The face of an American Hero

  by Ron Perrin

I write a lot about drinking water contamination and the importance of keeping water storage tanks and towers clean.  I haven’t written about people that much but this is about both drinking water contamination and a particular person I think is an American Hero.

Pediatrician Mona Hanna-Attisha or Dr. Monica as her young patients call her, did not plan her life to be a hero and I am sure she doesn’t see herself that way now, but she is.  She is the person that made enough noise, would not take, “your wrong” or “everything is ok”, for an answer.  After noticing many of her young Flint, MI patients had lead poisoning, she suspected the water supply.  She is the person at the right place at the right time that stood up to say, something is very wrong here and she was not going to go away. 

Her story was covered on CBS Sunday Morning this past Fathers Day.  I had the opportunity to watch with my son and infant grandson. My son made the comment that she is a REAL AMERICAN HERO. I could not agree more.

I titled this, “The Face of an American Hero”, because Dr.  Mona Hanna-Attisha was born in Iraq and raised in Michigan after her family fled the regime of Saddam Hussein.  Being a true American is not about where you were born but about who you are and who you want to be. It has always been about doing the right thing. The USA has always attracted the best and brightest the world has to offer. I think we are very lucky to count her as one of us, and I wanted to share her story.  

She has written a book,  “What The Eyes Don’t See See“, by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha.

https://www.amazon.com/What-Eyes-Dont-See-Resistance/dp/0399590838

If you missed her CBS interview check it out here:

https://youtu.be/pd2qxi2mF_4

 

 

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Potable Water Diver / Water Tower Inspector Wanted

ESTABLISHED WATER TANK AND TOWER INSPECTION AND CLEANING COMPANY is seeking a commercial diver. CURRENT SCUBA certification and recent diving physical is required, preference given to ADC certified line air divers. We have a full time opening working out of our Main Office in Ft Worth, Tx. This position requires frequent out of town travel (2-5 days a week, often work on a 4 day work week with 3 days off). A valid Drivers license and good driving record is required. For additional information and application see:

Click Here to Down Load an Application

or www.ronperrin.com/employment.

FOR INTERVIEW Call our Office Manager Debi at 817-377-4899.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $125 to $160.00 /day depending on training and experience.

Ron Perrin Water Technologies is a sole owned business established in 1997.  We are a leader in the underwater inspection and cleaning of potable water storage tanks and towers in Texas and surrounding states.  To See more of what we do and how we do it visit our company Facebook page, and give us a like! Call 817-377-4899 to schedule an interview or get a free inspection or cleaning quote.

https://www.facebook.com/ronperrinwatertech

YouTube Channel:

Potable Water Diver

http://www.rpwt.us

CBS 11 i-Team watches as my company inspects and cleans a north Texas water tower.

November 7th, 2014, Ginger Allen and the CBS 11 i-Team watches as my company inspects and cleans a north Texas water tower. The tower was cleaned as a normal maintenance procedure. A light- brown dusting of sediment was removed from the interior floor before it could get deep enough to support bacteria and become a problem.   The tower was cleaned by a Commercial Diver who was trained at OCEAN CORP, Houston, Texas. The Diver is sealed in his own environment, then washed down with a chlorine solution. Because we specialize in the inspection and cleaning of Potable Water Storage Facilities, all of our equipment is purchased for, and only used in, potable water. This utility is doing a great job of maintaining their system. However, utility managers across the country struggle to get the funds to properly maintain their systems. The EPA is currently considering a regulation that would require all water storage facilities to be inspected and cleaned at regular intervals. This new requirement could improve the water quality for millions of Americans.

Ron Perrin Speaks to News Crew

The EPA is taking comments on this proposed regulation until the end of the year. We have the contact information posted on our blog, or you can just take our poll at: www.cleanwatertankproject.com. The poll results will be turned in to the EPA at the end of the year.

