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TAWWA/WEAT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chapter e-Newsleer Pg. 1 may/june 2012 The Ripple effect Page 1 message from the President Page 2 special Thanks to our speakers Page 3 aCe12 Investing in your Career Page 6 Calling all young Professionals Page 7 Texas Water 2012 – Done right in san antonio! P age 8 TaWWa/WeaT monthly meeting Page 12 2012 Officer elections Page 13 Congratulations to the 2012-2013 TaWWa south Texas Chapter Officers Page 13 2012 summer seminar Page 14 10th anual south Texas TaWWa/WeaT Bowling social Page 15 TaWWa/WeaT Cont acts Page 16 upcoming events Page 17 TAWWA/WEAT june meeng Date: Thursday, June 21, 2012 Time: 11:30 am Place: San Antonio Water System Tower II, 1st Floor, Rm C145 2800 US Highway 281 North San Antonio, TX 78212 Speaker: Jim Doersam, P.E. San Antonio River Authority Senior Engineer Topic: SARA Graytown Wastewater Collecon System TAWWA/WEAT july meeng Date: Thursday, July 19, 2012 Time: 11:30 am Place: San Antonio Water System Tower II, 1st Floor, Rm C145 2800 US Highway 281 North San Antonio, TX 78212 Speaker: Jeff Haby, P.E. San Antonio Water System Director of Producon Topic: ASR Water Management eDITOR: Lizanne Douglas ( [email protected]) gRaPHIC DesIgneR: Sara Stearns ([email protected]) Save the Date The Ripple Effect: Water Risk in the Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance Program, Ceres Water is a linchpin of the U.S. economy, but its availability is being tested like never before. More extreme droughts, surging water demand, polluon, and climate change are growing risks that threaten water supplies in many parts of the United States. In some regions, water scarcity is already crimping economic producon and sparking interstate legal bales. The stresses are especially severe in regions experiencing rapid populaon and economic growth, including the West, Southwest and Southeast. Among the most immediate threats: The City of Atlanta’s water supply could be cut by nearly 40 percent as early as 2012 due to the ruling of a federal judge; Lake Mead, the vast reservoir for the Colorado River, is quickly approaching a first ever water shortage declaraon that would reduce deliveries to fast-growing Arizona and Nevada; Hoover Dam, which provides hydropower to major urban centers in California, Arizona, and Nevada, may stop generang electricity as soon as 2013 if water levels in Lake Mead don’t begin to recover; 1 More regular droughts and heat waves are likely to increase the operang costs of power generators in the Southeast, among them the Tennessee Valley Authority, which was forced to slash power generaon for two weeks at three of its facilies in Alabama and Tennessee because of heightened water temperatures, cosng the ulity an esmated $10 million in lost power producon. 2 These trends have enormous implicaons for the thousands of public ulies—ulies managed by municipalies and counes—that supply water and electricity to households and businesses across the country. Water ulies generate revenue through the delivery of water to their commercial and residenal customers. Electric ulies use water for hydropower producon or to cool equipment in their generang facilies. The power sector is enormously water-intensive and accounts for 41 percent of the naon’s freshwater withdrawals. Investors who provide the vast amount of capital to build and maintain the naon’s water and power infrastructure are also threatened by these trends. Municipal bonds—the debt instrument of choice for public ulies—are bought and sold on the basis of their credit rangs. Yet today these rangs take lile account of ulies’ vulnerability to increased water compeon, nor do they account for climate change, which in many areas is rendering ulity assets obsolete. Consequently, investors are blindly placing bets on which ulies are posioned to manage these growing risks. Water shoralls can undermine water and electric power ulies’ short-term liquidity and financial leverage—key elements of credit risk. Yet water risk “stress tests” and other evaluave

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Page 1: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

Pg. 1may/june 2012

The Ripple effect Page 1message from the President Page 2special Thanks to our speakersPage 3aCe12 Investing in your CareerPage 6

Calling all young ProfessionalsPage 7Texas Water 2012 – Done right in san antonio! Page 8TaWWa/WeaT monthly meetingPage 12

2012 Officer electionsPage 13Congratulations to the2012-2013 TaWWa south Texas Chapter OfficersPage 132012 summer seminarPage 14

10th anual south Texas TaWWa/WeaT Bowling socialPage 15TaWWa/WeaT ContactsPage 16upcoming eventsPage 17

Tawwa/weaTjune meeting

Date: Thursday, June 21, 2012Time: 11:30 am Place: San Antonio Water System Tower II, 1st Floor, Rm C145 2800 US Highway 281 North San Antonio, TX 78212Speaker: Jim Doersam, P.E. San Antonio River Authority

Senior EngineerTopic: SARA Graytown Wastewater

Collection System

Tawwa/weaTjuly meeting

Date: Thursday, July 19, 2012Time: 11:30 amPlace: San Antonio Water System Tower II, 1st Floor, Rm C145 2800 US Highway 281 North San Antonio, TX 78212Speaker: Jeff Haby, P.E.

