Southwest Water Company
Thomaston, Georgia
The operation and management service improvements in water distribution and wastewater collection and treatment facilities, including an industrial pretreatment program, resulted in an extension of their contract.
Facts
- Operation of Thomaston’s two wastewater treatment plants, each 2.0 mgd
- Operation of its water treatment facility: 4.3 mgd
- Maintenance of 80 miles of wastewater collection lines
- Maintenance of 70 miles of water distribution lines
- Operation of 22 lift stations
- Administration of an industrial pretreatment program
- Metering, lab services, customer service
- Population of 10,200 served
- Year partnership began: Jan. 1998. Three-year contract with 2 two-year extensions.
Highlights
- Started on-call system to manage overtime
- Developed work order system
- Staff-supported water, CI2, chemicals training
- Reduced cited violations of environmental regulations to zero
- Only one lost-time accident in three years
- Copper and mercury content compliance levels maintained
- No reductions in staff
- Initial three-year contract extended at least two years, at lower cost to the city because of a change in insurance coverage
- Added raw water pump, root saw, sewer camera.
Testimonial
“Although OpTech’s presence has been only a few months, the contributions made have been monumental. OpTech in a short time has implemented procedures, altered operational processes, and outlined a working pattern to ensure our systems are efficient, effective, and producing. I also want to thank you for your open-ness and responsiveness. The City was facing a crisis and you responded immediately. Your honesty, frank-ness, and aptitude for listening are a key ingredient in your company’s success. As this new approach to water and wastewater operations unfolds, I am confident we will continue to address issues in an approachable manner, always looking to the best interest of the citizens we serve. In reality, you are a partner with the City ensuring that our citizens are well served and that we continue meeting all state and federal regulations while maintaining permit compliance.”
1998 Letter from Kerry S. Waldron,
City Manager, Thomaston
Background
Thomaston had encountered difficulties in managing its water facilities, e.g., delays in customer response time, permit violations, lack of knowledgeable supervision, and cost containment issues. Though the city owns the facilities, this contract relieves it of operation and maintenance responsibilities (and headaches). The company also agreed, at no extra cost, to operate two private water facilities purchased by the city.
Results
The company improved all aspects of wastewater treatment plant operations. In recognition, Thomaston extended the contract in a unanimous city council vote “to promote continued positive service.”
COST SAVINGS—The mayor of Thomaston described the company’s two-year fee agreement as “less than the actual contract fees in FY2000” (compared with the two-year rate per year). The com-pa ny also agreed to limit increases for any extensions to three percent and to allow the city to renegotiate subsequent terms.
OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS—The Southwest Water subsidiary improved effectiveness and efficiency by introducing predictive and preventive maintenance programs, as well as work order and on-call systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE—Through employee training programs, citations for permit violations were reduced to zero.
LABOR MANAGEMENT—Company employees at the facilities are not members of a union. No reduction in force resulted from the contract. Many employees from the original city staff stayed on.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS—The company participates actively in the daily life and culture of Thomaston, contributing resources and time to events like the City of Thomaston Birthday Bash and the Upson-Lee High School Chili Fundraiser. |
