| Does my water system need an engineer? By Carl Garrison, PE Determining when and how to hire an engineer is a common occurrence in the public water world. There are two categories of when you should hire or engage the services of an engineer. They are: when it is required, and when it can save you money by getting some expert advice. Examples of when it is required include: creating a new public water system, designing new or modifying an existing treatment system, writing or re-writing a water system plan, and any time the Department of Health requires that you do so. Examples of when it may be a good idea to consult an engineer include: planning new projects, resolving issues with technical aspects of a water system, working with well covenants and/or working with easements to protect the well and/or system When selecting an engineer it is best to examine their qualifications and similar experience. Cost proposals and billing rates can be helpful, but having an engineer who has a proven track record of successful projects is a much better indicator. Referrals from experienced operators, contractors, and people in the industry can be helpful. Also check to make sure your operator and your engineer work well together. Finally, you may consider calling the Department of Health to make sure the engineer you are considering has been successful in similar previous projects. When the decision to hire an engineer has been made, it is suggested that the water association appoint a single person to act as the liaison. This person doesn’t always need to be the Board President, but it should be someone who can understand the technical issues and relay them to the Board in an easy to understand format. This avoids unnecessary confusion and expense of having the engineer explain the same issue to several people. Article Published in the March 2010 Whidbey Island Water Systems Association Newsletter. |
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Wells may be just the beginning
Mayor of Zabre region thanks Rotary for help; other projects may be on the horizon Before February of this year, the women of the Zabre region of Burkina Faso had to walk more than a mile every day for water. They returned home carrying as much as five and a half gallons balanced on their heads. But now, because of wells built by the Sedro-Woolley and Denver, Colo., Rotary clubs, water is more readily available. "While they are getting water, something can happen to their babies," said Desire Zagre, the region’s mayor, as he addressed the Sedro-Woolley Rotary Club this summer. “Now, because of the wells, they won’t walk a long time and can help keep their families safe.” |
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