Technical Assistance - Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet

Technical Assistance (TA) staff are located in regional offices across the state and provide drinking water technical assistance, training, and support to public water systems. Contact your local provider if you need assistance with chemical treatment change/addition requests, chlorination point of application change, CT calculation assistance, Alternate Staffing Plan submittal, data integrity concerns or Area Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) support.

Kentucky Division of Water - Drinking Water Technical Assistance
Upcoming Workshops and Training Schedule

*Date*	*Location*	*Training Topic*	*CEU Credit Hours*
Sep 23-24, 2025	Madisonville Ky	Manganese Optimization through Chemical Oxidation	11.5

Additional Regional Contacts

Shelby Guenther
Morehead and Florence Drinking Water Technical Assistance
Corrosion Control
shelby.guenther@ky.gov
502-782-5252

James Napier
London and Hazard Regional Drinking Water Technical Assistance
Corrosion Control / Treatment Chemical Approvals
james.napier@ky.gov
502-782-4665

Destiny Hall-Combs
Frankfort and Louisville Drinking Water Technical Assistance
Corrosion Control
destiny.hallcombs@ky.gov
502-782-4481

Zoe Scott
Columbia and Bowling Green Regional Drinking Water Technical Assistance
Corrosion Control
zoe.scott@ky.gov
502-782-6286

Area-Wide Optimization Program

The Area-Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) is a voluntary multi-state effort to optimize existing water system facilities to maximize public health protection. AWOP is a systematic process used to identify and correct performance problems and results of the program activities are used to enhance and integrate the day-to-day activities of state drinking water agencies.

Why Optimize?

Safer Water!
Improved compliance.
Better trained, and more empowered staff.
Gets the most out of existing infrastructure; reduces unnecessary capital expenses—saves money!
Improved partnership between state staff and public water systems, relationship building.
Includes advanced operator training on treatment process and distribution system optimization topics (addresses operator requests for more advanced training).

During a CPE event in South Carolina several state, federal and system staff stand together on the walkway between the settling basins and conventional filters collecting information by speaking with an operator from the facility

KY Area-Wide Optimization Program

Additional Links

Targeted Technical Assistance

The Kentucky Division of Water offers Targeted Technical Assistance (TTA) which is one on one system specific assistance. This assistance can range from a single visit to multiple site visits over a longer period. This allows for operators to be involved in the process. If you are interested and need assistance, reach out to your local drinking water technical assistant (refer to the county map for contact information).

Systems can reach out to the technical assistance section to set up a site visit or phone call to discuss what assistance is being requested.

What to expect during initial site visit and follow-up site visits:

Technical assistance representative will be on site to learn more about the water treatment plant or distribution system and what assistance is needed.
A plant tour is a great starting point to determine a plan for assistance.
A plant profile is likely to be conducted to get an understanding of what is happening at each plant process.
Multiple site visits and studies may be required to offer the proper assistance to the system.
Assistance will consist of a variety of Area-Wide Optimization Program Tools (AWOP).

Targeted Technical Assistance Documents

Technical assistant offering CT Calculation guidance and training for operators at a surface water treatment facility

Distribution System Optimization Training

Modular Distribution System Optimization (DSO) Training

PBT concepts using a modified approach

Larger group of systems (12-15)
2 DSO modules
Modules~12 months apart
Limited facilitation
Less peer interaction
Corrective Action Plan option

Training can be applied to purchasing systems
Systems selected based on compliance status & ETT scores
Regionally located
Parent system included, when possible

Promotes communication and coordinated efforts

Water system operator using a hydrant sampler device to perform calculated flush times from a water hydrant before distribution system sampling

If your system is interested in participating in one of these training events, reach out to your DOW TA provider for more information.

DSO Training

Comprehensive Performance Evaluations (CPE)

Comprehensive Performance Evaluations (CPE) are weeklong events that takes an in depth look at the water treatment facility from the administrative, design, operation and maintenance perspective which is based on water treatment optimization. The Division of Water Technical Assistance Section offers this service free of charge to the system on a voluntary basis. Many of the studies in the CPE can be offered as singular events or studies separate from a traditional CPE. The goal is to make it as helpful to the system as possible.

Chart illustrating how a system must have the administrative, design, and maintenance capacity in order to be a capable optimized water system

How to schedule and what to expect during a CPE:

If your system is interested in having a CPE conducted, reach out to your regional TA provider and they can assist and provide more information.
There are options for a microbial CPE and Disinfection By-Product (DBP) CPE, the main difference being more distribution system studies during the DBP CPE as opposed to in-plant studies.
There is an option to do have the CPE completed in a weeklong event or the system can choose to break it down into multiple site visits to complete the necessary studies.
Studies could include filter assessments, filter effluent hold studies, distribution system sampling and multiple other studies as needed.
With the conclusion of the CPE a report will be given to the system, and it will outline the limiting factors that are impeding optimization.
The system can then move forward with the knowledge of the limiting factors and work towards improvement in optimization.
Follow up studies or visits may be needed to continue the path towards optimization.

