UTILITY MANAGEMENT

Scope of This Section. Section 3 is intended to provide general

information on water system operation and management, including:
a) General information about water systems
b) Personnel and staffing
c) Reports and recordkeeping
d) Emergency planning
e) Regulations affecting water systems
f) Water conservation
Water Supply Sources. The most common way to provide potable water
at fixed military installations is to buy it from a nearby municipality or private water
company. At installations where purchased water is not an option, the most common
sources of water include wells, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Other potential sources
include rain catchment and desalination, but these are normally used only when fresh
water is scarce. Basic information on water supply sources may be found in
pars. 2.2.42 and 2.1.3.
More detailed information on water supply is provided in Section 4 of this
handbook.
3.3.2 Water Treatment. Water treatment facilities vary from providing basic
disinfection of groundwater supplies to very sophisticated treatment plants using one or
more of the following processes: coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, carbon treatment,
lime-soda softening, fluoridation, and disinfection. A general introduction to
water treatment processes and their applications is provided in par. 2.2.42.
More detailed information on water treatment is provided in Section 5 of
this handbook

3.3.3 Water Distribution. A distribution system is a network of pipes, including

necessary valves, hydrants, and storage reservoirs, that carry potable water to the
point of use. Even military installations that purchase potable water usually install and
maintain their own distribution and storage systems. A general introduction to water
distribution system operation and maintenance is provided in par. 2.2.42.
More detailed information on water distribution is provided in Section 7 of
this handbook.
3.3.4 Pumping. Pumping and gravity flow are the two essential methods used
to move water from place to place. Pumps and pumping facilities vary depending on
their specific use. General-use categories include:
a) Well pumps
b) Low-lift pump stations
c) High-lift (or high-service) pump stations

d) Booster pump stations

3.3.4.1 Well Pumps. Well pumps are used to lift water from wells and may
discharge directly to a distribution system, to storage, or to a treatment plant. For more
detailed information on water well pumps, see pars. 4.5.2 and 4.5.3.
3.3.4.2 Low-Lift Pump Stations. The usual application for low-lift pump stations is
pumping water from a surface supply to the intake of a non-pressure treatment plant.
Low-lift pumps may also be used for transferring water from one unit process to another
within a treatment facility. For more detailed information on low-lift pump stations, see
par. 4.6.4.
3.3.4.3 High-Service Pump Stations. High-service pumps transfer potable water
from non-pressurized sources such as storage reservoirs directly to the distribution
system. In general, system pressures for high-service pumps should fall between
50 and 75 pounds per square inch (psi) (3.5 to 5 kilograms per square centimeter
[kg/sq cm]) for residential service. System pressure should not drop below 20 psi (1.4
kg/sq cm). For fire hydrants, the recommended minimum static pressure is 35 psi
(2.5 kg/sq cm).
For more detailed information on high-service pumps, see Section 6 of
this handbook
3.3.4.4 Pressure Regulating Stations. Booster pumps are occasionally installed
to increase the pressure in a pipeline or in a specific zone of a distribution system to
help meet peak demands such as fire flow and to supply water to elevated storage
tanks. Booster pump stations are particularly suited for a distribution system located in
hilly country where there are two or more pressure zones, or on the periphery of an
overextended or overloaded distribution system. Booster pumping stations are usually
automatically or remotely controlled from the main pumping station and are normally
equipped with electrically driven centrifugal pumps. Sometimes it is necessary to take
water from a higher pressure zone and reduce the pressure for use in a lower pressure
zone. Pressure reducing valves are used to automatically throttle flow and maintain the
desired pressure in the lower distribution system zone.
3.4 Water Utility Staffing. Effective use of manpower in water treatment
facilities is important at all times for efficiency and economy, and is essential during
national emergencies.
3.4.1 Personnel Requirements. Military water supply systems vary so greatly in
design, arrangement, and complexity that the number of personnel needed cannot be
determined solely by installation population or water usage. The best approach is to
prepare a list of tasks that need to be performed, indicating how much time each task
will take and the knowledge and skills required to perform it. Analyzing this information
will help determine the qualifications and size of staff needed to operate and maintain
the facility.
Installations that do not provide treatment other than disinfection can
usually get by with 1 shift per day, 5 or 7 days per week. Nights, weekends, and
holidays can be covered by having key personnel on call. Treatment plants, however,
can require more attention depending on size, complexity, and production schedules.
Most states have specific staffing criteria based on size and complexity of the treatment
facility.

