Monthly Blog

Contributed by Adele Rucker 
Adele Rucker is the RMWQAA President and Laboratory Services Manager in South Platte Renew’s Laboratory. 

Where can you see over 55 teams compete in what is called The Wastewater Olympics?

Operations Challenge at WEFTEC of course!

Ops challenge is a competition, organized by WEF, the Water Environment Federation, where teams of wastewater collection and treatment professionals compete and display their skills. 

In the competition, teams compete to earn the highest score in five different events. Each team includes four members and often a coach as well. Each event is designed to test the diverse skills required for the operation and maintenance of water resource recovery facilities, collection systems, and laboratories. The five events are collections systems, laboratory, process control, maintenance and safety. Here is a summary of each event:

Collections Event

The event simulates connecting a 4-inch PVC lateral sewer to an 8-inch PVC sewer pipe; replacing a leaking section of existing 8-inch PVC sewer pipe while in service; and the construction of the Victaulic Pipe Tower per defined procedures.

Safety Event

Scenario: While a facility crew is working, one of the workers collapses inside a manhole.  The coworker is found at the bottom of a lift station (confined space) unconscious.  It is suspected that he/she has been overcome with an unknown gas or lack of oxygen due to a worn 4” check valve gasket in the station.  The in-plant rescue/repair team is immediately called to the scene. The Ops challenge team then safely rescues the coworker.

Maintenance Event

The purpose of this event is to test the skills of a maintenance team in response to issues at a sanitary pumping station. 

Process Control

The Process Control event consists of handwritten and computerized activities and simulations to test the relative process control skills of the teams.  This event highlights skills used to run a wastewater treatment plant. The questions include all areas of wastewater treatment.

Laboratory Event

Laboratory results are valuable as a record of plant operations.  This data lets the operator know how efficiently the plant is running and help predict and prevent troubles that may be developing within the various processes. Laboratory results are required as a record of performance for regulatory agencies and are of value to the operations staff and design engineers for performance optimization, troubleshooting, determination of loadings, and for determining when plant expansions are necessary. For these reasons, laboratory tests should be conducted as carefully and consistently as possible and according to appropriate analytical methods.

The entire event fosters cross training, professional development, leadership and teamwork.  Improve old skills, learn new skills, and prepare for the unexpected that is a win, win situation no matter the outcome of the competition.

Four teams from the Rocky Mountain Region competed in Ops Challenge at WEFTEC this year.  I had the privilege of being a judge in the laboratory event this year.  All of the teams worked hard to compete and we congratulate them all for their hard work and dedication.

Excerpts taken from Water Environment Federation, WEF, www.wef.org and RMWEA, rmwea.org

Contributed by Tyler Eldridge

Tyler Eldridge is a volunteer member of the RMWQAA Board, prior laboratory analyst, and current manager of Greeley’s Wastewater Treatment and Reclamation Facility.

My interest in biology as a child helped foster my love for science as I grew older. I used to collect as many books and fact sheets of animals as I could. Growing up, I was fascinated with the nature documentaries, raised on “The Crocodile Hunter,” “Planet Earth,” and “Blue Planet.” You can imagine the older nature books and documentaries didn’t put a whole lot of focus microbial organisms, as all the fun seemed to be in finding which animal was the biggest, heaviest, fastest, strongest. As course work expanded, lab work became more incorporated, and work with microscopy

led to a new interest in microbiology, a study focused on the incredibly diverse microbiological organisms and systems that impact nearly every facet of our day-to-day lives.

