Guidelines for public water systems in New Hampshire
All public water systems in New Hampshire are required to provide safe and reliable water to consumers. The New Hampshire Dept. of Environmental Services Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau works with public water systems in New Hampshire to ensure safe drinking water, following the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and NH statutes. Guidelines and policies for public water systems vary by state.
Secondwind tells public water system facility managers they should never make assumptions about the quality and safety of the system’s drinking water. We offer regular PWS operator certification classes.
We recommend:
- Performing regular sampling
- Keeping the system well-maintained
- Ensuring your PWS supplies are safe
Comprehensive approach to your water needs
Our Certified Public Water System Operator Services help you manage your compliance with Environmental Protection Agency and NH regulations. We create a custom program ranging from a simple, safe operations plan to managing a drinking water systems. Here’s an example from a NH university with high levels of iron and manganese in the water.
Students complained about their laundry getting stained, which was caused by the high levels of iron and manganese The system also used a lot of salt, making ongoing maintenance difficult. Here are some of the major obstacles we faced in designing and installing the university’s new water treatment system:
A short window of time
University administrators approved the new water treatment system in June, with a goal of having it up and running by the start of the new school year. A custom system of this size usually takes six to eight weeks to design and build.. Because the university has its own public water supply, we also had to build it in enough time for NH to approve the new system.
Having a good reputation
Another big challenge in installing a water treatment system of this size and complexity is coordinating the many subcontractors involved, including plumbers, electricians, well and pump companies, and design engineers.
This is where the Secondwind team’s experience and relationships really come into play. Because of the capital we’ve built with these subcontractors over the years, we are able to call on them to help us get things done quickly and efficiently. We’ve managed complex jobs like this for decades, and that really helps because we don’t have to reinvent the wheel each time. Our trusted partners know what we expect.
Space limitations
It’s tough to install a new system in the same area as an existing one. There’s little room to move around. And although the university’s existing treatment system clearly wasn’t doing a good job removing iron and manganese, it was better than no treatment at all. To ensure a continuation of service, we had to install their new system while their existing one provided some level of treatment.
Results
Secondwind’s experienced team successfully managed the many pieces involved in the complex water treatment system installation. And by the start of school, clean, contaminant-free water was flowing throughout campus.
Managing public water systems for NH schools
Here are five reasons for Secondwind managing your school’s PWS:
Reduced liability
Getting and staying in compliance with EPA and state water quality regulations can be complicated. Without proper record-keeping and compliance, and ongoing analysis and oversight of your public water system, you could end up spending thousands of dollars in fines, maintenance, redesign, and repair. For this reason, many schools and daycares enroll in Secondwind’s Certified Public Water System Operator Services.
Time and energy savings
As part of our services, we provide compliance sampling, non-compliance sampling and all required reporting. In addition, we will handle your correspondence with NHDES, interpret and verify requirements, and save you money by applying for sampling reduction and chemical monitoring waivers.
24/7 emergency coverage
Secondwind uses the most technologically advanced meters, measuring devices, sensors and alarms to provide 24/7 monitoring and testing of your pumps, wells, storage tanks, valves, temperature, and more.
Comprehensive management approach
We’re experts in both compliance and water treatment and quality, and we provide a comprehensive approach to managing your PWS. Our experts are here to take care of all your water quality needs, including well evaluation , water treatment design and approval, control studies and groundwater discharge registration for your public water system.
Our relationship with NHDES
As a well-known provider of both PWS management and water quality treatment services, Secondwind has a solid and long-standing relationship with the NH Department of Environmental Services. This relationship benefits our customers in innumerable ways.
PWS operator services in New Hampshire
We’re New Hampshire’s leading provider of public water system operator services. With 30-plus years of experience, we’re the go-to experts on water quality for our region. We are happy to work with your current operator to create a plan that will make water quality management something you can check off of your list. Contact us today to learn more.