San Antonio Water System Director of Production

Topic: ASR Water Management

eDITOR:Lizanne Douglas ( [email protected])gRaPHIC DesIgneR:Sara Stearns ([email protected])

Save the DateThe Ripple Effect: Water Risk in the Municipal Debt MarketBy Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance Program, Ceres

Water is a linchpin of the U.S. economy, but its availability is being tested like never before. More extreme droughts, surging water demand, pollution, and climate change are growing risks that threaten water supplies in many parts of the United States. In some regions, water scarcity is already crimping economic production and sparking interstate legal battles. The stresses are especially severe in regions experiencing rapid population and economic growth, including the West, Southwest and Southeast. Among the most immediate threats:

• The City of Atlanta’s water supply could be cut by nearly 40 percent as early as 2012 due to the ruling of a federal judge;

• Lake Mead, the vast reservoir for the Colorado River, is quickly approaching a first ever water shortage declaration that would reduce deliveries to fast-growing Arizona and Nevada;

• Hoover Dam, which provides hydropower to major urban centers in California, Arizona, and Nevada, may stop generating electricity as soon as 2013 if water levels in Lake Mead don’t begin to recover;1

• More regular droughts and heat waves are likely to increase the operating costs of power generators in the Southeast, among them the Tennessee Valley Authority, which was forced to slash power generation for two weeks at three of its facilities in Alabama and Tennessee because of heightened water temperatures, costing the utility an estimated $10 million in lost power production.2

These trends have enormous implications for the thousands of public utilities—utilities managed by municipalities and counties—that supply water and electricity to households and businesses across the country. Water utilities generate revenue through the delivery of water to their commercial and residential customers. Electric utilities use water for hydropower production or to cool equipment in their generating facilities. The power sector is enormously water-intensive and accounts for 41 percent of the nation’s freshwater withdrawals.

Investors who provide the vast amount of capital to build and maintain the nation’s water and power infrastructure are also threatened by these trends. Municipal bonds—the debt instrument of choice for public utilities—are bought and sold on the basis of their credit ratings. Yet today these ratings take little account of utilities’ vulnerability to increased water competition, nor do they account for climate change, which in many areas is rendering utility assets obsolete. Consequently, investors are blindly placing bets on which utilities are positioned to manage these growing risks.

Water shortfalls can undermine water and electric power utilities’ short-term liquidity and financial leverage—key elements of credit risk. Yet water risk “stress tests” and other evaluative

Page 2: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

TAWWA/WEAT

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

may/june 2012Pg. 2

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTI would like to congratulate everyone on winning the AWWA Chapter of the Year Award at Texas Water 2012! This was the first year the award was given and I felt honored to represent our chapter in receiving the award. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m so proud to serve as president of a chapter that is so involved. Texas Water 2012 was a great success in San Antonio and we had record breaking attendance from the previous years! I want to thank the Host Committee who planned the event and made sure it was enjoyable and educational for all that attended. I’d also like to thank all the 184 volunteers who came out and donated their time throughout the week.As spring comes to an end and summer begins, we have our Family Bowling Social planned for June 8th. We’re also in the middle of planning our Summer Seminar which will be August 10th. Plans are also underway for the annual WFP Golf Tournament August 24th. We have some big shoes to fill this year as we try to surpass our donations from last year’s golf tournament. We have also started planning for our YP Fall Seminar as well as our Annual Scholarship Dinner. Please note that it’s that time again to submit scholarship applications. (Scholarship details are included in the newsletter.) We appreciate everyone continuing to be active in the chapter and getting involved in all the committees and activities we have. As always, we welcome any feedback on how we can continue to grow and improve our chapter.This will be my last Message from the President as I hand the torch to Greg Swoboda. It has been a pleasure working with all my fellow AWWA and WEAT officers. Everyone is so dedicated, so I know we will continue to be a successful chapter! I’d like to thank the members of the South Texas AWWA Chapter and truly appreciate the opportunity and experience of serving as your President. I’m so proud to be part of this organization simply because we’re making a difference!

Thanks Everyone,Melissa Bryant, P.E., CFMPresident, South Texas AWWA Chapter

San Antonio • Austin • Brownsville • Corpus Christi • Dallas • El Paso • Houston • McAllen • Mexico • New Braunfels • Salt Lake Cityrkci.com210-699-9090

Raba Kistner ConsultantsENGINEERING AND TESTING• Geotechnical

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• Geophysical Studies• On-Site Storage/

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Page 3: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

Pg. 3

TAWWA/WEAT

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

may/june 2012

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR APRIL & MAy SPEAKERS AND SPONSORS:

SPEAKERS AND SPONSORS FOR JUNE AND JULy:june: james (jIm) DOeRsam, P.e.senIOR engIneeRsan anTOnIO RIveR auTHORITyMr. Doersam has over thirty years of experience in the areas of engineering and project management in the areas of: water quality, water and wastewater treatment, solid waste disposal and recycling, and management of composting operations. He has worked in both the public and private sectors in these various roles throughout his career. Jim has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and is a registered professional engineer in the State of Texas.

Sponsor:

july: jeff HaBy, P.e.DIReCTOR Of THe san anTOnIO WaTeR sysTem’s PRODuCTIOn DePaRTmenTJeff Haby is the Director of the San Antonio Water System’s Production Department. The Production Department oversees the essential functions of water services, monitoring production facilities 24/7. The group is also responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of the entire potable water production system, the Twin Oaks Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility and water recycling centers. Instrumentation services are provided for all treatment plants, heating and cooling facilities and lift stations.Sponsor:

Don Burger with City of Boerne speaking and EI2 for sponsoring the April meeting.

measures are not currently being used by ratings agencies.