I wasn’t sure where exactly my biology degree would take me. I had high hopes of being a marine biologist at one point, but that is tough to do when much of your time is spent a mile above sea level and thousands of miles from the ocean. I certainly didn’t anticipate wastewater treatment as an opportunity to put my degree to the test, and it’s safe to say I was even quite ignorant as to what the process of treating wastewater looked like. Even when I began working in the City of Greeley’s Wastewater lab, the focus seemed to be on the chemistry side, analyzing concentrations of ammonia, phosphorus, and BOD to prove our worth. As I saw how these microscopic entities, such as bacteria, protozoa, and fungi, play a pivotal role in breaking down organic matter and nutrients I started to wonder why the lab didn’t also have a microscope like Operation’s. After all, outside of compliance monitoring, much of the work the lab performs is to help inform how the process is operating overall, and the efficiency of treatment processes largely depends on the microbial communities present. Operational challenges, such as odor complaints or excessive foam, can often be traced back to microbial imbalances. Microscopy provides insights into these issues, enabling teams to pinpoint causes and develop solutions. Why not combine efforts and allow for a more robust chemical and biological focus between Lab and Ops? The more eyes you have on a sample, the better opportunity you have to collaborate, interpret, and understand what microbiology is telling you about your plant.

It wasn’t until recently that we went an entire year without having to replace something expensive in the lab, leaving us with a little extra in the budget as the year closed. This seemed to be the perfect opportunity to see if there was any interest in getting the lab a microscope and some training in microbial analysis. Luckily, that interest was apparent, and a microscope was purchased for the plant’s compliance and process lab. While this was not new to Operations staff, it would be new to the Lab staff, and we felt that including the lab in microbial analysis would be a great opportunity to further develop a collaborative approach to problem-solving across the plant while improving process knowledge amongst those not in Operations. This past year we sent Ian (Operations) and Callie (Lab) to a local two-day Wastewater Microbiology & Process Control course, and the returns were instantaneous. Both came back with a new and refreshed understanding of what we can learn from analyzing the microbial systems in our plant, and the ability to put a numeric value on the biological system based on several factors they can determine from microscopic evaluation. They put in place a more frequent and robust microscopy plan and generate plenty of chatter amongst staff when they find and share new or exciting microbes from the process. Increasing the frequency while expanding the number of analysts able to do the work has allowed for more extensive evaluation of a system that may be more subjective at times than other lab parameters. 

I’ve noticed more process-related discussions occurring between Lab and Operations staff, which ultimately helps build a more informed treatment plant. One thing I struggled with early in my lab career was understanding the process implications from our findings, so helping foster additional communication and collaboration between staff was something I set my sights on. Wastewater is a complex mix of organic and inorganic materials. The efficiency of treatment processes largely depends on the microbial communities present, and it can be challenging to build a full understanding when the processes responsible are invisible to the naked eye. By examining samples under a microscope, we can identify key species that contribute to effective biodegradation, which informs process optimization.

I understand there are likely many places where this overlap between Ops and Lab staff on the microscopy side may be common practice, but for us it was a new adventure. Looking under the microscope has helped break up some of the day-to-day monotony that can build up over time, and the excitement when a particularly large bristle worm or strange looking suctoria is found is palpable. I even have the chance to jump out and grab a sample to look at for myself from time to time, which brings me a calming sense of wonder (assuming no filaments are present) about nature and biology that I often miss. If you don’t often get to see what’s under the scope, reach out to your operations team to get an understanding of just how much they learn from their microscope analysis, or get you a microscope and start fostering additional communication yourself!   

Contributed By Rich MacAlpine

Rich MacAlpine is a volunteer member of the RMWQAA Board, Co-chair of the Laboratory Practices Committee, and a supervisor at Metro Water Recovery.

As water professionals, we spend a lot of time analyzing, verifying, thinking about, and using water quality data. That is good! It is needed, and it can be fun work. I enjoy working in water quality, I enjoy my co-workers, associates in the field, the challenges, and I believe that this work provides a benefit to the world.

Speaking for myself though, sometimes I can get totally wrapped up in the purely scientific qualities of water. Suspended solids, conductivity, BOD, ammonia levels, pH, metals levels, Kjeldahl nitrogen, PFAS, dissolved phosphorous, emerging contaminants, salinity, all of these can become the only way that I view water.