During a CPE event in South Carolina an operator stands in the pipe gallery of a water treatment plant and answers questions from one of the Comprehensive Performance Evaluation (CPE) teams

CPE Resources

Disinfection By-Products (DBP)

Disinfection By-Products (DBP) are a byproduct of chlorine reacting with organic matter. The focus for treatment for DBPs consists of removing DBP precursors before adding disinfectant to the water to reduce the formation of DBPs. This can be accomplished by using pre-oxidants such as permanganate or a combination of pre-oxidant and enhanced coagulation as these can aid in oxidation of organic matter so that it can be removed throughout the flocculation and sedimentation water treatment processes. Other ways to control DBP formation are distribution system flushing schedules and tank assessments to maintain fresh water throughout the distribution system and avoid prolonged detention times which aid in the growth of DBPs.

Step by step guide to completing a plant profile:

TOC and UV254 after each plant process
DBP samples after each plant process following chlorination
Measure all parameters at the plant tap

DBP samples collected at key locations in the distribution system

Compliance sites, tank effluent, high residence time, master meters

Shows extent of the problem
DBP sampling will be repeated to measure improvements
Distribution System Influent Hold Studies

Determines DBP formation potential and chlorine demand
Can be used to evaluate changes in treated water
Reactive water may suggest inefficient treatment

Water distribution system operator speaking with several distribution system optimization workshop participants during a sampling event as part of the workshop

DBP Resources

Investigative Sampling Data Spreadsheet

Treatment Chemical Change Procedures

The Kentucky Division of Water requires Public Water Systems to provide written notification of any potential treatment chemical changes. This includes changes in target pH, any treatment chemical, treatment chemical manufacturers, treatment chemical injection points, and any changes in corrosion control treatment.

The review and approval process are initiated by submitting the following:

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and technical data sheet for the new treatment chemical
(Product manufacturer and chemical trade name on SDS must match NSF listing)
Existing/current treatment in place (along with any coordinating SDS)
The time frame in which the PWS would like to perform the treatment chemical trial
System contact information also needs to accompany the notification

Required information must be submitted to the PWS' specific designated Division of Water Technical Assistance provider

Division of Water requires that the water system wait for approval after submitting notification before implementing the new treatment

Failure to receive approval may result in a full reset of sampling requirements

If water systems have any questions regarding the requirements discussed, they should contact the Kentucky Division of Water Technical Assistance provider assigned to their region.

Workshop Training Opportunities

The Kentucky Division of Water Technical Assistance staff attend quarterly meetings with EPA Region 4 states and complete workshops to facilitate learning which allows DOW staff to bring that information back to Kentucky water systems. This is a train the trainer approach, with the goal being to use the training received to assist Kentucky water systems and to facilitate training for Kentucky water system operators. If you are interested in hosting a workshop event at your water system, reach out to your regional technical assistance provider to start the process of setting up the event.

What to expect when hosting a workshop event:

Preliminary discussions will take place with the water system to determine dates, workshop topic and the location of the event.
Meeting space will have to be arranged, and DOW staff will need to acquire approval for travel etc. This will require some additional time before the event planning can continue.
Events consist of hands-on trainings that will build confidence and knowledge of operators and Division of Water staff. This allows for collaboration with DOW staff and water system operators.
Workshops are typically scheduled for two days to allow ample time to collaborate and discuss findings.
System operators can receive CEU credits for attending the events and being engaged in discussion and workshop activities.
There will be workshop follow-up activities as needed or by request from the water system.
We encourage managers, board members or anyone within the water system to participate, this can lead to better understanding of the work water treatment plant and distribution operators are responsible for daily.
Other regional operators can also be involved; this will depend on seats available for the workshop.

Performance Based Trainings (PBT)

Microbial Performance Based Training (PBT) – Hands on training which lasts one year (6 sessions) with 4-6 systems participating.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) Technical Guidance

Bacteria from HABs can produce toxins in drinking water that can pose public health concerns. In addition to public health concerns these toxins can lead to public water systems having issues that include taste and odor complaints, decrease in plant performance, shortened filter run times, and increased DBP precursors.

If you know or suspect that your water system is experiencing a HAB event, please refer to the links provided and contact your regional technical assistance provider for monitoring and treatment guidance.

HAB Drinking Water Guidance
EPA Cyanotoxins Preparedness and Response Toolkit
EPA Incident Action Checklist – Harmful Algal Blooms
EPA Cyanotoxin Management Plan Template
EPA HAB Resources
Cyanotoxin Management Tools for Public Water Systems (EPA)

Alternate Staffing Plans (ASP)

Alternate staffing plans can be obtained with the approval of the Kentucky Division of Water.

