Resiliency.
It all begins with an idea.
Disaster resiliency is the ability of a community, organization, or society to adapt to, recover from, and withstand disasters. It involves preparing for and planning to reduce the risk of disasters, and then being able to respond to them in a timely and efficient manner.
Resilience is important because it helps protect people, communities, and countries from the effects of disasters, including loss of life, injury, and economic damage. It can also help to preserve cultural heritage, ecosystems, and socio-economic assets.
Some factors that contribute to a community's resilience include:
Access to human, social, political, and economic capital
The ability of people in a community to work together and mobilize resources. Social capital is important for establishing resilient communities and can help people access resources. Some ways to build social capital include encouraging participation in community groups, initiating opportunities for people to connect, and building capacity to resolve tensions.
The ability to learn from past disasters
By studying past disasters, communities can identify vulnerabilities, weaknesses in response systems, and areas for improvement to enhance preparedness for future events. Effective disaster resilience requires active participation from all levels of society, including local communities, government agencies, and private sector organizations. This knowledge gained from past disasters can be used to develop preventative strategies like land use planning, infrastructure upgrades, early warning systems, and public education campaigns.
The ability to manage change and maintain living standards
Community involvement and outreach happens at all levels of disaster response and recovery. A good strategy of outreach and information can go a very long way in maintaining community trust and support. This outreach becomes a two-way affair when the community has buy in. Not only will they get information from the source, but they can also give information, input and recommendations to you in a natural conversation.
Some ways to build disaster resilience include:
Investing in enhancing resilience
Investing in resilient infrastructure can help ensure that critical systems like electricity, water, and sanitation are less vulnerable to extreme weather events. When we say invest, it does not necessarily involve capital improvements. Time spent building partnerships within your community is an exercise in building trust and capacity for residents, businesses and utilities.
Developing a disaster debris management plan
Natural disaster debris management may involve the whole community, including individuals and families, businesses, faith-based and community organizations, nonprofit groups, schools and academia, media outlets, and all levels of government. For every dollar invested in resilience, some say the cost of damage and cleanup can be reduced by $6–13.
Implementing local resiliency measures, such as updated building codes and recycling programs
As referenced in the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) funding opportunity, building code adoption and enforcement efforts are eligible as capability- and capacity-building (C&CB) activities under the BRIC State or Territory Allocation and BRIC Tribal Set-Aside. This emphasis on building codes was reinforced by stakeholder feedback gathered during the development of the BRIC program, which indicated strong support for building code activities. Ideas that stakeholders offered to overcome barriers to adoption and enforcement were considered in the design of the BRIC program. As a result, several activities, such as training and outreach, have been incorporated into the list of eligible activities.
Often, we only consider resiliency post-disaster. As we build stronger communities, it is imperative that we include the input of those we serve in the consideration and planning of resiliency projects.
An engaged and supportive community, beyond infrastructure, is the rich soil which a strong community may thrive.
Water Control Structures
It all begins with an idea.
Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of engineering—specifically, water control structures, the systems designed to impound, hold, or control water in our environment. While they may appear straightforward, these structures are uniquely complex, requiring careful attention to their design and maintenance due to the chemical and physical reactions caused by constant submersion.
Water control engineering is one of humanity’s oldest disciplines. From the moment our ancestors first used a stick to carve a channel and divert water away from their shelters, we’ve continually advanced our techniques. Today, we’ve progressed from basic drainage systems to sophisticated gravity storage, locks, and dams, fundamentally shaping the way we interact with water and the world around it.
Let’s explore the challenges, innovations, and importance of these critical structures in engineering history and modern applications!
Dive. Dive. Dive.
Water control structures are engineered systems designed to manage the movement, distribution, and quality of water in a controlled manner. They are commonly used in flood management, irrigation systems, wetland preservation, stormwater control, and waterway navigation. Examples include dams, levees, culverts, weirs, floodgates, and spillways.
Maintaining water control structures is critical for ensuring their long-term functionality and safeguarding surrounding ecosystems and communities. Below are key aspects of these structures and the fine points of maintaining them:
Key Components of Water Control Structures
Structural Elements:
Concrete or steel frameworks: Walls, gates, or barriers that retain or divert water.