However, I was recently able to go on a trip where I was able to reacquaint myself with other, non-purely scientific qualities of water. Many of these are the qualities of water that attracted me to a career in water quality to begin with. It was great to align myself again with what I will call the more fun qualities of water.

Listening to waves crashing on shore while falling asleep is a wonderfully relaxing experience. Jumping into a cold lake is fun, refreshing, and invigorating. Standing under a waterfall is a powerful feeling. Diving and snorkeling give views into a whole other wonderful world. Listening to a creek is rejuvenating. Watching barges on a river is inspiring and contemplative. Watching birds land on a pond is inspiring (and can also be hilarious!). Kayaking is (somehow, magically) both relaxing and great exercise. Going to an aquarium is still fun and still educational.

I felt a renewed connection with water and with my work by being able to get out of the purely laboratory qualities of water and into the more existential qualities of water. For anyone in the water field feeling a little run down or overwhelmed at work, getting out and enjoying water on a different level (be that physical, emotional, spiritual, visual, etc.) is highly recommended! There are so many great opportunities to enjoy and get out and be amazed again by the resource that you work so hard to preserve. When you find your water outside of the lab, it can inspire your work with water in the lab!

Contributed by Curtis Collins
Curtis Collins is a Water Quality Technician for the City and County of Broomfield and has a background in Fisheries Biology. His favorite activity is fishing for Cutthroat trout in high alpine lakes across Colorado.

Summer is here! As the weather heats up, so do water temperatures in our local ponds. Warm water temperatures can cause multiple issues for ponds, including algal blooms. Algal blooms occur in water when warm temperatures, abundant nutrients, and prolonged periods of light are present.

Negative effects of algal blooms:

●       Dense algal mats that can hinder recreational activities such as fishing.

●       Reduce dissolved oxygen levels in the pond which can lead to a fish kill.

●       A strong “decaying” smell when the algae dies.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are of most concern because they are algae or cyanobacteria blooms that produce toxins that are harmful to both humans and animals.

Potential health effects to humans or animals:

●       Skin and eye irritation

●       Nausea

●       Vomiting

●       Diarrhea

●       Liver damage

●       In some cases for animals, even death

It is important that microcystin toxin levels are evaluated when algal blooms occur and appropriate actions are taken if toxin numbers exceed safe levels for human and animal health. Waterbody closures and posting of signs to warn the public help deter direct contact with the impacted water.

How residents can help:

●       Limit the amount of fertilizer used on lawns to reduce nutrient levels in runoff.

●       Prevent leaves, grass, and other yard debris from entering our storm drainage system.

The History around rain harvesting is rich with human ingenuity. Every culture has developed some method of capturing rainwater – from India, to Greece, to Machu Picchu, Peru. Rainwater collection systems have been as simple as a banana leaf to a coconut or as elaborate as an underground cistern network for an entire fort or town. The practice of harvesting rainwater dates back at least 3,000 years. History has finally caught up to Colorado. Colorado law makers legalized rain barrels on August 10^th, 2016.  

Colorado Rules help remind everyone that water is very precious in Colorado, and it is owned by users downstream. Rain that lands on a rooftop is a property right that is owned by someone downstream.  Every drop counts, and water rights holders depend upon the runoff from snowmelt and rainfall.

The arid west is unique when it comes to managing water. The use of water is governed by what is known as the prior appropriation doctrine. This doctrine of water allocation controls who uses water, how much water may be used, the types of uses allowed, and when those waters can be used. Understanding the water laws can provide valuable insight into the way water is shared in Colorado.