This report demonstrates that in order for utility bond ratings to convey a public utility’s true credit risk, the rating opinion must incorporate the system’s vulnerability to water availability risks. Today’s credit rating agencies fail to incorporate these metrics consistently, leaving investors with insufficient information for managing their potential exposure in holding such bonds.

The report includes specific recommendations for water and electric utilities, underwriters, investors, and rating agencies to better evaluate, quantify, and disclose water risks in utility bonds.

assessIng WaTeR RIsk: a mODelThis report includes an innovative quantitative model, developed by PwC, to assess both water and electric utility water risk exposure by comparing their available supplies with projected water demand from 2011 to 2030. Drawing on public information gathered from federal reports, bond statements, and utility planning documents, the model generates a set of water risk scores that can be used by investors and credit rating agencies to better understand relative water risks among utility bonds. By coupling the water risk scores with other financial information already available in credit rating opinions and bond documents, investors can gain a more complete picture of a bond’s total risk profile.

The water risk scores were designed to give a sense of the relative risk of undersupply of water over a 20-year period based on the utility’s present supply mix as described in bond official statements. The water risk score is not an indicator of the likelihood of default.

The model was applied to eight investment-grade public utility bonds: six water bonds and two electric power bonds. The 30-year bonds are all in regions with growing populations and increasing pressures on water supplies. Other public utility bonds not modeled in this study may also face water risks.

To quantitatively assess a utility’s exposure to water undersupply, the model simulates the projected levels of monthly water flows from water sources used by the utility and compares the available water to the utility’s monthly demand. Climate change presents many possible future scenarios with varying impacts. The simulations were conducted under four different climate change scenarios with varying expectations of wet and dry weather, and with various stress scenarios that would constrict water supplies for one- to five-year timeframes.

The stress scenarios reflect risks such as prolonged drought, interstate or regional legal conflicts over water supplies, and regulatory actions aimed at protecting endangered species and preserving water flows. Many of these scenarios are not unexpected for these eight utilities, which are already aware of such threats. Yet, their current bond ratings do not reflect such risks—let alone encourage them to take the appropriate steps to reduce the risks.

fInDIngsThe six water utility bonds that were modeled received wide-ranging water risk scores. *Among the key findings for the six water utility bonds:

• The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power’s water system bond received the highest risk score of all water utilities, based on tight

Steve Clouse with SAWS speaking, Brandon Thomas with SAWS for the Operator’s corner and CDM Smith for sponsoring

Page 4: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

TAWWA/WEAT

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

may/june 2012Pg. 4

Richard Stetzer, P.E. 281-980-7448

David Luedecke, P.E. 512-288-8552

www.newmanregencygroup.com

Representing Manufacturers of Water/Wastewater Treatment Equipment

completewater services

Serving Texas Since 1941

carollo.com

Dallas 972 .239.9949Fort Worth 817.882 .0528Austin 512 .453.5383San Antonio 210 .829.5612Houston 281.872 .4512Corpus Christi 361.881.8440

restrictions on local water supplies due to environmental regulations and prolonged drought. The municipal system, the nation’s largest, is also highly reliant on vulnerable water imports, including the Colorado River. The utility’s water bond was rated “AA+” and “Aa2” by Fitch and Moody’s, respectively, earlier this year.

• Atlanta’s Water and Sewer System received the second highest water risk score a direct result of its reliance on one key local water supply whose future is jeopardized by a judicial order that may require the city to reduce its withdrawals by as much as 40 percent in 2012. The utility’s water bond received “A” and “A1” ratings from Fitch and Moody’s, respectively, earlier this year.

• The Phoenix and Glendale, AZ utilities—systems with high reliance on increasingly expensive and potentially volatile out-of-state water imports from the Colorado River—also received high water risks scores. The Phoenix bond is rated “AAA” and Glendale bond “AA” by Standard & Poor’s.

• Water risk scores for the Tarrant County, TX utility were double those of the neighboring Dallas system. The wide gap is the result of Tarrant County’s consistent drawdown on critical storage reservoirs to meet water demand, which makes the system more vulnerable to prolonged drought. Both utilities have identical credit ratings.

Based on other financial factors, the six water utilities profiled have far different capacities to manage their respective water risks, whether by borrowing more money to develop new water supplies or managing demand through more aggressive water pricing and conservation programs. A utility with high water risk scores and low debt capacity will likely have more difficulty managing water risk than a utility with similar risk scores and a higher ratio of revenue to debt service costs. Similarly, a utility with high water risk scores and relatively low water rates may be better positioned to reduce its water risks by managing demand, compared to a utility with similar risk scores but already higher water rates.

InvesTOR RIsks anD THe ROle Of CReDIT RaTIng agenCIesReduced revenues caused by water supply shortfalls can compromise the value of utility bonds in two ways. First, reduced revenues can undercut a utility’s ability to make timely payments to bond holders, potentially leading to default. Second, diminished credit capacity of a utility may result in a negative outlook or financial stress that may reduce the price of the bonds when sold on the secondary market. Utilities that fail to factor water stress into water or power pricing, debt reserves and capital expenditures may find themselves in a vicious cycle of credit stress as they face constraints on water supply, are unable to make key system investments to deliver services, and are increasingly reliant on tenuous pricing adjustments and tax referenda to maintain their financial position.