Embankments: Often made of soil or rock to form levees or dams.
Control Mechanisms:
Valves and gates: Regulate water flow.
Sensors and automation: Used in modern systems for remote operation and monitoring.
Flow Paths:
Channels, culverts, and spillways: Allow controlled water movement.
Protective Measures:
Erosion control linings: Riprap, vegetation, or geotextiles to prevent erosion.
Overflow systems: Ensure safe handling of excess water during high-flow events.
Fine Points of Maintenance
Inspections:
Frequency: Perform regular inspections, especially before and after significant weather events.
Focus Areas: Check for cracks, corrosion, sediment buildup, or vegetation overgrowth.
Structural Integrity:
Erosion Control: Repair damaged embankments or riprap.
Seepage: Address leaks promptly to avoid structural weakening.
Mechanical Systems:
Gates and Valves: Lubricate moving parts and ensure they operate smoothly.
Automation Systems: Test sensors and control panels for accuracy and functionality.
Sediment Management:
Regularly dredge or clear accumulated sediments from spillways, channels, or reservoirs to maintain flow capacity.
Vegetation Management:
Maintain vegetation that stabilizes soil but remove invasive plants or trees whose roots might damage the structure.
Hydraulic Performance:
Conduct flow tests to ensure the structure is handling water as designed.
Emergency Preparedness:
Update response plans, stock spare parts, and train personnel on emergency protocols for unforeseen failures.
Proper maintenance ensures water control structures function efficiently, prolongs their lifespan, and minimizes the risk of failure, which could have catastrophic consequences for communities and the environment.
Water treatment facilities are critical infrastructures designed to ensure the safety and quality of water for human consumption, industrial use, or environmental release. These facilities remove impurities such as contaminants, microorganisms, and hazardous chemicals, making water safe and usable.
Key Processes in Water Treatment Facilities
Intake and Screening:
Water is drawn from sources like rivers, lakes, or groundwater.
Screens remove large debris (leaves, sticks, trash).
Coagulation and Flocculation:
Chemicals (like alum) are added to bind particles into larger clumps (floc).
Sedimentation:
Floc settles at the bottom of tanks, separating from the water.
Filtration:
Water passes through layers of sand, gravel, and charcoal to remove remaining particles and impurities.
Disinfection:
Chlorine, ozone, or ultraviolet light is used to kill harmful microorganisms.
Storage and Distribution:
Treated water is stored in reservoirs and distributed through pipelines to homes and businesses.
Maintenance Needs of Water Treatment Facilities
1. Mechanical and Structural Maintenance
Pumps and Motors: Regularly inspect, lubricate, and replace worn parts to ensure consistent water flow.
Valves and Pipes: Check for leaks, corrosion, or blockages.
Storage Tanks and Reservoirs: Inspect for cracks, leaks, and structural damage. Clean tanks periodically to prevent algae or sediment buildup.
2. Treatment Equipment
Chemical Feed Systems: Calibrate and test dosing equipment to ensure accurate chemical application.
Filters:
Backwash sand and media filters as needed to remove trapped particles.
Replace filter media when it becomes ineffective.
3. Monitoring and Testing
Water Quality Testing: Continuously monitor for contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, and heavy metals to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Instrumentation:
Maintain sensors, flow meters, and online analyzers for accurate data collection.
Update software and ensure calibration of automated systems.
4. Electrical Systems
Power Supply: Inspect and maintain backup generators to ensure facility operation during outages.
Control Panels: Regularly test and maintain electrical components for efficient system control.
5. Sludge and Waste Management
Sludge Removal: Regularly remove and treat sludge from sedimentation tanks to prevent clogging and overflow.
Wastewater Treatment: Properly treat backwash and other waste streams before releasing them into the environment.
6. Environmental Controls
Erosion Prevention: Maintain site landscaping to avoid soil erosion around facility structures.
Pest Control: Prevent rodents or insects from infiltrating the facility.