After a couple of attempts at the state capital, House Bill 16-1005 was passed in 2016.  It is now legal to capture rainwater at your house.  For rain barrels to be legal in Colorado, downstream water rights owners must still be able to use their water rights.  To guarantee that the captured rainwater will not change the flows in the river, there are a few guidelines that rain barrel owners must follow:

• Anyone who lives in a house or townhouse with fewer than 4 units can use a rain barrel.
• A maximum of two rain barrels can be used at each household, and the combined storage of the two rain barrels cannot exceed 110 gallons.
• Rain barrels can only be used to capture rainwater from rooftop downspouts.
• The captured rainwater must be used on the same property from which the rainwater was captured, for only outdoor purposes.
• Rain barrel water cannot be used for drinking or other indoor water uses.
• The captured rainwater can be used for watering lawns, plants, and/or gardens.
• The capture and use of rainwater using rain barrels does not constitute a water right, and no permits are necessary.
• If a water right holder can prove that rain barrels have impacted their ability to receive the water that they are entitled to, then the State Engineer can curtail the use of individual rain barrels.
• Rain barrels need to be sealable to keep out mosquitos.
• For people on well water, there is a different set of guidelines that include a need for a collection permit. Water can be used outdoors and indoors and match the well use, and they can collect as much water as they want. 
• A homeowner’s association cannot ban the use of rain barrels; however, it can impose “reasonable” aesthetic requirements about the location and/or appearance of rain barrels.

Good practices will prolong the life of your rain barrel system and save you time and money. Like any other household appliance, rain barrels need to be inspected and cared for. Here are some recommendations:

• Rain barrels should be emptied periodically to clean out debris.
• If you plan to be away from the home for more than a week, you should disconnect your rain barrel from the downspout. A thunderstorm can easily overfill your barrel.
• Drain and disconnect during the winter. Water can freeze and crack your rain barrel. Don’t forget to adjust your gutter downspout so the water will run away from your house and not into a window well.
• Shade or cover your barrel to avoid weathering from the sun. Plastic will eventually get brittle and crack if left in direct sunlight.
• An overflow hose is a good idea. Have it drain at least 6 feet from the house.
• There are various ways to build and connect your rain barrel and each will depend on the location of a drain and individual property.  A little bit of thought and planning will help you maximize your results.

Are you Curious About How to Build, Install, and Maintain a Rain Barrel? 

Below is a summary of helpful ideas and suggestions on how to have a successful rain barrel. 

 

Colorado State Law (2016): Maximum of two 55-gal barrels, outdoor water use only, use at site where collected, no drinking, it is not a water right, avoid mosquitos. 

Be Ready: 1 inch of rain on 1,000 sq. foot roof equals 600 gallons of water.  That is 12 barrels worth of water.  Rain barrels fill up very quickly. 

Water Quality: Rain barrels are good for water conservation and also water quality. 

Location:   A full rain barrel weighs close to 480 pounds.  Make sure it is in a safe location on level ground.  Know how much water comes down your downspout.  Decide if you want it invisible or visible, left/center/right of downspout, and if you want it on the north or south side of the building. 

Materials:  Barrels can be plastic or steel and can be any size.  Conversion kits are available and easy to install but are not always the best choice.  It is good to use quality bulkhead tank fittings to attach drains, spigots, and other barrels.   

Spigot:  Drill a hole the proper size about 3” from the bottom.  Use ¾” size parts, and the spigot should be a quarter turn spigot. 

Inlet:  Drill/cut proper size on the side or top of barrel.  Good to put a cleanable screen on the inlet. 

Overflow: Drill a proper size overflow hole.  Make sure it is lower than the inlet. 

Install: Pick location and level the ground.  Use strong material to build the base.  Get the barrel into final position.  Have the spigot high enough for a bucket or hose to fit underneath.

Connect to Downspout:  There are two kinds – Split-Flow and All-Flow.  Split-Flow is when you use a diverter.  They are good for handling high flows, have a built-in overflow by using the downspout, and can disconnect from your house.  Downside - Split-Flow diverters are harder to install, you don’t get all the water, they can leak, and they can clog more.  All-Flow is when you alter your downspout so that all the water goes to the barrel.  These are easier to install, clog less, divert more water, and are good for light rains.  Downside - All-Flow systems are permanent, you cannot turn them off, and you must build an overflow system. 

