The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) will strengthen current rules to protect children and communities from the risks of lead exposure by identifying and removing potential sources of lead from drinking water.
Ian Atwell started as our new, part-time Get the Lead Out of Drinking Water Program Manager in August 2023.
The Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Removal Rebate Program for Private Wells is still accepting applications. The program provides rebates to private well users for up to $5,000 for the installation of PFAS treatment or up to $10,000 for a service connection to a public water system.
One of the early challenges facing new operators is figuring out what classes to attend to become certified. Many questions arise in this process. Is there a set list of classes that a new operator should take? How much money will it cost to become a grade operator in either the treatment or distribution field? Is there a benefit to taking a certain class offered before a grade level test? How can an operator learn more about the industry?
On Wednesday, September 6, the Salmon Falls Watershed Collaborative (SFWC) hosted its annual field tour known as the “Success Safari.” Approximately 35 participants representing municipal boards and staff from across the bi-state watershed visited property recently conserved by the Southeast Land Trust in Rochester, New Hampshire. This property serves to protect water quality in the Salmon Falls River, a primary source of drinking water for Somersworth, New Hampshire, and Berwick, Maine.
As the final leaves of autumn fall to the ground, colder temperatures remind us that winter weather is approaching. Winter deicing salt, sodium chloride (NaCl), applied to roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks becomes a familiar sight during the next several months. Salt is applied to melt ice and keep drivers and pedestrians safe. However, the improper and over-application of salt that is commonly observed has detrimental impacts on the environment and infrastructure, creating hidden and permanent costs in this seemingly affordable deicing material.
The Seacoast Commission on Long-Term Goals and Requirements for Drinking Water (Commission) was established under RSA 485-F:6 in 2017 and will work through November 1, 2029.The Commission currently has three significant initiatives underway as described below.
The Local Source Water Protection Grant Program provides funding for organizations to complete local projects that protect aquifers, lakes and rivers used as local sources of drinking water. Projects from the 2022 grant round were completed this spring and a lot of great work was accomplished by public water systems, municipalities and other partners!
October was National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau (DWGB) celebrated by highlighting the importance of implementing strong cybersecurity practices in the water sector. Cybersecurity is one of the top threats to critical infrastructure.
By James M. Wieck, P.G., Hydrogeologist/Associate Principal, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. and
David G. Miller, P.E., Deputy Director, Water Treatment & Supply, Manchester Water Works
