AWWA and the Virginia Section celebrate Women's History Month
by recognizing the efforts and dedication of women in the water industry. We honor their achievements. Women break down barriers every day as water professionals, accomplishing our vision of a better world through better water. Join us in paying tribute to the many contributions women have made to our industry and communities.
wE-SPLASH Sponsors
To learn more about all the great sponsors above, click their logo to check out their website.
With this year's General Assembly Session concluded, we are scheduling our General Assembly Wrap-Up Meeting. The meeting will be held on March 30, 2023, from 2 - 3 pm. Chris Pomeroy of AquaLaw will review the session, what was passed, what is outstanding, and what utilities need to be aware of.
There is no need to register for this meeting. Please email Geneva Hudgins (geneva.hudgins@vaawwa.org) for connection information.
The VA AWWA Water Utility Committee is sponsoring this meeting. For more information about their activities, visit their committee page.
On March 14th at 10 AM ET, EPA released the proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for PFOA and PFOS, along with four additional PFAS. EPA is proposing to set a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and 4 ppt for PFOS. In addition to these two MCLs, EPA is proposing to address four additional PFAS (GenX, PFBS, PFNA, and PFHxS) as a mixture using a Hazard Index. The Hazard Index is a tool typically used to evaluate potential health risks from exposure to chemical mixtures. This approach has been used in other EPA programs, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), but this is the first time it has been used for a drinking water standard. Additionally, EPA is proposing Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for each of the six PFAS. A breakdown of the MCLs and MCLGs is shown on the table below.
PFAS Compound
Proposed MCLG
Proposed MCL
PFOA
0 ppt
4.0 ppt
PFOS
0 ppt
4.0 ppt
PFNA
1.0 (unitless Hazard Index)
1.0 (unitless Hazard Index)
PFHxS
PFBS
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Click Read More for the rest of the announcment...
Free drinking water-focused webinars typically held on the last Tuesday of the month from 2:00-3:00 pm ET with an optional Q&A session from 3:00-3:30 pm ET.
EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) and Office of Water (OW) host this webinar series to communicate the latest information on solutions for challenges facing small drinking water systems. The series allows EPA to communicate directly with states to provide training and foster collaboration and dissemination of information. This, in turn, provides states with information and resources needed to communicate the latest scientific advancements and current guidance to their small systems. It also provides a forum for states to share information with each other.
EPA released a memorandum stressing the need for states to assess cybersecurity risks at drinking water systems to protect our public drinking water. The memorandum conveys EPA’s interpretation that states must include cybersecurity when they conduct periodic audits of water systems (called “sanitary surveys”) and highlights different approaches for states to fulfill this responsibility. To learn more on this matter, EPA announced a 2-part webinar for water suppliers. The last round of webinars is on March 28 and 30 (Noon - 3:00 pm).Learn more and get registered.
EPA and AWWA have released several resources and training webinars to help water systems progress to cybersecurity resilience. Check out the following links for a wealth of information.
Presented by VWEA/VA AWWA Sustainable Utilities, YP & RAC Committees
Date: April 22nd Time: 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Join the Sustainable Utilities, YP & RAC committees for Earth Day Clean-ups! Give back to the Earth while having a fun time with friends, family and industry peers!
The event is free, but registration is required.
Be on the lookout for your local cleanup location and details which will be available by March 22nd. Make sure to include which region of VA you would like to volunteer at!
Spring is the time to get out of the house/office and hang out with friends! We have many great opportunities to help you do just that. Join us at one (or all) networking events coming up.
Advancing Woman Leaders through Mentorship/Allyship
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Thoughtful Tuesday workstream hosted an interactive workshop on “Advancing Woman Leaders through Mentorship/Allyship” to provide the tools and resources that women, people who identify as women, and all allies need to enhance their networks, advocate for their achievements, and increase their visibility and success in their organizations.
View the recorded session or download the presentation to learn more about mentorship, coaching, and emotional intelligence.
Please join us for VA AWWAs Drinking Water Quality and Research Committee’s annual spring seminar:
Plant of the Future: What Will Drive Future Changes
This year's seminar will be held on April 19th, 2023, at the University of Richmond, Jepson Alumni Center. A full day of relevant and future-facing presentations covering a wide range of current and emerging topics, regulations, and innovations in the water treatment industry. 5.5 hours of CPE are anticipated.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is pleased to announce several opportunities for funding drinking water infrastructure. ALL applications may be submitted year-round; however, VDH will conduct one round of evaluations submitted by the deadlines. Applications postmarked/received after the due date will be considered for funding in the following round. Funding is possible through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Program, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Water Supply Assistance Grant Fund (WSAG) Program (if funds are available).
The deadline for the following funding types is May 5, 2023.
Public Comments and Set-Aside Suggestions Invited
Construction, Consolidation, and Refinance Fund Requests (BIL and DWSRF)
1452(k) Source Water Protection Initiatives
LSL Replacement Program: (BIL and DWSRF Application Construction) Note: Lead Service Line (LSL) Replacement Program: (BIL and DWSRF Application Inventory deadline is Quarterly)
Planning and Design Funds are accepted year-round.
The weather is changing, flowers blooming, birds chirping! Time to think about... GOLF!
29th Annual Water For People Golf Tournament
Come join us and help support Water for People while enjoying a round of golf at either the prestigious Kingsmill Resort (The Woods Course) or The Westfields (NOVA).
Sign up individually or as a foursome. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. All proceeds are donated to Water for People. Full details are available on our website.
The Virginia Water Resources Research Center at Virginia Tech is seeking microcystin data from freshwater lakes and reservoirs in Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland. Microcystin is a class of toxins produced by certain freshwater cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae.
If you have microcystin data from freshwater lakes and reservoirs in Virginia, North Carolina, and/or Maryland or know of someone who may, please contact Jane Walker with the Virginia Water Resources Research Center at janewalk@vt.edu or (540) 231-4159 by April 15, 2023.
Please click Read More to view the rest of this information.
Are you looking for a new job opportunity? Are you an employer looking for great candidates? Either way, check out our newly updated Career Center for opportunities in Virginia.
Here is a list of the most recent job posted:
Laboratory Technician
Principal Plant Operator - Mechanic
Water Systems Inspector Coordinator
Director of Public Utilities
Utility Operator
Water/Wastewater Engineer (E.I.T.)
The webpage contains a summary of current job postings... but check back frequently for new positions posted daily/weekly.
Check out the latest issue of Tap Into Virginia!
Click on the link below to view the latest edition online.
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EPA released a memorandum stressing the need for states to assess cybersecurity risks at drinking water systems to protect our public drinking water. The memorandum conveys EPA’s interpretation that states must include cybersecurity when they conduct periodic audits of water systems (called “sanitary surveys”) and highlights different approaches for states to fulfill this responsibility. To learn more on this matter, EPA announced a 2-part webinar for water suppliers. The last round of webinars is on 
Please join us for VA AWWAs Drinking Water Quality and Research Committee’s annual spring seminar: 
The Virginia Water Resources Research Center at Virginia Tech is seeking microcystin data from freshwater lakes and reservoirs in Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland. Microcystin is a class of toxins produced by certain freshwater cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae.