Split-flow Diverters:  The ones that insert into the downspout are not the best because they clog and are not cleanable and overflow easily.  The “Y” diverter is a good one to use because it can be easily turned on and off.  There are others that flip down a spout but can be messier during big rains. 

Annual Maintenance:  Protect the plastic barrel from the sun or it will get brittle and crack.  Drain and clean at least once a year.  For the winter, disconnect and drain so that it does not freeze. 

Daily Maintenance: Check the volume in the barrel and drain it if a storm is coming. Clean the inlet screen of any gutter material.  Check for debris and leaks around the barrel.  Check the base to make sure it is still stable. 

Safety:  To avoid mosquitos, keep it dry, keep the water moving, and keep it sealed.  You can use larvicides.  Make sure it is stable and keep the water away from your foundation. 

Steve Lundt is a Senior Water Quality Scientist at Metro Water Recovery.  He has over 22 years of experience managing lakes and reservoirs in Colorado and the Pacific Northwest.  If you don’t find Steve on a boat working, you can find him on a bike path in Denver.

In light of the upcoming World Bee Day, celebrated on May 20^th, I thought I would give a shout out to the bees, but also would like to give recognition to all the native pollinators of Colorado. Pollinator species include ants, bees, beetles, butterflies, flies, birds, hummingbirds, and moths. A pollinator will move in an orderly fashion between flowers of the same plant species and gather pollen grains on their body which is then transferred from plant to plant resulting in cross-pollination. This is essential for plant reproduction and the production of most fruits and vegetables. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, about 80% of all flowering plants and over three-quarters of the staple crop plants rely on pollinators. However, this incredibly important species is facing various challenges such as habitat loss, misuse of pesticides, monocropping, pests, and disease. Given that May is a prime month for folks to begin planting and gardening, an important consideration is to plan a garden that is beneficial to pollinators. Pollinator habitats consist of a variety of flowering plants that provide nutrition and nesting space. These habitats can be big or small and consist of a variety of flowering plants that are attractive to both you and pollinators. An important factor to consider is to include a mixture of plant species that have bloom times ranging from early spring to late fall to provide pollen and nectar throughout the pollinator activity season. Other factors to be mindful of are providing flowers that are attractive to different species of pollinators. For example, bees prefer a broad range of plants and depending on the size of the bee, prefer larger or smaller flowers to be able to work more effectively. Even the structure of the flower can be more or less advantageous to different pollinator species. It is beneficial to plant in groups of flowers with similar structure rather than single plants scattered in the landscape.  Planting native flowering plants is cost effective, adapted to local soils and climate, and are usually the best sources of resources for pollinators. A list of flowers for all seasons can be found in the Colorado State University fact sheet: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/creating-pollinator-habitat-5-616/. For more information on the best practices to avoid and prevent impacts to pollinators, the Colorado Department of Agriculture has drafted a Pollinator Protection Plan containing guidelines in support of the health and proper management of pollinators and their habitats: https://ag.colorado.gov/plants/apiary-program-page/pollinator-protection.Ashley Romero is a Water Quality Scientist at GEI Consultants, Inc. and has a background in ecotoxicology.

Image from Pixaby

Ashley Romero is a Water Quality Scientist at GEI Consultants, Inc. and has a background in ecotoxicology.

Does anyone besides me feel like there are new regulations flying at you and trying to keep up is just HARD? I thought maybe a summary of some of those I have on the radar might help someone.