CBS 11 I-Team Looks At What’s In Your Water Tower

 

 

Chick here to see video Video

http://launch.newsinc.com/embed.html?type=VideoPlayer/Single&widgetId=1&trackingGroup=69016&siteSection=ndn&videoId=28175822

The Written article is here:

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2014/11/19/watertowers/http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2014/11/19/water-towers/

—–Photos taken by RPWT Office Manager Debi Wheelan

Robert Perrin on com bot talking to the diver

Find us on FACEBOOK  or connect with Ron on Linked-In AND PLEASE SHARE THIS POST AND THE CBS NEWS STORY WITH YOUR FRIENDS EVERYONE DESERVES TO HAVE CLEAN SAFE TAP WATER, Take the Poll at www.cleanwatertankproject.com and we can make this happen!

Now we can add a brain-eating amoeba to the list of contaminants that can be in tank sediment

By Ron Perrin

Removing sediment from the floor of your water tanks and towers may also be removing the habitat that allows bacteria, protozoa and viruses from getting a foothold in your distribution system. Now we can add a brain-eating amoeba to the list of contaminants that the sediment on the floor of your water storage tank can support.

Sediment being Removed from water storage tank

September 16, 2013, NBC News reported: “Deadly brain amoeba infects US tap water for the first time”. The death of a 4-year-old boy near Violet, LA., was linked to the Naegleria fowleri amoeba. The child had been playing on a backyard slip-n-slide that used water from the St. Bernard Parish water system, that was later found to be contaminated with the amoeba. “Tests show it’s present throughout the water supply system in St. Bernard Parish, directly southeast of New Orleans.”

According to the CDC: “Naegleria fowleri (commonly referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba” or “brain-eating ameba”), is a free-living microscopic ameba, (single-celled living organism). It can cause a rare and devastating infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The ameba is commonly found in warm freshwater (e.g. lakes, rivers, and hot springs) and soil. Naegleria fowleri usually infects people when contaminated water enters the body through the nose. Once the ameba enters the nose, it travels to the brain where it causes PAM, which is usually fatal. Infection typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places, like lakes and rivers. In very rare instances,Naegleria infections may also occur when contaminated water from other sources (such as inadequately chlorinated swimming pool water or heated and contaminated tap water) enters the nose. You cannot get infected from drinking water contaminated with Naegleria.”

The CDC also tested nearby DeSoto Parish Waterworks Dist. #1 because it was the near the site of an infection that happened in 2011 from non-potable water (lake or river, etc.). On October 8, 2013, The CDC confirmed the presence of the rare amoeba in five locations in DeSoto Parish Waterworks Dist. #1.

Heat is also a factor, an increase in only ten degrees can double the speed of bacteria growth. As record high temperatures become more common in summer months we see that keeping water distribution tanks free of sediment build up may be more important than ever before. Removing the sediment from your water tank may prevent a disaster before it can ever start.

The new Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR) will be fully implemented in 2016. It requires assessment and corrective action when there are indications of coliform contamination. The RTCR no longer includes a monthly maximum contaminant level violation for multiple total coliform detections. Instead, systems that have indicators of coliform contamination in the distribution system must assess the problem and take corrective action.  Well documented tank inspections should be part of assessing your problem.  If there is sediment build up in the tank, cleaning would be a logical corrective action to take.

The fact is, keeping your tanks clean may also prevent you from getting an RTCR violation in the first place. What we have found is this: Once the sediment is removed, our utility customers discover that chlorine costs are reduced because the chlorine is no longer losing the war with the microbes that were growing in the sediment.

However you choose to do it, just get it done. Do not let it go year after year, out of sight and out of mind.   Knowing what is in your facilities with a good inspection is your first line of defense.  If an accumulation of sediment is found, don’t think of it as “just a little dirt.” Know that it is a broken barrier that can allow contaminants to compromise the entire water supply and the health of the community

About the Author:
Ron Perrin is a Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO), a member of the Texas Water Utilities Association, AWWA,

Ron Perrin Owner of Ron Perrin Water Technologies

and the owner of Ron Perrin Water Technologies in Fort Worth, Texas. Since 1997 his company has inspected over seven thousand water storage tanks and towers in 14 states. Ron may be contacted through his web site at http://www.ronperrin.com.
Or contact RPWT Office Manager Debi Wheelan:
tankinspections@aol.com

Call: 817-377-4899

Fax 817-246-1740

June 2013 Test of New Remotely Operated Vehicle for Tank Inspections

Our first use of the DEEP TREKKER ROV was successful.   We were able to get to the back of a 500,000 gallon potable water storage tank and see sediment level and interior conditions of roof support Columbus and walls.   The second inspection we did was on a one million gallon ground storage tank. We added a safety rope to protect the tether and found the lighting system caused a little bit of glare when we went into darker parts of the tank, but it was reduced when we got closer to the inspection points we needed to look at. Overall, we found it to be a very good inspection tool!