An estimate of O&M labor needs can be obtained by applying the

5/3 Rule. That is, for an effort of 7 days per week, 3 shifts per day, 1 position equals
5/3 staff members. The concept can be adjusted for other work periods (such as 1
shiftper 5 days or 2 shifts per 7 days). Appendix A contains a sample computation
illustrating the 5/3 Rule.
3.4.2 Scheduling Personnel. Work schedules for treatment plant operators are
a matter of local preference for length of shift (8 or 12 hours) and for fixed or rotating
shifts. Studies have shown that constantly rotating shifts can be harmful to employees
physical and mental well-being. Rotating shifts on a 6- to 8-week cycle is better.
Except in emergency situations, maintenance crews typically do not work
around the clock. A 10-hour shift for maintenance personnel has been shown to offer
the most productivity as well as provide the most efficient use of equipment
3.4.3 Certification. Virtually all regulatory jurisdictions require that a certified
operator be in charge of an installations water supply and treatment facilities. The
numbers and grade level of certified operators required at a given installation are
determined by the size and complexity of the treatment facilities. To qualify for higher
levels of certification, greater combinations of education and experience are required.
To become certified at any level, the operator must pass an examination based on what
he or she needs to know to work at a plant. Higher certification entails more extensive
examination. For more information on certification, contact the Association of Boards of
Certification for Operating Personnel in Water Utilities and Pollution Control Systems
(ABC):
Executive Director, ABC
P.O. Box 786
3.4.4 Training. Training may be obtained by attending technical schools,
community colleges, short courses, workshops, and by successfully completing home
study courses. After an operator is certified, continual training is essential to maintain
high standards of service, ensure safe, efficient operation, and keep personnel
informed of all current technical developments. Additional information on training can
be obtained either from ABC (par. 3.4.3) or from par. 2.2.42.
3.5 Information Management. In general, good records promote efficient
operation of the water system. Specifically, records are essential to an effective
maintenance program, are required to comply with certain water quality regulations,
and are necessary for planning purposes. The information management system is
most efficient when tailored to the particular needs of the installation. Only those
records known to be useful should be kept, and records should be readily accessible to
all personnel concerned with the water systems O&M. Many records will be kept for a
long time and should be protected from damage. Some records, such as maps, will
require occasional updating. A computerized information management system can
effectively meet all of these criteria. File hard copies of all records according to military
procedures. Guidance on the water system records that are commonly maintained can
be found under subsequent headings in this section. There is no substitute for good
records.

3.5.1 Operating Records. Suggested records for the following unit processes
can be found in par. 2.1.5: activated carbon, aeration, chlorination, corrosion/scale
control, filtration, fluoridation, ion-exchange, iron and manganese control,
presedimentation, reverse osmosis, screening, sedimentation, water softening, and
water weed control.
3.5.2 Daily Logs. Enter each days operating data in the daily operating log
and then in the monthly operating report (MOR) to provide a record of daily and
average monthly operations. The data recorded cover all aspects of operations
including a diary of routine operational duties, unusual conditions (operational and
maintenance), accidents, complaints, and visitors.
3.5.3 MORs. Each installations water treatment facility prepares a monthly
report compiled from daily operation data reports. Monthly reports permit technical
review of current performance and comparison of performance over a long period.
Accumulated monthly reports show variations caused by changes of seasons, methods
of operation, and installation population.
These forms are used for preparing the MOR:
The following forms are used with those mentioned above at installations
that have treatment in addition to disinfection, fluoridation, or treatment for scale and
corrosion control.
Annual Reports. Annual reports generally include a description of
facilities, gallons of water pumped/treated, quantity of chemicals consumed, capital
costs, operating costs, and personnel status. Effective annual reports are clear,
concise, and informative. It is generally recommended that the format be consistent
from year to year to facilitate comparison with past performance
Distribution System Maps and Records. For information, see par. 2.1.4
Well Records. Well records show decreases in yield or increases in
drawdown, and help to show the cause. Well records should be completed when the
well is built and the records brought up to date when the well is tested. All well data
are kept on file and used for reference when well repairs are made or when other wells
are constructed in the area. Use prescribed forms for recording general well data, as
well as pumping test results. Air Force personnel use AF Form 996, Well Data, to
record this information.
3.5.7 Laboratory Reports. State and local requirements for reporting the results
of water analysis must be at least as stringent as federal requirements, but specific
requirements vary from state to state. General information recommended for inclusion
in every report is covered in par. 2.1.2.
3.5.8 Maintenance. Maintenance records include manufacturers catalogs,
brochures, and instruction manuals for all installed equipment. Shop drawings and
asbuilt
drawings provide additional, specific information about equipment and facilities