1. Lead or the LCRR and LCRI

a. Acronym Definitions: Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, GRR – Galvanized Requiring Replacement

b. The most important thing about complying with this rule right now is that systems must complete their inventory by October 16, 2024. However, the word “complete” is a misnomer. I have been using the word “refining” rather than completing. If you can report that you have no lead that’s awesome and you should go ahead and get that form submitted to the state. If you have or suspect or have no idea if you have lead then everything is considered an “unknown”. You can report your lead, galvanized requiring replacement and unknowns and keep working on identifying the unknowns. The trick will be, once the LCRI is in effect (on Oct 16th), the unknowns get counted in your placement requirement which will be 10% of your inventory. We will need to report another inventory number sometime after 2027 so there’s time to refine your inventory. Once you do the report to the state you have to notify everyone with lead, GRR and unknowns within 30 days.

c. After the rule in in effect, everyone will have to sample schools and daycares – even if you don’t have lead. The state did some sampling and we probably won’t have to re-sample those schools. A good starting point would be to build our list of schools, but I wouldn’t sample just yet because daycares and schools could change before LCRI takes effect after 2027.

d. There’s tons more to this rule, if you have questions, call! The state is also able to help!

2. PFAS

a. I heard recently the final rule should be out by April 8th.

b. This is the draft proposed to regulate PFOS and PFOA at 4 PPT and there are four other compounds which will use a new concept for drinking water of how the Hazard Index is calculated.

c. The drinking water rule could have ramifications for discharge permits. I expect they will use the drinking water MCLs to decide permit limits for discharges.

3. Dredge and Fill

a. This work seeks to protect the waters that the current WOTUS ruling does not. There are two bills working through the legislature and if you want more information, let me know.

• HB24-1379 - this bill will require CDPHE to set up the entire program of 404 permitting.
• SB24-127 - this bill sets up the program in the department of natural resources and will provide protection for the gap waters (ephemeral streams and wetlands).

4. COG641000 Water Treatment Plant Wastewater Discharge Permit Renewal

• If you have a general permit to discharge from your treatment plant, it might be changing. This does not impact individual permits. I do not know where the state landed on this as it has been a while since the meetings were held and the meeting this week is said to be the final stakeholder meeting.

a. The last stakeholder meeting was Apr 2nd and I can give people an overview later if they are interested. As I am writing this, the meeting has not been held.

5. Reg 100 Mandatory Regulatory Training (MRT) and TU matrix

a. There is supposed to be a stakeholder process to update the TU matrix which could impact operators holding certifications throughout the state. I have not seen any announcements but, please get involved.

b. A workgroup has been working to refine the MRT class. The Reg 100 board will have a stakeholder process to finish this work. Operators are encouraged to represent themselves in this process.

Sherry Scaggiari is the Environmental Compliance Principal at the City of Aurora. Sherry has a chemistry degree from CSU and made her start in environmental contract labs over 30 years ago. She has worked for the city of Aurora for 16 years. She is responsible for compliance for Aurora Water including supervising the MS4 inspections group, Environmental compliance and the Quality Control Laboratory.

Coming up with a topic to write about was harder than expected. Shouldn’t it be easy to think of a topic related to what we spend about 25% of our week focused on? We started reading through old blog posts to get some ideas and stumbled upon one written about Earth Day from a couple of years ago. We started googling holidays in March that could be beneficial to write about and it just so happens that World Water Day is coming up! Water Day sounded familiar, but we honestly could not tell you what day it was on. (For anyone else who’s like us, it’s on March 22^nd). So, with all of that being said, we present to you some background on World Water Day and a list of 5 ways we can honor it on March 22^nd.

World Water Day is an annual United Nations Observance that has been held on March 22^nd since 1993. Its purpose is to celebrate water and inspire action to tackle the global water crisis. The United Nations has a total of 17 sustainable development goals to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Goal 6 is directly correlated to World Water Day. This goal hopes to ensure access to water and sanitation for all by the year 2030. We only have 6 more years to make this goal happen and we are still far from it. The UN website describes the progress like this, “Despite great progress, billions of people still lack access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene. Achieving universal coverage by 2030 will require a substantial increase in current global rates of progress: sixfold for drinking water, fivefold for sanitation and threefold for hygiene.”

