Granite State Rural Water Association

	News
	GSRWA and NHDES Sign Partnership Agreement September 15, 2009 During the Association’s annual membership meeting at Mt. Sunapee Resort, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and GSRWA signed a partnership agreement to recognize their common goals of improving the technical, managerial and financial capability of rural drinking water and wastewater systems in NH. This partnership agreement is the 12th to be signed as part of the DES Partners Program initiated with a wide range of organizations across New Hampshire. This is the first agreement DES has signed with an association from the water and wastewater industry. “Our Partners Program enables DES to better align our joint efforts in support of the Department’s goals and the goals of our partner organizations,” stated DES Commissioner Tom Burack. GSRWA Executive Director, Jennifer Palmiotto called this agreement “a symbol of the positive relationship between NHDES and GSRWA and a blueprint for ways in which we can better meet the needs of New Hampshire’s Water and Wastewater Systems. The Partnership Agreement was developed with input from GSRWA’s board, notably Paul Whittemore; the Association’s Executive Director, Jennifer Palmiotto, and key DES staff including Sarah Pillsbury, Paul Heirtzler, and Commissioner Tom Burack. The drafting of the agreement gave GSRWA and staff from the DES Wastewater Engineering Bureau an opportunity to learn more about how the two entities provide technical assistance to wastewater systems. In the Agreement, DES and GSRWA agree to collaborate on providing outreach, education and needed services to rural drinking water and wastewater systems. Helping these systems access financial resources is another important activity under the agreement as is strengthening communication on matters such as policy and rule changes, educational opportunities, and availability of services. The specific areas of cooperation are detailed in a work plan covering the period from September 2009 to September 2011. A copy of the agreement and work plan can be viewed at the following website: http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/partners_program
	2009 Awards of Excellence
	Red Flag Rule Compliance Template Granite State Rural Water Association, in conjunction with the National Rural Water Association, has designed an Identity Theft Prevention Program Compliance Model to assist water and wastewater utilities with compliance of the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Identity Theft Red Flag Rule. The rule requires utilities to develop an "Identity Theft Prevention Program." The program consists of selecting methods to detect red flags when accounts are fraudulent, procedures to prevent the establishment of false accounts, procedures to ensure existing accounts are not being manipulated, and procedures to respond to identity theft. All utilities are required to comply with the FTC's "Identity Theft Red Flag Rule" even if only nominal information such as name, phone number and address are collected. Your utility governing body will need to adopt this or a similar Identity Theft Prevention Program Compliance model by August 1, 2009. Download the Compliance Template in Microsoft Word or PDF version: Red Flag Rule (MS Word Version) Red Flag Rule (PDF Version)
	2nd Annual Operator Field Day Drinking Water and Wastewater Event to be Held at Mount Sunapee Resort – August 28, 2007 – Granite State Rural Water Association is holding its second annual Operator Field Day at Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury, NH on August 28, 2007. This day-long outdoor event features demonstrations, training seminars, and products and services relating to the drinking water and wastewater industry. Superintendents and operators from across the State will be in attendance. According to Jennifer Palmiotto, Lead Staff Officer at Granite State Rural Water Association, “Drinking water and wastewater operators play a key role in management of our water resources. This event helps operators gain invaluable training, find out about the latest technology, and network with others”. Attending the event will be National Rural Water Association President Rodney Tart. President Tart will address New Hampshire’s operators at the GSRWA’s annual membership meeting during lunch. Another highlight of the day will be the presentation of awards to a drinking water operator, a wastewater operator and a system. These recipients were selected for their dedication towards providing safe drinking water and protection of the environment through persistence, innovation, and hard work. “We are pleased to celebrate the work of some of the leaders in our industry” said Kevin Lincoln, President of GSRWA. Most people take provision of water for granted. We hope to highlight the importance of their work.” The following individuals and system will be recipients of the 2007 GSRWA Awards: Water Operator of the Year: Dave Duquette, Operator for Charlestown and North Charlestown water systems. Wastewater Operator of the Year: Bill Taylor, Meriden Village Water District System of the Year: Gorham Water and Sewer Department Granite State Rural Water Association is a non-profit corporation which provides on-site assistance, training, and source protection planning services to water and wastewater systems throughout New Hampshire. GSRWA professionals have provided trusted advice and service since 1982. Our services are supported by more than 200 member systems. The Association represents member concerns before state and federal legislators. In addition to the Main Office in Penacook, the Association maintains five field offices. Granite State Rural Water Association is a member of National Rural Water Association, the largest water utility membership group in the nation. Group to Tour Lake Sunapee Watershed to Examine Potential Threats to Water Resources Sunapee, NH – April 17, 2007 – Members of the Sunapee Area Watershed Coalition and Granite State Rural Water Association will tour the Lake Sunapee Watershed to examine potential threats to water quality on Saturday April 21, 2007. The purpose of this tour is to examine first hand success stories and challenges to maintaining water quality in towns surrounding the Lake. The tour will include stops in Georges Mills where the group will discuss invasive plant species such as milfoil, the effects of past overflows at the sewage pump station, and water quality in Muzzey Brook. Coalition members will also visit the site of a stream stabilization project in Springfield and discuss the effects of road salt on Herrick Cove. The tour is one of many sources which will inform the Coalition as it develops a management plan for the watershed. Although water resources in the area still in relatively healthy condition, certain ecological indicators suggest that human activity is starting to impact water quality. For example, conductivity values, a measurement of salt concentrations, are high in many parts of Lake Sunapee and Little Lake Sunapee. Road salt and leachate from septic systems are likely sources. Without planning for the future, the water quality of these lakes is likely to deteriorate. By developing and implementing a watershed management plan for the Sunapee Area, water quality can be protected for future generations. The Coalition was formed in 2005 to help safeguard natural resources in the Sunapee area. It is comprised of volunteers and members of Sunapee Area Town Boards. According to June Fichter, “We in the Sunapee area are very fortunate to have this opportunity and the support to create a Watershed Plan for safeguarding the area’s water resources, especially given the area’s population growth.” The Sunapee Area Watershed Coalition is being assisted by Granite State Rural Water Association (GSRWA) to develop the watershed management plan. Granite State is a nonprofit association of public water and wastewater systems. The Association works to protect water quality in an effort to safeguard drinking water resources. The Association also provides technical assistance and training to water and wastewater operators around the State. According to Jennifer Palmiotto, Source Protection Specialist at GSRWA, “The timing for this project is perfect. It’s better to act proactively. We are encouraged by the amount of local support this project has generated. ” For more information about the project, contact June Fichter, (603) 763-2210 or Jennifer Palmiotto (603) 499-3038. Drinking Water Supply Officials on Capitol Hill To Thank Congressional Delegation For Environmental Protection and Water Supply Funding Washington, D.C. – March 23, 2007 Water supply leaders from across the State of New Hampshire met with the State’s Congressional delegation this week (March 20-21st) to thank them for their efforts in Congress where they have supported funding for technical assistance to water and wastewater projects. This funding will enable protection and improvement of drinking water resources throughout New Hampshire’s rural communities. In addition to thanking Senators and Congressman, the Granite State Rural Water Association highlighted key issues facing New Hampshire’s small and rural water and wastewater utilities, including the challenge of keeping up with the ever growing amount of regulatory requirements. The Granite State Rural Water Association is a non-profit organization established to aid water and wastewater systems in New Hampshire. The Association has professionally trained specialists who provide hands-on technical assistance to utilities and businesses that operate water and wastewater systems. Services include leak detection, trouble shooting, and education about the Safe Drinking Water Act. GSRWA also promotes water conservation and protection through public awareness and community involvement.