17607_PMAA_Authority_June_2024

36 The Authority | June 2024 data, to the water treatment plant staff logging sample information, to the management staff editing data and tracking information in data dashboards, to the GIS Administrator ensuring the system is running properly. GIS has become an integral part of HSWA’s operations over the past 20 years. HSWA equips each field technician with an iPad containing the ESRI ArcGIS Field Maps App to view and edit GIS data. This allows the field technicians to document hydrant maintenance, valve exercising, leaks, water samples, Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) data, and more. Changes to data created or edited in the field can be viewed by all employees in real-time. To monitor data changes, HSWA makes use of various ArcGIS Data Dashboards. Dashboards, such as the Hydrant Maintenance, PRV Maintenance and Valve Exercising Dashboards allow HSWA to be proactive with infrastructure maintenance. Other dashboards assist HSWA in planning future projects, as they display statistics and trends of the existing infrastructure. For example, the Water Main Status Dashboard helps HSWA pinpoint frequent water leak locations and identify aging water mains to determine which water mains are in need of replacement. Telemetry Another technology that HSWA utilizes to monitor data and plan for the future is Telemetry. This allows HSWA to view system flows on a regular basis to determine if there are any issues within the system; trends can also be determined if issues are slowly arising. The telemetry system will also send out alarms if there are any issues that require immediate response. On the sewer side of telemetry, HSWA is able to view flows and equalization tank capacity status in real-time and adjust the system flows as necessary. We continually add sites throughout the system to isolate issue areas and determine deficiencies faster. HSWA also utilizes cloud-based meter hosting for various meters throughout the water system and monitors for water loss. Keeping Water an Affordable Resource In an ever-changing economy, HSWA strives to keep water utilities an affordable resource. Continual system improvements to reduce water loss, constant monitoring of telemetry, constant system replacements and equipment upgrades, continuing education for employees, and utilizing PENNVEST grants and low interest loans to complete major projects, all allow HSWA to keep customer bills low. While we strive to keep rates low, we know the need to annually analyze the budget to adjust rates in order to keep up with inflation. Wind Turbines HSWA receives royalties from 15 wind turbines constructed on HSWA properties near the Beaverdam and Lloydell reservoirs to help reduce customer fees. The wind turbines are part of the Highland North, Cambria Winds, and Allegheny Ridge Wind Farms. HSWA was environmentally conscious in selecting locations for many of the wind turbines. Several wind turbines were constructed on land that had previously been strip- mined and sludge refuse areas, with sparse vegetation. Each wind turbine generates up to 2,500 kilowatts, which is dispersed throughout the electrical grid, helping to offset energy generated by fossil fuels. HSWA equipment for sewer project Well station site System wi Highland article continued from page 7.