The 2024 theme of World Water Day is Water for Peace. The key messages listed on un.org are:

• Water can create peace or spark conflict. When water is scarce or polluted, or when people struggle for access, tensions can rise. By cooperating on water, we can balance everyone’s water needs and help stabilize the world.
• Prosperity and peace rely on water. As nations manage climate change, mass migration and political unrest, they must put water cooperation at the heart of their plans.
• Water can lead us out of crisis. We can foster harmony between communities and countries by uniting around the fair and sustainable use of water – from United Nations conventions at the international level, to actions at the local level.

Here are some easy, sustainable options for you to do and encourage others to participate in to support World Water Day:

1. Consider switching to laundry detergent sheets. Look for brands that are plant-based and do not contain phosphates, surfactants, dyes, formaldehyde, or brighteners. These detergent sheets do not damage ecosystems like traditional detergents do.
2. Consider switching to a metal/glass water bottle. These reusable water bottles reduce waste and minimize the release of micro plastics and other harmful contaminants like pfas into our water.
3. Use a Dishwasher. Washing dishes by hand uses 7x more water than using a modern dishwasher.
4. Eat locally. Support local farmers who use water-efficient irrigation methods and promote organic farming practices that minimize water pollution from pesticides and fertilizers.
5. Plant Trees and Native Plants Trees and native vegetation help prevent soil erosion, recharge groundwater, and improve water quality. Encourage others to participate in tree planting and native plant restoration projects.

As we go back to our daily routines here in Colorado, we hope you remember World Water Day 2024 and its theme of peace. As a state we are lucky to have access to such amazing facilities that provide us with clean water, and we should remember that this is not the case for many. By adjusting how we think of using this precious resource and embracing simple yet impactful actions such as reducing water waste and supporting clean water initiatives, we are not only safeguarding our way of life but also fostering peace and equity among communities. We hope you will join us in committing to spreading awareness, engaging in sustainable practices, and educating others about the importance of water conservation. 

References:

https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/water-and-sanitation/

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/

Haley West (Senior Laboratory Manager) and Catherine McDonald (Laboratory Manager) work at SeaCrest Group, where they focus on conducting Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) tests and culturing Ceriodaphnia dubia and fathead minnow.

In the lab, we strive for 100% every single day. We want everything to be exactly by the method, documented, within specs… we aim for perfection. And that’s fantastic. But that’s not how real life always works. Sometimes stuff goes wrong, or at least partially not right.

There is biology in our analytical lab. Personally, the most challenging tests for my program are WET, E. coli, and BOD - at times, these tests drive me insane. They are biological! It doesn’t always go perfectly in the analytical realm- throw in some biology and good luck! But we are all biology. We are human. We have off days and make mistakes. And it’s ok to be human.

Even analytical requirements have error built in. Known standards need to be within 90-110% to be considered acceptable. Heck, some of the more wobbly tests even stretch to 70-130% acceptability limits. So, why don’t we give ourselves similar margins of error? Why do we understand that analytical tests have a small range of error but do not grant ourselves the same grace?

Perfection is tough under optimal conditions. But we all face challenges - aging equipment, juggling multiple priorities, short on staff and budgets, lower and lower detection limits, etc. Yet we still want to be perfect. It’s ingrained in our analytical brains - everything has a set procedure, we can’t deviate, and we know there is a precise right answer. We always seek that 100% recovery, perfect slope, and not missing anything. This degree of perfectionism has an important role in the lab. But it can also make us crazy.

Even in the lab, it’s not always black and white. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been trying to find out the answer to my question only to determine that it is a grey area and up to some level of interpretation. Who would have thought there was art to our science?! And the further we dig in, the more complicated it gets. We are juggling priorities and facing difficult questions where sometimes we must choose the lesser evil. We do the best we can with the resources we have. Personally, I used to think that I’d have it figured out by this point in my life. But the truth is - if we keep advancing and taking on bigger challenges, it never gets any easier. The questions and challenges just keep getting harder. And I think most of us would be bored if they weren’t. But the fact remains- we keep raising that bar.

