 Jul 2009 Rural water legislation blog update http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.ruralwater.org/ 23 Jul 2009 Hundreds of citizens in the Town of Olney Springs, Colo. are forced to boil their water before drinking. The town was put on boil order because of a bacterial infection, but experts from the Colorado Rural Water Association are working to get the system back on-line. http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/OlneySprings.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/OlneySprings.htm Tue, 21 Jul 2009 The Kidz Kastle was under siege, not by army, but from bacteria. A water test forced the small daycare in Luxemburg, Wis. to start using bottled water, but assistance from the Wisconsin Rural Water Association is helping the Kastle cleanse its water supply. http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/KidzKastle.htm http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/KidzKastle.htm Tue, 21 Jul 2009 ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Federal stimulus money will help fund running water projects for remote and rural villages in Alaska. http://www.nrwa.org#pipeline http://www.dailymail.com/ap/ApBusiness/200907180257