To learn more about what may be in potable water tanks and towers visit:

“THE CLEAN WATER TANK PROJECT”

For more information on RON PERRIN WATER TECHNOLOGIES click here or visit www.ronperrin.com

Are you linked in?

I have over 600 professional contacts, Find me: Google Ron Perrin on Linked in.  Or just click here if the link works!

WHAT IS IN YOUR POTABLE WATER STORAGE TANKS AND TOWERS?   Do you need a Potable water tank or tower inspected?

Our inspection methods offer the most information for the least cost,  all of our inspection methods include an underwater DVD

allowing you to see what is in your storage tanks.  Remote video camera, ROV or potable water diver we have a method for every budget or need.

Call us toll free at 888-481-1768 or simply fill out the form below:

Contact Name(required)

Email(required)

Phone Number with area code.(required)

Request Tank Inspection Quote

Request a Tank Cleaning Quote

Request Tank Inspection & Cleaning Quote

Utility Name(required)

Mailing Address

Tell us about the tanks you would like to have inspected. Quantity, Size in gallons & Type of tank For Example: 3)-500k GST or 1)-50k elevated and 2)-100K GST. Comments may also go here:

Submit

Ron Perrin Water Technologies, Fort Worth, Texas 817-377-4899

Ron Perrin – Owner Ron Perrin Water Technologies

ronlooks@aol.com

Inspecting and cleaning water storage tanks from Texas to Florida is what we do.   We are here to serve you.  We offer the most comprehensive potable water tank inspections in the industry.   Our professional dive crew offers tank cleaning & repair services.  Our goal is to deliver outstanding service to your water utility with no disruption in service.

Call us today for a proposal to inspect or clean your potable water storage tank or tower.

or send us your contact information along with tanks sizes and types to  tankinspections@aol.com  or

Call us toll free at 888-481-1768 or if you need an inspection quote simply fill out the form below:

Contact Name(required)

Email(required)

Phone Number with area code.(required)

Request Tank Inspection Quote

Request a Tank Cleaning Quote

Request Tank Inspection & Cleaning Quote

Utility Name(required)

Mailing Address

Tell us about the tanks you would like to have inspected. Quantity, Size in gallons & Type of tank For Example: 3)-500k GST or 1)-50k elevated and 2)-100K GST. Comments may also go here:

Submit

(C)Ron Perrin 2013

Another day at work

What we do is really amazing-
Keeping tanks and water towers clean makes sure that bacteria, protozoa or even viruses don’t get a foothold in the water system.  These contaminates can find sediment in the floor of a water storage tank or tower an inviting habitat where they can hide, grow and even thrive.  Keeping the floor of water storage tanks clean reduces the risk of waterborne contamination in public water systems.

For more video of Divers Cleaning Water Storage Tanks see or blog at www.ronperrin.us

This video shows you a diver removing sediment from a water tower and what it looks like coming out!

Potable Water Tank Inspections

Since 1997 Ron Perrin Water Technologies has served the water utility industry providing state of the art inspections with remote underwater cameras.  Our inspection reports are the best in the industry covering all STATE REQUIREMENTS for water tank & tower inspection and meeting all AWWA guidelines. 

Click here for more information about Potable Water Tank Inspections

Our Web site about Potable Water Tank Inspections

or go to www.PotableWaterTankInspection.com 

 

We cover over 30 inspection points.  Our digital photography documents the condition of your tank, our narrated underwater video lets you see first hand what the inside roof walls and floor areas of the tank look like.