It’s great to strive for perfection and I’m not suggesting that we shouldn’t. But it’s also important to know when good enough is good enough. I’m not saying to cut corners or to lower the bar. But we are human and can only do our best. I’ve noticed that people who are drawn to the lab often have an analytical mindset that is such an advantage. But if you are one of those people who wakes up in the middle of the night worrying about something in the lab, can’t turn off during vacation, or stress about the increasing cost of service contracts or how you’re going to attract or retain top notch chemists - I implore you to reevaluate where you’re putting your energy. When we set our sights on perfection, we don’t give ourselves credit for all the amazing things that we ARE accomplishing. Like anything, it’s a balance, right? Continual improvement is a good goal but not at the cost of undervaluing all the stuff that we get right every single day. Sometimes, instead of stressing about hold times, sig figs, and whether we remembered to pH-adjust that buffer - our energy is better spent on nominating a colleague for recognition on a special project, chatting with Operations about upcoming data needs, or just taking a moment to appreciate how much our labs and teams accomplish every single day. We do great work. Take the time to give yourself a pat on the back.

Melissa Mimna is Laboratory Manager for the City of Boulder Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) where she has worked in the WRRF Lab for the past 12 years.

As we bid farewell to one year and welcome another, it's an opportune time to reflect on our habits and consider making positive changes for the future. One crucial aspect that often escapes our resolution lists is water usage. With water scarcity becoming an increasingly prevalent issue, setting resolutions for sustainable water practices is not only responsible but essential. Let's dive into some meaningful New Year resolutions that can help us become more conscious and responsible stewards of this precious resource.

Conserve Water at Home:

The first step toward sustainable water usage begins at home. Make it a resolution to fix any leaks, install water-efficient appliances, and be mindful of water consumption during daily activities such as showering, dishwashing, and laundry. Simple adjustments like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or fixing a dripping faucet can collectively make a significant impact.

Adopt Xeriscaping Practices:

In our water scarce region, xeriscaping – a landscaping method that promotes water conservation – can be a game-changer. Resolve to redesign your outdoor spaces with native, drought-resistant plants that require less water. This not only contributes to water conservation but also adds a touch of local beauty to your surroundings.

The Colorado State University Extension is a valuable resource for information on xeriscaping. They often provide guides, articles, and workshops on water-wise landscaping practices suitable for Colorado's climate. Visit their website or contact the local extension office for specific resources. Https://extension.colostate.edu  

Rainwater Harvesting Goals:

Consider making 2024 the year you start harvesting rainwater. Collecting rainwater can significantly reduce reliance on traditional water sources for activities like gardening and watering plants. Invest in a rain barrel or explore more elaborate rainwater harvesting systems depending on your needs and the local regulations. The Colorado State University Extension is again a great resource for those looking for guidance.

Educate Yourself and Others:

Resolve to learn more about the water situation in your region. Understand where your water comes from, how it's treated, and the challenges it faces. Share this knowledge with friends and family, raising awareness about the importance of sustainable water usage. The more people are informed, the more likely they are to adopt water-saving habits.

This month, the third Climate Change in Colorado report was released. Created by researchers at the Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University, the report has valuable insights for water providers and planners regarding temperature increases, runoff effects, and precipitation. Read CSU’s press release here for highlights. There’s also a nice summary from Heather Sackett writing for Aspen Journalism.

As we embark on a new year, let's make a splash with resolutions that go beyond personal betterment, extending to the well-being of our planet. Sustainable water usage is not just an environmental responsibility; it's a necessity for the survival of our communities and ecosystems. By adopting these resolutions, you become an integral part of the solution, contributing to a more water-conscious and sustainable future. Cheers to a year filled with positive change and mindful water stewardship!

Danny McCausland is a Senior Water Quality Analyst with the City of Thornton. He has 10 years working in the water quality field.