The Current

Edition: July 2024

The Current is the monthly newsletter of Innovative Water Solutions where we highlight the great stuff happening at our company and also bring you up-to-date with some of the current water news that could affect you. We hope you enjoy the newsletter!

• “Blog Post of the Month” Cosmic Coffee and Beer Gardens
• “FAQ Post of the Month” Why are rain gutters needed?
• Residential Project of the Month: Residential Drainage
• Commercial Project of the Month: Pinthouse Pizza Drainage
• Water News Article #1: Bottoms up: This German beer is made from recycled wastewater
• Water News Article #2:  Debate flares over how quickly to replace many lead service lines
• Water News Article #3: California’s New Permanent Water Restriction Will Hit These 3 Areas Hardest
• Energy Conservation Tip: The Benefits of Blackout Curtains
• Current Texas Drought Conditions
• Current Texas Water Calendar
• Video: Grass, America’s Thirstiest Addiction
• 20 Year Anniversary Update

Residential Drainage:

Our team successfully tackled a persistent stormwater problem that had been affecting the backyard. Stormwater used to accumulate in a low area, becoming trapped by the surrounding hardscape. The existing drain was slow to evacuate the water, resulting in a soggy backyard that remained wet for extended periods. We identified the primary contributors to this runoff as the downspout at the back right corner of the home and an additional downspout from the neighbor’s property.

To solve this, we implemented an effective drainage solution that included rerouting the problematic downspouts and enhancing the backyard’s drainage system. Our efforts ensured that stormwater was efficiently directed away from the low area, preventing future waterlogging.

The client was extremely pleased with the end result. They noted a significant improvement in the backyard’s usability and appearance. The area now drains properly, remains dry after rain, and can be enjoyed without concerns of standing water. The successful resolution of this issue not only enhanced the property’s aesthetics but also provided the client with peace of mind.

Pint House Pizza and Craft Brew Pub Drainage Project:

This project for Pint House Pizza and Craft Brew Pub addressed their specific needs to ensure a seamless and effective drainage system.

The project involved several key installations:

A painted 4” PVC pipe was installed from a new gutter outlet, securely strapped to the wall over the door.
On the other side of the brick wall, we installed a painted 4” PVC downspout pipe.
To prevent erosion and enhance drainage, we added a 12″ wide layer of  large rocks to the back of the curb.
We also installed a piece of metal inside the gutter over the old downspout location to ensure a smooth water flow.
In front of the building entry doors and across the entry into the dumpster area, we installed a 20’ ACO trench drain with galvanized steel grates. Additionally, we routed approximately 46’ of 4” drainage pipe from three different sections of the trench drain to the existing drainage basin. This process included saw cutting, removing the concrete, installing the drainage components, and repouring the concrete.

The client, Pint House Pizza and Craft Brew Pub, was more than satisfied with the end result. They appreciated the meticulous attention to detail and the significant improvement in their drainage system. The successful completion of this project ensured that water is effectively managed, preventing potential flooding and maintaining a clean, safe, and dry environment for their patrons and staff.

Reuse Brew is a classic German lager with a twist — it’s made from recycled wastewater.

The beer is the result of a tie-up between the south German city of Weissenburg, American water tech company Xylem, and the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Specifically, TUM’s Brewery and Beverage Technology department.

While the idea of a sewage brew might be hard to swallow, Xylem ensures us that all the bad stuff is filtered out before the malt, hops, and yeast are added.

First a machine injects ozone into the wastewater. Then the sludge is blasted by UV radiation and bombed with hydrogen peroxide pellets. Finally, it gets squeezed through various carbon and nano filters.

With the Environmental Protection Agency’s latest — and strictest — plan to minimize the risk of Americans drinking lead-contaminated water on the horizon, the debate over whether the agency’s proposed rules go too far or not nearly far enough is heating up.

Although lead was banned from new water service lines in 1986, it’s estimated that more than 9 million such lines still carry drinking water to homes and businesses throughout the country. Under the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements proposal, water utilities would be required to replace all lead-containing lines within 10 years.

The proposal from the Biden administration differs from rules put out in the waning days of the Trump term that allow up to 30 years for service line replacement, triggered only when lead levels test higher than 15 parts per billion. The new proposal, which would largely supplant the Trump rules, calls for stricter monitoring, enhanced public education, and the 10-year pipe replacement mandate regardless of lead levels.

A new regulation approved by California’s State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) last week is going to hit some cities a lot harder than others, with water suppliers in the Golden State’s Central Valley facing the biggest cuts.

The policy, called Making Conservation a California Way of Life, will require the state’s largest water utilities to reduce the amount of water they provide to customers over the next 15 years by close to 40 percent. If they don’t, they could be fined as much as $10,000 a day.
The board’s goal is to make California more water-resilient and efficient, as well as avoiding the government having to introduce emergency measures during periods of drought.

It’s the first time that the state’s board has tried to introduce permanent water cuts, though formal adoption of the policy is now pending approval from the Office of Administrative Law (OAL). If approved, the regulation will come into effect by January 1, 2025.

Blackout Curtains:

The energy savings from using blackout curtains during the summer can be significant, although the exact amount can vary based on several factors such as the size of the windows, the local climate, and the overall efficiency of your home’s insulation. Here are some key points:

1. Reduction in Cooling Costs: Blackout curtains can block up to 99% of sunlight, which can reduce the amount of heat entering a room. This can lead to lower cooling costs as your air conditioning system won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.
2. Energy Savings: On average, blackout curtains can reduce energy consumption by up to 25%. This means that if you spend $200 a month on cooling, you could potentially save up to $50 per month by using blackout curtains.
3. Temperature Control: By blocking out the sun’s rays, blackout curtains can keep your rooms cooler by as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, which not only makes your home more comfortable but also reduces the need for air conditioning.
4. Protection of Interiors: In addition to energy savings, blackout curtains protect furniture, carpets, and other interior items from sun damage, which can save money on replacements and repairs.

To maximize the benefits, it’s important to keep the curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day and ensure they are properly fitted to cover the entire window without gaps.

SOURCE: National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).

We are going strong for our 20 year, 10 million gallon Anniversary this year!

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