7. Emergency Preparedness
Contingency Plans: Develop response protocols for natural disasters, chemical spills, or equipment failures.
Spare Parts: Keep an inventory of critical components like pump seals, filters, and valves.
Benefits of Proper Maintenance
Ensures compliance with health and environmental regulations.
Extends the lifespan of facility components.
Minimizes downtime and reduces repair costs.
Maintains water quality and supply reliability.
By addressing these maintenance needs proactively, water treatment facilities can continue to provide safe and high-quality water to the communities and industries they serve.
Testing is a vital part of maintaining water control structures and water treatment facilities, ensuring they operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory standards. Below are key testing methods for each, along with their purposes and explanations.
Testing Methods for Water Control Structures
1. Structural Integrity Tests
Visual Inspections:
Inspect for cracks, corrosion, or deformation in concrete, steel, and earthen structures.
Detect seepage, erosion, or vegetation that may compromise stability.
Frequency: Routine (quarterly or post-weather events).
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT):
Ultrasound Testing: Evaluates concrete or steel thickness and detects internal voids or cracks.
Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR): Identifies subsurface anomalies in embankments or spillways.
Purpose: Avoid damage to structures while assessing internal issues.
2. Hydraulic Performance Testing
Flow Rate Measurements:
Use flow meters or weirs to measure water flow through spillways, gates, or channels.
Detect blockages, sediment buildup, or inefficiencies in water movement.
Reservoir Level Testing:
Monitor water levels relative to design thresholds to ensure safe operation.
Purpose: Evaluate flood storage capacity or irrigation distribution readiness.
3. Erosion and Sedimentation Testing
Turbidity Testing:
Collect water samples downstream to measure sediment levels and assess erosion impacts.
Higher turbidity may indicate sediment loss requiring remedial action.
Soil Testing:
Analyze soil compaction, permeability, and stability in embankments or levees.
Frequency: Annual or after extreme events.
4. Seepage Testing
Piezometer Readings:
Monitor groundwater pressure within embankments to detect seepage pathways.
Rising pressure may indicate potential internal erosion or piping.
Dye Tracing:
Introduce non-toxic dyes to identify seepage locations and flow patterns.
Testing Methods for Water Treatment Facilities
1. Water Quality Testing
Microbial Analysis:
Test for bacteria (e.g., E. coli), viruses, and protozoa using culture techniques or PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).
Frequency: Daily to weekly, based on regulatory standards.
Chemical Analysis:
Measure pH, turbidity, hardness, and chemical concentrations (e.g., chlorine, nitrates, heavy metals).
Techniques:
Spectrophotometry: Quantifies chemical concentrations based on light absorption.
Ion Chromatography: Detects ions like nitrates and sulfates.
Purpose: Ensure water meets safe drinking or environmental discharge standards.
2. Filtration Efficiency Testing
Particle Counting:
Assess the ability of filters to remove suspended solids by analyzing post-filtration water samples.
Backwash Efficiency Testing:
Evaluate the effectiveness of filter backwashing by testing turbidity levels after the process.
3. Disinfection Testing
Residual Chlorine Testing:
Measure chlorine levels in treated water to confirm adequate disinfection while avoiding over-chlorination.
Methods:
DPD Method (Colorimetric): A reagent reacts with chlorine to produce a measurable color change.
UV Disinfection Validation:
Test UV intensity and pathogen inactivation rates using bioassays or surrogate microorganisms.
4. Mechanical and Hydraulic Testing
Pump Efficiency Testing:
Measure flow rates, pressure, and energy consumption of pumps to ensure optimal operation.
Pipe Pressure Testing:
Conduct hydrostatic tests to verify pipe integrity and detect leaks in the distribution system.
5. Sludge and Waste Testing
Sludge Volume Index (SVI):
Measure the settling characteristics of sludge in clarifiers to optimize treatment.
Dewatered Sludge Testing:
Analyze the moisture content to ensure effective dewatering before disposal.
Advanced Testing Techniques
For both water control structures and treatment facilities, modern methods can enhance testing accuracy:
Remote Sensing:
Use drones or satellites for thermal imaging or high-resolution photography to detect anomalies like seepage or vegetation stress.