Yet bond investors are largely unaware of these risks—and the uneven scrutiny of the credit rating agencies in evaluating these risks is a big reason why. Our analysis shows that credit ratings agencies’ methodologies largely ignore water risk and may even unintentionally foster wasteful water consumption. Many credit ratings reward pricing and infrastructure plans that encourage increased water use and

Page 5: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

Pg. 5

TAWWA/WEAT

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

may/june 2012

revenue growth with disregard for even near-term supply constraints and likely disruptions. No current ratings methodologies reward water utilities for having water pricing that reflects scarcity and encourages conservation or for selecting supply alternatives that boost local resources in favor of risky water imports. Moreover, the ratings agencies routinely assume water supplies will be consistent with the recent past, and do not conduct “stress tests” on utility systems to understand the revenue effects of supply shocks.

key ReCOmmenDaTIOnsInvestors, rating agencies, and public utilities all need to do a better job of managing their exposure to water scarcity risks. Improved information and disclosure of issuers’ exposure and sensitivity to water stress is critical on all fronts. Such disclosure will protect investors from such risks and drive improved management of ever-scarcer water resources. Below is a summary of key recommendations for utilities, investors, and credit rating agencies to manage emerging water risks in utility bonds.

WaTeR uTIlITIes• Improve disclosure of material water stresses such as exposure to

persistent drought or long-term climatic changes, interstate legal conflicts over shared water resources, and potential and existing regulatory actions related to environmental flows. Disclosure should also include an assessment of potential capital costs, rate adjustments, and revenue effects from water supply risks.

• Implement strategies to manage demand and reduce leakage, such as costeffective infrastructure improvements to reduce water loss, and deployment of conservation incentives and new pricing strategies that reflect water scarcity and reward water-savings.

• Invest in infrastructure that reduces risk such as “closed loop” alternative supplies (including indirect potable reuse), and green infrastructure that restores natural hydrological systems, promotes rainwater harvesting and natural water capture, thus recharging aquifers and protecting water supplies.

BOnD unDeRWRITeRs• Assist utilities in disclosing their sensitivity to water stress and

plans for mitigating their risk. To fulfill their duty to assist issuers in disclosing all material risks in official statements and reports, underwriters should ensure that issuer adequately disclose material water risks and water-related events—including legal rulings and regulatory actions—that may materially impair a utility’s revenue stream or impose significant capital costs.

• Help to secure competitive cost of capital for utilities managing water risk. Underwriters should help issuers that are undertaking strategies to reduce water risk—such as pursuing demand-side management or investing in more secure alternative supplies—to secure lower cost of capital.

RaTIng agenCIes• Employ water risk stress tests to understand an issuer’s sensitivity to

stresses such as legal rulings over contested resources, restrictions for environmental reasons, or changing climatic conditions.

• Factor water intensity into rating opinions for electric utilities.

Rating agencies can help investors understand this water risk by incorporating factors such as utilities’ water intensity, incidence of water-related shutdowns, and vulnerability of cooling systems to physical and regulatory risks into rating opinions.

• Reward, via higher ratings, utilities that manage water demand through pricing in anticipation of future supply constraints.

InvesTORs• Engage utilities on their sensitivity to water stress, principally by

encouraging better disclosure of water risks.

• Encourage asset managers, who oversee their investments, to assess and engage utilities on water risks. Investors can ask for this via asset manager requests for proposals and annual performance reviews.

• Request guidance from financial regulators for better disclosure of water and climate-related risks by municipal utilities. Municipal issuers are not subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) 2010 interpretive guidance, which directs corporate issuers to disclose material information related to the physical effects of climate change, including water risks. To ensure similar disclosure by municipal utilities, investors should engage the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board and the SEC to provide guidance to issuers and underwriters regarding disclosure of material water and climate risks.

*This report was published in 2010, and certain legal developments since then might have changed the nature of risk for some of the utilities used as examples in this report. However, the larger trend of water risk in the municipal debt market remains the same.

Sudoku

4 2

1 3

7 2

4 8 1

1 2

7 3 9 5

3 4

7 8

5 3 6 8

Answers on Page 13

Page 6: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

TAWWA/WEAT

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

may/june 2012Pg. 6

INVESTING IN YOUR CAREER (SUN04) Sunday, June 10, 2012 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Dallas Convention Center

ACE12 WORKSHOP FOR YOUNG

PROFESSIONALS Starting out in your water career? Getting ready to graduate? Attend this ACE12 Sunday Workshop and learn:

Leadership skills- why the water industry needs you! Characteristics of a Successful Employee- how to make a difference! Best Communication Methods Professional Networking Skills- practice makes perfect! Why YOU are the future of the water industry.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

Fiona Allen, Regional Manager, Northern Region Trinity River Authority of Texas Stuart Karasik, Training Program Manager, City of San Diego Mary Gugliuzza, Media Relations and Communications Coordinator, City of Fort Worth Jim Ginley, Malcolm Pirnie/Arcadis

REGISTRATION

Cost: $75 includes lunch, breaks and Sunday exhibit hall pass To register: www.awwa.org/ace12

o Select Registration o You don’t have to attend the full ACE12 conference to attend the Workshop. You may

only attend the Workshop if desired. Questions? Contact Nancy Sullivan at [email protected] or 303-347-6155.

www.awwa.org/ace12

Page 7: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

Pg. 7

TAWWA/WEAT

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

may/june 2012

In an attempt to better serve the Young Professional (YP) members, we are asking that all members under the age of 35, or less than 10 years in the industry, please e-mail Lizanne Douglas at: [email protected] with their name, e-mail, and phone number.

