Comprehensive Annual Financial Report June 30, 2011 - Western ...

Major Initiatives and Accomplishments for Fiscal Year 2011
The Executive Directors for Water Operations and Wastewater Services would like to note a number
of accomplishments and achievements completed through the dedication and determination of the
employees of the Western Virginia Water Authority.
Regional Initiatives
The Authority partnered with the Bedford County Public Service Authority to commence the
permitting process for additional water withdrawal from Smith Mountain Lake. The Authority owns
a share of the High Point water treatment facility in Bedford County.
The Authority formed a partnership with the Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition
(RAYSAC) to form a task force to address proper prescription drug disposal and reduce the
incidences of prescription drug abuse among teens. Two take-back days were held during the
year, with over 1,100 pounds of prescription medications turned in for proper disposal. The task
forces’ efforts were recognized as the VA-AWWA’s Community Service 2011 Award winner.
The City of Roanoke, with assistance from WPC Plant staff, began contracted work to construct the
Roanoke River Greenway extension through the plant. This project, expected to be completed in
early 2012, will connect the Roanoke River and Tinker Creek Greenways through the back side of
the plant.
Staff from Field Operations worked with Water Operations to complete the Lewis Gale Hospital
water line tie-in with the City of Salem. This line will provide a back-up supply of water for the
hospital in the event of a water main break in their primary supply.
Staff from Field and Water Operations worked closely with City of Roanoke staff to coordinate the
replacement and relocation of water and sewer lines in advance of the Market Building
Renovations.
Delegate Onzlee Ware and Senator John Edwards introduced a bill for the 2011 session of the
General Assembly on behalf of the Authority to simplify erosion and sediment control planning. The
bill, which became law in July, allows public authorities to use the same statewide permitting
system available for investor-owned utilities such as Appalachian Power and Roanoke Gas Company.
Water Division
Staff worked with Honeywell Building Solutions for the past year on the development of a systemwide
water infrastructure improvement program for the Authority. The program will upgrade
outdated and obsolete equipment and perform operations improvements that will provide sustained
operations avoided costs. Components that were reviewed include replacement of water meters
and implementation of a system wide automatic meter reading network, implementation of a zone
metering system, installation of a water leak detection program to reduce unaccounted for water
and energy management improvements on pumping systems.
The Authority was honored with a Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance by the
Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA). The award recognizes “industry pace-setters,
where forward-looking managers and committed workforces create sustainable utilities providing
high quality, affordable water and responsive customer service, while protecting the environment,”
according to AMWA President James McDaniel.
-6-