SCADA Systems (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition):
Automate monitoring of water levels, flow rates, and chemical dosing in real-time.
Benefits of Testing
Ensures regulatory compliance.
Identifies issues before they escalate, reducing repair costs.
Enhances safety for communities and ecosystems.
Optimizes operational efficiency.
Testing schedules should be proactive, with additional tests performed after significant events such as storms, floods, or system upgrades
Properly testing and documenting water control and treatment facilities after a disaster is crucial for several reasons, particularly when seeking federal funding for recovery and rebuilding. Federal agencies, such as FEMA in the United States, require thorough documentation to ensure that funding is allocated appropriately and efficiently. Below are the key benefits and importance of this process:
Benefits of Proper Testing and Documentation
1. Securing Federal Funding
Eligibility Verification: Detailed reports and test results demonstrate that damage was caused by the disaster, not pre-existing issues, which is critical for funding eligibility.
Expedited Grant Approval: Comprehensive documentation supports accurate damage assessments, enabling quicker project approvals and fund disbursements.
2. Prioritizing Safety
Public Health Protection: Testing water treatment facilities ensures the water supply is safe for drinking and use, preventing health crises in affected communities.
Structural Stability: Evaluating water control structures like dams and levees ensures they are safe and operational, reducing the risk of further damage or loss of life.
3. Supporting Long-Term Recovery
Accurate Damage Assessment: Proper testing quantifies the extent of the damage, helping prioritize repairs and allocate resources effectively.
Resilient Rebuilding: Documentation can identify weaknesses, guiding improvements during reconstruction to make facilities more resilient against future disasters.
4. Regulatory Compliance
Federal programs often have strict guidelines for disaster recovery funding. Proper documentation ensures compliance, avoiding delays or denials of funding.
Avoids potential penalties or reimbursement demands if discrepancies arise during audits.
Importance of Testing and Documentation
1. Comprehensive Damage Assessment
Structural Assessments: Testing water control structures for cracks, leaks, and erosion confirms their ability to function post-disaster.
Functional Testing: Evaluating pumps, valves, and other mechanical systems in water treatment facilities ensures continued operation.
Water Quality Testing: Monitoring for contamination verifies that the facility meets health and safety standards.
2. Establishing a Baseline for Repairs
Creates a clear "before and after" comparison to justify repair or replacement costs.
Ensures that all damages directly caused by the disaster are accounted for, which is a prerequisite for many federal programs.
3. Demonstrating Financial Need
Federal funding is tied to specific costs. Detailed testing and documentation provide clear evidence of what is needed, avoiding under- or overestimations.
4. Transparency and Accountability
Detailed records ensure accountability to federal agencies, taxpayers, and stakeholders.
Helps track the progress of funded projects, fostering trust and credibility.
5. Enhancing Community Trust
Testing and reporting results reassure the public that critical infrastructure is being properly assessed, repaired, and managed.
Demonstrates a commitment to public safety and recovery.
Steps to Ensure Successful Testing and Documentation
Perform Comprehensive Testing:
Structural integrity testing for water control systems.
Water quality and mechanical systems testing for treatment facilities.
Photographic and Video Evidence:
Document damages visually for clarity and support in funding applications.
Detailed Reports:
Include test results, cost estimates, and timelines for repairs or replacements.
Follow federal standards and formatting for disaster recovery documentation.
Engage Qualified Professionals:
Involve licensed engineers, certified water quality experts, and disaster recovery specialists to ensure accuracy.
Submit to Federal Agencies Promptly:
Timely submission is essential to avoid delays in receiving funds.
Proper testing and documentation not only facilitate the receipt of federal funding but also ensure that repairs are efficient, transparent, and focused on long-term resilience. These steps are a cornerstone of disaster recovery, protecting both communities and critical infrastructure.
We do that. You can focus on your response, we get you set up for recovery. We know time is of the essence, and have every bit of essential testing and documentation in hand with a list of projects, often before your applicant briefing with FEMA. It always pays to be prepared
Blog Post Title Three
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.