Granite State Rural Water Association

News

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.