If there are others in your offices who are not yet TAWWA/WEAT members, but might also be interested in participating in YP events and functions, please pass this request on to them.

CallIng all yOung PROfessIOnals!

Congratulations to the newly appointed vice chair of TAWWAAt the TAWWA Business Meeting on Wednesday, April 11th, Alissa Lockett was elected Vice-Chair of TAWWA. As Vice-Chair, Alissa will Co-chair the Program Committee for Texas Water 2013, which will be in Galveston. Alissa has been in the water industry for ten years and currently manages the execution of a variety of wastewater treatment, recycled water, and water resources projects at the San Antonio Water System, including the re-rating of the Dos Rios Water Recycling Center and the Regional Carrizo Program: Schertz Parkway Pump Station.

Trooper Smith will be working directly with Alissa representing WEAT as the Co-chair of the Program Committee for Texas Water 2013.

www.kimley-horn.com

THE WATER & WASTEWATER CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS

Jeffrey McCordTexas Business Development Manager

phone: 817.337.5281fax: 817.337.5289

[email protected]

www.westernsummit.com

WESTERN SUMMIT CONSTRUCTORS, INC.

Page 8: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

TAWWA/WEAT

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

may/june 2012Pg. 8

Texas Water 2012 – Done right in San Antonio!Over the last year of record setting heat – Texas Water 2012 continued this trend in San Antonio by being the Hottest Texas Water on record! The Texas Water 2012 hit record numbers on total participants and booth sales. This great effort is directly connected to the wonderful San Antonio Local Host Committee and Conference Volunteers that helped make this the best event to date. Congratulations to our community of water and wastewater professionals.

Texas WaTeR lOCal HOsT COmmITTeeCHaIRs: Meagan Brown, San Antonio Water System (WEAT); Marisa Treviño Vergara, CP&Y (TAWWA)

COmPeTITIOns: Jeff Sober, Carollo Engineers; Rhonda Harris, Pro-Ops, Inc.; Jeff Andrews, Meg Conner, San Antonio Water System

DOOR PRIzes: Richard Donat, San Antonio Water System; Ron Emmons, City of Fair Oaks Ranch

DODsOn DRIve 5k: Kris Kneese, HDR

evenTs: Amy Middleton, CAS Engineers; Alissa Lockett, San Antonio Water System; Lauren Hawa, Freese & Nichols

exHIBITs: Rhonda Harris, Pro-Ops, Inc.; Donald Lange, Black & Veatch

fInanCe: Vicente Garza, San Antonio Water System

gOlf: Joe Aillet, Kira Iles, Black & Veatch

guesT PROgRams: Erin Newberry, San Antonio River Authority; Lyn Pitman, San Antonio Water System

mODeRaTORs: Lisa Guardiola, San Antonio Water System

POsTeRs: Kerry Avert, Rosa Valdez, San Antonio Water System

PuBlICITy/PuBlICaTIOns: Mario Aguilar, Celina Alvarez; Michael Graef, San Antonio Water System

RegIsTRaTIOn: Alycia Tretta, San Antonio Water System Signs; Ryan Sowa, Kimley-Horn; Brian Wilkie, San Antonio Water System

TOuRs: Roberto Macias, San Antonio Water System

TRansPORTaTIOn: David Davenport, Canyon Regional Water Authority

vOlunTeeRs: Adam Conner, San Antonio Water System; Melissa Bryant, San Antonio River Authority

WaTeR fOR PeOPle: Jonathan Vorheis, Stephen Bianchetta, CH2M Hill

yOung PROfessIOnals: Kris Kneese, Heather Lindner, HDR; Lizanne Douglas, Freese & Nichols

The San Antonio Committee of Water For People was in charge of running the Silent Auction at Texas Water. First off – the results. The Committee exceeded all previous Silent Auctions with a total of $15,948 raised. It took 3 solid months of preparation to pull this off, and was only possible because of the strong local Committee. Shown is a photo of many of the Committee members working on activities on the day before the Silent Auction. The committee was busy finalizing posters, labeling all the 125+ items and sorting them for transportation to the Convention Center.

Water For People Silent Auction

L to R: Cale Underberg, Robert Jenkins, Julia Velez, Cristian Moza, Valerie Pena, Lyn Pitman, Josh Marazzini, Veronica Godley, Jonathan Vorheis, Steve Renneker, Ron Emmons and Hilma Perez. Those not pictured, but who were active participants include: Rob Cullwell, Jaime Kypuros, Ramon Salazar, Adam Conner, Rosa Valdez, Stephen Bianchetta, Rikki Anderson, Judith Coker, Marisa Vergara and David Davenport.

Page 9: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

Pg. 9

TAWWA/WEAT

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

may/june 2012

San Antonio Wins Big!San Antonio members won big at Texas Water in 2012. Listed below are some highlights to share.

aWWa CHaPTeR Of THe yeaRAnd the winner goes to…South Texas Chapter!The first winner of the Chapter of the Year Award is the South Texas Chapter. Our chapter serves the greater San Antonio metropolitan area and is a joint chapter with the Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT) San Antonio Section. Our chapter was recognized for achievements in the community service and communications categories.

