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Newsletter #414 for September 17, 2025 |
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TapTalk Sneak Peek for SepticSmart Week |
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To kick off TapTalk’s sixth season, we bring you a special early episode to mark the 13th annual celebration of SepticSmart Week! Jennifer and Steve welcomed Jim Starbard and Andrew Evans, technical assistance providers at RCAP Solutions, to the show to discuss some stories of onsite wastewater and septic system challenges they have faced in Massachusetts and around New England. Sometimes, even the most basic septic system guidance — like regularly pumping tanks and not flushing any sort of wipe — can make a huge difference in the health of a system, its users, and the surrounding environment!
Tap Talk Season 6 will resume in late September, following SepticSmart Week, which is happening now until September 19, 2025. |
| Listen to Episode 61 |
Featured Blog Post - Septic System Disasters: Cautionary Tales from the Tank
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In addition to the early release episode of TapTalk, our sister site, DecentralizedWastewater.org, published a special collaborative blog post, in which we compiled a collection of septic “disaster” stories that might have been averted by following the SepticSmart rules.
There are many ways to invite septic disaster — from flushing a single "flushable" wipe to forgetting to pump your tank to losing track of your drainfield dimensions, and beyond; but being SepticSmart will almost always help reduce the risk of catastrophe!
Many thanks to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Hawai‘i State Department of Health; the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Protection Agency; and NOWRA National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association for providing the DecentralizedWastewater.org team with the stories that were compiled. |
| Read the Blog Post |
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West Goshen, CA Celebrates Completion of Safe Drinking Water Project |
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The unincorporated community of West Goshen broke ground on a long-awaited safe drinking water project in May 2025, marking a significant step toward realizing California’s Human Right to Water. Now, with help from the Department of Water Resources' (DWR) Small Community Drought Relief Program, Tulare County, and California Water Service (Cal Water,) West Goshen has completed the project!
For years, residents endured unsafe water contaminated with nitrate, 1,2,3-trichloropropane, and uranium, posing serious health risks. Thanks to the tireless advocacy of the local group West Goshen Water for Life, formed in 2021, and strategic partnerships made with Cal Water, Tulare County, and DWR, the community has now connected the remaining 44 homes without water to the Cal Water System in Visalia.
“This community has shown remarkable strength in the face of challenges and for households with dry wells this means renewal, for those worried about contaminants it means safety, for families relying on hauled water, it means stability,” said Tulare County District Four Supervisor, Eddie Velero. The success of West Goshen is a powerful example of what community leadership, regulatory support, and collaboration can achieve.
As California continues to expand access to safe drinking water, West Goshen serves as an example of resilience for other underserved communities.
Further Reading...
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Featured Video |
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Corrosion Control Treatment
Rural Community Assistance Partnership - RCAP
"This video offers a detailed overview of corrosion control treatment for water systems with lead service lines. Learn how water utilities modify water chemistry to reduce corrosion, safeguard public health, and meet regulatory standards. We examine the science behind corrosion, the health risks of lead exposure, and various treatment methods—including pH and alkalinity adjustments, orthophosphate addition, and more. Whether you’re a water professional or a concerned community member, this video explains how corrosion control helps keep drinking water safe." |
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SDWA Section 1433 Office Hours |
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EPA will host Office Hours in September 2025 to assist community water systems (CWSs) with questions on completing or certifying Risk and Resilience Assessments (RRAs) and Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) under Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) section 1433 (also known as America’s Water Infrastructure Act section 2013). These one-on-one discussions with EPA to address specific CWS questions about RRAs and ERPs will remain private. While aimed at large CWSs serving over 100,000 people who must certify their ERP by September 30th, all CWSs are welcome to register if slots are available.
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Featured Video |
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Inside Infrastructure: How This Tiny Valve Stops Water Disasters
waterloop
"Inside infrastructure, there’s a simple device called check valves quietly protecting water systems from chaos, stopping dirty water from flowing backward, and keeping everything running smoothly amid bigger storms, tighter regulations, and growing cities.
In this episode, Cal Hayes from Proco Products explains the vital role of check valves.
He explains how they need zero maintenance or power, making them ideal for handling sewage backups in treatment plants and at coastal outfalls to avoid costly overflows. Cal shares how innovative valves mix drinking water reservoirs more effectively, cutting down on chemicals and downtime for greener, more reliable supplies.
In tough spots like massive ocean waves near Djibouti or flood-prone shores in New Jersey, flexible rubber versions hold up against harsh conditions. He also spotlights smart adaptations in Oregon, where valves spread treated wastewater gently to protect rivers and wildlife."
The link we have included in this newsletter starts at the 2:13 minute mark which is right at the beginning of the interview. The first 2:12 minutes contain a sponsorship message from Proco Products. Though we do not promote any products at WaterOperator.org, the information provided by Cal Hayes in this interview is very informative and we wanted to include it with a disclaimer that we cannot endorse any of the products mentioned in this video. |
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Wastewater Collection System Maintenance and Condition Assessment
September 25, 2025 | 1:00 PM EDT
Environmental Finance Center Network
This free, 1-hour webinar covers maintenance and condition assessment strategies that operators can apply to keep their collection system operating properly. |
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Virtual Office Hours on SRF Technical Assistance: Shrinking Capitalization Grants and the Future of SRFs
October 1, 2025 | 11:00 AM EDT
Environmental Finance Center Network
Register for EFCN's free "Ask Me Anything SRF Office Hours." Designed to expand your knowledge and enhance your ability to navigate the SRFs. Each session will open with a specific theme, providing clarity, strategies, and practical insights for preparing and managing an SRF-funded project. These office hours are tailored for state agencies, utility operators, and stakeholders who support water infrastructure projects. |
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Water Filtration and Removal Processes
October 7, 2025 | 1:00 PM EDT
Environmental Finance Center Network
This free, 1-hour webinar covers filtration concepts used to remove contaminants from drinking water sources. Join to enhance your grasp of filtration technologies and their impact on contaminant removal and water quality performance. |
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Recent Blog Posts at WaterOperator.org |
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Paving the Way for Sustainable Drinking Water Supply in Arizona
Read Here » |
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Learning About Safety in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Read Here » |
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RCAP's Drop of Knowledge: Article Roundup #7
Read Here » |
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Groundwater & Well Care for Public Water Systems is a free online course from WaterOperator.org. Certificates are provided and the course is currently pre-approved for 2 hours continuing education credit in a number of states.
Click here to learn more. |
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