 

We offer the most choices for your inspection needs, 

 

* Diver inspection for the most detail

* ROV – Remotely controlled underwater vehicle

                  (specially designed for potable water use)

* Remote underwater video camera

                 (our most popular inspection, includes digital photos & narrated underwater DVD for the lowest cost).

* Basic inspection- no video no photos.  To meet state regulations for minimal cost.

 

 

 

 

 

Remotely controled vehicle

 

 

If there is a deep sediment build up we offer a underwater cleaning service.  Using certified divers and special equipment we are able to remove the sediment in the floor of the tank with minimal water loss and no disruption in service. Unlike other diving companies who make their money offshore and work in the water utility industry part time, serving water utilities is 100% of our business!   

 

Our gear is purchase for and only used in potable water. 

 

Diving in potable water is an art.  Unlike offshore divers, potable water divers must be able to enter the water system without disrupting sediment on the floor of the tanks,   Our divers are sealed in a dry suit so no part of their body touches the water.  They are then washed down with a 200ppm chlorine solution to meet AWWA and state standards.  The diver is then free to go into the confined space inside the water storage tanks, underwater the diver can do a more detailed inspection or clean the loose sediment from the floor of the tank.  Visit  www.ronperrin.us to see video of divers inspecting & cleaning waterstorage tanks. 

 

We have serviced over 500 customers that include municipal governments, utility districts towns, communities, prisons, military bases and universities.  Our customers all have a few things in common they want the most information for the lowest cost with no disruption in there water system. 

 

Visit  www.ronperrin.com

 

Call toll free today for your no obligation proposal.  1-888-481-1768

 

HELP WANTED

 

We are seeking experienced Water Utility Worker to perform tank inspections and general water tank maintenance procedures. No criminal history and good driving record are required.  Confined space and fall protection training is required before employment and may be provided free of charge.  Underwater camera and ROV training will also be provided.

PAID- Out of town travel is required on both positions (typically 3-4 days per week).

Potable WATER TANK DIVER WANTED

We are also looking for a commercial diver. No criminal history and good driving record are required.

Line Air Dive Training is Required. Commercial Diver Experience is preferred.
Fall protection and confined space training are required and may be provided free of charge for the right individual. CURRENT SCUBA, CPR Certification and recent diving physical are required, preference given to ADCI Certified Diver.  Top PAY for experienced Water TANK and TOWER DIVER. E-mail resume and salary history.

Key Responsibilities:
Work underwater and above water with a Dive Team of  3 – 4 commercially certified divers. Efficiently and effectively perform water tank and tower inspections and the

removal of tank sediment from the floor of water storage tanks.  Must be able to climb 100-200 foot ladders. Must be fit and able to carry gear bags up to 80 pounds.
Working Conditions:
Love of working outdoors is essential and the willingness to work in bad weather conditions.  (i.e. rain, high humidity and heat)
Required to work a minimum of 35 hours per week for FT position.
Able to work occasional weekends and overtime as needed.

Qualifications:
– Healthy physical status, current dive physical is required.

– Line air training, Scuba Certification, fall protection and confined space training are required (we can help with fall protection and confined space training if you do not have it already).

Employment is year round. Pay based on experience. Pre-employment drug screening is required. This position requires frequent out of town travel, paid by company (from Fort Worth, Texas). Please e-mail resume  and use “Resume” on subject line.

Call 817-377-4899 to schedule interview M-F 8 to 5.

 

See our current ad: Craigslist 

Download an application Here:

Click Here to Down Load an Application

on our employment page.

DIVE SUPERVISOR WANTED

SEE:  http://www.tankdiver.us

Fort Worth, Texas RON PERRIN WATER TECHNOLOGIES is Now hiring all Positions.

Call 817-377-4899 to set up your interview.  Send resume and salary history to

Debi at tankinspections@aol.com

 

Potable Water Diver

Ron Perrin – http://www.ronperrin.com

Helpful USEPA Papers and Links

Here are three very helpful USEPA papers written by the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water between 2002 and 2006.