6. A public water system may propose an alternate staffing plan to the staffing requirement established in this paragraph.
    a. The proposal shall be submitted to the cabinet and shall thoroughly explain the alternate proposal.
    b. The proposal shall demonstrate:
        (i) A necessity for the water system to vary from the requirements in this paragraph; and
        (ii) An equal level of protection of human health and the environment.
    c. The cabinet shall not approve an alternate proposal that does not propose that a duly certified operator in direct responsible charge operate a water treatment plant, in accordance with KRS 223.210.
(Title 401 Chapter 8 Regulation 030 • Kentucky Administrative Regulations)

Steps to apply:

Complete the Public Water System Alternate Staffing Plan Checklist for the individual seeking the ASP approval. Reach out to your regional DOW TA provider for the checklist: Matt Lipps, CJ Bailey, David Messer, Briana Draffen, Gabe Tanner.
Be as detailed as possible when filling out the checklist form and be sure to include all relevant information that is being requested.
Return completed checklist form to your DOW TA provider for approval consideration.
Once a review is completed the DOW TA provider will issue a denial or approval letter based on information received.

What are Water Treatment Plant Operators saying?

I would just like to say how much I appreciate the guidance and help of the technical assistance personnel of our region. They have been very helpful in our day-to-day operations of the water plant in maintaining compliance, and in providing high quality safe drinking water to our customers. Without going into great detail. some of the fields they have helped in are VOC compliance, Disinfection-By Product removal, coagulant and various treatment chemical adjustments and trials, regulatory advice and the list goes on. AWOP is a great program that helps to motivate and set goals for the WTP operators to maintain. This encourages operators to strife for better water quality to receive the award yearly. ~ Wendell

In July 2024, we launched operations at our new water treatment plant—a major milestone that also introduced new challenges, including issues with TOC removal, something we had never encountered at our previous facility. I reached out to Matt Lipps from the Technical Assistance Branch for support, and he, along with Shelby Guenther, went above and beyond. They visited us multiple times, conducted jar tests plant profiles, provided firsthand training with the UV254 machine and how to use the data it provides. They also helped with formulas for dosing manganese and Iron, trained us how to test for dissolved Mn and iron. This proved to be spot-on for taking care of our manganese issues, taking the guesswork out of it. Thanks to their help, we are now consistently meeting our removal targets. The UV254 has been especially helpful, offering precise data that allows us to optimize coagulant, Potassium, and Carbon dosing for TOC removals. We have started using these tools daily although, it adds a few tests to our day, it has made treating the water easier because we have more data to use and learn from. Imputing this data into a simple plant profile has proven helpful in determining what effect each chemical has on our water. We have learned that sometimes we needed to adjust one chemical when traditionally we would have adjusted something else. We also started using the AWOP program at our plant. It is a great program to follow and gives us goals to try and meet every month. We cannot always meet these goals, but it is something we try to do for improved water quality. AWOP also helps operators to monitor certain aspects of the treatment process to learn how to optimize treatment to meet these goals. Using data collected from the methods Matt and Shelby taught us instead of the old "adjust something and see what happens" method has really changed the way we treat our water. I am grateful for the assistance provided; it has directly contributed to delivering higher-quality water to our community. I would recommend anyone having any issue to not hesitate to give them a call. ~ Josh

I would like to thank the Division of Water Technical Assistance for the help that they have provided for us here at Southern Water and Sewer District. They came in and helped with jar testing to make sure we were doing the correct chemical feed and also helped with getting the right chemical to help with the alga control. They are always willing to help in any way that they can. ~ Westley

Dave Messer have been a great help to Wheelwright Utility Commission Water plant. He spent a few days with us doing jar testing to find the best coagulant for our water. He assisted the engineers in designing our pretreatment also. He has helped me anytime I have ever called no matter the problem. The technical Assistance is one of the best things the Divison has to offer for water operators in my opinion. Wheelwright has got two certificates from the AWOP program since joining in 2023 and I’m very proud of it, and it’s all thanks to the technical assistance especially Dave Messer

Interested in AWOP? Sign Up Today!
The Area-Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) is a voluntary multi-state effort to optimize existing water system facilities to maximize public health protection. AWOP is a systematic process used to identify and correct performance problems. *Two separate programs, commit to one or both:* Microbial Disinfection By-Product (DBP) When you commit to the program you become eligible to receive yearly certificates and awards based on performance related to the AWOP goals *Eligibility* Must be a surface water treatment plant or groundwater under the direct influence (GUDI) water treatment plant Complete letter of commitment specific to the program(s) you wish to participate in *There are NO penalties for not meeting the AWOP goals!* Please scan the QR code or follow the link below to receive more information regarding the Kentucky AWOP. AWOP Sign-Up

Interested in AWOP?

Sign Up Today!

Two separate programs, commit to one or both:

Microbial
Disinfection By-Product (DBP)
When you commit to the program you become eligible to receive yearly certificates and awards based on performance related to the AWOP goals

Eligibility

Must be a surface water treatment plant or groundwater under the direct influence (GUDI) water treatment plant
Complete letter of commitment specific to the program(s) you wish to participate in

There are NO penalties for not meeting the AWOP goals!

Please scan the QR code or follow the link below to receive more information regarding the Kentucky AWOP.

AWOP Sign-Up

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Connect with Division of Water

Subscribe to the Drinking Water Wednesday Newsletter for news & information about topics related to drinking water, including:

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