WaTeR envIROnmenT assOCIaTIOn Of Texas & Texas seCTIOn - ameRICan WaTeR WORks assOCIaTIOnken mIlleR WaTeR fOR PeOPle fOunDeR’s aWaRDMarisa Vergara – CP&Y, Inc.

The Kenneth J. Miller Founder’s Award was established in 2001 by the Board of Directors of Water For People to honor outstanding volunteer service to this international humanitarian effort. Water For People was conceived as a North American response to the water, sanitation and health needs of millions of families living in the developing world.

Texas seCTIOn - ameRICan WaTeR WORks assOCIaTIOnYOUNG PROFESSIONALS MAVERICK AWARDAdam Conner – San Antonio Water System

The Maverick Award recognizes an outstanding Young Professional within the Texas Section of AWWA who exemplifies exceptional qualities in the following areas: Volunteerism, Community Involvement, Leadership, and Outstanding Service in the science of water supply, treatment, operations, and quality. Young Professionals are those individuals who are a member of AWWA under the age of 35 who work or are involved in the water industry.

SAWS WINS AT 2012 COMPETITIONS

Left: Jason Escobido – NBU (3rd) Center: Johnny Rodriguez – SAWS (1st) Right: Dennis Laskowski – SAWS (2nd) – Meter Maddness

Lt to RT: Reginal Robledo, Yolanda Garcia, Leslie Morales, Lisa Rivera – 1st Women – Pipe Tapping

Lt to Rt: Gilbert Salas, Gibby Campos (Coach), Manual Gonzales (Coach), Eugene Mora, Eric Lucio – 1st Men – Pipe Tapping

Lt to Rt: Manual Gonzales (Coach) Elizabeth Escobedo, Alycia Tretta, Laura Losoya – 2nd Women – Pipe Tapping

Page 10: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

TAWWA/WEAT

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

may/june 2012Pg. 10

ameRICan WaTeR WORks assOCIaTIOnlIfe memBeRsHIP aWaRDs

The AWWA Life Membership Awards are given to those members who have achieved 30 years of service to the water community and AWWA and are at least 65 years old.

Congratulations to Mr. Edwin Ford, San Antonio

WaTeR envIROnmenT assOCIaTIOn Of TexaslIfe memBeRsHIP aWaRD

The WEF Life Membership Awards are given to those members who have achieved 35 years of service to the water/wastewater community and WEF and are at least 65 years old.

Congratulations to Mr. S.A. Russell Jr., Fair Oaks Ranch

ReCRuITmenT aWaRD

The WEAT Recruitment Awards are given to those members who show outstanding recruitment effort.

Congratulations to Mr. Dennis Laskowski, San Antonio

WaTeR COnseRvaTIOn aDvIsORy COunCIl/Texas WaTeR DevelOPmenT BOaRDBlue legaCy aWaRDs

neW BRaunfels uTIlITIes & san anTOnIO WaTeR sysTem

Recognizing the importance of conservation in meeting our future demand, the 80th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature (2007) via the passage of Senate Bill 3 and House Bill 4, directed the Texas Water Development Board to appoint members of the newly created Water Conservation Advisory Council.

WaTeR envIROnmenT assOCIaTIOn Of TexasmunICIPal WasTeWaTeR TReaTmenT PlanT Of THe yeaR - CaTegORy 1 (<1 mgD)

…presented to a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Texas that has consistently exhibited outstanding performance of daily activities beyond the normal call of duty.

CORDIlleRa RanCH WasTeWaTeR TReaTmenT PlanT

guaDaluPe-BlanCO RIveR auTHORITy

WaTeR envIROnmenT assOCIaTIOn Of TexassIDney l. allIsOn aWaRD

...to a person or organization that has made significant contributions to the engineering, science, and/or operation and maintenance of wastewater collection and pumping stations with the mission to transport wastewater to a treatment plant.

san anTOnIO RIveR auTHORITy

WasTeWaTeR COlleCTIOns DePaRTmenT

WaTeR envIROnmenT assOCIaTIOn Of Texas & Texas seCTIOn - ameRICan WaTeR WORks assOCIaTIOnWaTeRmaRk aWaRDs

Category II. Periodicals: magazines or newsletters. Honorable Mention Guadalupe Blanco River Authority - River Run

Category III. Publications: annual reports, annual water quality reports, brochures, direct mail materials and other multi-page publications. San Antonio Water System - 2012 Safety Calendar Honorable Mention Guadelupe Blanco River Authority - Clean Rivers Program 2011 Basin Highlights Report

Category vII. Audio and visual: videos, DVDs, slide shows, Power Point presentations, etc. San Antonio Water System - 2011 End of Year Video

Page 11: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

Pg. 11

TAWWA/WEAT

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

may/june 2012

World class experience—local presence

Around the world and close to home, CH2M HILL employees provide the full spectrum of consulting, design, design-build, operations, and program management services that support your project goals and improve quality of life.

ch2mhill.com

Proudly Representing:

www.odessapumps.com 888-673-9863 [email protected]

Serving the Water/Wastewater markets with locations throughout Texas.