Finished Water Storage Facilities August 15, 2002

 https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/2007_05_18_disinfection_tcr_whitepaper_tcr_storage.pdf

Page 2

2.1.1 Sediment

Sediment accumulation occurs within storage facilities due to quiescent conditions which promote particle settling. Potential water quality problems associated with sediment accumulation include increased disinfectant demand, microbial growth, disinfection by-product formation, and increased turbidity within the bulk water. Instances of microbial contamination and disinfection by-product formation due to storage facility sediments are described in the Pathogen Contamination and Microbial Growth section and the Disinfection By-Product formation section, respectively.

REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLE (ROV)

Ron Perrin – http://www.ronperrin.com

Potable Water Diver

Potable Water Diver

Page 11

Comprehensive inspections are performed to evaluate the current condition of storage facility components. These inspections often require the facility to be removed from service and drained unless robotic devices or divers are used. The need for comprehensive inspections is generally recognized by the water industry. AWWA Manual M42 (1998) recommends that tanks be drained and inspected at least once every 3 years or as required by state regulatory agencies. Most states do not recommend inspection frequencies thereby leaving it to the discretion of the utility. States that do have recommendations are Alabama (5 years), Arkansas (2 years), Missouri (5 years), New Hampshire (5 years), Ohio (5 years), Rhode Island (external once per year; internal, every five years), Texas (annually), and Wisconsin (5 years). Kirmeyer et al. (1999) recommend that comprehensive inspections be conducted every 3 to 5 years for structural condition and possibly more often for water quality purposes.

Page 12

Kirmeyer et al. (1999) recommended that covered facilities be cleaned every three to five years, or more often based on inspections and water quality monitoring, and that uncovered storage Prepared by AWWA with assistance from Economic and Engineering Services, Inc. 12facilities be cleaned once or twice per year. Commercial diving contractors can be used to clean and inspect storage facilities that cannot be removed from service. AWWA Standard C652-92 provides guidelines for disinfection of all equipment used to clean storage facilities.

————

On December 2006 Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water. Total Coliform Rule Issue Paper. Inorganic Contaminant Accumulation in Potable Water Distribution Systems.

————–

Health Risks from Microbial Growth and Biofilms in Drinking Water Distribution Systems June 17, 2002

Health Risks From Microbial Growth and Biofilms in Drinking Water Distribution Systems.

Page 26

G. Sediment Accumulation

Significant microbial activity may occur in accumulated sediment (USEPA, 1992b). Organic and inorganic sediments can also accumulate in low-flow areas of the distribution system, and enhance microbial activity by providing protection and nutrients (USEPA, 1992b). Biofilms that slough can accumulate in the periphery of distribution systems leading to sediment accumulation and the proliferation of some microorganisms (van der Kooij, 2000). Sediments may be an important source of nutrients in open finished water reservoirs, by accumulating slowly biodegrading materials which are then broken down and released into the water column (LeChevallier, 1999b). The opportunities for biofilm development may be more abundant in storage tanks than in distribution system piping. Frequently, water is drawn from storage tanks only when water demand is high, such as during drought, fire flow, and flushing operations. This intermittent use results in prolonged storage times that may lead to increased sediment accumulation and lack of a disinfectant residual in the finished water storage vessel. Biological and aesthetic effects can be observed following the release of accumulated sediments from low flow areas of the distribution system (Geldreich, 1990).

Many studies have identified microbes in accumulated sediments, including both pathogens and non-pathogens. These include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, algae, fungi and invertebrates. Opportunistic pathogens that have been detected, and can multiply in sediments, include Legionella andmycobacteria (van der Kooij, 2000). Some primary pathogens can also survive for some time in sediments. Hepatitis A virus survived more than four months in sediments at both 5/C and 25/C (Sobsey et al., 1986). Other opportunistic pathogens found in sediments include Pseudomonas fluorescens and Flavobacterium spp. (Berger et al., 1993). Sediments can also release nutrients into the water which stimulate biofilm growth downstream (LeChevallier, 1999b).