and are used with maintenance manuals to achieve efficient O&M of mechanical
systems. At a minimum, maintenance records need to document, for each piece of
equipment, when service was last performed and when it will be required again. A
good record system also includes a complete repair and cost history for all installed
equipment.
3.5.9 Cost Accounting. Although accounting personnel maintain cost and
budget records, it is recommended that the waterworks supervisor keep records of
operating costs as well. These records provide up-to-the-minute information on
expenditures and can be used to predict yearly costs and forecast budgets.
3.6 Emergency Planning. Health and fire protection depend so much on a
safe, adequate water supply that measures for protecting the system and plans for
emergency operation are basic responsibilities of those in charge of the water supply
facilities. Basic information on emergency planning is contained in par. 2.2.42.
For more information on emergency planning, see the publications listed
in pars. 2.2.4, 2.2.12, 2.3.4, and 2.3.10.
3.6.1 Fire Protection. Fire protection falls into two broad categories: general
protection of installation facilities and equipment, and protection of the water supply
and treatment facilities. For more information on fire protection planning and
procedures, see the publications listed in pars. 2.1.4, 2.2.4, and 2.2.22.
3.6.2 Natural Disasters. Natural disasters include earthquakes, hurricanes,
tornadoes, and floods. Discussions of the effects of natural disasters, as well as
measures to mitigate them, can be found in the publications listed in pars. 2.2.12, 2.3.4,
and 2.3.10.
3.6.3 Man-Made Disasters. Disasters caused by people include events such as
accidents, riots, strikes, hazardous material spills, vandalism, terrorism, and bomb
blasts. Discussions of the effects of man-made disasters, as well as measures to
mitigate them, can be found in pars. 2.2.12 and 2.3.4.
3.6.4 Vulnerability Assessment. A vulnerability assessment is a four-step
process that identifies system components most likely to fail in a given situation. For a
list of common water system components and how each component may be vulnerable
to typical hazards, as well as an example of a vulnerability assessment, see par.
2.2.12.
Additional information can be found in pars. 2.3.4 and 2.4.1.7.
3.7 Regulations Affecting Water Systems. Congress passed the original Safe
Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1974 to ensure that the public drinking water system
serving the U.S. population would meet established SDWA standards. These
standards, known as the Primary Drinking Water Regulations and Secondary Drinking
Water Regulations, set the numeric limits for drinking water quality. These regulations
apply to all public water systems. Most of the military installation water supplies are
considered public water systems and are required to comply with the local, state, and
federal drinking water regulations including public notification requirements.

3.7.1 EPA Regulations. The SDWA and the 1986 and 1996 amendments to
SDWA direct the EPA to promulgate regulations and guidance on maintaining drinking
water quality to protect the public health. The 1996 amendments waived the sovereign
immunity. Most of the states have the primacy for the implementation SDWA
provisions, however, individual states can establish additional compliance
requirements. Installations should check with the Bio-environmental engineer and base
environmental coordinator to assure compliance with the applicable regulations. For
guidance in complying with the EPA regulations, see military regulations listed in pars.
2.4.2.3 and 2.4.3.1.
Installations in foreign countries are required to meet Final Governing
Standards (FGS) of the host nation or the Standards established under the Overseas
Environmental Baseline Guidance Document (OEBGD).
3.8 Water Conservation. Water conservation practices at military
installations are fully covered in the publications listed in pars. 2.4.4.3 and 2.2.44.