Aal

iyah

Del

ilah

Fran

cisc

o

Han

na

colla

rd g

reen

s

endi

ve

onio

ns

radi

shes

Cin

emax

HB

O

PB

S

TNT

First Names Vegetables Channels

Ord

ers

Cha

nnel

sVe

geta

bles

second

third

fourth

fifth

Cinemax

HBO

PBS

TNT

collard greens

endive

onions

radishes

CLUES1. The one who loves radishes is not Hanna.2. The person who watched TNT doesn’t enjoy

collard greens or onions.3. The person who watched HBO loves endive.4. Either the one who loves onions or the one

who loves radishes is Hanna.5. The person who watched PBS doesn’t enjoy

radishes.6. Francisco is closer to the front of the line

than the person who watched HBO.7. Of Aaliyah and Hanna, one watched HBO and

the other is second is line.8. The one who is fifth in line watched PBS.9. The person who watched HBO is farther

down the line than the person who watched Cinemax.

Answers on Page 13

Orders First Names Vegetables Channelssecond

third

fourth

fifth

Logic Puzzle

Page 12: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

TAWWA/WEAT

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

may/june 2012Pg. 12

TAWWA / WEAT SOUTH TEXAS SECTION

JUNE MONTHLY MEETINGJUNE MONTHLY MEETING

Where:

When:

Thursday, June 21, 201211:30 A.M.

Where:San Antonio Water SystemTower II – 1st FloorRoom C145 2800 US Hwy. 281 NorthSan Antonio, Texas

Speaker:

Mr. Jim Doersam, P.E.Senior Engineer,San Antonio River Authority

Topic: “SARA Graytown Wastewater Collection System"

THIS MONTH’S MEETING IS SPONSORED BY Freese and Nichols, Inc.

Please RSVP by noon, Wednesday, June 20, 2012 to:Jana Cezeaux, Secretary, San Antonio Chapter, WEATEmail: [email protected] Phone: 210-253-2869The price for lunch is $12.00 with RSVP, $15.00 without RSVP

Page 13: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

Pg. 13

TAWWA/WEAT

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

may/june 2012

The TAWWA officer’s for 2012-2013 are:Melissa Bryant, P.E. – Past President

Greg Swoboda, P.E. – PresidentSteve Renneker, P.E. – Vice President

Lizanne Douglas, P.E. – SecretaryVicente Garza, P.E. – Treasurer

Steve Renneker, P.E.Vice PresidentHometown: Hamilton, Ohio

Educational Background: B.S. Civil Engineering, The Ohio State University (Chi-Epsilon)

Current Job / Work History: Project Manager at Vickrey & Associates – helps develop business in the water / wastewater market; over 30 years of experience, most of which were at SAWS where he designed 1,500,000 inear feet of water and sewer mains, pump stations, Edwards and Trinity water wells, chlorine and fluoride facilities, pump stations, and ground and elevated storage tanks

Why You Joined AWWA: originally joined to keep informed on new technologies and operational strategies; have stayed a member to be more involved in community service by helping to run the Water For People Golf Tournament and participating in each Basura Bash

Hobbies: playing golf, watching college football, classic movies

Vicente Garza TreasurerHometown: San Antonio, Texas

Educational Background: B.S. Civil Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio (Cum Laude)

Current Job / Work History: Project Engineer, Production Recycle and Treatment Engineering Department at the San Antonio Water System; 12 years of experience in the water and wastewater areas, all with SAWS.

Why You Joined AWWA: : to connect with professionals in the water and wastewater industry through avenues such as committee activities, training and social events; to be well aware of the latest changes in the regulations that may affect our jobs; to meet people with similar interests, and to contribute to the success of AWWA.

Hobbies: Coaching and playing soccer, hiking, sightseeing, watching Law & Order Criminal Intent, and fantasy football of course.

Congratulations to theNewly Appointed 2012-2013 TAWWA South Texas

Chapter Officers

The San Antonio Section of WEAT is accepting nominations for Section Vice President and Secretary.

*Ballots will be picked up at the June meeting!*

Submit nominations via email toJosh Marazzini (President) at [email protected] orJana Cezeaux (Secretary) at [email protected]

The Vice President will: • Assist the President in her duties• Act as President in her absence• Perform other duties as required

The Secretary will:• Take minutes at officer meetings• Distribute announcements to all Section members• Perform other duties as required.

*Official ballots will be distributed at the June meeting where all those that are attending who work in the water/wastewater industry are eligible to vote.

The San Antonio Section of WEATis soliciting nominations for

Vice President and Secretary

Page 14: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

TAWWA/WEAT

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

may/june 2012Pg. 14

SouthTexasChapter

Summer SeminarEmerging Issues in the Water/Wastewater Industry

For Additional Information Contac t:

Jonathan VorheisChair, Summer Seminar Planning CommitteePhone: 210.321.6256

e-mail: [email protected]

Josh MarazziniCo-Chair, Summer Seminar Planning

CommitteePhone: 210.464.8004

e-mail: [email protected]

Hosted by San Antonio Water System

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT FORMReturn form and payment to:

Summer Seminar, c/o Water Environment Association of Texas1825 Fort View Road, Suite 102, Austin, TX 78704-7654

Phone: 512.693.0060 e-mail: [email protected] Fax: 512.693.0062

Online Registration at: www.weat.orgName__________________________________

Title/Position_____________________________

Company________________________________

Street Address___________________________

City_____________State______Zip__________

Phone__________________________________

Fax____________________________________

Email (confirmations will be emailed) ___________________

License Number*__________________________*Please provide license number for operator credit