Page 34

I. Proper Storage Vessel Management and Alteration

Proper storage vessel management and alteration, when necessary, can prevent contamination of the distribution system. Following TCR violations in 1996 in Washington D.C., one measure that proved effective in bringing the system back into compliance was the cleaning, inspection and disinfection of storage tanks and reservoirs (Clark, et al., 1999). To reduce pathogen presence and biofilm development, systems should have a scheduled program to rehabilitate all water storage facilities (USEPA, 1997). Proper operation and maintenance of storage tanks and reservoirs is listed as a BAT in the TCR (USEPA, 1992b). Storage tanks and standpipes should be pressure flushed or steam cleaned, then disinfected before returned to service (USEPA, 1992b), preferably with a disinfectant solution. This may not only remove microbial contamination from the vessel’s inner surface, but also nutrients that may be present. Proper operation of storage vessels can also reduce excessive residence times, which can lead to microbial survival and growth, and biofilm formation. Properly designed inlets and outlets, and the overall system design can improve problems caused by dead ends (Trussell, 1999). Pathogen contamination due to air introduction can be reduced by installing air filters to guard against pollution entering covered water reservoirs (USEPA, 1992b). Covering finished water reservoirs can protect against contamination from airborne sources, surface runoff, accidental spills and animals, such as insects and birds (USEPA, 1992b). EPA’s Uncovered Finished Water Reservoirs Guidance Manual describes recommended contamination control measures related to birds and other animals, human activity, algal growth and insects and fish (USEPA, 1999b). An understanding of the storage hydraulics and operation is important in reducing contamination of the finished water.

————————————–

If you need assistance inspecting or cleaning water storage tanks or towers call

Ron Perrin Water Technologies toll free at 1-888-481-1768.

For a fast quote Fax your tank information to 817-246-1740.

Or e-mail your tank information:

Out of Texas contact Robert at perrinsales@gmail.com

Texas Water Utilities please contact Debi Wheelan at tankinspections@aol.com

The Mess in Missouri

Chris Hayes from Fox2 News in St Louis, Missouri recently interviewed me for a story he did about a water tank in Leadwood, Missouri. The tank had been inspected once about 17 years ago and as far as anyone knew, had never been cleaned. Chris was contacted by some residents of the community who had brown water coming out of their taps.

I was happy to contribute both video and comments to this story. Water storage tanks should be inspected yearly for public safety, even if the state they are in has no regulations at all. Mr. Hayes did a great job. He found the larger systems around St. Louis had all been recently inspected. Many smaller systems seem to fall back on regulations to decide what is really important.

Although the state of Missouri has no written regulation or rules on when tanks should be inspected they do say this about the inspection and cleaning of water storage tanks: “…clearly necessary to protect public health.”

You would not drink out of a dirty glass, why do these people have to drink water from a dirty tank?  See the video on our Company Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/ronperrinwatertech  

BE SURE TO LIKE THE PAGE WHILE YOU ARE THERE!

Or View the story on GOOGLE+ HERE

https://plus.google.com/+RonPerrin/posts/WiWaqkPqxdu

References:

Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Water Protection Program – Public Drinking Water Branch

Microbial Contamination of Water Storage Tanks Fact Sheet

Inspection of Water Storage Facilities Fact Sheet

USEPA – Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water

Health Risks From Microbial Growth and Biofilms in Drinking Water Distribution Systems.  Page: 26 section G, Page 34 section I,

Distribution System Issue Paper. Finished Water Storage Facilities. August 15, 2002. Page 2, 11, and 12.

Total Coliform Rule Issue Paper. Inorganic Contaminant Accumulation in Potable Water Distribution Systems.

The Tank Diver

We have been working on a documentary about clean drinking water for over two years. There is no shortage of water contamination issues in the news these days. Drinking water is under attack all over the country. The solution to many water problems may be as simple as keeping the tanks clean. We have an important story to tell and it’s time to raise some funds to finish it up. I hope you will be a part of this important project! https://igg.me/at/whatsinyourwater/x/11623864

Potable Water Diver

You would not drink out of a dirty glass. Too many water utilities make people drink from dirty water storage tanks. The problem has remained OUT OF SIGHT AND OUT OF MIND for too long. Help us fund this project and show your support for as little as $2. Check out our preview and help us put a bright light on this dark problem.

Click here to check out our film preview!