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Stormwater Management Basics for Water Utilities

Stormwater management has many critical goals: protect local bodies of water, eliminate soil erosion and damage to structures, return as much water as possible to the aquifer, and eliminate harmful runoff contaminants. Ellen Gilinsky, senior advisor for the U.S. EPA Office of Water, explains the task of stormwater management in simple terms: “Whether you’re in an urban environment, or an agricultural environment, you need to realize that stormwater runoff isn’t just water — there’s everything from hydrocarbons to metals in that mix, and you just can’t allow that stuff to reach local streams, rivers and lakes.”

How To Take Advantage of Infographics

Are you looking for a way to get a message to the public about your utility? Or about the services you provide? Don’t forget the old saying — “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Infographics can combine the best of both a bright, visual medium and the words it takes to convey a complex message. They’re adaptable to the digital age of the World Wide Web, but they’re still relevant in the traditional ink-and-paper format as brochures, posters and flyers.

Basic First-Aid Knowledge Goes a Long Way When Accidents Happen

Most of us have been to the emergency room a time or two. We depend on quick access to medical care when faced with emergencies, but what if you’re on a remote job site or in the shop by yourself and unable to reach the phone? Knowing the basics of first aid makes a big difference when proper professional care isn’t readily at hand.

Blog: Larvae Worm Their Way Into Oklahoma Water Plant

As municipal managers and drinking water operators, you’re familiar with removing things like contaminants, organics, iron and manganese from the water that enters your plants. But have you ever encountered worms? An Oklahoma water plant found just that. Red worms ranging from a half-inch to an inch long were found in the water supply in Colcord, about 80 miles east of Tulsa.

Don’t Shy Away When a Crisis Puts You in the Headlines

“Don’t let your response become the story” is a favorite saying among crisis communications experts. What you do after a disaster can go a long way in saving or ruining your company. After the July 6 Lac-Mégantic train derailment that killed about 50 people, the train company CEO didn’t visit the community until four days later. As one person told reporters, “I feel like he just doesn’t care.” That won’t happen if you follow these eight basic steps of crisis communication.