South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems (SDARWS) utilizes cutting-edge technology to provide practical solutions designed specifically to meet the needs of small and rural communities in South Dakota. By using available technology, our field staff can collect and analyze both water and wastewater features and defects more efficiently and in ways that lead to better solutions for repair and maintenance.
With the use of GPS and other digital documentation devices, we can detect, evaluate and document a variety of data critical to the efficient management of water and wastewater utilities.
Technical Assistance Trailers
SDARWS has 3 Technical Assistance Trailers with a wide range of capabilities. Our staff can help your utility with the following tasks:
Water Trailers (2)
Emergency Response
Leak Detection
Chlorination
De-Chlorination
Pressure Testing
Wastewater Trailer
Smoke Testing Manholes
Smoke Test Cleanouts
Video Inspection
Poly-pigging
Flow Monitoring
Leak Detection, Line Location & Valve Location
SDARWS performs leak detection surveys to identify potential water leaks and increased water loss percentages. We utilize portable hand-held leak survey monitors, mtallic water line tracing and magnetic valve box location equipment. This equipment will provide the system with a water audit to assist with unaccounted-for water.
Pressure Data Loggers
Dertermining whether a customer has low pressure or low flow problems can be difficult. SDARWS has computerized pressure data loggers that can monitor water system pressure zones throughout your distribution system to help narrow down the customer's concerns.
Ultrasonic Flow Meter
The GE Panametrics TransPort PT878 ultrasonic flow meter is highly versatile, self-contained, portable transit-time system with options and accessories to meet all your liquid flow transducers, this unit measures flow rate through metal, plastic, or event concrete-lined pipes, without penetrating the pipe wall.
Hydrant Flow Testing, GPS Coordinates & System Mapping
SDARWS performs hydrant flow testing to provide accurate gallon per minute flow rates on fire hydrants. GPS coordinates are documented on each hydrant so flow data and hydrant location can be plotted on the system's distribution map. This information will be a tremendous asset to the local fire department.
Pipe Thawing Services
Thawing frozen water services up to 2" line size is a service now offered by your Association. Our portable electric powered pump is a powerful positive displacement gear pump designed to pump hot water into a frozen live service line.
Smoke Testing
Smoke testing is performed to identify areas of inflow/infiltration where unwanted water may be entering the collection system and leading to possible sewer backups. Smoke-filled air is forced into sanitary sewer lines and other connections using smoke testing equipment and liquid smoke.
Video Inspection
A video camera pipeline inspection allows for real-time visual inspection of new or existing sewer lines to determine the condition of piping. South Dakota Rural Water uses a camera equipped with powerful lights mounted to a tractor that can travel through pipes varying from 8-15" in diameter. Video inspections are used to identify pipe damage such as broken, cracked or collapsed pipe and blockages that create backups.
Flow Monitoring
South Dakota Rural Water performs flow monitoring to determine the variations between normal and storm flow so the discrete sectinos of the collection system can be targeted for repair and/or video inspection. Our flow meter is installed in designated manholes and the data is typically retrieved on a timely basis. After gatherin the data, we provide a report of each monitoring site describing the flow conditions.
Poly-Pigging
South Dakota Rural Water provides guidance in poly-pigging collection system force mains. Cleaning force mains can increase pumping rates and decrease monthly electric bills. We'll provide the pigs and oversee setup of pig launching devices.
CPR/AED/First Aid Training
SDARWS provides life saving CPR/AED/First Aid Training conducted by our licensed Emergency Medical Technician. Water and wastewater operators are working in a high accident prone industry. Protect yourself and fellow employees by scheduling the American Heart Association Course and First Aid Training.
To learn more about these services, call South Dakota Rural Water at 605-556-7219.
Lobbying
South Dakota Rural Water is the only water and wastewater association monitoring legislation in both Pierre and Washington, DC. We register a lobbyist each year during the state Legislative Session. The Association monitors all bills affecting municipal and rural water and wastewater systems. Our lobbyist can be found in Pierre during the entire session and is prepared to activate our legislative network on issues that effect our industry.
NRWA Rally
The Washington, DC "Water Rally" provides an opportunity for small system representatives to meet with EPA, Rural Development, Bureau of Reclamation and our Congressional delegation.
Training Courses
State certification training course topics:
| Basic Water Treatment |
Water Distribution |
| Stablization Pond |
Wastewater Collection |
| Basic Operator Math |
Small Water Systems |
| Advanced Water Treatment |
Advanced Wastewater |
Hands-on training course topics:
| Water Loss & Leak Detection |
Meter Testing |
| Hydrant Flushing |
Filter O & M |
| Safe Drinking Water Act |
Water Rates |
| Consumer Confidence Reports |
Smoke Testing |
| Safety |
|
Technical Assistance
Equipment available for systems includes:
Line tracers, leak detectors, valve locators, smoke blowers, flow gauges, pressure recorders, and sewer camera.
On-site technical assistance at water and wastewater systems:
| Leak Detection |
Valve Location |
| Line Tracing |
Polly Pigging |
| Smoke Testing |
Distribution O & M |
| Lift Station Calibration |
Collection System O & M |
| Filter Inspection |
Chlorinator Troubleshooting |
| Sewer Camera |
Safety |
| Hydrant Flow Testing |
Dechlorination |
| Pressure Testing |
Source Water Protection |
Groundwater protection and wellhead protection
Establish protective areas to prevent contamination to watershed areas.
Public Relations
ServiceLine magazine is published bimonthly:
| Themes include: |
Regulations & Financing |
| |
Safety & Emergency Response |
| |
Distribution & Collection |
| |
Pumps & Storage |
| |
Electrical & Controls |
| |
Management & Boardsmanship |
Quality on Tap! consumer magazine is published quarterly by the state association and 14 rural water systems.
Award WinnSouth Dakota Rural Water Monthly eNews updates water industry professionals, associate members an enthusiasts on rural water happenings around the state and country.
Rural Water Rally
The Washington, DC "Rural Water Rally" provides an opportunity for small system representatives to meet with the EPA, Rural Development, Bureau of Reclamation, and our Congressional Delegation.
Training Guides and Resource Materials
Our resource library offers a variety of information through books, videos, training materials, and brochures.
Membership Directory
Provides a listing of all water and wastewater systems in the state. Includes major governmental entities and organizations that affect our industry. Professional contacts for industry and businesses.
Ripples
News from the Executive Director, focusing on current legislative issues.
Rural Water Partnership Fund
Fund established to provide a rural and small community "real world" perspective to the regulatory process. The fund is supported by NRWA, State Associations and utility memberships. More information is available at www.nrwa.org/whitepapers
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