_______________________________________

$65/Person ($85 after 7/20/12)

AMEX Discover

VISA MasterCard

Check Pay Pal

Credit Card No_________________

______________________________

Exp. Date_____________________

______________________________

Card Holder Name______________

______________________________Make check/money order payable to:

Water Environment Association of TexasTax ID-74-1969689

August 10, 20129 AM to 4 PMSan Antonio Water SystemTower II, 1st Floor2800 US Hwy 281 North

San AntonioSection

Thank you to our growing list of sponsors:

Page 15: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

Pg. 15

TAWWA/WEAT

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

may/june 2012

10TH Annual SOUTH TEXAS

TAWWA/WEAT BOWLING SOCIALBenefitting

The Brad Groves Scholarship FundCome join us for an evening of bowling with your

friends and family. Door prizes will be givenalong with popcorn and pizza!

*Cost includes soda, food, shoes and all gamesplayed between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Please RSVP no later than Wednesday, June 6thto Lizanne Douglas ([email protected]).

SPONSORED BY:

PLACE: AMF Country Lanes 13307 San Pedro (281 & Bi ers) 210-496-3811TIME: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.DATE: Friday, June 8, 2012COST*: $12.00 per Adult $8.00 per Child (12 & under)

Page 16: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

TAWWA/WEAT

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

may/june 2012Pg. 16

Answer to sudoku puzzle on page 5:Answer to logic puzzle on page 8:

Orders First Names Vegetables Channelssecond

third

fourth

fifth

HannaFranciscoAaliyahDelilah

OnionsRadishesEndive

Collard greens

CinemaxTNTHBOPBS

Local TAWWA / WEAT ContactsTaWWa, south Texas Chapter Officers

Office name Day Phone fax no. e-mailPresident Greg Swoboda, P.E. 210-841-2800 210-841-2828 [email protected]

Past President Melissa Bryant, P.E. 210-302-3611 210-302-3692 [email protected] President Steve Renneker, P.E. 210-321-5327 [email protected]

Secretary Lizanne Douglas, P.E. 210-298-3818 210-298-3801 [email protected] Vicente Garza, P.E. 210-233-3596 210-841-2828 [email protected] David Davenport 830-609-0543 830-609-0740 [email protected]

Deputy Trustee Andrea Beymer, P.E. 210-233-3490 210-233-5490 [email protected] Chair Alissa Lockett, P.E. 210-233-3401 210-233-4494 [email protected]

Finance Chair Andrew Hunt, P.E. 210-321-4353 210-854-9518 [email protected] Chair Marisa Vergara, P.E. 210-494-8004 210-494-8286 [email protected]

Water For People Chair Jonathan Vorheis, P.E. 210-321-6256 210-349-8944 [email protected] Representative Lizanne Douglas, P.E. 210-298-3818 210-298-3801 [email protected] Representative Adam Conner 210-233-3452 210-233-4862 [email protected]

WeaT, south Texas section Officers

Office name Day Phone fax no. e-mailPresident Josh Marazzini, P.E. 210-494-8004 210-494-8286 [email protected]

Past President Roberto Macias 210-233-3987 210-233-4406 [email protected] President David Bennett, P.E. 210-298-3829 210-298-3801 [email protected]

Secretary Jana Cezeaux 210-826-3200 210-826-8876 [email protected] Cale Underberg, P.E. 210-841-2917 210-841-2828 [email protected]

Section Representative Dennis Laskowski, P.E. 210-233-3682 210-233-5234 [email protected] Chair Josh Marazzini, P.E. 210-494-8004 210-494-8286 [email protected] Representative Heather Lindner, P.E. 210-841-2826 210-841-2828 [email protected] Representative Kris Kneese, P.E. 210-841-2916 210-841-2828 [email protected]

Page 17: Tawwa/weaT may – june 2012 Issue 84 South Texas Chaptersections.weat.org/sanantonio/newsletters/2012MayJune.pdf · Municipal Debt Market By Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance

Pg. 17

TAWWA/WEAT

South Texas Chaptere-Newsletter

may/june 2012

Contact Andrew Hunt ([email protected]) for information on advertising.

aRe yOu ReCeIvIng THIs e-neWsleTTeR In eRROR?

Please e-mail Lizanne Douglas ([email protected]) to be removed from the list.

Upcoming Meetings and EventsDate Topic/Presenter event Host location

June 6-7, 2012 Laboratory Topics Seminar WEAT Austin, TXJune 21, 2012 TAWWA/WEAT Monthly Meeting TAWWA/WEAT San Antonio, TXJuly 19, 2012 TAWWA/WEAT Monthly Meeting TAWWA/WEAT San Antonio, TX

July 20, 2012 Water Reuse Seminar Water Reuse Texas, WEAT, TAWWA Fort Worth, TX

August 10, 2012 Summer Seminar San Antonio Water System San Antonio, TXAugust 20-21, 2012 CMOM 2012 WEAT/EPA Austin, TX

August 24, 2011 WFP Golf Tournament Water for People Canyon Springs Golf Club San Antonio

September 29 - October 3, 2012 WEFTEC 2012 WEF New Orleans, LA

November 13, 2012 Texas Water Environment Horizon WEAT Long Center, Austin, TX