In-line check valve prevents stormwater backflow
Problem: A stormwater outfall on the Hampton River in Virginia was frequently affected by tidal water bringing in silt and debris, which blocked the existing metal flap gate valve and caused it to get stuck in the closed position, preventing proper operation and increasing the risk of flooding and backflow.
Solution: To address this issue, officials at Hampton University consulted a sales engineer about DeZURIK’s Red Valve line of backflow prevention valves for stormwater. A 30-inch CheckMate UltraFlex In-Line Check Valve was chosen for its effectiveness in preventing backflow, its ability to clear itself of mud and silt, and its low headloss, which ensures near 100% flow capacity. The installation was planned for low tide to avoid the need for dewatering and was completed quickly and easily without requiring any modifications to the existing pipe or structure.
Result: The check valve was inserted and clamped into place without any issues, fitting perfectly inside the outfall. The valve has functioned reliably despite being covered in mud and debris. It is self-cleaning, resistant to corrosion and not prone to freezing or getting stuck like the previous flap gate. The robust unibody construction of the valve, made from multiple layers of elastomers and reinforced plies, ensures a long service life with minimal maintenance. This solution resulted in significant savings in both installation time and operational costs, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for stormwater management. 320-259-2000; www.dezurik.com
Amplifying the impact of AMI with asset and operations management
Problem: The Town of Surf City, North Carolina has approximately 5,000 full-time residents and 4,000+ service connections in its water system, a population that can spike considerably during the summer. This variability makes it critical to properly account for water usage over specific periods of time and ensure that billing is both accurate and timely. However, the town’s aging AMR system was making it difficult to achieve this goal. This prompted the town’s decision to replace its legacy system with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) that would transform reading and billing processes and reshape customer service and other operations. The town also chose to implement an asset and operations management program to maintain, monitor, and manage the system. This includes making ongoing technology upgrades, monitoring meter performance, and ensuring any issues are addressed promptly.
Solution: USG Water Solutions’ smart metering services put the benefits of AMI within the reach of small and mid-sized communities with a full turnkey solution. USG maintains every aspect of the town’s AMI system from meter to AMI software and everything in between. USG also dedicates full-time resources to oversee the system over its lifetime and resolve any issues that may arise, freeing up the town’s manpower to handle other responsibilities.
Result: Smart metering has led to a reduction in non-revenue water, accurate and prompt billing and alerts about usage anomalies, proactive customer service and improved resource management with existing staff. 855-729-2305; www.usgwater.com
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