In a recent discussion hosted by Chris Work from Profit Dig, the team sat down with Scott Miller, the General Manager of Operations at the Water Authority of Dickson County. Scott shared insights into the functions, responsibilities, and operations of a county water system, giving a comprehensive overview of how these essential services work to ensure safe and reliable water distribution and wastewater management.
Journey to Leadership
Scott Miller’s career at the Water Authority started from the ground up. Beginning as a ditch laborer, he laid pipes, read meters, and fixed leaks. His dedication and hard work paid off when he became the distribution supervisor in 2000, following the merger of Turnbull and White Bluff Utility Districts into what is now the Water Authority of Dickson County. In June, Scott will celebrate 26 years of service, showcasing a career built on persistence and expertise.
Mission and Operations
The primary mission of the Water Authority is to provide safe drinking water and manage wastewater efficiently. Dickson County’s water system includes three water treatment facilities and three wastewater treatment facilities, serving about 22,000 water customers and nearly 10,000 sewer customers. The goal is not only to supply potable water but also to ensure proper wastewater collection and treatment, contributing to environmental stewardship by recycling treated water back into streams.
Training and Certification
Scott highlighted the importance of training and certification for water system operators. The Tennessee Association of Utility Districts (TAUD) plays a crucial role in this, providing training and legislative support. Operators must be certified, with licenses such as Distribution 2 and Collection 2, which ensure they can effectively manage the facilities and comply with state regulations. TAUD also provides continuous education, keeping operators updated on the latest technologies and regulatory changes.
Distribution and Infrastructure
The discussion also delved into the technical aspects of water distribution. Scott explained that the largest pipes in their distribution system are 24 inches in diameter, while typical sizes range from 6 inches in urban areas to smaller pipes in rural regions. These pipes transport water from treatment plants to homes and businesses, ensuring a steady supply. Redundancy in the system is maintained through multiple pumps and backup facilities to ensure continuous operation even if one component fails. This redundancy is crucial in preventing service interruptions and maintaining water pressure across the network.
Water Treatment and Environmental Impact
Water treatment is a critical aspect of the authority’s work. The three water treatment plants in Dickson County ensure that the water is safe for consumption by removing contaminants and pathogens. These plants utilize various treatment processes, including sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, to meet stringent quality standards set by state and federal regulations. On the wastewater side, the authority ensures that sewage is treated before being released back into the environment, reducing pollution and protecting local waterways.
Collaboration and Support
Scott addressed the synergy between the Water Authority and smaller water departments like Pond Utility. The Water Authority supplies water to Pond Utility, which then distributes it to its customers. This collaboration helps smaller utilities manage their resources more effectively, ensuring that even remote areas have access to safe water. By providing wholesale water at reduced rates, the authority supports these smaller systems, enabling them to serve their communities without the need for extensive infrastructure investments.
Challenges and Improvements
The conversation also touched on some of the challenges faced by the water authority, such as managing delinquent accounts and upgrading software systems. Scott mentioned that new software upgrades would provide customers with better access to their usage data and account information, enhancing overall service efficiency. These upgrades will allow customers to set up portals, monitor their water usage, and receive notifications about their accounts, making the system more user-friendly and transparent.
Conclusion
Scott Miller’s insights shed light on the complex and vital work done by county water systems. From ensuring a safe water supply to managing wastewater, the Water Authority of Dickson County plays a crucial role in maintaining public health and environmental sustainability. Through continuous training, robust infrastructure, and strategic collaborations, they strive to meet the growing demands of their community while safeguarding natural resources. Their work underscores the importance of reliable water services in supporting the health, economy, and quality of life in Dickson County and beyond.
Wanna learn more?
Here are some resources if you really want to dig deeper into this topic:
- Tennessee Association of Utility Districts (TAUD) – For more information on their training programs, legislative support, and the role they play in supporting water utilities. TAUD Website
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Drinking Water – To understand the standards and regulations for drinking water quality in the United States. EPA Drinking Water
- American Water Works Association (AWWA) – For comprehensive resources on water industry standards, research, and education. AWWA Website
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Water-related Health Topics – For information on how water quality impacts public health. CDC Water-related Health Topics
- National Rural Water Association (NRWA) – For insights into the challenges and solutions in rural water supply systems. NRWA Website
- Water Education Foundation – For educational resources and publications about water management and policy. Water Education Foundation